The Australia Times

#GLEN GETS MOJO!

13 September 20228 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Melburnians love White Mojo, so when Helen Reizer hrpr invited us to the VIP Launch of new White Mojo Plus+ in Glen Waverley, @we8melbourne were counting the sleeps! White Mojo is a Speciality Coffee Roaster with a unique, breakfast, brunch and dinner menu, alongside hand-roasted speciality coffee, ‘guaranteed to lift your spirits any morning of the week.’

Words by we8melbourne

The latest addition to the booming Glen Waverley food scene is the amazing White Mojo! We had the pleasure of attending their VIP launch last week and what a pleasure it was. The front of the venue is pared back with wide windows revealing a view to the rear. We were more than excited as we walked the red carpet to to be greeted on entry by two lovely ladies! Floral installations hanging from a white panelled ceiling, are particularly eye-catching, adding to the visual appeal of this beautiful new haven for Melbourne food lovers.

The place was buzzing with a DJ rocking some great tunes, while guests in *B+W chatted away sipping on their champers, as we took a sneak peek to the left momentarily thinking we were in heaven! A dessert table…yes!!! Think…chunks of chocolate, macaroons and other sweet delicacies! Further along we noted what could only be described as the ‘ultimate cheese platter table’… nothing could have prepared us for such a delectable spread. We savoured pretty well everything, however voted the smoked salmon as the ‘perfect palate pleaser’.

There’s a first for everything and the donut wall was a first for us! I mean a whole wall full of donuts? Who could say ‘no’, especially when they happened to be from **Bistro Morgan? Donut overindulgence seemed completely appropriate to fit the occasion!

We eventually found ourselves in the dining room, where a stunning suspended floral feature was demanding a considerable amount of attention, with guests taking advantage of such a photogenic backdrop.

Meanwhile it was hard to ignore the large dining table overflowing with gift bags for home. Mmmmm…coffee beans, croissants, juice and more…perfect for those with sore heads the next morning.

*black + white

**@bistromorgan set up the Donut Wall and Installation

https://www.instagram.com/whitemojo/

https://www.whitemojo.com.au/

info@whitemojo.com.au

GLEN WAVERLEY: White Mojo Plus+

83-85 Kingsway

Glen Waverley Vic 3150

Mon to Frid 7am to 11pm

Weekends 8am to 11pm

BALWYN: White Mojo Speciality Coffee & Roaster

182-184 Whitehorse Rd

Balwyn Vic 3103

Mon to Frid 7am – 4pm

Weekends 8am to 5pm

CITY: White Mojo Speciality Coffee & Roaster

115 Hardware St

Melbourne Vic 3000

Mon to Fri 7am – 4pm

weekends 8am – 5pm

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Additional Information & Images Courtesy of White Mojo/Helen Reizer hrpr

Images: we8melbourne & Matt Breckenridge

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News – GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @tatgourmetmag

View further pics on the Launch of White Mojo Glen Waverley…

Keti Shines a Light on Durif and Muscat from the Winemakers of Rutherglen

12 September 202231 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Durif and Muscat – Winemakers of Rutherglen

**Last week Keti Kezunovic headed to ‘Rutherglen in the City’ to taste and learn more about the iconic Rutherglen wine region’s unique wine varietals. As co-owner of the Melbourne Bars Pawn and Co., 29th Apartment and the soon to be opened StoryVille, Keti knows a thing or two about wine, and couldn’t wait to meet a few of the winemakers and discover more about Durif and Muscat.

Words & Photos by Keti Kezunovic – Caption Image by Georgie James

‘Rutherglen in the City’ showcased sparkling reds, primarily Shiraz and Durif, as well as a range of alternative whites. We were keen to discover more about Durif and Muscat, which seem to be the champion wines of the Rutherglen region, which provides the perfect environment for these particular grape varieties, primarily as a result of the long Autumn allowing a prolonged ripening process.

Muscat

Chris Pfeiffer, winemaker and owner of Pfeiffer Wines (pfeifferwinesrutherglen.com.au), considers this variety as ‘Australia’s most unique contribution to wine’, adding:

“No other region in Australia has Muscat’s at this champion level”.

History is the key for this variety, as the minimum cellaring is 6-10 years ageing, through to over 100 years. Such long cellared batches are basically for the next generation to nurture and continue the process. The flavour profile consists mainly of a pronounced raisin taste, and is very sweet on the palate. The older the muscat, the more complex the flavour profile, where notes of toffee emerge.

Paul Squires from Buller Wines (bullerwines.com.au), had a tip for an unbeatable dessert, suggesting to pour muscat over vanilla bean ice-cream. Interestingly, Pfeiffer had a more eclectic suggestion of pairing this wine with a tomato based carpaccio. Now there’s two hot tips from for the kitchens of the winemakers!

Durif

Warrabilla Wines (warrabillawines.com.au), chief winemaker, Andrew Sutherland Smith, calls his 2014 Reserve Durif , ‘The Mother of all Durifs”. At a whopping 16.5% alcohol, it certainly is!

Although this wine is strong and rich on the palate, with big bold flavours, the grapes are very thin skinned, making this variety difficult to grow. Great skill and precision is needed to ensure that this variety of red wine grapes make it to harvest time. Smith is a fifth generation winemaker, so has a substantial degree of experience to draw on.

Durif is tipped to be the new upcoming variety, with other Australian regions starting to release their own versions. However the Durif growers from Rutherglen seemed to have really cornered the market on this particular variety.

**At the recent ‘Rutherglen in the City’, Melburnians showed great interest in both Durif and Muscat – two distinct varietals that flourish in the Rutherglen soils and represent both the region’s tradition and innovation. Revered world-wide for its fortified wines, the Winemakers of Rutherglen are trying new ways with Muscat, with a range of Muscat cocktails on offer…think Muscat Coolers, Muscat Sangria and Muscat Espresso Martinis.

The Winemakers of Rutherglen are an inspiring collective of 19 wineries from one of Australia’s most historic and iconic wine regions, boasting more than 150 years of winemaking history.

Check out more online or head to the cellar door this weekend!

Instagram & Facebook: @winerutherglen

www.winemakers.com.au

Additional Information & Images Courtesy of Winemakers of Rutherglen/Jarryd Pentony – Little Big MarketingPR/Photographer Georgie James

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Hospitality/Events

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

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Keti Kezunovic:

29th Apartment – www.29thapartment.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/29thapartment/

@29thapartment

Pawn and Co. – pawnandco.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/PawnAndCo/

@pawnandco

**Keti’s last collaboration with TAT Gourmet News:

Gourmand’s Celebrate Williamstown’s Wine and Cheese Festival

www.theaustraliatimes.com/magazine/gourmet/issue/411/#46

Additional pics…

19 WINERIES LAND IN MELBOURNE LANEWAY!

13 September 202229 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Winemakers of Rutherglen

Words by Celeste Iuliano

**Melbourne Events writer, Celeste Iuliano, hit the laneways of Melbourne a few days ago, to sample wines of the Rutherglen region at the launch of ‘Rutherglen in the City’.

What could be more Melbourne (and more Rutherglen too, we soon discover!), than a boozy picnic under the temperamental night sky?

Last weekend, 25th to 27th August, our cosmopolitan city was offered a taste of the country, with a pop-up wine bar in The Strand Melbourne’s Driver Lane. ‘Rutherglen in the City’ was brought to you by the Winemakers of Rutherglen, an association of 19 wineries with more than 150 years of heritage.

Younger Melburnians may associate Rutherglen with childhood trips; those happy weekends spent eating Dutch pancakes while mum and dad indulged in a few glasses of wine. However this image of Rutherglen as a very traditional wine region is rapidly changing. Rutherglen is now attracting a more diverse crowd, with its bold and iconic wine varieties. The region is known for it’s durif reds, sparkling reds, alternative whites, and muscats, all of which were sampled over the 3 day event. For those feeling a little experimental, the cocktails were the thing to try – the Muscat Cooler, Muscat Sangria, and the Muscat Espresso Martini.

‘Rutherglen in the City’ was a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s culture of good wine and warm hospitality. The winemakers were there to take you through the tastings and to share their stories. Some of them have up to 5 generations experience, so there was a lot to learn!

If you managed to sample this small slice of paradise in the city, no doubt you’ll be planning your trip to the cellar door soon!

Instagram & Facebook: @winerutherglen

www.winemakers.com.au

The Winemakers of Rutherglen

Images Courtesy of Thomas Bindley & Winemakers of Rutherglen/Jarryd Pentony – Little Big MarketingPR

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Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Hospitality/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmet

Read on for additional info and pics…

FASHION+AID 2017

13 September 202229 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

FASHION+AID partners with HARROLDS

Words by Sumaiya Rizvi

At the recent red carpet Media Launch, FASHION+AID announced they are partnering with Australia’s luxury boutique department store, Harrolds, who are set to showcase the world’s finest designers at this highly anticipated event to be held on 9th of September at the Crown Palladium.

FASHION+AID 2017 celebrates it’s milestone 10th year anniversary, and is a benchmark event on the social calendar.

Harrolds is set to unveil some of latest designer master pieces and collections from Victoria Beckham, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Tom Ford, Comme des Garçons, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Valentino and Kenzo, to name a few.

This year FASHION+AID will be hosted by Dave Hughes, with the Leukaemia Foundation the charity beneficiary for the live pledge. The event will continue with it’s groundbreaking tradition to forge the fashion, music and entertainment industries in support of a worthy cause. This will be a night to remember and is expected to be an exclusive sell out event.

Tickets start from $350 per ticket, with general tables of 10 starting from $3,500 and premium tables of 10 starting from $4,500. But for the best seats in the house, you can opt for the VIP experience and take a front row table at $5,500.

The event offers a luxurious three-course meal, sipping on the finest wines, whilst witnessing one of the best fashion events of the year. And if you are up for more…there’s an exclusive ‘after party’ to be held at Bond Melbourne (@bondmelb).

**over 250 guests attended the launch at Bond Melbourne, hosted by Dave Hughes. Harrolds are the major sponsors for Fashion Aid 2017, along with Mercedes Benz and Pommery.

Sumaiya Rizvi (@melbourne_blog) is a Melbourne Events writer for The Australia Times Gourmet News and was a guest of Helen Reizer HRPR

Her last article: www.theaustraliatimes.com/news (July 4) – Interview with Acclaimed Chef Tobie Puttock – Truffle & Charcuterie Celebration Prahran Market

Additional Information Courtesy of Helen Reizer (@hellreizer)

Photography: Carly Ravenhall (@carlyravenhall)

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

MORE PICS FROM THE MEDIA LAUNCH OF FASHION+AID…

2017 DONUT & BEER FEST: WINTER EDITION – THIS WEEKEND!

12 September 202215 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Batman Royale, North Coburg

Melbourne – 19th & 20th August

Australia’s first donut & beer festival is back: bigger, badder & hol(e)ier than ever!

Due to popular demand, Donut Fest returns to Melbourne this August with a brand new Winter Edition.

Inspired by the donut festivals of America, our Donut Fest has a local twist. How to make something more Australian? Just add beer! Aside from an official bar hosted by Manchuria, the festival welcomes a range of craft brewers to their local line-up of local and independent donut vendors. There will even be a doughnut-friendly beer made from sessional ale with a touch of caramel malt developed exclusively for the festival by Kooinda Brewery!

DONUT FEST: WINTER EDITION 2017 Line-up

Sweet Vendors: Doughnut Time / Lukumades / Nuts About Tella (Nutella donut burgers)

The Hungary Boy / Honey Dee / Ostrich and the Egg / Dip’d (mini donuts)

Ahhh, Donuts! / Dandee Donuts / (hot jam donuts)

Uncle Donut / Jamm’d / St Gerry’s / Goldelucks (gold croissant donuts/“dossants”)

Krumbs (glow in the dark donuts)

Penny for Pound / Jamm’d / Señor Churro / Simply Gluten Free and more…

Savoury Vendors: Giant Springs (spring rolls) / El Jefe (South American) / Hangi Boys (traditional New Zealand cuisine) / Gnocchi Bar (glutenfree vegan gnocchi donuts) / The Real Jerk (Carribean) / Twisted Mac (mac ’n’ cheese) and more…

Beverage Vendors: Kooinda Brewery / Square Keg / Gageroads / Stomping Ground / Odyssey Craft Brewing (beer)

Those Girls (hot apple cider) / Wimmera Hills (mulled wine) / Welshman’s Reef (wine) / Manchuria (beer, wine, spirits, cocktails)

Koffee Kartel (coffee) and more…

Yet Donut Fest is not just another food market; they take the festival part of the name to their fried food-laden hearts by showcasing varied entertainment all weekend long.

THIS HOLEY EPIRENCE INCLUDES:

Live music
Donut eating competitions with prizes
Best Donut Award judged by a panel of experts
People’s Choice Best Donut Award
Miniature Donut Museum with a Donut Wall and art installations that take after L.A.’s wildly popular Museum of Ice-cream
Savoury Food Vendors experimenting with a homage to the donut shape
Beer and cocktails exclusively developed to complement donuts
Donut styles from around the world: Argentina, Greece, Hungary, South Africa, America, Denmark, Australia, and even Nutella donut burgers to Glow in the Dark donuts!

Donut Fest likes their donuts iced, but there’s no need for festival-goers to be. Winter warmers on-site include hot chocolate, mulled wine, plenty of outdoor heating and cheery festoon lighting. The huge new venue – the industrial warehouse of Batman Royale – means Donut Fest will be housed partially inside and undercover. Also kids under 12 can join in the fun with free entry.

Donut Fest: Winter Edition is on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th August 2017 at Batman Royale, 14 Gaffney Street, North Coburg.

Two sessions each day – 11am to 3pm and 4pm to 8pm both days.

Early Bird Tickets (just $10) are on sale now, full price $15 (kids under 12 free).

Tickets include fast entry and a taster of the official festival beer.

BOOK TICKETS NOW: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/

**read below re: cashless payment system if buying tickets on the day

Information & Images Courtesy of Donut Fest/Inka Creative – Dee McNamara

facebook: facebook.com/donutfestau

instagram: @donutfestau

twitter: @donutfestau

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Hospitality/Events

Enquiries: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow TAT Gourmet News on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

Read on for info on the fest’s cashless payment system, chosen charity FairShare, founder Ngoc Le and more pics…

Melbourne Foodies Keep Sunday 19th November Free for the East Malvern Food and Wine Festival!

13 September 202210 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Mark your diaries because the 2^nd annual East Malvern Food & Wine Festival returns to East Malvern’s picturesque Central Park on Sunday 19 November 2017, from 10:30am to 5:30pm!

Last year more than 3000 Melbourne foodies and wine lovers came together for an amazing day in the park, sipping and savouring over 100 wines and an extensive array of cuisines from specially invited local and regional culinary exhibitors and artisan producers.

East Malvern Food & Wine Festival in Central Park. Photos by Fiora Sacco copyright reserved 2016

This year will showcase a vast range of exquisite wineries from more than 15 Bendigo and Heathcote regions including Balgownie Estate, Tellurian Wines and Farmer and the Scientist. There will also be a new local craft beer and cider producer alley featuring Two Birds Brewing, Barrow Boys Brewing, Bad Shepherd Brewing Co and Captain Vanzibar. So come and enjoy a unique and intimate experience, meet the passionate winemakers and brewers and learn about, taste and purchase their premium award-winning wines and ales.

Feast on local Melbourne favourite food trucks and pop-up restaurant stalls including Richmond Oysters & Seafood Tapas, Riserva, Nepal Dining and That’s Amore Cheeses, and bring your shopping baskets and stock up on the best of Victorian produce, including locally produced cheeses, gourmet condiments, bespoke Christmas puddings and other festive season fare from artisanal producers such as NOGO Sauces, Tolpuddle Goat Cheese and Farm Foods, Josh and Sue, and many more.

We also have a full day of family and children’s entertainment planned, including roving entertainers, live music performances and magician master classes.

Don’t forget to bring your fur kids too and treat them to gourmet doggie morsels from the Canine Wellness Truck.

Entry is FREE and wine tasting glasses and ticket packages are available starting at $20, including a souvenir wine glass and tasting tickets.

EVENT DETAILS

When: Sunday 19 November 2017, 10:30am – 5:30pm

What: East Malvern Wine and Food Festival

Where: Central Park, Corner of Wattle Tree and Burke Roads, East Malvern

More information: www.eastmalvernfoodandwine.melbourne

Social Media:

www.facebook.com/eastmalvernfoodandwine

>#EMFWfestival

@eastmalvernfoodandwine

Information & Images Courtesy of East Malvern Food and Wine Festival/Matt Fraser – Cardinal Spin

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Hospitality/Events

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

Read on for Additional Information & Pics…

Herald the End of Winter with a Celebration of Light & Play

12 September 20228 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

QV Melbourne’s Laneway Series launches with Light / Play

First Australian work from Danish artist Tine Bech

25th August to 10th September

QV Melbourne is thrilled to announce the QV Laneway Series: a seasonal program of ongoing interactive outdoor events, festivals and activations in the QV Square and surrounding laneways.

To launch the series, QV has commissioned globally acclaimed Danish artist Tine Bech to complete her first Australian work, which will be the centrepiece of a new interactive program of events called Light / Play. The celebration of light and play will herald the end of winter from Friday 25 August – Sunday 10 September.

With a PhD in ‘Play’, Tine Bech is a multidisciplinary artist who creates innovative interactive art that encourages participation and most of all, play.

Tine’s new work, entitled Colour Me Beautiful, will create a playful new environment for social interaction, experienced for the very first time at QV Melbourne. Tine Bech will visit Melbourne to premiere the new artwork, and will engage with Melbourne audiences as they interact and respond to her work.

Featuring five colourful runways leading to a vivid landscape of images, Colour Me Beautiful invites the public to play and perform. The interactive installation will capture images of audience members on each runway; live posting them onto a 5.8 metre by 3.2 metre multicolour screen. The work invites Melburnians and visitors alike to walk the coloured grass runway, strike a pose and be captured in a bright maze of colour. Participants in the work will each receive a link to their images to share their experience with others. Tine’s intention for Colour Me Beautiful is to exemplify and extend the play inherent in human connection through social sharing.

Transforming both the environment and human behaviour through the creative possibilities of play making, Colour Me Beautiful will transform the open air QV Square into an interactive digital art playground.

What: Light Play: an end of winter program of interactive events at QV Melbourne. Escape the last cold days of winter with an innovative and playful celebration of light and play – where colour, art, performance, music and food come together. FREE.

Where: QV Square, Level 2, QV Melbourne, corner Swanston and Lonsdale Streets, Melbourne

When: 25 August to 10 September, 2017
Colour Me Beautiful is available for participation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with other activities and event times varying.

For more information visit qv.com.au

>#QVLightPlay
www.qv.com.au

Information & Images Courtesy of Rain Fuller/Fuller PR

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Hospitality/Events

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

READ ON FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PICS and a Q&A with Danish Artist Tine Bech…

Winemakers of Rutherglen to Bring Pop-Up Wine Bar to Melbourne City Laneway

13 September 20227 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

The Winemakers of Rutherglen will bring a pop-up wine bar to a Melbourne CBD laneway from Friday 25 August 2017 to Sunday 27 August 2017 for a one-time-only, three-day wine event: Rutherglen in the City.

Rutherglen in the City will bring the essence and wines of the iconic Rutherglen wine region to The Strand Melbourne’s Driver Lane and provide Melburnians with the opportunity to taste and learn more about the region’s unique wine varietals and its winemakers.

Capturing the true Rutherglen feeling, Driver Lane will be transformed into a winter wine bar right in the heart of the city with fairy lights, wine barrels, Australian foliage, communal furniture, acoustic tunes and a mock cellar door.

Melbourne wine enthusiasts will have the chance to meet and chat with the winemakers face-to-face; sample a selection of wines, before indulging in some of the region’s best offerings.

Melburnians will discover Durif and Muscat – two distinct varietals that flourish in the Rutherglen soils and represent both the region’s tradition and innovation. Revered world-wide for its fortified wines, the Winemakers of Rutherglen are trying new ways with Muscat with a range of Muscat cocktails on offer, think Muscat Coolers, Muscat Sangria and Muscat Espresso Martinis.

The Winemakers of Rutherglen are an inspiring collective of 19 wineries from one of Australia’s most historic and iconic wine regions, boasting more than 150 years of winemaking history.

Fast Facts

When: Friday 25 August 2017 – Sunday 27 August 2017

Time: Friday: 5pm-10pm; Saturday: 12pm-11pm; Sunday: 12pm-6pm

Where: Driver Lane, The Strand Melbourne

Cost: Free entry and complimentary cellar door tastings, food and wine at bar prices

For more info or to share the love, visit:

Instagram & Facebook: @winerutherglen

www.winemakers.com.au

Information & Images Courtesy of Winemakers of Rutherglen, Georgie James Photography/Jarryd Pentony – Little Big Marketing PR

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Hospitality/Events

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

Read on for more Information & Pics from The Winemakers of Rutherglen…

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