The Australia Times

YUM CHA LUNCH AT JADE TEMPLE

13 September 202223 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Jade Temple – Sydney Saturday 28th October is gearing up to be a real treat for food and wine lovers, with a Special Customer Yum Cha Lunch at Sydney’s Jade Temple. There will be plenty of experience on hand when it comes to the pairing of wines with Cantonese food, including dumplings. Jade Temple Head … Read more

THE HOF DOWNTOWN IS BACK!

13 September 202212 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Melbourne – The Hof Downtown Relaunch

Words by Celeste Iuliano

Images Courtesy of Jim Lee & Thomas Bindley

Celeste headed to the Relaunch gig at Melbourne’s The Hof Downtown last week and tucked into Bavarian beer and bretzels…and as the pics suggest, a whole lot more!

October is officially underway with Melburnians plunging into the spirit of Oktoberfest! What better time could there be for the relaunch of The Hof Downtown? The German bar and restaurant is the trendy little sister of Melbourne institution The Hofbräuhaus. Perched in the heart of the Docklands, The Hof was abuzz with footy fans and the after-work crowd before forced to close for flood renovations in March.

That same festive atmosphere was definitely present at the reboot last week, when I turned up to find the party in full swing. With one foot barely in the door, I predictably gravitated to the giant wall of bretzels, warm and chewy – a dream come true – and made sure to grab a stein of weissbier to wash mine down. The Hof boasts ten imported Bavarian boutique beers on tap so, of course, I took the opportunity to follow it up with a dark weissbier for comparison. It smelt surprisingly like toffee!

The evening’s menu showcased the hearty German fare and European-inspired staples that The Hof is known for. Rich chicken liver pâté and cheeses, crispy schnitzel and lemon wedges, beef consommé served with style in a shot glass, salmon with mint and roe, fresh oysters, and flourless chocolate cake to finish. My favourite dish was the mixed skewer of grilled, traditional sausages. A mini version of the sausage platter (yes, there are that many types of German sausages!), it features two types of bratwurst and a kasekrainer. Be sure to have a serviette on hand, though – the kasekrainer is filled with liquid cheese, and things can get a little messy!

Bavarian beer halls are famed meeting grounds for friends, and The Hof’s regular menu certainly encourages a sharing culture. If you head over for lunch or dinner, you can tackle the 1.5kg roast pork knuckle with sauerkraut and mashed potato or the käsespätzle, rich, baked egg noodles with cheese.

Considering the lively vibe, you may even make some new friends to help you out.

Prost!

PLEASE CREDIT 2017 JIM LEE PHOTO — 2017 JIM LEE

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**Celeste was a guest of Helen Reizer hrpr/The Hof Downtown

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

www.editorcsl.com

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AFL FOOTY FESTIVAL: GRAND FINAL FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY FROM THIS WEDNESDAY!

13 September 202225 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

MELBOURNE – GRAND FINAL FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY FROM THIS WEDNESDAY!

The AFL’s free Footy Festival brings together the best of Melbourne’s food with ‘Taste of Football’ food trucks and pop-ups, music, kids activities, and of course, footy in a four day celebration! Wednesday 27th September until Toyota AFL Grand Final Day, Saturday 30th September.

Located at Yarra Park, outside Gate 3 of the MCG, the festival will be packed full of some of Melbourne’s favourite food trucks, Australia’s first UberEATS restaurant, pop-up bars, local DJs and plenty of activities for the kids. Culminating in a live broadcast of the Grand Final on the big screen, this has to the best place to get amongst the action outside the MCG.

Members of the public are encouraged to buy a Premiership Cup Pin from the Ladder (with support of Public Transport Victoria (PTV)) stall, with all sale proceeds supporting Ladder’s work tackling youth homelessness.

FOOTY FESTIVAL 2017 PRECINCTS:

The Footy Festival will be held across three areas outside Gate 3 of MCG at Yarra Park.

FESTIVAL TIMES:

Wednesday 27th September 10am-6pm

Thursday 28th September 10am-6pm

Friday 29th September 9am-6pm

Saturday 30th September (Grand Final Day) 9am-6pm

TOYOTA AFL GRAND FINAL LIVE SITE

The entertainment hotspot and the heart of the Footy Festival site, the Toyota AFL Grand Final Live Site will host free activities for the whole family including interactive displays, prize giveaways and the chance to meet the players.

From Wednesday to Friday, past AFL matches will be shown on the Big Screen, along with award-winning AFL360, the ever-entertaining Bounce and the 2017 Toyota AFL.

Grand Final Parade

On Grand Final Day itself, things will really heat up. The atmosphere is sure to be electric when the 2017 Toyota AFL Grand Final and pre-match entertainment is broadcast live from the festival’s Big Screen. Fans will be able to hear the crowd roar, and join in, from their seat on the Yarra Park lawn. This is the place to head for anyone who doesn’t have tickets to the match.

At the 2016 Fox Footy Festival Live Site, Yarra Park, Melbourne. September 28th 2016. Photo: Daniel Pockett

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Information & Images Courtesy of Kate & Co – Claudia Hackworth

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatgourmetmag/

____________________________________________________________________________

READ ON FOR PROGRAM OF EVENTS INCLUDING TASTE OF FOOTBALL & KIDS ACTIVITIES…

The Cliveden to Serve up ‘Footy Lovers Buffet’ on Grand Final Day

13 September 202221 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

MELBOURNE – The Cliveden Bar & Dining – Saturday 30 September Watch the action on 64-inch TV screens! A stones throw away from The G, hear the roar of the crowd and echo of the sirens, whilst enjoying classics like: • ‘The G Roast Roll’ – a tribute to the classic MCG Beef Roll … Read more

OKTOBERFEST Returns to Hophaus Southgate Sat 16th Sept – Annual Dachshund Race Saturday 23rd September

13 September 202211 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

MELBOURNE

OKTOBERFEST AT HOPHAUS SOUTHGATE

16th September to 22nd October

Teckelrennen Annual Dachshund Race Saturday 23 September

Time to don your dirndl and lederhosen, as Oktoberfest returns to Melbourne at Hophaus Southgate from Saturday 16 September to Sunday 22 October

With over six million people predicted to attend the 207th anniversary of Oktoberfest in Germany, Hophaus Bavarian Bier Bar Grill will transport Melbourne to Munich with a five-week program of festivities and events from 16 September to 22 October 2017.

Hophaus’ Oktoberfest 2017 will see the return of a cult favourite calendar event: the Teckelrennen Annual Dachshund Race on 23 September. Short dog legs will race with fury and fanfare for the third annual event that draws swarms of fest and dog lovers alike. Dog costumes are expected to increase in creativity as competition for Best Dressed Dachshund becomes ever more fierce.

The official Opening Day on Saturday 16 September will see former Melbourne Football Club Captain, David Neitz, trade his football jersey for Lederhosen and take over official duties as Hoptoberfest’s Mayor for this year’s festivities. With his German heritage proudly on show, Neitz, also the founder of Brewmanity Beer Company, will welcome guests to the fest launch at Hophaus with the traditional Tapping of the Keg at midday and free bier frothing until the keg runs dry.

The most paw-pular event on the spring racing calendar, Hophaus’ Annual Dachshund Race is co-presented by Southgate Melbourne and My Dachshund Online, and will raise money for Dachshund Rescue Australia.

‘The dog race that stops the nation’ is held in the Southgate Podium Courtyard with heats starting at 11am followed by finals. Witness the four-legged frenzy as the dachshunds make a mad dash down the 15-metre racetrack in the bid for the top prize.

Hophaus is proud to have raised over $6200 for Dachshund Rescue Australia over the last two years, with over 150 sausage dogs having taken part.

The dogged Costume Parade will be held at midday. Watch pampered pooches strut their stuff down the ‘dogwalk’ for the coveted prize and then continue the festivities at Hophaus with a refreshing German lager, German food and plenty of entertainment with one of Melbourne’s best German bands the Black Forest Trio playing into the night.

For more information and to view the full Hophaus Oktoberfest 2017 program of events visit hophaus.com.au.

What: Oktoberfest 2017 at Hophaus Southgate

When: Saturday 16 September – Sunday 22 October 2017

Hoptoberfest Opening Day Saturday 16 September

Location: Hophaus Bier Bar Grill, Mid Level, Southgate Melbourne, 3 Southgate Avenue Southbank

Where: Hophaus Bier Bar Grill, south end of the mid level overlooking the Yarra River, Southgate Melbourne. Southgate is located opposite Flinders St Station, on the Yarra River adjacent to the Arts Centre.

**The Dachshund Race will be held in the Southgate Podium Courtyard, outside St Johns Church.

www.hophaus.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/hophausbar/

https://www.facebook.com/Hophausbar

https://twitter.com/HOPHAUSBAR

@HOPHAUSBAR

>#HophausDachyRace

Bookings: Bookings are advised for Lunch or Dinner throughout Oktoberfest. Get in early and Book your table online, call 03 9682 5900 or email prost@hophaus.com.au.

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Information & Images Courtesy of Hophaus Southgate/Fuller PR

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

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @tatgourmetmag

READ ON FOR OKTOBERFEST PROGRAM OF EVENTS/FOOD & BIER AT HOPHAUS SOUTHGATE

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#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…

‘LAUNCHING’ AT THE CLIVEDEN!

10 December 20224 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

THE CLIVEDEN BAR AND DINING

Words by Celeste Iuliano

Images Courtesy of Thomas Bindley, The Cliveden Bar & Dining/Kate & Co.

Last week’s Launch Event at The Cliveden Bar and Dining kept the cocktails flowing, as the crowd moved between tables of tempting bites. Charcuterie? Freshly shucked oysters anyone? Plenty of action at the bar too, with my personal fave a flamboyant passionfruit cocktail, aptly tagged ‘Flaming Passion’, chartreuse alight! This is one beverage designed to end an impressive meal, or kick off a night on the town!

The Cliveden offers guests a ‘new way to buffet’. There are 5 different buffet menus, influenced by Mediterranean and European flavours, all with a focus on fresh ingredients and artisanal food. Between charcuterie, perfectly cooked meat and seafood, and delicate desserts, you’ll enjoy quantity and quality.

While you’re at The Cliveden, be sure to spend some time in the lounge. With 116 seats and a relaxing vibe, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy your Espresso Martini! The bar boasts European and local craft beers, ciders, a selection of the best Australian wines, and signature cocktails such as the Bloody Aussie Negroni, a creation of Four Pillars Shiraz Gin (Vic), Red Økar Amaro (S.A.), and Maidenii Sweet Vermouth (Vic).

The Cliveden Bar & Dining is part of Pullman Melbourne on The Park’s $6 million makeover. Conveniently located a stone’s throw from the MCG, it is based on the site of the original 1887 mansion. In early Federation Melbourne, The Cliveden was a popular social club, and host to several balls and garden parties. Today it retains the original stained glass panelling and restored woodwork, however the bar and dining area has been given a modern makeover. The combination of classic and contemporary elements makes for a classy, intimate space.

Love an imaginative Cocktail, flavour packed dining choices, and a beaut spot to chill?

Head to the Cliveden!

The Cliveden Bar & Dining Pullman Melbourne On The Park 192 Wellington Parade
East Melbourne VIC 3002

Reservations: thecliveden@accor.com

Website: www.theclivedenbaranddining.com.au

Instagram @thecliveden
Facebook @theclivedenbaranddining

**Celeste was a guest of The Cliveden Bar & Dining and Kate & Co.

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Additional Information Courtesy of The Cliveden Bar & Dining/Kate & Co. – Hayley Edwards

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

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @tatgourmetmag

Looking for more pics from the Launch? Read on…

Cherry Blossom Season with Celebratory Cocktails at Saké

9 December 20224 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Saké Celebrates the Arrival of Cherry Blossom Season Saké Restaurant & Bar is gearing up for its annual, month-long Cherry Blossom celebrations of all that spring and the new season has to offer… The celebrations run from Monday 4th – Saturday 30th September and kick off with the release of a range of gorgeous, seasonal cocktails designed by Rockpool Dining Group’s National … Read more

‘THE GREEN EVOLUTION’ AT MARLFIELD HOUSE

10 December 20223 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

IRELAND

A Luxury Country House Hotel in County Wexford…

Words by Sindy Chan/Images Courtesy of Troy Nam

Sindy Chan is a ‘travelling gourmand’, sharing her international culinary adventures with readers!

Dining Irish is sumptuous and tasty, yet with a hefty focus on meat. Four-star hotel Marlfield House, has taken a giant step forward, creating balanced Irish meat dishes in palettes of home-grown herbs, vegetables and edible flowers from the kitchen garden, which I’ve labelled ‘The Green Evolution’.

After our pre-dinner tour of the edible garden, with Margaret Bowe, from the ‘owner family’, we were ready to sip on a cocktail! There were a variety of choices, all refreshing and appetising, with one aptly named Peacock Mimosa, inspired by ‘George’ the resident peacock. There’s also a Gin Special – Cocktail of the Month.

Historic Marlfield House has two dining options – the fine-dining Conservatory Restaurant and our choice of the casual dining at The Duck Terrace Restaurant both offering a diversified menu.

Main Course

The Duck Terrace Restaurant’s signature dish Magrat Duck Breast, sauté baby potato, wilted spinach, balsamic mushrooms & Raspberry jus (€32) features sweetness of duck meat with the tastiest spinach.

Chef’s successful twist of ‘fish & chips’ in oriental flavour Tempura of Haddock, Asian carrot, & lime slaw, house fries, tartar sauce (€16) is a very popular choice. (See pic below)

Mildly flavoured Irish meat dish Slaney Valley Rump of Lamb, turmeric, vegetable and pea couscous, tomato salsa, feta cheese (€26) perfectly blends with freshly-picked home-grown produce.

Wine pairing

Seafood or meat, the two recommended French wines worked very well either way.

Irish coffee

After dinner, Hotel Manager, Greg Murphy, walked us to the hotel main house where we watched young Lorcan O’Shea preparing authentic Irish coffee for us – coffee and whiskey in the right proportion were mixed, then a floating layer of silky Irish cream was added.

chansindy.cd@gmail.com

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

www.theaustraliatimes.com/news

literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

Read on for additional information on Marlfield House and region, plus more pics…

THE CLIVEDEN OPENS IN EAST MELBOURNE

13 September 202230 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

The Cliveden Bar & Dining opened this week. A fitting tribute to an 80s and 90s restaurant icon…

The Cliveden Bar & Dining in East Melbourne, showcases a ‘new way to buffet’, with a keen focus on local and artisan produce and beverages, across an impressive 1000 square metre space.

The Cliveden Bar & Dining (phonetically pronounced Cleev-den) is situated on the same site as one of Melbourne’s most exclusive fine dining restaurants of the 1980s and 1990s – The Cliveden Room – where A- listers such as Barry Humphries, Bert Newton and Jeff Kennett were amongst its famous clientele.

Executive Chef John Ross has curated five unique buffet menus for the restaurant. Concepts include European and Mediterranean cuisine, fresh seafood, comforting roasts, and weekend brunch featuring seafood and pancakes. Separate to the buffet menu, guests can enjoy afternoon share plates, high tea (launching in October), and a charcuterie offering.

The oversized Cliveden Bar shines as a focal point of the space, animated by mixologists shaking up Insta-worthy cocktails, including the Bloody Aussie Negroni made with Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin (Vic), Maidenii Sweet Vermouth (Vic) and Red Økar Amaro (SA), served on a sphere of ice with burnt orange zest. Guests can snuggle into a cosy nook, perch at the bar, or gather at low-set round tables, and enjoy live oyster shucking (selected days).

The wine list showcases some of Victoria’s best wines from producers in the Yarra Valley, Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas, as well as European varietals. There will be a particular focus on craft beer and cider, plus a range of European brews – both bottled and on tap – and signature spirits (a bespoke spirit range is in development), perfect for pre and post drinks after major sporting events at the MCG and surrounding stadiums.

The Cliveden Bar & Dining Pullman Melbourne On The Park 192 Wellington Parade
East Melbourne VIC 3002

Reservations: thecliveden@accor.com Website: www.theclivedenbaranddining.com.au Instagram @thecliveden
Facebook @theclivedenbaranddining

Information & Images Courtesy of The Cliveden Bar & Dining/Kate & Co. – Hayley Edwards

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

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @tatgourmetmag

Read on for additional info and Pics on The Cliveden…

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