The Australia Times

Wine Island 2017

12 September 202222 November 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Wine Island – Sydney Harbour

Words & Images by Rose Schleicher

Barely quarter after nine on a Friday morning and we’re at the steps of the ‘Man O War’ pier at Sydney Opera House, keen to board the three-deck ferry along with a large ensemble of wine enthusiasts. Wine Island. It sounds like a magical place, and Dionysus, Greek God of vino and ecstasy, would quite possibly agree. We’re bound for Clark Island, just a 20 minute boat ride from Sydney Harbour, to a popular event now in its third year. Understandably so; who doesn’t want to be stranded on an island with views of Sydney’s iconic skyline while savouring refreshing beverages under blue skies? Exactly. Me too.

As the ferry pulls up to the the island’s wharf, the sun is blasting in full spring glory, so there’s plenty of appreciation for the island staff who present each guest with a fresh bottle of water. Excellent thinking! ‘Holidaymakers’ rapidly disembark and fan out left and right to secure one of the highly-sought-after sun loungers by the water, and of course get first taste of more than 100 new waves and classic wines on offer. Whether you prefer a full-bodied red, a light white or something with a little more fizz – here, you can be certain there’s a hut for it.

Cured Meats & Cheeses by @churburgersurryhills

Meanwhile award-winning kitchen guru Warren Turnbull from Chur Burger Surry Hills, whipped up some scrumptious bites to go with the liquid diet. The menu featured freshly shucked oysters, assorted cheeses, Hawaiian poke and fish tacos, amongst other delectables. For those who were craving a heartier meal, succulent spit-roasted lamb pitas, plus Turnbull’s signature Chur burgers were on offer too.

Spit-roasted Lamb Pita by @churburgersurryhills

Hawaiian Poke Bowl by @churburgersurryhills

If you were looking to fill your stomachs as well as educate your senses, Wine Selectors offered a range of entertaining Masterclasses. You could put your wine knowledge to the test at ‘Vino Trivia’, expand your expertise on Cold-blooded Reds, or dance to Daft Punk and other alluring beats at ‘Silent Disco Drops’. The Dessert Masterclass was a exceptional treat, pairing a selection of curated desserts from the pastry wizards at Barangaroo’s 12-Micron with matching semi-sweet dessert wines.

Peanut Butter , Rosella, toast ice cream — Peanut Butter , rosella, toast ice cream by @ashcamsmith 12 Micron

While we could feel our hearts sink a bit when boarding the Luxe Bubbles boat for the inevitable return trip, it’s fair to say that it was for the best. After all, all good things come to an end. However, a few bottles of our favourite rosé made their way home with us, and will undoubtedly help us cherish this day for some time to come. Or at the very least until the very last drop has been savoured.

**Sydney Food/Wine/Events writer Rose Schleicher was a guest of Wine Island/The Modern Society PR

https://wineisland.com.au/

Wine Island 2015 was awarded the title of Best New Event 2015 by Concrete Playground (www.concreteplayground.com)
Wine Island 2016 won the Experiential Award for Best Festival by the Plus Ones & The Socialites

Pyengana Cheddar, Milk Chocolate, Plum, Honeycomb — Pyengana Cheddar, milk chocolate, plum, honeycomb by @ashcamsmith 12 Micron

Peanut Butter, Rosella, toast ice cream by @ashcamsmith 12 Micron — Peanut Butter, Rosella, toast ice cream by
@ashcamsmith 12 Micron

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

W: editorcsl.com

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

MORE FOOD PICS FROM WINE ISLAND…

CHEFS GALLERY ANNOUNCE MASSIVE MENU MAKEOVER

13 September 202213 November 2017 by Connie Lambeth

CHEFS GALLERY RESTAURANTS – SYDNEY

Chefs Gallery, Sydney’s favourite contemporary Chinese Restaurant Group, continue to revolutionise Asian cuisine with their biggest menu update in seven years. Available now is a mouth-watering range of tantalising new menu items exclusive to each restaurant location in Town Hall, Macquarie, Bankstown, Parramatta and Hurstville.

With each restaurant offering its own exclusive selection of dishes, customers are now able to walk into any Chefs Gallery location across Sydney and have a wholly unique culinary experience.

Fans of Chefs Gallery’s hugely popular classic menu can rest assured – the old favourites are all still there, with plenty receiving scrumptious upgrades, delicious new additions, and updated flavours.

“We’re thrilled to introduce this thoughtful new selection of spectacular dishes, largely influenced by each neighbourhood where we reside, from the suburbs of Sydney to the cities of China. Each dish is a brilliant compliment to all the favourites that have been loved and devoured over the years,” said Chefs Gallery Owner Kaisern Ching.

Here’s a taste of what’s on offer at each location:

TOWN HALL

Diners can look forward to a mind-blowing blend of classic Asian cuisine with contemporary twists, including delicately sweet jumbo king prawns steamed atop a light bed of sake and egg white custard, topped with black tobiko, plus Fujian style blue swimmer crab, served with dried and fresh scallop fried rice and housemade XO sauce.

MACQUARIE

Macquarie Centre’s braised and deep fried quail on the bone is an elevated take on a classic Chinese quail dish, and the duet of long red and green chillies filled with ground pork and fish paste, pan-fried to perfection, is the perfect share-plate fare.

PARRAMATTA

Parramatta’s Korean-style “mac and cheese” of rice cakes, sweet corn, butter, three cheeses, sambal and Korean chilli flakes is a flawlessly-executed fusion masterpiece, and even old-school Chinese take-out favourites get an inspiring modern update, with honeycomb chicken wings slathered in a delightfully sticky shiso, yuzu and honey glaze.

HURSTVILLE

Hurstville salutes a Cantonese classic with the wok fried Rostbiff Black Angus beef with cheung fun rice noodles, yellow garlic chives and sweet soy sauce. Vegetarians haven’t been forgotten either, with the golden battered eggplant, coated with melt-in-your-mouth salted duck egg yolk and black tobiko.

DESSERT MENU

The much-loved, innovative desserts menu has also received a delectable makeover, with a new range of irresistible treats blending traditional Asian flavours with refreshing modern influences joining the iconic Prince and Princess Piggy buns and Emoji Friends buns.

New desserts include a jaw-droppingly gorgeous deconstructed pavlova with Asian-inspired fresh and freeze-died fruits, and a French toast with peanut butter filling, toasted marshmallows, Persian fairy floss, honeycomb and housemade Hong Kong milk tea ice cream. All these desserts and more are available at all Chefs Gallery locations.

Stay in touch with Chefs Gallery:

Website: www.chefsgallery.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChefsGalleryRestaurant

Instagram: @chefsgallery

Twitter: @chefsgallery

Chefs Gallery Locations:

Town Hall – Shop 12, 501 George Street Sydney NSW 2000

Macquarie Shopping Centre – Shop 402, North Ryde NSW 2113

Bankstown – Little Saigon Plaza Ground Floor – Shop G03-06, 462 Chapel Rd Bankstown NSW 2200

Parramatta – Westfield Parramatta Ground Floor – Shop 2184, 159-175 Church St Parramatta

Hurstville – Westfield Hurstville, 256 Forest Rd entrance via The Eatery, Hurstville

**Information and Images Courtesy of Chefs Gallery/Cardinal Spin – Amy Owen

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

W: editorcsl.com

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

MORE PICS…

Fratelli Fresh Introduces New Spring Menu

12 September 202227 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Sydney’s Fratelli Fresh Entertainment Quarter Words by Rose Schleicher Images Courtesy of Rockpool Dining Group Spring has finally found its way into our spirits as well as the kitchens of some of Sydney’s most coveted restaurants, including Fratelli Fresh, who recently introduced their new spring menu sure to satisfy your pasta cravings during the warmer … Read more

FARM FRESH DINING AT BELLBIRD DINING + BAR

13 September 202227 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Sydney Restaurant Launches Saturday 4th November 12pm – 2pm

Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Launches Brand New Seasonal Dining Destination

**Sydney writer Lucy Collins will be heading to next week’s launch for The Australia Times Gourmet News

It might be named after the abundant songbirds populating the adjacent riverside, but Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre’s soon-to-be-launched Bellbird Dining + Bar is anything but commonplace.

Launching on Saturday 4 November, 12 – 2pm the new seasonal dining destination spins traditional restaurant models on their heads, with an ever-changing menu offering exquisite fine dining out west – at pub prices!

With a whopping 65% of produce grown and harvested just 50 metres from the kitchen door, Bellbird Dining + Bar champions sustainability and low food miles. Paired with direct relationships with artisan suppliers from the local NSW area, it offers a genuine farm-to-table culinary experience, with all dishes $18 or under.

Having already gained a loyal word-of-mouth following, Bellbird’s official opening will be part of an exciting launch day at CPAC, with the Wendy Harmer Curates exhibition kicking off at 2PM, plus Sydney Film Festival’s monthly screening for November, the enchanting cat docco Kedi, at 4PM.

The launch is a great chance to sample Bellbird’s fantastic fare for yourself, with canapes showcasing seasonal herbs and vegetables harvested on-site alongside fresh Hawkesbury River oysters, calamari, eco-farmed pork, quail, and goat’s cheese sourced locally around NSW. Drinks will also be provided by South Western Sydney brewery Stockade Brew Co., plus wines from Artemis in the Southern Highlands.

At the helm is Cordon Bleu-trained Head Chef Federico Rekowski, best known for his 12 years at the highly-rated Courtney’s Brasserie in Parramatta. Supported by Sous Chef Steven Pham (Ex-Courtney’s Brasserie, Fish Face), Federico’s inspiring dishes blend French haute cuisine flair with contemporary Asian and South American influences.

Bellbird will be open 7 days a week from 10am – 3pm, and is raising the bar on what to expect from arts centre dining. It marks the continuation of a grand new refresh of CPAC. Bellbird also serves dinner to accompany select evening events, screenings and performances.

Event Info
What: Bellbird Dining + Bar Official Launch
When: Saturday 4 November, 12 – 2pm
Where: Casula Powerhouse, 1 Powerhouse Road, Casula NSW 2170 (don’t forget, Casula has its own train station!)

Bellbird Dining + Bar

Opening Hours: 7 days a week, 10am – 3pm
Website: http://www.casulapowerhouse.com/visit/bellbird-dining-and-bar Facebook: www.facebook.com/bellbirdatcasulapowerhouseliverpool Contact: (02) 9824 1121

Information & Images Courtesy of Bellbird Dining & Bar/Cardinal Spin

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

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

READ ON FOR INFO ON BELLBIRD’S HEAD CHEF & SOUS CHEF, THE CPAC KITCHEN GARDEN, CASULA POWERHOUSE’S EVOLUTION, LIVERPOOL MAYOR, PLUS ADDITIONAL PICS…

CHEFS GALLERY SET FOR A SCARY HALLOWEEN!

20 August 202223 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Ghosts, Witches and Creatures of Fright: Chefs Gallery Introduce Devil Sago Delights!

Chefs Gallery, Sydney’s favourite contemporary Chinese, have conjured up a terrifying new menu addition this Halloween. Wickedly delicious and frighteningly fun, the Devil Sago Delights are a terrifying treat for the tastebuds, and will be available 29th to 31st October only.

With a devilishly indulgent meringue laid to rest atop chocolate soil and silky coconut sago, the Devil Sago Delights are finished with a petrifying Chinese-spiced pumpkin sponge, and chocolate bone and cross. They will be available at Chefs Gallery restaurants in Town Hall, Macquarie Centre, Bankstown, Parramatta and Hurstville.

“Creating innovative food experiences has always been our mission at Chefs Gallery, but for Halloween we like to come up with special treats that are as sumptuous as they are spooky. Be sure to come in and summon our Devil Sago Delights, if you dare!” said Pastry Chef Candy Liang.

Chefs Gallery has become famous for its innovative desserts, from their hugely popular Piggy Faced Buns to the creamy delights of their Emoji buns, which encourage diners to poke a hole in their mouth, squeeze their head and watch the eggy custard goodness ooze from their mouth.

The experience of dining at Chefs Gallery is one that is unique in its theatre, artistry and taste. With chefs crafting hand-made noodles behind the glass walled kitchen, as well as a superbly curated menu bursting with taste sensations, Chefs Gallery is a true feast for the senses.

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Stay in touch with Chefs Gallery:

Website: www.chefsgallery.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChefsGalleryRestaurant

Instagram: @chefsgallery

Twitter: @chefsgallery

Chefs Gallery Locations:

Town Hall – Shop 12, 501 George Street Sydney NSW 2000

Macquarie Shopping Centre – Shop 402, North Ryde NSW 2113

Bankstown – Little Saigon Plaza Ground Floor – Shop G03-06, 462 Chapel Rd Bankstown NSW 2200

Parramatta – Westfield Parramatta Ground Floor – Shop 2184, 159-175 Church St Parramatta

Hurstville – Westfield Hurstville, 256 Forest Rd entrance via The Eatery, Hurstville

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Information and Image Courtesy of Chefs Gallery/Cardinal Spin – Amy Owen

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

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

W: editorcsl.com

READ ON FOR INFO ON CHEFS GALLERY RESTAURANTS…

Sydney Set to Celebrate Halloween and Day of the Dead Festivals

13 September 202218 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

The Argyle and El Camino Cantina celebrate Halloween and Day of the Dead Sydney – The Argyle – Friday 27th October to Saturday 28th October Sydney – El Camino Cantina – Tuesday 31st October to Saturday 4th November Gather at the alters of hedonism at neighbouring late-night destinations The Argyle and El Camino Cantina as … Read more

WINE ISLAND RETURNS TO DROP ANCHOR IN SYDNEY HARBOUR!

12 September 202217 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

‘ENJOY A DROP IN THE HARBOUR THIS NOVEMBER WHEN WINE ISLAND RETURNS TO DROP ANCHOR’ Now in its third year, Australia’s most tropical and unique wine festival, Wine Island, returns to Clark Island, Sydney Harbour from Friday 10 November – Sunday 12 November, 2017. This is the place where you can feel like you’re leaving … Read more

FINE FOOD AUSTRALIA 2017

13 September 202227 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

SYDNEY…

Fine Food Australia took place in Sydney at the ICC between 11 – 14 September, and will return to Melbourne in 2018

Words by Daria Kill-Smith

A fine day in Sydney found this correspondent at Darling Harbour International Convention Centre for the equally Fine Food Australia Expo, with exhibitors from around the world.

Stands represented:

Turkey (dried fruits – of course); the USA (yes, they had S’mores); Belgium (the best beers); Fiji (smoked fish); Austria (the Trade Commission AND horseradish?); Germany (beer, sauerkraut and gherkins – we’re in heaven now), Thailand (coconut and rice based products, naturally); an untold amount of provinces in China (with EVERYTHING); Pakistan (collared the market on dates!); Korea (instant coffees and teas); Vanuatu (pure water); Taiwan (candies and snacks – insert WASABI PEAS); Samoa (tropical fruit jams and spreads); Canada (that liquid gold – maple syrup); India (pickles, pastes and chutneys); Spain (the preserve of preserves); Cyprus (haloumi, sooo much haloumi); Niue Island (vanilla bean); Italy (the best goddam sexy hot wine, coffee, pasta, gelato stands – as only the Italians can). And that’s without getting to PNG (coffee), Solomon Islands (ngali nut), Mexico (more coffee), Greece (currants and olive oil), Peru (faro), and from INNER MONGOLIA…sunflower and pumpkin seeds!

What about Australia? Well, Australia had … EVERYTHING! The range of products included Seaweed cleverly turned into fettucini…Phettucine, paired with herbs and spices and used like dukkah…Pukkah, and SeaC’s (seaweed chips).

Milks: camel, almond, walnut, pistachio, soy, dried, and full-cream full-fat. Phew.

Rice: black, red, gluten-free pasta rice; as well as spirits, wines, juices, and smoothies. Coffees: organic cold brew, turmeric infused, or with coconut.

Teas: chai, black, green, white, chai, oolong, rooibos, fruit, chai, exotic, herbal & organic. Did I mention chai?

And the enduring favourite – COCONUT – all kinds of coconut: oils with vanilla, chilli or garlic; chipped, grated, powdered and floured; water and cream; even coconut vinegar!

Oh … SO. MANY. STALLS.

But wait, there’s more: exhibitors catered for supermarkets, hotels, bars, restaurants, cafes and airlines. Equipment stands showed off juice presses, waffle irons, coffee machines (dozens of coffee machines), packaging and containers, industry specific clothing and shoes, crockery and cutlery, point of sale equipment – everything but the jumbo was there. And who knew sushi came out of a machine?? There were not for profit organisations, logistics organisations, marketing and sales organisations, importers, exporters and distributors.

So the season’s next big thing? Matcha tea, beetroot chai, limoncello gelato. And coffee is going nowhere. Don’t know how the pizza cheese flavoured fish snacks, activated charcoal wafers, or green tea almond spread will go; but I hear the glow in the dark vodka energy drink is already a hit! Yes, you can get it all. But no, I didn’t get to sample it.

947 exhibitors. No wonder this was a 4 day expo.

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Images Courtesy of Diversified Communications Australia & Daria Kill-Smith

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 THE WRAP UP OF FINE FOOD AUSTRALIA 2017 and additional pics…

THE TEXAN BURGER RAISES $ FOR HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF EFFORT

13 September 20227 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

The Texan Burger Raises $ for Hurricane Harvey Relief Effort Burger Project has introduced a new Limited Edition Burger to its menu, The Texan, which will help raise money for the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. The Texan is the first of a series of Limited Edition burgers that will change every six weeks. Until Sunday, … Read more

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

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