The Australia Times

COCKTALES ON THE COUCH

Connie Lambeth — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 02:39:03 +0000

Cocktales on the Couch with Wayne & T0m

*Book Launch held at Diesel Bar Melbourne

Wayne and Tom are the cocktail-loving couple who have been making us laugh out loud as they sit on their couch, watching TV.

In Cocktales on The Couch they reveal their favourite cocktails and the memories that inspired them. Find out which cocktail is the perfect representation of the pair as a couple and how Wayne created the perfect G&T for Tom.

These are the cocktails and stories which make the difference between a good time and a great time.

Cocktales on the Couch with Wayne & Tom is a unique spin on the traditional cocktail book. Giving Australian fans what they’ve been asking for – the cocktails they see them drink on TV, paired with an insight into their lives.

The cocktails are split into seasons, catering for Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring and the ‘All Season’ drinks, each season contain stories and anecdotes from us, including our first valentines date, key events, raising three children and the many stories that encompass their 17-year union, paired alongside the cocktails inspired by those memories.

Each cocktail page includes – Introductory story – Introductory story/anecdote that complements the cocktail – Photos – The finished cocktail, pictures of making the drink. Recipe – A clear, easy recipe that anyone could follow Wayne’s Note – Where appropriate, a friendly note to assist.

Gogglebox Australia airs on Channel 10 and Foxtel and Wayne & Tom have the biggest fan base on the show with their quirky personalities and fun style while drinking their favourite cocktails…

**Cocktales on The Couch – New Holland Publishers RRP$19.99 available from all good book retailers or online www.newhollandpublishers.com

Information and Images Supplied Courtesy of Helen Reizer HRPR

MORE FABULOUS PHOTOS FROM THE COCKTALES ON THE COUCH LAUNCH AT DIESEL BAR MELBOURNE…

Saké Restaurant & Bar bursts with Cherry Blossom inspiration

Connie Lambeth — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 00:26:36 +0000

Saké Restaurant & Bar welcomes Spring…

Saké Restaurant & Bar is celebrating the arrival of spring and the stunning sakura, or cherry blossom, with an exclusive Champagne dinner and special cocktails available throughout September.

Saké The Rocks in Sydney, Saké Eagle Street Pier in Brisbane and Saké Hamer Hall in Melbourne are also ushering in spring with stunning floral displays in each bar in a breathtaking ode to the sakura.

Guests can enjoy cherry blossom soirées beneath canopies of pink petals and choose from five cocktails inspired by these fabled Japanese flowers. Cherry Blossom cocktails are also available at Saké Double Bay and Saké Flinders Lane.

In Bloom ($22) blends sakura-infused Roku gin, lychee liqueur, lime juice, lychees, cherry and sakura flower syrup
Signature Cherry ($23) is a decadent combination of vodka, Sakura Vermouth and cherry shrub
Japanese Cobbler ($21) combines Shiso Umeshu, Ketel One Citroen, sakura syrup, yuzu juice and cherry blossom water
Blushing Blossom ($22) mixes whisky, Heering Cherry Liqueur, Choya Uji Green Tea Umeshu, honey water, yuzu juice, passionfruit and egg white
Red Kuchibiru ($22) combines shochu kome with cherry shrub and glühweinmix

Cherry Blossom Champagne dinners ($290pp) will be held at Saké Eagle Street Pier (Tuesday, 11 September), Saké Hamer Hall (Wednesday, 12 September) and Saké The Rocks (Tuesday, 18 September) from 6.30pm. The menu is a collaboration of Saké’s Head Chefs who each contributed a dish to the exquisite six-course menu.

On Arrival
NV Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial

Snow Crab Sunomono
Vinegared Okinawan Mozuku Seaweed, Cucumber and Caviar
NV Veuve Clicquot Rosé

Sashimi
Garfish Sashimi – Shiso Ume White Soy
Seared Scampi – Nikiri Soy, Chives, Tobiko, Shaved Foie Gras
Uni Ikura – Nori Crisp, Kizami Wasabi Sea Salt
NV Ruinart Rosé

Truffle Cheese Pork Mille-Feuille Katsu
Balsamic Sauce, Watercress, Red Onion, Baby Shiso
2009 Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé

Steamed King Salmon
Salmon Roe, Potato and Cabbage
2008 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rosé

Duck Breast
Blueberry and Beetroot Purée, Seasonal Greens with Plum Vinaigrette and Duck Jus
2005 Dom Perignon Rosé

Sakura Tarte
Sakura Infused Apple and Shiso Ice Cream

Saké The Rocks Head Chef Chi Ung Kim created the King Salmon dish, which he describes as: “a traditional, simple Japanese dish that balances the slightly smoky and fattiness of the fish with the savouriness of a dashi, soy, vinegar-based sauce.”

Saké Hamer Hall Head Chef Shimpei Hatanaka created the sashimi course, which he says heroes diverse, seasonal and locally-caught seafood. “I usually use tuna, salmon and kingfish for sashimi, but I wanted to use something different,” Shimpei says. “Garfish is a winter fish but I’ve noticed we have good garfish from Melbourne and Sydney during spring as well. Sea urchin is good, too. We’ll source them from Tasmania or Victoria.”

**Information and Images Courtesy of Rockpool Dining Group/Rachel Lebihan

Connie Lambeth

The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

Phone: (03) 9646 1991

GREY GOOSE VODKA LAUNCHES AT THE ALBION – SOUTH MELBOURNE

Connie Lambeth — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 06:52:43 +0000

WHITE HORSE MEDIA LAUNCH – GREY GOOSE VODKA

The Albion Hotel in South Melbourne was the setting for the recent launch of the highly touted Grey Goose Vodka.

Grey Goose Vodka is crafted from single-origin French ingredients, ‘traceable from field to bottle for a naturally rich and full-bodied taste’. http://www.greygoose.com

The mix of a glam young crowd, including a bunch of celebrities, ensured there was plenty of action, with photographer Sam Tabone, there to capture the memories!

The Albion Hotel

Address: 146 Evans St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207

Menu: hotelalbion.com.au

**Photos by Sam Tabone / provided courtesy of Helen Reizer HRPR

Connie Lambeth

The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

Additional Pics from the Launch of Grey Goose Vodka at The Albion…

REVIEW: ‘PACKED BY PETER ROWLAND’

Connie Lambeth — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 01:35:57 +0000

Packed by Peter Rowland Launch Party – July 2018

Words by Keti Kezunovic

Photos Courtesy of Andrew Lee – Additional Images Supplied by Peter Rowland/Helen Reizer HRPR

Proving true to their very modern company tagline of #peterlikestoparty, the event started off with plenty of champagne and lively conversation!

The idea behind ‘Packed by Peter Rowland’ is to provide a flexible catering solution for modern entertainers.

The catering comes presented in neat little white boxes so there is no need to transfer to platters – they are ready to serve – perfect for those short on time!

The thoughtfully curated collection presented at the launch event included individual serves of favourites such as bircher muesli, Caesar salad and sweet decadent desserts such as chocolate-lined lemon tart and brownie platters.

The must try of the bunch are the chicken sandwich triangles which have been a hit for the business since its conception 56 years ago.

Group Executive Head Chef, Matthew Haigh, describes this new venture as ‘a natural extension of the business’s mantra of being ‘innovative, cutting edge and remaining on the front foot, I envisage marrying quality seasonal produce, key ingredients and our collective expertise with technique to maximise flavours. We want our food to create lingering memories,’ he adds.

Group Executive Head Chef: Matthew Haigh

And that they did…I picked up the gift bag on the way out, filled with goodies and a ‘lil’ bit more of that decadent dessert!

*Keti was a guest of Helen Reizer HRPR

(co-owner @29_thapartment / @pawnandco / @storyvillemelbourne )

Connie Lambeth

The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

Additional Pics from ‘Packed by Peter Rowland’ Launch Party…

MEET THE MAKERS OF PURE SOUTH: PURE SOUTH DINING ON 7 SEPTEMBER

Connie Lambeth — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 06:12:28 +0000

Meet the Makers of Pure South: a special event at Pure South Dining on 7 September, hosted by Josef Chromy Wines and two of Tasmania’s most sought after ethical farmers. www.puresouth.com.au

Clockwise from top: Pure South Dining’s owner Philip Kennedy on Mount Gnomon Farm; Nichols Ethical Free-Range Poultry; a Wessex Saddleback pig on Mount Gnomon Farm

Meet the Makers of Pure South: a special event at Pure South Dining
Hosted by Josef Chromy Wines and two of Tasmania’s most sought after ethical farmers

Josef Chromy Wines winemaker Jeremy Dineen, together with two of the south’s most unique ethical, free-range farmers will host an intimate dinner showcasing the best of Tasmania’s wine and food on Friday 7 September.Meet the Makers of Pure South is an exclusive event encompassing the entire Pure South Dining room upstairs, and is expected to sell out.

Attendees will meet and receive expert tasting notes directly from some of Australia’s most acclaimed farmer/producers and winemakers. Pioneer farmers Rob Nichols (Nichols Ethical Free-Range Poultry) and Guy Robertson (Mount Gnomon Farm) will tell the story of their exceptional and much coveted produce.

“Rob Nichols is a farmer who is an inspiration to other farmers, such is the strength of his ethical farming practices. His portable chicken coops and rotating free-range pastures is not only more sustainable, but also produces a superior flavour. His chicken is some of the best you’ll find in the world,” says Pure South Dining’s owner Philip Kennedy, who has been flying in Nichols Chicken directly to Pure South Dining since 2009.

Guy Robertson is a fifth-generation Tasmanian farmer who set out to dedicate a farm to reviving heritage breeds in modern farming; and now his free-range Wessex Saddleback pork is in high demand by some of Australia’s best chefs. In 2010, Pure South Dining was his first restaurant customer and first customer on the mainland. Oysters flown directly from St Helens and Bass Strait scallops from Stanley will also feature on the five-course dinner menu.

Matching this outstanding produce with eight of Josef Chromy’s award-winning wines, selected by the winemaker himself, makes it a culinary event for the most discerning calendars. Josef Chromy was instrumental in the development of Tasmania’s wine industry, while his state-of-the-art winery was recently awarded the Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat. Wine Selector Magazine’s Paul Diamond, will also host the event, adding his encyclopaedic knowledge of Australian cool-climate wines.

Since 2003, Pure South’s owners have developed relationships with Tasmania’s farmers, fishermen and artisan producers to capture the finest ingredients from the world’s purest seas, soil and air.
From King Island beef to artisan fishermen, dairies and remote, small producers, Michelin star executive chef David Hall and his team are spoilt for choice when it comes to fresh inspiration, plating up stunning dishes the whole year through.

Date: Friday 7 September at 6:30pm

Address: Pure South Dining, Southgate Melbourne, 3 Southgate Ave, Southbank, 3006.

Bookings: $155pp for 5 courses matched to 8 premium wines. Book now via email ps@puresouth.com.au or phone +61 3 9699 4600.

www.puresouth.com.au

–

Pure South Website

Pure South Dining

**Information and Images Courtesy of Pure South Dining/Fuller PR

Connie Lambeth

The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

EAST MALVERN FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO CENTRAL PARK

Connie Lambeth — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 05:26:25 +0000

FOOD, WINE AND GOOD TIMES RETURN TO EAST MALVERN

East Malvern Food & Wine Festival Back for 3rd year!

The 3^rd annual East Malvern Food & Wine Festival will return to East Malvern’s picturesque Central Park, boasting a vast range of exquisite wineries from all across Victoria on Sunday 18 November 2018, from 10:30am to 5:30pm.

Last year saw over 3,000 + Melbourne food and wine lovers flock to East Malvern, to enjoy over 100 wines, craft beers, and ciders, as well as a curated selection of local and regional culinary exhibitors.

Featuring more than 20 Victorian wine regions including Bendigo, Heathcote, Pyrenees, Yarra Valley, Rutherglen and Sutton Range the festival will also host a craft beer and cider producer alley featuring Coldstream Brewery, Yulli’s Brew and Bad Shepherd Brewing Co.

For the cocktail enthusiasts, unique distillers Mr Blacks and Four Pillars will be available along with refreshing Aperol Spritz partnered with a delicious central-European inspired antipasto tasting menu by Riserva Wine Store. Bar. Dining head chef Andrew Marasco at the Central Park Aperol Spritz outdoor chill lounge area and bar.

That’s not all, satisfy your hunger with a feast from local Melbourne favourite food trucks, local favourite restaurants and pop-up restaurant stalls like Richmond Oysters & Seafood Tapas, Nepal Dining, Assaggi Italani and more.

Peter Norman OAM, Chairman of Presenting Sponsor East Malvern Community Bank Branch of the Bendigo Bank said, “The focus of Community Banks is to enhance and support the local Community. Sponsorship of the Festival is an example of our focus in action.”

With some of the best Victorian produce on offer at the festival, don’t forget to bring your shopping basket to stock up on some locally produced cheeses, gourmet condiments, bespoke Christmas puddings and other festive season fare from artisanal producers such as Canning Free Range Butchery, Goldfields Farmhouse Cheese, Cider Tonic, Red Rock Olives, In2Tea, Boondero Walnuts, and many more.

We haven’t forgotten the kids either, with a full day of family and children’s entertainment planned, including live music performances on the main stage and magician master classes presented by the local Magic School of Confidence. There will be fun for the whole family, even something for the fur kids, treat them to some gourmet doggie morsels from the Canine Wellness Truck.

Delicious award winning ice cream by Timboon Fine Ice Cream, celebrating Victorian producers in the heart of East Malvern.

So come on down and enjoy a unique and intimate experience, meet the passionate winemakers and brewers, and learn about, taste and take home their premium award-winning wines and ales!

This is a free public event. All ages welcome in the picturesque Central Park. Wine tasting glasses and ticket packages are available starting at $20.

EVENT DETAILS
When: Sunday 18 November 2018, 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
@emfwfestival

The 3rd annual East Malvern Food and Wine Festival 2018 is proudly brought to you by the Festival Producer Margot Natoli with the support of our Presenting Partner the East Malvern Community Bank Branch Bendigo Bank together with sponsorship partners, Volvo Cars South Yarra, Aperol Spritz together with the in-kind support of the Glenferrie Road Malvern Business Association, the Stonnington Leader and the City of Stonnington.

**Information and Images Courtesy of East Malvern Food and Wine Festival/Supplied by Cardinal Spin PR – Matt Fraser

Connie Lambeth

The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

ROCKPOOL DINING GROUP LAUNCHES ‘RAISE A FORK FOR OUR FARMERS’ CAMPAIGN – SUNDAY 26 AUGUST

Connie Lambeth — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 03:06:04 +0000

Bavarian restaurants to donate all profits on one day to drought-stricken farmers

Rockpool Dining Group’s Bavarian restaurants are digging deep to assist drought-affected farmers and will donate all profits from 16 venues in New South Wales and Queensland on Sunday, 26 August to support drought relief.

The Bavarian and The Bavarian Beerhaüs restaurants in the drought-affected states of NSW and Qld will host Raise A Fork For Our Farmers drought relief fundraisers on the last Sunday in August. All profits made from the day’s trade will be donated to Aussie Helpers, which supports Australian farming families in need of assistance.

The Raise A Fork For Our Farmers campaign is part of an broader commitment by Rockpool Dining Group to support farmers struggling to cope with devastating drought conditions, with more fundraising to follow.

Australian farmers are at the frontline of record dry conditions that have plunged the entire state of NSW and over 50 percent of Queensland into drought. Rockpool Dining Group’s affinity with and reliance on farmers and local producers underscores its commitment to the cause.

Raise A Fork For Our Farmers drought relief fundraisers will be held at the following locations:

New South Wales

The Bavarian Beerhaüs: York Street, Sydney
The Bavarian: Bondi Beach, Castle Hill, Chatswood, Entertainment Quarter, Manly, Miranda, Parramatta, Penrith, Rouse Hill and World Square

Queensland

The Bavarian Beerhaüs: Bowen Hills, Brisbane
The Bavarian: Broadbeach, Chermside, Eagle Street Pier and Toowoomba

Diners are encouraged to bring friends and families along to a participating restaurant for lunch, dinner or simply a drink on Sunday, 26 August, safe in the knowledge that their custom will help farmers in need.

Rockpool Dining Group Chief Executive Officer Thomas Pash said Rockpool owed much to the farming community and the Raise A Fork For Our Farmers campaign was the Group’s first step in drought assistance.”

“Agriculture is the backbone of Australia and the hospitality industry,” Mr Pash said. “Farmers are our producers, suppliers, friends and peers and we want to support them and give back to our rural communities in a substantial and meaningful way.”

Rockpool Dining Group Culinary Director Neil Perry said: “We hope to see full community support for this great initiative at each of the Bavarian restaurants on Sunday, 26 August so we can make a significant contribution to the nation’s drought relief effort.”

Make online bookings here or call 02 9259 5600.

Connie Lambeth

The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events