Foodies

SOCIAL SPY** The Bucket List Local Produce Dinner

What better way to support our local farmers than by using local produce in our community? Well that’s exactly what The Bucket List’s Head Chef Tom Walton plans on doing.

Bondi’s popular beach-front restaurant is putting on a succession of meals using organic food as part of the Local Produce Dinner series.

“Through the dinner series we are giving guests a feast using the freshest local and seasonal produce and preparing it simply,” Tom says.

“We want to raise the awareness of the great farmers and producers we have right here on our doorstep.”

The dinners are hosted in conjunction with Food Orbit, and founder James Nathan wants to develop a bigger relationship between wholesale buyers, such as chefs and restaurateurs, to trade with local farmers, so that real food can be brought to food lovers.

“We’re giving farmers and producers an online presence and a platform to connect, build relationships and trade online with the growing number of chefs and wholesale buyer wanting their produce,” James says.

“In putting these dinners on with Tom, it’s great to get to work with a chef who shares our passion to showcase exactly that.”

Guests had the opportunity to sample goods from brewers, wineries, farmers and producers in and around Sydney, The Hawkesbury River, Southern Highlands, Leppington, Newtown and even as close as Bondi Beach – talk about eating from your doorstep!

Each dinner has a different free range meat, starting with the Free Range Lamb, but that wasn’t the only food on offer. There were a host of starters including organic mushrooms, crisp herb polenta and roast carrots.

Attendees gulped back wine from Newtown Brewery, Young Henrys, as well as a delicious sipping on a delicious 2006 Crossroads Riesling and 2008 Pinot Noir, provided by Terini Wines.

Upcoming dinners in the series include:

Free range beef – Wednesday June 5

Free range pig on a spit – Thursday July 11

Organic Free Range Chicken and Venison – Thursday July 25

Local Sustainable Seafood – August 8

Don’t miss out on trying some of the finest food that Sydney has to offer – check outhttp://thebucketlistbondi.com

Jennifer Fletcher attended the event on behalf of Sydney Social 101.

*Prices start from $80 per head inclusive of all wine, beer and sparkling water.

SOCIAL SPY** The Crane Bar Restaurant Launch

The Crane Bar Restaurant, Sydney’s hot new Japanese eatery in Potts Point, opened its door to VIP guests and socialites last night.

Geishas and traditional Japanese drummers greeted guests on the red carpet outside the stylish restaurant.

Celebs attending the bash included X Factor host Luke Jacobz, Home & Away’s Dan Ewing and his wife Marni Little.

Taking the bar by storm, resident mixologist Thiago Santos created cocktails and also on offer was delicious Japanese canapés selected from the menu. Top chef Tiachi Ito impressively carved a 50kg fresh Tuna into bite-sized servings of sashimi.

Inside and outside the establishment was packed with attendees and the atmosphere was buzzing as a DJ pumped out upbeat tunes in the garden, which was decorated with oriental paper lanterns.

“We’ve been inundated with interest about tonight’s event and the venue in general,” Sarah Budge, co-owner said about the launch.

The venue is situated on Bayswater road and holds a 24 hours license for late night diners. Corporate and social events are also available.

For more information about the sophisticated hip new eating place go to http://www.cranesydney.com/

Sydney Social’s roving reporter Jennifer Fletcher attended the launch last night.

What’s New: YEBISU IZAKAYA OPENS IN SYDNEY’S J-VILLAGE

Yebisu, Sydney’s funkiest new izakaya bar and restaurant, has opened in Regent Place, George Street, just opposite Sydney Town Hall. Dubbed Sydney’s ‘J-Village’, the revitalised Regent Place and surrounding neighbourhood is home to a number of Sydney’s best Japanese food and drink destinations including authentic ramen soup shop Tenkomori and Sydney’s first specialist matcha teahouse Chanoma Café.

Izakaya dining is fast becoming the go-to way of eating in Sydney with Yebisu’s extensive menu covering yakitori and other grill items as well as a huge roster of other Japanese classic hits such as sushi, sashimi, hot pots, noodles and fried dishes. Specialised chefs are assigned to each style of cooking with Yebisu’s yakitori master sending out signature dishes such as chicken skewers (breast, thigh, giblet, meatball, wing or skin) plus pork belly, whole whiting or maybe baby squid. Vegetables are covered too with shiitake, water spinach and zucchini.

Leading the way in new-age restaurant technology, Yebisu also offers diners a fully integrated iPad ordering system with each table featuring its own iPad menu for customers to browse and order from. This state-of-the-art system and one of the first in Sydney allows diners to see what stage their order is at, from ‘order placed’ to ‘cooking currently’ to ‘on its way to the table’. Diners also have constant access to a running list of what food and drink has been ordered and a total cost of the bill. Interaction with waitstaff is up to you.

As well as food, you can also choose from Yebisu’s specialised sake list, several Japanese craft beers, wine and cocktails from your own personal iPad. A bespoke sake trolley also circulates the room with a specialist on hand to help navigate the extensive list. Once ordered, the sake is poured ceremoniously at the table with much fanfare, in true izakaya style.

Yebisu’s funky fit-out is boldly ‘east meets west’, reflecting the old and the new face of Japan. Traditional and obviously Japanese in its detail, the modern street art, courtesy of Coffs Harbour-based graffiti artist Ash Johnston, adds a truly urban edge. The exterior of the restaurant features brightly lit neon signage running alongside glowing paper lanterns traditionally found outside izakaya bars in Japan. Sydney-based Giant Designs are responsible for Yebisu’s impressive interiors as well as the fit out of its J-Village neighbours, Chanoma Cafe and Tenkomori.

Yebisu Izakaya is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week at Regent Place on George Street.

Yebisu Izakaya

Regent Place

501 George Street, near Bathurst Street

Sydney

http://www.regentplace.com.au

Opening hours:

Lunch seven days from 12-3pm

Dinner Sunday to Thursday from 5-11pm, Friday to Saturday from 5pm-midnight

Social Spy** Rebirth of the Marly, Hotel Marlborough launches Garden Bar

1May 2013 Hotel Marlborough, Newtown

The Marly invites you to come play in its garden

Last night, Sydney Social was invited to the VIP opening of Hotel Marlborough’s new Garden Bar in Newtown.

As the name suggests, The Garden Bar is an outdoor courtyard (heated during the chillier months) that has been opened up and transformed, showing off an indoor/outdoor hangout like no other in Newtown. The interior hosts a wild mash of styles, from feminine and romantic, green and organic, to edgy exposed brick and providing a stark contrast to the Marly’s classic exterior.

Fun, fruity cocktails were served alongside tray after tray of backyard classics by new Head Chef, Ernie Priestley. Having previously worked at the Abercrombie Hotel, Norfolk Hotel, Keystone, Merivale and Universal, Ernie has packed the menu with classed-up pub favourite, heaps of vegetarian offerings and old school Aussie classics such as fish fingers and a cheese platter. We highly recommend the fried scallops!

The new refurb plays up the garden theme with lush greenery, a sweet assortment of candy colours and a whimsical love seat. Touches of exposed brick and pops of lipstick are part of the overall re-launch of the Hotel Marlborough. “We have respected the heritage of the venue on the exterior, restoring heritage cream tiles and specially hand blown green tiles – but new venue like the Garden Bar will sit a long way from what the old Marly offered,” said Paddy Coughlin, CEO of the Riversdale Group.

The Iconic establishment has a rich history with more than 150 years of trade. “I love the history of the Marly, and it’s a great looking pub. It lost its way in recent years though so we’re going to give it a fresh new focus, and the timing couldn’t be better. Newtown is undergoing a massive resurgence in terms of pubs and clubs and as biggest and one of the best positioned in the area we’re looking forward to leading the charge for change,” adds Paddy.

The night could not have been more perfect for a night in the new Garden Bar. A full house of media and VIPs and celebs including Roy Billing, Michelle Leslie and Adam Zammit, Sally Singleton, Callan Ward, Jon Giles, Stephen Coniglio, Dom Tyson, Phil Davis, Toby Greene, Stephen Gilham (AFL Players, GWS Giants) partied with Singo, Paddy Coughlan, Ned Kelly, Mark Carnegie and Geoff Dixon in celebrating the re-birth of the Marly.

The Garden Bar at the Hotel Marlborough is open from 12PM – very late seven days for a cheeky backyard bevvie and burger

Hotel Marlborough – 145 King StreetNewtownwww.marlboroughhotel.com.au

SOCIAL SPY** Toi et Moi Sydney & Le Super Shop Launch

French women have always been seen in a league of their own when it comes to elegance – they invented chic, their accent alone can turn mens legs turn to jelly and they take the fashion world by storm, so with the launch of the Toi et Moi Sydney’s latest summer collection you can now capture the magic of Parisian style right here Down Under!

Last night, the Parisian-inspired fashion label launched their cool new ‘Une Romance Moderne’ summer and ‘Metropolitain’ Resort 2013 collections at Paddington’s L’etoile Restaurant, owned by ‘My Kitchen Rules’ celebrity chef Manu Feildel.

Set against a romantic leafy backdrop, guests were ushered into the court at the back of the restaurant, decorated with flowers by Ashleigh Stewart for Clemetine Posy, for a sneak peek of the new range. Fancy hor d’oeurves and Jacob’s Creek wine made the rounds, as attendees waited with anticipation for the show to start.

Models sported Bardot-inspired hair, created by Scott Sloan of Sloans of Lane Cove, and took to the catwalk wearing statement dresses with bold print, bright colours that oozed a European style.

Guests were then wished ‘bon apetit’ as they were treated to an intimate candle-lit dinner, and big brown gift boxes were filled with goodies, including a one-off vintage vinyl frame directly from Paris itself!

Toi et Moi first entered the fashion world just over three years ago, and has since evolved from casual T-shirts to a sleek, classic women’s wear which now reaches fashionistas on a global scale, as the brand is available in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and now America – apparently items have been flying off the shelf quicker than you can say ‘oui’!

The owner, and mother of four, Gill Lawrence frequents Paris twice a year, for inspiration and in January the brand celebrated its introduction into superstore Myer.

Coinciding with the event, was the announcement of the launch of Le Super Shop, the online home of Toi et Moi Sydney and the marketplace for other cool, unique French finds, curated by Gill and her French husband, Thierry Lavirotte.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get your hands on this über cool collection which infuses French soul with a laid back Aussie twist.

For more information on Le Super Shop visit http://shop.lesupershop.com/

Sydney Social’s roving reporter Jennifer Fletcher attended the launch yesterday.

What’s On: ANZAC DAY 2013

So we’re excited that ANZAC Day is almost upon us, a day where we can remember our loved ones, neighbours and friends that have given their lives to protecting our country.

In keeping with tradition, ANZAC Day marks the one day of the year where gambling games are legal in all pubs and clubs in Australia – notably 2-Up!

We are also very lucky to get a day off work! Here is our guide to the best spots across Sydney to celebrate ANZAC Day.

The Australian

The Australian at The Rocks will be sharing the ANZAC spirit on the city’s largest and most exciting 2-Up Arena.
Date: Thursday, April 25
Time: Open from 8.00am and 2-Up from midday-late
Address: 100 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
For further information: http://www.australianheritagehotel.com

The Glenmore

Salute and commemorate our courageous Diggers with a cold beer and Aussie BBQ. Play 2-Up from midday on the hugely popular outdoor arena.
Date: Thursday, April 25
Time: Open from 8.00am and 2-Up from midday-late
Address: 96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
For further information: http://www.theglenmore.com.au

KIT Wednesdays is upping the ante with a combined celebration for ANZAC Day Eve
· DCUP
· Steve Frank
· Zannon
· Alex Preston

Bungalow 8 |3 Lime St, Sydney
When: ANZAC Day- Thursday 25th April
Time : From 11am
· Massive 2UP arena
· Celebrity tossers
· Aussie tunes
· Bagpipe band
· The Last Post (played at 5:45pm sharp)
· $15 cocktail jugs served till 4pm

Cargo Bar |52-60 The Promenade, Sydney
When: ANZAC Day- Thursday 25th April
Time: From 11am
· All day BBQ and outdoor bar
· Biggest 2UP arena to date
· Playing the Last Post (5:30pm sharp)
· The party will continue into the night with some classic Aussie tunes from DJ’s KATO, Liz Bird, Adam Bozzetto and loads more

Newtown Hotel | 174 King St, Newtown
When: ANZAC Day- Thursday 25th April
Time: From 1 pm
· 2UP
· Fosters cans $5
· Free sausage sizzle
· DJs from sunset, PHDJ, Shantan Wantan Ichiban, Meem

Sugarmill Hotel | 37 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point
When: ANZAC Day- Thursday 25th April
Time: From 10am
· 2:30pm AFL live Essendon vs Collingwood
· 4:00pm NRL live Roosters vs Dragons
· 7:00pm NRL live Storm vs Warriors

Sweethearts Rooftop BBQ |37 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point
When: ANZAC Day- Thursday 25th April
Time: From 10am
· Sweethearts will be open ALL ANZAC DAY from midday to midnight.
· TAPPY HOUR from 4-7pm when all tap beer and wine is $5

Some other key places that are fab for ANZAC are:

Dicks – Balmain

The Beach Road Hotel – Bondi

Coogee Bay Hotel – Coogee

The Royal – Paddington

Have fun!!!!

What’s on: Spice it up – The Botanist

Botanist has been spicing up the Kirribilli area since they opened their doors four months ago.To keep spicing things up they’re now launching a new innovative cocktail and food menu, as well as a pioneering new website.

The restaurants name references illustrious Botanist Gerard Fothergill who travelled the world researching plants, and whose last years of his life were spent running a small bookshop in the very building the restaurant now occupies. The Botanist pays homage to these historical and botanical themes of exploration and discovery, creating food and cocktail menus using abundant offerings of fresh produce, herbs and spices.

The global share plate menu, designed by head chef Justin Walshe (formerly of Bathers’ Pavilion), is made for exactly that, sharing, with dishes including salt & pepper encrusted squid, soft polenta with sautéed mushrooms, and a slow roasted whole pork knuckle.The launch of the new food menu this month will include exciting additions with a Mexican flare such as soft shell tacos with the choice of marinated beef, chilli chicken, grilled fish or spiced mixed vegetables, Quesadillas of chicken and sweet corn.

Co-owner Hamish Watts has also constructed a new cocktail menu that continues to reflect the Botanist themes with simple and elegant flower and spiced infusions, keeping in tune with what he believes people really want, put simply and in his own words “Enjoyable, classically made drinks with flare, focusing on fresh, lively flavours”. New additions include the Flower Doctor made with Botanist Gin, tequila based Mexican Garden and a new share cocktail called Grandma’s Vase.

The Botanist’s new responsive web site design works seamlessly across desktop and hand-held devices. You can gain access to food and beverage menus, find out information about functions or group bookings and even read Gerard’s Log Book where you will find the latest news, press and events for the Kirribilli Botanist. The Botanist caters to its surrounds perfectly and is Kirribilli’s first small bar and restaurant. Combining the historical with the modern to create a winning formula,
The Botanist continues to bring some much needed spice to the local area.

Keep your eyes peeled for Sydney Social’s VIP coverage of the official launch!

Easter news: CELEBRATE EASTER WITH CHOCOLATE BY THE BALD MAN

Easter is just a bunny hop away, and to celebrate the most indulgent long weekend of the year, Australia’s favourite chocolate based cafe, Max Brenner, is introducing its new and utterly delectable, 2013 Easter Collection.

Conjuring up choc-filled memories of Easter’s past, this unique gift range is true to the Max Brenner vision – offering a deliciously wonderful and nostalgic experience with each and every bite. From mouth-watering chocolate bars to traditional chocolate eggs, the opportunities are endless when it comes to satisfying (and spoiling) even the most discerning choc-lover:

Classic Fine Chocolate Egg; deliciously smooth and rich chocolate eggs, this traditional favourite is perfect for Easter hunts with the family… or to enjoy all to yourself. Available in milk or dark chocolate ($2.50, 40g or 10 eggs $22.50, 400g).

Max’s Box of Chox; for big and small kids a-like, Max’s Box of Chox contains 20 solid pure milk chocolate egglets. Personalise with your special message, and this becomes the ultimate Easter gift. (RRP: $9.80, 150g)

The Speck-tacular Egg; playfully artistic in design, this delicious and extravagant Easter treat is inspired by Max Brenner’s best-selling product, Nuts (caramelised pecans rolled in rich praline cream and fine cocoa powder)! Featuring rich milk chocolate speckled with unpredictable pecan chunks and crunchy toffee bits: this is truly a treasure among eggs…. (RRP: $16.00, 120g).

Max Brenner Chocolate Bars; presented in chic and colourful packaging, the Max Brenner Chocolate Bars redefine the traditional ‘Chocolate Bar’. Deliciously sleek in nature, these thin Chocolate Bars are available in milk chocolate with caramel pieces and sea salt and Dark Chocolate with caramelized cocoa nibs– drool! (RRP: $8.00, 100g)

White Chocolate studded with Colourful Chocolate Buttons; Let your childhood fantasies come true with these addictive chunky white chocolate slabs studded with colourful chocolate buttons. Deliciously fun for the mini Max’s or for the inner-child in all of us (RRP: Sold by weight, $10 per 100g)

Praline Mixed With Peanut Butter; one of Max’s best selling Pralines comes alive this Easter with a deliciously festive print. Buy these moorish milk chocolate Pralines mixed with peanut butter individually or add them to one of Max’s many Praline boxes. (RRP: $1.90 each, or Box of 9 $21.00)

So whether you’re looking to spoil yourself or your loved ones this Easter, hop to your closest Max Brenner Chocolate Bar or Shop your Experience on the Online Shop (www.shop.maxbrenner.com.au) – the go-to-place for chocolate goodness this Easter.

For more information about Max Brenner or to visit your closest Chocolate Bar location visit the Max Brenner website: http://www.maxbrenner.com.au

What’s on: The Strand Arcade is seeking out all chocolate lovers!

With the Easter long weekend upon us, The Strand Arcade is seeking out all chocolate lovers!

The Strand Arcade boasts an abundance of succulently sweet retailers including Haigh’s Chocolates, French inspired patisserie Sweet Infinity and boutique chocolatier Bon Bon Fine Chocolates to satisfy every craving.

The Strand Arcade takes the indulgence one step further, with the chance for one lucky shopper to win a year’s supply of Haigh’s chocolates. Yum!

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ARRAS Matches The Best In Food And Wine For Aussie Wine Month

Image: Arras – co–owners/head chefs Adam and Lovaine Humphrey and sommelier Alon Sharman.

I was invited to sample Arras’ menu a few months ago, let me just say that you will not be disappointed! So I’m more than happy to let you all know about the exciting plans that the owners have for Aussie Wine Month.

On Friday 19 April, modern European restaurant ARRAS will be teaming up with family-owned local producers, Freeman Vineyards, for a beautiful four-course dinner with matching wines in celebration of Aussie Wine Month.

One-hatted ARRAS is run by young British chefs Adam and Lovaine Humphrey. The husband and wife duo bring with them a wealth of experience from top restaurants across Europe and Australia including the three Michelin-starred Michel Bras in France, Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck and the Castle Hotel in England.

The seasonally changing menu features an innovative interpretation on European dishes, served in the colourful surrounds of unique design features including a graffiti mural by Sydney graffiti artistAz One, aka Andy Steel, and bespoke Paul Smith suit-fabric dining chairs.

Freeman Vineyards is located in the Hilltops region of New South Wales. This small, specialist family wine company is run by Dr Brian Freeman, along with his daughters Marcelle and Xanthe. It is best known for its Italian inspired wines – Secco, Fortuna and Rondo Rose – that have been produced by the family since 2002.

The one-off dinner will include four courses and ARRAS’s famous petit fours matched to the Fortuna, Rondo and Secco wines for just $120 per person.

Friday 19 April, 7pm start
ARRAS
204 Clarence Street
Sydney, NSW 2000

For further information or to make a booking, call 02 9283 1922, email reservations@restaurantarras.com.au or visit http://www.restaurantarras.com.au