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What’s On: GRAB A BITE OF VIVID SYDNEY

VIVID Sydney, an exciting festival of international and local innovation and experimentation in music and light installations, is just moments away. Running from 24 May to 10 June 2013 with many great pop-ups and dining destinations nearby, it is easy to stop for a bite and make a night of the bright lights, great music and big ideas.

Panama House at VIVID Terminal Bar

This year Bondi’s hottest eatery, Panama House, will be serving up dishes from south-of-the border at VIVID’s Terminal Bar, the hub of this year’s VIVID experience. The bar, in the Cargo Hall of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, will feature pop-up dining from a range of restaurants as well as wine, music and installations to celebrate the final weekend of the festival, 8-10 June. Munch on delicious street-food with family and friends, while taking in the best view of the silhouettes cast over the Sydney Opera House and other light installations across Circular Quay.

VIVID Terminal Bar

4pm until midnight 8,9,10 June, free entry

The Cargo Hall, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay

Featuring restaurants: Panama House, Mexicano, Bourke Street Bakery After Hours
Food available from 5.30pm
Astral Projekt light installation

Terminal Projekt, Vivid Music Events – 8,9 June
http://www.vividsydney.com/events/vivid-terminal-bar

Guillaume At Bennelong, Sydney Opera House

Where better to experience this year’s VIVID Festival than right in the centre of the action, under the lit-up sails of the Sydney Opera House. Set inside the world-renowned landmark, Guillaume At Bennelong’s restaurant and bar feature spectacular views across Sydney Harbour and the city, providing the perfect vantage point to take in the lights of VIVID. Taste dishes from the new autumn menu or enjoy signature dishes such as the basil-infused yellowfin tuna, Ranger’s Valley beef and passionfruit soufflé. Whatever you decide on, Guillaume At Bennelong combines the best of Australia’s fresh local produce with classical French influences from one of Australia’s most loved chefs, Guillaume Brahimi.

Guillaume At Bennelong

Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point

Open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday, lunch Thursday and Friday
http://www.guillaumeatbennelong.com.au

Ph. 02 9241 1999

ArgyleXchange – Saké Restaurant & Bar, The Cut Bar & Grill, Ananas Bar & Brasserie, The Argyle

With four extraordinary venues in one unique space, ArgyleXchange has your dining and drinking needs covered during this year’s VIVID Festival. Start with a Japanese cocktail and a side of sashimi at Saké Restaurant & Bar or champagne and oysters at Ananas Bar & Brasserie followed by French dessert. Indulge in a New York-style steak at The Cut Bar & Grill then hit the dance floor at The Argyle ‘til the early hours. With an impressive outdoor courtyard at its heart, and exceptional restaurants and bars at its soul, ArgyleXchange is the premiere one-stop dining and entertainment hub in The Rocks.

ArgyleXchange
12-20 Argyle Street, The Rocks, Sydney

Open seven days a week

http://www.argylexchange.com.au

Ph. 02 9009 0806

Free Vivid Sydney Ferry and new Vivid App for effortless exploring

With the biggest ever Vivid Light Walk set to illuminate the Sydney Harbour foreshore in just four days’ time, exploring the new sights and sounds of Vivid Sydney 2013 has just got easier, thanks to a brand new, free Vivid Sydney app, and a freeVivid Sydney Harbour Shuttle ferry service on offer from Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency which owns and manages Vivid Sydney.

On from 24 May to 10 June 2013 every night from 6pm, Vivid Sydney is set to amaze visitors with more than 60 interactive light installations and projections across Circular Quay, The Rocks, Walsh Bay, and new for this year – the western side of the Harbour Bridge at North Sydney, Fort Denison, and amazing, Australian-first water theatre performances at Darling Harbour.

Available for download now, the Vivid Sydney app includes an interactive map with points of interest, information about the projections, light installations and artists; suggested itineraries; and special features including a ‘favourites’ function that highlights ‘not to be missed’ installations to help planning for the best Vivid Sydney experience. For more information visit http://www.vividsydney.com
The freeVivid Sydney Harbour Shuttle ferry service will operate between Kirribilli, Walsh Bay and Darling Harbour from 6pm-midnight every night of the 18-day event, providing an easy way to reach North Sydney to paint the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or travel to Darling Harbour for the spectacular Vivid Aquatique water show.

“Vivid Sydney is a fantastic, free, family-friendly event, and with more attractions than ever on offer, with the new free app and free harbour shuttle, festivalgoers can plan ahead to get the most out of their Vivid Sydney experience. There are also updates and news on the Vivid Sydney Facebook and Twitter accounts,” said Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase.

“There are also great dining options with food markets, formal and family dining across the Vivid Sydney footprint,” Ms Chipchase added.

Food with a view

North Sydney’s Food and Artisan Markets will bring Bradfield Park to life from 6pm each Friday and Saturday night during Vivid Sydney, with premium arts and crafts stalls, street theatre, warming winter fare and colourful LED cube seats to sit back and enjoy the best view on earth. The markets are located under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, en route from Luna Park to the Jeffrey Street Wharf and ferry service.

There are plenty of other dining options with views of the illuminated harbour foreshore including Dinner DeLIGHTS at Fort Denison, which offers a sumptuous two-course dinner accompanied by talks from Vivid Sydney light artists, and a guided tour of the historic island which features five light walk installations. The Vivid Night Markets at The Rocks are also on every Friday and Saturday night during Vivid Sydney.

Restaurants along Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Quarter and Harbourside will give diners not only fantastic menu choices but also a perfect view of Vivid Aquatique, the water theatre by Aquatique Show International, playing on the hour throughout the night.

Darling Harbour will also feature a Citibank Pop-up Bar, open from 6pm to midnight during Vivid Sydney.

Transport information

The free Vivid Sydney Harbour Shuttle loops between Ives Steps Wharf (Walsh Bay) to Jeffrey Street Wharf (Kirribilli) to Pyrmont Bay Wharf (Pyrmont) and Towns Place Wharf (Walsh Bay). The ferry loop operates from 6pm each night during Vivid Sydney with final services at approximately midnight. The regular service departs from each wharf every 40 minutes with increased services between 8pm and 10pm. First ferry departs from Ives Steps Wharf at 6pm.

Harbour City Ferries will be operating additional services will be on the Darling Harbour Loop and the River from Sydney Olympic Park to Darling Harbour on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For timetable details visit http://www.sydneyferries.info

All Vivid Sydney precincts are within walking distance of Sydney Central Business District and North Sydney train stations – Circular Quay, Wynyard, Town Hall, Martin Place and Milsons Point.

Utilise the extensive network of public buses, metro bus services provide direct cross-city and cross-harbour links to a wide range of locations in and around Sydney.
Wilson Parking is offering convenient parking and great deals throughout the 18 days of Vivid Sydney. Pre-book your parking online to take advantage of parking discounts with Wilson Parking’s, Book a Bay.

App and Podcast information

The Vivid Sydney app is compatible with all smart phones. For more information and to download the free app visit the iTunes store or head to http://www.vividsydney.com

Podcasts are also available for download from the 702 ABC Sydney website to guide you through the light walk and provide additional sculpture information.

An information booth is located at Customs House, on Alfred Street at Circular Quay. An LED pillar close to this location also displays a site map and artwork details.

What’s On: Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge lights up in exclusive preview

More than 100,000 LEDs were ablaze in a kaleidoscope of colour on the Sydney Harbour Bridge tonight as the NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Stoner, previewed the iconic structure’s highly anticipated interactive light installation, a new spectacular addition to this year’s Vivid Sydney, ahead of the festival’s opening night on Friday 24 May.

A world-first immersive projection following a collaboration between Vivid partner, Intel Australia, and Sydney-based lightwork innovators 32 Hundred Lighting, extends the Vivid Light Walk across the harbour into the North Sydney precinct for the first time.

The Deputy Premier illuminated the western face of the iconic structure in a colourful rainbow of bold pinks, reds, blues and greens from an interactive touchscreen located on the Luna Park boardwalk. He was joined by Kate Burleigh, Managing Director Intel Australia & New Zealand; North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson; and Iain Reed from 32 Hundred Lighting.

“Vivid Sydney has created a historic moment for Sydney – showing the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge in a way never seen before and for visitors to interact with one of our most iconic structures, every night of the 18-day festival,” Mr Stoner said.

IXIAH takes out the top prize for the 100 Squared and Shop Til You Drop Emerging Designer Search!

100 Squared Emerging Designer Market in conjunction with Shop til You Drop and Westfield Sydney are pleased to announce the winner of the Emerging Designer Search as Krystel Davis’ clothing label IXIAH.

IXIAH, a Sydney-based fashion label, is essentially for those with an individualistic spirit, who dare to be different but not necessarily eccentric. The label’s apparel and accessories consist of rare elements including unique bindings and gilded tapestries creating a unique look. The sophisticated tailoring, formed by sharp shoulders, high waists and military styling is contrasted with raw organic elements, creating the signature look that Davis is becoming renown for within her collections.

Shop til You Drop editor Brooke Bickmore was part of the judging panel who selected IXIAH to take out the top prize, “The quality of the entries proved how much untapped design genius exists in this country, and the importance of nurturing fresh talent. IXIAH’s attention to detail really stood out – the mix of hard and soft textures, intricate cut-work and sharply tailored leather ensure every piece is a wardrobe keeper.

“Perfect for our laid-back lifestyle – beautiful, unique clothes you don’t have to think about”
Justin Levy, founder of 100 Squared, echoed Bickmore’s sentiments, “IXIAH is going to be a welcome addition to the 100 Squared portfolio. The design skill shown through the collection is extremely professional and the aesthetic is very on-trend, something that the Westfield Sydney customers will definitely respond to. We felt IXIAH was a deserving winner and can’t wait to watch them grow with this opportunity”.

To herald their entry to 100 Squared, IXIAH is launching in style with an event on Thursday 23rd May, 2013. Between 6pm and 8pm guests will be treated to the unveiling of the new IXIAH Winter Collection, with the chance to purchase pieces for their wardrobe on the night. They can also take advantage of getting style tips for their IXIAH favourites from designer Krystel Davis and enjoy refreshments from Perrier and C Coconut Water, all to a soundtrack set by the Bondi House DJs. Photographers Drew English and Life Without Andy will be present and snapping away on the night. There will also be a $1,000 wardrobe giveaway up for grabs on the night.

IXIAH is available in 100 Squared from Monday the 20th of May until Sunday the16th of June, 2013 with a free-standing space located near the entry to ZARA on Level One of Westfield Sydney. To learn more about IXIAH and check out their designs head to the 100 Squared Facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/100squared

EVENT DETAILS
Date:​​Thursday 23rd May, 2013
Time: ​​6pm – 8pm
Location:​IXIAH @ 100 Squared, Westfield Sydney
Located near the entry to ZARA, Level 1, Westfield Sydney,
Pitt Street Mall, Sydney

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.

What’s On: Fashion Weekend Sydney 2013 – Sydney’s Essential Designer Shopping & Catwalk Event

Sydney’s most exclusive designer shopping and catwalk event is back – and it’s officially packed!
Get the girls together and plan the ultimate fashion packed weekend.

Fashion Weekend Sydney 2013 tickets are on sale now from Ticketek – http://www.ticketek.com.au/fashionweekend

Fashion Weekend will open on Thursday May 16 at 5pm to Sunday May 19 at the Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park. Sponsored by SHOP Til You Drop, [yellow tail], TONI&GUY, NP Set, Sally Hansen and more, Fashion Weekend is the only fashion event in every fashionistas diary this season.

Prepare yourself for incredible discounts from your favourite designers, sensational catwalk shows, luxury pampering, on trend style advice from the SHOP editors at the Fashion Clinic and bubbles on tap at the [yellow tail] Bar.

Join the fashion pack and experience the front row glitz of the full runway experience. The Fashion Weekend Catwalk is set to dazzle and inspire with a sensational show featuring over 100 leading looks from Australia’s most sought after designers. Sit front row and catch the latest trends before you shop for your ultimate designer wardrobe (at a fraction of its normal retail price!).

Once you’ve picked your favourite looks for the season, hit the event floor to literally SHOP til you drop! With over 100 leading designers showcasing their collections at amazing discounts of up to 70% off, Fashion Weekend is the hub for Sydney style and pure shopping heaven. Don’t miss designers such Natasha, Peeptoe, Rodeo Show, Bec & Bridge, Levis, Christensen Copenhagen, Something Else, Stylestalker, Nicole Finetti, Maurie & Eve…just to name a few!

Get your next fix with a visit to the BEAUTY HUB – Take a seat at NP Set, who will have you looking fly in a flash with their mini make-overs and glam lashes. The awardwinning team at TONI&GUY will be on hand to coiffure your locks while nail experts at the Sally Hansen Nail Salon will brighten your day with a coat of new colour. Finally finish off your beautification with a professional model shoot at The Photo Studio.

And a girl’s day out of shopping and pampering would not be complete without a wine! Head to the [yellow tail] Bar and unwind with a glass of your favourite wine – it’s the ultimate fashionista’s day out!

Fashion Weekend 2013 is not to be missed, get your tickets now! Visit http://www.fashionweekend.com.au for more information.

Opening times

Thursday 16th May (Opening night) – 5pm – 9pm Friday 17th may – 12pm – 9pm

Saturday 18th May – 10am – 5pm

Sunday 19th May – 10am- 5pm

Ticket Types:

VIP – $99 valid any day. Strictly limited tickets; includes access to private lounge, complimentary drinks, private till point and bathroom and sponsor goodies.

Platinum – shop and Front Tier catwalk seat: $60 Thursday (incl glass of [yellow tail]),
$50 Friday – Sunday
Gold – shop and general seating in catwalk: $50 Thursday (incl glass of [yellow tail), $40 Friday – Sunday
Silver – shop only:

$30 Thursday (incl glass of [yellow tail), $20 Friday – Sunday

What’s On: People’s Choice Awards Shake Up 2013 Disaronno Mixing Star

The public will have the chance to vote for their favourite cocktail in the Disaronno Mixing Star People’s Choice Awards hosted by actor and director Gracie Otto on Wednesday 15 May 2013.

This exclusive consumer event will be held at the The Loft, Sydney at 6pm – 9pm where three bartenders will compete for the People’s Choice Awards, by showcasing their original Disaronno cocktail creations that have been inspired by a favourite film scene.

Guests can sample and judge the specialty cocktails while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres.

The top three cocktails will be chosen from 15 submissions from around Australia judged by Club Suntory (www.clubsuntory.com) and selected to compete in the Disaronno Mixing Star National Final cocktail-making competition. The final three cocktails on offer will have been judged on the quality and taste of their cocktails and their creative link to the film scene.

At the event, the three final cocktails will be available for the public to taste and decide which cocktail should win the first ever Disaronno Mixing Star People’s Choice Awards.

Where: The Loft, 3 Lime Street When: Wednesday, 15 May 2013 Time: 6pm – 9pm
Entry: Free

For more information or recipe ideas visit http://www.themixingstar.com OR http://www.facebook.com/themixingstar

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