Darlinghurst

Sydney’s Cheap Eats 101

Feeling the purse strings tightening this month? These cheap and delicious eats will have you sorted till pay day, whilst keeping your social life in tact.

These are some of the best cheap eats you’ll find in Sydney – tried and tested by our very own food reviewer, who’s eaten her way through Sydney (Pac-man style).

We have you covered for every day of the week…

Monday

Forresters: Newly revamped with a fresh new menu that’s drool-worthy. Putting up a delicious and juicy $5 steak all day – comes with mash and gravy, just buy a drink!

336 Riley Street Surry Hills
(02) 9212 3035

The Norfolk: Does killer mini burgers for $4 each. Choose from seven mouth-watering options including Cheese Burger, Feelin O Fish, Chicken Katsu, Pork Belly, El Nino and for the vego’s – the almighty “Mac ‘N’ Cheese.”

305 Cleveland St. Surry Hills
(02) 9699 3177

The Dolphin: Do a pretty damn good Grain fed Rump steak Monday-Wednesday. Comes with your Choice of Fries or Mash, 3 Sauces + Green Salad for only $12

412 Crown Street Surry Hills
(02)9331 4800

The Passage: Serves their tender Angus Sirloin Steak with Red Wine Jus and crisp shoe string fries or only $10.

231 Victoria Street Darlinghurst NSW 2010
(02) 9358 6116

They don’t call it tight-arse Tuesday for nothing…..

The Passage: Have a massive 50% off their food menu. This includes crispy golden Zucchini Flowers stuffed with goats cheese and perfectly drizzled with truffle honey…to die for!

The Norfolk: $3 tacos madness – these are positively delish and come in beef, pork, veg, chicken, fish and duck encased in a soft tortilla, garnished with an array of fresh mex favourites and topped off with their famous chipotle mayo…yum!

Wednesday:

The Passage: Is a winner again with $4 sliders and ciders all day long.

 

You can choose from the 3 standard options from the a la carte menu as well as a weekly “slider du jour.” Recent additions have included Veal Saltimbocca w/ Sweet Potato Rosti and Cheesy Polenta.

You can also choose from Slow-Roasted Goose w/ Chestnut Stuffing, Cassis Onion Marmalade and Horseradish Cream….drool!

Johnny Wong’s Dumpling Bar: $1 Dumpling mania. Choose from 4 tantalising options including pork, prawn gow gee, chicken and water chestnut and vegetarian. Sharing is caring so stock up!

Kinselas Building (next to The Standard and half way up the stairs towards Lo-Fi)
Level 1, 383 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst
(02) 9331 3100

The Carrington: $3 Pintxos – Individual morsels of goodness that are gone in just a couple of bites. These include a potato tortilla stack with jamon and cheese and AMAZING black paella balls. These options change each week so you’ll want to come back and try them all!

563 Bourke Street Surry Hills
(02) 9360 4714

Thursday

Hugo’s: Try its award winning pizza for only $5. The crust is perfectly waif thin with toppings that include all your traditional favourites with a chic twist. Choose from chilli prawn (personal fave), Pork Belly, Ham & Pineapple, Pepperoni and a sensational truffle mushroom one for the vegos.

1/33 Bayswater Road Potts Point
(02) 9332 1227

Don Don: A great little gem in the heart of Oxford St – serving delectable sushi hand rolls from only $2, delicious rice bowls (that come with a side of tasty U-Don soup) as well as all of your favourite Japanese cuisine all week long.

Friday

El Loco: For some fun, post drinking nourishment head to this local haunt – serving up tasty pockets of heaven till the wee hours. Choices include lemongrass beef, spit roasted pork, prawn, chilli marinated tofu, chicken, and (for those who are feeling extra courageous after a few beverages) “The Secret Taco.”

Excelsior Hotel
64 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills
(02) 9211 4945

Chat Thai: All your authentic Thai favourites and cheap as chips! Top picks include Pad Si Ew. and Emerald Duck. They also have an insane selection of Thai deserts that come in all sorts of colours, textures and flavours, including do-nut fingers with Pandan custard dip and Mango sticky rice. Open till 2am for those looking for a late night fix.

They also won the SMH Everyday Eats Overall Champion Award this year! They have a more upmarket offering at Westfield Pitt Street Mall, they also really push for the affordable food angle!

In addition to this branch, they also have a branch on Manly Wharf, so you can even get your Chat Thai fix at the beach! It used to be a take-away bar, but now is a fully fledged restaurant with about 50 seats and should receive its liquor licence in mid-December! Woop!

20 Campbell Street, Haymarket (02) 9211 180

So this is the first of many ‘ Cheap Eats’ posts for Sydney Social 101! If you have any specific suburb requests, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

This post was compiled by Sydney Social 101′s roving food reporter, Sasha Tsibulya.

SYDNEY SOCIAL 101′S MELBOURNE CUP INSPIRATION

So silly season is almost upon us and the true start of the festivities bestowed upon Australians over the summer period is of course the Melbourne Cup!

Sydney Social 101 has compiled a guide for the Melbourne Cup celebrations across Sydney.

In no order of preference, here they are in all their glory:

FOUR POINTS SHERATON

The Heritage Atrium will boast: Sweeps a DJ, the must-have Projection screen & TV’s so that you can capture the action as it unfolds,  lucky door prizes, a fashion show and live cooking stations.

All this for just $55 per person, which  includes all food and a glass of Chandon on arrival. Bookings here.
HUGOS
GRAZIA will be hosting the ‘Get Racey’ luncheon at Hugos Bar Pizza with Editor Amy Molloy. Tickers are $120 pp includes a 3-course lunch plus all beverages. If this sounds like an event you’d like to back, bookings can be made at 02 9357 4411.

KEYSTONE

The functions teams at Keystone are raring to go with a range of Melbourne cup packages. With a range of delicious meals, beer, bubbles on offer and big screens in each venue what better way to make sure you don’t miss out on the action! Each Melbourne cup package includes big screens, sweeps & fashion on the field. Plus TAB facilities a stone throw away from each venue.

The Loft, King Street Wharf – $99 per person, cocktail style. This includes a premium 3 hour beverage package and 8 piece canapé style lunch. For more information, contact 02 8070 2400 or functionsandevents@tksg.com.au

Cargo Lounge, King Street Wharf – $99 per person, cocktail style. This includes a premium 3 hour beverage package and 8 piece canapé style lunch. For more information, contact 02 8070 2400 or functionsandevents@tksg.com.au

Cargo Bar, King Street Wharf – $99 per person, sit down lunch. Includes 3 drinks and a 3 course meal, of a shared antipasto platter to start, alternate main and dessert canapés. To book, contact 02 9262 1777 or info@cargobar.com.au

Bungalow 8, King Street Wharf – $120 per person, sit down lunch. Includes 3 drinks and a 3 course meal, of entrée, alternative main, followed by dessert canapés. To book, contact 02 9299 4660 or info@bungalow8sydney.com

The Sugar Mill, Potts Point – $59 per person, sit down lunch. Includes 3 drinks and a 3 course meal, alternate main and shared dessert platter. To book, contact 02 9363 7333 or info@sugarmill.com.au

Kit & Kaboodle, Potts Point – $89 per person, cocktail style. Includes a premium 3 hour beverage package and 8 piece canapé style lunch. For more information, contact 02 8070 2400 or email functionsandevents@tksg.com.au

Gazebo Wine Garden, Potts Point – $130 per person, sit down lunch. Includes a glass of bubbles on arrival, 4 course lunch with a selection of 3 mains. To book, contact 02 9357 5333 or email info@gazebowinegarden.com.au

The Winery, Surry Hills – Choose between two options 1) $120 per person, cocktail style. Includes a glass of bubbles on arrival and a laneway style BBQ.  Or 2) $130 per person, sit down lunch. Includes a glass on arrival, 4 course seafood lunch with a selection of two mains. To book, contact 02 9331 0833 or email info@thewinerysurryhills.com.au

Manly Wine, Manly – $110 per person, sit down lunch. Includes a glass of bubbles on arrival plus a choice of his or hers 4 course menu with alternative mains. To Book, contact 02 8966 9000 or email info@manlywine.com.au

MERIVALE

The Kids Cup at ivy Charity luncheon is being held at the Ivy Ballroom of course! Tickets range from $200 per person or $2000 for a table. The cost includes three-course lunch including Chandon NV, wine and beer as well as sweepstakes, entertainment and live coverage of the race. All profits raised will go to Cure Our Kids. Bookings can be made here: 02 9240 3000

THE BERESFORD

Melbourne Cup After-Party at Upstairs Beresford. Punters can choose to continue the horseplay after the big race. Free entry and live entertainment including Furnace & The Fundamentals to party the night away, music to our ears!

BAVARIAN BIER CAFE

Bavarian Bier Café gears up for the race that stops the nation – The glamour and excitement of Melbourne Cup is fast approaching and Bavarian Bier Café is hosting fever pitched fun across its restaurants including CBD favourites O’Connell and York Street, Moore Park’s Entertainment Quarter, beachside suburbs Manly and Bondi, the north side’s Crows Nest and Chatswood, and Parramatta in the city’s west.

Whether you are excited to have a flutter on the horses or simply hoping to soak up the atmosphere of race day, Bavarian Bier Café is the place to treat yourself to more than just the office sweepstake this Melbourne Cup – with all participating venues screening the afternoon of racing live.

Special Cup day festivities include:

o    Sweepstakes, spot prizes and live screenings of the race across all restaurants.

o    Set menus including delicious homemade pretzels, Bavarian deli platters, schnitzels and traditional apple strudel. 2 course $49pp and 3 course $59pp. For bookings at Manly, Crows Nest, O’Connell Street and York Street restaurants.

o    Best dressed prize awarded to the most glamorous guy and gal.

Racing enthusiasts and aspiring trackside princesses alike can celebrate Melbourne Cup in true Bavarian style at Bavarian Bier Café. For more information about Melbourne Cup at Bavarian Bier Café, visit http://www.bavarianbiercafe.com/  or book by emailing reservations@bavarianbiercafe.com or callling 02 9259 5680.

Mumm Champagne Spring Carnival Bar at The BELLEVUE

Located upstairs at the Bellevue, the beautiful NV Mumm Champagne Spring Carnival Bar, styled by designer Michelle Leslie, was saturated with spring flowers, candles, painted murals, a freshly ‘turfed’ outdoor terrace and splashes of Mumm red and gold from the red carpet leading upstairs to lamp shades and Mumm imagery.

Set to be the place to be in Sydney during the spring racing carnival, the stylish ‘pop up’ bar will host Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Derby Day, as well as a special men’s dinner, a sumptuous Damien Pignolet dinner and the ultimate in Melbourne Cup day celebrations.

Bellevue Hotel co-owner and Riversdale Group CEO Paddy Coughlan welcomed guests, while ambassador for the NV Mumm Champagne Spring Carnival Bar Laura Csortan told VIP and celeb partygoers she was thrilled to be back from LA and in one of her favourite Sydney pubs for the launch of the bar, and DJ Alex Dimitriades spun cool tunes throughout the night.

The NV Mumm Champagne Spring Carnival Bar will run through until Melbourne Cup day on Tuesday November 6, and is available for group and function bookings.

MELBOURNE CUP AT THE OLD LIBRARY

From trackside to beachside all the glitz and glamour of Flemington will hit Cronulla when The Old Library Restaurant & Bar celebrates Melbourne Cup day in style.

A sumptuous three course luncheon  for just $75pp has been designed by Head Chef David Magill and showcases the very best in seasonal produce and modern Italian flavour.

David Magill says, “Spring isn’t just about racing, it’s also the time to celebrate nature’s bounty. So why not heighten your glass of Moët with the freshest the season has to offer.”

At The Old Library David’s spring inspired Melbourne Cup menu includes “Stuzzichini” (Appertizers) of snapper carpaccio, baby beetroots and blood orange and an amazing salad of marinated artichokes, broad beans, fennel, olive and purple potatoes.

There will be all the usual Melbourne Cup Day celebrations, including big screen broadcast of the races, a sweepstake and fashion parade that will help set the scene in the award winning stylish surrounds of the spectacular Old Library.

The Old Library’s Melbourne Cup Luncheon will run on Tuesday 6th November and is available from $75pp.  The Old Library is the only Shire restaurant to make it into the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. Bookings are essential.

Address: 15 Surf Rd, Cronulla, NSW

Phone: (02) 9544 5360

Opening Hours: Thursday – Sunday, midday ‘til late

FIRST IN, BEST DRESSED AT THE 3 WEEDS THIS MELBOURNE CUP

Suits and frocks, fillies and jocks, Melbourne Cup unites style queens, gamblers and equine enthusiasts once a year and this November, Rozelle’s 3 Weeds restaurant brings the festivities to Sydney with a Carnival Cup Luncheon for all.

The Restaurant at 3 Weeds brings all the fun and excitement of Flemington to Rozelle with an elegant Melbourne Cup day menu devised by Head Chef Leigh McDivitt.

Large screens provide ample views of the racing action, while sweepstakes and prizes for best dressed make for some great fun off the track.

True to tradition, toast with a glass of bubbles on arrival, before indulging in a 3 course spring luncheon with entrees such as Camomile tea smoked quail with hand-picked crab, basil, sweet corn and ginger jus gras.

For those looking for a more casual experience, ‘Picnic In the Bar’ entails a gourmet hamper for 5, filled with delights such as Chicken & tarragon terrine and smoked salmon, dill & crème fraiche. The $150 hamper is perfect for a relaxing long ‘picnic’ lunch and comes with the promise of dry weather, unlike the imminent rain Melbourne is infamous for.

There will be plenty of activities on the day both in the Bar and Restaurant.  Try your luck in the sweepstakes or the team race tipping competition where $500 in 3 Weeds vouchers will be up for grabs.

There will be prizes for Best Dressed Male and Female so don your race day best and join the 3 Weeds this Melbourne Cup!

The Carnival Cup Luncheon, held on Thursday November 1st, is available from just $80pp

Bookings are essential.

To book, head to http://3weeds.com.au or P: 02 9818 2788

The Restaurant is open:

Dinner – Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm.

Lunch – Last Sunday of the Month from 12pm

Special Events – Upon request

SO what you waiting for, there is SO much to choose from – GET INVOLVED!

ATTITUDE FOR HAIR – Taft FULL ON launches new female range

 

On Saturday I was invited to the Taft FULL ON Style Bar, to celebrate the introduction of its first tailor-made range for women, designed to create statement styles that make hair styling fun.

 

The Taft FULL ON Style Bar was located at fashion hotspot, The Grand Social (think stylist boudoir and escape from the city!). Members of the public dropped in for express hair styling and fashion tips from Fashion TV presenter, Amber Renae.  Amber told me that  I have summer tones, which is nice as I like all things summer! (I just wish it would hurry up, ha!)

I was introduced to the new range brings, which high quality styling at an affordable price and pretty funky packaging, somewhat reminiscent of another fave of mine: Bed Head.

I was pleased to see that the unique Taft FULL ON Female formula really did bring a high-performance hold that lasts, without any stickiness or residue (which I hate), so that styles stay fresh and position perfect from day to night.

 

The new range includes:

Taft FULL ON Freeze It Fixing Hairspray

RRP: $5.99

Lasting up to 48 hours, Taft FULL ON Fixing Hairspray freezes styles in place without stickiness or residue and can be easily brushed out.

Taft FULL ON Booster Volume Mousse

RRP: $5.99

Taft Full On Booster Volume Mousse creates visible volume and body, even for the finest of hair. Without stickiness or residue, it provides a strong hold that can be brushed out.

Taft FULL ON Guardian Angel Straightening Iron Spray

RRP: $6.99

Taft FULL ON Guardian Angel Straightening Iron Spray offers up to 220C heat protection, protecting hair against the damaging effects of heat styling and providing a glossy finish to any look.

Taft FULL ON Smooth Operator Anti-Frizz Lotion

RRP: $6.99

Taft Full ON Smooth Operator Anti-Frizz Lotion shapes, smooths and controls fly-away hairs, whilst protecting hair against damage from heat styling and UV rays.

 

For pictures of the event and hair styling suggestions, head to www.schwarzkopf.com.au or http://www.facebook.com/Schwarzkopf.Australia

 

For stockist details and product information, please contact the Taft FULL ON Advice Line 1800 022 219 or visit us at http://www.schwarzkopf.com.au

Restaurant Review*** Food Society has it all

On Friday night I had the pleasure of being invited to Food Society to experience its cuisine and of course, vodka! Not only has the Sydney restaurant/bar become synonymous with exceptional food and the place to head to when you’re in need of a tasty morsel with European flair, and a good dash of cool ambience, it now boasts a new chef in Ali Bahmad, and a vodka bar which offers as comprehensive a vodka range as anything you’d experience in its native Poland.

I had walked past the venue before and thought how quaint it looked and how I’d like to go there one day! It’s located next to another of my favourites, Cafe Pacifico on Riley Street in Darlinghurst. If you’re ever in the area there’s lots of places ‘off the beaten track’ in the surrounds of the area.

Back to the case in point, ha! In addition to Food Society priding itself on educating Sydneysiders on the merits of enjoying vodka on its own, they also work closely with a Melbourne mixologist to incorporate these interesting flavours into a new cocktail list!

After we had been escorted to our seats, our waiter for the evening, Matt told us about the imported vodka range, which he advised is over 70-deep, and will eventually boast 100 variants of the spirit! Impressive!

Some of the quirkier flavours include: honey, orange and clove, raspberry, quince, apple, cucumber, burnt caramel, peanut butter, jelly and coconut!

My favourite was the honey vodka, it is tradition to drink the vodka as a shot with your guests at the table. We of course invited Matt to join us! In addition to the vodka, Food Society of course places equal importance on the fare it serves, which is created esteemed chef Ali Bahmad and his team, who says: “I’ve always had a passion for all things artistic, whether it is theatre, movies, music or art. Food and cooking is my outlet to showcase my artistic side and talent.”

Ali hails from Aqua Luna Bar and Restaurant, La Sala, Sake Restaurant & Bar, and now, head chef at Food Society – impressive resume hey!

Matt explained to use that Food Society opened its doors in August 2011, and that they had recently celebrated their first birthday! Many happy returns I hope!!

The venue itself takes you on a trip back in time to the 1950s – it was like stepping into grandma’s comfy lounge, where an eclectic mix of modern European fare awaited. We went on a journey that involved a love affair with good food and exceptional vodka [and other spirits], it definitely didn’t disappoint and I’d go as far to say that it was one of the best meals I’ve had in Sydney!

Starting the first weekend in Spring Food Society is launching “Secret Women’s Business” which is “kind of high tea, kind of naughty”… a canapé sort of degustation and amazing flavours in vodka “sippers”, it’s not your average high tea…. bookings only, it’s a great afternoon with the girls… Get it booked in! Ha!

 About The Food Society team

The Food Society was established by long-time colleagues, Brendan Lloyd and Sonia Stanojevic. With a combined experience of over 30 years, both Brendan and Sonia were young entrepreneurs in and out of the food industry, having set up businesses at a very young age. Brendan’s food experience commenced with commercial cookery, working his way into the sales and event management area. Sonia started her own food business early on, then moved into hotels, starting at the front of house and moving into all areas of sales and marketing for high profile events. Brendan and Sonia met through managing a catering event business in Sydney together.

Executive Event Chef Khalil Perazzo and Head Restaurant Chef Ali Bahmad lead the Food Society kitchen team.

All of the Food Society menus are designed by our Executive Chef Kahlil Perazzo (ex, Tetsuya, Balzac, Quay, Rockpool – the list goes on, he’s very accomplished) and while his primary focus here is the Special Event Catering and bespoke menus, his creativity has heavily influenced the restaurant and our Head Chef Ali;

On the service side, Robert Kania, head staff trainer and event manager has a background which stems from personally looking after the board of Directors at Merryl and Lynch, New York. Head Event Manager Darius Grygo has worked running events at Wall Street’s Cipriani’s and served loyal clients including legendary band, U2.

Food Society has just also been nominated for an award in the ‘Caterer at an Event’ category, in the 2012 Restaurant and Catering Awards.

For more information visit www.foodsociety.com.au; opening hours are Monday and Wednesday to Saturday, 5.30pm to 12.00am, Sunday 5.30pm to 12.00am, closed on Tuesdays, phone the venue for restaurant bookings on (02) 8090 3462. Address is 91 Riley Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010.

** Sydney Social 101 was invited to Food Society as a guest – However all views expressed in the post are the honest opinions of the author

Speakeasy Group celebrates five Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Bar Award nominations

I am lucky enough to live in an amazing city and attend amazing events. The Speakeasy Group is no exception in terms of representing the amazing venues that I have attended over the past three and a half years. So it is with great pleasure that I’m able to announce that the Speakeasy Group has been nominated in five categories in Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards, the biggest and most influential bar industry awards globally, including:

• World’s Best Cocktail Bar – Eau de Vie Sydney
• World’s Best Drink Selection – Eau de Vie Sydney
• World’s Best Cocktail Menu – The Roosevelt
• International Bartender of the Year – Max Greco, Eau de Vie Sydney
• Best Bar Mentor – Sven Almenning (owner of Eau de Vie, Eau de Vie Melbourne and The Roosevelt)

Eau de Vie is by far and away one of the most stunning and atmospheric bars in Sydney, I have been a couple of times and would recommend it to anyone that is coming to Sydney. Previous reviews of the bars can be found here.

As for The Roosevelt, I have yet to frequent this venue; however I have heard amazing things – cocktails served on liquid nitrogen and served from treasure chests and trophies! I will be posting a review soon, so keep your eyes peeled!

To those of you who think New York and London are home to the world’s best bars will no longer have to stray as far from home with Sydney reaffirming its place on the map as a global leader in cocktail culture.

Sven Almenning, owner of The Speakeasy Group said “It’s incredible to once again be honoured and included in such esteemed company and fantastic to also see more Australian venues earn nominations in an increasingly competitive market.”

The Speakeasy Group has been recognised alongside some of the most well-known and respected bars across the globe. Each of the awards only features ten finalists per category, and the nominees are representatives from all over the world. For a full listing of awards and other nominees, check out the Tales of the Cocktail website here:

The winners will be announced in June at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans.

Eau de Vie: 229 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

P: 02 9357 2470

W: www.eaudevie.com.au

EDV Melbourne: 1 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000

P: 03 9663 0847

W: www.eaudevie.com.au

The Roosevelt: 32 Orwell St, Potts Point NSW 2011

P: 02 8096 1787

W: www.theroosevelt.com.au

SOCIAL SPY** Awkward opening, Darlinghurst

The month of March saw the much anticipated grand opening of Awkward Sydney, a hybrid venue creating a freshness never seen before in Sydney. The Darlinghurst Road space hosted a mix of industry and upcoming talent, who were entertained by a fusion of singers, artists and the amazing contortionist Bree Robertson.

Awkward Sydney was created by Fuzz Ali, who has a passion for bringing talented people together to achieve their dreams. To enable this, the venue will transform into a bar, restaurant, fashion studio, art gallery, music room or dance hall depending on the day of the week, or in last night’s case – all at the one time.

Fuzz had this to day: “Sydney is just waking up after its post Olympic slumber. It seems that for 10 years it became fashionable to think that Sydney wasn’t good enough anymore and Melbourne became the new black.

“For years we heard about how the night life down south was so much better, mainly due to the fact that they had cooler bars. It’s safe to say that Sydney has again eclipsed Melbourne when it comes to the cool factor. Sydney is the new (again) capital of cool!

“Our night life has gone from pokie infested pubs and thumping night clubs to a new wave of cool small bars, restaurant/bars, and various other hybrid venues, like Awkward, that provide a space for people to come and just be. Without a doubt, the scene is becoming less “I want to be seen” to being “I want to see this”.

“There is definitely more substance that is leading to Sydney’s growing reputation as an amazing global city. One thing I will say though, is that council’s late night trading policy is going to hurt this reputation. Small venues create a buzz and closing them at midnight means that that feeling does not carry on through the night. We need a review of council legislation so that smaller spaces can trade as late night venues for people who don’t want to go get trashed and pass out in a corner. All in all, it’s a great time to be in Sydney!”

I couldn’t agree more, I think this is the time for Sydneysiders, and the rest of Australia to wake up and see an emerging bar/ club scene that is competitive on an international stage.

Awkward Sydney is located at Awkward, Ground Floor, 169-173 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Plans this weekend? Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras arrives with Kylie…

This weekend Sydney has a massive celebration taking place, its a little parade, you may have heard of it?! It’s call Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras?!

Of course you’ve heard of it, it’s one of the most colourful festivals and celebrations across the world. If you’re planning to come to Sydney this weekend, there’s absolutely no excuse to not get involved!

Even more exciting, it has been announced that none other than Pop Queen Kylie Minogue will be highlighting the glittering event!

Sydney’s Oxford Street comes alive with colour and atmosphere as all Sydneysiders and visitors from across the globe come together to celebrate sexuality, in all its forms – Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender or Straight – Everyone is welcomed into the carnival atmosphere with open arms!

Before I let you know exactly what is happening where and when, here are a few tips for you if you’ve never been before:

• Get down early to get a great spot, Taylor Square is usually a great options as there are large plasma screens with a feed of the parade and the live action
• Don’t head to the corner or Liverpool Street and College Street, this is where all of the floats head from, it gets very busy around there and it isn’t the best view
• Take a milk cart with you to stand on, if you can’t get a good view point, it gives you a little bit more height to stand on if you’re at the back of the crowd
• Come with a good attitude and don’t get too intoxicated – Police are swarming the streets and have zero tolerance to aggression and violence

So here is an overview of what you can expect from the wonderful Mardi Gras:

Mardi Gras Parade

When

3 March

7.45pm-10pm

Where

Oxford and Flinders Streets
Taylor Square,
Darlinghurst, New South Wales

Excerpt from Mardi Gras Website: http://www.mardigras.org.au/mardi-gras-2012/parade/index.cfm

In 1978 it started as a celebration that was met with police batons and prosecutions. More than three decades later, it has evolved into a riot of vibrant energy, outrageous floats, lavish costumes, stunning designs and wild dancing.

Join us on March 3rd, from 7.45pm for one of Sydney’s most loved celebrations. As more than 9000 people make their way down Oxford and Flinders Streets in a rainbow extravaganza of LGBTQI pride, hundreds of thousands of spectactors line the Darlinghurst streets to watch the glittering procession of exotic costumes and political slogans.

Grab a spot on the sidelines or watch the parade from the balcony of an Oxford St bar. Cheer as Dykes on Bikes rev their engines at the front of the parade. Copy the dance moves of the Asian marching boys. See gay and lesbian police officers march alongside student pride groups, and Jewish and Arabic gays and lesbians. Mix with queer lifesavers from Bondi Beach!

Don’t want to battle the crowds? We’ve got TWO amazing options for premium Parade Viewing.

This year, the Mardi Gras Parade viewing area will be transformed into a fresh, funky and wonderfully kitsch holiday caravan park known as Club Tropicana. For the first time ever, there will be a raised viewing platform on Taylor Square forecourt to take advantage of Parade route’s most desired vantage point. This will ensure sweeping views of all the action of the Parade making it an unforgettable experience.

In the Mardi Gras Parade viewing area, everyone will feel like one of the glitterati. Guests can rub shoulders with VIP’s and dance to tunes from our fantastic DJ’s while being awed by this once-in-a-lifetime Parade viewing experience and relax away from the crowds.

The easy access to bars and food purchase as well as toilet facilities help ensure you have everything you need and won’t have to leave the unique experience of Club Tropicana. This super-sized take on the traditional Parade viewing area is a tropical party oasis and the coolest way to take in all the spectacle, glitz and glamour of Sydney Mardi Gras Parade 2012.  

The Laneway

When

4 March

12pm-10pm

Where

Hill Street
Bourke St entrance,
Darlinghurst, New South Wales

Cost

$39 plus booking fee / all tickets may attract a transaction fee

Excerpt from official Mardi Gras website: http://www.mardigras.org.au/thelaneway/index.cfm

Crazy times in the laneway the day after the Parade and Party was a much-loved Mardi Gras tradition that we’re bringing back this year. Expect star moments, drop-in DJs, pop-up performances and a fun atmosphere where the lane is the stage!

We’re taking over two of Sydney’s hippest pubs, The Flinders and  The Beresford, and the connecting  Hill St laneway in-between to give you one last lick of Mardi Gras magic, old-school/new-school style.

The Laneway will have  5 different party spaces on offer, giving post-party punters the perfect place to party on, relax in the sun and take in the old school Laneway vibe. There’ll be some funky vocal house going down at the  Beresford Hotel, with amazing anthems and perfomances upstairs. Head to the Flinders Hotel for some nu cool and check out the Hill Street Laneway itself for some old school hits.In the  Garden Courtyard you’ll find more smooth tunes and new friends to dance with!

On the decks you can expect a stellar line up of spinners including  Sveta,  Adam Love,  Mark Alsop,  Alex Taylor and  Kate Monroe. Sydney dance sensation  Oxford Hustlers and the internationally acclaimed  Wayne G will also make an appearance, along with  Francisco Guerra and  Zoë Badwi.

When it comes to entertainment, The Laneway’s got your back. Our eclectic mix of performing artists range from local pop hotties  Garçon Garçon and specially flown-in talent including  Beni from Modular fame to the international cult phenomenon direct from London’s Vauxhall Tavern, the  D.E. Experience. We’re also inviting punters to bring their own performance so you can let your inner show-off shine!

It’s an old school vibe with new school cool and it’s exclusive to Mardi Gras. Presented in partnership with gaydar.com.au, tickets are on sale now through  FoxTix.

MardiGrasland

When

3 March

10pm-8am

Where

Entertainment Quarter
Lang Road,
Moore Park, New South Wales

Cost

Tickets from $99 plus booking and transaction fees. Note if you haven’t already got tickets this event is sold out!

Download the Mardi Gras Party Map here!

Check out our official guide to Mardi Gras Party here!

Plan your night with our set-times list here.  

Expect 15,000 or more at this iconic dance party with thousands flying in from around Australia and overseas.

Promising a Mardi Gras Party like none other before, 2012 will see the Entertainment Quarter transformed into a theme park – Mardigrasland – promising an adventurous and sexy ride through a night of music, dance and electrifying acts including RuPaul, D.E. Experience, Sneaky Sound System, Chicane and Horse Meat Disco.

Partygoers can expect to be taken on an experiential trip through Mardigrasland, a place with many different themed ‘lands’, each with their own unique flavour – as well as being entertained by superstar Australian and international performers and DJs.

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras are thrilled to announce that Kylie Minogue will be performing at Mardigrasland! Kylie is coming back to Mardi Gras as part of her K25: 25 Years of Kylie celebrations. It’s been 14 years since Kylie attended Mardi Gras- her long awaited performance will not disappoint.  Another star Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras are excited to welcome to the 2012 Mardi Gras Party is singer/songwriter  Sam Sparro .

Candyworld, at the Royal Hall of Industries, promises a confection of sugar-coated pop and house in a candy-coloured world that dishes up big shows, drag to die for and a very happy ending. Here you’ll see big names RuPaul, Andy Almighty (7th Heaven), Wayne G, Lee Dagger and Sydney favourites Dan Murphy and Kitty Glitter. Enter the Emerald City in Oz at the Horden Pavilion, with serious dance music talent as the soundtrack. Sneaky Sound System, Chicane and others will keep you grooving all night long with some upbeat tunes.

T.G.I. Retro at the Hi-Fi (the old Forum) promises an all-you-can-eat disco party buffet, with some of the night’s most exciting performers. Partygoers can expect performances from DJ Lady Miss Kier from iconic ’90s dance group Deee-lite as well as internationally acclaimed Londoners Horse Meat Disco. It doesn’t stop there- T.G.I. Retro will also play host to UK performer Jonathan Hellyer in his vastly popular cabaret act D.E. Experience.

Drag kings and programming for the ladies in mind will be the theme for Shangri-La, where partygoers will enjoy the music of Kelly Lynch. The King for a Day competition will produce some of the sexiest kings in Sydney, and finalists of LOTL’s Bachelorette of the Year competition will get the ladies swooning.

Also heating up Shangri-La will be Australian singing sensation Zoe Badwi, Sarah McLeod, the former front-woman of Aussie rock band The Superjesus as well as top DJ/Producer  Neroli of Heaven UK.

And finally, for an underground party where nothing is what it seems, The Backlot at the Dome will become a dodgy, abandoned and derelict hall of mirrors, with eclectic and electric performances and music. Here you’ll see three amazing Aussie acts, including cool crew Starfuckers and ladies favourites Cunningpants and Sveta.

As well as the different lands, there will also be a theme park parade throughout the night – think queer Disney parade – and pop-up performances, costumed characters and musical acts to surprise partygoers across the entire grounds.

Aussie favourites Matt Vaughan, Mike Kelly, Feisty and Ruby will also be playing on the night. JD Samson of feminist electropunk band Le Tigre and her music ensemble MEN will make an appearance in Shangri La and The Backlot at the Dome. Other incredible acts to watch out for are Lee Dagger of Bimbo Jones, Andy Butler DJ Set (Hercules & Love Affair/Mr INTL.), Le Gateau Chocolat, Kam Shafaati, Kate Monroe and even MORE to be announced.

SGLMG Members have the opportunity to purchase Member’s Tickets and have a amazing experience in Mardigrasland. The Member’s benefits include Express Entry to the party, discounted Cloak Check, a special wristband and admission to the Member’s Express Bar Lane in the Hi Fi Lounge.

COMPETETION ALERT

Now if you’re thinking of heading to SGLMG and would like a look unlike no other, fear not as SydneySocial101 has teamed up with the amazing team at Make Up Store to provide one of my lucky blog readers with the ultimate Mardi Gras Make over and private make up lesson at 12pm on Saturday 3^rd March. So you have 24 hours to tell me in 25 words or less why I should pick you!

In addition to the makeover you’ll also receive a free set of eyelashes!

Take a sneak peak at some of the amazing products that they’ll be using to give you a look that even Kylie will envy!

Coloured Mascara – RRP $33

Coloured Mascara – Create a fun look with colourful lashes. These mascaras come in five highly intense colours. For a true party look, try attaching a matching glitter at the tip if the lashes. Coloured Mascara is water resistant and can be washed off with Eye Foam Remover. Available in pink, turquoise, green, blue and aubergine.

Glitter Eyeliner – RRP $35

Glitter Eyeliner – With the fine brush you can create a stunning and glam look, quick and easy. Apply a thin line around the contour of your eye or across the entire eye lid. Perfect to keep in your hand bag for a drink after work, Glitter Eyeliner transforms you into a party girl in just seconds. The Product contains extract of carrot with protects from free radicals.

Glitter – What can be better than using a bit of sparkling glitter if you want to become a star? To jazz up your everyday makeup, use a bit of glitter. Fix the glitter with Eye Primer, Mining Liquid and Fix or High Tech Lighter. Remove the glitter with a dry sponge before removing your makeup

All Make Up Store products are designed to be used on their own or in conjunction with any other Make Up Store products. To find out where your nearest Make Up Store location is, contact Make Up Store’s head office and flagship store in Paddington on 02 9360 5885.

Here’s a sneak peak at the lashes you have to choose from too! AMAZE!

If you’re selected as the winner the appointment is at the Paddington flagship store at 12pm, details below:

Make Up Store Sydney Stores:

Paddington (Boutique Flagship Store)

386 Oxford Street Paddington

9360 5885

Broadway (Boutique Store)

The Broadway shopping centre/ Shop K35

92810411

Myer City Sydney

436 George Street,

Sydney

Myer Top Ryde

Cnr Devline Street & Blaxland Road, Top Ryde

(02) 8878 0339

Happy entering! Good luck!

Merivale set to ignite Sydney’s tastebuds

16 February to 5 April, 2012 – City, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst

So here it is, my first post with regards to what to do and where to do it in Sydney (deep breath)! If you’re frequenting Sydney in Feb and/ or March and are interested in heading to some of the most popular Sydney haunts whilst you’re here, or if you’re a Sydney-sider and looking for inspiration as the season turns from Summer to Autumn – Look no further…

Now in its fourth year, Merivale’s annual restaurant and food festival, March Into Merivale, will return from 16 February to 5 April in 2012, bigger and better than ever with $33 lunch and dinner deals and more than 60 culinary events across 21 venues including; one-hatted restaurants Uccello, Felix and Bistrode CBD, three-hatted est. as well as the neighbourhood faves, Ms. G’s, El Loco and The Beresford Hotel.

Headlined by fourteen of Merivale’s top chefs, the 2012 theme ‘Eat My Words’, brings to life the chefs’ food philosophies, individually captured in a lineup of creative and cheeky campaign images. Think Dan Hong ‘breaking the rules’, Peter Doyle demonstrating his belief of food honesty and balance, Jowett Yu embodying his love of all things pork.

The food festival will officially launch on Thursday 16 February with a gourmet extravaganza stretching the length of Ash Street, right up and into the ivy room from 6-9pm. Tickets cost $20 and include tastings from Merivale restaurant and pub stalls where guests can stop and chat with their favourite chefs. It will be worth going for sure, my mouth in practically salivating at the mere thought!

This year’s festival will again feature a $33 meal and drink offer at Merivale restaurants and a 2 for 1 version at the group’s pub venues. In addition, the festival will feature fun and unique food events such as; The Sopranos dinner at Uccello, Epic Meal Time at The Beresford Hotel, The Morning After The Night Before brunch at Ms.G’s as well as The A Team dinner presented by Citibank, featuring a five course dinner at Sailor’s Thai ivy prepared by a lineup of five of Merivale’s Asian chefs.

As the blog builds momentum, I’ll be reviewing individual venues for you from the perspective of a 26 year-old living in Sydney, who likes to go out and eat, drink and dance the night away!

I’m told that festival favourites returning to the schedule of events this year include; the Henschke and Blackmores Dinner at Mad Cow, Italian Family Sunday Lunches at The Beresford Hotel, Foodie Film Nights at Ash St Cellar, sushi and cocktail classes and Raid The Cellar.

Merivale CEO, Justin Hemmes said, “March Into Merivale is a celebration of food and wine and of course, our talented chefs and sommeliers. And Sydneysiders have plenty of opportunity to ‘eat their words’ with the packed calendar of fun events and the $33 lunch and dinner deals at all restaurants and pubs.”

For more information about March Into Merivale 2012 program, visit www.merivale.com or phone (02) 9240 3000.

If you have any recommendations, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below. It’s all about sharing information, tips and review – content is king – Don’t be shy!