The Rocks

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** Fort Denison announces bonfire lights for Vivid Sydney

Sydney’s famous Fort Denison, recently coveted by Ellen DeGeneres, has announced a series of light installations as part of Vivid Sydney, that will complement its program of dinners and Vivid Light artist talks being staged for the first time as a new addition to the 18-day festival of light, music and ideas, starting May 24.

FIRELIGHT @ FORT will see a giant 8-metre high, simulated bonfire propelled into the skyline every evening of Vivid Sydney (May 24 to 10 June) alongside several other works by a team from the Master of Design Lighting Design course at the University of Technology and sponsored by Philips.

The public will be able to see the works from the harbour foreshore and visit the island for the dinner and tour experience on select weekend nights during Vivid Sydney by booking the ferry and Dinner DeLights experience at http://www.fortdenison.com.au

The lighting installations on the island tell some of the history of Fort Denison during its 150 years perched in the middle of Sydney Harbour. It has been a defence outpost, a weather station and now a museum, restaurant and the home to many sensational evening events.

The giant artificial bonfire provides a welcoming beacon, inviting all indigenous tribes to come for a corroboree on the island that the local Aboriginal people called Mat-te-wan-ye. There will also be seven red chimneys reflecting the light of cosy hearths inside the barracks and lit windows will display silhouettes of the avian emblems of countries that were once seen as possible threats and invaders to the colony but are now our friends. The lone surviving palm tree on the island will cast shadows reminding viewers that there were once more palms on the island.

Designers Mike Day, Yiren Ding, Sun Jong Song and Alan Rose have created the whimsical and fun installations for great visual impact from the distance of the shore and to be enjoyed up close for the lucky visitors who take a ferry to the island from 6pm on the evenings of May 24, 25, 31, June 1, 7, 8 & 9. Ferries will depart Wharf 6 at Circular Quay.

Dinner DeLIGHTS includes a sumptuous two-course dinner overlooking the spectacular city lightshow, an intimate talk from Vivid Light artists and a guided tour of the historic Martello Tower, which offers breathtaking views of Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Vivid Sydney lightshow at Circular Quay.

Diners can take in the spectacular Vivid Light walk around Circular Quay, The Rocks and Walsh Bay before boarding a five-minute harbour cruise to the island for dinner and drinks from 6.15pm until 9.45pm, with return ferry shuttles throughout the evening.

Fort Denison Restaurant is a rare gem of Sydney, nestled amongst the sandstone walls of Fort Denison Island in the centre of Sydney Harbour National Park and offering a crowd-pleasing menu, inspired by the best of Australian produce.

Bookings for Dinner DeLIGHTS are $99 per person, which includes a two-course meal, the Vivid Light artist talk, return water transfers to Circular Quay, park entry fee and a guided tour of the Martello Tower led by NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service.

Places are extremely limited, so people are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. For more information or to make a booking email reservations@tecatering.com.au or visit http://www.fortdenison.com.au

What: Dinner DeLIGHTS
When: 24, 25 & 31 May and 1, 7, 8 & 9 June 2013
Where: Fort Denison Restaurant
Bookings: reservations@tecatering.com.au
More information: http://www.fortdenison.com.au

What’s On: Vivid Sydney expands to illuminate Darling Harbour with Australian first – music and water spectacular

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Stoner, announced today that Vivid Sydney 2013 will extend to the Darling Harbour precinct for the first time.

Developed, owned and managed by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney is an 18-day festival of light, music and ideas. It is the biggest festival of its kind in the southern hemisphere and will take place in Sydney from 24 May to 10 June.

For the first time in Vivid Sydney’s five-year history, Vivid Light will extend to Darling Harbour and transform the precinct into a spectacle of dancing water fountains, water screen projection performances and dazzling light and water shows, never seen before in Australia, masterminded by France’s legendary Aquatique Show International.

Aquatique Show International has developed and installed choreographed water and light shows for public entertainment for more than 30 years, amazing audiences in over 52 countries.

Mr Stoner said: “Vivid Sydney brings visitors something new and spectacular every year – and this year is no exception. Bringing Vivid Light to Darling Harbour will give visitors an amazing and unique Australian-first experience that will showcase the world’s best lighting and water technology, artistry and design. It’s sure to be something people will come back to many times over the duration of Vivid Sydney.

WHAT’S ON – Sydney 101 – Celebrate all that is Australian this Australia Day…

Whether it’s your first Aussie Day (January 26th) or if it’s your 30th, there is absolutely no reason not to get involved.

There are so many cool activities taking place across this lil’ ol’ country that we call home.

When I first arrived in Sydney four years ago on the 23rd January, I had no idea that there even was an Australia Day, no less when it was! Little did I know that it was in 3 days time, and that it would be one of the best days of my travels yet!

Back in 2009, we started at Hyde Park with a crate of Pure Blonde, then we headed to The Australian Hotel in The Rocks. We then ended our day watching the fireworks at Darling Harbour – they were spectacular!

I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard of it before! So here is a little gift from me to you, to let you decide how your perfect Australia Day will be spent:

1. Bronte Beach BBQ (all day)

Avoid the hustle and bustle of the city and head to the quaint Eastern Suburbs beach between Bondi and Coogee. It is one of the few places where you’re allowed to drink in the open and it has grass, sand and BBQs to complete a relaxing day at the beach.

2. The Rocks – Glenmore and The Australian Heritage Hotel (all day)

This was suggested by one of Sydney Social 101′s Facebook fans as a ‘must-see’ for Australia Day – You can enjoy Emu and Kangaroo pizzas at The Australian, then wander a mere 20 metres to The Glenmore for spectacular Sydney Harbour views. A great option if the weather isn’t 100% as The Glenmore now has a retractable roof to ensure that rain, sun or hail, you can enjoy a schooner with a view!

3. Bondi Rocks – North Bondi (12pm til late)

If you fancy a lively day with beer, sounds and shapes, head to Bondi Rocks in North Bondi – One for all the hipsters (or wanna be) out there!

4. Festival of the Voice – The Rocks (12pm – 8pm)

A great suggestions by another SS101 Facebook groupies They advised their pick would be to head to The Rocks this Australia Day for a free celebration of music and song.

There is also a twilight concert with Australian artists in Dawes Point Park. Again you’ll be able to take advantage of stunning Harbour views.

There are also concerts at First Fleet Park and ‘Song Street’ (George Street). If you’re talented with regards to vocal gymnastics, you can even make sweet music on the karaoke stage in The Rocks Square.

5. Darling Harbour - Australia Day Fireworks

Like I did on my first Australia Day, join thousands of people at Cockle Bay, hear an official address from the NSW Premier and witness the grand finale of Sydney’s Australia Day celebrations—an exhilarating symphony of light, sound and pyrotechnics. Perfect if you’re looking for things to do with the family!

6. Party hard with the best of them with Keystone!

Cargo Bar, Cargo Lounge, Bungalow 8 and The Loft have a list of celebrations to suit all tastes this Australia Day here in Sydney, from 25 – 28 January!

They are all hosting a four day festival at the four iconic harbour-side venues on King Street Wharf! With over 50 different DJs and live acts, plus activities, games and more, ‘Oz Fest’ is a celebration of Australian icons with all the jam-packed excitement and entertainment of a festival! Including Minx She Can DJ tour, Sosueme DJs, Strummer & heaps more!

Sweethearts Rooftop Bar is hosting Aussie celebrations from 25 – 28th January! There will be $5 tinnies and great Aussie food ALL WEEKEND

The Sugarmill will be hosting a massive Australia Day party across four floors from 10pm – Kings Cross

Gazebo – 26th January from 12pm

Peter Allen Party with DJs from 4pm, celebrations from 12pm for a massive AustraliaDay Celebration.

Manly Wine – 26th January from 3pm

7. Rave the night away at Pacha at The Ivy – Saturday 26 January from 6:30pm!

Now there are no doubt many events and activities I have missed out – If you have any suggestions, please post a comment below!

Hope you all have the best Australia Day ever!

What’s On – The Glenmore Hotel re-opens after nine months

The iconic 91-year-old, 3 storey heritage hotel The Glenmore has re-opened, honouring its rich history, while getting a new breath of life, after nine months of loving restoration. Sydney Social 101 headed last night for a night cap to check out what all the fuss was about…

The Glenmore Rooftop

Sydney Social was advised that within an hour of opening its doors to the public on Friday afternoon, the sensational rooftop, featuring Utzon’s Corner - where Sydney Opera House architect, Jørn Utzon is said to have sketched his masterpiece – was filled with patrons old and new.

The Glenmore Opening Night

Several new features have been added to ensure future generations will continue to call The Glenmore their favorite CBD hotel for years to come. From the retractable rooftop guaranteeing the stunning Sydney Harbour views can be enjoyed all year round – rain, hail or shine; to the newly created lower ground floor Ladies pamper parlourandthe environmentally friendly cellar keg pumps.

The Glenmore Rooftop Bar

The most notable change is on the middle floor with the opening of The Glenmore Lounge. Originally used as accommodation, The Glenmore Lounge, with its own cocktail bar, lounge area and Juliette balconies now hosts a collection of elegant rooms that are ideal for private dining or gatherings. They are: the Grand Dining Room, Pool Room and Club Room.

The Glenmore Grand Dining Room

The Glenmore Lounge was inspired by Louise Lovely, the famous Australian-born Hollywood actress, who was known to charm The Glenmore patrons with her glamorous ways and Hollywood tales. However, if The Glenmore walls could talk, they would also have many tales to tell.

From the outside however it’s still the same old much loved Glenmore – which isn’t a bad thing!

As evidenced by some of the fascinating items recovered during the restoration, which included: a copy of The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper dated 22 October 1940; Sections of sandstone kerb and road surface on the alignment of Gloucester Walk; and a Holey Dollar Dump coin.

Dedicated to keeping a record of the past intact for future generations, the priceless relics discovered during the restoration, will eventually be displayed in The Glenmore for all to enjoy.

“We have been overwhelmed by the amazing reaction to the restoration and re-opening by both our Rocks locals and tourists alike” said Managing Director, Martin Short.

The Short and Anderson families have gone to great lengths to ensure the meals served from the new kitchens are better than ever at the same great prices, including signature meals: The Glenmore Burger, The Glenmore Club and The Glenmore Hot Dog.

Whether you come to drink in the views, relax on the rooftop, or linger in the lounge with a Glenmore Iced Tea, now the doors have re-opened, come and unlock a new experience at The Glenmore in The Rocks.

WHAT’S ON OCTOBER: CLOUDY BAY LOUNGE, OPERA KITCHEN: SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE PRECINCT

 When I first arrived in Sydney, one of the places that I wanted to go to first was the Opera House, it is an iconic Sydney landmark that is recognisable across the globe!

Whether you’re visiting or live in Sydney, this is a venue that you don’t want to miss! The guys at Cloudy Bat have announced that in celebration the anticipated release of their 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, they will launch the Cloudy Bay Lounge – the ultimate harbourside experience this Spring.

Throughout October, Opera Kitchen at the Sydney Opera House will play host to the elegant Cloudy Bay Lounge, offering visitors a unique waterside escape to enjoy a glass of the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc as the sun sets over Sydney Harbour.

In true New Zealand style, visitors can purchase a basket of fresh battered or grilled fish and chips from the acclaimed Opera Kitchen with a glass of the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, on offer for the special price of $29.

This year, Cloudy Bay will also be offering an exclusive wine tasting opportunity for wine enthusiasts. Every Thursday evening, Cloudy Bay will host twilight tasting sessions between 5:30pm and 6:30pm, with Opera Kitchen providing complimentary oysters upon arrival.

“There really is no better time or place to enjoy the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc than Sydney Harbour in the Spring. The outstanding cuisine provided by Opera Kitchen, along with stunning harbour views, provide the perfect ambiance for a simple, yet luxurious evening experience this October,” said Ian Morden, Estate Director, Cloudy Bay Vineyards.

The Cloudy Bay Lounge will be open to the public from Thursday October 4, 2012 and runs through to Sunday November 4, 2012 between 11am and 11pm daily. Wine tasting will take place every Thursday evening throughout October, and November 1, between 5:30pm and 6:30pm.

About Cloudy Bay

Cloudy Bay Vineyards was established in 1985.  Innovation, meticulous attention to detail and regional expression are the guiding principles of Cloudy Bay. The Cloudy Bay team is committed to producing ‘wines of region’ and strives to enhance the pure, bracing flavours and stunning vibrancy, naturally afforded by the climate and soils of Marlborough, New Zealand.

For more information on Cloudy Bay go to http://www.cloudybay.co.nz/Home

SOCIAL SPY – COVER GIRL PARTY

Last week was a busy week when it comes to events, so much so that immediately after the Thomas Sabo launch, I headed straight for the Museum of Contemporary Art to catch the big reveal for the new face of cosmetics giant, Cover Girl!

The scene was the perfect setting for a media launch, overlooking Sydney Harbour with floor to ceiling windows providing a panoramic view.

The venue definitely wasn’t she when it comes to canapés either, which of course made me very happy! Pizza, quesadillas, prawns and mini pies were brought out and offered and quick succession. In addition the sparkling wine kept flowing and my glass was never empty.

As we all gathered at the stage, it was revealed that the new face of Cover Girl is (drum roll please) Ricki-Lee (who looked phenomenal in a metallic gold one piece BTW!)

Ricki-Lee treated the waiting crowd of entertainment media and music industry-types to four stunning live performances – I seriously don’t know where she gets her energy from!

Ricki-Lee comments about her excitement at the launch of the campaign “I could never have dreamed I would one day become a COVERGIRL joining the ranks of Drew Barrymore, Sophia Vergara, Ellen DeGeneres and Taylor Swift! I think I will need to pinch myself when I first walk into a supermarket and see my face in the beauty aisle. It really is such an honour.”

The launch of the COVERGIRL campaign comes hot off the heels of the meteoric return of Ricki-Lee following the recent success of her platinum hit singles ‘Do It Like That’ and ‘Raining Diamonds’ from her soon to be released album, ‘Fear & Freedom’ out 17 August 2012.

“Becoming a COVERGIRL marks a moment in my career I will never forget. It’s been a huge year for me so far and set to get even bigger. Watch out Australia!” says Ricki-Lee.

See Ricki-Lee performing for COVERGIRL:

After the performances a Q & A with Ricki-Less might have worked quite well, as it did feel like she was more the entertainment for the night, rather than the new face of the brand, however that’s just my PR-head talking out loud, overall it was a great event, with great food and drink, stunning views and fab entertainment. Oh and the goody bags were pretty awesome too!

Leigh Campbell (Cosmopolitan Beauty Director) & Alexis Elia (Beauty and lifestyle Director Shop til you Drop)

Mercy Watson & Nicholas Meimaris

Elise Phillips, Helen Lee & Jaime Chew

**SOCIAL SPY – 10th ANNUAL ASTRA AWARDS – Post 1

Tonight is the night that all Australian Pay TV stars come together to celebrate the subscription television industry. In its tenth year, The Astra Awards is still going strong. I was humbled and shocked when I was asked to report on the awards as an accredited member of the media. With a blog that’s less than six months old, no bad going (if I do say so myself).

Now Ill be the first to admit that I’m not across the who’s who of who when it comes to Australian celebs, so I thought about how I could report on the awards, whilst staying true to what Sydney Social 101 is all about!

Now I’m a huge fan of TV, my Foxtel is my vice! So it seemed fitting that I report on the awards, as this blog is all about events I enjoy, places I love and products I can’t get enough of. With Astra awards being held at the stunning Sydney Theatre Company (I place I love), celebrating amazing talent (which I’m all for) I figured it made sense for me to attend.

Ss as the awards kick off and I pay full attention! I’ll leave you with key designers and looks from the evening and a taster of all to come!

Megan Gale, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and many more were sporting Alex Perry Gowns!

White was the trend of the evening with Ruby Rose and Terry Biviano hot off the press…

Megan stole the on-trend look however, here’s a sneak peak:

wowzer in Alex Perry… of course!

Interviews with Donna Hay, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Laura Dundovic to come v soon!

www.astraawards.com

What’s On at The Argyle this Winter

Iconic hotspot The Argyle will come alive this winter, with festivals, events and a new menu that will bring warmth to its city-hub location in The Rocks. No matter the occasion – a relaxed meal, a drink after work, or a big night out, The Argyle is the place to settle in for a session over the coming months.

This week, The Rocks will come alive with VIVID festival’s spectacular light illuminations (25 May- 11 June).  You will find The Argyle on the official Light Sculptures walk through Argyle Street with an impressive installation of gold plated flocking birds. The Argyle will be the perfect place for a warming drink at the bar or to share a meal with friends while enjoying Sydney’s premier festival of light and ideas. During the festival The Argyle will feature a special cocktail called ‘Light me Up’ with Belvedere Pure Vodka, Butterscotch Schnapps, Limóncello and Vanilla Bean.

During the rest of Sydney’s winter nights, The Argyle offers its lively crowd everything they could want for a big night out in Sydney, including a huge cocktail list available every day of the week (don’t miss 2-for-1 cocktails on Thursdays from 5-8pm), as well as DJ’s and live musicians pumping out party beats every Wednesday to Sunday from 6pm.

On a cold winter’s day, The Argyle is the perfect place to cozy up with friends. With heaters in the courtyard, live bands every Sunday from 4pm, and a new winter menu featuring a $12 soup of the day (with grilled sourdough), The Argyle gives you plenty of reasons to leave the house this winter!

Watch out for other celebrations coming up at The Argyle this winter including Canada Day (30 June), Bastille Day (14 July) and of course the London Olympics (27 July – 12 August).

Reservations: (02) 9247-5500 or reservations@theargylerocks.com

The Argyle
18 Argyle Street, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000; www.theargylerocks.com

SWITCHED ON SYDNEY – 130 Climbers on top of the Harbour Bridge turn it on for the opening night of Vivid Sydney

One of the main things I love about Sydney is the fact that there is always something going on. This very moment is no exception! On Friday night, in a premiere event that was part of the opening night of Vivid Sydney, 120 people lined the eastern arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and illuminated themselves in unison with the lighting of the sails on the Sydney Opera House. I saw it for myself and have to say it looked V cool!

This spectacular display started at 6pm with the illumination of the BridgeClimb Sydney Climbers dotted down the eastern arch of the Bridge, 134 metres above sea level. Then the whole city came alight as the Opera House sails were deluged beneath an interpretative digital show of movement and cool animation, and more than 60 art installations from Walsh Bay to The Rocks, Circular Quay and the Museum of Contemporary Art were floodlit in a domino-like effect across the night sky.

It was a memorable opportunity for the huge number of spectators to see Sydney in a different light – in many different lights. “The city looks so incredible from up here. The lighting and colours are just breathtaking”, said one climber. And another said, “I feel so special to be part of this. I will never forget this moment for as long as I live.”

This unique location provided the perfect vantage point to witness the brilliant display of colour, movement and digital designs. The position on the Sydney Harbour Bridge allowed the climbers to experience the feeling of being part of a startling interactive lightshow as the lights came alive across the city. It truly was a night without darkness.

I went on a boat cruise yesterday with my other half, a boat cruise specifically catered for the Vivid activities in and around the city – If you’re in Sydney over the next two weeks, I’d strongly recommend you try to get down to Circular Quay and The Rocks to check it out for yourself!

Further info on Bridge Climb can be found here: www.bridgeclimb.com