tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56815235792583342662024-03-19T20:15:38.621+11:00lifeafterfive**(or six or seven or eight...)lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-71079634009599414622013-10-28T16:09:00.001+11:002013-10-28T16:16:45.380+11:00'The Human Torch' - by Sydney Interactive Theatre<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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“I’m way too cute to be a murderer” declares the petite brunette, lounging against the wall of the Royal Albert, a public house built in 1927. The group of detectives eye her suspiciously, sipping their house champagne while listening to Edith indulge in tales of marrying her crooked – now dead – husband for his renowned gambling fortune.<br />
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After telling the detectives – aka a group of brave Sydney siders who have ventured into a pop up world of theatre and murder - that the victim’s will had mysteriously been changed just before his murder, we stumble across a “clue” that takes us down the back streets of Surry Hills to our next potential suspect.<br />
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Sydney Interactive Theatre describes itself as “part game, part theatre, part tour, part bar crawl”, sending the audience on a mission through the streets of the city. The Human Torch pop up dining experience leads us to notice usually overlooked historical landmarks in Surry Hills as we seek to solve the mystery of the murder of Thomas Ivory. A text on the day provides meeting instructions, and we are greeted by the head detective who briefs us on our mission.</div>
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After a blind magistrate at the Children’s Court informs us that “it is illegal to wear pink pants on a Saturday”and a street performer impresses us with magic tricks, we follow the hints dropped by each actor to discover a revelationary twist in the tale (you’ll have to do the tour to find out what it is) – and champagne and tapas awaiting.</div>
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A shared dinner at a secret location is our reward for cracking the case, as we bond with the other “detectives” over a race well run.</div>
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<i>For more information about Sydney Interactive Theatre and Sydney Pop Up Dining visit:</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.sydneyinteractivetheatre.com.au/">www.sydneyinteractivetheatre.com.au</a> or <a href="http://sydneypopupdining.com.au/interactive-street-theatre/">http://sydneypopupdining.com.au/interactive-street-theatre</a> <i>or call 1300 663 386.</i></div>
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<i>Lifeafterfive* was a guest of Sydney Interactive Theatre.</i></div>
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lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-86199501850959345922013-08-02T18:09:00.000+10:002013-08-02T18:09:53.063+10:00ORGNL.TV launch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The quest for originality is ever challenging, in an age where every stone seems to have been turned and ideas already born. Apple maintains its legions of adoring fans through their domination of the concept of innovation, and few have managed to follow confidently in its footsteps. <br />
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The launch of online editorial channel <a href="http://orgnltv.stoli.com/" target="_blank">ORGNL.TV</a> presented by Stoli on 1 August was a pilgrimage to the concept of originality – “celebrating all that is original in Australian art, music, fashion, technology, taste and exceptional talent”. </div>
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The night began with a free <a href="https://uber.com/invite/tlqhz" target="_blank">UBER</a> pick up, the brilliant app that allows you to watch the progress of your “private driver” navigating through Sydney’s windy streets. At a secret location in Chippendale, we walked in to discover a silver clad angel singing a song called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hww3n1cqnM" target="_blank">“Stupid”</a> in front of a psychedelic screen. The angel turned out to be an incarnation of emerging artist Brendan Mclean, also known as Klipspringer from The Great Gatsby. He in turn shared the stage with a caricature of a strip show by self proclaimed beauty queen, <a href="http://bettygrumble.com/BETTYGRUMBLE/HOME.html" target="_blank">Betty Grumble</a>, who left little to the imagination and met the criteria of “one of a kind”.<br />
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After wandering through the 300+ crowd, enjoying 5 original Stoli concoctions tailored around the 5 themes of the new channel (art, fashion, music, tech and taste) and admiring vintage fashion on haughty mannequins that appeared to be mingling with the guests, our intrigue was sufficiently piqued. </div>
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<i>You can view ORGNL.TV on all devices at orgnltv.com and via facebook.com/StoliVodkaAustralia. Join </i><i>the conversation via hashtag #ORGNLTV.</i></div>
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lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-8841314816476497842013-04-26T15:44:00.001+10:002013-04-26T15:47:42.232+10:00Manly Wharf Hotel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There’s nothing like an unexpected spin under Sydney harbour’s glittering lights to remind you to break out of your bubble and explore the abundance on our doorstep (or waterfront). We enter our plush luxury vessel (aka a taxi from <a href="http://watertaxis.com.au/" target="_blank">Water Taxis Combined</a>) at 6.30pm at the Rose Bay ferry wharf, escorted by a handsome gentleman in uniform. <br />
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Our destination of choice is the <a href="http://manlywharfhotel.com.au/" target="_blank">Manly Wharf Hotel</a>, an exhilaratingly fast boat ride away from the CBD, which has brought on a new chef in honour of its 10th birthday celebrations. Disembarking at the wharf, we discover an outdoor bar full of family groups relaxing at long tables, almost oblivious to their 360 degree ocean views.<br />
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A recent refurbishment has created a beachy and relaxed vibe that suits the location, with colourful cushions, blackboard menus and painted surfboards adoring the place. A Jack Johnson-esque musician strums his guitar in the background, we settle for dinner on the comfy indoor seats.<br />
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Examining the surprisingly sophisticated menu, we order a selection of roasted barramundi fillet on spinach gnocchi, herb seared tuna nicoise and a chargrilled lamb fillet salad (and chips – we are in a pub after all!). All were presented beautifully and expertly cooked. The wine selection offered a good cross section of reasonably priced Australian wines, starting at $30 per bottle – a refreshing change when accompanied by a spectacular view. </div>
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The friendly staff fit the theme in their nautical t-shirts, and whipped up a couple of cocktails while good-naturedly admitting that they were pretty rarely ordered.<br />
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Whether you’re rocking up in thongs after a day at the beach, glammed up for a date night or meeting a mate for a post-work beer, you can be assured of decent food, a chilled out crowd, and an unpretentious haven of waterfront views. Thumbs up to the <a href="http://manlywharfhotel.com.au/" target="_blank">Manly Wharf Hotel.</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/751443/restaurant/Sydney/Manly-Wharf-Hotel-Manly" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Manly Wharf Hotel on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/751443/biglink.gif" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 146px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<em>Lifeafterfive* was a guest of the Manly Wharf Hotel.</em></div>
lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-73114491442892102962012-08-31T16:05:00.001+10:002012-08-31T16:32:54.949+10:00Social September; How will you 'Disconnect to Reconnect'?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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“Dad – are you okay? It’s been three hours since you checked your blackberry” was my sister’s introduction to my dad in her wedding speech. The ensuing guilty laughter of all those who could relate (or were sneakily updating their facebook under the table mid-speech) is a telling indicator of who –or what – has the upper hand in our relationship with technology. </div>
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Whether playing Words with Friends while crossing the road or sitting on iPads while having coffee with friends, <a href="http://socialseptember.com/" target="_blank">Social September</a> encourages people to connect with each other – by disconnecting. It is an initiative to raise funds for the <a href="http://www.reach.org.au/" target="_blank">Reach Foundation</a>, which promotes the mental health and emotional wellbeing of vulnerable young people.<br />
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Funnily enough, <a href="http://socialseptember.com/" target="_blank">Social September</a> is using our addiction to all things techy – facebook, twitter, the whole social media sphere – to get this message across. Recognising the critical role that technology does play in facilitating our social lives, super socialite and founder of Social September, Bianca Venuti-Hughes, is encouraging us to be more conscious of the where, why and how we do it. Don’t quit facebook – but stop checking it when with company. Keep an eye on your emails – but not over dinner with your girlfriend (or at your daughter’s wedding). Answer that SMS – when you’ve finished our conversation with your mum. </div>
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Launching at the stylish <a href="http://www.mezzaluna.com.au/" target="_blank">Mezzaluna Ristorante Italiano</a> in Potts Point, ambassadors roved the floor with giant plastic phones as guests admired the sparking Sydney skyline. Maria Venuti, the larger than life entertainer of Mad Pizza fame, stunned the crowd with a powerful rendition of “That’s what friends are for” as the connected crowd tweeted, checked in and instagrammed pics of the event. </div>
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As the clock ticks past midnight tonight, we will farewell winter and commence our springtime socialising – so go to <a href="http://www.socialseptember.com/">www.socialseptember.com</a> for more info, register to host a Reconnect event, or take on a personal Disconnect challenge for September.</div>
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lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-42984909008880033802012-08-09T16:25:00.003+10:002012-08-09T16:25:43.248+10:00Miss Marmalade, Bondi Junction<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><b>"Decaf coffee is like kissing your sister!" The wall, Miss Marmalade</b></i></div>
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8am, Monday morning. I walk briskly to Bondi Junction station to catch the train to work, an icy wind biting the tip of my nose. At 8 degrees Celsius, my head is down, scarf tightly wound and gloved hands jammed into my pockets. Oxford St is a peripheral blur of sleepy shops, loud buses and early morning commuters. </div>
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A warm blast of air and chilled music jolts me out of my determined stride as I pass <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Miss-M/195692877198931" target="_blank">Miss Marmalade</a>. An oasis of warmth in the Sydney chill, Miss Marmalade is a surprisingly cozy vintage haven, chalk scribbled all over the walls with irreverent quotes amongst the art. The walls may be cheeky but this establishment is clearly serious about its coffee, and appeals to the demand for organic and fair-trade that is flourishing in Bondi but surprisingly scarce in the junction itself. </div>
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I break my mad rush to order a coffee from the dimpled waiter who grins and banters with me while I wait. A laugh, a sensational coffee and a moment of serenity in an otherwise routine trip to work; thanks to Miss Marmalade for a gentle reminder to stop and smell the coffee beans.</div>
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lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-17600760638179756852012-07-15T18:51:00.003+10:002012-07-15T18:52:43.783+10:00Bondi boot camp<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Pop down to Bondi at 5.45am, and you would be forgiven for thinking you had entered an alternate universe where the gym has hit the beach. Yogis perform downward dog, surfers catch waves, as soft sand runners count laps. Couples walk dogs, as goggled swimmers breast stroke from north to south. Muscled men compete to see who can complete the most pull ups on the outdoor bars, while backpackers doze on the sand in an attempt to recover from the previous night.<div>
<br />There may be a winter chill in the air, but that hasn’t stopped the perky crew at <a href="http://www.bottomsupfitness.com.au/?cid=lmau_blog_post">Bottoms Up Fitness</a> and their trademark girly boot camp on the sand. One of only two fitness groups allowed to exercise on the beach itself, the signature red and white of the group’s trainers is a familiarly cheerful sight to locals in the morning.<div>
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Providing motivation for heeding an inhumanly early alarm clock, Head Trainer Libby is always ready to greet the “Bottoms” with smiley enthusiasm. With wrenching myself out of bed proving the most challenging part of my ordeal, watching the sun rise over the ocean as we run through a variety of drills is an uplifting reward to kick-start the day.<br /><br />Tailored specifically to ladies, the Bottoms Up crew provide a series of high intensity workouts that continually keep the body guessing. They recognise that girls have unique goals and physiology, and focus on making the sessions fun to generate a positive association with exercise and fitness.<br /><br />They mix cardio, movement, boxing and weights with yoga and dance classes, targeting the problem areas of women’s bodies and focusing on health and well being.<br /><br />With a mission to get us fit and healthy, Libby, Ali, Jay and the crew have found an effective combination of ingredients to encourage exercise during the colder months – fun and different workouts to keep us guessing, spectacular sunrises to make us smile, and constant contagious energy and enthusiasm. <br /><br />My first early start feels like torture, but after a week of jumping, burpies and boxing on the sand, I’m feeling motivated, energised and ready to join the alternate universe of fitness on the beach!<div>
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Read fitness tips from Head Trainer Libby Babet, and <a href="http://www.liveeverylastminute.com.au/bondi-boot-camp-baby/" target="_blank">the full article</a> at liveeverylastminute.com.au.</div>
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<i>Libby is the founder of Bottoms Up! Social Fitness and is a passionate advocate of health, nutrition and fitness. You can read more from Libby and her team at <a href="http://www.bottomsupfitness.com.au/?cid=lmau_blog_post">bottomsupfitness.com.au</a></i><div>
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</div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-74085446707680141552012-04-26T17:39:00.001+10:002012-04-26T17:39:41.099+10:00Guest Post: Big (city) love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Guest post by Julia Grundy</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London in Summer</td></tr>
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I’ve had more spare time recently. The kind of time that lets me watch a French cooking show on TV, consider actually baking madeleines, and from there googling the show’s host, then drifting from one website to another, following links, reading blogs, until I found myself looking at photos of some woman’s favorite caesar salad in San Francisco - from every angle. </div>
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At this point I stopped. Photos of lettuce leaves covered in cheese are sad.<br />
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But along this meandering online journey I did find several pretty websites and blogs dedicated to “<a href="http://www.theparisblog.com/" target="_blank">loving Paris</a>”, and similar fan sites for London, and of course, for <a href="http://nyportraits.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">New York</a>. Do you know anyone who doesn’t LOVE New York? Expressing dislike for New York is like saying you don’t drink, people accept it but mentally mark you as a fun-hating weirdo. <br />
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I do like New York. A week there last summer left me tanned, happy, well-fed and slightly better dressed. But I don’t LOVE New York. I’m sure I’d be perfectly happy living there, but I’m not hell-bent on making it happen. <br />
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As for Paris, it totally defeated me as a cold, tired and broke 21- year-old backpacker. Anyway, my point is all these fawning blogs and websites made me think about the hole in my life that is a beloved city. <br />
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How many colorful books have been written by people who fled to a foreign city, fell in love with the people, the food, the culture, the architecture, whatever, and in the process found love, found themselves, blah blah blah? Heaps. Then why haven’t I experienced this? <br />
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I've been places, I get inspired, I’ve made the effort to fly everywhere from Istanbul to Berlin to LA…but no one city has really and truly grabbed me. </div>
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I like cities; I like big galleries, big bridges, big parks, good coffee, noise, local food markets and overpriced restaurants. I like being anonymous in a city, I like the variety of people, houses and character that a walk through any city brings. But I haven’t found MY city. <br />
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It took me over 20 years to figure out Sydney isn’t it. I totally get its appeal, and parts of it I love – like North Bondi, Bronte baths, and cheap, delicious Thai food anywhere- but there are too many things I dislike about Sydney. Given the nature of this blog I won’t bang on about them. <br />
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I really like my new city home. London is wonderfully low-key when you need it to be, but also open for any kind of fun, at any time, in all costumes and price ranges. And anyone who’s been here in summer gets it. The mood of the city completely lifts, the sidewalks outside pubs fill with happy drinkers, and every park turns into an unofficial music and cider festival. It’s so great. </div>
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So, London has a lot going for it, but I’m not gaga enough to write a blog about it. Is it me? Am I not open or daring enough to fully launch myself into a city? Is there a language barrier? Or, like a lot of relationships, is it more a case of being at the right place at the right time? <br />
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I recently married a lovely Englishman, so I can happily tick that relationship box. But after years of travelling, I’d love to find that “special” city too. There are still plenty I’m yet to see – Amsterdam, Budapest, Buenos Aires, Tokyo…. maybe it’s a numbers game, like that 100 cities thing people are doing on facebook. In the meantime, I’m giving Paris another shot this summer, hoping a better budget and serious interest in French food (thanks to that cooking show) will make all the difference. </div>
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<i>Julia Grundy is a writer who is searching for her one true (city) love.</i></div>
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</div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com3London, UK51.5081289 -0.12800551.350006900000004 -0.443862 51.6662509 0.187852tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-30031227673357992012012-04-24T18:13:00.000+10:002012-04-24T18:17:09.136+10:00A Taste of Greece with Lyndey Milan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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“When in Greece you cook with a Greek heart” declared celebrity chef <a href="http://www.lyndeymilan.com/milan/about.php" target="_blank">Lyndey Milan</a> as diners were tantalised with the wafting aromas of Peloponnese cuisine. As jovial chords of live bouzouki music bounce over the twinkling lights of the harbour, it is not a far stretch to imagine ourselves seated in a traditional restaurant on a Mediterranean island.<br />
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To celebrate the launch of the<a href="http://www.lyndeymilan.com/books/books.php" target="_blank"> Taste of Greece</a> cookbook on the back of her <a href="http://www.lyndeymilan.com/milan/taste-of-greece.htm" target="_blank">successful SBS series</a>, Lyndey Milan teamed with the <a href="http://www.georgesrestaurant.com.au/kingStreetWharf.html" target="_blank">George’s Mediterranean Bar & Grill</a> to host a feast drawn from the recipes in the book. Showcasing the highlights of a mother and son food-focused road trip around the Peloponnese, the evening was a heart (and stomach) warming tribute to both the region and Lyndey's late son, Blair.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyndey Milan regales diners with tales of the Peloponnese</td></tr>
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We begin our culinary journey with a traditional eggplant dip (similar to baba ganoush) and a freshly grilled pita, a tasty portent of the flavoursome delights to come. An exotic collection of mezedes follow, a range of chickpea fritters, BBQ squid filled with fetta and spinach, and zucchini dill and mint fritters.<br />
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The main course consists of slow roasted lamb, lemon potatos and village salad. Lyndey introduces each dish with a story, describing how she and Blair stumbled across each. She says that the Hercules Blood cocktail, a concoction of pomegranate seed and tequila, was created by Blair after extensive sampling of cocktails with locals throughout their trip. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slow roasted lamb</td></tr>
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Matching wines are a carefully chosen selection also hailing from the Peloponnese region, and complement the hearty cuisine. The sweet Kourtakis Muscat of Samos is a memorable finale and dessert is an indulgent cinnamon cheesecake with Samos-soaked muscatels, topping off a mouth watering testament to George’s Executive Chef, Keith Higginson. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hercules Blood cocktails</td></tr>
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Lyndey reminds us that Greek hospitality is focused on ensuring guests are happy, no matter what it takes. Enjoying a night under the stars with atmospheric music, traditional dishes prepared by a renowned chef and a welcoming host, the mission is well accomplished. We raise our glasses and toast: Yamas!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bouzouki player entertains the crowd</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/750923/restaurant/CBD/Georges-Mediterranean-Bar-Grill-Sydney" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="George's Mediterranean Bar & Grill on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/750923/biglink.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 146px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<i style="text-align: left;">Lifeafterfive* was a guest of the event.</i>
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</div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com10Darling Harbour, Lime St, Sydney NSW, Australia-33.8668668 151.2009277-33.8685148 151.1984602 -33.865218799999994 151.2033952tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-58307851438963969942012-04-19T14:33:00.000+10:002012-04-26T17:39:49.137+10:00Guest Post: Why I’d rather give to Leisure Suit Larry than to charity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Guest post by Prashan Paramanathan</i><br />
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It was the mid-90s and personal computers were starting to find their way into every home. Dial up modems were still screeching and the <a href="http://www.y2ktimebomb.com/" target="_blank">Y2K bug</a> lay on our doorstep, ready to destroy all that was good. Our family had just got its first PC (with its top-of-the-class 128MB hard drive) and I, the typical 13 year old boy, was just discovering computer games. <br />
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Adventure games were the hot genre of the time and alongside Police Quest, Hugo's House of Horrors and Bubble Bobble, stood - I'm a little embarrassed to say - <a href="http://www.adamhearn.co.uk/games/lsl/home.php" target="_blank">Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of Lounge Lizzards</a>. Larry was a dodgy, balding 40-something lovable-loser type in Las Vegas and you were trying to help him pick up. It was more comical than raunchy. <br />
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Larry has lain dormant for well over a decade now, so I was more than a little surprised when he re-emerged a few weeks ago on <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1451923705/make-leisure-suit-larry-come-again" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a>, a US-based crowd funding site. The creator of the Larry series, Al Lowe, was looking to raise $500k to remake the Larry game, and strangely, well, disturbingly, I felt myself compelled to give to the ‘cause’. <br />
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Now, despite working in the non-profit world for over 4 years now, I’m not very good with giving money in general. And so, as I was clicking the donate button for Larry, it suddenly dawned on me what I was doing. Did I really feel more compelled to give to Larry than I did to, say, World Vision? <br />
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<i>Disturbingly, the answer to that question felt like a yes. </i><br />
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It made me ask around my friends – did they give to charity and how did they decide whom to give to? <br />
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The response I got was oddly contradictory: they wanted to connect, interact and contribute to the non-profit world but also had a healthy dose of distrust, distance and disillusionment with “charities”. I heard a lot of “I don’t really know how they spend their money” and “I don’t know if they’re any good”. <br />
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As I pondered this some more, I realised that what I was really hearing was this: “If I’m a young, 20- or 30- something professional, the traditional benevolent ‘charity’-model doesn’t really speak to me”. <br />
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<i>So, what should you do if you’re a socially-conscience young professional wanting to connect to the non-profit world? </i><br />
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Here are two really simple things:<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Be trendy, eat social enterprise-style:</b> Social enterprises are essentially businesses run for a social purpose. For some reason, the most common types seem to be food-related. Two of my favourites for the Melbournians are <a href="http://www.streat.com.au/" target="_blank">STREAT</a> (coffee/food carts run by homeless youth and <a href="http://www.scarfcommunity.org/" target="_blank">Scarf </a>(borrows restaurants to train marginalised young people in hospitality). </li>
<li><b>Find your tribe:</b> There are plenty more people like you out there. In Sydney, they hang out at many places, but three of my favourites are <a href="http://www.elsc.com.au/" target="_blank">Emerging Leaders for Social Change</a> (ELSC), <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Think-Act-Change/" target="_blank">Think Act Change</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/youngsocialentrepreneurs" target="_blank">Young Social Entrepreneurs</a>. It’s pretty simple, just turn up and see if you like it.</li>
</ul>
To make it even easier for you, I’m working with a mate (that I met at ELSC) to create <a href="http://www.signup.chipin.com.au/" target="_blank">Chip In Australia</a>, a site that profiles some of the best Australian non-profits and social enterprises to make it even easier for you to connect to them. You can check us out <a href="http://www.chipin.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLyPxYP6EN4/T453cwFhl-I/AAAAAAAAAus/guBvqtkr5V0/s1600/homelessness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLyPxYP6EN4/T453cwFhl-I/AAAAAAAAAus/guBvqtkr5V0/s400/homelessness.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STREAT's <i>Stop Homelessness the Delicious Way</i> campaign</td></tr>
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And, if it all goes well, who knows, I might even be able to find something better to give to on there than Larry.<br />
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<i>During the day, Prashan Paramanathan dons his non-profit consultant outfit but after five he spends his time writing for <a href="http://www.educationreport.com.au/" target="_blank">The Education Report</a> and tinkering at <a href="http://blog.chipin.com.au/" target="_blank">Chip In Australia</a>.</i></div>
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<i>Like Lifeafterfive on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lifeafterfive">www.facebook.com/lifeafterfive</a>.</i></div>
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</div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-73814844988890791682012-04-04T16:43:00.000+10:002012-04-04T16:43:54.509+10:00THE BLOCKS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oy5io1IGSgE/T3vpGCAaTvI/AAAAAAAAAt0/F0GR4ndtVxg/s1600/IMG_2653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oy5io1IGSgE/T3vpGCAaTvI/AAAAAAAAAt0/F0GR4ndtVxg/s400/IMG_2653.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>“This is where the journey starts” begins the dapper sommelier, referring to the meticulously scattered design in the vast warehouse. Channelling <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy_Wonka_%26_the_Chocolate_Factory" target="_blank">Willy Wonka</a> on a tour of mind-boggling creations, our enthusiastic guide leads us through the sensory wonderland of scented sculptures and mysterious art at <a href="http://www.theblockslive.com/" target="_blank">THE BLOCKS</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7yyqoXILuI/T3vrHZ63V9I/AAAAAAAAAuE/Tao7RhdXDCM/s1600/IMG_2652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7yyqoXILuI/T3vrHZ63V9I/AAAAAAAAAuE/Tao7RhdXDCM/s400/IMG_2652.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Catering to Gen Y’s notoriously short attention span and penchant for the new, pop ups venues continue to address our insatiable quest for novelty, quality and entertainment. From the long-standing <a href="http://thebucketlistbondi.com/" target="_blank">Bucket List</a> that still draws a crowd, to <a href="http://www.bizarrebazaar.info/" target="_blank">Bizarre Bazaar</a>’s laneway markets, each seems to be more innovative then the last. The allure of limited time, perceived exclusivity and reliance on word of mouth combine to create a recipe for success that challenges the long-held dominance of permanent venues. </div><br />
Open in Sydney for only three weeks before embarking on a world tour, the collaboration between Penfolds and London’s <a href="http://www.studiotoogood.com/" target="_blank">Studio Toogood</a> is an inspired example of a creative installation. Imploring us to disregard the snobbery associated with wine and follow our intuition, the team has invited Australian artists, perfumers and sculptures to create wine inspired experiences for visitors. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGyMnTzb7LQ/T3vsNrE953I/AAAAAAAAAuc/65O0q1K9nxY/s1600/sculpture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGyMnTzb7LQ/T3vsNrE953I/AAAAAAAAAuc/65O0q1K9nxY/s400/sculpture.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div>Starting with a virtual number 1 that is a fragment of light projected onto the wooden floor, we smell a sculpture, enjoy the art works and assess our instinctive reaction to both. Each category of art and smell has been derived from the words usually associated with particular brackets of wine, and are intended to help us disregard preconceived notions of wine. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oY-Fnq7hN4c/T3vqzD1yY1I/AAAAAAAAAt8/V1qs3BY90aY/s1600/IMG_2655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oY-Fnq7hN4c/T3vqzD1yY1I/AAAAAAAAAt8/V1qs3BY90aY/s400/IMG_2655.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our journey through the senses is educational and fun, stretching our minds laterally to fuse art, wine and food (not too much of a struggle really). Once we’ve picked our favourites, the sommelier reveals the corresponding Penfolds Bin and Luxury wines that sit behind them. We choose 1. Aromatic Whites and 4. Regional Reds, and sit down for a tasting. At $35 for 4 x 75ml glasses, we’ve discovered the grape version of Wonka’s chocolate river paradise, and start to appreciate the subtle differences between the blends. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8kuzTdHFCU4/T3vrj_PguMI/AAAAAAAAAuM/SiNksZua_qM/s1600/IMG_2661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8kuzTdHFCU4/T3vrj_PguMI/AAAAAAAAAuM/SiNksZua_qM/s400/IMG_2661.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4T3X50v9WLE/T3vr6PvhKkI/AAAAAAAAAuU/B5yATcQOdvA/s1600/Theblocks+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4T3X50v9WLE/T3vr6PvhKkI/AAAAAAAAAuU/B5yATcQOdvA/s400/Theblocks+005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVy5DLiWfG4/T3vshm7sSrI/AAAAAAAAAuk/gdj630QrCSQ/s1600/Theblocks+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVy5DLiWfG4/T3vshm7sSrI/AAAAAAAAAuk/gdj630QrCSQ/s400/Theblocks+007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Despite the transient nature of the venue, no detail has been overlooked. From <a href="http://www.riedel.com/" target="_blank">Riedel</a> crystal wine glasses to <a href="http://www.mudaustralia.com/" target="_blank">Mud Australia</a> porcelain plates, we sit under canopies of illuminated glass grapes on chairs hand cast from raw aluminium specifically for the event. While Sydney’s last undeveloped historic wharf building will feel empty when THE BLOCKS departs for Melbourne on 4 May, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/penfolds" target="_blank">Penfolds</a> and Studio Toogood have further raised the bar (literally) for pop up innovation. </div><div><br />
</div><div><i>Lifeafterfive* was a guest of THE BLOCKS and enjoyed a free tasting bracket worth $35.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.theblockslive.com/" target="_blank">The Blocks</a><br />
http://www.theblockslive.com/<br />
16th March-5th April<br />
Pier 2/3 13 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay<br />
Wed-Fri 4pm-11pm and Sat-Sun 1pm-11pm</div></div></div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-61067634410695144552012-03-20T22:43:00.004+11:002012-03-21T13:50:26.875+11:00Bread & Circus, Alexandria<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm2uvFrWWhc/T2hj36pULUI/AAAAAAAAAss/YcZx3PxkEnA/s1600/IMG_2642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm2uvFrWWhc/T2hj36pULUI/AAAAAAAAAss/YcZx3PxkEnA/s400/IMG_2642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>“We were the generation of dreamers”, says John Bechara, stopping for a chat while gathering plates. Reclining in stripy deck chairs, we bask in the Autumn sunshine and find ourselves engaged in a philosophical discussion while sipping organic blueberry smoothies. “We studied for the sake of learning, challenged traditions and explored the ideas of the world…”.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xG9TS-SKbgc/T2hklvqH8eI/AAAAAAAAAs0/78zw1mgvhmY/s1600/IMG_2629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xG9TS-SKbgc/T2hklvqH8eI/AAAAAAAAAs0/78zw1mgvhmY/s400/IMG_2629.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Riding the revolving door schedule of fast paced city living, days blend without warning into indistinctive weeks and months pass before we seem to have a chance to blink. It’s a rare treat to venture out of routine, crack a pattern and find our eyes jolted open to delights on our doorstep. <br />
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At <a href="http://www.breadandcircus.com.au/" target="_blank">‘Bread & Circus’</a> in Alexandria, Bechara’s daughter Amanda is busy preparing food in the kitchen, laughing with customers and generally running the show (with her boyfriend and co-owner, Danny Goldstein). A trendy warehouse style canteen in a re-used brick factory, giant spoons hang on the wall, gourmet condiments line the counter and pineapples hang out with jars of homemade jam on geometrically aligned shelves. The version of the latin phrase <i>panem et circenses</i> is an apt reference to frivolous appeasement methods adopted by the Ancient Roman senate to distract the population from serious civic concerns. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQ5x2jfbo8U/T2hliB6WEiI/AAAAAAAAAs8/iP3XcU8vwdI/s1600/IMG_2644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQ5x2jfbo8U/T2hliB6WEiI/AAAAAAAAAs8/iP3XcU8vwdI/s400/IMG_2644.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4kEMitOR_k/T2hl-uw37qI/AAAAAAAAAtE/STKRYyk9xb0/s1600/IMG_2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4kEMitOR_k/T2hl-uw37qI/AAAAAAAAAtE/STKRYyk9xb0/s400/IMG_2639.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>Artfully combining healthy, organic produce, an edgy location and eclectic décor to create a positive distraction from all concerns – civic or otherwise - Bread & Circus manages to tick all of the boxes for implied success in the discerning Inner West. A welcoming sunny space made friendlier with a cheeky music selection, a healthy menu of fresh produce that regularly changes, and creative presentation of dishes, the three month old eatery is buzzing on a Sunday afternoon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aSfwgyXrMgI/T2hmpRZ4TTI/AAAAAAAAAtM/FoT-rGnQ9vA/s1600/IMG_2637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aSfwgyXrMgI/T2hmpRZ4TTI/AAAAAAAAAtM/FoT-rGnQ9vA/s400/IMG_2637.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We order the sustainable steamed barramundi sandwich box – a biodegradable box full of “fresh bright quirky organic sandwich fillings w/ freshly cut slices of sourdough & salady side things” - and a mix of unusual but delicious salads. The “sandwich” is a smorgasbord of DIY ingredients, elevating the humble concept of two slices of bread and filling to the next level. Each bite oozes health, professionally and thoughtfully executed while maintaining its rustic originality.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMJQoICJ99c/T2hnB39vRWI/AAAAAAAAAtU/s3Axt0cJpN8/s1600/IMG_2631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMJQoICJ99c/T2hnB39vRWI/AAAAAAAAAtU/s3Axt0cJpN8/s400/IMG_2631.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sLYwGJCrhBw/T2hnOJ9pBsI/AAAAAAAAAtc/a50RvriH5ao/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sLYwGJCrhBw/T2hnOJ9pBsI/AAAAAAAAAtc/a50RvriH5ao/s400/IMG_2636.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Easily exceeding standard expectations, the X-factor of Bread & Circus is the warmth behind the smiles, the genuine hospitality that only comes from owners passionate about their creation. With Amanda’s dad gathering plates, her boyfriend manning the counter and her mum checking on customers, Bread & Circus is a friendly oasis nestled among the industrial streets of Alexandria.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A Master of Philosophy and hailing from Lebanon, Bechara pops by again to see how we’re getting on. Already a familiar face, he regales us with tales rich with history, stokes debates over culture, and glows with pride as he speaks of his daughter’s venture. This chance encounter with John - a common feature of travelling but rare in the comfortable routine of life at home - is one of those moments where life seems to pause, a reminder that colour, depth and philosophy are ever present behind everyday interactions if one takes a moment to notice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From the giant bags of chickpeas lining the floor to the carefully selected tea menu (“brewed by a tea neurotic”), Bread & Circus inspires one to revert to the mindset of the traveller, unravel stories and join the generation of dreamers - at least for an afternoon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3OdSj_eNhFs/T2hniBFIo0I/AAAAAAAAAts/Qsetp2h4jcA/s1600/When+you+realise+how+perfect+everything+is....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="347" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3OdSj_eNhFs/T2hniBFIo0I/AAAAAAAAAts/Qsetp2h4jcA/s400/When+you+realise+how+perfect+everything+is....jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"When you realise how perfect everything is, you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky" <br />
Buddha</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1641737/restaurant/Sydney/Waterloo/Bread-Circus-Alexandria" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bread & Circus on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1641737/biglink.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></div></div></div></div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-71438556187028639062012-02-21T14:49:00.004+11:002012-04-03T14:21:21.149+10:00Hong Kong; A Quintessentially night on the town<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_so_l0xBA0/T0MFfDqvLpI/AAAAAAAAArs/WqAi4Hyejoo/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_so_l0xBA0/T0MFfDqvLpI/AAAAAAAAArs/WqAi4Hyejoo/s400/IMG_1460.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">To the uninitiated, Hong Kong is an overwhelming jumble of twisty streets, narrow buildings and teeming market stalls. Businessmen, expats and local traders mingle among a confusing collection of skyscrapers, quirky local stores and premium global brands. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlU3UHE2y7M/T0MOfx9zesI/AAAAAAAAAsc/ieLpxBZtTHo/s1600/IMG_0767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlU3UHE2y7M/T0MOfx9zesI/AAAAAAAAAsc/ieLpxBZtTHo/s400/IMG_0767.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">With a philosophy that insists that life is too short to waste time on second best, </span><a href="http://members.quintessentially.com/about-us/" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Quintessentially Hong Kong</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> addresses the mystery by offering us a window into the enviable lifestyle of Hong Kong’s privileged. An eclectic city that can be tailored to all tastes, our fabulously foxy Quintessentially host – the aptly named </span><a href="http://members.quintessentially.com/about-us/meet-the-staff/hong-kong" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Fiona Foxo</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">n - artfully guides us through the rabbit warren of streets to discover hidden laneway treasures, private members clubs and hedonistically playful party places. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quintessentially's Fiona Foxon & Avey Cortes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0zfgjl98LY/T0MNK_kUomI/AAAAAAAAAsU/oKaoS3OyuM0/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0zfgjl98LY/T0MNK_kUomI/AAAAAAAAAsU/oKaoS3OyuM0/s400/IMG_1457.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peach & Rose Daquiri at Soiree</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Our first stop is a cocktail at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/139063749669/" target="_blank">Soiree</a>, a stylishly shabby-chic bar frequented by the genetically blessed and sartorially winning. Soiree’s signature cocktail, the Peach and Rose daiquiri, manages to present itself as a dessert, a work of art and a floral tribute in one. With a generous chocolate rim, the smoothie texture of the peach is enhanced by the subtle scent of rose emanating from the rich concoction. Comfortable on the intimate leather lounges, it is tough to wrench ourselves away until we discover our exclusive dinner destination. </div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ90q2AxOtQ/T0MGbZY5O_I/AAAAAAAAAr8/u9K8qlmXOhs/s1600/IMG_1476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ90q2AxOtQ/T0MGbZY5O_I/AAAAAAAAAr8/u9K8qlmXOhs/s400/IMG_1476.JPG" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel Jacques at Cipriani</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://www.cipriani.com/locations/hong-kong.php" target="_blank">Cipriani Hong Kong</a> is a private members dining club which opened in 2003, a branch of the internationally renowned empire of restaurants around the world. Opened by David Tang and Giuseppe Cipriani, the Hong Kong location prides itself on serving high quality, traditional Italian food to illustrious guests. Counting the likes of Bill Clinton among their regular guests, the impeccable service, flowing wine and warm flavours gave us a taste of the international standards of premium Hong Kong living.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zarM_wuQ104/T0MPVQ_89RI/AAAAAAAAAsk/-KKK_9pnTPw/s1600/IMG_1466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zarM_wuQ104/T0MPVQ_89RI/AAAAAAAAAsk/-KKK_9pnTPw/s400/IMG_1466.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1Ys1WQSyOk/T0MGocji-wI/AAAAAAAAAsE/sPYu4kBaXPw/s1600/IMG_1478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1Ys1WQSyOk/T0MGocji-wI/AAAAAAAAAsE/sPYu4kBaXPw/s400/IMG_1478.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
Gauging our predilection for cocktails and dancing, Fiona suggests a post-dinner visit to the <a href="http://www.keeclub.com/hongkong/" target="_blank">Kee Club</a>, a venue that claims to “embrace people from all walks of life – from business professionals to social butterflies”. The Quintessentially name is our passport to the VIP tables, where the gentlemen opt for espresso martinis while the ladies go for lychee. The décor and service scream luxury, while the Friday night crowd is amped for a party. A mesmerising display of unsubtle wealth and glamour, Kee is currently the “hands down - place to be” on Hong Kong island according to our guides. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxU6WUfrmb0/T0MHA1Z88_I/AAAAAAAAAsM/WzwpF-mn4-8/s1600/IMG_1488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxU6WUfrmb0/T0MHA1Z88_I/AAAAAAAAAsM/WzwpF-mn4-8/s400/IMG_1488.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cocktails at Kee</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>Whether one falls into the camp of “business professional or social butterfly”, no visit to Hong Kong is complete without a foray into <a href="http://www.lankwaifong.com/index.php?page=home" target="_blank">Lan Kwai Fong (LKF)</a>, the hub of the island’s late night party scene. Awash with activity and beats at 2am, many an expat escapade has taken place on the colourful, narrow street. Our last Quintessentially stop is at a bouncing club named <a href="http://clubfly.com.hk/" target="_blank">Fly</a> - complete with shots of coffee patrone, cheesy 80s music revving up the dance floor, and a rowdy crowd spilling onto the street. </div><div><br />
Between hidden wine bars, private clubs and popular discos, our Quintessentially Hong Kong night gives us a window into the fast-paced lifestyle that characterises the city. Often touted as the New York of Asia, the bewildering variety of places to discover with limited time reminds us that life is, indeed, too short for second best.</div><div><br />
</div><div><i><a href="http://www.quintessentially.com/" target="_blank">Quintessentially</a> is global Private Members' Club with 24/7 Concierge Services and exclusive member benefits. Lifeafterfive* was a guest of Quintessentially Hong Kong.</i></div></div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-20727894999737249602012-02-21T12:58:00.004+11:002012-02-22T13:58:26.515+11:00Guest Post: A shift towards a new era of working<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P2asGIweHmw/T0HjGY78D1I/AAAAAAAAArc/iokYgEVEJhY/s1600/alex+h+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P2asGIweHmw/T0HjGY78D1I/AAAAAAAAArc/iokYgEVEJhY/s400/alex+h+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Guest post by <a href="http://startupsummerinthecity.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alexandra Hsiao</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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In today’s performance-focused work culture, <i>Leave of absence</i> is a loaded term. “Lack of focus”, poor performance”, and “burnout" are some of the negative associations which swirl around the idea, implying people only take LOAs because they have no choice, or when they are about to quit. <br />
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On the contrary, those three little letters have given me an opportunity to pause from the mad climb up the ladder, take a breath, and reflect. We are concerned with our growth and in our professional roles, but to grow holistically as a person, and in more than one direction, is equally important.<br />
<br />
The LOA recognizes a shift towards a new era of work, or “reworking”. We are not one-dimensional robots who want to excel in one role for the rest of our life. This is an age where having one professional role your entire life is unlikely, and (I would argue) stifling. My generation, adept at having hands in many pots, wearing multiple hats, sometimes simultaneously. The model – photographer– entrepreneur is an example that often pops up in Vogue, but my friends - Danz, consultant – blogger – performer, and Paul, consultant – entrepreneur – student, are two real life examples of how we want to live today. <a href="http://www.hawking.org.uk/">Stephen Hawking</a> said: “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change,” and he is more right today than ever before. This desire for flexibility, agility and balance is not a silly, Gen Y whim that undermines productivity and progress – it is good for business, and for society. I am a prime example. <br />
<br />
After four years of management consulting, I needed to take stock. I was questioning the work I was doing and my place in the world. Luckily for me, my boss was forward-thinking enough to recognise this and I left Sydney for New York to intern with a social mission startup called <a href="http://www.catchafire.org/">Catchafire</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tN3Oz2hfGR4/T0HjUwMvioI/AAAAAAAAArk/7s5vnghnuTg/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-08+at+9.37.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tN3Oz2hfGR4/T0HjUwMvioI/AAAAAAAAArk/7s5vnghnuTg/s400/Screen+shot+2011-11-08+at+9.37.26+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div>The tech startup industry, which has become popular and newsworthy via the success of companies like Facebook, Twitter and <a href="http://www.groupon.com.au/" target="_blank">Groupon</a>, seemed a perfect opportunity to put my consulting skills to use in a different context. More than anything, I wanted to use my skills to build something meaningful that would help people.</div><br />
What I found in the startup world did not disappoint me. Startups are everything that corporations are not. Inherently small - Catchafire had 10 employees when I joined - everyone wears many hats to drive the company forward and operates in perpetual bootstrapping mode. Startups also require true end-to-end thinking, as you are coming up with the strategy, building it, executing it and then evaluating it, iterating continually and often. You have to build it all yourself, and this is difficult but wonderfully satisfying. True startup junkies are visionary but also practical, people-people but obsessed with metrics; technical but commercial. <br />
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In consulting, the learning curve for new clients is steep, but in startup, especially with a disruptive product, you are not learning the industry rules but creating them. There were moments when the team, stumped at a moment of impasse, would look at each other and realise that what we were trying to do had never been done before. <br />
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On my LOA, I learned more about what I am naturally good at and what I want to do with my life than I have in the past 2 years. Never did I think I would be making sales, or building partnerships, but by the end of my time at Catchafire I was leading the company’s expansion into a new market. <br />
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Any company that wants to win the talent war for the next generation should recognise the value in giving their staff time to explore and develop themselves. Australia is ahead of the curve here, with many of the big banks and firms granting this time to their staff. In America, however, the term “career break” draws looks of blank incomprehension from most people. Companies need to give their teams the mental and emotional permission to take this time. Many people are afraid that if they take a LOA, they will be seen as ‘weak’, or lose their place in the succession line. <br />
<br />
The rules of work are being rewritten. The popularity of <a href="http://nwc.co/">coworking</a> is exploding, the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/21/jobs/21pre.html">Google 20% rule</a> is being applied in more and more workplaces and entrepreneurship is the new ‘investment banking’. Career breaks are part of this movement, and employers should embrace them as a tool to sharpen their talent pool. <br />
<div><br />
</div><div><i>Alexandra Hsiao is an ex-management consultant, design student and author of the blog <a href="http://startupsummerinthecity.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Startup Summer in the City</a>.</i></div><div><br />
</div><div><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FLifeafterfive%2F215973778439763&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 62px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></div></div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-7989940290973933272012-02-19T10:59:00.000+11:002012-02-19T10:59:41.634+11:00Mini Coupe & Roadster launch @ Bucket List<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXXig4h-9OQ/T0AyPkuz-4I/AAAAAAAAAq8/8KlS64tQa-Q/s1600/Mini+coupe+launch+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXXig4h-9OQ/T0AyPkuz-4I/AAAAAAAAAq8/8KlS64tQa-Q/s400/Mini+coupe+launch+034.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><i></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><i><a href="http://thebucketlistbondi.com/" target="_blank">Bucket List </a>– the hot new pop up bar that’s quintessentially Bondi…a Hamptons-style combination of funky beats, casual cool and breezy outdoor setting...</i></i></div></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><b><i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ELomqoDfeXo/T0Ayc4SQxgI/AAAAAAAAArU/G9aU_blwTBk/s1600/Mini+coupe+launch+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ELomqoDfeXo/T0Ayc4SQxgI/AAAAAAAAArU/G9aU_blwTBk/s400/Mini+coupe+launch+037.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><i>Eclectic mix of guests in standard Bondi style, from glamarama girls to boys in boardies…</i></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x58eOVDTMlM/T0AyU84M_YI/AAAAAAAAArE/zNwKQcXTN3A/s1600/Mini+coupe+launch+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x58eOVDTMlM/T0AyU84M_YI/AAAAAAAAArE/zNwKQcXTN3A/s400/Mini+coupe+launch+035.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Colourful deck chairs, cheeky Mini Coupes posing like models, jugs of Pimms & Lemonade...</i> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfjhf_j7UtQ/T0AyKxdjD2I/AAAAAAAAAq0/2u1yexKXbIo/s1600/Mini+coupe+launch+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfjhf_j7UtQ/T0AyKxdjD2I/AAAAAAAAAq0/2u1yexKXbIo/s400/Mini+coupe+launch+033.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>A fitting location for a car that’s more a commitment to playfulness than a mode of transport</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-El6SVp2Sww0/T0AyYq-wlJI/AAAAAAAAArM/Ello0fnP-SM/s1600/Mini+coupe+launch+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-El6SVp2Sww0/T0AyYq-wlJI/AAAAAAAAArM/Ello0fnP-SM/s400/Mini+coupe+launch+036.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
For more pics of the event, visit the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lifeafterfive" target="_blank">Lifeafterfive* facebook page</a>.<br />
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<i>Bondi Pavilion Bondi Beach<br />
11am-Midnight every day<br />
<a href="http://thebucketlistbondi.com/">http://thebucketlistbondi.com/</a><br />
Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/thebucketlistbondi"> http://www.facebook.com/thebucketlistbondi</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1644423/restaurant/Sydney/Bondi-Bondi-Beach/The-Bucket-List-Bondi-Beach" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Bucket List on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1644423/minilogo.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 15px; width: 104px;" /></a></div></div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-41006083216660090992012-02-19T08:43:00.000+11:002012-02-19T08:43:42.280+11:00A quest for baklava; Abla's Pastries<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4VAs5qTGh0A/T0AZj3V65PI/AAAAAAAAAqc/CHkgCDJbaAM/s1600/baklava-550x325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4VAs5qTGh0A/T0AZj3V65PI/AAAAAAAAAqc/CHkgCDJbaAM/s400/baklava-550x325.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photograph from tasteofbeirut.com</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">An oozy concoction of pastry, syrup and nuts, a sticky melt in your mouth sensation that evokes delight with each bite. With hazy origins but widespread popularity, everywhere from Turkey, Greece, Lebanon and Israel (to name but a few) claim a variation of the baklava as their own.</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbEAyZtUONk/T0AZHK4jkkI/AAAAAAAAAqU/8TS74z6495Y/s1600/IMG_2452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbEAyZtUONk/T0AZHK4jkkI/AAAAAAAAAqU/8TS74z6495Y/s400/IMG_2452.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">The cosmopolitan melting pot of cultures that make up Sydney allows us privileged access to authentic and quality cuisines from far flung corners of the globe. With a newfound baklava obsession and frustrated with infrequent stumbles towards quality, we head to the unlikely suburb of Dulwich Hill to seek out the baklava whispered (by those in the know) to be Sydney’s best.</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">A non-descript suburb of Sydney’s inner west, Dulwich Hill was originally settled by immigrants from Greece and Portugal who have left a legacy of exotic eateries frequented mostly by locals. Arriving at <a href="http://www.ablaspastries.com.au/aboutus.htm" target="_blank">Abla’s Pastry</a>, we enter a cavernous room, a Lebanese Aladdin’s cave where the jewels are candy and the mountains of gold edible and delicious. </span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSDWOFRNJdo/T0AaHnozMeI/AAAAAAAAAqk/RVkNwNb1Rug/s1600/IMG_2456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSDWOFRNJdo/T0AaHnozMeI/AAAAAAAAAqk/RVkNwNb1Rug/s400/IMG_2456.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An overwhelming combination of shapes and styles, we order one of each (a bargain at $1 a piece) and act like mischievous kids raiding the pantry by impulsively devouring them on the spot. Highlights include the ‘Birds Nest’, wrapped layers of filo pastry filled with cashews and doused in syrup and the ‘Namora’, a blend of semolina, flour and coconut baked to golden brown and topped with syrup. Despite the volume on display, the delicate flavours and expert composition of each satisfy our craving for a quality sample of the famed international dessert. Whether <a href="http://www.ablaspastries.com.au/aboutus.htm" target="_blank">Abla’s Pastry</a> is the best in Sydney, or merely a representative sample of hidden local treasures, it is worth a journey to the west-side to indulge in the real deal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1546690/restaurant/Sydney/Parramatta/Ablas-Pastries-Granville"><img alt="Abla's Pastries on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1546690/biglink.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></div></div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com340tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-30231794100726689822012-02-15T16:45:00.000+11:002012-02-15T16:45:25.398+11:00Hong Kong; conquering heights at the Ritz Carlton<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jcjsc763D4E/TztDquwrpcI/AAAAAAAAAps/V6t0P-F3X7c/s1600/IMG_1398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jcjsc763D4E/TztDquwrpcI/AAAAAAAAAps/V6t0P-F3X7c/s400/IMG_1398.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Hong Kong. A densely populated city acclaimed for its intense urban nature, the executive lounge at the <a href="http://www.lastminute.com.au/accommodation/hong-kong/the-ritz-carlton-hong-kong/W157936?search=The%20Ritz-Carlton%20Hong%20Kong%20%28Kowloon%2C%20Hong%20Kong%29&url=?cid=lmau_blog_post">The Ritz-Carlton Hotel</a> is my first exposure to the magnificent skyline. Seen from the 116th floor of the tallest building in the city, it is breathtaking to see the mountainous range of The Peak dominating the view, overpowering the vast collection of skyscrapers and shiny buildings.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a3JY1mBH-4Q/TztF6NDI5LI/AAAAAAAAAqM/vqoMUZckywY/s1600/IMG_1376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a3JY1mBH-4Q/TztF6NDI5LI/AAAAAAAAAqM/vqoMUZckywY/s400/IMG_1376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>With curved windows to minimise typhoon exposure, the Ritz Carlton was built in May 2011 and has managed to encapsulate the best that Asia has to offer in its 16 floors. Taking the concept of five star to new heights (literally), the personalised service, attention to detail and classy but not extravagant opulence caters to a clientele accustomed to experiencing the creme de la creme of accommodation, cuisine and style.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CkNb1aNREg/TztEM8maLdI/AAAAAAAAAp8/aSMGYh930T4/s1600/Harbour+Island+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CkNb1aNREg/TztEM8maLdI/AAAAAAAAAp8/aSMGYh930T4/s400/Harbour+Island+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Our first stop is the world renowned Afternoon Tea at <a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/HongKong/Dining/the_lounge_bar/Default.htm" target="_blank">The Lounge and Bar</a> restaurant, which the menu tells us was made fashionable by Queen Catherine in 1633. We sit in luxuriously comfortable lounges overlooking Victoria Harbour as we’re served champagne, tea, and three tiers of indulgent delights. A cello player provides the ambiance as we watch the dancing hues of the sunset, so far above the other buildings that the sun appears level with the window.<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLovvRSumuc/TztD5miimPI/AAAAAAAAAp0/j_4KXaVQuoc/s1600/IMG_1392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLovvRSumuc/TztD5miimPI/AAAAAAAAAp0/j_4KXaVQuoc/s400/IMG_1392.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><div><br />
</div><div>Read <a href="http://www.liveeverylastminute.com.au/hotel-review-ritz-carlton-hong-kong/#more-5979" target="_blank">my full review</a> of Hong Kong's Ritz Carlton Hotel as the <a href="http://www.liveeverylastminute.com.au/author/daniella/" target="_blank">NSW blogger</a> for <a href="http://liveeverylastminute.com.au/">liveeverylastminute.com.au</a>.</div></div><div><br />
</div><div><i>The Ritz Carlton</i></div><i>ICC 1 Austin Road West </i><div><i>Kowloon, Hong Kong</i></div></div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-40725498735589379372012-02-09T16:18:00.003+11:002012-02-09T16:31:59.651+11:00Guest Post: We all scream for ice cream at Ben & Jerry's Sundae Sessions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ss1s0hbgr8s/TzNSLeBb3JI/AAAAAAAAApE/avEy_tRwnac/s1600/Ben+&+Jerry's+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ss1s0hbgr8s/TzNSLeBb3JI/AAAAAAAAApE/avEy_tRwnac/s400/Ben+&+Jerry's+005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><b><i>Guest post by Amanda Barbera</i></b></div><div><br />
</div>I used to think a choc-top at Hoyts was a treat. But now I’ve been spoilt - by Ben, and by Jerry. <br />
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The <a href="http://www.bondiopenair.com.au/news.aspx?article=168" target="_blank">Ben & Jerry’s annual “Sundae Sessions” Big Charity Launch</a>, held on 5 February by the Bondi Pavilion, shook up the ‘Sunday night at the movies’ tradition which, up until now, I knew no better than to love. <br />
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Gone are the 40 minutes of commercials and yet-to-be classified previews of movies starting sometime next year. Left behind are the rip-off buckets of popcorn, Malteasers & other confectionary you’ll get venomously ‘shhh-ed’ at just to open. And no longer do you need to glaciate in cinema sub-zero temperatures and worry that the person you’ll sit down next to after a bathroom break is not the date you arrived with at all.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ6B5ROW9eo/TzNUBezrkOI/AAAAAAAAApM/UnNA1QTa3N8/s1600/Ben+&+Jerry's+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ6B5ROW9eo/TzNUBezrkOI/AAAAAAAAApM/UnNA1QTa3N8/s400/Ben+&+Jerry's+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Pre-movie entertainment is a festival in itself, with sunset performances by the </span><a href="http://winterpeople.com.au/" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Winter People</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">, </span><a href="http://www.hungrykidsofhungary.com/" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Hungry Kids of Hungary</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> and </span><a href="http://www.thecatempire.com/" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">The Cat Empire</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> perfect choices to get the audience grooving. The vibe was as playful, carefree and fun as, well, a sunny Bondi Sunday afternoon! Maybe it was the sun coming out and the magical beach backdrop; maybe it was the free games & charity prizes. And it’s a sure bet it was the free scoops of </span><a href="http://www.benandjerry.com.au/" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Ben & Jerry’s ice cream</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> handed out all evening long. Like the Strawberry Cheesecake? Try Chocolate Fudge Brownie! Demolished Sweet Cream & Cookies? You’ll love New York Super Fudge Chunk. There’s no better way to test </span><a href="http://www.benandjerry.com.au/flavours/our-flavours/#" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">every flavour</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> out there than with a licence to keep coming back for more. If you hadn’t realised what the finest, super premium ice-cream tastes like before, you’ll be screaming for the stuff after. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f48uO8tv9lg/TzNUVHYjT5I/AAAAAAAAApc/e8yRvpf6ovA/s1600/Ben+&+Jerry's+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f48uO8tv9lg/TzNUVHYjT5I/AAAAAAAAApc/e8yRvpf6ovA/s400/Ben+&+Jerry's+003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
When it’s time to sit down and watch the inspiring documentary, ‘<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaFVr_cJJIY" target="_blank">Life in a Day</a>’, we grab a beanbag, super warm blanket and cocoon under the stars. <br />
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And the best part? There’s a story behind every brand and this one’s driven by a social conscience and dedicated activism towards tackling some big global issues. Working alongside ‘<a href="http://www.tunesforchange.org/" target="_blank">Tunes for Change</a>’ and The Cat Empire, the evening raised $20,000 for Australians for Cambodian Education (ACE) to help educate severely disadvantaged children and break the poverty cycle in Cambodia. The proof really is in the ice-cream. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1QXVnFriwKA/TzNUkkEcAsI/AAAAAAAAApk/iLJAfoRLqIY/s1600/Ben+&+Jerry's+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1QXVnFriwKA/TzNUkkEcAsI/AAAAAAAAApk/iLJAfoRLqIY/s400/Ben+&+Jerry's+004.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Johnny Hammond (Ben & Jerry's), Chloe Hamersley and Rich Coombes (Batlow Cider)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>It’s another Ben & Jerry’s reminder that ‘capitalism can cure’, and support for the message couldn’t have been easier tonight – EAT YOUR HEART OUT!</div><div><br />
</div><div><i>Bondi Openair is running from 29 January to 4 March on the Dolphin Lawn next to the Bondi Pavilion. Ben & Jerry's are hosting Sundae Sessions with free ice cream each Sunday. The full film schedule can be accessed <a href="http://www.bondiopenair.com.au/film.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><i>Lifeafterfive* attended as a guest of Ben & Jerry's Australia.</i><br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FLifeafterfive%2F215973778439763&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 62px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-align: -webkit-auto; width: 292px;"></iframe> </div></div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-52684052459054174642012-02-01T16:18:00.001+11:002012-02-01T16:39:49.801+11:00Jurassic Lounge; Enter the Dragon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4A973M3avE/TyjH-CmE7HI/AAAAAAAAAoE/vH8XOVoAhgA/s1600/IMG_2330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4A973M3avE/TyjH-CmE7HI/AAAAAAAAAoE/vH8XOVoAhgA/s400/IMG_2330.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Cries of Kung Hii Fatt Choi, exchange of red envelopes and exotically gourmet dinners took place across the country last week to celebrate the start of Chinese New Year. The year of the dragon is said to be the luckiest year in the Chinese zodiac, with the dragon a legendary creature full of fire and mystique. Aptly subtitled ‘Enter the Dragon’, the legend is reinforced when we enter the alternate universe of <a href="http://www.jurassiclounge.com/">Jurassic Lounge</a> on 31 January 2012. We are greeted by a dinosaur roaming the museum floor, before discovering comedians, artists and museum geeks demonstrating a myriad of entertaining skills.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9xpVo2vBRKg/TyjIqTMW2gI/AAAAAAAAAoM/dc5KI6bfLGA/s1600/IMG_2336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9xpVo2vBRKg/TyjIqTMW2gI/AAAAAAAAAoM/dc5KI6bfLGA/s400/IMG_2336.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Leaving the clipped and corporate CBD, we enter a world of emerging art, inspired creativity and edgy music, a world that ignites curiousity and clamours for use of imagination. We stop at the bar for a zesty <a href="http://www.aperol.com/aperol/" target="_blank">Aperol </a>Spritz cocktail (complete with slice of orange), wander past two hot lassies belting out Beyonce karaoke to an onlooking tiger skeleton, and discover a magical range of interactive exhibitions usually frequented by school kids and tourists.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8P8afnr1FM/TyjJOKs4o7I/AAAAAAAAAoU/XQyqd4aTs3w/s1600/IMG_2337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8P8afnr1FM/TyjJOKs4o7I/AAAAAAAAAoU/XQyqd4aTs3w/s400/IMG_2337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rG5mtYsOsaQ/TyjJZhaHr2I/AAAAAAAAAoc/J4JJpfL_DXg/s1600/IMG_2350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rG5mtYsOsaQ/TyjJZhaHr2I/AAAAAAAAAoc/J4JJpfL_DXg/s400/IMG_2350.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oplQFT7tMZA/TyjK1vfXGqI/AAAAAAAAAo8/J8DSVtaRGtM/s1600/IMG_2347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oplQFT7tMZA/TyjK1vfXGqI/AAAAAAAAAo8/J8DSVtaRGtM/s400/IMG_2347.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>A live taxidermy demonstration (not for the fainthearted), a groovy silent disco and real time art demonstrations are just a few of the whacky treasures on display at this year’s Jurassic Lounge. Read my <a href="http://eatdrinkplay.com/play/jurassic-lounge-enter-the-dragon/" target="_blank">review of the opening night</a> of Jurassic Lounge on <a href="http://eatdrinkplay.com/play/jurassic-lounge-enter-the-dragon/" target="_blank">Eat Drink Play</a>.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUm9w4T5ASs/TyjJs5nXqkI/AAAAAAAAAok/cOXYQLjrjBM/s1600/IMG_2357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUm9w4T5ASs/TyjJs5nXqkI/AAAAAAAAAok/cOXYQLjrjBM/s400/IMG_2357.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lh_oZ0O1xvU/TyjJ4bxUpGI/AAAAAAAAAos/qc-PumY3PxE/s1600/IMG_2356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lh_oZ0O1xvU/TyjJ4bxUpGI/AAAAAAAAAos/qc-PumY3PxE/s400/IMG_2356.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEOWOTHane0/TyjKYw5LDgI/AAAAAAAAAo0/zT6kC5P6-sc/s1600/Jurassic+Lounge+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEOWOTHane0/TyjKYw5LDgI/AAAAAAAAAo0/zT6kC5P6-sc/s400/Jurassic+Lounge+007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><i>Jurassic Lounge is open from January 31 to April 3. Tuesdays, 5.30pm to 9.30pm, Australian Museum, College Street, city, <a href="http://www.jurassiclounge.com/">jurassiclounge.com,</a> $15 (includes a drink on arrival and free entry to FBi Social at Kings Cross Hotel).</i><br />
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<i>See more photos on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.318494361521037.66527.215973778439763&type=3" target="_blank">Lifeafterfive facebook page.</a></i></div></div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-30529002750229148272012-01-16T08:38:00.000+11:002012-01-16T08:38:19.356+11:00Jagermeister Hunting Lodge, Sydney Festival<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYfMvGwbcro/TxJ42ZekLgI/AAAAAAAAAnE/xyMZs0wKhmE/s1600/IMG_2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYfMvGwbcro/TxJ42ZekLgI/AAAAAAAAAnE/xyMZs0wKhmE/s400/IMG_2215.JPG" width="342" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">“You’re invited to hunt out top talent”… whether the invitation is referring to onstage or amongst the crowd, talent abounds at the opening night of the </span><a href="http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2012/Venues/The-Jagermeister-Hunting-Lodge-Honda-Festival-Garden/" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Jagermeister Hunting Lodge</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> in the Honda Festival Garden. </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z31eDUa6LvQ/TxJ4bvevHkI/AAAAAAAAAm8/ofmyFZB06vo/s1600/IMG_2211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z31eDUa6LvQ/TxJ4bvevHkI/AAAAAAAAAm8/ofmyFZB06vo/s400/IMG_2211.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvec5So4Fzk/TxJ5KmUIoEI/AAAAAAAAAnM/FNzT5TxsJ7g/s1600/IMG_2212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvec5So4Fzk/TxJ5KmUIoEI/AAAAAAAAAnM/FNzT5TxsJ7g/s400/IMG_2212.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Despite the balmy January evening, we enter an alpine winter hunting lodge that appears to cozily shelter us from a European frost (a world away from the hot Australian Sydney summer outside). A faux fireplace flickers in front of plush leather lounges, tables and chairs are carved out of logs and mock mounted animal heads line the walls. Glamorous girls serve drinks while clad in shorts and fur beanies, while bow-tied “photographers” use oversized cameras to snap polaroids of the trendily eclectic crowd. </div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1fvvEXtYd6U/TxJ6fPFw81I/AAAAAAAAAnk/6RoJ7L1YxR0/s1600/IMG_2213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1fvvEXtYd6U/TxJ6fPFw81I/AAAAAAAAAnk/6RoJ7L1YxR0/s400/IMG_2213.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vgueaRgUU7M/TxJ6vyZLOsI/AAAAAAAAAns/SqBjlDalFuo/s1600/photographer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vgueaRgUU7M/TxJ6vyZLOsI/AAAAAAAAAns/SqBjlDalFuo/s400/photographer.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Kiwi rockstar <a href="http://www.timfinn.com/" target="_blank">Tim Finn</a> performed at Tuesday’s launch, revving up the audience with a mix of Crowded House, Split Enz and his own solo music. Shaking his floppy white hair to the music, moonwalking like Michael Jackson on red bull, he announced to the adoring crowd that “cos it’s the Sydney Festival, we’ve gotta talk about really high brow things like astrology and star signs…".</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s8qDksCsTQw/TxJ5l3ejAgI/AAAAAAAAAnU/vPQj9ZvBNug/s1600/IMG_2226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s8qDksCsTQw/TxJ5l3ejAgI/AAAAAAAAAnU/vPQj9ZvBNug/s400/IMG_2226.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>A pop up bar and live performance space in the middle of Hyde Park, entry to the Lodge is free as part of the <a href="http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2012/" target="_blank">2012 Sydney Festival</a>. Chandeliers adorned with <a href="http://www.jagermeister.com/" target="_blank">jagermeister</a> bottles hang from the wooden installation as the bar serves a selection of mixes of jager, jager, wine… and jager. Jager & Dry is recommended by the bartender, and the various cocktails remind visitors that there is more to the spirit than just chemical warfare (jager bombs don’t even feature on the menu). <div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzhHJgMIC8U/TxJ7o5XWpDI/AAAAAAAAAn0/PRThSEVq5tQ/s1600/IMG_2221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzhHJgMIC8U/TxJ7o5XWpDI/AAAAAAAAAn0/PRThSEVq5tQ/s400/IMG_2221.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">If craving inspiration for high brow conversation (as Finn reminded us, it is the Sydney Festival after all), garden tables are dotted outside to enjoy cocktails, gaze at the stars and check the position of mercury. With intimate live performances, novel surrounds and a <a href="http://sydneylifeafterfive.blogspot.com/2011/08/above-earth-below-sea-hipsterific.html" target="_blank">hipster crowd</a> worth people-watching, the Jagermeister Hunting Lodge is another winning example of the Sydney Festival’s goal kicking. </span><a href="http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2012/" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">This is our city in summer.</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-goeMCH02SpQ/TxJ72txzu1I/AAAAAAAAAn8/imoy6cZjUS8/s1600/IMG_2209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-goeMCH02SpQ/TxJ72txzu1I/AAAAAAAAAn8/imoy6cZjUS8/s400/IMG_2209.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><i>Popping up as part of the 2012 Sydney Festival the semi-permanent bar and music venue will be open to the public between 10th-29th of January for a series of intimate secret shows.<br />
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Shows are open to the public and most are FREE (subject to capacity). Ticket registration is required for some events. Visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/JagermeisterAustralia">www.facebook.com/JagermeisterAustralia</a> for more information.</i></div></div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-69095413649811746132012-01-11T08:52:00.000+11:002012-04-26T17:40:06.950+10:00Guest Post: “If you can hammer a nail, you can build a boat”...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KAFzA-Ob3IM/TwvFm1NxwGI/AAAAAAAAAmU/k5bOaP1zQsY/s1600/Vince+pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KAFzA-Ob3IM/TwvFm1NxwGI/AAAAAAAAAmU/k5bOaP1zQsY/s400/Vince+pic+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Guest post by Vincent Stander</i></b></div>
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“Anyone can cook!” was the mantra of the legendary chef, Jacque Gusto, in the movie Ratatouille that inspired a mouse to become a chef.<br />
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Now the <a href="http://www.thebalmainboatcompany.com/" target="_blank">Balmain Boat Company</a> has made the exclusive world of boat ownership accessible…and far more rewarding. “If you can hammer a nail, and ice a cake, then you can build a Balmain Boat”, according to legendary industrial designer and co-owner Andrew Simpson.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KmhD4m0B3fI/TwvK81R297I/AAAAAAAAAms/ABqwN5zNxfk/s1600/instructions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KmhD4m0B3fI/TwvK81R297I/AAAAAAAAAms/ABqwN5zNxfk/s320/instructions.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.thebalmainboatcompany.com/" target="_blank">Balmain Boat Company</a> is an IKEA-style DIY boat building concept. The boat is delivered to your door in three boxes that contain 42 already cut pieces of plywood, epoxy glue, screws, nails, caulk (a google search enlightened me that this was sealant) and an instruction manual on how to build your own boat! </div>
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Upon receiving these singular pieces of timber, paging through the instruction manual, watching the online instruction video, my initial reaction was that I had oversubscribed myself. </div>
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Being a 30-year-old eastern suburbs male whose resume in the DIY department boasts one IKEA drawer set and the ability to change the tire on my push bike (with difficulty), I did not believe I was up to the task of building a boat. I called co-owner Nicole Still with the intention of returning the beautifully cut pieces of wood before they were wasted on someone who would to hack and deform them into something akin to firewood and not a passenger-carrying vessel. </div>
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For future reference, do not contact Nicole to say that you are unable to do something…you could try Andrew. <br />
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The boat build consisted of four distinct phases: </div>
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(1) assembling the frame/skeleton </div>
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(2) planking</div>
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(3) applying the sealant / caulk</div>
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(4) painting. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnzKH_KCUN8/TwvJwQraHSI/AAAAAAAAAmk/dV9X6o5ubYk/s1600/vince+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnzKH_KCUN8/TwvJwQraHSI/AAAAAAAAAmk/dV9X6o5ubYk/s400/vince+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The clean edges and perfect dimensions of the computer-led wood cut pieces ensured that putting the frame together was a bit like building a large puzzle and nailing in each piece, and when securing the planks they were within millimetre perfection from the bow to the stern plate. <br />
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Each of the stages required specific skills, some of which I had not attempted before: using a power drill, applying sealant with a caulking gun, mixing the paint and curing agent to the appropriate proportions. <br />
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The social element of the boat build was unexpected and the most rewarding. I had friends around to look at the boat and all had an admirable attempt at hammering nails or drilling in screws (many of them for the first time of their lives!). I enjoyed conversations with Doug Sturrock of <a href="http://www.sturrocks.com.au/" target="_blank">Sturrocks of Sydney</a> about boat paints and numerous conversations with Sam from <a href="http://www.bunnings.com.au/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=bunnings&utm_campaign=Brand|Bunnings" target="_blank">Bunnings</a> about sealant and caulking guns. </div>
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My dad was always a phone call away when I needed a hand or advice and successfully fulfilled the goal of Balmain Boat Company which is “to make parents and grand parents look like legends”. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dad... the legend</td></tr>
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And similar to building a tree house or a model aeroplane, a Balmain Boat is rewarding in many more ways than the mere final ownership of the boat.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R8rsV_AkGEg/TwvLnaL_EMI/AAAAAAAAAm0/PKpRG1K7XRE/s1600/final+product.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R8rsV_AkGEg/TwvLnaL_EMI/AAAAAAAAAm0/PKpRG1K7XRE/s400/final+product.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Do you know anyone in Sydney likely to get engaged in 2012? What better way to propose than an afternoon row on Sydney Harbour? BBCo will lend a boat (FREE) to any guy looking for a spectacular engagement plan. Email them at: nicole.still@thebalmainboatcompany.com.</i></div>
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</div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-26372668013840861432012-01-10T11:58:00.006+11:002012-02-02T11:23:29.471+11:00Rojo Rocket, Central Coast<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mEb9YA-rkk/TwmB_RtDpWI/AAAAAAAAAkk/mwbdGDmPgvk/s1600/IMG_2149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mEb9YA-rkk/TwmB_RtDpWI/AAAAAAAAAkk/mwbdGDmPgvk/s400/IMG_2149.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i>“… There’s a track winding back to an old fashioned shack….”</i><br />
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While the sunny Central Coast may be approximately 450km from Gundagai, the famous <a href="http://alldownunder.com/australian-music-songs/along-road-to-gundagai.htm" target="_blank">Jack O’Hagan ditty</a> springs to mind as we wind our way up Avoca Drive in search of the much hyped <a href="http://rojorocket.com.au/" target="_blank">Rojo Rocket</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xe_xLCRrpU/TwmF9wfrvBI/AAAAAAAAAlU/UmJZrecdLhE/s1600/IMG_2167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xe_xLCRrpU/TwmF9wfrvBI/AAAAAAAAAlU/UmJZrecdLhE/s400/IMG_2167.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A garden of cactus, an artfully painted Mexican door and a friendly welcome are our first encounter with this strangely located oasis. We walk down a path surrounded by tropical greenery while a painted cow statue observes us from a red framed lily pond and a tanned blonde waiter stands by to greet us. We discover a buzzing restaurant full of large table groups, couples reclining on day beds outside and an upstairs taqueria with a cocktail cantina and funky music. Multi levelled and multicoloured, all venues are open to take advantage of the balmy coastal evenings.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Adrian Reed, whose Mexican wife Nigdali came up with the concept, mingles with the holiday crowd, popping by tables and daybeds to ensure punters are enjoying their margaritas, churros and tapas.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">“<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wizard_of_Oz_(1939_film)" target="_blank">Toto, I do believe we’re not in Sydney anymore</a>” remarks a member of our group, the exuberance, artwork and originality of the architecture placing us in some exotic Latin American locale. Every glance reveals a trinket worthy of scrutiny, from a screen playing silent movies in the garden behind the bar, to fluorescent lit miniature nativity scenes built into the wall next to the skull surrounded fireplace.</div><br />
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</div><div>We decide to settle in the upstairs outdoor bar, and order guacamole and freshly prepared lamb tacos from the flowery taqueria cart. The tacos are succulent and flavoursome, while the generous guac servings disappear quickly. The cantina delivers a steady supply of shaken margaritas and fruity sangria, while the gentlemen among us can’t resist the opportunity to partake in a celebratory post-dinner cigar.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An infectious holiday spirit, incredibly friendly staff and an authentic and well executed Mexican menu are the substance behind the hype of this seaside town treasure. Catering to all from hens’ parties in search of fiesta, to casual family dinners to special occasions requiring silver service, Rojo Rocket looks set to be <i>the</i> must-visit destination of the Central Coast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>See more photos of Rojo Rocket and the Central Coast on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lifeafterfive?sk=photos" target="_blank">Lifeafterfive* facebook</a> page.</i></div><br />
</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/349/1644438/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Gosford/Rojo-Rocket-Avoca-Beach" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rojo Rocket on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1644438/biglink.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></div></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1503589/restaurant/Sydney/Eastern-Suburbs/Rojo-Rocket-Avoca"><img alt="Rojo Rocket on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1503589/minilogo.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 15px; width: 104px;" /></a></div></div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-45514045673856154402012-01-09T16:35:00.000+11:002012-02-20T15:53:08.127+11:00A kiwi cocktail...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p4Z1qd6Dg4M/TwmIsvIaMyI/AAAAAAAAAl0/vZwvZOJIxm0/s1600/Copacabana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p4Z1qd6Dg4M/TwmIsvIaMyI/AAAAAAAAAl0/vZwvZOJIxm0/s400/Copacabana.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It was over 90 years before a select few apples were allowed across the Aussie / NZ ditch, yet luckily for cocktail enthusiasts a more popular kiwi export has migrated in a fraction of the time. <br />
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With an ethos combining fun and freshness, <a href="http://www.vnccocktails.com/index.php#OurStory" target="_blank">VnC cocktails</a> have conquered a gap in the Aussie market by creating a pre-mixed, premium range of cocktails. A delivery of the naturally spirited range arrived on my doorstep just in time for a weekend getaway up the coast. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UhWAF14TaBQ/Twp6aUpz8QI/AAAAAAAAAmE/qnAzdLfbZB4/s1600/IMG_2178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UhWAF14TaBQ/Twp6aUpz8QI/AAAAAAAAAmE/qnAzdLfbZB4/s320/IMG_2178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Our unanimous fave was the Passionfruit Caprioska, based on a fruit which is described as “the mousy librarian who removes her glasses and everyone realises is a real fox”. A close second was the mango daiquiri, a blend of banana and mango with New Zealand vodka.<br />
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Despite a high number of sweet ready-to-drink beverages on the bottle-o shelves, the concept of a natural fruit juice cocktail seems to have been previously overlooked. Founded by kiwi Shane McKillen in 2007, his commitment to no artificial colouring, preservatives or colours will appeal to those health conscious Sydney-siders who are still partial to a tasty cocktail.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vAh-y5F3yFc/Twp6MIr8oGI/AAAAAAAAAl8/qSyBMBuxCJs/s1600/IMG_2183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vAh-y5F3yFc/Twp6MIr8oGI/AAAAAAAAAl8/qSyBMBuxCJs/s320/IMG_2183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Despite being the first company in the world to gain <a href="http://www.carbonzero.co.nz/cemars/australia.asp" target="_blank">Certified Emissions Measurement and Reduction Scheme</a> (CEMARS) product certification, VnC cheekily claims that the “only problem NZ has is that there’s only three tv channels”.<br />
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Following in the footsteps of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGOohBytKTU" target="_blank">Flight of the Conchords</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pavlova_(food)" target="_blank">pavlovas</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdVHZwI8pcA" target="_blank">beached whales</a> (forget the pesky apples), this is a kiwi export that is likely to punch above its weight (and probably soon be claimed as our own). <br />
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</div><div><i>A pack of VnC Cocktails was sent to lifeafterfive* by Liquid Ideas.</i><br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FLifeafterfive%2F215973778439763&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=false&height=62" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 62px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-align: -webkit-auto; width: 292px;"></iframe> </div></div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-26828981839515890752012-01-08T19:14:00.001+11:002012-01-08T19:18:38.467+11:00Copacabana; a coastal escape<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InWGWIxclbE/Twk8y5NdAoI/AAAAAAAAAjs/io3EUcCgmpg/s1600/Copacabana+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InWGWIxclbE/Twk8y5NdAoI/AAAAAAAAAjs/io3EUcCgmpg/s400/Copacabana+035.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">A forty pack of icy poles, spirited games of frisbee, fluoro pink thong shaped lilos. Sunscreen is lathered on sandy legs, leathery bare feet brave hot sand to buy chips from the store, rockpools invite leisurely walks to the end of the beach. A local kiosk serves surprisingly decent <a href="http://www.byronbaycoffeeco.com.au/" target="_blank">Byron Bay Coffee Co </a>coffee, with the essential <a href="http://jackjohnsonmusic.com/welcome/" target="_blank">Jack Johnson</a> beachside soundtrack and an owner who remembers your name, order and how your day was yesterday.</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">A January getaway to <a href="http://www.centralcoastaustralia.com.au/AreaInfo/towns_Copacabana.asp" target="_blank">Copacabana</a> on the NSW Central Coast is a nostalgic excursion to the simple childhood pleasures of Aussie summers, with icy poles on the beach graduating to cocktails on the balcony.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj-sv0ydTaQ/Twk9UpH6JRI/AAAAAAAAAj0/yL-G-CMDLW8/s1600/Copacabana+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj-sv0ydTaQ/Twk9UpH6JRI/AAAAAAAAAj0/yL-G-CMDLW8/s400/Copacabana+037.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy1H5OmapDo/Twk-czxKgkI/AAAAAAAAAj8/INvO_PCwQQY/s1600/Copacabana+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy1H5OmapDo/Twk-czxKgkI/AAAAAAAAAj8/INvO_PCwQQY/s400/Copacabana+038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A sleepy town of approximately four shops, Copa is close enough to Avoca and Terrigal to satisfy any rare cravings for urban shops and amenities, while maintaining the cruisy vibe of remote coastal life. Music, sunshine and good company are the essential ingredients for a revitalising escape from reality; a place where one forgets what day of the week it is, meals blur indefinably between brekky, lunch and barbeques, and spontaneous beach footy games follow dips in the ocean and flicking through magazines on the beach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPfObwhm0QY/Twk_fXeMXXI/AAAAAAAAAkE/zqIYH53hSkA/s1600/Copacabana+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPfObwhm0QY/Twk_fXeMXXI/AAAAAAAAAkE/zqIYH53hSkA/s400/Copacabana+036.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJY8hY7Ur4I/TwlAFXOO-RI/AAAAAAAAAkM/0_0X2kBgDAQ/s1600/Copacabana+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJY8hY7Ur4I/TwlAFXOO-RI/AAAAAAAAAkM/0_0X2kBgDAQ/s400/Copacabana+039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--oDG6KFExJ0/TwlAqhy9nxI/AAAAAAAAAkU/Ru67hycvd7Q/s1600/IMG_2191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--oDG6KFExJ0/TwlAqhy9nxI/AAAAAAAAAkU/Ru67hycvd7Q/s400/IMG_2191.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXytEXVYJQE/TwlCY7peEvI/AAAAAAAAAkc/J4VHUL61IA8/s1600/IMG_2193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXytEXVYJQE/TwlCY7peEvI/AAAAAAAAAkc/J4VHUL61IA8/s400/IMG_2193.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Copacabana</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Distance from Sydney: 90km <br />
Population (2001 Census): 2,753 </i></div></div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-74992757079826822792012-01-04T16:18:00.000+11:002012-01-04T16:18:58.187+11:00Are you a man or a mollusc? Crabbe Hole cafe, Icebergs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smmWxOG2fCA/TwPbV3jqsJI/AAAAAAAAAio/kQMsWaQQvB4/s1600/Icebergs+cafe+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smmWxOG2fCA/TwPbV3jqsJI/AAAAAAAAAio/kQMsWaQQvB4/s400/Icebergs+cafe+011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>“Be a man - not a mollusc” declares a membership rule emblazoned on the wall of <a href="http://icebergs.com.au/membership/" target="_blank">Bondi Icebergs</a>, reflecting the tough constitution drawn up by founders in 1929. To become a true Iceberg, one must spend three of four Winter Sundays doing laps of the pool for five years, completing a minimum total of 75 during the period. The individuals overcome races in icy conditions, rough swells and actual ice blocks to achieve the hard-earned, highly sought after membership.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--E8F9WFLG-I/TwPcfq8p1FI/AAAAAAAAAi0/FTD9RD6WNy0/s1600/Icebergs+cafe+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--E8F9WFLG-I/TwPcfq8p1FI/AAAAAAAAAi0/FTD9RD6WNy0/s400/Icebergs+cafe+009.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crabbe Hole cafe</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>For those of us content with mere mollusc status, the Crabbe Hole café is an oft overlooked Bondi gem that allows enjoyment of billionaire views with top-notch coffee and artisan bread. A blend of poolside casual and Bondi chic, the laidback friendly service and plastic chairs common at any suburban public pool kiosk accompany a menu of <a href="http://patandstick.com.au/" target="_blank">Pat and Stick's</a> gourmet ice creams and <a href="http://www.sonoma.com.au/" target="_blank">Sonoma</a> sandwiches. A mirror above the counter reflects the paintbox blue of the ocean pool, framed by rocks and set above the beach. Large yellow umbrellas provide ample respite from the sun, and clientele of every demographic avail themselves of the well-priced yet selectively premium fare.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9hKy8vp4MMg/TwPfXXHEuzI/AAAAAAAAAjk/YYeHxnk3njQ/s1600/Icebergs+cafe+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9hKy8vp4MMg/TwPfXXHEuzI/AAAAAAAAAjk/YYeHxnk3njQ/s400/Icebergs+cafe+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Perched on the ledge above the pool and below the RSL, one can watch the colourful caps of swimmers traverse the lanes while an equal number of tanned bodies stake prime poolside real estate, clustering on the steps and surrounds to worship the sun while avoiding the sand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EVnTiDQT6qE/TwPdT861VsI/AAAAAAAAAjM/xCQ5G9L7Alk/s1600/pool+worshippers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EVnTiDQT6qE/TwPdT861VsI/AAAAAAAAAjM/xCQ5G9L7Alk/s400/pool+worshippers.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
Fig and walnut bread ($5 with jam), a coffee ($3.50) and the Sunday paper may not be a fortuitous beginning for those preparing for five years of Iceberg initiation, but if you’re content to be a mere mollusc, this is a hole in the wall worth a visit.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0S-E2_kJAP0/TwPc7NQ5f6I/AAAAAAAAAjA/55KzZ8CbUCs/s1600/coffee+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0S-E2_kJAP0/TwPc7NQ5f6I/AAAAAAAAAjA/55KzZ8CbUCs/s400/coffee+view.JPG" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mocha $3.50</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBT7vrTT_kY/TwPeGDKf8ZI/AAAAAAAAAjY/OUCB4GXxdg4/s1600/Icebergs+cafe+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBT7vrTT_kY/TwPeGDKf8ZI/AAAAAAAAAjY/OUCB4GXxdg4/s320/Icebergs+cafe+016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fig & Walnut toast $5</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1463582/restaurant/Sydney/Bondi-Bondi-Beach/The-Crabbe-Hole-Bondi-Beach" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Crabbe Hole on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1463582/biglink.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></div></div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681523579258334266.post-18227353644790893162011-12-27T15:11:00.001+11:002011-12-27T15:14:57.751+11:00Guest Post: Fonda Mexican restaurant, Melbourne<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGR8QSB9-5g/TvlCgOX83FI/AAAAAAAAAhg/JZ18HqarULc/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGR8QSB9-5g/TvlCgOX83FI/AAAAAAAAAhg/JZ18HqarULc/s400/photo-5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Guest post by <a href="mailto:brendanpferguson@gmail.com" target="_blank">Brendan Ferguson</a></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div>Play word association with 'Fonda' and I immediately think of Jane, or more specifically, her <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHPhKzpSrRk" target="_blank">1982 workout video</a>, which my mother flogged incessantly. For Melbournians though, ‘Fonda’ has recently taken on a different meaning. </div><br />
The literal translation of ‘fonda’ in Spanish is ‘inn’, which goes some way to describing the latest addition to Melbourne’s burgeoning Mexican food scene. But <a href="http://www.fondamexican.com.au/" target="_blank">Fonda</a> is more than just an ‘establishment providing food and drink’ (as ‘inn’ may be defined) – Fonda is an establishment providing braised pork tacos, grilled chicken and quinoa burritos and frozen margaritas.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJjDVJVy4Z0/TvlDFiUdmtI/AAAAAAAAAh4/p3u_P6C95CA/s1600/photo-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJjDVJVy4Z0/TvlDFiUdmtI/AAAAAAAAAh4/p3u_P6C95CA/s320/photo-7.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div>Conceived by unlikely restaurateurs, Tim McDonald (lawyer) and Dave Youl (fireman), Fonda benefits from the input of Mexican chef, Lupita Manzo, striking a creative balance between Tex-Mex and awesome. The kangaroo burrito – or burrooto – leaps off the menu ($14), while Fonda’s rockling taco – the Fonda-ling, as McDonald has dubbed it – generates most hype amongst diners ($6). And rightly so. The soft-shell taco is served open, revealing the lightly crumbed fish swimming in chipotle aioli and topped with a zesty salad mix. <br />
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Stepping into the narrow, Swan Street shopfront, one can’t help but be happy. The bright yellow walls and fluorescent trimmings demand it, compelling you to order a golden side of charred corn ($3.50). Lathered with chipotle aioli and finished with grated ricotta, the cob comprises several hundred, miniature flavour explosions. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q78herg9FXU/TvlEFrfCZHI/AAAAAAAAAiE/dpF3a2uNvyo/s1600/photo-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q78herg9FXU/TvlEFrfCZHI/AAAAAAAAAiE/dpF3a2uNvyo/s400/photo-9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UzBfqo7GuaA/TvlE1bXYkRI/AAAAAAAAAic/WQFHd3wyKaY/s1600/untitled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UzBfqo7GuaA/TvlE1bXYkRI/AAAAAAAAAic/WQFHd3wyKaY/s400/untitled.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Fonda’s trendy clientele are trumped only by the denim apron-clad kitchen staff. One gets the sense that McDonald and Youl know every customer, and as summer rolls in and the cerveza starts flowing, Fonda’s courtyard will surely be heaving. Which suits the owners just fine. After all, as the laneway graffiti declares, “mi casa [es] su casa.”<br />
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</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1631993/restaurant/Melbourne/Fonda-Mexican-Richmond"><img alt="Fonda Mexican on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1631993/biglink.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></div></div>lifeafterfive*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06794307549827999363noreply@blogger.com6