lifeafterfive*

Hong Kong; A Quintessentially night on the town

2012-02-21T14:49:00.003+11:00

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.

With a philosophy that insists that life is too short to waste time on second best, Quintessentially Hong Kong 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 Fiona Foxon - artfully guides us through the rabbit warren of streets to discover hidden laneway treasures, private members clubs and hedonistically playful party places.

Quintessentially's Fiona Foxon & Avey Cortes

Peach & Rose Daquiri at Soiree

Our first stop is a cocktail at Soiree, 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.

Rachel Jacqueline at Cipriani

Cipriani Hong Kong 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.

Gauging our predilection for cocktails and dancing, Fiona suggests a post-dinner visit to the Kee Club, 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.

Cocktails at Kee

Whether one falls into the camp of “business professional or social butterfly”, no visit to Hong Kong is complete without a foray into Lan Kwai Fong (LKF), 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 Fly - complete with shots of coffee patrone, cheesy 80s music revving up the dance floor, and a rowdy crowd spilling onto the street.

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.

Quintessentially is global Private Members' Club with 24/7 Concierge Services and exclusive member benefits. Lifeafterfive* was a guest of Quintessentially Hong Kong.

Guest Post: A shift towards a new era of working

2012-02-21T12:58:00.004+11:00

Guest post by Alexandra Hsiao

In today’s performance-focused work culture, Leave of absence 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.

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.

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. Stephen Hawking 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.

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 Catchafire.

The tech startup industry, which has become popular and newsworthy via the success of companies like Facebook, Twitter and Groupon, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The rules of work are being rewritten. The popularity of coworking is exploding, the Google 20% rule 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.

Alexandra Hsiao is an ex-management consultant, design student and author of the blog Startup Summer in the City.

Mini Coupe & Roadster launch @ Bucket List

2012-02-19T10:59:00.000+11:00

Bucket List – the hot new pop up bar that’s quintessentially Bondi…a Hamptons-style combination of funky beats, casual cool and breezy outdoor setting...

Eclectic mix of guests in standard Bondi style, from glamarama girls to boys in boardies…

Colourful deck chairs, cheeky Mini Coupes posing like models, jugs of Pimms & Lemonade...

A fitting location for a car that’s more a commitment to playfulness than a mode of transport

For more pics of the event, visit the Lifeafterfive* facebook page.

Bondi Pavilion Bondi Beach
11am-Midnight every day
http://thebucketlistbondi.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thebucketlistbondi

A quest for baklava; Abla's Pastries

2012-02-19T08:43:00.000+11:00

Photograph from tasteofbeirut.com

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.

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.

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 Abla’s Pastry, we enter a cavernous room, a Lebanese Aladdin’s cave where the jewels are candy and the mountains of gold edible and delicious.

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 Abla’s Pastry 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.

Hong Kong; conquering heights at the Ritz Carlton

2012-02-15T16:45:00.000+11:00

Hong Kong. A densely populated city acclaimed for its intense urban nature, the executive lounge at the The Ritz-Carlton Hotel 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.

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.

Our first stop is the world renowned Afternoon Tea at The Lounge and Bar 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.

Read my full review of Hong Kong's Ritz Carlton Hotel as the NSW blogger for liveeverylastminute.com.au.

The Ritz Carlton

ICC 1 Austin Road West

Kowloon, Hong Kong

Guest Post: We all scream for ice cream at Ben & Jerry's Sundae Sessions

2012-02-09T16:18:00.003+11:00

Guest post by Amanda Barbera

I used to think a choc-top at Hoyts was a treat. But now I’ve been spoilt - by Ben, and by Jerry.

The Ben & Jerry’s annual “Sundae Sessions” Big Charity Launch, 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.

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.

Pre-movie entertainment is a festival in itself, with sunset performances by the Winter People, Hungry Kids of Hungary and The Cat Empire 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 Ben & Jerry’s ice cream 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 every flavour 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.

When it’s time to sit down and watch the inspiring documentary, ‘Life in a Day’, we grab a beanbag, super warm blanket and cocoon under the stars.

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 ‘Tunes for Change’ 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.

Johnny Hammond (Ben & Jerry's), Chloe Hamersley and Rich Coombes (Batlow Cider)

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!

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 here.

Lifeafterfive* attended as a guest of Ben & Jerry's Australia.

Jurassic Lounge; Enter the Dragon

2012-02-01T16:18:00.001+11:00

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 Jurassic Lounge 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.

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 Aperol 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.

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 review of the opening night of Jurassic Lounge on Eat Drink Play.

Jurassic Lounge is open from January 31 to April 3. Tuesdays, 5.30pm to 9.30pm, Australian Museum, College Street, city, jurassiclounge.com, $15 (includes a drink on arrival and free entry to FBi Social at Kings Cross Hotel).

See more photos on the Lifeafterfive facebook page.

Jagermeister Hunting Lodge, Sydney Festival

2012-01-16T08:38:00.000+11:00

“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 Jagermeister Hunting Lodge in the Honda Festival Garden.

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.

Kiwi rockstar Tim Finn 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…".

A pop up bar and live performance space in the middle of Hyde Park, entry to the Lodge is free as part of the 2012 Sydney Festival. Chandeliers adorned with jagermeister 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).

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 hipster crowd worth people-watching, the Jagermeister Hunting Lodge is another winning example of the Sydney Festival’s goal kicking. This is our city in summer.

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.

Shows are open to the public and most are FREE (subject to capacity). Ticket registration is required for some events. Visit www.facebook.com/JagermeisterAustralia for more information.

Guest post: “If you can hammer a nail, you can build a boat”...

2012-01-11T08:52:00.000+11:00

Guest post by Vincent Stander

“Anyone can cook!” was the mantra of the legendary chef, Jacque Gusto, in the movie Ratatouille that inspired a mouse to become a chef.

Now the Balmain Boat Company 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.

Balmain Boat Company 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!

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.

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.

For future reference, do not contact Nicole to say that you are unable to do something…you could try Andrew.

The boat build consisted of four distinct phases:

(1) assembling the frame/skeleton

(2) planking

(3) applying the sealant / caulk

(4) painting.

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.

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.

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 Sturrocks of Sydney about boat paints and numerous conversations with Sam from Bunnings about sealant and caulking guns.

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”.

The dad... the legend

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.

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.

Rojo Rocket, Central Coast

2012-01-10T11:58:00.006+11:00

“… There’s a track winding back to an old fashioned shack….”

While the sunny Central Coast may be approximately 450km from Gundagai, the famous Jack O’Hagan ditty springs to mind as we wind our way up Avoca Drive in search of the much hyped Rojo Rocket.

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.

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.

“Toto, I do believe we’re not in Sydney anymore” 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.

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.

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 the must-visit destination of the Central Coast.

See more photos of Rojo Rocket and the Central Coast on the Lifeafterfive* facebook page.

A kiwi cocktail...

2012-01-09T16:35:00.000+11:00

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.

With an ethos combining fun and freshness, VnC cocktails 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.

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.

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.

Despite being the first company in the world to gain Certified Emissions Measurement and Reduction Scheme (CEMARS) product certification, VnC cheekily claims that the “only problem NZ has is that there’s only three tv channels”.

Following in the footsteps of Flight of the Conchords, pavlovas and beached whales (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).

A pack of VnC Cocktails was sent to lifeafterfive* by Liquid Ideas.

Copacabana; a coastal escape

2012-01-08T19:14:00.001+11:00

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 Byron Bay Coffee Co coffee, with the essential Jack Johnson beachside soundtrack and an owner who remembers your name, order and how your day was yesterday.

A January getaway to Copacabana 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.

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.

Copacabana

Distance from Sydney: 90km
Population (2001 Census): 2,753

Are you a man or a mollusc? Crabbe Hole cafe, Icebergs

2012-01-04T16:18:00.000+11:00

“Be a man - not a mollusc” declares a membership rule emblazoned on the wall of Bondi Icebergs, 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.

Crabbe Hole cafe

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 Pat and Stick's gourmet ice creams and Sonoma 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.

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.

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.

Mocha $3.50

Fig & Walnut toast $5

Guest Post: Fonda Mexican restaurant, Melbourne

2011-12-27T15:11:00.001+11:00

Guest post by Brendan Ferguson

Play word association with 'Fonda' and I immediately think of Jane, or more specifically, her 1982 workout video, which my mother flogged incessantly. For Melbournians though, ‘Fonda’ has recently taken on a different meaning.

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 Fonda 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.

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.

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.

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.”

Steak Night @ North Bondi RSL

2011-12-01T16:56:00.004+11:00

Paulo Coehlo wrote that ‘the simplest things in life are often the most extraordinary’. While it’s a slight stretch from profound musings of an exotic Brazilian author to Wednesday night at the local R’ie (pronounced Aah-rie), it is a reminder that the best experiences can be found in unexpected places.

Packed every Wednesday

Prime balcony tables

A generous steak and chips for eight bucks is a mid-week highlight for locals accustomed to paying what is wryly referred to as the ‘Bondi premium’. Cross the Bondi Rd / Old South Head Rd border to find that rent is higher for pokier rooms, coffee is at least $4 a pop, and if you want non-organic bread for less than $8 a loaf you’ll have to venture out of the bubble.

Breezy ocean views, readily available tables and a cheesy selection of 80’s pop, the North Bondi RSL Steak night is a treasured tradition of locals, maintaining popularity throughout the summer heat and winter chill. The queue for steaks snakes around the tables as the essential decisions are made by patient queuers. Whether peppercorn or tomato basil, mash or fries, vegies or salad, the steak is decent quality and the delivery is super speedy.

Sal Giblin...very excited about her steak

My steak's bigger than your steak

Punters travel half way across the world to enjoy the five star views, shared with the snazzier North Bondi Italian downstairs. Buzzing with young and old, the plastic chairs and RSL paraphernalia keep the crowd casual as they admire the sunset views. In all their simplicity, combining steak, mates and spectacular sunsets on a hump day can turn out to be surprisingly extraordinary.

Sunday sessions at the grassy knoll

2011-11-28T20:07:00.007+11:00

A two piece band assembles in front of the beach as dusk settles, the tide waning in the background. The small patch of grass in North Bondi – known to locals as the grassy knoll – is a kaleidoscope of tanned bodies, tattoos and towels.

Sarongs form makeshift picnic rugs as the uber-chilled crowd mingles in small groups. Batlow ciders, coronas and the occasional jug of home made sangria bolster the festive atmosphere, an extension of the weekend and a celebration of sun and surf. Plates of cheese, berries and dips are arranged with style on paper plates as wine is poured generously into plastic cups.

Classy (plastic) wine glasses

Skinny Bondi hipsters ogle fake-breasted girls in bikinis, while puppies are the latest accessory (aka makeshift pick up tools) for unshaven surfers. Buff tattooed men flex their muscles as their girlfriends figure out which pose appears most flattering from the pavement. Rows of one speed bikes are parked haphazardly against the railing as trendy locals dismount and stake their exclusive spot on the rapidly filling grass.

As surfers catch the last waves of the day, an equally trendy but slightly glossier crowd spills out of North Bondi Italian across the road. Havaiianas are traded for wedge heels, heavy duty lip gloss replaces invisible zinc, and ruffled beach hair is created by hairspray instead of salty waves. The deck provides prime sunset viewing while enjoying summery cocktails of freshly squeezed grapefruit and campari and snacking on unshelled peanuts.

Back at the knoll, the guitarist and singer create a Jack Johnson-esque sound, music that floats powerfully over the natural amphitheatre of grass and sand. Dress: sandy feet, oversized sunnies and colourful cozzies, BYO apple ciders and ward off the Sunday blues with the Bondi vibe. Simply another reason not to leave the Bondi bubble.

Loving the Batlow ciders

Fave mode of transport

Puppy pick up attempt appears to be failing

Click here for more photos.

Jamie's Italian

2011-11-24T17:22:00.001+11:00

Executive Chef Dave Clarke

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver famously declared that “all I ever wanted to do was make good food accessible to everyone”. Opening the cutting edge doors of Jamie’s Italian in the heart of Sydney CBD is a step towards turning his words into reality down under. The new establishment is blazing the road in Sydney towards a new foodie phenomenon – ethically sourced food at affordable prices.

Read my review of the new Pitt St restaurant as the NSW Blogger for lastminute.com.au.

Table Talk @ Cafe Mint

2011-11-17T14:40:00.000+11:00

“Over the years I have become convinced that we learn best – and change – from hearing stories that strike a chord within us”

Professor John Kotter, Harvard Business School & author of Leading Change

Table Talk is an innovative concept that takes the age-old tradition of discussing issues around a dinner table, and transplants the conversation into a trendy Surry Hills café.

Devised by two experienced counsellors with backgrounds in psychology, training and management, Nadene Alhadeff and Ros Kennedy decided to recreate the ancient art of a meaningful dinner conversation; the original forum where knowledge was imparted, ideas explored and intimacies created through channelling personal stories.

Nadene Alhadeff & Ros Kennedy

Accustomed to running workplace training courses in corporate settings, Nadene and Ros were convinced that removing the conversation away from a stress-fuelled work environment and creating a relaxed atmosphere would allow groups to connect on a more personal, deep level.

It is a Monday night at Café Mint in Surry Hills, and 14 Gen-Ys have gathered to experience the concept first-hand. The topics on the table are mindfulness, stress management and using empowering language, and the facilitators open with a brief visualisation to focus the group.

We open our eyes, the first delicious course is served - and a spirited conversation ensues. Nadene and Ros deftly guide the conversation, coaxing personal stories from each of the participants and drawing in the latest research and providing useful, practical examples. Personal anecdotes, challenging questions and controversial experiences were shared, with a focus on Gen Y’s unique approach to stress management and the link to social expectation emerging as a common concern.

We explore the danger of words such as “should” – as in, I “should” call my grandmother, I “should” be earning x dollars per year, and the effect that this has on our wellbeing. We learn to recognise the body’s unhealthy responses to stress, and are offered practical steps to address them.

Chef Yoni Kalfus of Café Mint serves an exotic array of share plates, ranging from grilled haloumi skewers, chicken kefte ball in tomato sauce to fish and polenta. The shared food creates a convivial sharing atmosphere, with the private space allowing the group the confidence to speak our minds.

Two hours fly by, and there are many lingering questions as we wrap up the evening. With appetites satisfied and our minds inspired, the conversation flows on the journey home. A rare opportunity to discuss challenging personal concepts collectively, Table Talk provides an ideal opportunity for groups of friends or colleagues to gather, unwind and connect.

Table Talk is an initiative of Nadene Alhadeff & Ros Kennedy, in conjunction with Cafe Mint. It costs $95 pp, and includes 3 x courses, venue hire and a facilitated discussion. Discussions are tailored to the interests of individual groups and workplaces.

For more information, contact nadenealhadeff@yahoo.com.au or rosken@bigpond.net.au.

Adriano Zumbo launch at The Star

2011-11-09T12:54:00.002+11:00

It’s not often that slender models on a catwalk inspire cravings of cake, macarons and creamy éclairs, but a playful catwalk display of bold urban style matched with even more stylish desserts – the Zumbo Summer Collection of Cakes - had the well-heeled crowd salivating at the launch of Adriano Zumbo’s new patisserie.

Caramel popcorn martinis, bright pink candles and white lights set the merrily decadent tone of the Sex & the City style event at The Star. Indulgent chocolate cocktails were served with delicate sushi canapés by waiters wearing ‘I Heart Zumbo’ t-shirts, while guests speculated as to the mysterious interior hidden behind white curtains. The 2011 summer range local apparel brand and IM Boutique were showcased, fusing fashion and food in a vibrant combination that included a chocolate raspberry handbag and Zumbarons – concoctions of chocolate, chilli and cinnamon.

The curtain dropped to unveil a Willy Wonka-esque magical workshop of cakes and candy. A fluorescent ‘I heart Zumbo’ flashed as brightly coloured wheels, knobs and levers hinted at an army of cheerful, hardworking Oompa Loompas churning out culinary delights behind the scenes. Fed by multicolour pipes, small transparent safes full of various macaron flavours – including a Coca Cola flavour – warn us boldly to “Break the glass in case of emergency”. I luckily discover the hidden latch before risking injury. The illusion of magic is reinforced by the dessert sushi train – a never ending conveyor belt of imaginative treats.

Each dessert sampled was both a visual and tasty sensation; a ‘Water my Melon’ chocolate ball revealed an orange crèmeaux watermelon centre, while tapioca, custard and lychee snowmen (ssnowmanorr) winked enticingly, dressed for the occasion in candy tuxedo collars.

The latest of many newbies, the Adriano Zumbo Patisserie is a welcome addition to The Star. A whimsical, inventive and fantastic concept that inspires imagination, it will have visitors revisiting their childhood dreams of finding that elusive golden ticket – and maybe picking up a macaron while they search.

This article was first published on Nine to Five.

Mad Mex launch, Sydney Central Plaza

2011-11-09T10:34:00.000+11:00

When Clovis Young moved to Sydney from California, he was told again and again that Aussies don’t like Mexican food. Slated as too spicy, too oily, too different, Clovis saw an opportunity to introduce the concept of fresh, healthy Mexican food that maintained quality despite being quick and affordable.

The launch of a Mad Mex restaurant in the revitalised Westfield Sydney Central Plaza was a celebration of a vision that emerged from passion, dedication and a commitment to quality. As Clovis demonstrates firsthand how the salsa is made from scratch, explains the importance of agave to tequila and passes around various raw chillies, it is refreshing to see an owner so involved in the details of production and cooking.

Read more about the launch of Mad Mex in my article on Eat Drink Play.

More photos can be found on the Lifeafterfive* facebook page.

WIN 1 of 3 $115 Westfield Vouchers

2011-11-02T14:00:00.001+11:00

This competition has now closed and winners contacted. Thank you for entering!

Lifeafterfive* is giving away 3 x $115 Westfield Gift Cards, thanks to our friends at Kokomo Coconut Water.

To enter our competition to win one of 3 x Westfield Gift Cards worth $115 each, please leave a comment telling us your favourite natural energy booster.

For an extra entry, link to this competition on twitter (and cc @lifeafterfive) or your own blog and let us know.

Don't forget to include your email address or twitter name so that we can get in touch to send you your prize!

Entries close at midnight Sunday 13 November 2011.

CANTEEN National Bandanna Day

2011-10-28T15:04:00.000+11:00

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world"

Anne Frank

28 October 2011 is Canteen's National Bandanna Day. Sydney's Martin Place was awash with street art, bright bandannas, and smiley teens cheerily raising awareness of a serious cause.

More info can be found at http://bandannaday.com.au/

More pics are on the Lifeafterfive* facebook page.

Breakfast on Bondi

2011-10-28T12:17:00.002+11:00

Didgeridoos break the silence of Bondi’s early waves, welcoming the dawn as the light grey clouds allow the sun to gingerly peek through. The majestic music of a 55 piece orchestra floats over the beach. Waves crash and tumble during each timely pause, a heady reminder of the outdoor elements. Surfers catch the rolling swell as the crescendos of Beethoven’s fifth symphony mesmerise the crowd.

It’s a warm, overcast morning as approximately 5000 people set up their towels, picnics and line up for much needed coffees in anticipation of a spectacular sunrise experience – all before 6am. A new initiative of the Crave Festival, the Breakfast at Bondi creatively combined Sydney’s love of beaches and brekky in an unusual blend of boardies and bowties. Sydneysiders were able to embrace the natural beauty of our town while appreciating inspiring musical talent and organic muesli, coffees and muffins.

The Strathfield Symphony Orchestra took us on an arousing journey from Mozart to Beethoven, enjoying the novelty feeling of sand between our toes while listening to the majestic classics. Between boardies and havaiianas, skateboards and picnic baskets, the atmosphere was festive as Crave director Joanna Savill welcomed the crowd. While celebrity chef Bill Granger described Sydney as a cross between a city and a resort, Masterchef’s Northern Beaches boy Hayden Quinn roved the beach to spot the best picnic brekkies on offer.

Gabrielle Upton, Bill Granger and Hayden Quinn

Bill Granger signs copies of his new book

Local Bondi institutions such as Katipo, the Fruitologist and Ariel Bookshop catered to early bird demands of fruit salad, coffees and Bill’s latest recipe book. The moving Pachelbel’s canon – described by the conductor as “the one-hit wonder of the classical world” – had the audience spellbound as the gentle sun started to win over the clouds.

The Breakfast on Bondi was a pertinent reminder of Sydney’s uniquely sensational surrounds, even in the heart of the city. Forcing one back to the present through artfully executed music, the wafting aroma of coffee and the relaxed beach location, the brekky was a reminder to pause; smell the coffee beans and listen to the waves.

Check out more photos on the Lifeafterfive* facebook page.

15 Year Anniversary of Certified Australian Angus Beef

2011-10-26T15:46:00.000+11:00

Chef Paul “Mick” Micklewright

VEGETARIANS - cover your eyes.

The 15 year anniversary of Certified Australian Angus Beef (affectionately known as CAAB) on 20 October 2011 was a carnivore's dream. Part of the Crave Sydney Food Festival, the six course dinner at Kingsley's Australian Steakhouse was a culinary celebration of all things cattle, embracing over a decade of awards, medals and prestige.

Read my review of the event on Eat Drink Play.

Lunatiq wine named after Jane Tyrell

Hard at work creating mini yorkshire puds

Kokomo Coconut Water

2011-10-24T16:06:00.001+11:00

Food, like fashion, has a tendency to go through fads – often subliminally, super foods, cuisine and health kicks follow trends set by early adopters and savvy marketers. Just as Summer 2011/12 is all about bold block colours, low hemlines and lacy layers, our palates are set to be buzzing with apple cider (Batlow gets my vote), tacos and anything acai-flavoured – from yoghurt to ice cream to potato chips.

The latest “super food” to reach a well-hyped tipping point is coconut water – sneakily popping up on menus, supermarket shelves and in gym cabinets all over town.

I was lucky enough to receive a pack of 12 x Kokomo Coconut Waters to taste. Made in Mango and Natural flavours, they are packaged in poppas that hark back to school lunches and weekend sport. Watery (not milky, as is a popular misconception), the flavour is an acquired taste that improves when imagining the magical health benefits simultaneously imbibed.

Some random facts about coconut water:

It is identical to human blood plasma. It was used by both sides during the Pacific War (1941-1945) to give emergency plasma transfusions to wounded soldiers
Contains more potassium than a banana & a high source of electrolytes
Coconut water is found in young green coconuts that are approximately 7 months old

My Kokomo poppas were refreshing and tasty – ideal for after a workout. Whether a super food or a passing fad, coconut water seems to be emerging as the latest must-have fitness accessory. Don your block colours, hop on your fixie and pop one in your basket (just don’t crush your prescription-less glasses).

Lifeafterfive* was sent Kokomo Coconut Waters by Soup. Kokomo is Fairtrade Certified and will be stocked in Coles supermarkets.

Annual High Tea Party, Shangri La

2011-10-18T15:07:00.000+11:00

"Take some more tea," the March Hare said to Alice very earnestly."I've had nothing yet," Alice replied in an offended tone, "so I can't take more"

Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Bursting at the seams with ladies, couture and goodie bags, we discover a wonderland of girliness at the annual High Tea Party at the Shangri La Hotel. Billed as a gorgeous excuse to catch up with the girls, we delve into the fray to discover stalls touting every possible requirement for a girls' day in (or night out). Girls rest stilletoed feet in deck chairs while served free coffees, pose for polaroid photos with pearls and feather boas, and ascend the staircase while rifling through racks of vintage clothing. Fabulous fascinators, flouncy frocks and frilly accessories are all on hand for feminine dress ups as we navigate the various floors.

For those feeling under-groomed, solutions abound (provided one has time to wait in line). Queue for a manicure after indulging in a hand massage, have a spray tan on the spot before having your make up done professionally. Get your bra properly fitted before picking a summer bikini... and even sign up for a month of free online fitness training. Overwhelmed by choice and with an aversion to queuing, we opt to relax in the Galliano Lounge pop up bar and enjoy generous servings of Galliano Mocha Martinis – a decadent combination of Galliano Ristretto, Russian Standard Vodka, Lavazza Espresso topped with Bols Crème De Cacoa White.

Our High Tea sitting is at 2.30pm, and we leave the female frenzy for an oasis of calm in the Shangri La ballroom. A gentleman croons Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a wonderful world’ as we sip bubbly and admire models parading elegant fashion between tables. A selection of finger sandwiches include smoked salmon, minted cucumber and York ham, followed by Sara Lee mini desserts and buttery scones fresh from the hotel kitchen.

A ladies’ only event full of fun, indulgence and pampering, the High Tea Party was a novel opportunity to embrace quality girl time in an otherwise hectic schedule. High tea sittings were at 10.30am, 12:30pm, 2.30pm and 4.30pm and took place on October 8 and 9, 2011. Tickets were sold through OurDeal, and included cocktails at the Galliano Lounge. Every guest received a gift bag with products and special offers.

Lifeafterfive* and friend attended the High Tea Party as a guest of OurDeal.

Italians just want to welcome people, however simple, in abundance

2011-10-13T15:30:00.002+11:00

"IN SURRY HILLS ONE GUY IS REINVENTING THE IDEA OF THE EVENING MEAL BY OPENING HIS SPACE FOR A WEEKLY GATHERING OF FRIENDS & STRANGERS. SO GRAB YOURSELF A SEAT, PASS THE WINE & PITCH IN BECAUSE THIS IS NEIGHBOURHOOD DINING AT IT'S VERY BEST. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF NORMAL RESTAURANTS IN SYDNEY. THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM"

Decantered wine is poured, fresh bread ready for olive oil dunking as a group of old friends find seats at the long table. A live guitarist provides ambiance as we share abundant, wholesome, grandmother-worthy food, swap seats as the evening progresses and make ourselves at home.

Recreating the dining experience of any large Italian family, Table for 20 provides a home away from home where the food is hearty, the owners and staff are friendly and the wine is plentiful. For those who have been living under a rock for the past few years, Table for 20 was one of Sydney’s first concept dining experiences. Despite its popularity (large group bookings must be made months in advance), it thrives on the personal touch and passion of its owner – Michael Fantuz.

He personally welcomes us to dinner and stays for a chat, describing a childhood of large European households where food was shared, people were everywhere and memories were created. The love of the job is evident in the attention to detail, the genuine warmth of the staff as they take your coat and invite you to Sticky Bar upstairs while waiting for a table – as if they are inviting you into their home.

Michael Fantuz welcomes us to dinner

The three set courses change daily, and ten percent of the proceeds go to the Hope Street Mission, a local charity that provides services to homeless people. Hidden in a Surry Hills alley, passion for family and community, personality and originality characterise this well known but hard to find gem.

Michael tells us of his plan to open a Buffalo Mozzarella bar in Darlinghurst, a trend that has taken off in New York, Tokyo and Milan. Despite the niche appeal of the concept, if the new venue has the energy, character and authenticity of Table for 20, it may be worth getting your booking in now – before the rest of Sydney catches on.

TABLE FOR 20
3C Set menu
+ Mum's Limoncello
BYO wine only - no corkage
Or drink mine
Live music every night
$70 Wed,Thurs,Fri&Sat
Functions available for Sat
Legs under the table for dinner by 8pm
182 Campbell St, Surry Hills
SUMMER @ STICKY
Sticky Bar open from 5.30pm

Westfield Doncaster Styling Suite, Melbourne

2011-10-10T11:05:00.000+11:00

Sydney versus Melbourne. A friendly rivalry that most likely began with Captain Cook sending telegrams to his Victorian counterpart boasting about grazing land and rum quality, the Sydney v Melbourne contest has persisted to the modern day. As Sydneysiders point to sandy beaches while Victorians claim the cultural crown, there are certain unarguable elements acknowledged as distinctively superior in both cities. In Melbourne, this is the races – The Spring Racing Carnival, to be precise.

Taking place over 50 days in Spring, the world’s greatest thoroughbreds, most respected trainers and thousands of spectators turn Victoria into the horse racing capital of the world. While some are focused on horses and racing, the Carnival is a key event on the social calendar of locals – an excuse for glamorous dress ups, drinking champagne and enjoying a fun day with friends.

On a whirlwind trip to Melbourne, a girlfriend and I were invited to the Westfield Doncaster Styling Suite on the Melbourne Cup Carnival Preview Day. A flock of brightly dressed fashionistas in the latest styles matched with colourful, artistic hats greet us as we entered the tent.

For your chance to win a VIP trip to Melbourne Emirates Stakes Day, read my review of A Day at the Races as the NSW Blogger for lastminute.com and enter here.

Lifestyles of the rich and famous - Sydney style

2011-10-08T16:18:00.003+11:00

The scene opens with ten girls relaxing on a luxury yacht, enjoying an endless supply of champagne as the sun starts to set over the harbour. Hair blowing in the wind, they glide under the majestic Harbour Bridge towards the Opera House, the sky a luminescent hue of orange, pink and blue. They laugh as ‘Lifestyles of the rich and the famous’ features on the iPod playlist, and make a toast “to life” – it doesn’t get much better than this.

A champagne sunset sail with the Australian Spirit Sailing Company has given me and my gorgeous gaggle of girlfriends the chance to create our own ‘movie moment’ while experiencing the crème de la crème of Sydney. We are greeted by friendly skipper Tony Smith as we board our private yacht ‘Katrina’ at King Street Wharf, and are invited to make ourselves comfortable as we prepare for our discovery of Sydney Harbours’ star attractions.

To read the full article, check out my review of Sunset Sailing VIP Party Style as the NSW Blogger for Lastminute.com

Cooking with the love goddess; Flavours of Malaysia

2011-10-06T09:56:00.008+11:00

‘I just looooove food, and I have happily sacrificed my body to my love!” says the voluptuous chef welcoming us to the Grace Hotel. To award winning Malaysian chef Wanitha Tanasingam (or love goddess, as she calls herself), cooking is not just an activity. It is a way to express her love of people and philosophy of life.

Read more about my Flavours of Malaysia cooking class with Chef Wanitha on Eat Drink Play.

Tips from Chef Wanitha

“Feel the heat like a lover’s kiss on a cold wintery night – always leave the pot on and ready to cook”

“Pretend you are a ballerina when pouring a liquid into the pot – move your hand away quickly and gracefully”

"Cooking is like falling in love – wait until the other person is committed before turning up the heat or booking the holiday (ie wait until the vegies are ready before increasing the temperature)”

“Smell is the first experience of food – it caresses your cheek to let you know it’s there”

"Food has personalities – you need to use spices to bring out the different personalities. Bring delight to the main ingredient”

“You are the master of your teaspoon – make sure you taste the dish throughout the journey”

Flavours of Malaysia cooking class was part of the Passport to Malaysia program run by Malaysia Kitchen.

Check out Sara from BellyRumbles' review of the cooking class here

Il Fornaio, St Kilda

2011-10-05T17:41:00.000+11:00

With the hot new ‘we’re so cool we’ve made an effort to look like we’ve made no effort’ cafes flourishing all over Sydney, it’s easy to forget that Melbourne has been doing super-urban, hipster laneway style café bars since Fawkner established his colonial settlement in 1835 (give or take a few years). This possibly explains why Melbourne was Australia’s most populous city for approximately ten years until 1891*.

Melbourne invented the menu on a blackboard, minimalist warehouse look furnished with high quality baked goods that have become the hallmark ingredients of success and originality for recent additions to the Sydney café /bar scene. Stumbling across Il Fornaio on a sunny St Kilda morning, we discover real plants on the walls, random stuffed toys on the ceiling and a well thought out menu that does Melbournites proud. Not to mention the cheeky, hipster waiters who banter with us mercilessly as we navigate the tricky sweet versus savoury brunch debate.

With Entourage Season 1 and a date with Conrad (bidding up to $60) distracting us from the main game, we enjoy our fair-trade, organic coffee (made with “magic beans”) and peruse the menu. Despite the irresistible array of cakes beckoning to us from the counter, savoury wins. And impresses.

*...and then they realised that Sydney had beaches.

Sydney by Sail

2011-09-19T22:05:00.001+10:00

Those who fly into Sydney at sunrise are often rendered speechless by the calm, sparkling city on the verge of a daily hive of activity. The vast ocean that seems to dominate every uneven corner, creeps into every crevice of land, while reminding passengers that Australia is really just an island.

Sydney is a city built around its harbour, and unless one has regular access to a plane, is at its best when viewed from the water itself. It’s a cloudless winter day when we board Sydney By Sail’s three hour social yacht race in Pyrmont. The skipper gives us novices a brief introduction to the boat, the basics of sailing, and our route for the day. We are given the option of being as involved as we’d like, and the keen beans on the boat jump at the chance to learn to sail. We’re ‘competing’ against another novice group, and we’re determined to become pros...

Read about my sailing adventures as the NSW Blogger for lastminute.com

I think, therefore I ... blog

2011-09-15T17:44:00.004+10:00

I am regularly amazed, surprised and inspired by the ingenuity of friends, family and work colleagues I am lucky enough to be surrounded by. The number of people who work full time, have projects on the side, write blogs, start businesses, help charities, study – often quietly, without fanfare or a need for recognition. Scratch the surface and you discover such extraordinary talent and interest hiding in people you think you know well.

This manifests itself in a number of ways - I have recently stumbled across a number of blogs by friends with a unique take on life, and decided it was time to share.

Zero Dollar Amateur Baby

What do you do in your spare time if you’re a hot shot lawyer, serious touch footy player, yoga enthusiast, completing a Masters degree while navigating the expat Hong Kong social circuit? Probably pretty bored with all that time on your hands. Or you could just sign up for a womens’ boxing tournament and learn to fight (Hong Kong Hedge Fund Fite Night) – oh, and write a blog while you’re at it.

http://zerodollaramateurbaby.tumblr.com

17 Hours Behind

Two Aussie expats on a one year secondment to Chicago (yes, one of them may be my sister). Hilarious take on all things American.

http://17hoursbehind.wordpress.com

Anika Patel

Creative, challenging, honest ideas for provoking thoughts and discussion – “Sometimes a good idea rattles around in your head like a loose pinball and it’s only when we share it with other people, that the idea takes shape and form”.

http://anipatel.wordpress.com

Summer in the City

Take a leave of absence from your job as a management consultant; head to the city where dreams are made of; find an internship with a non-profit tech startup. Easy. Challenging? Inspirational. Now read the blog;

http://startupsummerinthecity.blogspot.com

Eat Drink Play by Ms Darlinghurst

Ms Darlinghurst needs no introduction. Arbiter of all things trendy, foodie and fun in the Sydney social scene, she has taken the Eastern Suburbs by storm with initiatives like Secret Foodies, Sydney Bar Tours, and EatDrinkPlay.

www.eatdrinkplay.com

Barology

A supremely creative type disguised behind a suit by day, Paul Somers and his team are passionate about the Sydney bar scene. They are creating a community focused on bars, nightlife and innovation while using film to bring the places they visit to life.

http://www.barology.com.au

The Sweetest Truth

A med-student crazy about all things cupcake. .. “If T.S Eliot's Prufrock claimed to measure out his meagre life in coffee spoons, I believe my existence could well be quantified by the numerous measuring cups of flour, sugar and cocoa that I sift and stir each week in pursuit of baking perfection.”

http://cupcakestoentice.blogspot.com

xx Lifeafterfive*

PS. Do you write a blog? Do you have a friend who does but is too shy to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Cuervo Fiesta Mexicano at Cafe Pacifico

2011-09-14T17:21:00.000+10:00

The word fiesta instantly conjures images of Mexico - saucy dancing, salsa laden cuisine, and salt rimmed tequila based cocktails. A city that can’t resist a party, the Sydney scene has recently seen an outbreak of all things Mexican with new Mexican cantinas, themed bars and cuisine popping up everywhere. Pubs such as The Norfolk are featuring tacos on their menu (even if they are korean meatball flavour), while chains such as Guzman y Gomez are exploding into foodcourts all around town. While hot newbies such as Barrio Chino and El Loco are drawing crowds, we would be remiss to forget where it all started in 1997; Café Pacifico.

Olivia Guest, Donna Freak, Alex Adams (Ms Darlinghurst) & their donkey

With over 90 tequilas on their menu, Café Pacifico is the logical host for Cuervo’s Fiesta Mexicano on 13 September as part of BarShow Week 2011. Cuervo’s master blenders, Don Francisco Hajnal and Phil Bayly, swizzle drinks, blend agave syrup and twirl bottles for a crowd wearing hipster hats that I suspect will reappear in force on Bondi’s grassy knoll this summer.

Donna Freak (Secret Foodies) & Daniella Alhadeff (lifeafterfive*)

Pinatas hang from the ceiling, blow up donkeys lose their tails while maracas are shaken in time with the latino music. Traditional margueritas on the rocks with agave syrup is my drink of choice, with braver (it’s a school night!) souls opting for the Anejo ‘Old Fashioned’ marguerita concoction. There are Batangos (as discovered at the Schweppes Elixir launch), another drink that resembles a latino Bloody Mary (tomato juice anyone?) and quality tequila shots are handed out like canapés.

The food lives up to all cheesy, spicy expectations, with delicious mini quesadillas of all varieties in abundance, corn fritter balls and cerviches making an appearance and ensuring stomachs are lined.

With colourful streamers cascading over the crowd, the bartender performing his moves from the tabletop and the bar fraternity out in force, Café Pacifico and Jose Cuervo are proving that they’re ready to lead Sydney’s charge to Latin America. Grab a donkey, plant a cactus and get your maracas ready for a fiesta near you.

Pinatas waiting to be opened

A happy Mexican

The hidden power of smiling

2011-09-13T15:28:00.003+10:00

One smile can generate the same level of brain stimulation as two thousand bars of chocolate, according to CEO of HealthTap, Ron Gutman. As one of many who derive instant happiness from cocoa products in many forms (Tim Tams, Lindt balls and Cadbury blocks are all effective therapies which spring to mind), understanding the power of a smile provides a calorie neutral alternative.

In his TED talk ‘The Hidden Power of Smiling’, Gutman says that not only does a smile portray you as likeable and courteous – you also come across as more competent. He refers to Charles Darwin’s ‘facial feedback response’ theory which suggests that the act of smiling itself actually makes us feel better, stimulating our brain reward mechanism.

As a child, Gutman decided he wanted to be a superhero when he grew up, and went searching for the first requirement – a superpower. Resorting to science and research when magic wouldn’t suffice, he claims the smile to be the unrecognised superpower within all of us. For those still searching for magic beans, OD'ing on Tim Tams or resorting to retail therapy for a pick me up, consider whether you're meeting your adult daily smiling quota of twenty times per day.

Watch Ron Gutman's TED talk;

Need a (scientifically supported) reason to smile?

Reduce stress
Live longer and happier lives
Have positive impressions on others

A wise man once said

2011-09-07T13:59:00.000+10:00

Cafe Dov

2011-09-06T19:12:00.000+10:00

Potts Point. The postcode 2011 is synonymous with trendy, urban cafes, hidden streets and discerning customers. With new cafes opening faster than one can say (and spell) skim-soy-decaf-mochachino, an establishment has to offer something special to ensure fickle customers aren’t enticed by the shinier or shabbier furniture down the next alley.

Visiting Café Dov for a ladies lunch, a full house indicates that they’ve found an effective formula to ward off the competition and keep the crowds loyal. Despite a bustling dining room, the staff go out of their way to be friendly, shuffling the tables like magicians to create somewhere for us to sit.

A creative menu, seasonal and local produce and a buzzing atmosphere, Café Dov has raised the bar for café competition in Potts Point. A couple of menu highlights...

Cafe Dov chicken salad

Corn fritters with spinach, poached egg and tomato relish

Baked ricotta with poached rhubarb, apple puree and fresh strawberries

Diesel Island; the land of the stupid and home of the brave

2011-09-02T12:55:00.000+10:00

A pink goat greets us as we enter a non-descript warehouse in Alexandria, followed by crashing waves, a denim flag and a welcome line of models threatening to fight us with feather pillows.

Welcome to Diesel Island, ‘the land of the stupid and home of the brave’. Where cocktails are served with provocatively labelled flags, scantily Diesel-clad ‘island natives’ loll about in tree houses and Alexandra Richards (daughter of Rolling Stone, Keith Richards) DJs to over 250 well-heeled ‘pioneers’.

Diesel Island... where heels are high & goats are pink

The locals in their natural habitat

Island Law #2; Trouble makers shouldn't be sent to jail but art school

We have been invited to ‘help shape the future of this magnificent country’ at the Sydney event on 31 August 2011. The controversial global campaign aims to provoke discussion and push boundaries by stating that the world is f**cked up, but Diesel Island is the least f**cked up country of all.

Conceived by advertising agency Santo, the campaign documents the first pioneers arriving on the tropical island – “living exciting experiences, solving some of the world’s oldest problems and holding wild parties to celebrate the birth of their nation”.

Alexandra Richards DJs to the crowd

Martin Matthews, General Manager of Brand Collective, explains that while Australians aren’t as aware of Diesel’s satirical, ironic character, the concept of challenging the status quo and rewriting the rules while having fun resonates with the Australian ethos.

The natives stand to attention as the Diesel Island anthem plays over the big screens, the cocktails are abundant and a giant seafood paella is cooked under driftwood scaffolding. I am reminded of island law # 7 – everything that exists was once imagined. Somehow, I don’t think it’s going to be a hard sell to Aussies looking for a utopian escape. Just be sure to reach the island before someone calls on the PM to ‘stop the boats’.

Watch the history of Diesel Island

Pioneer Jane Willesdorf enjoys a rebellious cocktail

"We prevent terrorist attacks by not pissing them off"

Hunter Valley; where wine taps you on the shoulder and says g'day

2011-08-31T15:06:00.000+10:00

"The wines that one best remembers are not necessarily the finest that one has ever tasted, and the highest quality may fail to delight so much as some far more humble beverage drunk in more favourable surroundings" H.Warner Allen

The first European stumbled across the Hunter Valley by accident in 1797 during a search for escaped convicts, according to an 8am history lesson by the friendly guide from Boutique Tours Australia. Twenty acres of vineyards were planted by 1823, and so evolved the rolling hills and green valleys of the romantic playground region embraced by Sydneysiders and international visitors alike.

Read about my Hunter Valley adventures as the NSW blogger for Lastminute.com.

Wine tasting at Ernest Hill

Lunch at the Cellar Restaurant

Food as art; Black Star Pastry

2011-08-25T16:22:00.005+10:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and the orange cake topped with persian figs, pistachios and flowers at Black Star Pastry in Newtown is a case in point.

Food as art

The crowd packed in the tiny Newtown café are testament to the individuality and quality of the food. The highlight of our visit was the lamb shank and red wine pie, comprised of feathery pastry and tender filling which was eaten too quickly to photograph. Black Star Pastry was established by well known Sydneysider Christopher The, and one can read about his foodie adventures and passion for pudding in his online journal.

The array of desserts is bewilderingly beautiful, and one will be excused for wanting to hold on to their cake – yet won't be able to resist eating it too.

http://www.blackstarpastry.com.au/

University revisited; The love that dare not speak it's name

2011-08-24T18:30:00.002+10:00

“Please note; the exhibition on level 2 of the Fisher Library includes images and language which may offend some people” reads the photocopied sign at the entrance to the library.

The walls of books, faded grey carpet and bespectacled librarians hardly indicate a tendency toward risqué material, and bored looking students barely notice the sign as they check out their books.

Revisiting university life once a week as a post-grad student, my eyes are opening to a world of stimulation, interest and activity that I either took for granted or blatantly ignored as a time-rich undergrad more interested in magazines than class content.

With education repositioning itself as a privilege not a chore, I am discovering a smorgasbord of events, exhibitions and resources at my fingertips. Accustomed to the pay-as-you-go world of corporate working life, it is like being a kid in an educational candy store (though sadly, the majority do take place during working hours and are therefore still inaccessible).

‘The love that dares not speak its name; same se*x desires in the Victorian world’ exhibition in the rare books section of Sydney Uni's Fisher Library offers a glimpse into a bawdy past through the lense of literature.

With original, aging books on display for perusal, one is invited to experience a topical modern genre which has actually been under scrutiny in various guises for centuries. The title phrase was aptly adopted from the 1984 Lord Alfred Douglas poem ‘Two Loves’, and also featured in Oscar Wilde’s gross indecency trail.

Book such as The Well of Loneliness (1928), Dos Sexuallenben der Afrikaner (1908) and a French history of Prostitution (1881) delve into the detail through illustrations, text and research. The exhibition is complete with a surprisingly lurid reconstruction of a 19^th Century peep show.

Despite the shock value, the library is hushed and the exhibition ignored as students tap away at laptops, slip out for coffees and seem oblivious to the original 1911 Henry Lawson manuscripts clamouring silently for attention. Open to the general public, grab your slouchiest jumper and slope back into student mode – you might actually appreciate it this time around.

The Fisher Library is part of the University of Sydney. Details of 2011 exhibitions can be found here

'Above Earth Below Sea'; A hipsterific gallery launch

2011-08-10T17:35:00.001+10:00

‘Are you free next Wednesday night? There’s a cool hipster gallery opening in Rozelle…’ read the friendly SMS.

Immersed in the preppy lifestyle of the corporate mainstream, the obscure ‘hipster’ world continues to mystify despite my devoted endeavours to break free from the confined structure of ‘after five’ (or closer to seven). In true un-hipster style, I turned to the dictionary (of the urban variety) to get a sense of what I was missing out on.

"...Hipsters are a subculture that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock. Hipsters reject the culturally-ignorant attitudes of mainstream consumers, and are often be seen wearing vintage and thrift store inspired fashions, tight-fitting jeans, old-school sneakers, and sometimes thick rimmed glasses. Both hipster men and women sport similar androgynous hair styles that include combinations of messy shag cuts and asymmetric side-swept bangs. Such styles are often associated with the work of creative stylists at urban salons, and are usually too "edgy" for the culturally-sheltered mainstream consumer..."

The Urban Dictionary

Counter-culture or not, the launch of ‘Above Earth Below Sea’ at Paper Plane Gallery was an impressively original showcase of ‘contemporary jewellery and objects’ by Australian and Japanese artists.

The eclectic crowd was treated to an eerily mesmerizing performance by Japanese singer TeN, whose music was an enchanting combination of live singing, poetry and ipod-directed echoes. Australians Kate Brown and Sandra LaRocca also performed a number of their own songs, an earthy contrast to TeN’s elegant recital.

Singer TeN

The art – or ‘objects’ – represented an exploration of jewellery as functional art, embracing unconventional materials not often considered for their decorative value such as plastic bags, interactive screens and disposable beverage bottles. The artists write on their blog that the notion of value in jewellery is shifting towards a story being told by the maker, and not just the market value of the material.

Flowers made from disposable beverage bottles

Connecting to nature - taking time to smell the roses

The central theme evident among the diverse range of artworks was an expression of how the artists connected to nature. While the exhibition was conceived and planned before the Japanese natural disasters, there was an emphasis on compassion for those in the affected areas. Funds were raised for the Red Cross throughout the night.

At risk of being labelled ‘a culturally sheltered mainstream consumer’ by the shaggy haired hipster crowd, the Paper Plane gallery will appeal to all who have an interest in art, nature and the philosophical connection between the two. Which raises the equally philosophical conundrum; when the ‘counter culture’ is embraced by the mainstream, is it still hipsterific?

Hipsterific or mainstream?

Paper Plane Gallery
727 Darling St
Rozelle

Exhibition continues to August 15th. Thu-Fri 12-6pm; Sat-Sun 11-4pm

Part of Sydney Design 2011, presented by the Powerhouse Museum

Drake the Amazing + La Dispute; Darlinghurst Theatre Co

2011-08-07T19:25:00.000+10:00

'It is my duty to entertain you'

‘It is my duty to entertain you’ Andrew Johnston solemnly announces, the velvet red curtains framing the stage as he looks forlornly at the audience. Playing the role of Astor, Johnston opens the first short play featured within a double bill by playwright Andy Hyman.

Drake the Amazing, the dramatic journey of a dramatic monologuist is an engaging, witty and fun enactment of a travelling vaudeville theatre in 1917. The black and white backdrop sets the scene for the stereotypical comedic characters of the early 1900s.

Spiced with romantic tension, pathos and sharply delivered dialogue, Drake the Amazing is pure fun and entertainment that leaves the audience smiling. Kate Skinner stands out as the spicy Claudette, the driver of Alden Drake’s quest to challenge the audience and get the girl. The banter between Drake (Scott Sheridan) and Astor is joyful to watch, and the half-deaf Neilson (Nicholas Papademetriou) has the audience laughing out loud.

Actress Kate Skinner (centre) and friends

La Dispute, the second half of the double bill, has a quirkier, more absurd take on reality. Raising complex questions about the inherent inclination of the sexes towards fidelity – or lack thereof – it plays out the results of a strange human experiment that provides compelling entertainment. Despite being reasonably well executed and fast-paced, the play was a strange choice to follow the humorous theatrics of Drake the Amazing.

Billed as uproarious comedy, it was amusing and interesting but didn’t go far enough in either direction to be thought provoking or hilarious. The assumptions of the gender based stereotypes based on the experiment were slightly jarring and lacked depth – with women proving to be bitchy and men ‘matey’. The script didn’t do justice to the cast full of talented actors, who didn’t seem to be stretched as those in the first bill.

Small and local, the Darlinghurst Theatre Co. has staged over 120 shows since 2001 and prides itself on encouraging people to discover the power of live theatre and its possibilities. Despite missing some elements in La Dispute, the double bill delivers enjoyable and intimate entertainment that succeeds in taking the audience on a fun journey of discovery.

Sal Giblin and Scott Thomas...'loved both shows'

Drake the Amazing + La Dispute is showing at Darlinghurst Theatre Company until 14 August 2011.

Darlinghurst Theatre Company
19 Greenknowe Avenue
Potts Point 2011
Tickets were provided to Lifeafterfive by OurDeal, who featured an offer for two tickets for $39.

Eau de Vie awarded 'World's Best New Cocktail Bar'

2011-07-29T16:51:00.002+10:00

Melbournites are clinging precariously to their reputation for hiding Australia’s superior bar scene in their laneways and warehouses, as Sydney gem Eau de Vie has taken out the coveted title of ‘World’s Best New Cocktail Bar’.

Trumping a shortlist comprising of only New York venues, Eau de Vie beat the city synonymous with cocktails, exclusive bars and Manhattans at the internationally recognised Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards.

“We set out to create a small cocktail bar where quality of drinks and service are king… I hope that we're helping to drive trends on a global level rather than just following whatever's happening in London and the U.S which have typically been seen as the leaders in our industry,” said owner Sven Almenning in response to the award.

Also nominated for ‘World’s Best Cocktail Menu’ and ‘World’s Best Drink Selection’, the recognition is testament to Almenning’s dedication, original design and attention to detail. Lifeafterfive’s hazy recollection of a martini master class run by the brilliant Dr Phil led us to proclaim Eau de Vie a hidden bar full of expert bartenders, priding itself on knowing its Hendricks from its Anchor Junipero.

Fronted by Luke Redingon, the not-so-hidden bar has attracted a loyal clientele of Sydney siders seeking quality, ambiance and style. With an Eue De Vie Melbourne in the works for October, defensive Melbournites can hold their fears of the imminent turning of the smallbariffic tables at bay… for now.

Eau De Vie
229 Darlinghurst Rd
Darlinghurst 2010

WIN 2 x tickets to Departure Lounge at Piano Room - BRAZIL

2011-07-29T11:54:00.002+10:00

This competition has now closed and winners have been contacted. Thanks for entering!

We are giving away a double boarding pass to Departure Lounge at Piano Room on 11 August, thanks to our friends at OurDeal.

Tantalise the travel bug lurking beneath the surface without the hassle of passports, immunisations and airport taxes.

Lifeafterfive* embraced the spirit of Africa at Departure Lounge's Zimbabwe event at Piano Room a few weeks ago. This is your opportunity to venture to Brazil on 11 August for cocktails, dancing and tasty food.

Transforming into the departure lounge of a different country each week, the event is an initiative by the foodies and fashionistas behind Eat Drink Play and Fashion Palette.

To win a double boarding pass to Departure Lounge on 11 August 2011, please leave a comment with your favourite Sydney winter survival strategy.

For an extra entry, link to this competition on twitter (and cc @lifeafterfive) or your own blog and let us know.

Don't forget to include your email address or twitter name so that we can get in touch to give you your prize!

Entries close at midnight Friday 5 August 2011.

Jersey Boys announces last weeks in Sydney

2011-07-27T15:11:00.000+10:00

Jersey Boys - The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons has announced ‘last weeks’ of its successful Aussie run, and will take the toe-tapping, hand-clapping theatre across the ditch to Auckland in April 2012.

Jersey Boys tells the story of how four blue collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop sensations of all time. Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi joined forces to become The Four Seasons, writing their own hits to sell over 175 million records before age 30.

Jersey Boys opened in Melbourne in July 2009 and played for 13 months. The show is currently playing to packed houses at Sydney’s Theatre Royal after breaking box office records as the highest grossing show in the theatre’s history. Over 1,000,000 have now seen the show in Melbourne and Sydney.

Book tickets at ticketmaster.com.au or call 1300 723 038. Prices range from $39 to $165.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

2011-07-22T10:25:00.000+10:00

One of my proudest achievements was my role as a tap-dancing penguin in our school’s year three production of Mary Poppins. As one of many who grew up presenting concerts to amused grandparents about supernatural nannies and charming chimney sweeps, I was intrigued as to how Poppins’ famously impossible feats would be achieved on stage.

The Disney and Cameron Mackintosh production of Mary Poppins at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre is a visual and aural spectacular that will have audiences of all ages convinced of the power of magic. Superb backdrops change within a blink of an eye, a talented cast doesn’t cease to impress, and the special effects are first class. Combined, they present a seamless and enchanting tale of the mysterious nanny who transforms the dull lives of the Banks family.

Verity Hunt-Ballard, Matt Lee and Marina Prior form part of a stellar cast that delights throughout. An opportunity to immerse yourself in an imaginary world full of happiness, enchantment and magic – no matter how old you are.

Read my full review of Mary Poppins on liveeverylastminute.com.au.

With Verity Hunt-Ballard (centre)

ELSC presents 'The Economics of Happiness'

2011-07-18T18:01:00.001+10:00

The King of Bhutan introduced the world’s first Gross National Happiness (GNH) index in 1972, a concept which has since been adopted by governments in Europe and Canada. Monitoring indicators of a nation under the pillars of sustainable development, cultural values, natural environment conservation and good governance, the purpose is to ensure focus by governments on contributors to happiness and reduce the emphasis on GDP growth as a measure of success and prosperity. The GNH is based on empirical research literature of happiness, positive psychology and wellbeing.

It was under this banner that the Emerging Leaders of Social Change was established. Initiated by a pub conversation (where ideas have a habit of brewing), the group aims to bring together young professionals in the corporate, public and non-profit sectors as a forum for sharing ideas and collaboration.

A core focus of the ELSC is to encourage Australians to participate in The Big Conversation, an initiative to assist the federal government understand what our society values when determining indicators to feed the National Wellbeing Framework being developed by the government.

“'Going local' is a powerful strategy to help repair our fractured world – our ecosystems, our societies and our selves” Helena Norberg-Hodge

The trend towards localisation and away from globalisation was the topic of discussion at the most recent ELSC ‘collaboratory’, where Helena Norberg-Hodge’s documentary The Economics of Happiness was screened. While alarmist in its description of the ‘8 Inconvenient Truths of Globalisation’, the positive impact of society's movement towards sustainable communities and increased connectivity with those geographically close resonated with the audience. Pointing to examples such as local food movements, growers markets and eco-villages emerging in big cities around the world, those interviewed in the documentary outlined the social and economic benefits of what it calls ‘economic localisation’.

These benefits include;

Understanding the impact of our choices, made easier when the supply chain is contained within one’s realm of influence;
Environmental benefits, with less energy being consumed when goods are produced and consumed locally;
The retention of ‘grandmother’s knowledge’, the strengthening of community bonds and a sense of belonging.

While the film was emotive in presentation, its underlying message was strong enough to provoke discussion about everything from challenging the status quo, individuals’ own experiences of localisation and how this applies to our society.

ELSC collaboratories are described as intimate events where like-minded emerging leaders meet to share, explore and challenge their way of thinking about topics related to the social sector. A wonderful opportunity to be challenged in genuine debate about topical issues, the ELSC addresses the growing desire of gen-Y to meaningfully engage with the community while building successful careers in a range of commercial (and other) sectors.

If your corporate job has taught you something useful to others and you’re itching to share, don’t miss the next ELSC collaboratory on the innovative application of Design Thinking. You might just learn something.

Buy tickets to future ELSC events at http://elsc.eventbrite.com/

Lunch at Deckhouse Woolwich

2011-07-11T16:25:00.000+10:00

Restricted by the psychological boundaries of the Harbour Bridge and inner East / West, it is easy for Sydneysiders to overlook dining options outside the city slicker bubble. The stylish Deckhouse in Woolwich is a reminder that there are numerous vantage points from which to enjoy the sparkling sensation that is Sydney harbour – a mere boat trip away.

Our transport awaits

A sunny winter’s day is the perfect setting for a leisurely Friday lunch, the harbour smiling brightly as we pile into a water taxi at Darling Harbour. Less than a ten minute ride away, we arrive at a modern venue far removed from the frenetic pace of the CBD. A yacht glides past slowly, a dog can be heard in distant bushland, and the sun dapples the freshly painted balcony.

The lunch menu is simple and inviting, with the chicken salad and the fillet steak the most popular at our table. Both are unpretentious and high quality, and are followed by melt in your mouth desserts that quickly disappear. The chocolate mousse with peanut butter ice cream is a clear favourite.

Soy & linseed loaf

Chicken salad with pear, blue cheese & walnut dressing

Fillet steak, fat chips and fresh slaw

Chocolate mousse with peanut butter icecream

One of many hidden gems lining the harbour, Deckhouse represents the best of what Sydney is famous for. With views of the spectacular waterfront, nestled in native bush and serving fresh, quality cuisine, the restaurant is the perfect place for a lunchtime escape from the CBD. Who knows, you may even spot a kookaburra.

Tough day at the office

Not too shabby... view from the taxi

Deckhouse Cafe
Clarke Road

Woolwich Dock 2110

02 9817 4394

Open 7 days 8.30am-3pm

El Circo at Slide

2011-07-10T19:09:00.003+10:00

As Water for Elephants has reignited our passion for circuses, El Circo brings the dream of big-tops and sparkles to the dining table, creating a magical performance complete with fantastic acrobatic feats, live singers, and theatrical flair.

A unique and creative experience which combines a nine course degustation with nine breathtaking circus acts, El Circo at Slide takes French cabaret to distinctly original new heights. Fabulously buxom hostess Maxi Shield (all natural darrrrrling) introduces each course as though it is an act in itself, with unusual highlights including virtual buttered popcorn (described as food aromatherapy) and chawa muchi – Japanese steamed egg.

Maxi Shield prepares the Virtual Buttered Popcorn

The nine courses include a range of entrees, a provocatively presented braised lamb shank as main course, and three divinely indulgent desserts.

In between each course, the crowd is treated to a variety of sensual, dramatic performances, intertwined with an element of comedy. A juggler dazzles the crowd with his skill, a top-hatted gentleman serenades a pole dancer in a French as she performs gravity defying stunts, and a lady pulled ‘reluctantly’ onto the stage by Maxi Shield bursts into song.

The crowd is spellbound as a double trapeze act twists, splits and dances precariously above our heads, and entertained as a male bellydancer invites some talented brides-to-be to perform with him on stage.

The audience – “so many new faces of old people” says Maxi Shield – is an eclectic mix of ages and occasions, including hens’ parties, a 50^th birthday, an engagement dinner and a 21^st. All are wrapt in the interactive experience, which demands participation from the crowd. The gaiety and entertainment inherent throughout El Circo makes it the ideal night for a memorable celebration.

Talented bride-to-be impresses the crowd with her bellydancing

Maxi Shield surprises the crowd in a slinky number with the final act – a hilarious rendition of Stars on 54’s “If you could read my mind”, before inviting guests onto the dance floor. Inspired by a night of poles, silks and circus acts, the stage is soon full of revellers of all ages twirling to ‘Girls just wanna have fun’.

A sensational, mesmerising experience with shimmering performances, El Circo at Slide is a brilliant, one-of-a-kind concept that surprises, entertains and delights. While Benzini Brothers may have crashed in 1931, the El Circo train is worth jumping one Saturday night.

El Circo is on every Saturday night at Slide - 41 Oxford St.

$99 includes 9 course degustation and 9 circus acts

WIN 2 x tickets to 'Drake the Amazing + La Dispute' at Darlinghurst Theatre Co

2011-07-06T17:30:00.001+10:00

This competition has now closed and winners have been contacted. Thank you for entering!

We are giving away 2 x double passes to see live comedy 'Drake the Amazing + La Dispute' at Darlinghurst Theatre Company, thanks to our friends at OurDeal.

Awarded four stars by TimeOut, Fringe Review and Three Weeks. Laughter is said to be the best stress release, and this razor sharp comedy will have you laughing off the daily grind from start to finish.

To enter, please add a comment telling us your favourite post-work stress release.

Don't forget to include your email address or twitter name so that we can get in touch to give you your prize!

Entries close at midnight Monday 18 July 2011.

DRAKE THE AMAZING + LA DISPUTE by Andy Hyman

"A tantalising double bill by writer, Andy Hyman; two sharp comedies exploring love, lust and transformation.

Drake The Amazing is a shamelessly comic, fast-paced look at a forgotten age – a love letter to vaudeville theatre. Legend persists that one Autumn night in 1911 Alden Drake, an otherwise unremarkable actor, became the best in the business. How did he get there? And who helped him? A laugh-out-loud tale of love in the wings and one man’s transformation from plain-old Alden into Drake The Amazing.

La Dispute traces a chaotic journey through the joys and devastations of romantic love. Marivaux’s original tale is brilliantly re-told for the 21st century. On the eve of a grand party, a wealthy man invites guests to witness a long-awaited experiment to determine which sex is less faithful, man or woman? Two boys and two girls raised in isolation for twenty years are about to meet for the first time. From the giddiness of first romance to the pangs of betrayal, witness a tantalising experiment in love and desire."

8pm Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm Sunday between 20 July - 3 August.

Bombay Bites

2011-07-06T13:03:00.002+10:00

“Decision time” announces Ashok Kumar, the friendly owner and manager of Bombay Bites in Neutral Bay. Having whet our appetites with an assortment of pappadams, chutneys and mixed pickles, it’s time to select our menu.

All dishes are made freshly to order, with nothing pre-prepared on the premises. This is evident in the array of delicate spices and flavours virtually jumping off each plate, creating a delicious experience of genuine Indian cooking.

We start with samosas and adraki lamb chops, which are seared and marinated with an aromatic fresh paste and grilled in the traditional Tandoor oven. Succulent and tender, mint yoghurt chutney is a perfect complement to the marinade.

Adraki lamb chops

For the main course we elect the traditional dahl tarka (which Ashok says is one of his healthy favourites) and chicken tikka masala cooked to order in the Tandoor. The precision and detail with which every dish is explained when served enhances the dining experience, giving us an appreciation of the ingredients, method and history behind the meal. The dahl has a gentle flavour that combines perfectly with the richer chicken tikka masala.

Chicken tikka masala

Dhal tarka

Bombay Bites is the pride of the Kumars, a husband and wife team who began their restaurant careers in India before moving to Australia. A hidden gem that is part of the blossoming restaurant precinct in Neutral Bay, the venue offers a ‘Bling Cushion Room’ and a ‘Hukka Bar’ ideal for private parties as well as the mural adorned restaurant. The attentiveness of the Kumars makes one feel like a guest in their home, despite the fine dining atmosphere and elaborate Indian decor.

Homemade mango icecream

Finding a separate stomach for the fresh dessert of homemade mango ice cream, the verdict is clear. For an authentic Indian experience north of the bridge, Bombay Bites gets the thumbs up (just watch out for those jumping spices).

The Hukka Bar

The dishes we loved

- Adraki Lamb chops (entree)

- Chicken tikka masala (main)

- Homemade mango icecream (dessert)

Bombay Bites is at 166 Military Road, Neutral Bay.

Thank you to OurDeal, who provided three courses, a bottle of wine, naan bread and a side platter.

Departure Lounge - Jetsetting to Zimbabwe

2011-07-03T19:41:00.002+10:00

African dummers Ki Fetch

There’s nothing that says ‘I need a holiday’ like the prospect of another day at the office during blustery winter July. With grey clouds gathering at the window, the Microsoft paperclip your most riveting company, the closest beach in sight is in facebook photos travelling friends have tauntingly posted.

Departure Lounge at Piano Room provides a novel escape from the winter blues that doesn’t bite into your leave balance, cost a fortune or require hours of preparation.

Rich Coombes, Vincent Stander and Daniella Alhadeff (lifeafterfive*) preparing for departure

Transforming into the departure lounge of a different country each week, the event is an initiative by the foodies and fashionistas behind Eat Drink Play and Fashion Palette. At the Zimbabwe event on Thursday 30 June, charming hostess Sonya Mefaddi hands us a boarding pass and shows us to our seats. With Shakira and Freshly Ground’s Waka waka (This Time for Africa) playing on arrival and a pair of Cheetahs lounging on the bar, we may be in the heart of Kings Cross but the spirit of Africa is in full force as we order our first cocktail from a safari clad waitress.

The ‘Lion King’ cocktail may not be strictly traditionally Zimbabwean, but no one is complaining as they’re served the delicious frangelico based drink infused with cinnamon and orange peel. A chef’s tasting plate of African food is served as the skilful Ki Fetch Band of African drummers warm up the crowd.

2 x Lion King cocktails & chef's plate - only $15

Chef's african tasting plate

The concept is the first collaboration between Fashion Palette and Eat Drink Play. Both companies have a focus on showcasing up-and-coming talent such as emerging fashion designers and inspiring young chefs.

“Sonya and I wanted to combine food and fashion to create something unique and different for Sydney but with an accessible price tag that everyone can enjoy” said Alex Adams, the fabulous foodie behind Eat Drink Play.

“Guests can expect anything from Brazilian dancers to a mariachi band. Each night will be like stepping off a long-haul flight into a completely different country” added Adams.

Whether you want to samba with the Brazillians, celebrate Bastille Day in true Parisian style or sample Spanish cuisine, Departure Lounge is an opportunity for Sydneysiders to escape to the far corners of the globe – even if only for a few hours.

Ki Fetch jamming with the crowd

Keen travelers, foodies and fashionistas can purchase a boarding pass online from preferred ‘travel agent’ Our Deal for $15. In exchange for a boarding pass guests will receive entry, two cocktails and a plate from the ‘Chef’s Global Menu’ and a night of worldly entertainment.

Travel Itinerary

9 June - Mexico
16 June - Japan
23 June - Greece
30 June - Zimbabwe
7 July - Morocco
14 July - France
21 July - Old England
28 July - Spain
4 August - Vietnam
11 August - Brazil

Save the whales

2011-07-03T18:45:00.001+10:00

http://marinemammalresearch.com/

The Legend of Shangri La

2011-06-27T11:34:00.000+10:00

Yang Liping's Spirit of the Peacock

The mythical lost kingdom of Shangri La has become synonymous with a peaceful earthly paradise. Chinese star Yang Liping believes that it is a fitting reference to the ancient land in South Western China where 42 minority groups live in harmony, where “dancing is like speaking with the gods”.

As the official opening of the Year of Chinese Culture in Australia, The Legend of Shangri La presents a delightfully engaging showcase of traditional folk dance from the remote Yunnan province. The powerful rhythm, precise movement and elated, joyful dancing creates a dance spectacular that both surprises and captivates the audience.

An announcer tells us that the performances are a series of segments representing the essential elements of nature; the sun, the moon, fire, the homeland and the earth. All draw on dance and music that has been performed for centuries across the Yunnan province. The audience is taken on a powerful journey representing all faces of China – from the fierce, determined and acrobatic Earth dance, to the mesmerisingly graceful solo of Yang Liping to the spirited, exuberance of the ‘Stomping Dance’ courtship rituals.

The Legend of Shangri La was the vision of Yang Liping, who plays the role of choreographer, artistic director and lead dancer. Fearing the loss of indigenous music cultures to the influence of modern lifestyle, she spent over a year visiting every village and rural region in the Yunnan Province to discover and understand the ethnic rituals and traditions practiced in each area. She recruited natives from the villages to dance, and says that all she had to do was “brush the dust off these precious gems of performers and allow their natural brilliance to shine through”. Their genuine enthusiasm shines during the performances, and allows the audience to connect with the dancers on a personal level, as well as admiring their considerable talent.

The show also features a range of intricate costumes, many handcrafted by the performers themselves, and 120 unique masks decorated in the styles of the Yunnan minorities.

Strong, exuberant and skillful, The Legend of Shangri La is both original and entertaining. With the rapid influence of globalisation reaching even the remote corners of the globe, the production is a timely reminder of the importance of embracing and preserving ancient cultures before they fade into ancient history.

The Legend of Shangri La was showing at the State Theatre, Market St, Sydney between 22-26 June 2011.

It was presented by Ausfeng as the official opening of The Year of Chinese Culture in Australia.

A visit to the dark side - Schweppes Elixir launch

2011-06-17T14:12:00.002+10:00

Schweppes invites you to the unveiling of Elixir… come as you please, but prepare to be transported to another era in time. ..

Sandstone corridors lit with candles, bartenders in top-hats creating steamy concoctions and a distinguished grandfather clock keeping watch over the crowd. Twirling our parasols and adjusting our corsets, we saunter into the cellar of Elizabeth Bay House to discover 1900s chemists and scientists performing wild culinary experiments in every available cranny.

Keeping watch over the crowd...

A stormy night set the tone for the mysterious Schweppes event taking place in the grand heritage-listed house. Guests (of the 2011 era) were advised to redress upon arrival and presented with a mirror-laden room full of 1900s gowns, feather boas and umbrellas. It was a Lion-Witch-Wardrobe style leap into a make believe world, a dream for anyone holding on to childhood fantasies of dress-up boxes and fairy tales. Attire, atmosphere and fabulous hats prepared us for the journey underground - unintentionally thrown into character, we found ourselves channeling Jane Austen accents and mannerisms as the night progressed.

Ladies... Mandy Barbera, Sal Giblin &
Daniella Alhadeff (Lifeafterfive*)

Elixir was the star of the night, with new-fangled potions (aka cocktails) designed in the apothecary with the mixer in mind. Created specifically as a mixer, Elixir is a sharp blend of caramel, coffee and cocoa flavours – with a hint of vanilla. The Elixir Batango cocktail was an ideal antidote to the wintery winds howling outside, combining Elixir with tequila, fresh orange, a dash of orange bitters and a salt and pepper rim. A strong rum-based compound known as the Stormy was popular with the gents.

Mixologist creating Batangos

The magicians behind Boon chocolatiers were whipping up a batch of mouthwatering Roasted Macadamia Caramel on the spot for guests to sample the freshly concocted “chocolate experience”.

The Chocolate Experience worth having... Roasted Macadamia Caramel

Said to grant the drinker eternal youth, the dark and mythical elixir of life has been pursued by alchemists for centuries. While the Schweppes apothecary may be yet to unravel the full mystery, it is worth a visit to the dark side of Batangos and Stormies. Who knows where you might end up?

Hugh the Baron Von Paton Smithson performing aromic magic with dry ice

Fabulous pics of the event by Dan Grey of Gray Noise can be found here

Event created by Karina Munoz of Behind Bars and costumes provided by The Wardrobe Costumiers

Article also appeared on Eat Drink Play

Rope by Tamarama Rock Surfers

2011-06-14T12:16:00.001+10:00

Culture’ in Bondi conjures images of spectacular surf photography (aka Aquabumps), debate over the best soy flat white (Harry’s gets my current vote), and soft sand running comps, Bondi Rescue and Bondi Vet.

Catering for culture buffs looking for entertainment slightly more edgy than the Miss Bondi Pageant at the Beach Rd Hotel, the Tamarama Rock Surfers (TRS) has delivered the Sydney theatre scene to Bondi. Showcasing the best of Australian artists at the iconic Bondi Pavilion Theatre, discerning art-starved residents no longer have to venture out of the ‘bubble’ for a thespian fix.

The opening night of Patrick Hamilton’s Rope was held on Tuesday 7 May. A brilliantly performed psychological thriller, main actors Anthony Gee and Anthony Gooley managed to keep the audience swinging on an tense emotional pendulum ranging from laughter to mesmerised horror as execution and discussion of ‘the perfect murder’ unfolded.

“Patrick Hamilton is the master of the thriller form and Rope is a genre masterpiece. This production is an exercise in cold stylish terror with lethally perverse sexual undertones" says Iain Sinclair, critically acclaimed director of Our Town, Killer Joe, and Lord of the Flies. Stylish, charming and with the audacious beauty of youth, the pervading evil that lurks beneath the surface of the main protagonists is emphasised with sharp contrast by the innocence of dinner guests Leila Arden (Sarah Snook) and Sir Johnstone Kentley (Bob Baines).

Rope was written in 1929 and later adapted for cinema by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock. The first show to be performed at the revamped 230 seat Bondi Pavilion Theatre, the intimate setting leads the audience feel that they are almost in the Mayfair dining room as the macabre dinner party progresses. Josh Quong Tart delivers an honest portrayal of the cynical, courageous and slightly twisted Rupert Cadell, the crippled war veteran who drives the play to its conclusion.

The Tamarama Rock Surfers is Australia’s leading independent theatre company whose aim is to give emerging talent a leg up while showcasing the best of Australian work. They promise that the line up that you see on a TRS season will be the names that fill the main stages of the best theatres in Sydney, Australia and beyond in years to come.

Experience winter chills of the terror variety, wrap yourself in vintage noir gear and see Rope for some deliciously gripping drama.

Presented by Chester Productions in association with Tamarama Rock Surfers at The Bondi Pavilion Theatre, Rope is showing until 25 June 2011.
Prices: Adult $33, Concession $25, Cheap Tuesday: Adult $21

The Divine Miss Bette

2011-06-06T14:58:00.006+10:00

“Layyyyy-dees and germs! We are falling into a vat of vulgarity!” announces the sequin clad femme fatale on stage to an appreciative crowd. Channeling a sexy version of Bette Midler (think Midler in her younger heyday), Catherine Alcorn delivers the hilarious so-called “vulgarity” between songs that range from bluesy ballads to comedic rock.

At the Sydney opening of The Divine Miss Bette (having sold out to crowds in Melbourne), we rediscover the art of cabaret at Slide Bar in Darlinghurst. Charismatic performer Catherine Alcorn has created a winning combination with a spectacular voice, addictive stage presence and bawdy banter with the crowd. Reminiscent of the Palace Theatre in 1970s New York, we sip campari while enjoying a dimly lit two course dinner as a prelude to the show.

Larger than life - Miss Bette

The Divine Miss Bette was created by Peter Cox, with musical direction from the talented, long-haired Isaac Hayward. Inspiring the creation of the show was the majestic voice and Midler-esque personality of Catherine, who was trained by Steve Ostrow. Ostrow is the man who discovered Bette Midler while she was singing for tips at his Continental Baths, creating musical history by pairing her with Barry Manilow – who happened to be filling in for an AWOL pianist.

Playful backup singers, The Harlettes (Lauren Cook and Christina Paterno) are a delight to watch. Cute as buttons, coy and flirty, Miss Bette advises the crowd that she found them selling their cherries down at the farmers markets – “but don’t worry, I’ve still got the box they came in!”.

Tagging itself as Sydney’s most surprising venue, Slide Bar is a hidden gem that has evolved through multiple identities. Originally a Commonwealth Bank, it has transformed from a wild gay nightclub to a classy underground cabaret joint complete with chandeliers (albeit dangling with cherubs), a French chef and a large number of mirrors. Hosting everything from corporate events to mardi gras after parties, hints of all three identities merge to create the sense that anything could happen next.

The vegie lasagna

The vegetarian lasagna recommended for dinner demands its own special mention. It is a regular staple of an evolving menu that is far more sophisticated than your standard bar/restaurant fare.

Whether you’re planning a hens party, looking to impress a date or kicking off a girls’ night on the town, The Divine Miss Bette is a sensual, fun vat of vulgarity into which all ladies and germs should fall.

The Divine Miss Bette starring Catherine Alcorn returns to Slide for 3 shows only – Thursday 21 July, Friday 12 August and Friday 16 September. Pre-purchase your tix here before they sell out.

Dinner & Show – $65 7pm (incl entrée & main)
Show Only – $25 9pm
This article first appeared on Eat Drink Play.

Cancer: Meet it, treat it, beat it

2011-06-02T17:58:00.002+10:00

Ben Peacock, author of Lessons from My Left Testicle, was at a buck’s weekend three days before surgeons were slicing open his stomach, “placing his guts on a tray” to remove his lymph nodes, and then squishing them back in.

Experiencing sharp pains in his back, he told the audience at the Garvan Institute that he “did what he was supposed to do” – kept drinking alcohol to (unsuccessfully) ignore it.

25 year old stockbroker Tim Cussell put off visiting a doctor when strange symptoms (of what turned out to be Stage 3 bowel cancer) arose because of the unpleasant prospect of a stranger poking around his nether regions. Finally finding time to visit a doctor, he was immediately booked into surgery and warned that he could die on the operating table.

Cancer; Meet it. Treat it. Beat it was the topic of the Young Garvan Forum’s most recent event on the 26 May. Young Garvan was set up to educate and inform the seemingly bulletproof younger generation about health issues and the importance of medical research.

Hearing the magic words “You. Have. Cancer” slams the door shut on one's previous life only to send them whirling through a vortex of hospitals, chemotherapy and radiation. Ben told the forum how “everything in life is suddenly put on hold” – career, travel plans, plans to start a family - with all energy focussed on the daily rollercoastal of survival, specialists and treatments.

Medical oncologist Dr Catriona McNeil and Dr Darren Saunders, a senior lecturer in Medicine at UNSW provided tangible examples of recent medical research breakthroughs, stating that while cancer is the number one disease killer in the 18-40 year age group, survival rates have never been better. Dr Andrew Penman, CEO of the Cancer Council NSW, emphasised cancer as a social issue with a heavy impact on both patients and the wider community.

With a newfound appreciation of how precarious life can be, Tim focused on enjoying what was great and letting go of the bad - bought an apartment, proposed to his girlfriend and changed careers. He is organising a fundraising dinner for 2012 to raise funds for Lifehouse at RPA and the Bowel Cancer Institute. As Ben Peacock soberly reminded us– “it’s not a given that everything will go according to plan”.

Lessons for the invincible Gen Y?

Visit a GP when something doesn’t feel right
You’re never too young to get your affairs in order
It can happen to you – so keep an eye on the important things in life

Join the Young Garvan Events & Fiestas facebook group to be informed of future events.

*Photograph from http://www.learning.net.au/allribbons/younggarvan.html

Back to class with Eau de Vie

2011-05-22T22:49:00.012+10:00

The James Bond films are known for their blatant product placement, but it was Bond’s famous martini instructions “shaken, not stirred” which challenged the drink’s origins and caused controversy among connoisseurs worldwide.

At Eau de Vie’s Martini Masterclass, ‘Dr Phil’, the waistcoated bartender who has studied everything martini, tells us that the classic (read: authentic) martini was stirred so as not to bruise the gin. Not merely a strong cocktail in a stylish glass, we learn that the martini has a history full of politics, science – and of course, culinary debate.

A hidden bar which prides itself on knowing its Hendricks from its Anchor Junipero, Eau de Vie is the ideal setting to learn about the evolution of a cocktail that found its feet during the American prohibition era. Water is served in antique crystal tumblers, and strains of Chicago’s ‘All that jazz’ reinforce the sense that one is in an intimate speakeasy set up for the discerning tippler.

Winston Churchill makes a regular appearance in this alcohol enhanced history lesson, where his most important contribution to history appears to have been the popularisation of the dry martini (the more vermouth, the wetter the martini) – stating that “I would like to observe the vermouth from across the room while I drink my martini”.

Sipping our lychee martinis, the students seated around the bar are told that ice is the most important part of any martini (beware a bartender who doesn’t fill the glass!). Crushed or broken ice is another warning signal. Serious about its commitment to quality, Eau de Vie has liquid nitrogen on hand to ensure that the drinks are served at ideal temperatures and makes its own vermouth on the premises.

After concocting and drinking approximately five variations of martinis (the experiential part of the learning experience), our recollection of the techniques may be hazy but we have a newfound appreciation of the level of skill required. Wet or dry, vodka or gin, stirred or shaken – the drink of tuxedos, Aston Martins and general sophistication is definitely one worth outsourcing to the experts at Eau de Vie. As Dr Phil spins around the bar, pouring shots, stirring the drinks and juggling the glasses, he reminds us of the most important ingredients – theatre and flair.

The Martini Masterclass was run by Eau de Vie as part of World Cocktail Week. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for future events.

Tickets were provided courtesy of Eat Drink Play

Check it out! Eau de Vie comes to life in this brilliant video by the team at Barology

Definition of impossible

2011-05-10T15:17:00.001+10:00

Rock Lily launch party

2011-04-29T09:42:00.003+10:00

“Trust me. You’re not gonna see this anywhere else” the tattoed barman promises, expertly pouring a precise 30ml tequila shot. Despite long established wisdom that one should never trust a man who says “trust me”, in this case it’s a gamble I’m willing to take. With over 120 tequilas on offer, Star City’s new bar Rock Lily offers sought after varieties that can’t be found anywhere else in Australia.

Not just a tequila bar (though the Cadillac margaritas are sensational), Rock Lily is Sydney’s newest and most exclusive live music venue, attracting top Aussie rock bands and international talent (Snoop Dogg has already hosted his invitation-only after party there prior to the official opening) to perform for no more than 200 people. Despite being in the middle of neon-drenched Star City casino, Rock Lily manages to pull off an intimate and atmospheric performance space that will attract bands and rockers alike.

At the official launch party on Wednesday 20 April, the crowd was treated to ‘up close and personal’ performances by hot Australian bands Washington and Art v Science. I could practically reach out and touch Dan Mac from Art v Science (tempting but I did refrain) and someone from the crowd offers him a beer to scholl mid-performance.

Art vs Science

Lounging in converted Cadillac seat booths while watching the 1970s tvs above the bar, all décor - from the juke box in the corner to the mustard squiggled hot dogs - follows the mid-west American diner theme recently embraced by bars such as Shady Pines Saloon and the Stuffed Beaver. Tattooed works of art cover the arms of all tequila savvy bartenders, suggesting that no detail has been neglected in designing and bringing the concept to life.

I step outside to take a phone call, and am momentarily confused to find myself surrounded by the bright lights and clanging jangles of a casino – I hurry back into the dimly lit oasis of rock and cocktails.

A surprisingly laid back and inviting space, let’s hope that Rock Lily is the start of movement by Star City to make the most of its huge, inner-city precinct. Showcasing the best talent from home and abroad, Rock Lily is will inspire celebration among live music fans – just make sure you’re one of the 200 lucky enough to get through the door.

Rock Lily is open from 5pm on Wednesdays to Sundays

This article first appeared on Eat Drink Play.