'The Human Torch' - by Sydney Interactive Theatre

“I’m way too cute to be a murderer” declares the petite brunette, lounging against the wall of the Royal Albert, a public house built in 1927. The group of detectives eye her suspiciously, sipping their house champagne while listening to Edith indulge in tales of marrying her crooked – now dead – husband for his renowned gambling fortune.

After telling the detectives – aka a group of brave Sydney siders who have ventured into a pop up world of theatre and murder - that the victim’s will had mysteriously been changed just before his murder, we stumble across a “clue” that takes us down the back streets of Surry Hills to our next potential suspect.

Sydney Interactive Theatre describes itself as “part game, part theatre, part tour, part bar crawl”, sending the audience on a mission through the streets of the city. The Human Torch pop up dining experience leads us to notice usually overlooked historical landmarks in Surry Hills as we seek to solve the mystery of the murder of Thomas Ivory. A text on the day provides meeting instructions, and we are greeted by the head detective who briefs us on our mission.

After a blind magistrate at the Children’s Court informs us that “it is illegal to wear pink pants on a Saturday”and a street performer impresses us with magic tricks, we follow the hints dropped by each actor to discover a revelationary twist in the tale (you’ll have to do the tour to find out what it is) – and champagne and tapas awaiting.

A shared dinner at a secret location is our reward for cracking the case, as we bond with the other “detectives” over a race well run.

For more information about Sydney Interactive Theatre and Sydney Pop Up Dining visit:

www.sydneyinteractivetheatre.com.au or http://sydneypopupdining.com.au/interactive-street-theatre or call 1300 663 386.

Lifeafterfive* was a guest of Sydney Interactive Theatre.

Manly Wharf Hotel

There’s nothing like an unexpected spin under Sydney harbour’s glittering lights to remind you to break out of your bubble and explore the abundance on our doorstep (or waterfront). We enter our plush luxury vessel (aka a taxi from Water Taxis Combined) at 6.30pm at the Rose Bay ferry wharf, escorted by a handsome gentleman in uniform.

Our destination of choice is the Manly Wharf Hotel, an exhilaratingly fast boat ride away from the CBD, which has brought on a new chef in honour of its 10th birthday celebrations. Disembarking at the wharf, we discover an outdoor bar full of family groups relaxing at long tables, almost oblivious to their 360 degree ocean views.

A recent refurbishment has created a beachy and relaxed vibe that suits the location, with colourful cushions, blackboard menus and painted surfboards adoring the place. A Jack Johnson-esque musician strums his guitar in the background, we settle for dinner on the comfy indoor seats.

 Examining the surprisingly sophisticated menu, we order a selection of roasted barramundi fillet on spinach gnocchi, herb seared tuna nicoise and a chargrilled lamb fillet salad (and chips – we are in a pub after all!). All were presented beautifully and expertly cooked. The wine selection offered a good cross section of reasonably priced Australian wines, starting at $30 per bottle – a refreshing change when accompanied by a spectacular view.

The friendly staff fit the theme in their nautical t-shirts, and whipped up a couple of cocktails while good-naturedly admitting that they were pretty rarely ordered.

Whether you’re rocking up in thongs after a day at the beach, glammed up for a date night or meeting a mate for a post-work beer, you can be assured of decent food, a chilled out crowd, and an unpretentious haven of waterfront views. Thumbs up to the Manly Wharf Hotel.

Lifeafterfive* was a guest of the Manly Wharf Hotel.

A Taste of Greece with Lyndey Milan

“When in Greece you cook with a Greek heart” declared celebrity chef Lyndey Milan as diners were tantalised with the wafting aromas of Peloponnese cuisine. As jovial chords of live bouzouki music bounce over the twinkling lights of the harbour, it is not a far stretch to imagine ourselves seated in a traditional restaurant on a Mediterranean island.

To celebrate the launch of the Taste of Greece cookbook on the back of her successful SBS series, Lyndey Milan teamed with the George’s Mediterranean Bar & Grill to host a feast drawn from the recipes in the book. Showcasing the highlights of a mother and son food-focused road trip around the Peloponnese, the evening was a heart (and stomach) warming tribute to both the region and Lyndey's late son, Blair.

Lyndey Milan regales diners with tales of the Peloponnese

We begin our culinary journey with a traditional eggplant dip (similar to baba ganoush) and a freshly grilled pita, a tasty portent of the flavoursome delights to come. An exotic collection of mezedes follow, a range of chickpea fritters, BBQ squid filled with fetta and spinach, and zucchini dill and mint fritters.

BBQ Squid with fetta and spinach

Village salad

The main course consists of slow roasted lamb, lemon potatos and village salad. Lyndey introduces each dish with a story, describing how she and Blair stumbled across each. She says that the Hercules Blood cocktail, a concoction of pomegranate seed and tequila, was created by Blair after extensive sampling of cocktails with locals throughout their trip. 

Slow roasted lamb

Matching wines are a carefully chosen selection also hailing from the Peloponnese region, and complement the hearty cuisine. The sweet Kourtakis Muscat of Samos is a memorable finale and dessert is an indulgent cinnamon cheesecake with Samos-soaked muscatels, topping off a mouth watering testament to George’s Executive Chef, Keith Higginson. 

Hercules Blood cocktails

Lyndey reminds us that Greek hospitality is focused on ensuring guests are happy, no matter what it takes. Enjoying a night under the stars with atmospheric music, traditional dishes prepared by a renowned chef and a welcoming host, the mission is well accomplished.  We raise our glasses and toast: Yamas!

Bouzouki player entertains the crowd

Lifeafterfive* was a guest of the event.

Bread & Circus, Alexandria

“We were the generation of dreamers”, says John Bechara, stopping for a chat while gathering plates. Reclining in stripy deck chairs, we bask in the Autumn sunshine and find ourselves engaged in a philosophical discussion while sipping organic blueberry smoothies. “We studied for the sake of learning, challenged traditions and explored the ideas of the world…”.

Riding the revolving door schedule of fast paced city living, days blend without warning into indistinctive weeks and months pass before we seem to have a chance to blink. It’s a rare treat to venture out of routine, crack a pattern and find our eyes jolted open to delights on our doorstep.

At ‘Bread & Circus’ in Alexandria, Bechara’s daughter Amanda is busy preparing food in the kitchen, laughing with customers and generally running the show (with her boyfriend and co-owner, Danny Goldstein). A trendy warehouse style canteen in a re-used brick factory, giant spoons hang on the wall, gourmet condiments line the counter and pineapples hang out with jars of homemade jam on geometrically aligned shelves. The version of the latin phrase panem et circenses is an apt reference to frivolous appeasement methods adopted by the Ancient Roman senate to distract the population from serious civic concerns. 

Artfully combining healthy, organic produce, an edgy location and eclectic décor to create a positive distraction from all concerns – civic or otherwise - Bread & Circus manages to tick all of the boxes for implied success in the discerning Inner West. A welcoming sunny space made friendlier with a cheeky music selection, a healthy menu of fresh produce that regularly changes, and creative presentation of dishes, the three month old eatery is buzzing on a Sunday afternoon.

We order the sustainable steamed barramundi sandwich box – a biodegradable box full of “fresh bright quirky organic sandwich fillings w/ freshly cut slices of sourdough & salady side things” - and a mix of unusual but delicious salads. The “sandwich” is a smorgasbord of DIY ingredients, elevating the humble concept of two slices of bread and filling to the next level. Each bite oozes health, professionally and thoughtfully executed while maintaining its rustic originality.

Easily exceeding standard expectations, the X-factor of Bread & Circus is the warmth behind the smiles, the genuine hospitality that only comes from owners passionate about their creation. With Amanda’s dad gathering plates, her boyfriend manning the counter and her mum checking on customers, Bread & Circus is a friendly oasis nestled among the industrial streets of Alexandria.

A Master of Philosophy and hailing from Lebanon, Bechara pops by again to see how we’re getting on. Already a familiar face, he regales us with tales rich with history, stokes debates over culture, and glows with pride as he speaks of his daughter’s venture. This chance encounter with John - a common feature of travelling but rare in the comfortable routine of life at home - is one of those moments where life seems to pause, a reminder that colour, depth and philosophy are ever present behind everyday interactions if one takes a moment to notice. 

From the giant bags of chickpeas lining the floor to the carefully selected tea menu (“brewed by a tea neurotic”), Bread & Circus inspires one to revert to the mindset of the traveller, unravel stories and join the generation of dreamers - at least for an afternoon. 

"When you realise how perfect everything is, you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky"
Buddha

Hong Kong; conquering heights at the Ritz Carlton

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

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.

Jamie's Italian

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.

15 Year Anniversary of Certified Australian Angus Beef

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

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.