Sydney Festival at Casula Powerhouse: Suppression Dam

January 8, 2019January 8, 2019Leave a comment

Three internationally-renowned art music ensembles will unite at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre (CPAC) for a world-exclusive performance: Suppression Dam. Ensemble Offspring (Sydney), International Contemporary Ensemble (New York/Chicago) and Ensemble Adapter (Berlin) will present a surround-sound experience in the vast Turbine Hall, for Sydney Festival’s first ever visit to CPAC.

Featuring ARIA award-winning percussionist and Artistic Director of Ensemble Offspring Claire Edwardes, the performance sees the three avant-garde heavyweights uniting to perform two vital, transcendent pieces from forward-thinking Australian composers: The Dam by Kate Moore, and Cleave by Natasha Anderson.

“We are beyond thrilled to present Suppression Dam here at Casula – the only place in the entire world you’ll catch this incredible supergroup of art music titans!” said CPAC Director, Craig Donarski. “This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the opening weekend of Sydney Festival, complete with a glass of wine on us, or make it a meal with our in-house bistro Bellbird Dining + Bar serving up a special dish of smoked beef, pickled cabbage, confit baby onions and jus, to reflect the combining of the talents of Berlin, New York and Sydney,” he said.

The performance is prefaced by contemporary choral composer Alice Chance’s communal sound art project Audience Choir. The interactive performance calls on audience members to download an app to unlock a sound file, contributing to the soundscape. The audience is then taught simple canonic melodies, birthing an evolving and immersive music experience.

Opening the performance will be award-winning industrial chamber composition The Dam, by composer Kate Moore – the first woman to win the prestigious Matthijs Vermeulen Award. Showcasing her inimitable swirling rhythmic sound world, the piece draws from the rhythms of nature, from crickets to birds and frogs, to create a fascinating tapestry of not-quite-polyrhythmic sounds.

Experimental ensemble work Cleave byAustralian composer and installation artist Natasha Anderson will close the performance. The piece harnesses spatialised electronics, processed samples and live instruments to create a soundscape of refracted sonic mirrors.

Event Details:
What: Suppression Dam
When: 12 January 2019, 5-6PM
13 January 2019, 2-3PM
Where: Casula Powerhouse, 1 Powerhouse Road, Casula NSW 2170 (don’t forget, Casula has its own train station!)
Price: Performance only – Adult $45 / Concession $25
Performance and Meal Deal – Adult $70 / Concession $50

Joseph Lloyd, Contributor
Photo Credit: Casula Powerhouse

678 Korean BBQ Sydney

January 2, 2019January 5, 2019Leave a comment

We love a good BBQ – whether it be in our own backyard with a sausage & a few prawns or at a restaurant, we’ll be there. So, of course we were keen to visit 678 Korean BBQ in the Sydney CBD for a feed.

Attending with a group of foodie pals, we were able to try a range of dishes amongst us, beginning with the ban Chan (appetisers).

The meat cuts arrived ready for us to cook to our liking. There’s oyster blade, beef rib, beef tongue, brisket to name a few.

The wait staff brought out a bucket of hot coals to cook the meat on the grill. We tried a number of beef cuts, and also some pork.

Although it doesn’t require to be on BBQ, the beef tartare was a great dish too, served with an egg yolk and a Korean marinade. We also were served a number of the usual Korean favourites kimchi, omelettes, rice and noodles.

The new menu item, the seafood pancake was also a winner for our dining party.

Other substantials including Bibimbab a Korean classic rice dish served in a heavy stone bowl topped with egg yolk, meat, nori and mixed vegetables. Be sure to get to the end and you will be suprised with the crispy rice at the bottom of the bowl.

678 is great for socialising in a group or an individual booking to enjoy a tasty Korean meal. Another positive, you know the chef will be awesome because it’s you.

Thanks to Danny from Qtix(online restaurant booking system) for the invitation to dine and for the great company during the meal.

We loved the Korean BBQ experience at 678 and thank them for the great food and hospitality.

Level 1, 396 Pitt corner Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000

02 9281 8997

http://678sydney.com.au/sydney-cbd/

Our ‘best of’ foodie experiences 2018: Sydney and Surrounds

December 31, 2018December 31, 20182 Comments

2018 has been a busy year, we have been fortunate enough to travel much of this wonderful world and all over this beautiful harbour city. We’ve written over 200 blogs, as well as reviews on multiple platforms and are appreciative of all venues for having us well as the support provided from our friends and loyal followers.

We are very lucky to have such a multi-cultural influence in Australia which makes Sydney rich in culture and it also means we are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options. We have compiled our ‘best of’ list, reflecting the range of cuisines on offer. We hope this list will provide some guidance when you are sitting at home in the new year procrastinating about where to go for breakfast, a coffee, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or something sweet.

Whether looking for a coffee on the run or somewhere to catch up with friends for brunch, Sydney certainly delivers, with most Sydney suburbs having quality offerings.

Coffee

Our favourite way to start our day is with a good cup of coffee and there are plenty of places that come to mind. At the top of this list is Artificer on Bourke St Surry Hills and this humble little corner shop is a specialist coffee roaster which does only coffee and no food, so they have to be good.

A new one up there in the coffee stakes is Ona Coffee. Having opened their cafe in Marrickville this year, these guys have gone from strength to strength and they do offer food too. We also continued to enjoy Mecca, which always do a quality coffee roast and have a great selection of interesting food. We will also have to give props to the quality Baristas at our local Panivore in Pagewood who pump out the Mecca coffee and do it justice. There is also Coffee Alchemy in Marrickville, so popular, even David Beckham paid them a visit when in town.

Image – Ona

Cafes

For good cafes in Sydney, there are so many to choose from and you pretty much see a new one open up every other week. However, at the top of our list is Edition Coffee Roasters, who have a sleek new space, close to what was once the Entertainment Centre. Edition do a nice cup of coffee and a sophisticated Japenese inspired cafè menu. The Sokyo Breakfast at the Star was very impressive and we suggest doing the double, ordering a la carte and the buffet. We also enjoyed At Neutral and also 5 loaves 2 fish in Neutral Bay for a quality breakfast offering, the Mews in Mosman also putting out a creative Breakfast menu. Girdlers stores in the Northern Beaches producers some great healthy food options. The Reuben bagel at Lox, Stock and Barrel and in Bondi also impresed. Buku, a new opening in Zetland also up there, with coffee by Artificer, quality pastries and a top notch food menu.

Image – Edition coffee roasters

Image – 5 loaves 2 fish

Cheap eats

For cheap eats under $20, you must venture west to the Casula Power House and go to Bellbird dining. The quality of meal on offer is amazing comparative to price, food fresh from their garden and great technique on display. Forever at the top of our list is Suzuya on Devonshire St Surry Hills. This place serves quality Japanese, with fresh ingredients, big portions and reasonably priced. For Thai, Spice I am is a great option with interesting dishes and the spice levels are through the roof. Charcoal Kingdom in Rockdale is geat for your fix of Lebanese Charcoal chicken with garlic sauce and across the road is an awesome Lebanese Patisserie called Ibrahims, making for a great dinner and dessert combo. We also love a good pie and sausage roll, so Bourke St Bakery are on the list. You simply cannot do a cheap eats list with out Bahn Mi and there are two that rise above the pack, Hong Ha for their chicken Bahn mi and Marrickville Pork Roll for their Pork Roll. Butter in Surry Hills great for some fried chicken booze and their cinnamon doughnut is simply ridiculous. We will also add some sweet – Gelato Messina always has a special place in our heart and we have now added Ciccone and sons to that list.

Image – Bellbird

Dining

There are also plenty of great eating experiences around town. Sashimi Shingensumi was an amazing experience in Crows Nest. A small restaurant run by a husband and wife team, serving a beautiful sushi and sashimi degustation feast with masterful knife skill on display all for $70 and, it is BYO too. Although it is very difficult to secure a spot, the phone only open for booking once every three months, it is worth the wait.

Another great experience was the Basque Club Gure Txoko, which we found out about this gem through SBS food. This social club in Darlinghurst representing an ancient culture from the North of Spain and South of France, rich in culture and famous for their cuisine. Open every Sunday, putting on a delicious 3 course lunch for $30. There is also a good selection of booze and it is super cheap too.

There are also plenty of great reasonably priced meals to be had in Sydney. Peppercorn at the Civic being the pick of the bunch, you’d be hard pressed to find a meal with more flavour and it is a great fusion of Laotian and Thai cusine. Da Mario’s is good for some authentic pizza and Pino’s Vino e Cucina for some great pasta. We will also include Ho Jiak for some quality Malaysian food.

Image – Ho Jiak

Bars

Big Poppa’s is a great spot for a drink with a bite to eat. Then there is Mjolner for a hearty feed and a great whisky list. The GPO cheese room for both their cheese and wine experience. Our favourite new bar is Redfern Surf Club for their party vibe and creative cocktails.

Image – Mjolner

Fine dining

For something fancy, and on those special occasions, Fujisaki was a favourite with their classy display of Japanese cuisine and it is also great value. We revisited LuMi and it again makes the list, we love the sophisticated flavour combinations. Cirrus at Barangaroo is a great new addition, keeping up to those hats with a high quality seafood dishes by the water. Aqua dining in Milsons Point another great waterfront dining venue and we love that it is BYO. A classic, Macleay St Bistro has made the cut with a great offering of classic French food, done very well and some charismatic service.

Image – Fujisaki

Image – Cirrus

Out of Town

Out of town there have been a few standouts. A late visit to Canberra really suprised us. We knew they had some great cafès, however the number of quality establishments is understated. In fact, Canberra could quite possibly challange Sydney in this regard. We had a beautiful brunch at Urban Pantry, a great atmosphere and so many top menu items. It has been one of our favourite cafes of the year.

Image – Urban Pantry

We also had a wonderful meal at Raku, a phenomenal Japanese Restaurant with a Robata grill and a top class sushi and sashimi station. Raku is a classy establishment and has a great Japanese drinks list.

Image – Raku

We also ventured to Wollongong on a number of occasions and quite enjoyed Lily J cafe, they had quality coffee on offer and some great healthy brunch items.

The Press cafè in Bowral was another revelation with good coffee and quality cafè fare was elegantly presented.

We also headed North to Newcastle Habesha Ethiopian restaurant was a pleasant suprise, the food and atmosphere were equally excellent.

Image – The Press Cafe

We hope this list helps you to also enjoy some great dining!

Kurt and Sarah

Carols in the Domain: musical acts confirmed

December 21, 2018December 21, 2018Leave a comment

It’s an Australian tradition as one of the biggest nights on Christmas is beamed into our homes. Back for their fifth year as hosts, the Sunrise team, David Koch, Samantha Armytage, and Natalie Barr will be presenting this year’s acts to spread the Christmas cheer with a chorus of our favorite carols.

A star studded lineup will come together before a special appearance from the big man, Santa himself!

Who’s performing?

SAMANTHA JADE

TROY CASSAR-DALEY

Home and Away’s PENNY McNAMEE

ISAIAH FIREBRACE

TODD McKENNEY

PAULINI

MARK VINCENT

RACHAEL BECK

Rock legend ROSS WILSON

JACK JONES

THE WIGGLES

Theatre stars ASHLEIGH RUBENACH and MATT LEE

The cast of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

THE TAP PACK

From Muriel’s Wedding, NATALIE ABBOTT and ELIZABETH ESGUERRA

THIRSTY MERC

MICKEY MOUSE will make a special appearance along with SANTA CLAUS

Stars of AUSTRALIAN OPERA

SYDNEY YOUTH ORCHESTRA

THE SALVATION ARMY and AUSTRALIAN GIRLS CHOIRS

The 36th annual event will be held in the iconic Domain in Sydney tonjght – Saturday 22nd December and broadcast live on Channel Seven and 7PLUS at 8.00pm.

Woolworths Carols in the Domain is supported by Disney, Cadbury, Coke and the NSW Government.

Parkes Elvis Festival Celebrates 27 years

December 19, 2018December 19, 2018Leave a comment

7 hours inland of Sydney, close to 30,000 people (that’s almost three times the population of the region) will converge on the City of Parkes as the entire region morphs into a spectacular mecca and tribute to one of the most iconic rock stars of the century, Elvis Presley! Die hard fans, impersonators, entertainers and music lovers gather from the United States, United Kingdom and Asia to celebrate the King’s birthday.

Officially endorsed by the estate of Elvis Presley, Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. in Memphis, Parkes Elvis Festival is recognized as one of the top three festivals and events in Australia. The Parkes Elvis Festival, now in its 27th year will host a number of live entertainment including the official Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest (the winner representing Australia in Memphis, USA), Feature concert series starring a special guest artist, Northparkes Mines street parade, renewal of vows ceremony, the Goodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner, and many free live concerts, competitions and prizes

From Wednesday 9 January — Sunday 13 January 2019, people will shake, rattle and roll into Parkes, NSW for the biggest tribute to The King in the Southern Hemisphere. This year’s theme ‘All Shook Up’ which was Elvis’ 1957 chart topping hit.

The program includes much loved events; the headline Feature Concert Series, Northparkes Mines Street Parade, Renewal of Vows Ceremony, free ARTC Cooke Park Main Stage Entertainment, Elvis Gospel Service.

Australian rocker, and #1 selling Platinum artist Russell Morris will be inducted to the Parkes Elvis™ Festival, being honoured as not only a pioneer of the Australian music industry, but a continued force that is sure to set next year’s Festival off to a rockin’ start. In an intimate performance at Parkes Service Club, his set will stir nostalgia in an electric atmosphere. Managed by Molly Meldrum, Russell’s 53 year career in the industry first releasing a top 20 hit with Hide & Seek and has performed with legends like Cher, The Bee Gees, Linda Ronstadt and The Beach Boys. (Tickets to the show here https://www.123tix.com.au/events/1905/russell-morris-show)

Performances in the Feature Concert Series include, The Hill Billy Cat – The Making of a King, featuring hits of the ‘50; If I Can Dream – The Greatest Comeback of All Time, with hits from the 1960’s; My Way – A Journey Through the 70s; and All Shook Up – The King at His Best, showcasing Elvis’ greatest hits.

New to the program are a range of exciting workshops for young and old. Don your favourite Hawaiian shirt and strum your way through classics like Can’t Help Falling in Love at the Ukulele Workshops, held on Thursday and Friday. Mini-Elvii can have all sorts of fun at the Kids Talent Workshops on Friday, hosted by the original yellow Wiggle and all-around Elvis fanatic, Greg Page.

The beloved Mark Andrew, and special guests, returns to Parkes Elvis Festival with his Legends’ Show, on Friday. On Saturday is the Tribute to Phil Emmanuel, who passed in mid-2018, but whose rich history in Parkes and overall music contributions had him honoured on the Elvis Wall of Fame at the 2018 Festival.

Kicking off the Festival is the all new All Shook Up Special — a tribute to the Million Dollar Quartet, featuring Lance Lipinsky as Jerry Lee Lewis, Anthony Petrucci as Elvis Presley, Daniel Thompson as Johnny Cash and Brad Bergen as Carl Perkins.

The regional train service, the Blue Suede Express, will return with the Elvis Express this year, featuring the luxury heritage passenger train, the Blue Zephyr and plenty of onboard entertainment. The 2019 Miss Priscilla Dinner on Thursday will feature a special performance by Elvis tribute artist, Jack Gatto, and will see the crowning of the 2019 Miss Priscilla.

The 2019 Parkes Elvis Festival will see the country’s best up and coming Elvis Tribute Artists converge on NSW’s Central West for five days of incredible live music. The preliminary round of the international Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest also returns in 2019, with leading Elvis tribute artists from Australia and abroad battling it out at Parkes Leagues Club. Officially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc, the winner will represent Parkes in the Semi Final round of the 2019 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, USA, during Elvis Week in August.

Tickets to all Parkes Elvis Festival shows, across the many venues in the city, will be available to purchase online, making booking your entire five day Elvis extravaganza a breeze.

Joseph Lloyd

Photo Credit: Steve Ostini, Maree Tanswell, Keith Turk, J. Brown, Frances Thornton

EVENT NAME: Parkes Elvis Festival

DATES: 9-13 January 2019

THEME: All Shook Up – celebrating all things ’50s

WEBSITE: www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au

LOCATION: Parkes, NSW, Australia

Making a Christmas Wreath

December 17, 2018December 17, 20183 Comments

When it comes to Christmas time and decorating your home, it’s always nice to have that special homemade touch. That couldn’t be more true for a Christmas Wreath to adorn your front door, showing a gesture of welcoming vibes to guests as they visit.

Making your own Christmas Wreath can be an inexpensive activity so it’s great for your friends and family to do together.

Firstly, get that everyday item, a coat hanger. Stretch it and you have yourself a frame.

Secondly, cover the frame with bundles of greenery and wrap a small piece of regular home twine in a few spots to secure it.

Then, make sure you have an array of different greenery and arrange a pattern or style before you place it on.

Secure your greenery with small pieces of wire and secure it behind the wreath. Overlap each previous piece with the next.

Raid your garden or find a friendly neighbour, or purchase a bunch of flowers you can use to decorate it. Wreaths can be packed with greenery, natives, fresh flowers or even if you would prefer, Christmas decorations and holly also are suitable. You can decorate it all round, off centre or just at the bottom, it’s all down to personal preference.

You’ve then got the top of the coathanger to hang the wreath on the front door! Enjoy making!

What you’ll need

* wreath base/frame
* florist wire
* wire cutters
* Scissors
* Greenery
* Floral decorations
* Twine

Thanks to Violet Lane Flowers for the lesson and St John’s Anglican Church for hosting the activity.

High vibes this NYE

December 15, 2018December 15, 2018Leave a comment

For those looking for an alternative way to celebrate this New Year’s Eve 2018, the Soulfulness Centre (242 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest) on Sydney’s lower north shore is offering a New Year’s Eve with High Vibes.

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With a relaxing, releasing, healing and enriching program to bring in the New Year over midnight, the Soulfulness Centre offers a combined program of Sound Healing for releasing the past year, and Source Field Meditation for welcoming in the new year.

31 December 2018 Program:
8pm – 10pm Source Light Sound Healing Session
10pm – 11pm Messages and Intentions for the New Year
11pm – 12.30am Source Field Meditation in the Tao Chang

In this Source Light Sound Healing session participants can receive healing for:
– balancing and harmonising the nervous system
– aligning the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical bodies
– releasing persistent mental patterns, creating clarity, focus and vision
– deep inner peace of heart and mind, deeply nurturing and nourishing the physical body
– overwhelm with all that is going on in your life
– feeling flat, uninspired and lack of lustre or otherwise feeling stuck
– spiritual crisis
– going through major life transitions and need support for trusting the way forward and the future
– feeling out of touch with yourself and your purpose
– feeling depressed, anxious or worried or going through grief

These profoundly deep and extremely fine and subtle frequencies can create lasting change, as well as complete resetting of particular intentions. Participants will be given an opportunity to set intentions and requests for the session for healing. The session will commence with gentle and kind relaxation and preparation and will end with gradual return to the current space and sharing your insights and experiences. The setting is gentle, loving and compassionate for everyone’s individual experience and journey.

In the Source Field Meditation session in the Tao Chang, participants may experience:

This extraordinary space allow alignment of the soul, heart, mind and body as one. It allows participants to experience soulfulness and request a blessing for any aspect of our life. This very unique field carries the potential to transform the negative message we carry within us into positive messages to foster health and happiness in every aspect of life.
What is the Tao Chang? Tao means Source. Chang means Field. Tao Chang is a field from the Source. The Tao Chang is a room of beautiful Oneness Tao Calligraphies that create an Extraordinary Field that blesses all aspects of life.

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We know from quantum physics that at the subatomic level, information (also known as message), matter and energy are interchangeable. We can view our bodies as manifestations of message. Meditating regularly in a Tao Chang is a rare and extraordinary opportunity to nourish our being at the deepest level and recreate our reality in every aspect of life.

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The significance and power of Tao Chang is to transform negative Jing (Matter) Qi (Energy) Shen (Soul, Heart, Mind) into positive Jing Qi Shen and bless every aspect of life including:
Energy, stamina, vitality and immunity
Spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical bodies
Relationships
Finances and business
Intelligence
Spiritual channels
Enlightening the soul, heart, mind, and body
Success in every aspect of life

What a way to welcome in the New Year!

Bookings Essential:
https://www.drsha.com/events/nye-au-dec31/

Joseph Lloyd, Contributor

Tropfest Parramatta Park 2019

December 14, 2018December 14, 2018Leave a comment

TropFest returns bigger and better in 2019 with the announcement of a new convention that will take place before the main movie screenings. It’s come a long way since it’s first family and friends screening at Tropicana Caffe in Darlinghurst.

Entries close in a month and movies must be a maximum of 7 minutes in length and as per the guidelines include the Tropfest Signature Item (TSI) or theme.

The main category event TSI is “Candle”
The Junior category for filmakers under 15 is “Pizza”

The event will take place at Parramatta Park after the debut of a new game-changers and industry discussion which will allow budding film makers, audiences and industry experts to share ideas and discuss the future trends and direction of cinema.

The winner of 2019 will receive a Holden Equinox, $10,000 cash prize, studio time at Western Sydney University and an introduction to agents and studio executive in Los Angeles to jump start their film career.

Tropfest has been the catalyst in the success of many Australian film makers and the callibre of entries raising the bar each year.

Registrations for the pre-event, Trop Fair are now open.
https://tropfest.org.au/tropfair/

The Full Program to be announced soon.

Filmakers can enter here:
https://tropfest.org.au/enter-your-film/

writer: Joseph Lloyd

Just opened: Tayim, the Rocks

December 13, 2018January 7, 2019Leave a comment

A surgence of Mediterranean inspired venues have continued to pop up all over Sydney and now The Rocks welcomes Tayim. A redesign of its interiors within the heritage building and close to the heart of the shopping precinct, it is has lovely greenery and an outlook onto the heritage lane way.

Tayim provides an experience that blends the best of Sydney with the exotic dish romance of the Mediterranean.

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Head Chef Ran Kimelfield has created a signature selection of grilled sardine Shakshuka, summer mushroom Borekas and grilled chicken Masahan infused with the finest of our local Australian produce. Highlights of his reinterpretation through reminiscence include roasted figs he pairs with radicchio, goats’ cheese and chardonnay dressing. Another interesting must try dish is the semolina rose pudding with pistachio meringue and summer berries.

General Manager, Reuven Lim and his team has been very deliberate in the curating of wines. The selection of renowned brands from Australia, Turkey, France, Italy among others ,compliments the sober yet multidimensional savoriness of the menu. Artistic license has been given to the team who draw from their collective experiences at Sake, Gowings Bar and Grill, Cho Cho San, and Tequila Mockingbird to revitalize contemporary classics.

In deciphering the menu and proposition at this establishment, Tayim enculturates the dessert storm flavor of the Middle East with the culinary moods of an Aussie summer ocean breeze.

Tayim Restaurant Opening Times:
Mon-Fri:
Breakfast: 6:30am – 10:30am (Weekends 7am-11am)
Lunch: 2pm – 3pm (Weekends 12pm-3pm)
Dinner: 6pm – late

Joseph Lloyd, contributor

(Image credit: Esteban La Tessa)

Streets of Barangaroo: a Christmas gift guide

December 11, 2018December 11, 2018Leave a comment

Barangaroo is named after a leader of the Cammeraygal people and wife of Kenneling of the Wangal people, ancestral elders of the First peoples. The transformation from a disused container terminal on the edge of Sydney’s CBD into a spectacular 22 hectare waterfront precinct will see the streets of Barangaroo come to life in an action packed stroll. A number of special menus, events and shopping experiences themed to the festive season will be taking place.

Anason

Celebrate Christmas lunch by the water with a five-course feast at Anason in Barangaroo. Feast on a selection of Turkish mezes and sweet treats. Think pasha meze with creamy goat’s cheese and slivered pistachio; slow cooked octopus with curly peppers and heirloom tomatoes; and Ottoman donuts with pistachio ice cream.

When: Tuesday 25 December from 11.30am
Gift Ideas: $95pp for five-course (lunch)
Address: 5/23 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
Bookings: anason.com.au

Bel and Brio

Bel & Brio Bel & Brio is a food and wine-lovers’ emporium, with a marketplace, restaurant and cellar with over 2000 wines, headed up by Jon Osbeiston. For the festive season the team has the perfect collection of gifts to please everyone; wine for the connoisseur, cookbooks for mum, candles, cosmetics, and don’t forget the Italian fine food of course. Think handmade pasta, olive oils, truffle oils, chocolates and cheeses. Bel & Brio can also create bespoke hampers with the goodies of your choosing.

Gift Ideas: 2016 Head the Brunettes Shiraz $59, Ottolenghi: The Cookbook $50, Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt Whisky $250, Staple Hamper $250, Tea-Mania Hamper $179, Indulgence Hamper $220
Website: www.belandbrio.com.au
Address: 300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo

The Barber Shop

The Barber Shop is a continuation of the classic, premium brand created by award winning barman Mike Enright. The Balvenie Shave Experience is the ultimate grooming gift this Christmas – this includes a haircut, followed by a hot and cold towel shave with a Balvenie cocktail.

Gift Ideas: Mujle Shaving Kit $250, The Balvenie Shave Experience Gift Voucher $140
Website: http://thisisthebarbershop.com/
Address: 3, 33 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo

Courses

Christmas Wreath Making with Flowers for Everyone:
Learn some handy skills directly from the experts just in time for the party season. Senior floral designers at Flowers for Everyone are here to work with you and lend a hand in creating your very own Christmas wreath. Enjoy a glass or two of prosecco as you practice your creative skills and master a beautifully bespoke design you can take home and show friends and family, just in time for the festive season. Known for their farm fresh seasonal bouquets, indoor plant arrangements and a curated selection of ready-to-go gifts.

When: 12 December, 5.00 – 6.30pm, Gift Ideas: $40 pp=
Book tickets here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2208100069449531/

Gift Ideas: Bellaberry I Love You Chocolate $11.95, Marble Pot with Succulent $39.95, Hampers from $150 – $195
Website: https://www.flowersforeveryone.com.au/contact/barangaroo-shop.shtml
Address: 6/3, Sussex St, Barangaroo

Devon cafe

A two-course set menu at Devon Barangaroo and Devon North Sydney is available the whole month of December. Feast on a selection of entrées including prawns with a tom yum mayo; chargrilled sourdough with olive oil and Christmas baked ham with beetroot and apple relish. Mains include a choice of roasted pork belly, pasta or the breakfast with sakumas.

Mon-Fi 7am-4:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4:30pm, public holidays 8am-3:30pm Bookings: devoncafe.com.au

Gift Ideas: $50pp for a two-course menu, bookings are essential, minimum of eight people.
Address: Shop 19, 200 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo

Whisky Making with Shirt Bar

Ever wanted to make your own whisky? Well this Masterclass is a must for you. With your very own blending kit, create a whisky just the way you like it! With the choice of 5 single malts of distinct flavour profiles (floral, fruity, creamy, citrus, & smokey), and under the guidance of a master blender, be tutored by the pros in the craftsmanship of blending your own perfect whisky. Shirt Bar Shirt Bar successfully pairs perfect-fitting business shirts with coffee and dark spirits. Design your ideal shirt from scratch with a whisky or wine in hand for the ultimate tailor-made experience.

When: 17 December, 6.30 – 9.30pm, Gift Ideas: $65 pp (includes a cocktail on arrival, tasting of grain whisky & the 5 distinct single malts, and creating your own personalised whisky)
Book tickets here: https://www.facebook.com/events/224447418305685/

Gift Ideas: Cudworth Cufflinks $70, Ganton Floral Shirt $150, Bowtie $65, The Bespoke Corner Tailors Pocket Square $50
Website: https://shirtbar.com.au/
Address: 7, 100 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo

Christmas Cocktails with Untied

Let the Untied cocktail experts show you how to shake, stir and whip up drool worthy drinks for your Christmas lunch. Make, drink and take-home recipes for three festive drinks at this fun and interactive masterclass. Get the inside knowledge on how to make the best cocktails without specialised equipment using everyday items, and show off your new skills anywhere, anytime. Package also includes some complimentary nibbles.

When: 18 December, 5.30 – 7.00pm, Gift Ideas: $49 per person (includes 1 single shot cocktail, 2 double shot cocktails and shared plates of nibbles). Book tickets here: https://www.facebook.com/events/296946597619019/

The Butcher’s Block, Barangaroo

Several set menus have been created for Christmas. Enjoy a four-course menu designed by the team, starting with house drinks on arrival and wood fired flatbread with white bean hummus and chilli oil. Entrées can include crispy Queensland calamari with black garlic aioli and lime; duck parfait with pancetta jam, house pickles and grilled sourdough; and seared khiramasa kingfish with charred witlof, pomelo lime and jalapeno dressing. Mains provide choice with the classic wagyu beef burger; panko chicken; pork ribs; pan roasted ocean trout or the BBQ swordfish loin. Dessert brings with it a traditional Christmas pudding that will give your nan a run for her money.

Gift Ideas: $102pp
Address: 2/100 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
Bookings: http://butchersblockgroup.com.au/contact-us.html
Website: http://butchersblockgroup.com.au/

BELANCÉ BELANCÉ

A luxury men’s tailor and retail concept, combining the best international men’s lifestyle brands and a world-renowned made-to-measure service.

Gift Ideas: Baxter of California Water Pomade $32, Tommy Rough Tie $129, Von Routte Lyon Sneakers $240, Bang & Olufsen Portable Speakers $379 Website: https://www.belancetailoring.com/suits/
Address: Shop 1/3 Sussex Street, Barangaroo

Collector Store

Collector Store Collector Store combines fashion and home. Think Herbivore Botanicals for your bathroom routine, a Binchotan charcoal eye mask, cheese boards, tote bags, P.E. Nation activewear and more.

Gift Ideas: Herbivore Botanicals Jasmine Toner $60, Binchotan Charcoal Eye Mask $40, Redecker Dry Massage Brush $15, Hunter Lab Pinot Grape Skin Bath Soak $54, P.E. Nation Forecourt Crop Top $129, Becksondergaard Lauren Bag $279.95
Website: https://www.collectorstore.com.au/
Address: Shop 13/T2, Shipwright Walk, Barangaroo

Born by Tapavino

Born by Tapavino presents a Spanish feast and banquet set menu featuring marinated olives, croquettes del dia and Serrano jamon with spiced cherries, goats curd and mint; to seared scallops, sweet corn puree and fennel.

Gift Ideas: $80pp
Address: 9/23 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Bookings: bookings@borntapavino.com.au
Website: https://www.tapavinobarangaroo.com/

Title Store

TITLE store is Australia’s largest independent retail collection of music, books and film, all under the one roof.

Gift Ideas: The School of Life: how to think about exercise $20, The School of Life: how to stay sane $20, Van Morrison – Astral Weeks (vinyl) $50, Joni Mitchell – Ladies of the Canyon (vinyl) $45, Audio- Technica Headphones $150
Website: https://www.titlemusicfilmbooks.com/
Address: 400 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo

Somedays

Somedays stocks a balanced list of Scandinavian, European, American and local fashion and accessories. Offering a unique and personal shopping experience, by presenting handpicked wearables that are not only stylish and of high quality, but which are at the forefront of international design and innovation.

Gift Ideas: 19-69 Purple Haze EDP $259, State of Escape Neoprene Tote Bag $229, Reliquia Hope Necklace $170
Website: https://somedays.com.au/
Address: 14, 200 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo

12 Micron

A festive three-course menu overlooking the harbour that starts with a glass of champagne on arrival before digging into polenta chips with whipped cheddar, bush tomato and marinated olives. First course explores the sea with choices from kingfish with native limes, wasabi and apple; oysters with finger lime dressing; king prawns with lemon aspen and sea herbs; or lobster with crab consume, fennel and daikon. Enjoy some heartier dishes of rotisserie pork with caramelised apple, muntries and cider jus; roast wagyu with onions and pepper berry jus; or barramundi with fennel, citrus and native fruikake. Finish on a sweet note with a Christmas pudding, white chocolate and rosella, some mince pies and eggnog, and mini coconut roughs.

When: Monday 25 December, 12pm or 2.30pm sittings
Gift Ideas: $155pp
Address: Tower 1, level 2, 100 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Website: 12micron.com.au/

Peter’s of Kensington

Peter’s of Kensington stocks the biggest brands in homewares, kitchenware, dinnerware and more in a boutique setting.

Gift Ideas: S’well water bottle $47, Christian Lacroix Butterfly Parade Dessert Plate $78, E+M Mechanical Graphic Pencil $79, Viski Flask $50, Ted Baker Accessory Box $79, Redd Leather Watch Box $129
Website: https://www.petersofkensington.com.au/
Address: 6, 100 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo

Oh! Boo

Oh! Boo Chocolates Oh! Boo Chocolates creates artisanal hand-painted chocolates using chocolate from Peru and Venezuela. The range includes pralines (their signature creations), rocher, brittle, nougat and fruits. For Christmas indulge all the chocolate lovers with an Oh! Boo Chocolates hamper.

Gift Ideas: Chocoholic small hamper $45, Chocoholic large hamper $60 Website: https://ohboo.com.au/
Address: 1, 33 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo

Opique Boutique

Optique Boutique is a sleek destination for designer frames and sunglasses sourced from around the world.

Gift Ideas: Celine Cat Eye Sunglasses $629, Kirk & Kirk Glasses $469 Website: http://optiquebarangaroo.com.au/
Address: 6, 300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo

David Jones

David Jones’ boutique department store. There’s no need to venture into the city for Christmas shopping when all your gifts can be found just around the corner from the office. From make-up gift packs, clutches, and hampers, to perfumes, shoes and designer clothes, all are available at David Jones Barangaroo.

Gift Ideas: MAC Christmas Gift Pack $89, Foreo Luna 2 Face Cleanser $279, Acqua Di Parma Perfume $110, Marc Jacobs Backpack $289, Mimco Clutch $99.95, Just Add Cheese Hamper $69.95
Website: https://www.davidjones.com/stores/barangaroo
Address: 20/300 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo

And there you have it, our gift guide and dining guide this festive season at one of the city’s premiere destinations.

Joseph Lloyd, Freelance Writer
Photo Credits: The Streets of Barangaroo, Oh Boo Chocolates, Optique, Ryan Linnegar, The Butchers Block Group

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