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, 2018December 14, 2018Leave 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)

Freshly reopened – Neptune’s @ Brighton Le Sands

December 12, 2018December 12, 2018Leave a comment

Neptunes Brighton Le Sands is a bayside favourite that has recently reopened from a multi million dollar refurbishment. Offering panoramic Botany views to La Perouse and Kurnell, this bustling Grand Parade cafe specialises in understated and contemporary cool.

Friendly and relaxed with a touch of sophistication, the outdoors have been brought inside by the understated green and neutral palette and abundance of potted and hanging plants.

The new Mediterranean and European inspired menu stretches from breakfast to small and larger sharing plates, substantial salads, pasta, burgers and steak. But we have one thing on our minds when we smell the wood-fired oven from up the road: pizza.

Two cocktails straight up while we peruse the menu: an elderflower spritz and a gin delight. Fresh and zesty aperitifs from the bountiful upstairs bar.

We share a pizza capricciosa and the tempura oyster pillows with coriander yoghurt and salmon roe for entree. The pizza is wood-charred and beautifully puffy and crisp with a generous lathering of topping. The oysters are elegantly presented and moreish, with the sweet pop of fish roe to freshen the palette.

The baby back pork ribs with sticky toffee basting is served with a side of steakhouse chips. The marinade is irresistibly sweet and the only thing holding the pork to the bone. We don’t even need the usual rib provisions of wet towels as the meat morsels fall straight onto our fork.

The BBQ grilled lamb and chicken breast skewers arrive with the perfect accompaniment, flat bread, cucumber yoghurt and a well dressed salad and chips. The Mediterranean inspired herbs deliciously coat the lean, succulent and perfectly cooked skewers. This is a very generously portioned meal.

Neptunes utilises their new wood oven for dessert and we taste a house favourite: caramelised banana wood-fired donut with vanilla custard, banana, roasted white chocolate, caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. Definitely for those with a sweet tooth, the donut was beautifully crunchy and stuffed full of smooth custard.

The chocolate lava pudding cake with crushed honeycomb vanilla ice-cream and berries was rich and decadent. We were excited to see a gush of chocolate lava and the tart berries provided a perfect balance to the sweetness of the ice cream.

Service at Neptunes is warm and attentive with friendly and knowledgeable maitre’d and wait staff.

The refurbishment includes an open galley kitchen and bar. Perfect for families and functions, Neptunes boasts a variety of menu options and is entirely ready for a busy seaside party season. Book now to enjoy the best from this great venue.

Neptune’s

87 The Grand Parade, Brighton-Le-Sands NSW 2216

Sudio Headphones – wireless, compact and tangle free! Perfect for a Christmas gift too!

December 12, 2018Leave a comment

We’ve been using the Sudio headphones for a while now, specifically the Bluetooth wireless model. They are light, stylish and come in a variety of colours. Swedish design and handmade details. Our first purchase was the white pair and we used these whilst travelling all across North and South America. They are super small and pack down into their case for each transporting and tangle free. They charge quickly and have 3.5 hours battery life. I often use these for the gym too, and having no wires means I can’t get caught up in the cord like I’ve been known to do.

We’ve updated our pair with the new release of the Vasa Bla. Wow! We’ve tested them out recently and whilst we loved our first pair, these are even better. We have black/gold style but there’s a variety of colours to select from from white to green and even baby pink.

They also have a new product – Nivå. As the name probably highlights, Sudio are of Swedish origin. These are noise cancelling and with a microphone and Siri voice control!

If you prefer larger models, they also sell regent headphones with designer caps, colours of which can be changed. Check out their website for further details.

Throughout the Christmas period you can get a free gift box with every purchase + free fast delivery + Use our code for 15% off: AROUNDTHECLOCK15

https://www.sudio.com/au/

Moonlight Rays, Cinematic Summer Days

December 12, 2018Leave a comment

Moonlight Cinemas have now popped up at parkland sites across the country. In the open air, a selection of blockbuster films will be screening until the end of March (February for Brisbane). We love this event and are regulars every year!

Here are our picks for the Christmas period:

AUSTRALIA’S HOLLYWOOD TAKEOVER:
The very best of Australia’s cinematic talents will proudly take centre-stage at Moonlight Cinema. Be one of the first to see Geoffrey Rush and Jai Courtney team up for the heart-warming remake of the 1970’s classic Storm Boy; Catch veteran director Bruce Beresford’s tender and funny love letter to 1950’s Sydney with Ladies in Black; and a star-studded cast including Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Troye Sivan and Joel Edgerton lead Boy Erased, the gut-wrenching tale of a young boy forced into gay conversion therapy in the American South.

CHRISTMAS FLICKS:
Airing the week leading up to the seasonal break – The Nutcracker and the Four Realms and the remake of The Grinch, Love Actually and Elf.

FAMILY FILMS:
Yeti in Smallfoot, Incredibles 2, Fantastic Beats: The Crimes of Grindelwald and The Greatest Showman.

Except for Brisbane, BYO is available. Upgraded seating areas with wait service, is available and family discounts for a selection of the G and PG rated movies will be on offer, check when booking. You can bring your own food on-site, otherwise there will be a convenient hearty range of stalls serving up food and drink.

Joseph Lloyd
Photo Credits: Moonlight Cinemas, National Australia Bank

WHAT: Moonlight Cinema
https://www.moonlight.com.au/tickets/

WHERE & WHEN:
Adelaide: Botanic Park, Dec 8 – Feb 17
Brisbane: The Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parkland, Now – Mar 31*
Melbourne: Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens, Victoria Now – Mar 31
Perth: May Drive Parkland, Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Now – Mar 31
Sydney: Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Park, Now – Mar 31

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

The Star Wars Exhibition – School holiday program

December 8, 2018December 8, 2018Leave a comment

School holidays and gift ideas just got a whole lot easier with this cult following exhibit we came across recently! The exhibition has been well received since opening in November and there’s a series of activities that have been unveiled just in time for the upcoming school holiday season.

THE EXHIBITION:
STAR WARS Identities is designed for visitors of all ages and uses technology and expertise in the fields of neuropsychology, psychology, and biochemistry, interwoven with a collection of over 200 original artefacts, costumes, and props from the Lucasfilm archives, to lead Star Wars fans on a personal Identity Quest.

Guests can create heir own unique Star Wars character as they progress through a series of interactive stations, finally meeting their Star Wars alter ego upon completion of the exhibit.

Developed and produced by X3 Productions in collaboration with Lucasfilm Ltd and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, the exhibition has been secured exclusively for Sydney by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, in partnership with the Museum of Arts and Applied Sciences (MAAS).

SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS:
The next generation of Jedi knights can be entertained these school holidays with a series of fun activities from making their own androids to creating top motion films with the characters they create. This special limited edition series runs from the 17 December 2018 through to 24 January 2019:

• littleBits Droid Inventor: Ever wanted to build your very own R2-D2 or C-3PO? This workshop will introduce kids to innovative design tool littleBits, with easily snap together working lights, switches and buzzers to build their own droids. Kids will also learn about Artificial Intelligence, and what it really means to be a robot. 17 Dec 2018, 7, 17, 24 Jan 2019 @ 10am -4pm (Ages 7 – 8).

• Star Wars Special Effects: Create your own signature sound effect for a special power of your own! In this workshop, recreate classic special effects using creative cloud and other technologies, and learn how certain sounds are crucial to the identities of their favourite characters. 18 Dec 2018, 3, 10, 14 Jan 2019 @ 10am – 4pm (Ages 11 – 13).

• Craft Wars: Let your inner craft-maker travel to a galaxy far, far away and let their imaginations go wild. Armed with thermoplastics, cutter printers, articulated joints and mechanisms, participants will create their own Star Wars identity from scratch in this exciting workshop. 19 Dec 2018, 3, 7, 16, 21 Jan 2019 @ 10am -4pm(Ages 8 – 10).

• Cosplay Design Principles: What’s a great character without their own signature item? From lightsabers to personalised emblems, this workshop will guide kids through designing and crafting their own personalized props based on the Star Wars universe. Using thermoplastics and heat guns, participants can take their newly- created designs home with them. 8, 22 Jan 2019 @ 10am -4pm (Ages 10 – 12).

• Stop Motion Extravaganza: This one-day workshop will guide kids through storyboarding their own film, then bringing it to life using paper, clay, and Star Wars Lego. Learning stop-motion animation techniques popularized by the Wallace and Gromit film series. The skills they gain will be transferrable to any stop animation software, and clay characters can be taken home. 11, 15, 22 Jan 2019 @ 10am -4pm (Ages 7 – 9).

An action packed season of self discovery and creation awaits at Powerhouse, but beware, as Yoda says, “Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny! May the force be with all of you this holiday season!

Joseph Lloyd
Photo Credits: LucasFilms

TICKETS:
What: STAR WARS Identities: The Exhibition
When: Now open until 10 June 2019
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo NSW 2007
Price:  $23 Child, $32 Concession, $36 Adult and $95 Family
(includes general admission)
Website: https://ma.as/starwarsidentities

Holy Duck’s Bottomless Dim Sum

December 6, 2018December 6, 2018Leave a comment

Holy Duck in Castlecrag are seeing out the year with one epic special for locals and visitors.

Forget the bottomless mimosas and rather celebrate the end of 2018 with a farewell feast to remember! Until the end of the year, every Tuesday through to Sunday lunch, Holy Duck Castlecrag are slinging bottomless Dim Sum for $25.

Masters of modern Chinese cuisine, the bottomless menu offers up an impressive 10 varieties of Dim Sum to choose from:

STEAMED:
Prawn Dumpling
Chicken Sui Mai
Vegetarian Dumpling
Scallop & Prawn Dumpling
Prawn & Chive Dumpling
Xiao Long Bao

FRIED:
Crispy Fried Crab & Prok Dumplings
Duck Spring Rolls
Fried Chicken Siu Mai

BOILED:
Wonton with Shanghainese Spicy Sauce

The endless bite sized parcels of goodness are only available for dine in at Holy Duck’s Castlecrag location, set in Quadrangle Shopping Village.

Grab your mates and head to Holy Duck! for a ducking delicious day filled with good company, great food and never-ending Dim Sum. It’s sure to be a quackin’ good time!

The Bottomless Dim Sum special is sure to be popular so make sure you book ahead at www.holyduck.com.au

Holy Duck! Castlecrag:
Address: Quadrangle Shopping Village
100 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag NSW 2068
Phone: 02 9958 3288

Opening Hours:
Lunch: Tues – Sun 12pm-3pm
Dinner: Tues – Sun 5:30pm – 9:00pm

The Butcher’s Block – for a brunch option in Barangaroo

December 6, 2018December 11, 2018Leave a comment

The Butcher’s Block have planted their culinary seed in many areas of Sydney including Wahroonga, South Hurstville, Parramatta and now with their new eatery located in Barangaroo. With an emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced organic ingredients, this is the place to get some nourishment. With a team of experienced Chefs and a magnitude of high end dining experiences, you will find this a culinary delight. The Butcher’s block team has to put multicultural elements into the menu, providing variety and excitement to the table.

There are many great places to grab a bite to eat in Barangaroo. But there are only a few places to visit for breakfast or Brunch. Butchers Block, with its new breakfast menu is the place to visit.

The Butchers Block use Allpress coffee and have a menu full of breakfast favourites. All menu items are prepared with the freshest of ingredients.

Dessert for breakfast, why not?

The Banoffee waffles were a crowd favourite. the waffles were perfect, nice and light topped with fresh bananas, a ridiculously good ginger butterscotch sauce, vanilla mascarpone and roasted almonds.

If you prefer a healthy start to your day, there is delicious Bircher, topped with a mix of seasonal berries, poached pears, pomegranate honey and a sprinkling of homemade granola.

Another healthy option is the smashed avo bruschetta which is also perfect if you are on the run.

The cornfritters are quality, nice and light and fluffy with plenty of flavour.

The Green Breakfast bowl is another popular breakfast option. This dish was super tasty with a crisp brown rice flavoured with a sweet teriyaki style sauce and served with a mix of BBQ vegetables including broccolini, zucchini, asparagus, add some more green with a generous portion of avocado. There is something satisfying about cutting in to a perfectly poached egg and watching the yolk ooze out over the breakfast bowl, working its magic, adding flavour as it floods with a tidal wave of yum.

The Butcher’s Block is the ideal setting to enjoy a meal in the heart of Barangaroo. This cafe restaurant is modern with a casual vibe. The service is relaxed and the food is great.

The Butcher’s Block

Shop 2/100 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo NSW 2000

Thank you to the venue and to Wasamedia for the invitation to dine.

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