- Win tickets to Taste of Melbourne!
By Ms. Taste
Taste of Melbourne will return this winter and we couldn’t be more excited.
Not only am I flying down with an entourage of girlfriends, we are celebrating one very special occasion: the last weeks of my singledom!
Running from 26-29 August, Taste of Melbourne will transform the Royal Exhibition Buildings into a culinary haven featuring signature dishes from Melbourne’s top restaurants.
Participating restaurants include:
* Stokehouse+ Bar
* Longrain + Bar
* Sarti
* Maze
* Fifteen
* The Palace by Luke Mangan
* Melbourne Wine Room
* Mr. Wolf
* Esposito
* Libertine
* Mezzo
This year’s festival will also feature pop up restaurants which change with each day of the show – these include Embrasse, Koots Salle a Manger and Entre Tapas y Vinos.
As with the Sydney show earlier this year, leading local producers will exhibit their delicious wares for tasting and buying. Anthea Loucas, editor of Gourmet Traveller magazine will also host cooking demonstrations by Melbourne’s leading chefs.
Win tickets to Taste of Melbourne!
Thanks to the organisers, Brand Events, we are giving away 5 double passes to Taste of Melbourne, which can be used at any session during the show. Unfortunately, flights are not included for interstate readers but there are great deals on offer from Tiger and Virgin.
To be in the running, simply leave a comment below and tell us which Melbourne restaurant you’d most like to see at the show – whether they are part of this year’s show or not!
For me, it will have to be maze, although I’m a little disappointed that Nobu and Movida aren’t participating this year.
Competition closes at 6pm Sunday 22 August. For more information, please visit www.tastefestivals.com.au.
- 2010 Good Food & Wine Show Sydney
By Ms. Taste
It seems that the Good Food & Wine Show gets bigger, livelier and more crowded by the year.
Now in its ninth year, the show is one weekend foodies have firmly marked on their calendar. It’s not only a chance to try new products, savor local wines and watch celebrity chefs out in force, but also the opportunity to forget about your waist lines and indulge in whatever crosses your path.
This year’s show, though down one Gordon Ramsay, had the same spectacle as the previous years. It took us good 3 hours to walk around all the stalls, and even then, we felt like we’d only skimmed past the ones we liked and missed some others.
Here were my top 10 highlights from this year’s show:
1. Cookie Couture by Nadine Ingram
The Cookie Couture stand is one I look forward to visiting every year. Nadine always puts up a centrepiece which does a great job of drawing in the crowds. Last year was a pastel coloured carousel cake, this year, it’s a macaron covered flourless chocolate cake, which had me gushing and squealing like a maniac.
Though known for her gingerbread cookies, Nadine tells me that this year, it was the macarons that sold out on the first day.
“It’s Masterchef,” she says, with a knowing look.
2. Cupcake classes at the Sunbeam Academy
The Sunbeam Academy had plenty of onlookers watching the cupcake classes. This open plan kitchen, decked out in all the latest gear from Sunbeam, was hard to resist – especially with all the sprinkles, icing and assorted sweets lying around.
3. Celebrity chefs at Good Food magazine
The Good Food magazine cooking theatre offered a nice selection of cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs, which included Margaret Fulton, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan. We hung around for George’s session, which was a roasted barramundi with calamari coleslow and bougatsa. He’s more likeable in real life than on TV – I wonder if it’s that pesky Channel 10 editing?
4. Batlow Apples
Perhaps the most striking stand at the show this year. It brought a piece of the Easter Show to Darling Harbour!
5. Jelly Joy
Jelly Joy is one of my favourite sweet treats. For those who haven’t tried it before, it’s basically a bag of sugar syrup with jelly bits.
A few weeks ago, I stupidly talked myself into a bet to see if I could 100 in one sitting. Thankfully my friends let me off the hook. Seeing all that Jelly Joy stacked up at the show made me glad I didn’t attempt the challenge.
6. Playboy Energy Drinks
Is there a better way to grab people’s attention better than two leggy blondes dressed up as Playboy bunnies?
7. Coffee galore
We are impressed by the free tastings by Gloria Jeans and Toby’s Estate. Especially with the crowds, you need a strong hit to get you through the day.
8. Smeg fridges
We loved the pops of colour the Smeg fridges brought to the show!
9. Cupcakes galore!
There was no shortage of cupcakes at this year’s show. We were disappointed we missed out visiting Sharon Wee’s stand, but we did eye off the ones at Cake Connoisseur.
10. Lindt Masterclass
If you love your chocolate, this was one class you didn’t want to miss. Led by Swiss-born Master Chocolatier, Thomas Schnetzler, the chocolate appreciation session was an hour long choc-fest.
More details on the Lindt Masterclass coming up shortly!
- Winter Concept arrives at Zeta Bar
By Ms. Taste
When the working week winds up and Friday ticks along, I’m forever left with the question, where will I go tonight for my TGIF celebrations?
I was invited along to Zeta Bar at the Hilton Hotel last week for a sneak peak of their new Winter Concept promotion, which sees their rooftop terrace transform into lively outdoor fare inspired by London’s Convent Garden.
It’s just one of the many pop-up events taking place around Sydney this winter, including Winterland at Carriageworks, Bondi Bergstation and Ice Blue Festival at Burwood.
Every Friday night this winter, Zeta Bar will offer an array of winter-inspired Zeta creations including mulled wine (spiced with cinnamon, ginger and orange), Hot Toddy’s ($12) and roasted chestnut infused cocktails ($19).
Zeta Bar has also introduced Nitro Eggnog ($5) to the menu, which takes a playful and experimental twist on the classic winter drink. It reminded me a lot of the Nitro Puffs from the Cryogenic Sorbet launch earlier this year. The puffs tasted like eggnog ice cream, only creamier with a nice spicy finish. It was such joy to watch the guys at the bar make this number and even more fun to eat!
The mulled wine ($8) was a particular highlight for me. I’ve never had one before and was surprised by how soothing and comforting it was (and not just because I’ve had a busy week at work!). The mulled wine is served piping hot to order, perfect for battling the winter chill.
And how could I overlook the roasted chestnuts ($6)! One of my favourite winter treats, chestnuts are notoriously tricky to cook, so it was nice to see these on the menu – along with toasted marshmallows ($5).
The menu isn’t the only thing that’s changed. For Winter Concept, Zeta Bar has also brought in buskers, street performers, jugglers, live music, a caricature artist and even a shoe shiner!
Zeta Bar
Level 4, Hilton Hotel
488 George Street
Sydney
# 02 9265 6070
www.zetabar.com.auThanks to Horizon Communications and Hilton Hotels for inviting us along. Photography provided by Hilton Hotels and Bar Solutions.
- Stolen Recipe ice tea – Our taste testers give their verdict!
By Ms. Taste
Back in May, we invited some of our readers to taste test a new range of ice teas by Stolen Recipe.
Unlike most ice teas which use tea extract, each bottle of Stolen Recipe contains real brewed tea, herbs and fruit juices. Best of all, there is no added sugar, no preservatives and no artificial colours or flavours.
But don’t take it from us, here’s what our taste testers had to say!
Fiona Moore, ACT
My partner tried the Berry and Pomegranate one the other night, after taking a sip of the Lemon and Lime and not liking it because of the peppermint in it, confused his taste bud a little too much! The Berry and Pomegranate was fine, but nothing too exciting.
I however was intrigued by the combination of lemon and lime with the peppermint tea – peppermint tea being my go-to drink of choice this winter, soothing, warm and caffeine free. So you’ll see me rugged up in my Canberra winter gear, trying it for the camera. I’m happy with the combination, definitely more interesting than the Berry and Pomegranate.
The Mango and Passionfruit will go well with the duty free alcohol we got when we flew into Sydney…. Malibu all the way! (It tastes nice on it’s own too, nice and tropical, not at all like ‘tea’. Good summer drink I think!)
Camille Dagher, NSW
The Chamomile had a very strong chamomile smell but the flavour is more subtle. The passionfruit leaves a soft taste in your mouth. I love chamomile so this tea was refreshing and relaxing.
Peppermint was my favourite as it tasted like real traditional ice tea. The lemon and lime notes are evident through not over powering and an added bonus is the peppermint factor – a nice tummy soother.
The Berry & Ginseng was my least favourite. It was still very tasty however I mainly tasted the berry flavour rather than the pomegranate. It had a rather strong smell that was a little off putting as I put the glass to my lips. I was not aware of any ‘energy burst’ from the ginseng either. Not that it specifically promises that, however you generally expect that bonus when you purchase a product with ginseng in it.
Overall I would definitely purchase the Chamomile and Peppermint varieties if I saw them in a café. Compared to other “iced teas” on the market – these are the real deal.
Creative suggestion: use these to distract your Nana in order to win scrabble. They are so authentic she will be whisked back to her childhood long enough for you to move her words around!
Ivan Law, NSW
Upon receiving my eagerly awaited trial pack, the first thing that hit me was the unique appearance of the Stolen Recipe Teas. Immediately I put them in the fridge to give them a proper chill before I tested them. A decent Ice Tea can’t be served at room temperature right?
Iced tea had always been a favourite beverage of mine, but there was always one thing that bothered me with other existing products available at the supermarket or corner store. They were all far too sweet and taste too processed, giving them an initial good taste but often left an undesirable after taste that did nothing to quench my thirst.
Time to try the Stolen Recipe Ice Teas.
Wow. Finally a taste of real brewed tea, and what a delight. The Stolen Recipe teas have such delicate flavours, each ingredient being instantly distinguishable from the rest, combining in harmony to become a delicious beverage. In particular, Felicity’s Stolen Recipe of Lemon and Lime had a distinctive and fragrant flavour of peppermint and lemon which really hit the spot and quenched my thirst after my game of tennis.
Deidre’s Berry and Pomegranate had a revitalising blend of green tea with a hint of
pomegranate, providing an interesting mix of flavours that complemented one another perfectly.Finally, Blake’s Mango and Passionfruit provided a real smooth vibrant flavour that is great for all occasions.
Each of the teas have an authentic brewed taste to them, without relying on flavouring or sugars as do most other teas, and provide a real delight to the taste buds. To me, I love all of the flavours and I can’t wait till more recipes have been “stolen.”
Kate Sliwa, NSW
Ahhh…ice tea…perfect on a hot summers day!
My favourite by far was the Quench Blend – Lemon and Lime. This one would be perfect with a little vodka to make a Stolen Recipe “Caprioska”.
Second would be the Relax blend – Mango and Passionfruit. The combination of undertones of the mango and passionfruit make this one a relaxing drink over some ice and relaxing in the garden with the Sunday paper!
The Energy Blend – Berry and Pomegranate with the subtleness of the green tea was a fantastic energy booster after work and before a vigorous gym class.
And the winner is… Felicity’s Quench Blend!
The verdict is in and our taste testers all seemed to favour Felicity’s Quench Blend.
To sample Stolen Recipe for yourself, you can find it at selected cafes and gourmet grocers for RRP $3.50. Hop onto www.stolenrecipe.com.au for more information.
- Win tickets to this year’s Good Food & Wine Show!
By Ms. Taste
Yes folks, it’s that time of year again, the Good Food & Wine show is coming to Sydney this month!
Taking place from 16-18 July, the 2010 show will offer three jam packed days of food, wine, coffee and kitchen gadgets with hundreds of stalls showcasing produce from around the world.
This year’s highlights include:
Lindt Chocolate Masterclass – Don’t miss the opportunity to learn the art of appreciating the finest quality chocolate under the guidance of Swiss-born Master Chocolatier, Thomas Schnetzler.
Celebrity Chefs – Witness cooking demonstrations in the Celebrity Theatre with George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, Pete Evans, Tobie Puttock and Matt Moran.
Gloria Jean’s Coffees Experience – Learn how to make your own signature beverages, how to make the most of your coffee experience at home, different techniques to cook with coffee and sample Gloria Jean’s Coffees extensive range of coffee flavours!
Cupcake Workshops – At the Sunbeam Academy, learn how to make cupcakes in just 12 minutes with Sunbeam’s latest gadgets and delight in the perfect coffee making sessions – walk away with your gorgeous cupcakes, freshly brewed coffee and loads of giveaways from Sunbeam.
For more information, log onto www.goodfoodshow.com.au.
We’re giving away five double passes!
Thanks to the guys at the Good Food & Wine Show, we’re giving five double passes away to our readers.
To be in the running, just tell us which celebrity chef you’d most like to see at the show in future. For me, it’s got to be Adriano Zumbo!
Entries close this Sunday 11 July, so get in quick!
