August 23rd -27th
*Taste treats festival- Food festival launchesLocation: Little Press and Cellar, 72 Flinders St Melbourne 3000
Date: 23 August 2010The Vitals: Mr & Mrs Smith add The Cullen to their line-up
What went on: The rooftop space of The Cullen, came alive last week with socialites clinking champagne glasses to salute the hip South Yarra hotel securing the seal of approval from boutique hotel guide Mr & Mrs Smith. Inclusion in the Mr & Mrs Smith posse is no easy feat, The Cullen ticked all the right boxes and now joins a limited number of boutique and luxury hotels from all over the world that offer fabulous escapes for couples. What we're addicted to: Stunning views of the city skyline; Adam Cullen's (inspiration of the hotel) kooky artwork; bubbles, Asahi and canapés; and a divine little goodie bag complete with paint brush kit; NARS products courtesy of Mecca; 'Melbourne' and 'Sydney' tea from T2, and refreshing Preshafruit juice. What we're not: The freezing wind outside. Another cold winter Melbourne night. What else: Have you seen the Mr & Mrs Smith Hotel Collection Australia/New Zealand guide? Great inspiration for the most stylish places to stay down under. The latest in the printed fold (Mr & Mrs Smith Hotel Collection: France has also just hit the book stores). Plans to launch in NZ are also underway.The Vitals: Efendy Istanbul Celebration Dinner
What went on: Turkish food lovers joined the Turkish Consulate and Australian media at a one-off celebration dinner to commemorate the cuisine of Istanbul. Hosted by Chef Somer Sivrioglu of Efendy Restaurant in Balmain and Turkish cookbook author Deniz Gokturk Akcakanat, the evening was a journey of never ending authentic Turkish fare, breads and pastries, live Turkish music from Alin and Melike and warm Turkish hospitality.
What we’re addicted to: Turkish cuisine is a millennium+ old (they've had time to perfect a rich mix of regional styles) and it's difficult not to be delighted by traditional recipes and their mezes (small tapas like dishes). Think Kadayifli Karides (Shredded pastry wrapped king prawns, walnut, capsicum, garlic muhammara) and Saksuka (traditional sauteed potato, zucchini, eggplant with mint yoghurt).
What we’re not: Ok, it has to be said, whilst Koc Yumurtasi (Pan-fried lamb testicles, almond garlic tarator) might taste favourable it's just too difficult a mental barrier to overcome. Turkish psychic Deniz was on hand to give coffee cup readings - one editor is sure she's not going to end up living in the Blue Mountains any time soon.
What else:
Turkish Bakery Delight by Deniz Akcakanat is published by New Holland RRP: $29.95
October 13 -17 - Sydney International Food Festival 2010 Showcase Dinners with Musa Dagdeviren from Istanbul's Ciya at Efendy www.Efendy.com.au
Date: 19 August 2010
Location: Efendy restaurant, Balmain
What went on: The unveiling of Sheraton On the Park's $250,000 refurbished bar and terrace.
What we’re addicted to: Extensive wines of the world and cocktails menu (guests were quick to try the Ron Zacapa cocktails). A temporary YSL makeup booth kept the ladies looking their best and that Camilla Franks gave the top Sydney Dressed accolade to two worthy ladies. One to Livia Tassanyi (9-5) dressed in a by Johnny red dress and the other to a lady dressed in a traditional Indian sari. More choice when you're having a CBD post work drinks. You can mingle at "The Great" communal table made from recycled Iron Timber, or stay out of sight in one of the rounded booth "concaves". When it gets warmer go al fresco on the outdoor terrace.
What we’re not: Conservatory Bar & Terrace at Sheraton on The Park ... it's kind of a mouth full.
What else: Gregg Arthur plays live on the piano every Thursday and Friday night. Open 5pm till late Sunday to Wednesday and from 2.30pm till late Thursday - Sunday.
Date: 18 August 2010
Location: Conservatory Bar and Terrace, Sheraton On the Park Sydney
The Vitals: Fleur Wood’s Food Fashion Friends
What went on: Looking radiant in her bespoke gold sequinned and black dress, Australian fashion designer Fleur Wood introduced her first foray into hardback – Food Fashion Friends – a 224 paged recipe and styling book for unforgettable parties.
What we’re addicted to:
a. That Fleur can have it all – successful eponymous fashion label, great sense of style, devoted hubby Nick and now baby!
b. That anyone (with the help of her book) can throw an elegant afternoon tea or a fondue degustation in the forest
c. The pleasures of frocking up, decking out and cooking up a storm
d. The book’s global sources of inspiration - from the flea markets of Paris to the vintage fairs of Manhattan; from the villages of rural England to the urban grunge of inner London; from the boutiques of Tokyo to the coastline and harbour of Sydney.
What we’re not: Guests having to squeeze past each other along her shopfront gallery, in fear of losing their pretty butterfly shaped canapes, or having one dropped on their threads.
What else: Food Fashion Friends published by Penguin Books Australia rrp $59.95
www.fleurwood.com
Date: 11 August 2010
Location: Fleur Wood, Strand Arcade Sydney
Read our related feature here:
http://www.dailyaddict.com.au/lifestylefeature/Fleur+Wood
Video by Arinne http://www.rintin.com/
(download)
August 16th-20th 2010
*High with style- Style sessions with Melissa Hoyer
*The Blackman- The latest Art Series Hotel
*Colour your ride- Custom made Jelly Bean Bikes
*Disband Melbourne- Leeloo art exhibition
*Neutral Bay Bar and Dining- New home away from home dining
*Week ahead- Be in vogue
*What are you looking at- The Other Film Festival Launch
*Mind the double denim GAP-Gap to launch in Melbourne and Sydney
August 9th- 13th 2010
*Restorers masterclass: Pull on your overalls and learn from the masters
*Tom Fords private dozen: “There is no more dramatic accessory than a perfect lip”
*Inside Outre: Get into Outré for your pop and counter culture art
*Up and Comers: New market for emerging designers
*Mixed Martial Arts Club: Haven’t entered the Cage before?
*Light up your life: Beautiful cosmopolitan design to brighten your day
Image courtesy of Estee Lauder Australia
We've been nominated in round one of Kiwi Collection's battle of the bloggers. For the month of August, each nominated website will have one of their articles posted and the most popular (determined by your visits) will be the winner.
Help us get over the finish line by clicking on the following link to our Lord Howe Island destination guide- http://www.kiwicollection.com/blog/daily-addict-destination-guide-lord-howe-island-guest-blogger/9334
Image courtesy of www.kiwicollection.com
