March into Merivale - a festival of the senses 2015

2014 March into Merivale launch party

Back for its seventh year, March into Merivale brings together food, wine, adventure and surprise for a total of 50 events over five weeks. While past years have focussed solely on food and drink, this year’s festival aims to create a holistic Merivale experience, beyond just what’s on your plate – or in your glass. Think detox yoga sessions, pastry master classes and dining with off-duty chefs. “This year, we’ve upped the ante to deliver a jam-packed five week festival of the senses,” says Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes. “I cannot wait.”

There’s plenty to do all week, with a different event offered every day. But if you can only make it to one this year, make it the Launch Party. It’s the crème de la crème of the festival, with over 20 featured venues, including Ms.G’s, Papi Chulo and Coogee Pavilion, set to take over ivy for one unmissable night.

Excitement is also building for the inaugural Coogee Foreshore Festival, set at Merivale’s newest venue, Coogee Pavilion. With a big focus on the local community, Merivale is gathering some of its biggest and best venues for a seaside celebration that will spill out onto the promenade. In the same way Coogee Pavilion prides itself on being accessible to all, games, market stalls and roaming entertainment will ensure there’s something for everyone at the Coogee Foreshore Festival.

If planning ahead isn’t your thing, book you and your friends in for a three-course Mystery Dinner. Running Monday to Saturday every week of the festival, adventurous diners won’t know which Merivale restaurant they’re going to until the morning of. But with venues including est. and Mr Wong on the cards, it’s bound to be a good surprise.

With all these events plus many more, you’re sure to find something that whets your appetite. In past years events have regularly sold out, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

• Official website and tickets: www.marchintomerivale.com.au
• Full event schedule PDF: http://marchintomerivale.com.au/assets/files/MarchintoMerivale_2015_calendar.pdf
• View full event schedule image: see below

Interview with Dan Hong, Exec chef of Mr Wong:

We chat to Executive Chef Dan Hong about food, hangovers and his top picks for the festival.

M: What do you have in store for the Ms.G’s and Mr Wong stalls at the Launch Party?
DH: We’re making really delicious, tasty dishes that are perfect for standing up at a party – we want each dish to explode with flavour in your mouth. Our menu for the launch is really reflective of the food we serve in our restaurants, so there are some of our signature dishes on there. For Ms.G’s we have the lamb ribs and for Mr Wong the lamb cutlets because they’re just so popular, but there’ll be new things to try as well.

M: Which Launch Party stalls will you be heading to first?
DH: I’ll definitely be going straight for Papi Chulo. I think they’re doing their hot smoked wings… They’re like the best wings in Sydney. I’m also excited to see what Danielle Alvarez has in store [for the Paddington Arms stall]. And Jordan Toft [at Coogee Pavilion] too.

M: What March into Merivale event are you most looking forward to?
DH: I’m really looking forward to my event [At Home with Dan Hong] where I get to cook for 22 people. I’m excited to meet and chat with all the guests. I’ll be keeping it really fun, putting all the food on the table so everybody can just help themselves.

M: We’re pretty excited for the Hangover’s Delight! brunch at Ms.G’s. What’s your fail-safe hangover cure? 
DH: I’d probably go down to Bankstown and smash down a bowl of pho, the Vietnamese noodle soup.

M: Where do you get your cooking inspiration from?
DH: I get inspiration from everywhere really – from travelling overseas, eating something off the street or going to another restaurant. I could be inspired by something I eat in a Chinatown food court, or just by an ingredient itself. I actually just came back from New Zealand where I ate loads of fresh local seafood, and I’m already thinking about how I can use it.


March into Merivale full event schedule: http://marchintomerivale.com.au/assets/files/MarchintoMerivale_2015_calendar.pdf

23 February to 29 March 2015

Sydney and NSW to shine at AIME 201

Off the back of its award-winning presence in 2014, Destination Sydney will return bigger than ever to Asia Pacific’s premier annual trade show – the 23rd Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME 2015) in Melbourne.


With 15 co-exhibitors by its side, Business Events Sydney (BESydney) will be out to show the 3,000 meetings industry professionals why Sydney and New South Wales (NSW) shine as the best places on earth to meet.  


“It’s an electrifying time with cranes creating a new skyline for Sydney. This is not the Sydney we knew a decade ago – or even a year ago,” said BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith. “ICC Sydney is just part of around A$60 billion in major infrastructure investments that will transform Sydney now and into the future.”

And, with this week’s commitment by the NSW Government to provide a $123.35 million or 25 per cent boost to the sector, the future for the State is even brighter. NSW is already home to an exceptional calendar of major events. There’ll be even more activities from Sydney to the regions for visitors to participate in and experience.

“The NSW Government’s commitment to growing the visitor economy is undisputed. In addition to its $1.1 billion capital investment in new convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities, the government is investing in a host of programs and projects to ensure the harbour city continues to be a globally attractive place to live, work and visit,” said Ms Lewis-Smith.

“The Government also understands the role that business events play in helping it to achieve broader economic development goals and BESydney is proud to be recognised by its government as contributing to both the knowledge and visitor economy.”

While at AIME this year, Ms Lewis-Smith will also represent the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) in her role as President to champion a new Federal Government agreement and explain what it means for the industry. Recently, the Australian Minister for Trade and Investment, the Hon. Andrew Robb AO MP, recognised international business events as an integral part of the government’s economic diplomacy agenda and announced an historic new framework – Attracting Business Events to Australia: Role of Government Agencies.

“Engagement across all levels of government is strong. And, while we’re counting down the months until our cutting-edge convention and exhibition facilities are complete, rest assured that Sydney is well and truly open for business in the lead up to this milestone,” added Ms Lewis-Smith.

“Last year, Sydney hosted 78 international conferences, conventions and incentive events, including some of the largest ever to be staged in Australia, breaking records along the way. Both the 105th Rotary International Convention and 6th IUCN World Parks Congress exceeded organiser expectations, attracting more than 2,000 participants above forecasts, and record country attendance.”

BESydney’s co-exhibitors include the Australian Technology Park Sydney; Australian Turf Club; InterContinental Sydney; InterContinental Sydney Double Bay; Destination Wollongong; Sofitel Sydney Wentworth; The Menzies Sydney, Novotel Rooty Hill & Novotel Rockford; Accor NSW Golf, Valley & Vines; Mercure Sydney and Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour; Accor Hotels Sydney; Accor NSW Regional Coastal Hotels; Australian National Maritime Museum; Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon Tourism; BridgeClimb Sydney and Explore Sailing; and Shangri-La Hotel Sydney.

Source: http://www.incentivetravel.co.uk/news/australia/25051-sydney-and-nsw-to-shine-at-aime-201

BESydney Scores $50 Million Nu Skin Mega Incentive

BESydney Scores $50 Million Nu Skin Mega Incentive

Direct selling company, Nu Skin, has confirmed that its 2016 incentive trip will be to Sydney.

The announcement was made at a recent Nu Skin Academy event in Macau.

This is one of the largest incentive wins in BESydney’s 44-year history and one of the largest incentive groups Australia has ever hosted.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said, “It’s a milestone in the making. Sydney shines as a strategically-important destination for Asian corporates looking to reward, motivate and inspire their top sales people. The city is a firm favourite for Asian companies, and this win is testament to this.”

The incentive will see Nu Skin’s qualifying sales people travel to Sydney for a five-day program in April 2016. Delegates will travel from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

Nu Skin Greater China Regional President Andrew Fan said, “Sydney has exceeded every expectation. Throughout this journey its stakeholders have united for a cohesive, whole-of-city approach which we have not witnessed before. I am confident that Sydney will deliver an outstanding incentive program. Our sales people will feel motivated and inspired by Sydney as the 2016 host destination and this is sure to drive sales performances.”

The winning bid was the result of collaboration between BESydney, Destination NSW, Tourism Australia, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and Sydney Airport Corporation Limited.

In addition to the 2016 Nu Skin event, BESydney has secured $278 million worth of confirmed business for the future.

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City of Sydney Chases Chinese Business and Tourism

Chinese business and tourism relationships remain a focus for the City of Sydney into the new year with the Lord Mayor visiting the country and speaking at a business forum.

 In November finance company executives, leading academics and government officials met for the fourth annual Sydney China Business Forum. Lord Mayor Clover Moore opened the forum of 200 business and political leaders from the two countries by saying Sydney must compete with the Asia-Pacific for Chinese investment.

“Sydney is competing to be the top location for business in the Asia-Pacific and our work to bring together industry and political leaders from Australia and China is a crucial part of that,” Moore said.
“We are the gateway to Australia’s financial, education, creative and tourism sectors and we are delighted to back an event that shows off our city’s credentials. The Free Trade Agreement between our two economies means growing business connections now presents huge possibilities, and the City is determined to help businesses seize them,” a spokesperson for the Mayor’s office said.

 Following visits to Chinese cities Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xi’an and Wuhan the Lord Mayor also hosted Chinese delegations, including the Governor and Deputy-Governor of Hubei Province in Sydney.

 The signing of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) between the countries, the text of which was concluded in November 2014, is due to take place later this year. This will mean the removal of tariffs on commodities exported to China including energy resources, dairy, iron ore and the delicacy that is Tasmanian rock-lobster.

 An announcement at last year’s G20 summit that Sydney would be the global infrastructure hub has significant repercussions for the city’s financial relationship with China. Chris Johnson, the CEO of Urban Taskforce, said the endorsement could lead to extensive offshore opportunities for developers across Asia, particularly in digital, technological and creative industries.

“As well as the potential for increased markets for developers there is the increased work potential for consultants like project managers, planners, engineers and architects, ” Mr Johnson said.

 The ongoing strength of Australia’s bilateral partnership with China has particularly strong implications for the higher education trade. International students are a significant source of revenue for the Australian economy, with course fees being significantly higher for international students than for domestic students.

 A 2011 report by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship stated that the highest number of applications for a student visa came from China, with 49,852 visas granted in 2010-11.
Professor Kerry Brown, Executive Director of the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, said that a good quality lifestyle and good economy are amongst the main incentives for Chinese students coming to Sydney.

“With so many Chinese students having graduated from largely business and economic based degrees in recent years, it is not surprising that finance has been able to employ good quality students to work particularly in centres like Sydney and Melbourne,” Prof Brown said.

“Expanding trade links to China [mean] that in the future, [links to Australia] are useful for Chinese students in their careers,” Prof Brown said.

Although study costs are high, it is more financially accessible for Chinese students who can afford to study overseas to do so in Australia than in other global cities.

At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), tuition and course fees are approximately AUD$64,000 per annum for undergraduate courses. Kings College London, offer clinically-based courses such as medicine and dentistry at a cost of approximately AUD$67,000 per annum. 

For international students, the expense of studying courses such as dentistry and engineering at the University of Sydney is approximately AUD$39,700 per annum. A science degree at UNSW costs approximately AUD$37,440 per annum.

 Considering comparative affordability for international students, Sydney is particularly attractive. “With so many Chinese students having graduated from largely business and economic based degrees in recent years, it is not surprising that finance has been able to employ good quality students to work particularly in centres like Sydney and Melbourne,” Prof Brown said.

Rates of Chinese tourism to Australia remain strong and Sydney continues to have strong appeal for travellers, the majority of whom come from Shanghai and Beijing.

 A major research project by Tourism Australia, the findings of which were published in May 2014, found that 57% of Chinese respondents ranked ‘world class beauty and natural environments,’ as two of the most important factors when selecting a travel destination. The availability of good food and wine, safety, and ‘spectacular coastal scenery’ were also considered.

 According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), rates of short-term tourist arrivals from China have grown at a pace faster than that of any other country to Australia, climbing from 2.4% (of the total proportion of visitors to Australia) in 2000 to 7.7% in 2010. Notably, this figure jumped to 24.7% by the end of September 2014.

 Destination NSW has implemented a comprehensive tourism strategy, the China Tourism Strategy and Action Plan (2012-2020), to continue to cater to the large Chinese market. The strategy is aimed at capitalising on the existing market and ensuring ongoing growth for the industry.

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Sydney Festival - Complimentary Yoga with LULULEMON ATHLETICA

LULULEMON ATHLETICA

Summer days are meant to be spent outdoors and this includes your workouts. Throughout Sydney Festival on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings at 7:15am and Wednesday nights at 6pm, lululemon will bring Sydney Festival-goers a complimentary 1 hour yoga class in Hyde Park. Soak up the sun while you move, breathe, strengthen and stretch - perhaps even get upside down!

Bring your mat, your friends and join us for an all levels yoga experience.

From morning till midnight, it's about feeling alive, show us how you live #thesweatlife on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter @lululemonausnz

Duration: 60mins
When: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday mornings at 7:15am, Wednesday nights at 6pm
Address: Hyde Park North - Entry near Archibald Fountain
Website: www.lululemon.com.au

Class schedule:

Thursday 8 January (7:15am)
Instructors: Danielle Walker & Liz Holman (Fused to Move)

Friday 9 January (7:15am)
Instructor: Alanna Chan (Yoga Pavillion)

Tuesday 13 January (7:15am)
Instructor: Lara Zilibowitz (BodyMindLife)

Wednesday 14 January (6:00pm - night session)
Instructor: Persia Rutchinski (In Yoga)

Thursday 15 January (7:15am)
Instructor: Thy Nguyen (Hom Yoga)

Friday 16 January (7:15am)
Instructor: Noelle Connolly (BodyMindLife)

Tuesday 20 January (7:15am)
Instructor: Daniel Myers (Power Living)

Wednesday 21 January (6:00pm - night session)
Instructor: Nicole Walsh (In Yoga)

Thursday 22 January (7:15am)
Instructor: Mel McLaughlin (This Is Yoga)

Friday 23 January (7:15am)
Instructor: Adam Whiting (Power Living)

Source: http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2015/lululemon-yoga

DJ Afro Talks Fiesta: ‘A Journey Of What Our Culture Has Evolved Into

DJ Afro Talks Fiesta: ‘A Journey Of What Our Culture Has Evolved Into

I’m Jose Luis Pardo. I’m a DJ, producer and musician, appearing at Fiesta both as DJ Afro and in my band, Los Crema Paraiso. My love of music began with vinyl records – I used to spend a lot of time playing them at home by myself. 

Teenage years came by and I fell in love with the guitar, played in school with different bands and ended up starting the band Los Amigos Invisibles. We were high school friends that were lucky enough to tour the world thanks to our record label Luaka Bop’s faith in 6 guys from Caracas doing Latin dance music.

Los Amigos’ shows were always planned as a party and it was kind of hard to get a DJ to set up the mood with what we were being inspired by, so I started DJing myself before the shows and not so long after that, when I got a pair of headphones, I realised that I was a DJ and my DJ life started being parallel to my band’s life.

After a few years touring with Los Amigos and as a DJ, I met Neil Ochoa and we joined forces to open a studio together, and to start a new project based on our love for Venezuelan music and our desire to start playing around New York’s jazz clubs. 

Los Crema Paraiso’s El Debut became the first recording we did in our studio, and we discovered that we were in love with what we were doing musically. It sounded like nothing else, and when you feel that, you want to celebrate it and share it with everyone you know.

I grew up in a rich oil country that was always looking to what was happening outside, surrounded by people with a strong desire to prove they were cool and cosmopolitan. Then you grow up and realise that under the trends and inside your walls there are all these colours that you never cared to see before because you took them for granted. 

As a music person, I started discovering old Venezuelan albums that were brilliant but totally forgotten by my generation, Then, I moved to New York to look for better opportunities and, after not having most of the things I took for granted in my hometown, I started loving what I am, where I come from, what I had around when I grew up.

Being in New York opens your eyes to so much culture but also makes you realise what you are and where you come from, and I chose to be proud of that and use it to my benefit.

If I were to describe Latin American culture to someone who knows little about it, I’d talk about the beautiful charm of imperfection, chaos, being able to laugh about all that and still think it’s sexy. That, and the food, women, music and weather!

It means so much to represent my culture at Fiesta. Los Crema Paraiso and I as a DJ will do our best to show Sydney a journey of what our culture has evolved into.

We don’t want to be like anyone else, we are just what we are. We come with something that doesn’t sound familiar but it will make you feel at home. Los Crema Paraiso’s show is really trippy and high energy, and DJ Afro will just make you smile while you dance.

DJ Afro will appear at Fiesta on Saturday October 11 at 4:25pm and again on Sunday October 12 at 4:30pm. Los Crema Paraiso will appear at Fiesta on Saturday October 11 at 5:40pm and again on Sunday October 12 at 3pm.

EVENT DETAILS
Fiesta Darling Harbour
October 4-6 and October 11-12
Full program and getting here

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Sydney City Food Walks - Gourmet Guide On Places To Eat In Sydney

Sydney Opera House aerial view

by Laura Hunt

Sydney has an abundance of great cafes, multicultural cuisines, restaurants, bakeries, bars and markets, and with the city's temperate climate and sunshine filled days, one of the best ways to discover these gourmet delights is by foot. Sydney-siders are proud of and passionate about their food offerings, which are varied, fresh and modern. So put on some comfortable shoes and get ready to eat, because we are off and racing on a foodie adventure around this beautiful harbour city!

Sydney Fish Markets, James Horan, Destination NSW

Start your day early at the Sydney Fish Markets

Okay, 6:30am may be an early start but we promise it's the best time of day to experience the buzzing atmosphere of the Sydney Fish Markets. At this time of morning you can join an apron clad guide on a behind-the-scenes tour, where you'll be expertly escorted around the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere. Witness a crazy, yet somehow super-efficient auction, were 20,000kg of seafood is sold every hour, and watch as more than 100 species of fish are unloaded fresh from the trawlers... all ready for purchase that day.

Sydney Fish Markets, James Horan, Destination NSW

Stop for a dose of Caffeine

After your early start to the day you are probably desperately in need of a coffee by now! A visit to Gumption, located on the ground floor of the stately Strand Arcade, is just what the doctor ordered. Gumption's coffee roasters really know their stuff, and are right on trend with the coffee bean-related nerdery that is popping up throughout Sydney’s CBD. From the roaster to the cupping table, this coffee has a bold flavor which will definitely kickstart your morning. Tip: While you're waiting for your coffee order don't forget to look up and take in the beauty of The Strand's stained glass windows and historic architectural features that date back to 1891.

The Strand Arcade, Sydney, NSW

You'll now be hungry for Breakfast in the Park

Your next stop is breakfast and maybe a second round of coffee (well, you did wake up extra early, so why not!). Leave the Strand Arcade via Pitt Street Mall, and head south to Market Street, then left and up to the café set in the sandstone building backing onto St James Station. Soak up the sunshine as you sit outside watching the locals play on the giant chess board located in front of the café. With magnificent views of St Mary’s Cathedral and leafy Hyde Park in dappled light, this is the perfect place to enjoy a big, healthy cooked breakfast.

Metro St James, Sydney, NSW

Hyde Park, Sydney, NSW

Stop to take in the Superb City Views

After a leisurely breakfast, take a stroll through the extensive food hall at David Jones which offers a range of enticing produce including seafood, fresh pasta, cheeses and even individual chocolate-dipped strawberries. In the same shopping complex is Westfield's Centrepoint Tower. Take a lift up to the highest point in Sydney for a bird’s eye view of the beautiful city, which helps to put its size and numerous suburbs into perspective. The viewing platform here has vistas that stretch as far as the Blue Mountains on a clear day.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Ethan Rohloff, Destination NSW 

David Jones Food Hall, Sydney, NSW

Spend some time walking off your breakfast, and maybe those chocolate-dipped strawberries from David Jones, as you stroll through Hyde Park. Its from here that you reach the next spot to explore; the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens. This 30 hectare oasis is located in the heart of the Sydney CBD and is wrapped around historic Farm Cove and Sydney Harbour. Established in 1816, these picturesque gardens have different landscapes and exhibitions around every corner, not to mention incredible views of the city. From here you can look straight across to the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge from vantage points such as Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair.

Stop for a lunchtime break, you've earned it

Botanic Restaurant, Sydney, NSW

If you're starting to feel peckish you won’t need to go far as your lunchtime spot is located within the tranquility of the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Botanic Restaurant boasts delicious food and is a great place to relax as you dine outdoors on a wisteria-draped verandah with spectacular views of the parklands and beyond. Here you can choose a fine dining option in the restaurant upstairs, which has an acclaimed menu featuring quality Australian produce in a seasonally changing menu. Or, if you're looking for something a little more low key, make your way downstairs to the café. Here you'll be able to pick up a takeaway picnic box and choose your very own spot in the extensive gardens for a leisurely lunch.

Now for an indulgent High Tea

The Tea Room QVB, Sydney, NSW

After lunch, follow signs through the garden to The Art Gallery of New South Wales, where you'll find a fascinating Indigenous gallery as well as rooms filled with the works of famous Australian painters including Brett Whiteley and Sir Arthur Streeton. Here, casual dining is available in the downstairs restaurant with views over the harbour foreshore and Circular Quay. Continue walking along Art Gallery Road past ‘The Domain,’ to St Mary's Cathedral - Sydney's largest - and across the road to Hyde Park. Cross the park towards the city and head a couple of blocks west to the beautifully appointed Queen Victoria Building, where you can take an afternoon break in the famous Tea Room. Located in what was once the original Grand Ballroom of the landmark building, the Tea Room offers a full high tea that's complete with fresh scones, gourmet jams and clotted cream.  

Brush up on Sydney's history in The Rocks

The Rocks, Sydney, NSW

If you're still feeling energetic take a 20 minute walk down George Street towards Circular Quay and The Rocks area, where you can get a sense of Sydney's past by exploring cobbled laneways, cozy cafés and the oldest pubs in the country. In this historic precinct you'll be able to learn more about this strip of land that European settlers chose to step ashore on in 1788, essentially making The Rocks the birthplace of modern Sydney. As it’s getting late in the day, you may as well sample one of the many hand crafted beers on offer in the local pubs, which have been created in boutique Australian breweries.

Finish it all off with a well deserved sunset drink 

Opera Bar, Sydney, NSW

A sundowner drink is a must at the Opera Bar, where you can have a glass of Australian sparkling wine accompanied by a fabulous view of Sydney's iconic landmarks - the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. As the sun sets and you say cheers to a great day, you'll be hard pressed to find a better photo opportunity! If you can make some room after a day of indulging, there are plenty of tempting bar snacks on offer. And let's face it, you've been walking all day long whilst eating your way around Sydney's restaurants and cafes so it's all pretty much guilt-free, well that's what we'll believe anyway!

Source: http://restaurant.australia.com/explore/new-south-wales/Experiences/food-by-foot-sydney-.html?cid=social_20140924_20937834