Silly season is fast approaching and our heads are spinning (in a good way) with all of the fantastic events we’re being invited along to with our aim to keep you guys in the loop.
Sunglasses launches to Sheaf parties, awards ceremonies to new menu previews, we’ve got our parties of the week lined up and ready for inspection.
**EVENT OF THE WEEK**
Human Kind Project Breakfast
Whilst Sydney Social 101 does get invited to some truly incredible money can’t buy events, every so often an event comes along that really makes us stand up and pay attention to the cause. This my friends was absolutely one of those! We headed to a fundraising breakfast to celebrate the newly launched foundation; the Human Kind Project, founded by Jacinta McDonell of Anytime Fitness Australia. We heard all about the ‘Double the Love Project’ fundraising campaign, where all donations made up until November 30 will be matched dollar for dollar personally by Jacinta up to $222,000 in total donations – impressive.
Jacinta explained to use how she had visited Malawi, Africa to see firsthand what these funds could achieve. Her experience highlighted the shocking struggle of many Malawians who experience a five-month food gap every year. Through The Hunger Project she witnessed work in Malawi that promised to end hunger by 2030 through changing the mentality of villagers from a hand-out to self-sufficiency. Jacinta said, “It is by changing the mentality from one of scarcity to feeling empowered that real change can happen”. Jacinta and her team, work tirelessly to find, fund and support work that delivers this vision.
After her trip to Malawi, Jacinta started the Human Kind Project. “Human Kind Project is an organization invested in mindset change; our focus is to end inequality within the global community. We do this by questioning the status quo, inspiring those who can effect change and by throwing light on the limitless possibility of the human kind.”
Join us and donate at www.humankindproject.org.au
#doubletheloveproject
Fitness App Launch with Hannah Saul
We were treated to a real life #fitspo with the launch of Australian supermodel, Hannah Saul’s fitness App HANxFIT on Tuesday 10 November. Media and fitness influencers were put through their paces in a workout held in the X Studio in Potts Point.
With the help of trainer Nick Tait, Hannah demonstrated the HANxFIT 10 minute “anytime, anywhere” exercises in model perfection, hardly breaking a sweat.
Guests were treated to clean eats served by MKR star Scott Gooding, protein balls by Krumbeled and super smoothies by O Superfoods.
Hilton Sydney –Food and Beverage Masters
In the spirit of cultivating culinary and drink talent, Sydney Social 101 was invited to attend the awards to see participants take centre stage during the Barista, Wine and Bar Cups held last Monday 9 November, with the Culinary Cup set for Wednesday 2 December at Ultimo Tafe.
The first hotel round was held at Zeta Bar with more than twenty entrants from Hilton Sydney battling it out to showcase their skills and creativity to a panel of industry experts. We saw coffee creations, cocktail masterpieces (our fave was the Touch of Blush) and some serious wine knowledge (our extent of knowledge when it comes to wine is that we like it a lot and it makes us smile).
Final event will be held in the Hilton Ball Room on December 2015.
Work In Progress Menu Review
Chef Eric Koh serving up his incredible dim sum for Work In Progress pop up @erickoh
A good dim sum really is a work of fine culinary art and famed chef Eric Koh proved exactly how true this is on Tuesday at Work In Progress pop up @erickoh. We sampled our way through ten of his delicious creations, seated at a long high table the in colourful evolving art-studio/restaurant. Our dim sum courses were served with cocktails made from fresh juices and a sharp selection of wines and beer.
The Prawn Har Gau was a favourite, along with the aromatic duck spring roll and the moist crunchy goodness of the lobster and crispy noodle roll. It’s easy to see how these incredible dim sum have become so popular with city dinners that the folk at Merivale have extended Eric Koh’s visit from a month long pop up till the 23rd December.
Dim Sum – @erickoh – Work In Progress
Drop by for an easy solo meal, impress a colleague over lunch, or bring the gang for a delicious catch up over some of Sydney’s best dim sum. Thursday and Friday nights you can get the evening started right to the tunes of live DJs. But get in quick as @erickoh only has 6 weeks left. AP.
Wholefood Night Market – The Grounds of Alexandria
It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, The Grounds always delivers a crowd, but this time it was GoodnessMe Box hosting the highly anticipated Wholefood Night Market held on Wednesday 11 November.
For health nuts this was the place to be with stalls dotted all around the spectacular set up sampling the latest and greatest in clean treats. Favourites included, Luz Almond’s chocolate almond milk ice cream, IsoWhey smoothies blended by guests on bikes, Lupin Foods crisps and dip and Spring Wholefoods nourishing sprouted seed breads.
There wasn’t a spare seat in the garden for the live food demonstrations brought to you by Lola Berry who shared her latest smoothie book creation, The Fit Foodie serving up a wholesome desert, MKR star Scott Gooding and Carla Oates, The Beauty Chef talking beauty from the inside out.
We were even treated to a very generous and personalised Wholefood Market GoodnessMe Box. We hope they host another soon!
Alpha Keri Launch
As the editor of Sydney Social 101 I’m very lucky in that I get invited to attend some amazing events. Whilst I get to go to some of the best places in Sydney, I do have a couple of locations that are my stand-outs. I’m a huge fan of the water and swimming is a huge passion of mine – so in short, if your event is on the water or by a pool (specially outdoor) I’m your gal! When we received the invite to Skincare experts, Alpha Keri’s beauty launch event at Andrew Boy Charlton Pool I had first ‘dibs’.
Upon arriving at the event, I quickly realised that it wasn’t going to be a fitness or yoga inspired event as I had assumed, (despite there being not reference to this in the invite) I’d just made it up and went with it – SO embarrassing! I’d rocked up to a beauty launch in my yoga gear (read ‘#activewear’) whilst all the beauty media looked their usual stunning, perfect selves. To make it even worse, Alpha Keri revealed its latest ambassador; TV-sweetheart Sam Frost! Who also rocked up looking nothing short of amazing – cringe, only me!
Back to the event at hand, Alpha Keri were thrilled to announce that they’ve joined forces to reveal its new tech-laden products in time for summer, to help transform Aussies’ skin so they’re ready to show off for bikini season.
Sam Frost says: “There is nothing worse than feeling self conscious about being in your own body, especially during summer when we’re wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts and bikinis.
“When I was younger I actually had really bad eczema, so I know what its like to be self conscious of my skin. I still have really dry, sensitive skin so choosing the right skincare brand and products is really essential to me.
“I like my skin to be as hydrated and as soft as possible, so I feel confident and comfortable. Which is why I am so excited by Alpha Keri’s new products, they just work and are easy and effortless. Bring on summer!”
Finally, thought I’d got away with rocking up to an event in my activewear… Nope, think again. The Mail Online managed to get their mitts on my instagram #FML. You can see the piece here in all its glory! #winningatlife
The Canopy – The Sheaf
Double Bay is arguably one of the best nights out in Sydney, we love the vibe the variety and the cocktails, oh the cocktails! We headed to check out the launch party for the newest space to grace Double Bay’s bar scene, The Sheaf’s very own, The Canopy. Located in the upper level of the recently renovated complex, this upper venue space has been transformed into a botanical bar inspired by the beauty found in nature.
The Canopy celebrated it’s official launch on Thursday, 12th November with 100 VIP, media and celebrities descending on the botanical, open air space. Guests including The Bachelor star Michael Turnbull, television presenters Scott Tweedie, Candice Dixon, Casey Burgess, Christian Wilkins and fashion icon Josh Flinn enjoyed signature beverages including premium gin, French champagne and cocktails with smooth ambient tunes provided by Australian DJ sensation Alice Q.
The Canopy features neutral tones and natural colours; green palms and floral highlights, bringing the outside in to bring alive this horticultural-inspired bar. The space offers an intimate and premium experience, adding another layer to The Sheaf’s main bar below. The Canopy is a refreshing venue for loyal patrons of The Sheaf, while also attracting an influx of Eastern Suburbs locals and young professionals.
The beverage menu stays true to the atmosphere with gin, champagne and garden- inspired cocktails as the bar’s staples. Unique to the bar is The Sapphire Infusion, a completely customizable Gin & Tonic carafe for two, including your own choice of cucumber, lemon, lime, orange or pink grapefruit infused with Bombay Sapphire and Capri Dry Tonic, topped with your pick of seasonal dried herbs and fresh fruits.
The Canopy is open to the public now.
The Carrington Launch Party
Nestled in the back streets of Surry Hills, The Carrington celebrated its launch last Thursday night in its new secret drinking garden, The Garden Bar. Decked out with fairy lights, hanging plants and tropical wall paper The Garden Bar is a vibrant indoor bar that will trick you into think you are in a tropical outdoor paradise (perfect on a rainy summer’s day!). The launch saw guests help pop The Carrington’s party cherry by enjoying delicious floral cocktails, arancini balls, sliders and chicken skewers.
Traditional pub in the front and tropical trendy garden bar in the back, The Carrington is a dog friendly (that’s right! You can bring your furry friend along with you!) drinking and eating destination that is sure to become a popular summer hot spot to grab a beer, scrumptious cocktail, enjoy a cheap and delicious eat and pat a dog or two!
The Rocks Village Bizarre
The Rocks Village Bizarre pulls back the curtain on 2015’s tantalising program set to transform the historic precinct into a vaudevillian world of mystery, magic, music and markets each Friday evening from 13 November to 18 December. We headed to check it out on Friday 13th and couldn’t recommend it enough if you’re looking for something a little different that showcases all the weird and wonderful with The Rocks as its stunning backdrop.
Presented by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA), The Rocks Village Bizarre invites you to ‘re-experience’ The Rocks Precinct for a truly mind bending six weeks of immersive performances, culinary delights, two-storey high floating installations and chance encounters with captivating characters around every corner.
From singing grannies, cross dressing geisha Britany Spears impersonators, window performances, discos in the dark and side show acts, it is a feast for the eyes and the senses.
Transforming The Rocks Square into a world of entertainment is Vaudevillia presented by Slide. Held at an outdoor lounge bar, this modern reinvention of the variety show has a plethora of talented performances including a three-piece band, crazy circus performances and physical comedy.
This is one not to be missed!
Oakley In Residence Launch
Living in Sydney you can’t be without your sunglasses, it’s almost considered sin! So we were thrilled to head on over to check out Oakley’s exclusive event in SurryHills last Wednesday. The night was a celebration of the launch of Oakley In Residence: Sydney – a creative hangout space, and pop up skate spot designed to celebrate a shared obsession for creativity in skate.
We were in old company with VIP guests including international Oakley skate icons, Sean Malto and Curren Caples and photographer Atiba Jefferson. Other guests included comedian Chris Lilley (scream!), Australian skaters Corbin Harris and Chima Ferguson, TV personality Jake Rich, musician KLP, The Faders DJ’s Milly Gattegno and Suhana Lye, former Australia’s Next Top Model star Abbie Weir, bands Rufus and Lime Cordiale, and surfer Darcy Dineen!
We were treated to an exclusive preview of ‘Destination Sydney’, an exhibition by photographers Atiba Jefferson, Mike O’Meally and Andrew Peters, which celebrates the rich history of skateboarding in Sydney over the past 25 years. Throughout the evening, we enjoyed American inspired cuisine by Nighthawk Diner complemented with drinks from Budweiser, Bulleit Bourbon and Schweppes, whilst DJs Halfway Crooks threw down an infectious hip hop set.
Creative hub, Oakley In Residence will be live from 5th – 29th November and is free and open to the public at 74 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills. Throughout the month, the space will host workshops, exhibitions, athlete meet-ups, skate sessions and film screenings.
For more information and a full schedule of activities, visit www.oakley.com.au/inresidence/sydney
Photo Credit: Life without Andy
124 SHOES – VIP STORE LAUNCH
On Thursday 5th November we were lucky enough to attend 124 Shoes VIP store launch at the Galeries. 124 shoes are authentic shoes, not for the ordinary. The brand offers not only the highest level of handmade luxury shoes, but a unique retail experience. Neville and Anthony believe that a good pair of shoes completes, accentuates and anchors an outfit – and it is this idea that leads to the fact that each wardrobe needs foundations. A good quality pair of handmade Italian shoes is top of the list and is the perfect item for a style discerning man or woman. We enjoyed some delicious food and drink at the launch and the new store environment really reminds me of an art gallery.
For more information please visit: http://www.124shoes.com.au/
Sculpture by the Sea 2015 Awards
The annual Sculpture by the Sea rounded off in traditionally mixed-weather style with the announcement of the award winners in Marks Park, Tamarama last weekend. Sydney Social was sat only one seat behind long-time supporter of the event in his new guise as Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, there to present the prizes. Kim Perrier was chosen as the recipient of the Allens People’s choice Award for his haunting sculpture, Ashes to Ashes. Crafted from a hollowed Marri tree trunk, human faces are imposed in relief, as if joined with nature in a spiritual symbiosis: humanity and nature are literally merged into one. It almost went unnoticed by me from one side but is revealed to be quietly disturbing from the other.
No surprise at the winner of the Kids’ Choice Award – the highly entertaining (even for slightly older kids *ahem*) giant, functioning spray bottles by Melbourne’s RCM Collective. Mayor of Waverley, Sally Betts announced Gillie & Marc Shattner’s Flying Fish as the recipient of the Waverley Council Parks Staff Pick while the Sculpture by the Sea Staff Pick was awarded to Barbara Licha’s Listen time passes. All recipients were presenting with a beautifully crafted exhibition trophy gifted by long supporting sponsors Dinosaur Designs. Over 400,000 people visited the exhibition by its close. 
Chef Benny’s South African Brunch
Any international-inspired cuisine is the way to our hearts so imagine our excitement at being invited to William Blue Dining to feast with South African Master Chef Judge and Tsogo Sun Chef, Benny Masekwameng as a guest of South African Tourism. Whilst not exactly a ‘party’ it certainly was a celebration of all that South Africa has to offer from a culinary perspective.
We were certainly treated to Chef Benny’s flair for showmanship at the event which was heavily reflected in his attitude when cooking for us. It goes without saying that he is passionate about food – demonstrated by heismeticulous recounting of his ingredients and explaining to us why he was using them – with a smile constantly on his face.
Benny’s style is to craft South Africa’s favourite dishes with an unexpected modern twist and he employs careful and delicate attention to textures while using organic ingredients.
We were thrilled to enjoy the final result for ourselves and it was outstanding! William Blue Dining is a fantastic venue that we couldn’t recommend highly enough and the experience was complete with Chef Benny’s masterpiece:
Salmon cakes with zucchini noodles and avocado mayonnaise – he had us at salmon… Such a delight and an inspiring story to witness someone who has worked their way up the ranks to where he is today.
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