Here’s our round up of the best parties from last week, we partied on rooftops, had a taste of the QT and has a sneak peek at some of the best beauty buys for your Kris Kringle… Feast away on The Weekly Wrap!
YOGA AT OPERA BAR
Opera Bar will kick off ‘Summer at The House’ with a sunrise yoga series held in one of the best spots in Sydney, right on the harbour, throughout January 2016. Sydney Social 101 headed for a preview class and boy did it deliver!
It is an must do event this summer, strengthen, center and awaken your body, mind and soul with the ultimate view of Sydney Harbour.
Well-known Sydney yogi and co founder of Paddington’s Flow Athletic studio, Kate Kendall (@activeyogi) will host weekly yoga sessions every Tuesday and Thursday in January, from 7am.
Each yoga session will be followed by a delicious and healthy breakfast at Opera Bar Café from 8am. The menu will feature a selection of items from Sonoma Artisan Sourdough Bakers, Single Origin Roasters coffee and Botanica cold pressed juices.
Tickets are $35 for each session and include yoga and breakfast. Yoga mats will be provided at each session. The yoga series will run on the following dates from 7am in January 2016:
Tuesdays – 5th, 12th, 19th January
Thursdays – 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th January
TIME OUT BAR AWARDS 2015 @ SKY Terrace
Whilst you were at the beach, Sunday afternoon saw the city’s finest bar people gather together in celebration of the fine art of providing us mere mortals with an outlet to express ourselves. Soaking up the rays on the Sky Terrace once more, whilst sipping on Makers Mark, the congregation witnessed a multitude of deserved awards passed on to Sydney’s top drinking establishments, new and old. Congratulations to Lobo Plantation for taking out the Best Bar Award. Check the full rundown here: http://sydneysocial101.com/drink-101-lobo-plantation-wins-time-out-sydney-bar-of-the-year/
FLICKERFEST PROGRAM LAUNCH
Wednesday night (2nd of December) saw the launch of the 2016 Flickerfest Program at Icebergs Bar and Dinning Room. The event featured a new trailer directed by Flickerfest Alumni Kacie Anning, which saw Marilyn Munroe descend on Bondi. It also featured the short film Nan and a Whole Lot of Trouble with great cameos by Wayne Blair and Roy Billing. The Festival itself runs from the 8-17th of January in Bondi, and tours nationally January till May 2016.
Full details on their website: http://flickerfest.com.au/
INTRODUCING THE QT FORAGER
Wednesday (2nd of December) saw the QT Hotel Sydney host a lunch to announce the appointment of Georgie Neal to the newly created role of Forager. The QT Forager role will see Georgie establish a close working relationship with farmers and growers nationwide to utilise and source fresh, seasonal produce for its restaurants including Gowings Bar and Grill. QT has also started its own rooftop garden including bee hives, to help restore the dwindling bee population, as well as provide their own honey to use in-house. They lunch was delicious and included lots of highlights from Gowings menu, as well as perfectly selected wines from QTs Wine Curator, Shun Eto.
COCO CUBANO NEW MENU LAUNCH- Top Ryde City Piazza
On Wednesday night, a launch party was held for the new menu to be rolled out across all Coco Cubano locations. Starting with new cocktails- in particular a Jalepeno and Cucumber margarita, the new menu was meant to reflect the summer and the brightness of Cuba. Starters included a tropical prawn salad with hearts of palm, Cuban fried rice and fried chicken. Moving onto mains, the focus was on slow cooked meats and the famous Cuban sandwiches. Desserts rounded out the party – cinnamon donuts and a citrus cheesecake. Those with a sweet tooth were further indulged with salted caramel espresso martinis and crazy milkshakes; triple chocolate and salated caramel. It’s clear the team behind Coco Cubano’s have worked hard to revitalise their menu and to add a summery touch.
BEAM SUNTORY PRESENT PEATED WHISKEY’S AT HENRY BUCKS
Thursday night saw Whisky Ambassador Brendon Rogers take a select few through Beam Suntory’s Peated Malt’s of Distinction – a journey through five world class smoky whiskies. We started with the only Irish Peated Single Malt, the Connemara, before heading to the highlands of Scotland for The Ardmore Legacy, before finishing in Isley with Bowmore 12 year old, Laphroaig Select Cask and Laphroaig Triple Wood. It was a very informative evening set against the cool suits, ties and hats of Henry Bucks.
ULTA 3 – BEAUTY PREVIEW AT BONDI’S BUCKET LIST
We headed to Bondi’s Bucket List to see award-winning colour cosmetics brand, ulta3, announce Elyse Knowles, as its new Brand Ambassador!
Elyse Knowles is not just a social media sensation. Starting modelling at the age of 10, the Australian-born beauty boasts an impressive talent and passion for outdoor sports including skateboarding, wakeboarding, surfing and snowboarding.
We were treated to a preview of its new collection, inspired by the famous Australian beaches, ulta3’s NEW Summer Goddess Collection captures the intoxicating feeling of the Aussie surf, sand and sunshine.
ulta3 Summer Goddess Collection also includes Brand Ambassador Elyse Knowles’ favourite summer makeup essentials, such as the versatile Big Bronzer (RRP $9.95) – a deluxe-sized bronzing powder, suitable for face and body, as well as 5 (five) of the brightest and best-selling Nail Polish (RRP $2.30) hues, including ‘atomic oj’, ‘fruit tingle’, ‘tahiti’, ‘natural’ and ‘lily white’. Turn up the heat a little higher, with 4 (four) Moisturising Lipsticks (RRP $3.95) in neural shades including ‘nude kisses’, ‘soft toffee’, ‘timeless’ and ‘peaches’.
What better way to ensure your camera and phone are protected from the sand and the surf, than with a splash resistant bag – FREE gift with any ulta3 purchase! Type through the bag with wet hands, and upload your summer party vibe pics with ease.
ELLA BACHES RELAUNCH AT VAUCLUSE SAILING CLUB
Situated at Vaucluse’s old disused sailing club, Sydney’s beauty media descended on the affluent suburb with a view to die for to celebrate the relaunch of Ella Baches sun screen range.
With vivid new packaging and lovely products, it’s sure to be a hit on the beaches this summer. We dined with amazing seafood cuisine from Bucket List Bondi’s head chef and enjoyed the most refreshing cocktails and wines whilst listing to beats from our very own DJ.
FOLLOWING THE APPLETON TRAIL – TAYLOR’S ROOFTOP
On Friday, the Appleton rum trail concluded at Taylor’s rooftop bar in the CBD with a special party celebrating this special rum. Guests had the opportunity to have a special tasting of the Appleton Signature Blend, the Reserve Blend and and 12 year old Rare Blend. The entire bar was decked out in theme, with the cocktail menu reflecting this- with flavours of passionfruit, white peach and a lime-heavy Jamaican Stormy with ginger beer. Food included Jerk chicken and prawns, a perfect Caribbean pairing.
CAFE DEL MAR & ZOMATO
The world famous Café Del Mar teamed up with the team at Zomato on Tuesday night to wine and dine guests with a delicious Mediterranean feast, signature cocktails and premium wine, all while enjoying the always spectacular views of Darling Harbour.
Head Chef Ben Fitton (formerly of Bennelong Restaurant at Sydney Opera House) prepared an array of incredible food to share included delicious chermoula crusted lamb shoulder, Bouillbaise seafood stew and roast ‘Holmbrae’ free range chicken, with sides and paired wines reflecting the laid-back style and charm of Café Del Mar sites around the globe.
Previously more well-known for their chilled tunes and bar scene, Sydney’s version is allowing the food to shine, introducing a whole new crowd to the venue to enjoy one of the most idyllic venues in the city. Café Del Mar is also the perfect place for a Christmas party or get-together, so make sure you get in before they fill up!
Address: 35 Wheat St, Rooftop Terrace, Cockle Bay Wharf
For more info check out: www.cafedelmar.com.au
DISARONNO WEARS CAVALLI
Media and guests celebrated the launch of DISARONNO Wears Cavalli, a limited edition bottle collaboration between Italian liqueur, DISARONNO and fashion house CAVALLI, on Wednesday evening at Justin Hemmes’ Private Dining Terrace at The Ivy. Acoustic musician Duan & Only serenaded the intimate gathering whilst guests enjoyed DISARONNO Sours (Delish!) and canapes followed by a decadent and delicious three course Italian inspired dinner in the luxury outdoor alfresco dining space, beautifully decorate with white orchids.
As well as being a delicious and good looking liqueur, the DISARONNO Wears Cavalli project supports the Fashion 4 Development initiative, a global campaign using fashion to tackle issues in the developing world. DISARONNO will donate part of the proceeds to the development of this project in Africa. Liqueur, fashion and charity…. The perfect mix! # DISARONNOWearsCavalli
For more info check out: www.disaronno.com/featured/disaronno-wears-cavalli/
GLOW BY BECA
The GlowByBeca brand has just turned 1, and to celebrate Beca launched a new store in Paddington on Oxford Street on the 1st December. It was a celebration with all things sweet and fruity to commemorate endless summers and glowing healthy skin!
The gorgeous Beca hosted a beautiful evening with coconuts and cupcakes galore. They have truly raised the bar in tanning, creating a formular that is a 100% Natural DHA and is fast drying, non-sticky and odourless. The Chocolate based formula is rich in vitamins and lightly infused with Rosehip oil, Macadamia oil and Shea butter to increase skins hydration and creating a lasting tan.
Get that healthy vibrant looking tan without baking in the sun and damaging you skin. Nourished and glowing skin is simple, just let the professional and experienced Glow tribe take care of you, ensuring you walk out feeling uplifted and confident in your skin.
Brow shaping and design is offered at the studio by specialists, who will enhance your facial features and contours with eyebrow shaping and design.
For more information visit: www.glowbybeca.com
CLEAR COMPLEXIONS – MACQUARIE CENTRE
Clear Complexions launched its new state-of-the-art Macquarie Centre clinic in celebration of its 10th Birthday! Suzie Hoitink, founder of Clear Complexions addressed guest with a speech recounting the journey of the company and the innovative services they provide to treat a range of skin related conditions as well as rejuvenate any skin type.
Its philosophy is to individualise each treatment, using state-of-the-art equipment, and only employing nurses and doctors to perform treatments producing successful results.
The staff at Clear Complexions, understand the emotional and physical effects of problem skin. From conditions such as acne, rosacea, scarring or just sun damage, the nurses and doctors have the knowledge and medical expertise to provided tailored treatments to help you get your skin healthy again.
The new Clinic is located in the flourishing Macquarie Centre, providing the public with greater access to these advanced treatments and services, come along and visit the new clinic today!
For more information regarding Clear Complexions treatments or to make bookings: www.clearcomplexions.com.au
MCA’S Pop Gin Garden
Pip pip! It was officially gin o’clock at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) with the launch of the Gin Garden this week. The MCA has opened its garden gates to Sydney-siders and invited them to get into the summer spirit with its first ever pop-up bar.
The whimsical Gin Garden was a gorgeously shady oasis with great views across the Sydney Harbour and the city skyline – this is definitely a spot to head to when the heat hits. Featuring substantial draping flora and greenery, an outdoor swing and other various ‘Country Garden’ accoutrements, this is the ultimate celebration of British eccentricity with a twist of Antipodean flair. The delightful afternoon-tea themed canapés on cake stands and the hilarious ‘Gramophone Man’ busting out old ’78s (look it up, kids) were perfect additions to the atmosphere. The drinks were the highlight, of course, and the menu offers a range of creative cocktails featuring native ingredients and juniper inspired culinary delights from local distillers Archie Rose as well some delicious beers and ciders from Young Henrys.
Check out more information here.
THE GIN GARDEN
Open from 4 December to early February, Thursdays to Sundays, from 4pm til late.
For opening times, visit mca.com.au/gingarden.
Special offers available to Sydney International Art Pass holders.
Functions, private hires and Christmas parties available every day lunchtime and Monday to Wednesday evenings.
For private hire enquiries, contact venues@mca.com.au / Ph: (02) 9245 2480.
Summer Hits at The Star Launch
The gorgeous Sky Terrace at The Star launched its seasonal program Summer Hits last week on a gorgeously warm evening and demonstrated exactly why it’s a top spot to spend those sultry summer nights. Plenty of celebs mingled with the crowd: Samantha Jade, Richard Wilkins and the very handsome and funny Will and Steve – The Gourmet Pommies (winners of My Kitchen Rules). We managed to interview them so do lookout for video footage of the night on our Youtube channel coming soon! As well as the cool tunes from DJ Flat getting everyone dancing, we were treated to a live PA from the very talented Natalie Conway of X Factor fame. The stunning views of the harbour and the bridge while the sun sets are something special – we highly recommend you get down there to check them out and have a game of croquet with the flamingo topped mallets! So very Alice in Wonderland!
And you don’t have to be a high-roller to enjoy this high life – there are plenty of special deals that won’t leave you in the red. Endless Summer Happy Hours from 5-7pm, Early Summer Dinners where you can enjoy a delicious one-course dinner with a selected beer of wine for $40 and our favourite, the Sunday Sunset Sessions. On lazy Sunday afternoons nothing beats kicking back with DJs and Sydney’s best skyline view, from 3pm with $25 Corona buckets available until 7pm.
PLACE: Level 5, Harbourside, The Star, 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont 2009
DAYS: Thurs 5pm – 10pm, Fri & Sat, 5pm – midnight, Sunday, 3pm – midnight
More information here
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