Articles Eat & Drink Latest Articles Sydney

Harajuku Gyoza Wonderland in Potts Point

by Amy 23 September, 2013

written by Amy

Like gyoza? Love kitsch Japanese culture? Then make a beeline to Potts Point’s newest addition Harajuku Gyoza and receive a warm welcome by an aptly cartoon-esque ‘dumpling face’ logo.

Tucked in next to Hugos, this happy dumpling house is pumping out seriously good – part crispy, part steamed – parcels of goodness. Here, Gyoza is king: pork, duck, chicken, prawn, and vego. All at $8 a pop.

If you feel like a break from gyoza (why?) there’s a couple of Izakaya dishes on offer including pork katsu don, chicken karaage and agedashi tofu.

Wrap your lips around a bowl of edamame and glass of sake to start, before diving head first into a gyoza feast of all things steamed and crisp. Access the separate compartment for banana and nutella gyoza with ice cream – like a crispy crepe, but better.

Go for a fun, quick bite and a dose of Harajuku kitsch.

Harajuku Gyoza
9-15 Bayswater Road, Potts Point 2011
Open 7 days; midday til late, lunch and dinner

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Eat & Drink Latest Articles Melbourne

Pabu Grill and Sake

by Lisa Perkovic 20 September, 2013

written by Lisa Perkovic

pabuhero2 Pub and Grill. Two words that go hand in hand, usually along with a casual night out involving steak and beer.

Guess again. At Pabu Grill & Sake you’re off to a Japanese pub (Pabu is Japanese for pub) and what’s on offer (not on tap) are 30 types of Sakes from around Japan and some killer Yakitori.

If you’re not after Char Grilled Yakitori, think again, because the Bamboo Grill does the trick.

Ok if you’re really looking for something else, start with the lotus chips, move to the sushi counter or grab a hot pot.

Lunch time Ramen is kicking off but Sake when you’re off the clock is more fun.

Save room for Sake-cocktails, the popular Pomme Sakatini is a Japanese Plum Wine shaken with fresh Lychee juice. After a few see if you can still count the beads on the giant abacus on the ceiling.

Pabu Grill & Sake
190 Smith Street, Collingwood 3066 Vic
T: (03) 9419 6141

Suno Printed Silk Dress	Marni Printed Leather Bag	Stoneware Beakers
Kyoto Tea Set	Dinosaur Designs Vase	Peter Pilotto Printed Jacket
Japanese Floral Cushion	Kenzo Flower 100ml EDT	Bamboo Bath Tray
Sakura Wool Rug	Somedays Lovin Printed Dress	Japanese 3 Drawer Sofa Table

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Articles Eat & Drink Latest Articles Sydney

Bondi Gets a New Neighbour

by Amy 19 September, 2013

written by Amy

Bondi FM move over, and make room for Neighbourhood Bondi – 2026’s newest watering hole.

Mosey down Curlewis Street and pull up stumps at the front bay window for prime people watching vistas. Or head down the back, past the front bar and legacy DJ booth, for a more “I could be anywhere” courtyard vibe.

Go with friends. Or a date. Hell, take your oldies. It all works at Neighbourhood Bondi – and with friendly bar staff, a solid cocktail list and food worth going back for – there’s not many reasons not to pay a visit to Bondi’s newbie.

If you’re like us, you’ll start with a rhubarb and cinnamon bellini before making your way through a punch share-style menu. Do not pass on crunchy popcorn school prawns, beef brisket quesadilla and the very noteworthy Albacore tuna ceviche with crispy tortilla chips. With bites courtesy of the gents at Panama and the Corner House, it comes as no surprise the food is worth a re-visit.

Take your pick from window seating, high bench tables, stools at the bar, or bigger group tables out the back. They’ve got you sorted on all fronts.

Get acquainted with Bondi’s newest neighbour(hood). We think you’ll like it.

Neighbourhood Bondi
143 Curlewis Street, Bondi
Open: Mon to Fri, 5pm–11pm; Sat 12midday–11pm, Sun 12midday–10pm

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MAArvelous Millinery

by Hannah Ongley 18 September, 2013

written by Hannah Ongley

It’s time to make a stand.

For too long has ‘headwear’ been content to denote only a silk scarf or the odd narrow-brimmed trilby.

Too long have our heads been bereft of feathers and frills; our finest sinamay and raffia only allowed the occasional trackside summer fling before being confined to its lonely rack.

No more – the Millinery Association of Australia (yes, there’s an association) are stepping in, and inviting you to get behind this most MAArvelous Millinery cause.

This October 3^rd marks the official end of mediocre millinery. Twenty-seven of the finest hat makers in the land will stage a lavish hat-walk parade and host pop-up shops where you can shop the hottest in headwear flair – all while sipping on bubbly and nibbling on delectable canapés.

Perhaps it’s been a while and you’re feeling a little rusty, in which case there’ll be milliners on hand to guide you through each style. On the wilder end is a special jungle-themed performance from DANCECENTRE wearing specially crafted animal inspired pieces, and the most confident of millinery maniacs are encouraged to ‘dress to impress’ for a chance the $350 voucher prize.

Even more marvelous? A percentage of your ticket price goes towards Rotary’s Hat Day for mental health research.

MAArvelous Millinery
3 October 2013
6.30pm for 7pm show
Leopard Lounge, Melbourne Zoo, Elliott Avenue, Parkville, VIC 3052
$65pp

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Beauty Beauty Style Editor's Picks Sydney

Unwind At The Spa

by Carrie Kwan 18 September, 2013

written by Carrie Kwan

It’s hump day, and where would your tense, overworked mind and body rather be?

Relaxing in an inner city sanctuary being pampered with spa treatments and cabana-chilling on a rooftop pool, comes to mind.

You too? Consider The Spa then to be your saviour. Hand over your car keys to the courteous Park Hyatt valet, enter The Spa through a ‘secret door’ and start to ease as you sip your iKOU herbal tea.

Returning your body to equilibrium is the philosophy here, and to connect body and mind to its inner spirit. It’s this very thinking that has brought The Spa together with its new signature skincare brand Kerstin Florian.

The family run, Southern California based company is all about ‘Outer Beauty, Inner Health’ and partners with exclusive day spas worldwide, indoctrinating their four core lifestyle practices for radiant skin and total wellness: nutrition, exercise, peace of mind, and care of face and body.

Decadence has a new definition in the form of The Spa’s Signature Dual Caviar Dream face and body spa ritual. A potent combo of protein rich Caviar and powerful antioxidants working diligently to firm, tone, refine and deeply hydrate the skin pronto. You’re left with skin that looks supple, healthy and iridescent. And a three-hour rejuvenating experience you’re not soon to forget.

There are eight facials on the new spa menu so whatever your preference, you can find one that addresses your specific skin concerns.

If anti-aging is a concern, consider the ‘K-Lift’ for an add-on. A cutting-edge 30 minute treatment that tones and lifts facial contours using kinetic energy and a multi-phase approach.

Insider tip: we’re avid fans of the Kerstin Florian blog – authored by spa expert Charlene Florian and filled with useful tips for living a healthy lifestyle. Worth checking out if you’re interested in topics like raw living cuisine, tonic herbalism and the malnutrition ‘you are what you eat’ theory.

See you poolside.

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Eat & Drink Latest Articles Melbourne

The Smith Street Switch Up

by Carrie Kwan 17 September, 2013

written by Carrie Kwan

It’s been happening for a couple of years now. Smart restaurateurs and bar owners got in early, snapping up prime spots when others were still wondering whether it would really take off. But Smith Street, still a little rough around the edges, continues to flourish.

There are plenty of kebab shops from end to the other, but George Calombaris’s Jimmy Grants – rhymes with immigrants, geddit – is probably the schmickest souvlaki joint from here to Athens.

Artist David Wenn has painted a DC3 and the Patris, a ship that carried migrants from Europe to Australia on the walls. There’s a small area at the front of the shop and seats at the bar out the back.

Everyone’s talking about the Patris on the menu – a souvlaki of prawns, honey, mayonnaise, cucumber, mint and coriander – but before a night out (or at the end of a long one), tuck into a Mr Papadopoulos featuring lamb, chips, mustard aioli, onions and parsley. The fluffy, fresh pita is worth the price of admission alone.

Hailing from another part of the world completely is Po’Boy Quarter, a cute eatery from the Gumbo Kitchen food truck folk. Nawlins jazz pumps over the stereo and po’boys – crusty bread rolls stuffed with deep-fried shrimp, pulled pork or cajun catfish – come out of the kitchen.

If you’re feeling particularly under the weather, attack the Dom, a pile of chips covered in beef debris (beef cooked right down in a gravy), cajun mayo and pickles. The closed doors at the rear of the diner lead out to a bar, due to open in November. Sazerac, anyone?

Just across the road, Smith Street Alimentari – sibling to next door’s Gorski & Jones and the much-loved Brunswick Street Alimentari – is due to open very soon, serving up piadinis, ciabattas and wraps.

Also on the any-day-now agenda is Lee Ho Fook, a posh Chinese joint boasting chef Victor Liong (formerly of Sydney’s Mr Wong) on the old Boire site.

Jimmy Grants
Daily 11am – 10pm
113 Saint David Street, Fitzroy
T: (03) 9416 0060

Po’Boy Quarter
Daily 11am – 11pm
295 Smith Street, Fitzroy
(03) 9419 2130

Smith Street Alimentari
302 Smith Street, Collingwood

Lee Ho Fook
92 Smith Street, Collingwood

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Eat & Drink Sydney

Three things to know about 3TO7

by Carrie Kwan 17 September, 2013

written by Carrie Kwan

If you’re no stranger to “I’m on the list”, everything bagels and like bars in converted banks and galleries, we think you’ll like 3To7, Waterloo’s answer to a New York-style brunch bar by day, luxe bar by night.

Here’s the three ‘to know’ about Petr Dvoraceh (ex Merivale mixologist) and Ashleigh Howe’s (Murray’s Craft Brewing Co.) new food, wine and design concept:

1. Look to the walls.
The restaurant space is a tad unconventional. It’s cosy (seating for 36) and has pop-up art gallery tendencies. This means an ever changing showcase of talents from our film, media, advertising and fashion industries. 3To7’s exhibition debut ‘DesignAFlora’ brought together seven exceptional floral artists – Antonia Georgas (Ruby Slipper), Jane Lampe (Floreat Floral), Setsuko Yanagisawa (Yuga Flora), Jordana Lowy (Wilder), Louise Lloyd (Milly Blooms) and Jardine Hansen (Jardine Hansen Botanic Floral Styling).

2. Come here for a NYC inspired brunch hit.
Bircher muesli comes served in a jar and arabesque pancakes fluffy with salted caramel and fried banana, fresh thyme and orange clotted cream. 3To7’s signature open lamb sandwich is made with due care – 3 hour cooked succulent lamb rump, beetroot, pickled carrot, onion jam and crème fraiche on toasted brioche. Have company and supporting appetites? The Chefs Brunch Tasting Plate will appeal. Brace for platters of half sweet and half savoury selections to share.

3. If the sun has set, it’s all about the wine.
Or a Bloody Mary, especially if you like it served in a fresh capsicum. The Chateau Val de Roc from Bordeaux is our alternative red.

That’s the three, but if you insist on a fourth; a revolving offer from artisan producers like fine food importer ‘Salt Meats and Cheese‘ will tempt you with with their wares. Collaborations with pasta, charcuterie and chocolate making are also on the cards.

3TO7
3-7 Danks Street, Waterloo, Sydney NSW 2017

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Design & Living Editor's Picks Living Melbourne Sydney

Go West Elm Melbourne for Modern Living

by Carrie Kwan 17 September, 2013

written by Carrie Kwan

WEST ELM melbourne For some, (re)making their bed has never been a chore. They’re able to mix clean lines, natural textiles and global accents with ease. Designing exquisite terrariums and creative settings for parties? A breeze.

They think this way because they’re West Elm initiated. And now it’s your turn with the iconic U.S home furnishing store’s first Melbourne opening.

On Thursday (19 September) West Elm opens its South Yarra Melbourne heritage building doors. You can expect to find two storeys (744 square metres) of retail – affordable and approachable products for your living quarters. There’s furniture, bedding, bathroom accessories, rugs, window textiles & hardware, lighting, decorative accessories, dining, kitchen products and gifts.

Since it’s launch in Brooklyn, New York in 2002, West Elm has focused on making things that matter. That includes silver martini side tables, Andalusia Dhurrie poufs, and glass bottles with monogrammed wood stoppers. Papier mache deer sculptures, cushy down-filled sofas and other such ilk.

Notice within the store a few craftworks from Melbourne Etsy artists including Studio Raw, Vice and Velvet and Perch Décor. The brand collaborates with independent artists and craft communities to create handcrafted products, statement pieces and seasonal collections that make a positive impact on people and the environment.

And when you’re in need of a break from playing with patterns and tonal textures, ponder over your design decisions with a cup of brew from the West Elm Market coffee shop. You’ll find it, along with more functional meets form temptations on the ground floor.

West Elm Melbourne
464 Chapel Street, South Yarra VIC 3141
Opening 19 September 2013
T: 03 8396 0300

West Elm Sydney
472 Oxford Street
Oxford Street Mall
Bondi Junction NSW 2022
T: 02 8973 5900

For launch, West Elm have partnered with Melbourne charity Cool Australia. A percentage of sales made at the private VIP event will be donated to Cool Australia. A commemorative tote bag has been designed by Melbourne based graphic artists Bonnie and Neil and is a gift with purchase to all customers while stocks last.

Martini Side Table	Papier-Mâché White Deer	Chevron Cushion Cover
Andalusia Dhurrie Pouf	Faceted Mirror Sided Table	Glass Bottles and Wooden Stoppers
Patchwork Dresser	Gold Cutlery Serving Set	Bliss Down-Filled Sofa
Parsons Desk	Parquetry 3-Drawer Dresser	Space-Dyed Laundry Basket

Correction: Our feature on West Elm incorrectly reported that West Elm Melbourne was the ‘first Australian opening’. It should have read ‘first Melbourne opening’. We are rather fond of the West Elm Sydney store in Bondi Junction too.

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Billini Shoes

by Hannah Ongley 16 September, 2013

written by Hannah Ongley

It’s not easy, having a chronic addiction to shoes. Particularly when there are so many enablers.

There are those strappy and sexy heels for after-dark deeds. The luxe perspex flats that scream for a beachside holiday, and bijoux embellishments you’re drawn to with a magpie’s eye.

The first step is admitting you’re stricken. But the second step isn’t abstinence – it’s denying that it’s not really a problem at all. You just need a more affordable option.

Luckily the sisters behind Billini are here to help. They, too, live with stilettos on their feet, their fingers on fashion’s racing pulse and their eyes on the latest runway trends – and a sound enough mind to know that high-end price tags aren’t always feasible.

Whether it’s the season’s must-have pieces, essential basics or a show stopper, Billini will tick all your boxes. See our top five picks, then head to their website and let your addiction take hold.

Billini

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Articles Design & Living Editor's Picks Living Melbourne Sydney

Our Top Picks for Hand Made Etsy Wonders

by Carrie Kwan 12 September, 2013

written by Carrie Kwan

The Merriweather Council
If it’s hand embroided necklaces and custom pieces to decorate your abode you seek, consult The Merriweather Council. Danielle Spurge, resident artist and stitch engineer decrees that each piece is hand made chosen from quality fabrics (think vintage and colourful) and threads. One stitch at a time she’s sending gifts and heirlooms around the world from Providence, Rhode Island.

Jac & Hugo
One part of Jac & Hugo is jewellery designer Jacqueline van Heyst. The other, Jacqueline’s constant companion while she works, Portuguese Water dog, Hugo. Jac does the majority share of the work – handcrafting sterling silver and gold rings, bracelets and pendants from a beautiful boathouse studio in Sydney. Using an age-old wax casting method and meticulously milled metals she’s your go-to for personalised sterling silver bangles, gold rings and hand stamped charms.

Marcue
When someone tells you to put on your dancing shoes, be sure that they’re from Marcue. Say goodbye to footsore Saturday nights; have the shoemakers here make you the perfect pair of princess slippers for the ball.

Tiny Tokens Designs
Keep your favourite affirmations, loved ones and secrets close. Sandi from Tiny Tokens Designs can hand stamp a keepsake jewellery into any shape or size you desire. Her assortment of necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings can be custom made to your specifications.

Jac & Hugo Gold Personalised Ring RRP:$403.00 www.etsy.com.au	Merriweather Council Embroidery Charm RRP:$39.00 www.etsy.com.au	Tiny Tokens Designs Tag Necklace RRP:$66.00+ www.etsy.com.au
Marcue Blue Leather Brogues RRP:$286.72 www.etsy.com.au	Jac & Hugo Personalised Bangle RRP:$198.00 www.etsy.com.au	Merriweather Council Embroidery Hoop RRP:$73.00 www.etsy.com.au
Marcue Yellow Leather Belt RRP:$100.35 www.etsy.com.au	Tiny Tokens Designs Initials Necklace RRP:$36.00+ www.etsy.com.au	Marcue White Leather Shoes RRP:$262.83 www.etsy.com.au
Tiny Tokens Designs Cufflinks RRP:$66.00 www.etsy.com.au	Jac & Hugo Sterling Silver Personalised Ring RRP:$168.00 www.etsy.com.au	Merriweather Council Embroidery Hoop RRP:$44.00 www.etsy.com.au