THR1VE ‘Paleo-To- Go’ Opening in the new Emporium this Friday 9 May

 

World-wide scientific validation of the Paleo and Primal dietary protocols, also known as the ancestral health movement, is attracting the attention of people concerned about what they should eat to enhance their health, body composition, and performance.

In additional to the compelling empirical evidence supporting the principles underpinning the THR1VE menu, the anecdotal evidence provided by everyday customers and participants in the THR1VE 12 Week challenge is inspiring.  Indeed, the Swedish government has recently completely rewritten their dietary recommendations, aligned with the THR1VE menu and inspired by Paleo and Primal diets.

Why?  Because the Paleo and Primal lifestyle works!  And fast….

Blood markers of health consistently improve, and often dramatically.  Body composition improves as fat is shed and muscle gained, without tedious counting of calories, or constant weighing and measuring foods.  Energy is both enhanced, and more consistent throughout the day, as the sugar roller coaster is finally forgotten.

The delicious Paleo inspired menu from THR1VE is rich in quality sources of protein such as meat and fish, high in fresh and seasonal nutrient dense vegetables, utilises smart and low GI carbohydrates, is ALWAYS gluten free, and has absolutely no added sugar.

They are chef-designed and nutritionist approved to enhance the way people look, feel and perform, and are served within minutes.  THR1VE has eliminated the excuses for eating poorly on the go – delicious and nutritious, convenient and fast, satisfying and great value.  Breakfast and lunch options range from $6-13.

THR1VE Sydney, at MLC Food Court on Martin Place, has been a smash hit.
THR1VE Canberra has quickly won a loyal and passionate following.  THR1VE Melbourne opens at Emporium on May 9th, with another Sydney store at Westfield Pitt St opening in July, and Brisbane PO Square in September.

What may appear to be an instant success story results from combining the business expertise and personal passions of THR1VE’s founder and CEO, Josh Sparks.  Previously Josh was CEO for sass & bide, Thom Browne in New York, and a MD with Urban Outfitters Inc. in Philadelphia.

Josh says, “I believe the THRIVE Paleo-to-go concept is a world first.  Over 5 years ago I embraced Paleo and Primal as I searched for diet and exercise regimes to support a life lived to the full.  By eliminating processed foods, processed carbs and sugar, and gluten, I immediately noticed dramatic changes to the way I looked, felt and performed.  Inspired by a desire to bring this lifestyle to everyone, I founded THR1VE, and now our customers share similar stories with us every day.

THR1VE takes the guesswork out of having a healthy diet when you are on the go.”

Home Cook Hero Lyndey Milan Showcases the Best Australia has to Offer

Lyndey Milan’s Taste of Australia on 7TWO Sundays at 1.30pm (EST)
Australia’s much-loved food personality, Lyndey Milan has returned to television with a series close to her heart. Lyndey, who was recently awarded an OAM for services to the Australian food and wine industry, is once again on the hunt for the best food, wine and fun on offer – this time in her own backyard.
Over 14 episodes, Lyndey Milan’s Taste of Australia explores the characters, places and pastures which make up the backbone of Australia’s thriving culinary culture.
Lyndey, whose previous series have seen her travel to Greece and Ireland, has forged a career championing regional produce and this series sees the vivacious TV cook at her best as she unearths some of the finest Australian food, wine and producer stories.
“Australian food is so diverse that often people don’t know what we grow here. There are very few countries where you can visit a wagyu farm, hand milk salmon, ride a camel along the beach and then enjoy a fabulous meal accompanied by a glass of local wine,” says Lyndey.
“To me, it is this diversity which defines the Australian food industry and that’s what this series is all about,” adds Lyndey.
In addition to stunning backdrops and plates of lusciously tempting food, Lyndey also meets some familiar faces along her travels.
Rick Stein, Neil Perry, Maggie Beer, Pete Evans and Tetsuya Wakuda are just some of the faces that crop up throughout the program in addition to a plethora of food producers and wine-makers.
And while the series seeks to showcase some of the country’s hidden gems, it also pays homage to experiences that are true blue through and through such as wood chopping at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and boot scootin’ at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Whether fishing, foraging for mushrooms or snail farming, Lyndey’s passion for Australian food and produce is contagious. This 14 part series explores the best the sunburnt country has to offer from traditional, Aboriginal native foods to refined contemporary classics as seen through the eyes of an Aussie food legend.

The Local Market Guide Launches ‘Markets in May’ May 1st at Martin Place, Sydney

Thursday May 1, 2014 marks the launch of a month long celebration called ‘Markets in May,’ a community event celebrating all the wonderful markets being held weekly in and around our city. For the month of May, markets organisers are being encouraged to organise engaging activities and programs alongside their regular market.  Events such as farmer and artisan discussions, cooking demos, art exhibitions, sustainability workshops, discount incentives, market tours,performances, morning tea’s and free children activities are just some of activities markets in and around Sydney will be offering to promote their point of difference and collectively build awareness around the importance of markets in the community and shopping locally!

 

To kick off the celebration The Local Market Guide ( www.localmarketguide.com.au ), an online directory dedicated  to showcasing markets in and around Sydney, will be holding a free market day in the heart of the CBD at the Martin Place Amphitheater at 12 midday, Thursday May 1st, 2014.  The market will feature the best of the best-handpicked traders in quality food produce from various local markets around town, giving them an opportunity to sample their gourmet treats to a busy CBD audience.
Confirmed stall holders include; Brasserie Bread, Gwydir Grove– Olive Oils from Moree, Inside Out Nutririous Goods, Tarlat Thai- pre-cooked take home healthy Thai meals and Pod Cusine– pre-biotic gluten free meals, Pepe Saya, Dessertmakers, Keys to Fine Food, Rarlat Thai, Maggie McKeevers, Briliant Food, Ttotaler and go-go healthy.

The markets will also feature entertainment and alfresco market style experience where the busy CBD traffic can take a break in their day to wander through stalls offering samples and engaging conversation with stallholders about their produce and the markets they are associated with.
Markets in May organiser and director of The Local Market Guide, Edwina Volz believes “The demand for markets is continuing to grow as we increasingly prefer to buy local. We want it fresh and organic, we want it locally made and we love supporting small local business. ‘Markets in May’ is a great opportunity to align local markets and collectively promote their value to both shoppers and the community. Over 200 markets operate in the greater Sydney region every month; we would love to see the campaign expand geographically and become an annual event”.

Sharpen Your Knives! The Art of Butchery

Gault&Millau is launching its Culinary Lecture series with a butchery class led by Head Chef of Bishop Sessa Paul Cooper, along with Haverick Meats on Saturday 3 May.

“Following on from Easter we thought it would be the perfect time to conduct a butchery class with Lamb – this is the class for those looking to take their knife skills to the next level,” says Gault&Millau Australia Chief Judge/Manager, Mark Dorrell.

Watch as Chef Cooper and the Haverick Meats Head Butcher breakdown a whole lamb, walk you through what to look for at the market when it comes to cuts and produce and enjoy a cooking demonstration led by Chef Cooper.

“It’s the complete culinary lecture experience for the serious foodie – not only will you learn some great take home tips and recipes but also learn the technical side to the dish – the art of butchery – plus sit down for a lunch spread with the Chef and butcher!” says Dorrell.

Head Chef Paul Cooper applies a nose-to-tail philosophy, purchasing all meat as the whole carcass which he then breaks down himself on site.

“Chef Cooper represents the modern chef – he is committed to sustainable ethos by utilising all elements of the beast and only sourcing the best meats from local farmers. He is a highly skilled chef so we are looking forward to learning not only the technical skill involved but recipes that keep his customers coming back again and again,” says Dorrell.

The Lamb Butchery Culinary Lecture will be the final event attended by Gault&Millau France Chief Judge Marc Esquerré on his Australia promotional trip.

“This will be the last stop for France Chief Judge Marc Esquerré who will have eaten his way through Sydney and Melbourne’s top restaurants so the lunch conversation will be interesting!” says Dorrell.

Limited tickets available ($60pp incl. GST), bookings available through Haverick Meats on 9316 8900. Event includes butchery demonstration, cooking class, full sit down lunch and gift bag.

Qantas presents ‘Australia’s Best Home Cooked Dish’ State Winners Announced

The Noosa International Food and Wine Festival 2014 is proud to announce and congratulate the six state winners of the festival’s hot new competition, the Qantas Presents ‘Australia’s Best Home Cooked Dish Competition’.

 

Brenda Farr (WA), Sally Cranney (SA), Silvana Magazin (TAS), Sofia Cristopolous (VIC), Margun Carless (NSW) and Brett Holmes (QLD) are now on their way to Noosa to compete in the National Grand Final at the Festival, May 15-18.
The Grand Final will take place on Sunday May 18, where the competitors will cook alongside top chefs and festival attendees and will be judged by a panel of the leading chefs, Jim Berardo, Festival Director, and representatives from competition sponsors Qantas and taste.com.au.
There will also be a “People’s Choice” Award, also voted on Sunday May 18, decided by Festival goers after tasting dishes produced by each finalist available at the Festival Village.

All six state winners have won a trip for two to Noosa for a five-night stay at Netanya Beachfront Resort to enjoy Australia’s Premier food, wine and lifestyle event with flights from Qantas.
The competition received hundreds of entrants from each state and the Festival’s Executive Chef, Tim Montgomery, said the standard of entries was truly impressive. “The standard of home cooking in Australia is clearly very high; local produce is often featured and recipes that showcase our multicultural society. There is a new interest in healthy, tasty dishes served at home and an increased sophistication in our collective national palate,” said Mr Montgomery.
Since the competition launch in September 2013, the Festival was inundated with aspiring chefs’ entries and recipes to go in the running for the substantial $23,000 grand prize package which includes a trip for two to London, $5000 cash from Westpac, Kitchenaid and ILVE appliances, Mary Ryan’s $2000 cookbook voucher, and the honour of taking out Qantas Presents ‘Australia’s Best Home Cook Dish 2014’.
Festival Director, Jim Berardo, was thrilled at the response to the competition.  Jim believes that the interest and involvement of people from all corners of the country in the competition is indicative of how important all regions are to the collective culinary scene in Australia.
“We think this adds an exciting new dimension to the Festival and the chance to go to the heart of cooking; the home kitchen and highlight the best dishes being produced there by home cooks. We are excited to use our Festival as the platform to showcase the incredible talent and love of food that exists here in Australia,” Mr Berardo said.

Competition sponsor, Westpac’s Queensland State General Manager Retail and Business Banking, Michael Wright endorses the competition, confirming that Westpac has been helping Australians fulfil their dreams, for over 196 years, from internationally renowned chefs to budding home cooks. “This is a great opportunity for ordinary people to do something extraordinary and we are excited to be a part of the Australia’s Best Home Cook Dish competition in its inaugural year,” Mr Wright said.
Noosa International Food & Wine Festival goers not only experience the ultimate in food, wine, music and lifestyle but also have the opportunity to bask in one of Australia’s most iconic holiday destinations. With Noosa Main beach, Noosa National Park and the fabulous Hastings St with its shops and restaurants, all within short walking distance of the festival, people can easily move between the Festival Village, the Qantas Beach Marquee and surrounds, without needing a car.

MORE INFORMATION:

A range of ticketing packages are available at www.noosafoodandwine.com.au  or by downloading the free Festival Smartphone app. Buy tickets before April 1 and receive a 10% discount on most Festival events.
Daily General Admission prices are $40 (adult) and $20 (child) and include Celebrity Chef Cooking Demonstrations, Culinary Exhibits, The Courier-Mail Annexe, Food Critics’ Cooking Competitions and live entertainment.  Weekend Gold Passes which include entry to the Seppelt and Westpac Hospitality Pavilions and preferential concert seating are $330pp.
Become a Chilli on the Festival Facebook page and receive updates and information on competitions.

The full Festival Program: www.noosafoodandwine.com.au/program

The full line up of visiting Chefs: http://www.noosafoodandwine.com.au/whos-coming/

Accommodation packages: http://www.noosafoodandwine.com.au/accommodation/ and ‘Stay and Play’ packages:http://www.visitsunshinecoast.com.au/events/stay-and-play-event-packages

Media accreditation and images: http://www.noosafoodandwine.com.au/media-centre/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoosaFoodWineFestival

“EAT – Merimbula” A Foodie Providore Event Like No Other

An oyster experience like no other in the world will be on offer for local families and visitors at this year’s Eat Merimbula, on Sunday, March 9.
Adventurous foodies will be able to slip on a pair of waders and stroll across the shallow bed of Merimbula Lake to a floating table to sample freshly opened oysters, a good local drop and chat with local oyster farmers.
Grower and environmental manager for Bega Coast Oysters, Sue McIntyre challenged foodies to test their palate and pick the best oyster, as each estuary has it’s own nuance.
“We can source oysters from four estuaries across the Bega Valley so people will get to taste the variety of flavour from each estuary,” she said, expertly opening an oyster for fellow organiser Natalie Godward.
“We’ll have oysters from Wapengo, Merimbula, Pambula and Wonboyn and you can be the judge.”
Natalie pointed across the water to the grassy shorefront at Fishpen, whichis where the skilled hands of local chefs will be turning our local produce into an experience to be savoured during the festival.
“‘Our most accomplished local chefs will provide plated premium local fare to tempt you as you walk along the beautiful foreshore”, she said.
‘‘We’ll have up to 20 of our best chefs and food entrepreneurs each creating something special for the day from freshly harvested seafood and salads along with locally bred and raised free range meats and dairy.”
“Think pulled-pork rolls from Quaama, salt and pepper squid from Bermagui, Eden’s mussels and squid, giant seafood paella and native fruit wines.”
“Even the humble sausage sandwich has been given the special treatment with meats from Quaama and home crafted chutneys.”
Sapphire Coast Tourism’s Anthony Osborne said 2000 hungry foodies cleaned out last year’s inaugural event in a matter of hours.
“You might actually get something to eat this year,” he laughed.
“Last year was the inaugural event and everyone sold out before lunch – people clearly have an appetite for great food in a stellar setting and this year we’ll ready for a big day.”

See what’s cooking in the lead up to the festival at Sapphire Coast’s Facebook page.

Participants include:

Zanzibar

Bar Beach Kiosk

Barrabaroo Farm Fresh Meats

Lakeview Hotel

Cheeky Mango Café

Cobargo Ice Cream

Cranky Café

Elysium Native Fruit Wines

Hardcore Carnivore

Rusty Fig Wines

Original Fix

Merimbula Wharf and Aquarium

Wyndham StoneFruits

Pambula Merimbula Golf Club (K&R Catering)

Poppy’s Courtyard Café
Bega Coast Oyster

Tastes of Rutherglen Wine and Food Festival March 8-9 & 15-16th

Set over two fantastic weekends in March, Rutherglen hosts the ultimate gourmand’s party – Tastes of Rutherglen – as leading regional chefs and local winemakers partner in the ultimate progressive lunch in NE Victoria.
Tastes of Rutherglen is a roving festival with a hop-on/hop-off shuttle that encourages you to map out your own weekend. Wine, food, music and authentic, rustic fun seamlessly blend!  With plenty of activities for the novice wine fan to the experienced connoisseur as well as things planned for the children at many of the wineries, there is something to enjoy for the entire family.
New this year:

Each of the four shuttle routes are themed to match their gourmet and wine offering. Visit each winery on the route by shuttle/car/cycle for a Taste experience extraordinaire!
More Activities have been added as an option for redeeming your tickets! Now you can choose between entrée sized plates and a glass of wine or something interactive such as a Wine Master class or cooking classes. How about “Bonjour Rutherglen” or “Sweet and Sticky in the cellar” to pique your interest?
A Designated Drivers Tastes Pack (sans wine glass!) is available when you order 2 or more packs online  or at a winery if you wish to use your own vehicle.

 

Brochure listing all events and booking are available online at: www.winemakers.com.au

Southern Highlands ‘Flavours of Summer’ Australia Day Weekend

A variety of things to see and do will celebrate Australia Day weekend in the Southern Highlands.

Part of the ‘Flavours’ series of events held throughout the year, the program highlights the best of food and wine happenings offered by local foodies, producers & wineries round the region.

Program:

‘Music in the Vines’ Joadja Vineyards, Sunday 26 January with the Sydney’s top Blues Group ‘Backsliders’. Visitors can taste the latest wine releases, picnic in the vines and listen to this fabulous group.

NO ENTRY FEE !  From 1pm.   Joajda Vineyards, Greenhills & Joadja Rd. Berrima

www.joadjawinery.com.au

Lisun Exotic Mushroom Tunnel tours, Mittagong:   Sunday 26 January.
Tour times:  10.30am and 12.30pm

Visitors can see an amazing display of exotics growing in this disused Railway Tunnel guided by guru Dr. Noel Arrold.   Booking essential:info@highlandsfoodiegroup.com.au

More details   02 4871 2524

Hot Canary Gourmet Meats, Saturday 25 January  –  From 11.30am.

Enjoy a BBQ with Award Winning Australian Lamb Sausages & Salt Bush Lamb, check out the huge range of gourmet produce and products

Cnr. Station & Bowral Sts. Bowral

‘Australia Day Wine CelebrationTour’ with Highland Wine Tours.  

Sunday 26 January –  From 8.30am  pick up at accommodation

 Visit Bousaada and Banjos’ Run Vineyards for tastings of the latest & most popular vintages, Joadja Vineyards’ for hot pizza & ‘Music in the Vines’ with top Sydney Blues Band ‘Backsliders’.  From 1pm.  Details: T: 0410590044. john@highlandswinetours.com.au

Highland Gourmet Potatoes.  Plus freshly picked plus seasonal vegetables.  Roadside

Stall open all weekend.  46 Wildes Meadow Rd. Wildes Meadow (via Moss Vale or Bowral). Details:  041727767

Bousaada Vineyard & Wines.  MEAD & HONEY TASTING & TALK – Celebrating the launch of the brand new Stringy Bark Mead, Sat. 25 & Sun. 26 January -1 – 3pm

At Cellar Door, Kells Creek Rd. Mittagong. Bookings: 0421 716 768  www.bousaada.com

Bernies Diner, Moss Vale.   This new & acclaimed ‘50s USA style diner has the most amazing ambience.  Open all weekend with a special Australia Day menu designed by Chef extraordinaire & Soda Jerk Guiliano ably assisted by Soda Jerk & Manager Ioannis.

A family ‘affair’ dating back to the 1920s. !    Check them out on Facebook.  402 Argyle St. Moss Vale.

Marist Wines, The Hermitage, Old South Rd. Mittagong.  This superb century old property is one of the most beautiful vineyards in the Highlands. Cellar Door is open all weekend – 11am to 4pm.   Now tastings and  sales:  2012 Pinot Noir and 2013 Cabernet Merlot   www.maristwines.com.au

NOTE:  See a full list of  A full list of ‘happenings’ on www.highlandsfoodiegroup.com.au

FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/HIGHLANDS-FOODIE-GROUP/331753338576

The Ultimate Wine Experience Awaits

Whether you are a wine aficionado eager to taste the latest medal-winning drops or looking to spend a great afternoon with friends, the Sydney Royal Wine Experience will be the perfect indulgence.
With a new home and new date for 2014, the Sydney Royal Wine Experience will provide guests the exclusive opportunity to sample from over 1,000 featured wines from around Australia, including the newly-awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medal and trophy-winning wines from the Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show.

Friendly staff will be on hand to help guests select, taste and assess the awarded wines. For those keen to learn more about their favourite wines, walking tours led by industry experts are available, as are ’meet and greet’ with producers. Such opportunities to learn the “ins and outs” of wine shows are rare.

A generous selection of award-winning produce from the Sydney Royal Fine Food and Cheese & Dairy Produce Shows, including medal winning hams, dips, olives, cheese and bread, will also be on offer for grazing.

Tickets are strictly limited, so we encourage early purchase to avoid disappointment.

To purchase tickets, head to www.sydneyroyal.com.au/wineexperience

When                   Saturday 1 March, 2014 (2pm – 6pm)

Where                  Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

Tickets             $75 single^*

$140 double^*

^*includes Riedel Ouverture white wine glass (value $20) and Results Catalogue from the Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show

$99 Riedel Glass Tasting⁺

⁺includes Vinum XL red wine tasting set (value $210)

Special Offer     January Jolly to blast the ‘back to work’ blues away:

Buy your tickets online now and you could win 1 of 5 double passes to the exclusive Riedel glass tasting tutorial in our jolly January offer. Simply tell us in 25 words or less whether you prefer a good Aussie White or Red and why?

Enjoy Asia’s Hottest Lunar Feasts in Sydney this February

After its unprecedented success last year, Lunar Feasts is back again to serve up mouthwatering fixed-price meals from award-winning restaurants across Sydney.
Part of the City of Sydney’s 2014 Chinese New Year Festival, Lunar Feasts offers diners a chance to enjoy set meals, platters and banquets from 29 of the hottest Asian restaurants in Sydney, including Din Tai Fung, Ms. G’s and Chefs Gallery.

With such an abundant variety available, Lord Mayor Clover Moore said it was a great opportunity for Sydneysiders to experience the unique flavours of Asian food.

“Chinese New Year Festival is a celebration of food and family, and our Lunar Feasts program perfectly captures the spirit of the festivities as you indulge in delicious meals in the company of your loved ones,” the Lord Mayor said.

With choices on offer for as low as $20, everyone in Sydney is able to enjoy the unique Asian flavours – while embracing the spirit of the Year of the Horse

Sydney’s Chinese New Year Lunar Feasts highlights include:
Din Tai Fung Dumpling Bar – Shop 11.04, World Square Shopping Centre
Basket of pork dumplings, hot and sour soup, shrimp and pork wontons, fried rice, trio of Golden Lava and Chinese tea for $20pp.

Chefs Gallery – 12/501 George Street, Sydney
Six-course banquet served with jasmine rice and Chinese tea. Dishes include Peking duck, soft shell crab, slow-cooked Dong Po pork belly and many more for $35pp.

Ms. G’s – 155 Victoria Road, Potts Point
Eight-course banquet plus an entrée of choice ranging from crispy pork, calamari and pineapple salad, fried chicken chops or crispy skin barramundi for $50pp.

The Century ­– The Star, Pyrmont
Banquet featuring The Century Lo Hei Salad – a popular Chinese New Year salad mix of salmon sashimi and ingredients representing good fortune for $50pp.

Azuma Japanese Restaurant – Level 1, Chifley Plaza

Sukiyaki hot pot with accompaniments, served with Azuma’s signature tuna salad and a glass of red or white wine for $50pp.

Along with Lunar Feasts, food lovers can also experience these exciting food events during Chinese New Year:

Mahjong Play Lunch – 312 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Enjoy dim sum, tea and drinks as you learn how to play mahjong for $39pp

Chinese Tea Ceremony and Yum Cha – 656 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
Sip on the finest grade teas, from delicate white to fragrant oolongs, as you enjoy yum cha and learn how tea is produced for $45pp.