Sandi Sieger’s guide to what’s hot and happy(ning) this week. Eat, drink, buy, try, visit, read, be merry.
EAT: Table of Plenty Panko Crumbs
Table of Plenty has just launched its new Panko Crumbs – packets of crunch that are healthier and tastier than breadcrumbs. Panko Crumbs are an easy way to add texture and flavour to everyday cooking including frying, roasting and binding.
They come in two flavours: Italian Herb Blend and Deep South Cajun. They’re the perfect shortcut to making an everyday meal feel a little fancier. The Panko Crumbs are made from all-natural ingredients with no bulkers or fillers and are inspired by a Japanese technique of crumbing.
The range is available at Woolworths in the spices section for RRP $4.50.
DRINK: Brown & Co. Wine
The Brown Family Wine Group, known for leading brand Brown Brothers, has just launched Brown & Co. – targeting the next generation of wine drinkers, appealing to the changing tastes and values of Australia’s younger consumers.
Co.nciously grown. Co.mpletely Australian. Co.ntains less sugar. And a little more real.
Brown & Co.’s debut drops are a refreshing duo named A Little Sweet Rosé and A Little Dry Moscato, and they’re here just in time for summer.
Brown & Co pairs with every situation, from eating spicy Thai with your best mates at your favourite BYO restaurant, to shovelling mouthfuls of popcorn on the couch while binging the latest Netflix doco. They make for a great little Chrissy pressie, too. Bring to family lunch, an end of year picnic in the park with friends and a NYE bash.
BUY: Retreat Society Self-Care Cards
Retreat Society recently launched a new product: a deck of cards with self-care activities and affirmations to help people pause and take a moment to themselves, away from the daily grind.
Self-care can sometimes feel too hard or complicated, like another thing on the to-do list, so the aim of these cards is to simplify self-care and get back to basics – without any pressure and without it feeling like a chore.
I keep mine on my desk and pick one at random a day. They give me a small space to breathe, to shift my attention and to come back to myself.
TRY: Nikkia Joy’s Velvet Finishing Powder
I’ve done it. I’ve found the perfect finishing powder. I’ve given it a good run and I can confirm Nikkia Joy’s Velvet Finishing Powder ($55) has a staying power and finish unlike anything I’ve ever used before. Even in 40 degree weather, this powder singlehandedly kept my makeup at bay.
The multi-use, soft focus finishing powder controls shine for up to 16 hours. It gives the skin a smooth, matte finish whilst deeply conditioning with six power ingredients to improve skin condition and hydration. Use underneath makeup to smooth texture and control oil production and on top of makeup to lock in place and prevent caking/separation. This powder is also vegan and cruelty free. It:
- Minimises pores
- Blurs fine lines & imperfections
- Locks makeup in place
- Controls shine
- Controls excess oil production
- Prevents makeup from creasing, caking & separating
- Improves skin condition
- Hydrates and conditions the skin
- Extends makeup wear
- Triple milled for luxurious, velvet finish
- 100% translucent
- Lightly scented with natural Vanillin (no artificial fragrances)
VISIT: Pinchy’s Champagne and Lobster Bar
Pinchy’s Champagne and Lobster Bar is back with an extensive chablis collection and premium new seafood offering from a stellar new kitchen team led by Head Chef Jack Tsai (Benu, Attica, Fera at Claridge’s) and Sous Chef Cameron Tay-Yap (Attica, Omnia Bistro), enabling the perfect setting for long, luxuriant summer lunches and dinners.
The seafood oasis in the centre of Melbourne’s CBD boasts one of the city’s best balconies, and the new 300 plus champagne and chablis menu sourced from owner Jeremy Schinck’s own cellar is designed to enhance the Pinchy’s experience.
Front of house, the team has spent time in training during lockdown to deliver a relaxed but highly knowledgeable service led by Malcolm Singh (Pei Modern, Press Club), guiding beverage selections and encouraging diners to experience the menu as a degustation and return to favourite dishes as they linger over wine and champagne.
Inspired by coastal settings from around the world, Pinchy’s menu showcases the fruits of the sea, comprising an array of sustainable and wild-caught seafood from premium local and international suppliers.
READ: Memorial by Bryan Washington
The young Bryan Washington took the book world by storm last year with his debut short story collection, LOT – a love letter to his hometown of Houston that received rave reviews from critics — including former President Obama, who called the book one of his favourites for the year.
Memorial is a fresh, vibrant love story that interweaves race, queerness, nationality, family and intimacy with narrative ease.
Memorial, by Bryan Washington, Allen&Unwin, is out now.
