Sandi Sieger’s guide to what’s hot and happy(ning) this week. Eat, drink, buy, try, visit, read, be merry.
EAT: Tassal Salmon
I’ve been buying Tassal Salmon for years, but did you know Tassal also offer fresh prawns, barramundi and more, all sourced from Australia’s finest local seafood.
Sourcing the best in fresh seafood can sometimes be a challenge, but since I discovered Tassal’s variety, I’ve been able to up the seafood in my diet.
Chef, and Tassal ambassador, Guy Turland has kindly shared his tips on how to prepare the ultimate seafood entertaining spread for summer, and into the warm days of autumn:
- Use seasonal ingredients: Making the most of the abundance of fresh ingredients available in summer is a must. Mangos, berries, tomatoes, lettuce, smoked salmon, prawns and barramundi are all wonderfully fresh in the warmer months.
- Don’t spend hours cooking: What I love about entertaining in summer is how easy it is to put together delicious meals that don’t require as much cooking. Preparing platters and salads is an easy way to impress guests, without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Add colour to the tablescape: Wow guests by making the set up really pop with colour using summer linens – think a patterned napery or coloured glassware. Fresh florals and vibrant food, like the orange shells of Tassal Aussie Tiger Prawns, can also add interest to the tablescape, making a beautiful environment.
- Food and drink pairing: A quintessential summer entertaining spread is deserving of a perfectly paired drink – beer battered Tassal Barra and Chips shines with a crisp, cold larger; a seafood charcuterie with Tassal Tiger Prawns and Smoked Salmon is best matched with a classic Aussie Chardonnay; and a fresh summer salad with Tassal Salmon pairs perfectly with a chilled dry Rosé or Riesling.
DRINK: Beresford Wines
As the entertaining season approaches, Beresford Wines is thrilled to announce that its Classic Shiraz 2021 and Emblem ‘Old Vine’ Grenache 2023 have each been awarded 95-point Gold Medals at the 2024 McLaren Vale Wine Show.
Beresford Wines are perfect for elevating any gathering, from casual dinners to special celebrations. The award-winning wines bring a taste of McLaren Vale’s finest directly to your table.
“Our philosophy is to craft wines that capture the essence of McLaren Vale while enhancing moments shared around the table,” says Chris Dix, Head Winemaker at Beresford Estate. “We’re fortunate to have vineyards in the premium Blewitt Springs sub-region, allowing us to produce wines of outstanding quality and character. These recent accolades are a testament to our dedication to capturing this in every bottle.”
The two award-winning wines you must try are:
Classic Shiraz 2021
Beresford’s Classic Shiraz 2021 showcases the power and elegance of McLaren Vale’s signature varietal, making it an impressive choice for entertaining. With aromas of blueberry, red cherry, and plum accented by eucalyptus and five-spice, this medium-bodied Shiraz has a complex and balanced palate that’s smooth yet full of depth. Aged in a blend of French and American oak, it brings a silky finish, ideal for pairing with a range of dishes.
Emblem ‘Old Vine’ Grenache 2023
The Emblem ‘Old Vine’ Grenache 2023 is a standout for gatherings, sourced from Beresford’s 60-year-old bush vine vineyard. With vibrant layers of strawberry jam, cherry, and dark plum complemented by hints of fennel and mint, this Grenache is smooth yet expressive. Crafted with 20% whole bunch and aged in large, old puncheons, the wine’s character fully shines through, making it a versatile and memorable choice for entertaining.
Available at Dan Murphy’s, Liquorland, First Choice, and independent retailers, Beresford’s Classic Shiraz and Emblem Grenache are accessible additions to elevate your gatherings. For more information, visit beresfordestate.com.au.
BUY: Hydragun’s HeatPod
I can confidently say that the Hydragun HeatPod has been a game-changer for me. I use it at least three times a week—usually five, and honestly, daily if I can. It’s become an essential part of my routine, whether I’m winding down before bed, recovering after a workout, or just carving out some time to reset.
The benefits are undeniable. It helps with muscle recovery, melts away stress, and gives me that post-sauna glow. The deep, penetrating heat works wonders for tension and any lingering aches, and I’ve noticed a real difference in my overall energy levels and sleep quality. It’s like getting the benefits of a full sauna session—right at home, whenever I need it, but while I’m watching my latest TV show.
Beyond the physical benefits, using the HeatPod has become a ritual that signals my body and mind to slow down. It’s my time to unplug, breathe, recharge and SWEAT—something I didn’t realise I needed as much as I do. If you’ve been on the fence about infrared therapy, this is your sign. The HeatPod is an investment in your body, mind, and long-term wellness. I can’t imagine my life without it. Genuinely.
TRY: Everlasting Candle Co.
Founded by two Australian-born entrepreneurs, Everlasting Candle Co. is not just another candle company; it’s a movement towards sustainable luxury. The brand’s signature product is a clean-burning, reusable candlestick made from steel that never melts, fueled by the exclusive Pristine Oil®. This smoke-free, scent-free candle experience is patent pending and unparalleled in the market, combining aesthetic beauty with functionality.
Each Everlasting Candle is handmade in Vancouver, Canada, in partnership with the Disability Association of Canada. This collaboration not only ensures exceptional quality but also empowers individuals with disabilities by providing fair and equal employment opportunities. Every purchase supports this mission, creating a brighter, more inclusive future.
Jervis Collection: In celebration of Everlasting Candle Co.’s Australian launch, they proudly present the Jervis Collection, inspired by the stunning beaches of Australia. This collection captures the essence of Australia’s coastal beauty, featuring designs and colours that evoke the serene and picturesque landscapes of beaches like Jervis Bay. Each piece in the Jervis Collection is a tribute to our homeland’s natural splendour, offering a piece of Australia’s serene coastal ambiance to your home.
Wylie Collection: The Wylie Collection is the brand’s signature range of luxurious steel candles available in an array of colours. From ‘Clear’, through to ‘Black’, and ‘Golden Hour’, embrace the candle that never melts – providing endless clean burning ambience to your home.
Neva Collection: The Neva Collection is designed out of inspiration from the magic of a snow globe (neva is the Latin word for snow). Its minimalistic yet bold and beautiful presence is guaranteed to have all house guests swooning.
For more information about Everlasting Candle Co. visit www.everlastingcandleco.com.au
VISIT: 123BOOM!
A new era of entertainment has hit Melbourne as 123BOOM!, the adrenalin-pumping in-real-life arcade experience, has made its Australian debut at 551 Little Collins Street.
The immersive experience invites thrill seekers of all ages to dive into a world of challenges, puzzles and high stakes fun, launching locals into a nostalgic yet futuristic blast from the past.
Designed for teams of 4-8 players, 123BOOM! features six distinct rooms for players to earn points, each with its own unique theme and gameplay, preparing them for the ultimate test: THE BOMB!
Each team must race against the clock to disarm a paint-filled explosive or face the consequences.
The six explosive rooms include:
- Casual Chaos: A multi-screen information-sharing challenge that requires razor-sharp communication to succeed.
- Loko Laser: Dodge and weave through intricate laser patterns to unlock the next stage.
- Banana Ball: Test personal aim in this carnival-inspired ball-shooting game.
- Retro Runner: Navigate a lava-filled virtual world while collecting keys and dodging monsters and fireballs.
- Magic Matrix: Players turn themselves into a human mouse! Solve puzzles by physically moving avatars around the room.
- Kboom: The grand finale where every second counts. Work together to disarm the bomb and avoid the ultimate BOOM!
We have a four ticket bundle to 123BOOM! to giveaway, valued at $256! To be in with a chance to win, simply email info@onyamagazine.com with the subject line 123BOOM! and let us know why you’d like to experience 123BOOM! with three friends. The winner will be notified via email on Friday February 28, 2025.
READ: Five Seasons in Seoul by Christine Newell
At 28-years-old, musical theatre performer Christine Newell found herself at a crossroads. She was dealing with the grief of her father’s death and struggling to find work that didn’t involve dressing up as a tap-dancing dinosaur. In a stroke of serendipity, she came across an
opportunity to work for a year at the experimental theatre company, LATT Theatre, in South Korea. Five Seasons in Seoul is Christine’s story of those twelve months – from battling anxiety and imposter syndrome to embarking on a new romance, touring regional South Korea and exploring new foods and culture.
Thanks to the meteoric rise of K-pop, K-dramas and K-beauty, South Korea has skyrocketed to one of Australian tourists’ most popular travel destinations. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian visitor numbers to South Korea have risen by almost a third since 2019. Christine’s rich descriptions of the country prove why it remains a tourist hotspot: the glitz and bustle of Seoul, the food, vibrant culture, and stunning forests and wildlife.
Five Seasons in Seoul is structured around the ancient concept of Yin and Yang, in which all matter in the universe is derived from five natural elements – wood, fire, metal, water and earth – which each correlate to a season of the year. Throughout the book, Christine weaves Korean history, philosophy and Confucian ideology that she learned during her time in Seoul.
Engaging with Korean culture and philosophy provided solace as she grieved her father. She reflects that ‘death in Korea, much like winter, is not an ending, it is a transition’.
A sumptuous, reflective travel memoir, Five Seasons in Seoul will appeal to fans of Pip Williams’ One Italian Summer and Laura Waters’ Bewildered, and is sure to bump South Korea to the top of readers’ bucket lists.
Five Seasons in Seoul is released on 25 February, 2025, Affirm Press, RRP: $34.99.
