Sandi Sieger’s guide to what’s hot and happy(ning) this week. Here’s what you need to eat, drink, buy, try, visit, read to be merry.
EAT: Easey’s x The Emerson Boozy Bottomless Brunch
Easey’s has taken over The Emerson’s kitchen, and as a result is turning The Emerson rooftop into the best, boozy, bottomless brunch venue yet.
Every Saturday or Sunday, you can head to The Emerson from 12pm to 3pm for free-flowing mimosas, spritzes and bloody marys (of course), while indulging in an assortment of Easey’s mouth-watering canapés.
Can you think of a better way to spend your weekend than on a rooftop with a stellar city skyline, enjoying crunchy calamari, oozing cheese toasties and crisp lettuce tacos? We’ll wait…
Bookings for our fave Bottomless boozy brunch are essential, and for $59pp you really can’t go wrong!
Vegan options are available, but must be pre ordered.
More: www.theemerson.com.au/event/bottomlessbrunch
DRINK: At One Of Collingwood’s Favourite Watering Holes, Robert Burns Hotel
One of Collingwood’s oldest watering holes is undergoing a carefully considered transformation.
New owner Gerry Nass took over the lease at the Robert Burns Hotel in December 2018 and has been quietly making changes to revitalise the landmark corner venue as a public bar, bistro, garden dining, upstairs cocktail bar, and entertainment venue.
Robert Burns Hotel was well-known for serving Spanish food for the past two decades but it’s Spanish no more. In keeping with his true pub vision, Nass has replaced the Spanish fare for modern pub food. And the drinks list has had a re-vamp, too!
One of Melbourne’s favorite bar tenders Chris Hysted-Adams from Seven Ounces and Fancy Free Bar hospitality consultancy has put together a stellar spirits and cocktail list, that complements a neat wine list featuring a tight but interesting selection of Victorian, French and Italian wine. At the bar the main attraction is a wide selection of classic Australian, craft beer and cider on tap.
More: www.robertburnshotel.com.au
TRY: Upton’s Naturals’ Jackfruit
After kickstarting the jackfruit food trend in the States, Upton’s Naturals, an independently-owned, ethical vegan company, is the first to make pre-seasoned, heat-and-serve, natural jackfruit available in Australia. With over two million Aussies living a meat-free life, according to the latest Roy Morgan Research, this easy-to-prepare, whole-food meat alternative couldn’t be more timely.
When cooked up young (not ripe), the nutrient-dense, plant-based meat substitute tastes like perfect pulled pork or shredded chicken and is ideal for creating everything from tacos and sandwiches to stir fry and chilli.
Made using only simple, recognizable ingredients, Upton’s Naturals’ Jackfruit offers a good source of fibre, is completely free of cholesterol, gluten, soy, oil, GMO’s, and artificial flavours, and 100% vegan. The line up includes: Bar-B-Que, Thai Curry, Chili Lime, Sweet & Smoky*, Sriracha, and an unseasoned Original variety.
*Upton’s Naturals’ Sweet & Smoky Jackfruit is not soy free.
More: www.uptonsnaturals.com
BUY: Chris’ New Dip Range
Chris’ has released four delicious new flavours to its Homestyle range. All the new flavours are vegetarian and gluten free so, whether you’re entertaining friends at home, preparing a family picnic or inspiring your inner culinary-creativity for unique recipe ideas, Chris’ new homestyle range has something for everyone’s tastebuds.
My favourite is Chris’ Homestyle Spicy Jalapeno Hommus; the tingling dip combination is perfect for those with a sense of adventure and love for heat and spice.
More: https://eatloveshare.com.au
VISIT: Melbourne Dog Lovers Show
Celebrating its seventh year, Australia’s fabulous, furriest and most beloved dog-dedicated festival, the Melbourne Dog Lovers Show, is bounding back to the iconic Royal Exhibition Building from 3-5 May 2019, with more than 500 dogs represented by over 120 breeds.
The Show is 30% bigger to include a host of never-before seen entertainment, experts, exhibitors and K9-inspired experiences that will transform the world heritage listed building and outdoor forecourts.
The all-new VitaPet Arena will house the inaugural K9 Ninja Challenge presented by Farmer Dave Graham, where talented canines will compete paw-to-paw as they manoeuvre their way through a custom-built obstacle course testing the limits of strength, fitness and agility.
TV dog-training extraordinaire, Rodney Gooch, will host the exhilarating Flyball Racing Championship with teams of fearless canines jumping, fetching, tugging and sprinting against the clock. Rodney’s tricksters will also take part in the inaugural UpDog Challenge direct from the USA – an entertaining series of demonstrations that will test the abilities of dogs and handlers alike.
The incredible team of Skipping Dogs are an unmissable attraction as they double-dutch their way across the Arena on command! Rounding out the all-new Arena line-up, Dr Katrina Warren, Kelly Gill and The Wonderdogs return for their big birthday bash with canine party games the kids will love.
A range of ridiculously-talented dogs of all shapes and sizes will compete in the Black Hawk DockDogs SPLASHZONE (BYO raincoat) by launching themselves off a dock into a 100,000-litre pool! Look out for Big Air® (longest jump), Speed Retrieve® (fastest swimmer) and Extreme Vertical® (highest jump), guaranteed to have spectators struck with awe, amazement and fits of laughter.
Forget swiping left or right, this year’s Show is the pawfect opportunity for single dog-parents to meet and mingle at the Dog Lovers’ Speed Dating Zone, hosted by Singles Events Melbourne. Whether it’s romance or companionship, the Show is the ideal place to find a human happily ev-fur after with speed dating sessions on the hour.
The first ever DOGA demonstration (that’s yoga with your pooch) will give 30 lucky owners the chance to Downward Dog with the Rancan Sisters’ Adele & Lisa each day on the RACV Pet Insurance Stage.
More: dogloversshow.com.au/melbourne
READ: Bondi Trattoria by By Joe Pavlovich & Alasdair France
Sitting high above the world famous Bondi Beach with sweeping views of the golden sands, Bondi Trattoria is a local dining institution famous for both its food and location.
This cookbook takes you inside the kitchen of the Bondi Tratt, where menu staples, new dishes and a range of delicious recipes are lovingly prepared. The secrets behind the very best modern pasta, pizzas, vegetarian dishes, antipasti, and of course desserts are revealed by internationally renowned owners Joe Pavlovich and Alasdair France.
Recreate their modern Italian dishes with these simple step by step recipes which will bring a touch of goodness and sea air to your own kitchen.
Bondi Trattoria, New Holland Publishers, RRP $45.00 is available from all good book retailers or online at www.newhollandpublishers.com
