Take a show room full of imported luxury cars, add some of Sydney’s finest Middle Eastern chefs and producers, 200 or so foodies and you have the debut event of Souk Society. Dressed in cocktail attire, a stylish group of eager diners met at the Maserati showroom in Waterloo. Middle Eastern style cocktails were served on arrival while guests were invited to peruse the showroom, getting up close and personal with an abundance of shiny Maserati’s and Lamborghinis before dinner.

We were then escorted to an immaculate showroom with two beautiful long tables set side by side, surrounded by hanging cars. What came next was a Middle Eastern feast complete with welcoming hospitality, and exciting dishes, each prepared by a different chef.  Have a look at the photos below courtesy of Istyle Photography. I can’t wait to experience the next Souk Society event. I hear it’s going to be on Bondi Beach.

Starters

Fresh haloumi strips, watercress, lentils, chargrilled red capsicum and mint from Almond Bar

Griller eggplant topped with tomato mint and almond salad and green tahini dressing from Cafe Mint

Entrees

Cooked chicken tossed in sumac and arabic spices- topped with friend onion and toasted pine nuts wrapped in bread pocket from Lusso Tapas

King prawn wrapped in kadayif, pomegranate, muhammara from Efendy

Mains

Alexandrian style barramundi with taqila, caramelised onion, rice, pine nuts and lemon tahini paste from Amina Elshafei

Carob glazed beef cheef with freekah and sheep’s milk labne from Embers Mezze Bar

Dessert

Sweet sesame halama booze dipper in zokoko dark chocolate and pistachio praline from Booza

American walnut pancake pockets, orange blossom jame and rosewater syrup from Sea Sweet Patisserie

Dessert was served with lebanese style arabic coffee from Norma’s Lebanese Fine Foods. As for the drinks we had wine from Harkola Australia and beer fro 961.

Find out more about Souk Society on their Facebook http://facebook.com/souksociety

Everyone loves a little mystery in life. Surprise, intrigue and adventure are the foundations of a fun event. Add the elements of film, set design, costumes, actors and obscure locations and you have Underground Cinema. Having taken “the cinema out of the cinema” in Melbourne for the last four  years, Underground Cinema is a interactive experience that hit Sydney Town last year. Guests are completely unaware of where they are going until the day of the event or what movie they’ll be watching when they arrive. They are given a theme or era and asked to dress in character. Past films have included Lords of Dogtown and Children of Men. Underground Cinema joined creative forces with Secret Foodies earlier this year to bring to life the film Chocolat in a foodie meets film extravaganza. To find out more about Underground Cinema and all things secret in the world of film we caught up with Creative Director, Tamasein Holyman for a chat and asked her 10 questions.

1.    How would you describe Underground Cinema to someone who’d never been before?
It’s a live immersive world, where we have created the film’s atmosphere, set design costumes and actors, for you to play with. It’s a secret film, where no one knows the location or film title till the last minute. It’s about taking them on an adventure, pushing creative boundaries- becoming something you didn’t think you could be. It’s about being awake at a whole new level and expanding horizons.

2.    How did you come up with the concept?
Because no one else was doing it, there was a gap in the market where events were not unique, creative or detailed enough for me, so I wanted to create something that was beyond extraordinary, because that’s what I think people are looking for nowadays- a little bit of mystery and magic.

3.    Where do you see Underground Cinema in 3 years time?
Everywhere!

4.    What is your favourite movie of all time?
Tough, terrible question to ask! It changes, but at the moment it’d probably say Blade Runner, it changed my life.

5.    Where would we find you on a day off?
Probably watching a film somewhere cool like the Astor in Melbourne!

6.    Top 3 things you can’t live without?
Great food and wine, movies and books, and dear friends.

7.    Where is your favourite place to EAT when you’re in Sydney?

Buffalo Dining Club in Darlinghurst- I’ve just discovered the Carpaccio e Pepe- pretty friggen’ excited about it!

8.    Where is your favourite DRINK?
A beautiful big, quaffable red wine.

9.    Where is your favourite place to PLAY in Sydney?
Shady Pines Saloon

10. You’re sitting around your ultimate dinner party, which 5 guests (dead or alive) would be there

Cleopatra, Banksy, Mary Queen of Scotts, Steven Fry, Heston Blumenthal

To celebrate the next Underground Cinema event in Melbourne, SNOW, we are giving away x 2 double passes to their 2pm show on Sunday 26th May. To enter, visit Secret Foodies Facebook page and tell us in 25 words or less your favourite thing to do when you see snow. Most creative wins. Winners notified Wednesday 22nd May. Be sure to include #undergroundcinema

The Lord Dudley

Ah, The Lord Dudley, the one we all know and love. With a classic English-style pub decor, including massive armchairs, a glorious fireplace and a dartboard, you’re definitely going to want to settle down into this pub with a Guiness in hand for extra warmth.  The Lord Dudley hotel has bars on each of its three levels so you’re definitely spoilt for choice! Check out the ground level for a relaxing fire-side spot, or choose to get comfy in one of the quieter upstairs lounges. If you’re that one friend who always says “I don’t feel the cold!” then the garden restaurant is the one for you, with a fully-stocked bar for lunch and dinner.This wintery-warm bar even has Ms Darlinghurst’s seal of approval!

236 Jersey Rd, Woollahra 2025
02 93275399
http://www.lorddudley.com.au/

The Victoria Room

Fancy yourself a bit posh? Always thought you were meant to be a Royal? You’ll want to spend the Winter days hanging out at The Victoria Room. This restaurant-cum-bar in Sydney’s Darlinghurst is one classy establishment.  With designs inspired by the grand colonial bars of the 1800s, and large colonial armchairs, you’ll feel like you’re being transported back in time a couple hundred of years, whilst keeping cosy at the same time. Don’t forget to try their delicious drinks, from freshly pressed sugar cane juice to an entire spirits wall, unique cocktail list, wine, wine and more wine, and a fantastic dinner menu to boot.

Level 1, 235 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst 2010
02 9357 4488
http://www.thevictoriaroom.com/

3 Weeds

3 Weeds, some may remember as the Ladies Lounge, sports exquisite rich fabrics, plush banquette lounges and beautiful Florence Broadhurt wallpaper. It’s definitely a place you’re going to want to make friends with this Winter. The best part of 3 Weeds is their Wine Bar, furnished with leather armchairs and booth seating and stunning drapes. Just like The Victoria Room, The Wine Bar at 3 Weeds will transport you to an era of some serious old-time charm and elegance. Our tip? Get yourself a comfortable seat and sip on some Grandfather Port by the fire all night. You can’t get any classier.

197 Evans Street, Rozelle 2039
02 9818 2788
http://www.3weeds.com.au/

The Rum Diaries

The good old Rum Diaries. Just one foot in the door and you’ll instantly know this is where you’re going to want to hibernate for the Winter. Think dark wooden floorboards, timber bar, contemporary plush seats and a seriously warm ambiance. As you’d expect from the name, there’s plenty rum on offer. A few glasses and you’d be warm enough to spend the night on Bondi Beach! If you’re a smoker, you’ll receive some lovin’ too with large, comfy chairs and heaters set outside so you don’t have to brave the cold in favour of a cigarette. With an eclectic drink and food menu, look no further this Winter than The Rum Diaries.

288 Bondi Road, Bondi NSW 2026
02 93000 440
http://www.therumdiaries.com.au/

The Grasshopper

You don’t know about it, unless you know about it, is how many would describe The Grasshopper. Tucked away down Temperance Lane, you’d be hard pressed to find it, until you see a whole crowd of people hanging around the outside. With a bar downstairs and a restaurant upstairs, it’s one of the warmest places you’ll find this winter in the CBD, even without its own fireplace. And for all you environmentalists, you have even more of a reason to head over to The Grasshopper, with much of its furniture being sourced second hand, and the food and wine being largely organic. And if you’re still not sure, just know they’ve been voted Best Small Bar of the Year by Australian Bartender Magazine. See? We know what we’re talking about.

1 Temperance Lane, Sydney NSW
02 9947 9025
http://thegrasshopper.com.au/

The Commons

We don’t know what it is about 19th and 20th century designs that makes a bar so winter-friendly, but we’re running with it anyway. The Commons was inspired from its 160 year old structure, albeit with modern features that lighten the dark heritage building. Perhaps what makes The Commons appear so deliciously warm and perfect for winter are the low energy, LED lighting which creates stunning silhouettes against the beautiful sandstone walls. Head outside to the back garden, busting with exotic flora, or travel downstairs to the vinyl music library and listen to come cool tunes.

32 Burton St, Darlinghurst 2010
02 9358 1487
http://thecommons.com.au/

The great news is, there’s no need to fear the dreaded Sunday hangover any longer. The Passage has just launched Casualty Sundays – the complete hangover remedy. Come in for a juice and a burger (greasy food helps, it’s a fact) and walk out with a bag of groceries, putting you back on the right track to start the week!

Grocery bags are $30, with a mix of seasonal fruit and veg. To celebrate it’s launch, we have a Casualty Sunday Prize Pack to give away. This is your complete hangover remedy- a burger and juice + the grocery bag.

All you have to do is tell us (in 25 words or less) what your plans are for this Saturday night and whoever we think is going to need it most will WIN.

Winner contacted Friday 17 May via email and will be able enjoy a burger and juice plus pick their groceries up from The Passage on Sunday 19 May from 12pm onwards.

The Passage
231A Victoria St, Darlinghurst, 2010
9358 6116
http://thepassage.com.au/ 

The Pyrmont Wine Food and Art Festival will be hosted from the 17^th – 26^th of May around the beautiful Pirrama, Pyrmont area to promote and share the beautiful local produce of the Mudgee region. Lord Mayor Clover Moore commented on the benefits of city and country working together to deliver culturally rich and fruitful ventures for both those participating and visiting.

More importantly, The Pyrmont Food, Wine and Arts festivals is another great way that the City of Sydney and partners, has used to transform Pyrmont from an industrial brick district to a thriving hub of cultural events and activities.

The festival´s major outdoor event on the 18^th and 19^th of May, will be held at the award winning Pirrama Park. The weekend has been organized to celebrate the Pyrmont Art Prize. Over 300 beautiful and diverse works will be on display and up for sale over the course of the weekend. The theme of the popular Pyrmont Art Prize, is small is beautiful, and there are opportunities to win thousands of dollars in prizes, including the People´s Choice Award.

The Mudgee region will also be on showcase at Pirrama Park with the best local produce and wine on offer. The “Mudgee Way” has been recognized for its personality and charm, of the producer and their produce. There is a big focus on organic growing and building respect for the land, plants and animals that are part of the process. Moreover, a relationship between consumer and farmer has become a special and unique experience when visiting the Mudgee region.

Sue and Tony are the vibrant pair behind the artisan wine, Short Sheep. The name is a story in itself and one worth asking about. Short Sheep represents the Mudgee philosophy, in the way they engage the people around them, promote sustainable practice and offer a memorable experience in wine tasting and making. They are also very generous, Short Sheep support organisations like Wine to Water, SES, The Rural Fire Brigade and are releasing a “Graffiti Shiraz” to sponsor disadvantaged youth. For details about their wine-matched Pyrmont event, click HERE.

And of course, there is the produce. Stone fruits, golden olive oils, tapenades, honey, hazelnuts, pistachios, jams, wine jellies, chutneys, marinades and a  range of fresh milk cheeses. It will be an absolute delight to not only taste these lovely treats but to also meet and greet the people behind them. The Pyrmont Festival will be a chance for Sydney siders to experience the country by the water and an event one not to be missed.

There will be a variety of art and dining events over the 10 days, between the 17th – 26th of May.  For details and costs of up and coming events visit WEBSITE.

The Bourbon has reopened in Potts Point resembling nothing of its former life. For starters, the pokies are gone and have been replaced with style, elegance and an impressive food offering. I was recently invited to dinner at The Bourbon to try popular dishes from their new menu.

Head Chef James Metcalfe brings with him a wealth of experience having worked in top Michelin star restaurants in London before becoming the Group Executive Head Chef of Justin North’s Becasse Group. He’s found his feet at The Bourbon where the food is inspired by the flavours of New Orleans, something quite different for Sydney. Although dining here is a relaxed experience each dish has been thoughtfully plated showing Metcalfe’s experience. It’s a nice change from the dude food and Mexican wave that’s swept across Sydney of late.

If only these walls could speak. A Kings Cross icon, The Bourbon has such history and Managing Director, Chris Cheung has tastefully reinvented the space mixing 1920s style features with modern day aesthetics. The lighting is warm and inviting with splashes of marble, brass and timber throughout. The kitchen is open plan with fresh oysters on show. Open late with live music every night and doors open until 4am Fri-Sun The Bourbon appeals to many needs.

Go to The Bourbon for a share style dinner and drinks during the week, grab a late night bite or simply sit at the bar and listen to some live music.

Here are some of the dishes I tried.  My favourites were the deep fried oysters and the chowder. I’m a sweet tooth so enjoyed all of the desserts.

Mexican Bloody Mary

Deep Fried Oysters with Rockafeller Mayo

Fresh Sydney Rock Oysters

Bloody Mary Granita Oysters

Hiramasa Kingfish Ceviche with Citrus and Radish

Fresh Bread with Oliva Oil and Chow Chow

Gumbo – spicy duck broth, smoked sausage, red chilli, and coriander

Clam and corn chowder- little neck clams, corn, bacon

Melon and ham- watermelon, Serrano, mint, chilli, white pepper vinegar

Cobb salad- boiled egg, chick wings, avocado, tomato, crispy bacon, watercress, Bellingham blue cheese, pickled shallots

Jambalaya- spiced risotto, shrimp, chilli, lime, bacon, smoked sausage,

Glazed beef rib- four hours slow cooked

The Bourbon tasting plate- dessert selection s’mores, lime cheesecake, beignets, pecan tart and pumpkin brulee

James Metcalfe in action

Mon- Wed 10am-1am, Thurs 10am-2am, Fri 10am-4am, Sat 9am-4am, Sun 9am-1am

Read 10 Questions with James Metcalfe here: http://eatdrinkplay.com/eat/restaurants/10-questions-with-james-metcalfe/

Shane Delia is an award-winning chef and restaurateur. His new show, Shane Delia’s Spice Journey has just started on SBS, taking viewers on a culinary adventure through the middle east. Embracing his heritage and discovering ancient recipes along the way he applies his inspiration and unique cooking style on screen. It’s sure to leave us wanting more.

We recently caught up with Shane for a chat about food, cooking and his new TV series:

1. What Middle Eastern dish do you love cooking? Kibbe Naya when I have amazing fresh lamb or goat.

2. What is your favourite spice? Right now it would have to be saffron. I brought back 1kg from Iran and I’m in love with it.

3. Top 3 ingredients you can’t live without? Water, eggs and salt.

4. What can we expect to see on your new TV series, Shane Delia’s Spice Journey? A culinary pilgrimage! If you’re in Melbourne,
you can try the dishes I cook on the show in my restaurant maha (http://www.mahabg.com.au/).

5. Where would we find you when you’re not in the kitchen? At home sleeping; I’m always at work!

6. Where is your favourite place to EAT in Sydney? Depends on who I’m with but I would have to say Lucio’s Pizzeria.

7. Best bar/club/place to PLAY in Sydney? Palmer&Co in Abercrombie Lane

8. Where do you find the best produce? Again it depends on what I’m looking for but I have a small supplier who specialises in one or two products.

9. What is your food philosophy? Life is too short to eat boring food!

10. What plate of food would you bring to a potluck dinner? My maha slow roasted lamb shoulder. It is a winner!

For more info on Shane Delia visit his website: http://www.shanedelia.com.au/ or follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/shanedelia

To enter, tell us (in 25 words or less) why your mum is so mint.

Winner notified via email on Friday 10 May. Most creative answer wins.

The Sydney Mint Cafe
10 Macquarie Street, Sydney
http://www.trippaswhitegroup.com.au/our-venues/The-Sydney-Mint-Café/8 

Where to go on Mother’s Day

Morena 

Latin America Cuisine restaurant, Morena, in Surry Hills, is offering two great deals this coming Mother’s Day. Choose the lunch menu and you will receive some great sharing and individual Latin American meals.  Or take your mum out for dinner, which features a five course menu especially created to share, inspired by Morena’s Chef Saravia’s memories from his grandmother’s cooking. The lunch menu is $45 per person including complimentary sparkling on arrival. The dinner menu is $65 per person, also including complimentary sparkling on arrival.

14/425 Bourke St, Surry Hills, 2010
0405 902 896
http://www.morena.com.au

Bei Amici

Italian restaurant, Bei Amici, in Darling Point, is offering a gorgeous three course menu for Mother’s Day. For $75 per person, for both the lunch and dinner menu, you’ll receive a shared entree, main and a dessert. Bei Amici is one of the Eastern Suburb’s best kept secrets and what better way to spoil your mum than taking her to this hidden gem.

2B Mona Rd, Darling Point
02 9328 0305
www.beiamici.com.au

Monopole

If your mum loves a great wine, take her for a lunch or dinner to the new wine bar and eatery, Monopole, in Potts Point. Opening just last year by Chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt from the multi-award winning Bentley Restaurant & Bar in Surry Hills, Monopole is offering a great lunch menu for $65 per person. For dinner they will be running the full a la carte menu. So for a fabulous meal and some beautiful wine, take your mum to Monopole.

71A Macleay Street, Potts Point, 2011
02 9360 4410
http://monopolesydney.com.au/

The Pavilion

And if you didn’t think you already had enough choice, why don’t you spoil your mum with a gourmet lunch at The Pavilion? You’ll receive a sparkling wine on arrival whilst you view the gorgeous grounds of the leafy Domain. At The Pavilion you and your mum or the whole family can enjoy a relaxed dining experience, right in the heart of the city.  For the two course meal it’s $65 per person, for the three course meal, $85 per person and for the children’s menu it’s $26 per person.

The Pavilion, 1 Art Gallery Road, 2000
02 9232 1322
www.pavilionrestaurant.com.au

Botanic Gardens Restaurant

Burrowed in the extraordinary Royal Botanic Gardens is the stunning Botanic Gardens Restaurant. This charming restaurant boasts an exquisite open-air dining whilst you survey some of Australia’s most beautiful flora and fauna. There’s no better setting to treat your mum to a delicious three-course lunch set in one of Australia’s most renowned gardens. The offer also includes a glass of sparkling wine – perfect! Only $85 per adult and $25 per child.

Botanic Gardens Restaurant, Mrs Macquaries Road, 2000
02 9241 2419
www.botanicrestaurant.com.au

Where to go on Mother’s Day when on a Budget

The Grounds of Alexandria Organic Market

If you’re looking for something that’s not too pricey, why don’t you head to The Ground’s markets. Experience an alternative to the traditional Mother’s Day lunch and wander around the markets, viewing all the great products artisan stall holders have to offer! Check out the Salt Meats Cheeses, Kakawa Hand Made choccies, some Organic Skincare, herbs and honey and loads more. It’s also a great place for some sneaky last minute gift purchases. It’s kid friendly too, with a baby animal farm (also fun for the adults, might we add).

The Grounds of Alexandria, Building 7A/2 Huntley St, Alexandria
8am – 3pm, Sat 11 and Sun 12th May

A Family Picnic

One thing your mum will love on Mother’s Day is a family picnic. Pack some yummy nibbles, a bottle of wine, a comfy blanket and voila, your mum will be in heaven. Just make sure she does none of the preparation, it’s all up to you! What better way to thank your mum for everything she’s done for you than by dedicating a day spent relaxing as a family, reminiscing about the past while she gets teary-eyed about how quickly you’ve grown up. And for old times sake, you could even throw in some family albums. Try Centennial Parklands, Hyde Park, Nielsen park, Coogee Beach, North Bondi, or for an extra special view, you could even try nab a spot at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.

Museum of Contemporary Art Cafe and Sculpture Terrace

Why not head on down to The Mueseum of Contemporary Art Cafe at The Rocks and indulge in some afternoon coffee and cake with your mum? Sit down, relax, and soak up the magnificent views that Sydney Harbour has to offer. Not really a coffee person? Treat your mum to a glass of wine, or two, or you know, a bottle. Once you’ve finished up there you can then stroll over to The Rocks Markets and immerse yourselves in local artisan produce, one-off jewelry designs, original contemporary Australian artwork and much more.

140 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney
Open daily 10am-4pm
02 9250 8443
http://www.mca.com.au/visit/mca-cafe-sculpture-terrace/

The Rocks
10am – 5pm Saturday and Sunday
http://www.therocks.com/sydney-Shopping-The_Rocks_Markets.htm

Gift Ideas your Mum will Love

A Secret Foodies Voucher 

A perfect Mother’s Day gift idea is a Secret Foodies gift vouchers!  If your mum loves food, meeting new people and trying out new and unique places, then you know this is the right gift for her. Vouchers are valid for 6 months and you can choose from the following value amounts: $60, $70, $80, $90, $100 and $150. Buy yours here.

Mamma’s Brandy Bomb Limited Edition Cheese from Salt Meats Cheese

Whilst your roaming around The Grounds Market, think about buying this as a last minute gift for your mum: Brandy Bomb Limited Edition Cheese. It’s a French goat’s cheese wrapped in Calvados-soaked vine leaves (Fun fact: Calvados is a fine apple brandy from Normandy). Soaked for at least three days, it boasts a full and aromatic flavor. It’s quirky and edible. She’ll love it.

Cost: $13 (delivery extra) or $20 a gift pack (with dried figs, apricots, nuts and jam).

Oz Harvest Cookbook

OzHarvest, Australia’s most famous food rescue charity, is launching its first cookbook. The cookbook features ‘food rescue’ ideas, with more than 120 recipes from 44 of the country’s most admired chefs, uncovering the top secrets for using left-overs. Some featured chefs your mum knows and loves are Maggie Beer, George Colombaris, peter Gilmore, Bill Granger and Neil Perry. Plus, for every book purchased, 60 meals will be delivers to those in need. We know our mum’s hate it when we leave food on our plates, but with this cookbook, she’ll be able to actually do something with those leftovers.

RRP: $59.95
http://www.ozharvest.org/index.asp

A Potts Point icon, The Bourbon, has recently embarked on a new chapter paying homage to it’s heritage with a unique food and live music experience. The rebirth has seen a tasteful reinvention of the interior blending New Orleans flair and timeless elegance.
Head Chef, James Metcalfe, prides himself on exquisite food influenced by New Orleans flavours with a contemporary twist. There’s sharing, grazing and feasting options from lunch through to late night supper.
Capturing the essence of the famous Rue Bourbon there is live music seven nights a week, showcasing Sydney and Australia’s diverse musical talent.

We recently caught up with James who gave us a little insight into his life:

1. Where did your inspiration for the menu at The Bourbon come from?
I had a brief to keep in line with some of the history of the bourbon. We used New Orleans to inspire the menu, but in no way did we want to keep it classic or authentic. The menu is seasoned with the spices of the south but in a Sydney style, being cleaner, lighter and fresher.

2. Top 3 ingredients you can’t live without?
Star anise, duck fat & chardonnay vinegar

3. Do you cook, eat out or take out on your nights off and what do you eat?
I love to do all of them! We love to cook on the BBQ when its warm, home cooked lasagna when it’s cold and if it’s take out then Thai from spice I am. We try to eat out once a month too!

4. Where do you find the best produce?
Having a great relationship with my suppliers is a must including Frank from Decosti seafood, Anthony from Vics meats and our various suppliers at the markets. They always keep me up to date with great produce. Keeping in touch with local, seasonal produce always ensures the best quality dishes as an end result

5. What is your food philosophy?
Clean, simple, fresh & seasonal. Respect the produce and you can’t go wrong.

6. Where is your favourite place to eat in Sydney?
Spice I Am, or Pilu & for breakfast David Bitton

7. Your fondest childhood foodie memory?
It would have to be opening up the first elderflower champagne after storing it for 3 months with my Nana. It used to burst open with bubbles everywhere – it tasted amazing.

8. Favourite drink?
After work on the weekend it would have to be cold beer!

9. Where would we find you when you’re not in the kitchen?
Hanging out with my 1 year son Benjamin, we love the park, the zoo or anywhere outside really!

10. What plate of food would you bring to a potluck dinner?
It would have to be The Bourbon’s 4 hour slow cooked beef rib. We poach it for 2 hours then marinate in spices, garlic vinegar & olive oil, then slow roast it on the rotisserie. It’s marbled so it’s soft, moist and meaty.

The Bourbon

22 Darlinghurst Road,
Potts Point, NSW, 2011
(02) 9035 8888
http://www.thebourbon.com.au/