When: 7pm, Tuesday, 4 June 2013

Where: Palace Verona Cinema, 17 Oxford Street, Paddington

Cost: $35 per ticket

Dress code:  Smart casual

Urban Chic Guides is proudly supporting this event, being run by Liz White, who is participating in the MS Cycle de France, which is raising much needed funds for Australians living with Multiple Sclerosis.

In June, Liz and a group of committed cyclists will head to Europe for an 8 day, 525km cycling tour through the French Alps.  That’s no easy feat!

So, come along to The Great Gatsby Movie Night and contribute to the cost of her challenge where she has pledged to raise $5000 for Australians living with MS!

Tickets are $35 each and include:

• Glass of bubbles on arrival (before movie commences at 8pm)
• 3D glasses
• Ticket to The Great Gatsby movie
• One entry to the raffle draw

Raffle prizes to be won:

• A $200 Bar Tab at Uncle Mings
• Dinner for two (entree, main, and dessert, drinks not included) at Rabbit Hole Bar and Dining
• Wallet, Tie and Cufflink Pack (valued at over $170) from Malebox - for great men’s gifts
• 2 x Double Passes to any Palace Cinema

Click here to make a tax deductible donation directly to Liz’s fundraising goal of $5000 for Australians living with MS!

Event proudly supported by:

Raffle prizes proudly donated by:

* Featured on the Urban Chic Hot List

Bourke Street Bakery is a Sydney institution, famous for good reason.  Starting off in Surry Hills back in 2004, the bakery has now expanded to locations also at Potts Point, Alexandria, Marrickville and Neutral Bay.

With produce made by hand using only the best quality ingredients, you sure can taste the difference.  All you have to do is try their Pork and Fennel Sausage Roll, Ginger Brulee Tart, Rosemary, Sage, Confit Garlic & Pink Salt Sourdough, in fact anything at all, to know we’re quite right.  They do coffee too, of course.  It just keeps getting better, doesn’t it?

It’s takeaway only at the Surry Hills location, but you’ll find seating at the other spots.  A word of warning, though.  Whatever location you visit will be packed and you should prepare yourself to wait in line.

Hosting a party?  Be sure to check out their Catering Menu.

Visit the Potts Point location ‘after hours’ for a share style dinner menu.  Think pate, salads, charcuterie, cheese, antipasti and slow roasted meats, washed down with a NSW focused wine selection.  Yummo!

Your waistline may not thank us for this recommendation, but your taste-buds certainly will!

In a nutshell:

Price – $ – really, a steal for such artisanal quality.
Fare – excellent.  INCREDIBLE cakes, pastries and baked goods.  Seriously good.  Great cup of coffee.
Service – adequate.  Probably not the best you’ve ever experienced, but we can overlook it for food this good.
Location – 4 handy locations.
Ambience – always busy, casual, relaxed vibe.

633 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
+61 2 9699 1011
Mon – Fri – 7am – 6pm, Sat – Sun – 8am – 5pm

46a Macleay Street, Potts Point
+61 2 9380 9700
Mon – Fri – 7am – 5pm, Sat – Sun – 8am – 5pm, After Hours – Tues – Sat – 6pm – 10pm

474 Gardeners Road, Alexandria
+61 2 8339 1001
7 days – 7am – 4pm

2 Mitchell Street, Marrickville
+61 2 9569 3225
7 days – 7am – 4pm

Shop 7, 19 – 25 Grosvernor Street, Neutral Bay
+61 2 9953 5555
Mon – Fri – 7am – 5pm, Sat – Sun – 8am – 5pm

Bourke Street Bakery website

Li’l Darlin Surry Hills introduces their Sunday Remedy!

Starting Sunday, 19 May, between 2 – 4pm, treat yourself to:

• $4.50 pizzas
• $3 house wine, beer and bubbles

Get into it!

Read our review of Li’l Darlin Darlinghurst here.

* Note:  Sunday Remedy is avaiilable at the Surry Hills location only.

Li’l Darlin, 420 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills
+61 2 9698 5488
Sunday Remedy – 2 – 4pm Sunday’s, commencing Sunday, 19 May 2013

Li’l Darlin website

It’s no secret we love a Sydney Festival, but a Sydney ‘foodie‘ Festival takes it to a whole new level.  If you’re a food, wine and art lover, then you’re not going to want to miss the Pyrmont Festival.

Running for 10 days, the Pyrmont Festival is a celebration of the best food, wine and art from the Pyrmont and Mudgee Regions.  Top chefs from Pyrmont eateries will team up with wine producers from the Mudgee region to bring us a program chock full of wine and food paired dining options as well as art and photographic exhibitions.  Say what?!

The Festival’s major outdoor (free) event, ‘Wine, Food and Art in Pirrama Park’, will be held over the weekend of 18 & 19 May and take it from us, you should clear your diary now.  Here you will taste over 100 Mudgee wines, not to mention tantalise your taste buds with the gourmet produce on offer.  So, bring your picnic rug and ‘get amongst it’ as we like to say.

If you want to participate in the wine and food matched dining events, then you’re going to want to make a booking.  Our only difficulty is narrowing down our choices – we want to try everything!  You’ve got venues such as Flying Fish Restaurant & Bar and Ripples Sydney Wharf putting on a great show.

Oh, and they are also offering Progressive Dinner Walks!  What a great way to get a taste of what’s on offer.

So, check out their website for more info.

Pyrmont Festival – 17 – 26 May 2013|
Pyrmont

Pyrmont Festival website

Sydney is a city for those who enjoy the great outdoors, providing some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world in our opinion.  We think one of the best ways to really enjoy this city in all her glory is to pack a picnic basket filled with gourmet goodies, a picnic rug and a good bottle of vino and head to that perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon, soaking up those gorgeous Sydney views.

Check out our Top 10 Sydney picnic spots in no particular order:

1. Mrs Macquaries Chair
   Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
   Sydney’s quintessential picnic spot with possibly THE most stunning view of Sydney harbour.  Plenty of trees to provide shade.  Count the number of weddings you see!
2. Wendy’s Secret Garden
   Clark Park, Lavender Street, Lavender Bay
   This lush and tranquil secret garden with harbour views, created by Wendy, wife of Australian artist Brett Whiteley, is a real gem.   Though, a word of warning – it is not easy to find – we did say ‘secret’!
3. Nielsen Park
   Vaucluse Road & Greycliffe Avenue, Vaucluse
   Hidden away in toffy Vaucluse is Nielson Park.  Here you can soak up sparkling water views with your picnic and even take a dip at Shark Beach, should your heart desire.
4. Centennial Park
   Centennial Parklands, Moore Park
   The People’s Park is the perfect picnic spot.  A huge oasis so close to the city, with picnic spots galore – simply choose your perfect setting.
5. Hyde Park
   Elizabeth Street, Sydney
   Let’s not forget the city’s very own Hyde Park, in fact Australia’s oldest park.  The perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the corporate world for a cheeky mid-week picnic.
6. Shelley Beach
   Bowler Street, Manly
   Take the ferry to Manly for a picnic at Shelley Beach.  Should you feel like a little exercise, there’s a bush track and the snorkeling is some of the best in Sydney.
7. McKell Park
   Darling Point Road, Darling Point
   Boasting stunning harbour views, this is a killer picnic spot, set among manicured lawns and lavish Darling Point residences.  Also, conveniently located close to the ferry.
8. Gordon’s Bay
   Major Street, Coogee
   Take the staircase down from the street and you’ll be met with a hidden aquatic reserve, with a Mediterranean fishing village vibe.  It makes for a great picnic spot.  Plus, there is always the Bondi – Coogee coastal walk, should you over indulge.
9. Royal Botanical Gardens
   Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
   Leave the city behind and take a stroll through the stunningly tranquil Botanical Gardens, where you’re assured of the perfect picnic location.  Take you pick.
10. Observatory Hill
    Watson’s Road, Sydney
    Postcard worthy views make this a stunning location for a picnic.  Plus, you can visit the Observatory whilst you’re there.  Also provides a glorious sunset view.

How’s the serenity?

The Tea Salon at Westfield Sydney is launching a series of ‘Modern Manners’ Workshops and we can’t think of a more perfect setting to brush up on our ps and qs.

Commencing Thursday, 16 May, this series of 6 workshops will provide fun and informative sessions covering aspects of modern manners, from avoiding a work fashion faux pas, to the art of a graceful exit.  Etiquette guru and host Nathy Gaffney is well versed in the subject, so you’re sure to learn a thing or two about sometimes forgotten social decorum.

The Modern Manners Series:

• Workshop 1: First impressions count (Thursday, May 16^th)
• Workshop 2: How to win friends and interest people (Thursday, June 13^th)
• Workshop 3: Business communication etiquette (Thursday, July 11^th)
• Workshop 4: Dress for success (Thursday, August 8^th)
• Workshop 5: Brand “You” (Thursday, September 5^th)
• Workshop 6: Surviving corporate dinners and events (Thursday, October 3^rd)

Workshops cost $45 each and include a glass of bubbly and canapes on arrival, or you can book the entire series for $225.

So, embrace your inner Kate Middleton.  She knows poise, etiquette and good manners will serve you well.  Your grandmother would be proud.

Click here for more information about the Modern Manners Workshops.

Click here to book your place at a Modern Manners Workshop.

‘Modern Manners’ Workshops at The Tea Salon
6 sessions, commencing on Thursday 16 May and concluding on Thursday, 3 October 2013
The Tea Salon, Westfield Sydney, Level 4, Cnr Pitt Street Mall and Market Street, Sydney
+61 2 9357 4488

The Tea Salon website

Zeta Bar, hidden away on level 4 at Hilton Sydney is one of our go to cocktail bar recommendations.

We love the sexy, low lit, ultra glamorous interior, the warm and inviting plush lounges, not to mention the outdoor terrace with that drop dead gorgeous view of the QVB.

This bar has won multiple cocktail awards.  They sure do serve up funky concoctions of the liquid kind here.  In fact, you can choose from their ‘Traditional’, ‘Experimental’, ‘Deconstructed’, ‘Twisted Classics’, ‘Forgotten Classics’, or ‘Tiki’ cocktail menus.  Sure, the drinks may not be cheap, but take it from us they are that good, you’re likely to forget their cost at just one sip.

Twice a year, Zeta hosts Friday night special events, with past concepts including Extreme Cabaret, Coney Island, Farmers Market and The Secret Garden.

We love this bar for a drink after work, or pre or post dinner.  A great place to unwind.  Though be aware,  Saturday nights are stepped up at Zeta, featuring a hot DJ with a club/party vibe.

In a nutshell:

Price – $$ – expect to pay for drinks of this caliber.
Fare – excellent.  Top quality, inventive cocktail list and impressive wine list.
Service – efficient.
Location – centrally located in the Hilton Hotel in the CBD.
Ambience – sexy, glamorous, slick, uber cool.

Level 4, Hilton Sydney, 488 George Street, Sydney
+61 2 9265 6070
Mon – Thurs – 5pm – 12am, Friday, 5pm – 2am, Sat – 5pm – 3am

Zeta Bar website

* Featured on the Urban Chic Hot List

A Tavola, translates to ‘to the table’, and is a smart and cute Italian bistro, that’s been a firm favourite of ours for years.

The entrance to the restaurant is dominated by a large marble communal dining table, while the back room and the upstairs sections provide more intimate seating with smaller tables.

You can always be assured of friendly efficient service and consistently good quality food, at reasonable prices.

The restaurant’s main menu is printed on a small piece of paper tucked into your napkin.  Take our advice and immediately put this to the side.  Not that there aren’t some great options on this menu, but you’re after the good stuff.  You want that Blackboard menu.  The Blackboard menu contains their ‘specials’ – especially their homemade pasta selections for the evening.  This is where you’ll find those true gems.

Just be sure to leave room for the salted caramel dessert, which is served to look like a cappuccino – it is well worth those extra calories!

Insider tip:  If you’re looking for a pre or post dinner drink, why not try The Victoria Room, conveniently located just across the road.

In a nutshell:

Price – $$- reasonably priced for such consistent quality.
Fare – excellent.  INCREDIBLE handmade pastas and rustic Italian dishes.
Service – personal, friendly, warm and knowledgeable.
Location – conveniently located on drinking & dining hot spot Victoria Street.
Ambience – warm, inviting, rustic with a modern twist.

348 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst
+61 2  9331 7871
Dinner – Mon – Sat – 6pm – late, Lunch – Fri – 12pm – 3pm

A Tavola website

No clutter, no junk, just straight to the meat (pun intended).  Brought to you by well-informed industry folk.

We know you.

You like to eat, drink and be entertained, but you like to do it in style.  You want good quality all the way.  You like good coffee (and/or tea for that matter).  You certainly don’t drink cask wine and you have a taste for interesting cultural endeavours.

You don’t have much free time so what you do have, you want to spend wisely.  You want to get straight to the source and you want to get there in a few short clicks.

Boy oh boy, have we got you covered.

We have 30 years of combined experience in the food, wine, hospitality, administration and events industries.  We are not just bringing you what we ‘like’ we are bringing you what’s ‘superior’, based on an educated criteria.

We take an impartial, well-informed approach to breaking down the good, the bad and the downright ugly.

Our rating system is simple – we focus on fare (or booze if that’s the offering), service, location and ambience.  We keep it straightforward.  If it doesn’t meet these simple criteria it’s not featured.

Lastly, we subscribe to the school of thought that says “if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all”.  We just feature what we can’t stop talking about, for all the right reasons.

So, what are you waiting for?  Get the Urban Chic Lifestyle.  Get clicking.

Introducing Shannon

Shannon Cremer, Co-Founder of Urban Chic Guides.  

Self confessed foodie, wine enthusiast, serial traveler, entrepreneur and professional networker.

It’s fair to say Shannon has spent the majority of her free time eating and entertaining her way through the globe’s greatest cities.  When she’s not preparing travel itineraries or planning  dinners and events for the world’s top and most discerning CEO’s, that is.  Many an event venue has been found or restaurant recommendation lovingly penned by her hand and thus, Urban Chic Guides was born.

Shannon believes wholeheartedly in foods ability to bring people together, to share and connect and it is this passion that drives Urban Chic Guides.  Watch this space and get your appetites ready!

Introducing Nicole

Nicole Nguyen, Co-Founder of Urban Chic Guides.  

Foodie, champagne and coffee junkie, hotelier, marketeer and entrepreneur.  When she’s not in the kitchen cooking, she’s researching the next place to dine out or go for coffee, wherever in the world that may be.

It’s fair to say food, wine and travel are her 3 great loves.  (Ahem, re-phrase, her daughter and husband take the top 2 spots, so these are then relegated to the next in line… better dear?).

Having spent 15 years in global hotels and tourism, Nicole has lived and breathed hospitality, food, service and travel.  And so, Urban Chic Guides fits snuggly in her corner taking pride of place (alongside the wine fridge and coffee machine).

* Featured on the Urban Chic Hot List

Vietnamese is fast becoming one of our favourite Asian cuisines.  We love the clean flavours, the balance of sweet and sour and their use of fresh aromatic herbs.  So tasty!

Let us introduce you to one of our favourite Vientamese inner city spots, Phamish.

Now, we must warn you, this is not a fancy place.  There is not a white tablecloth in sight.  You will sit on plastic stools and drink your (BYO) wine out of tumblers.  But, that all adds to the charm.

Phamish relocated from it’s old Paddington digs to Darlinghurst some years ago and it now sits in the courtyard off Palmer Street, next to Lucio Pizzeria and Universal.  They don’t take bookings and they get busy.  You’ll want to arrive with your bottle of wine in hand, put your name down for a table, leave your number and head off to nearby East Village Hotel for a drink while you wait.

Once you take your seat on the plastic stool, you’ll be met with a no-nonsense menu of reasonably priced Vietnamese dishes.  We can never go past the Duck Pancakes to start and the Salt and Pepper Squid is a knockout.  The food has met a consistent standard for years.

Whilst we admit, you may find more authentic Vietnamese restaurants in Cabramatta, we can’t help but love this little gem, plastic seats and all.  We hope you love it too.

In a nutshell:

Price – $ – really, a steal for such good food.
Fare – excellent.  Variety of tasty Vietnamese and Asian inspired dishes.  BYO only.
Service – efficient.
Location – tucked away in a Darlinghurst backstreet, just down from the East Village Hotel.  Street parking.
Ambience – casual, relaxed, funky local vibe.

248 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst
+61 2 9357 2688