Posts Tagged ‘Sydney’

Taste of Sydney 11-14th March 2010 Centennial Park

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Taste of Sydney, the foodie event of the summer, is returning to Sydney this March 11-14, 2010 even bigger and better than last year. Sydney’s top chefs, the finest artisan producers and discerning gourmands will be mingling in the beautiful surrounds of Centennial Parklands.

The hardest decisions at Taste of Sydney will be what to eat and where to head! Where else can you sample an entrée from Marque, a main from Aria and a dessert from Bécasse? At Taste of Sydney, discover a tasting menu of 50 dishes from the city’s finest restaurants. Over 4 days, Centennial Parklands is transformed into a culinary haven where visitors will have the opportunity to dream up their ultimate degustation menu while discovering fine wines and specialty food and drink at the Taste Producers Market.

Taste Kitchen

Watch the professionals in action. Sydney’s award-winning chefs will conduct cooking demonstrations, sharing the secrets of their favourite dishes and offering tips and advice for those who are serious about food.

Want to know the tricks of the trade from the experts? This is where to do it.

Purveyors will also be on hand to unveil the latest food trends and talk about where to source the best produce. 

Taste Sydney 2009

Join one of the many featured chefs for a chat over a glass of wine and canapes. Find out how Mark Best of Marque Restaurant began his career and quiz Giovanni Pilu of Pilu at Freshwater on where he finds the best seafood. Perhaps Miguel Maestre of El Toro Loco will reveal the secret to a good sangria.

Taste Wine

Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced wine connoisseur, polish your palate with the wine experts, wine producers and sommeliers at this showcase of the best red, white, sparkling and dessert wines.

Sessions include a Chandon sparkling masterclass, pinot at 10 paces and sommelier showdown.

Producers’ Market

More than 100 food and drink stalls will be dotted around the park showcasing wine, beer, meats and many other speciality foods. Suppliers include McGuigan Wines, Pukara Estate Olive Oil, Movenpick of Switzerland, Bultarra Saltbush Lamb, Yarra Valley Dairy and Sparkle Cupcakery.

World-class cuisine

Mini kitchens from 16 restaurants will serve miniature versions of their award-winning dishes, some traditional favourites and enticing new offerings.

Celebrity chefs

Many chefs wear more than one hat these days, spreading their talents to television shows and writing books. Among the famous faces will be Aria’s Matt Moran and Guillaume Brahimi, who heads up Guillaume at Bennelong.


Hostec tries a touch of Spanish at Velero

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

With summer sadly coming to an end over the weekend, I thought I should tackle the task of having one last dinner in one of Sydney’s hot spots (tough life!). As the late sunsets will become fewer and fewer, I got myself down to Woolloomooloo with my lovely family on Friday night for a taste of Spanish tapas at Velero. The evening started well with a taste of bubbles and fresh cured meats, but with every expectation to experience provincial Spain the excitement of the meal stopped there.

Velero proved to have a great menu with an extensive list of tapas, market fresh fish, grilled meats matched with imported Spanish wines. However the meals did not meet my Hostec taste buds quite how I had hoped. I ordered the beautiful Riverina fillet from the grill (pictured) and while it looked delicious it was indeed overcooked. Family members opted for the more traditional Spanish paella (also pictured) and while one said the mix of prawns, mushrooms, clams and chili was the perfect blend with our selection of wines, another believed it was dry. On the plus side the atmosphere was relaxed and peaceful, warm and friendly hospitality was ensured with our dining experience being thoroughly enjoyable. A mixture of Spanish cheeses, cinnamon and hazelnut sorbet saw the end of the night with small portions but were complemented by red and white wines.

For my final summer night Velero did get the Hostec tick of approval. I saw the sun set over the wharf, the waiters catered to our needs, and while the food fell a little flat, there was a great vibe in the area that people of all ages can appreciate.

Paella: Spanish rice w chorizo, prawns, mussels, clams, saffron & chilli

Paella: Spanish rice w chorizo, prawns, mussels, clams, saffron & chilli

Riverina beef fillet

Riverina beef fillet served with Spinach and Paprika butter


Hostec has a go at SLAM Summer Beach Volleyball

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

On Saturday 27th February, a couple Hostec members thought they’d test their skills at SLAM Volleyball on Manly Beach. Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, the summer beach festival proved a must do. With teams dressed in fancy dress accompanied by musical mayhem, we gathered at Sydney’s Manly to check out the atmosphere and test our luck at a few games of volleyball. With a theme of op shop, there was everything from The Flinstones, army boys, mad hatters and the brightest and smallest bikinis.

While our Hostec members team didn’t win quite as many rounds as hoped (nothing to do with a huge lack of practice), the day was thoroughly enjoyed while listening to the mix of DJs, seeing the costumes, and spending the day in sun. SLAM still has a competition in Cronulla on March 13th, if you are keen to get play some volleyball and have some fun - be sure to click on the link above.

Hostec gets involved with SLAM Volleyball Festival

Hostec gets involved with SLAM Volleyball Festival


Birthday Week at Hostec

Monday, March 1st, 2010

Last week, was an especially joyous one at Hostec. We celebrated the birthdays of Niz and Jemma. On Thursday  afternoon, the Hostec crew sauntered over to The Office Hotel on Kent Street where we had a nice birthday lunch for Niz. The menu had classic favourites, and I had my usual the steak sandwich and chips.

That evening, the celebration continued with drinks at Establishment Bar. It worked out perfectly because it was ladies night, which entitled women to two free glasses of champagne. We exchanged jovial conversation over drinks. The ambiance was very sophisticated with the cool sounds of light jazz and house music. People were dressed from all walks to corporate to nightlife glamour. It was such a great day to celebrate with the Hostec crew.

The celebration continues. That Saturday, a few of us went out for Jemma’s birthday. We had a pre clubbing dinner at the Ivy Bar and made our way over to Club Retro. The floors had different themes ranging from 80s to 90s music. My favourite was the 80s floor, as most songs in this decade were great. We danced the night away and that was the end to such a festive week.

Yours truly,

Yewande


Hostec supports International Childhood Cancer Day

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Yesterday Monday 15th February; Hostec, combined with many other organisations to show our support for International Childhood Cancer Day. Also known as Ring a Bell for Ben, cathedral bells across the country were ringing to raise awareness about childhood cancer research and honour the life of Ben Clarke who lost his young fight with cancer in 2008.Approximately five of our Hostec team members were up early on the rainy morning selling golden ribbons for the occasion at Wynyard train station. With the head organiser of the event being the International Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parent Organisations (ICCCPO), St Andrews Cathedral in Sydney rang their bells with a large gathering of people there to mark the occasion.

In association with Cure Our Kids whom we’ve shown our support to in the past, a big congratulations must go to the team there for organising volunteers. Also a big thank you our Hostec volunteers for their charitable efforts.

Yewande + Luci sell golden ribbons


Life in Sydney

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Hi Everyone,

My name is Yewande! I am from Queens, New York but go to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. I am studying in Australia for the next four months for a school internship program. I am excited to be in Sydney, because it reminds me of my hometown New York City. There are so many different types of people, foods, and it’s just a dynamic place. I am doing an internship here at Hostec. It is above the Wynyard train station and the office is young and funky with bright green tones and glass doors. I am a marketing intern in the office and I am enjoying learning about Australia, its educational system, and meeting new people.

I am so excited to explore this place. There are so many great beaches, restaurants, museums, and all the great things a big city should have. I will update my adventures through this blog so you can see how the day in the life of a student/intern in Sydney can be.

I must admit to you, I was scared to move to a new city at the other side of the world by myself. But I am so happy, I did because I am growing so much as a person and learning so much about what I want to do with my life. For anyone that is scared to leave their current situation and try something new, I would say to do the craziest things and experience life before it passes you by.

Until next time,

Yewande


Hostec welcomes Thomas Byrne

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Hostec is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Byrne to the role of Business Development Manager in the Traineeships department at Hostec in Sydney. Commencing his role today, he joins us from David Jones where he spent three years and in various sales roles. He also completed a Certificate IV in Retail Management. He will continue to develop our client base in Retail Traineeships.

We are excited to welcome Thomas to the Hostec family today and hope that he enjoys his time with us.


Australia Day on Darling Harbour

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Some of the biggest and most well known Australia Day celebrations will again take place this year at Sydney’s Darling Harbour. Starting from 11:30am this is a day of incredible free entertainment, culminating with the hugely popular Australia Day Spectacular including a special performance by the 2009 Australian Idol winner, a boat parade and a dramatic multimedia symphony of light, sound, music and fireworks.

Hostec wishes everyone a Happy Australia Day 2010!

Boxing Kangaroo


Hostec students rub shoulders with the godfather of French cuisine!

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

This week world renown godfather of French cuisine and founder of the famous Roux Scholarship, Michel Roux (Senior) was in Sydney as part of Cuisine NOW.

As part of Cuisine NOW, Chef Roux participated in a selection of activities including Masterclasses, Chef in the City lunches/dinners and a spectacular Gala Dinner.

Chef Roux of 3 Michelin star Waterside Inn in the UK, was a special Guest Chef at Altitude Restaurant at the 5 star Shangri-la Hotel, home to a number of Hostec Commercial Cookery students. Not only are our students getting hands on experience in one of Australia’s leading restaurants, they were sharing the kitchen with one of the most respected, and well known Chef’s in the world!!

A big congratulations to our students, and please feel free to pass on any secrets Chef Roux may have shared with you.


Hostec pops into a movie at OpenAir cinema

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Out and about yet again, last night I was given the luxury of enjoying one of Sydney’s must-do highlights of the summer. OpenAir cinema, which sold out instantly for the 2010 season, truly is an experienced not to be missed. Located at Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquarie Point, movie goers peer out at a movie screen in front of the picturesque Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. With a bar and restaurant located on the edge of the harbour, it’s easy to pop down to the movie early to reserve you seats, then enjoy the selection of starters, salads, mains and desserts from Belinda Franks Catering. Cocktails, beers and wines are also available as you take in one of Sydney’s most beautiful scenic views.

It should be noted that the St George OpenAir Cinema is making a long term commitment to remove the the carbon footprint of the event. They have specifically included comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions and I must note that the location was spotless at both the beginning of the film and the conclusion.

While the season tickets are sold out if you can get down to the location early enough, a select number of tickets are available to purchase for same night screenings only. If you are lucky enough to secure a ticket, be sure to take a jacket as on the water there is a slight sea breeze. I would strongly recommend this as it really is a great way to experience the Sydney summer.


Login with facebook:
Email this page     Add to favourites     Site map