Simon Food Favourites: Christmas Party

26 November 2011

Rochefort Christmas Party celebrated with Maker's Mark Punch and Bambini Canapés, CBD Sydney (25 Nov 2011)

Shop C2, Ground Floor, St james Trust Building

185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000

http://www.rochefort.com.au

Hitting the Mark with a punch

Thanks to Charlotte Ferrand from Burson-Marsteller for inviting me to the Rochefort Christmas Party celebrated in style with bar style canapés from Bambini Wine Bar and Maker's Mark punch in plentiful supply (recipe below). Arriving as the most underdressed and casual figure in my Columbia 100% polyester camping top, t-shirt, jeans and waterproof GORE-TEX walking shoes I was definitely in need of some gentlemen's tailoring by Shane Rochefort. Nevertheless after a couple of very delicious Maker's Mark punch drinks mixed with ginger beer, orange, spices and port I soon was able to relax and discover the nice looking ties around the small shoulder-rubbing tailor shop. For a moment there I was reminded of Stitch Bar with all the measuring tapes, suits and tailoring mannequins along with a drink in my hand. I never knew this tailor shop existed which apparently has been operating since 2001. Shane seemed to be a very nice down-to-earth chap who mentioned there should be more people wearing fashionable flat caps like his — perhaps he's right?

Enter the bespoke collection of tailor-made clothing

Maker's Mark, Peroni beer and Ginger Beer for the punch

Maker's Mark punch — really good combination of flavours while still being able to appreciate the whisky flavours

SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Maker's Mark neat — although I've heard it goes well with ginger beer and orange

Grilled Chorizo & Saffron Potatoes ($15) — hearty and flavoursome

Hummus with Candied Orange ($11) — interesting with the candied orange which seems to work

Arancini balls with fish

Salt & Szechuan Pepper Calamari Lime Aioli ($18) — tasty and tender

Marinated grilled prawns — nicely flavoured although weren't fully deveined as I was hoping

WORTH TRYING :-)

Shane Rochefort (centre) sporting a flat cap

Maker's Mark branding ambassador Jared Plummer (centre)

Samuels Sugar & Spice & All Things Nice punch recipe

Guests enjoying the Christmas festivities

I think these are cufflinks but I'm not 100% sure — never had them before. They look like lollies, maybe they are?

Everything a fashionable man could ever need

Rochefort tie — nice colours

Buttons, measuring tapes and Dormeuil

Goodie bag of hip flask and mini bottle of Maker's Mark — NYE here I come!

Next door inside the Bambini Wine Bar — very popular and cosy

Outside Rochefort

I wonder if Matt Preston knows about this place?

Outside St James Trust Building

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15 December 2009

Contempo 'Where The Wild Things Are' Christmas Party 2009, Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney (12 Dec 2009)

Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney NSW 2000

http://www.contempo.org.au

A fantastic night to dress up

Apart from food, one of my other passions is art, so when both are combined together it's just got to be a recipe for a great night. This is the first time I've been to a Contempo party and it definitely exceeded my expectations. I can't believe how much effort the guests dressed up for the theme of 'Where The Wild Things Are' — it really made the night so much more special, crazy and fun. I thought the 600 sold out ticketed event ($80 members/$100 non-members) would be way too crowded but the staff seemed to manage the crowd control well and there was no problem in getting fed with abundant bowls of curries on rice and canapés that were served amongst the crowd which I didn't get to photograph. My favourite of the night would have to be the coconut prawns — I could have happily sat in a corner and ate a bowl of these. So much better than the Sumalee Thai version I had at Bank Hotel in Newtown.

I loved the visual effects of the outdoor hula hoop performers (picture above) which made for some very interesting photos. A free courtesy bus was provided to transport guests from the art gallery to Goldfish in Kings Cross for the after party but for me it unfortunately didn't quite retain the momentum and atmosphere — I wished the art gallery just kept going for a couple more hours instead. The complimentary Lindt chocolate umbrella upon boarding the bus was a very nice and tasty way to end the night. I'd definitely consider going again next year.

The location