I know I know, it’s cold – you don’t want to get out of your snuggie, you’re firmly planted in front of your nice warm not by any means energy saving heater and the thought of going anywhere is just not a thing that’s happening right now. But you have to eat at some point right? Maybe a cosy drink someplace warm with a little ambience? Learn some cool stuff? Get caught up in a fun cultural experience? We feel you and get that you’re not going to get up and put pants on for just anything, so we found three unmissable events this month which should help reclaim some of that wintery joy that may have become elusive of late.
German Bierfest
If you’re looking for an authentic bierfest experience and aren’t planning on hopping on a plane to Munich, we got you covered. Or more the German-Australian Chamber has, by holding their first ever bierfest at the Concordia Club as part of German Week Sydney. Prepare for a night of delicious full bodied German brews, tasty traditional fare including pork knuckle, bratwurst and schnitzel (I have it on good authority that it is one of the best) and an excitable band playing the greatest ‘Weisn Hits’ which will no doubt include quite a few drinking songs. With an anticipated attendance of 200 guests this is an excellent opportunity to don that neglected dirndl or lederhosen for a night of true merriment and genuine German hospitality.
If you’re a premium partner or exec member you get in free, individual tickets for members of german institutions are $39 whilst non members are $59. The best bet is to grab a bunch of friends and purchase a table of 8 for $269 which equates to about $34 per person. Tickets including one complimentary drink on arrival. Registration for the event closes 14th August.
Thursday 16th August at Concordia Club 1 Richardson Crescent, Tempe| 6pm-10pm | tickets from http://sydney.germanweek.com.au/event/german-bierfest-2018/
Sydney Tea Festival
A bit of a change of pace but the Tea Festival has proven itself worthy of operating its fifth year at Carriageworks. Tea lovers will find their fill of all things loose leaf amongst the 70 stall holders, interactive workshops and masterclasses. Nothing quite soothes the soul better than a refreshing cuppa on a chilly day, especially when there are a tonne of sugary treats on offer to go with it. Injecting a little more intrigue this year, the first ever tea wine will be launched by The Rabbit Hole Organic Tea Bar with guests being given the opportunity to taste 4 blends and decide which will make product launch. If there is a special someone you’d like to impress with something just a tad more exclusive and left of field, award winning Chippendale restaurant Automata will be holding a degustation dinner with tea pairings specifically for the anniversary celebrations.
Pre-sale adult entry is $16.50, adult entry on the door will be $20 with all tickets including a festival tasting cup (worth $5). Workshops, talks and masterclasses range in price between $15.00 and $54.00 and the DIY Blending Station will be $25 a pop.
Sunday 19th August at Carriageworks 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh| 9am- 4.30pm | tickets from www.sydneyteafestival.com.au
Italian Wine + Food Festival 
It is the world’s most truly loved cuisine and conjures up all sorts of heart warming connotations of expressing love through food. The Italian Wine + Food Festival year upon year never fails to represent the vibrancy and passion of the country’s people as well as showcase the amazing produce and simple yet delectable style the cuisine has to offer. On top of sampling the goods from a range of pop-up restaurants (Jonah’s Restaurant, Rocker, Lucio Pizzeria, Via Napoli and Caruso’s to name a few) there will be hands on demonstrations on how to make pizza dough, pasta, gnocchi and stretched cheese from some of Sydney’s top Italian chefs such as Stefano Manfredi and Matteo Zomboni. If you’re feeling inspired to create your own dishes the festival marketplace will be bursting with cheeses, meats, olive oils, pasta, coffee and bread, all the good quality things that equate to life happiness and of course it’s not Italian without a smorgasbord of wine producers to sip, savour and share knowledge with.
Ticket prices are from $25 with kids entering free.
Sunday 26th August at Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh| 10am- 6.30pm | tickets from www.italianwinefoodfestival.com.au
