What a lineup we have for you in this week’s Staff Favourites. From books to bags to delicious bottles of rosé, dig in and feast on our latest obsessions.
A Waiter in Paris – Edward Chisholm
Nick Hall – Editor-in-Chief
As a certified Francophile with a penchant for pastries, discovering Edward Chisholm’s ‘A Waiter in Paris’ felt like destiny. A memoir of sorts, the 2022 novel charts a British ex-pat’s journey through the dark heart of the of French hospitality scene. A setting where waiters act as the conduit between the chaos of the kitchen and the quiet of the dining room, these bistros and brasseries are unpacked in cruel and fitting detail. Chisholm’s tale initially reads like a warning against the travelling worker who romanticises the city, downplaying the majesty of the restaurant scene and revealing a brutal class-based system overseen by tyrants, but quickly things start to shift. As the protagonist begins to find his feet, suddenly things become a little more positive.
In stark contrast to the opening, the second half of the book reads like a love letter to Paris, a city that shines not in spite of the dirt that lines its streets, but because of it. At times, I found Chisholm’s writing to be a little rudimentary and his constant reliance on certain metaphors drew thin, but he perfectly managed to capture the real beauty of Paris. For that reason alone, it’s worth reading.
Favourite Article of the Week: The Limited Edition Seiko SPB429J: Welcome to Paradise
EA Sports FC 24
Richie Hall – Video Producer
It’s been a few years since I played an edition in this all-conquering franchise. I haven’t played since repeatedly failing to lead the Socceroos to glory in FIFA 2018 World Cup Edition. The first thing you’ll notice is the name change from FIFA to EA Sports FC. This rebrand marks the end of a 20-year partnership between EA and FIFA. Whilst it has lost the FIFA Brand, rest assured, EA Sports has separate deals with 300 clubs and leagues around the world allowing the game to look and feel as it always has. I feel like this annual release is much like that of a new iPhone. Whilst the updates may feel minimal each year, you only have to play an edition from a few years ago ie. 2018 to fully realise the differences. The game looks better and feels smoother than it ever has (I was playing it on a PS4 so I can only imagine it on a PS5). Just 10 minutes into playing, there was a moment, due to my lack of skill, I wanted to throw the controller through the TV – but just 10 minutes later I sent a half-volley into top bins and sent my mates the recording of it. Yep, that’s the game I remembered and it was good to have it back.
Mijenta Añejo Gran Reserva Tequila
Jacob Osborn – Journalist
Best-known for making additive-free and sustainable tequila, Jalisco-based Mijenta also delivers one heck of a delicious dram. Their second batch of Añejo Gran Reserva spent 18 months in four different types of bespoke casks before blending and bottling. I was lucky enough to score a taste to discover a truly superlative spirit, which rides like silk over the palate and layers dense notes of caramelised agave, cocoa, butterscotch, and vanilla with accents of black pepper, tobacco, stone fruit, and citrus peel.
Expertly crafted by Maestra Tequilera Ana Maria Romero Mena, Mijenta’s latest takes everything you love about Añejo tequilas and dials it up to 10. The fact that this liquid was ethically produced using zero additives makes it all the more exceptional. Rounding out its charms is an eye-catching bottle design. The last batch sold out rather quickly and this one will probably do the same so treat yourself now and worry about the price tag later.
Favourite Article of the Week: The Johnnie Walker Whisky Hierarchy Explained
WP Standard Repurposed Military Travel Bag
Scott Purcell – Co-Founder
It’s been one of those weeks. I left my gym bag in front of my car while I was helping Frank with taking the office bins out to the street. Walked back and forgot to pick up my bag. So I thought it was a little strange driving out of the garage feeling like I’d just driven over something yet was too lazy to check. Goodbye sports bag… and say hello to this Repurposed Military Travel Bag from WP Standard. It’s made from salvaged military canvas which is super tough and perfect for a modern weekender. What I love about this bag is that no two are alike.
Favourite Article of the Week: The Johnnie Walker Whisky Hierarchy Explained
Althair by Parfums de Marly
Ben McKimm – Journalist
Introducing Althair by Parfums de Marly, the only fragrance that could push Santal 33 by Le Labo out of my rotation. From one of the top perfume houses on the planet comes this delicious fragrance with Bourbon vanilla, a direct descendant of the vanilla introduced in France under the reign of Louis XV. It’s fresh yet warm, traditional on the nose but also disruptive, it oozes luxury. Put this fragrance on your radar right now, because with Christmas coming up you need to get your ducks in a row early. The latest addition to our curated list of the best luxury fragrances for men, easily.
Top notes: Orange Flower, Bergamot Italy, Cinnamon Ceylan, Cardamom Guatemala
Heart notes: Vanilla Madagascar, Elemi Philippines
Base notes: Ambrofix, Gaiacwood, Praline, Musk
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The Meat & Wine Co Sydney CBD
Frank Arthur – Co-Founder
This week, I’m excited to highlight the newest addition to the Seagrass Boutique Hotel Group’s portfolio, The Meat & Wine Co. Sydney CBD venue situated at 219-223 Castlereagh Street. More than a steakhouse, it’s a culinary nod to South African ‘braai’, all within the cozy confines reminiscent of a New York-style restaurant.
From the moment you step inside, you’re embraced by a warm atmosphere and welcomed by meticulously styled decor. And it’s not just the ambience that’s captivating, the cocktail selections, extensive wine list, and of course, the cuisine all promise a unique delight. The pièce de résistance for me was the 6-week dry-aged steak, an unmissable indulgence that any steak-lover should try.
This venue isn’t just about great food; it’s about the experience that stays with you long after the meal is done.
Favourite Article of the Week: The Johnnie Walker Whisky Hierarchy Explained
STUDIO by Miraval Rosé
Denise Barnes – Head of the Branded Content
Rosé season has officially arrived! And indeed, there are few things that beat having a glass of French rosé on a hot Summer’s Day. Hailing from the heart of Provence is Miraval, a rosé that celebrates the unique terroir of the French Riviera, aka the Côte d’Azur, made from blending Cinsault, Grenache, Rolle, and the maritime grape, Tibouren all sourced from only the choicest plots. The result? A wine full of character and balance that’s beautifully infused with the essence of the Mediterranean. Oh and did we mention the winery is partly owned by Brad Pitt?? If it’s good enough for Brad, it certainly is good enough for us. STUDIO by Miraval is available at Dan Murphy’s at a very accessible price point of RRP $26.99.
Miss Amara Summer Beach / Picnic Rug
Rosé season means it’s officially picnic season, right? And nothing beats being well-prepared with the right gear. While I already own a gorgeous picnic basket with all the fancy trimmings, I’ve never actually owned a picnic rug until now. For the longest time, my go-to picnic setup involved grabbing an old blanket or a couple of beach towels to plop on the ground. But let me tell you, having a proper picnic rug has been a game-changer. The Miss Amara Summer Picnic Rug collection boasts 13 stylish designs, and it’s just the right size (no more awkward blanket-bum, feet-on-the-ground scenarios). It’s lightweight and a breeze to clean – just toss it in your washing machine. These rugs are handwoven in India using 100% recycled PET fibers, making them not only eco-friendly but also impressively stain-resistant. Plus, they feel so smooth and silky, almost like cotton. The trendy designs are so eye-catching that you might find yourself using them beyond picnics. I’ve got the Lupita Blue & Purple Floral Rug (pictured above), and it’s become a versatile piece; I’ve even draped it over our couch because it looks that good. The possibilities are endless – it’s all up to your imagination. They come in two sizes: 180cm x 120cm for $129 AUD and 230cm x 160cm for $189 AUD, and you can grab them online now. Oh, and with Christmas right around the corner, they’d also make the perfect gift. Cheers to picnicking in style!
Esteban
Harry Parsons – Branded Content Manager
This week, I have a new Mexican restaurant that needs to be on your radar. As a quick backstory to explain the incredible food, Director – Michael, and Executive Bar Manager – Mark spent one month travelling through Mexico in the company of celebrated Mexican Chefs and master Tequila and Mezcal distillers. This experience has played a huge part in shaping the Esteban menu, every dish is authentic and packed with flavour. I found myself saying wow after every bite, genuinely thrilled with every single dish.
Whenever I go to a new venue I like to get the set menu as these tend to contain the most popular dishes. The ‘Chefs Menu’ contained the perfect amount of food, with each dish besting the one prior. However, there was a clear standout for me, the 700g NSW Lamb Shoulder birria with consommé and pickled chilli. The lamb was falling off the bone with the smallest amount of force, melted in your mouth and tasted so good I don’t think I spoke a word for a good 5 minutes just appreciating the food I had in front of me.
Now you need something to wash down all this food you’re about to eat and I cannot recommend the Tequila Mockingbird cocktail enough. Consisting of Patrón Silver, St Germain Elderflower, jalapeño infused agave, lemon, and cucumber, this cocktail contained the perfect amount of spice!
If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, love great food and drinks, then you know what you must do.
Blossom by Jimmy Choo
Naman Singh – Journalist
With longer days, warmer weather and sunshine all around, you also need the occasional spritz to keep you going through the day. I was recently given Jimmy Choo’s Blossom Eau da Parfum and this little pink, glossy, sparkly package combines both spring and summer in a bottle. Blossom can easily transition from the workday into an evening event, keeping you fresh no matter what occasion is. It has an uplifting, refreshing scent that is long-lasting and truly adds a spring to your step. I usually apply it just once and am good to go for the rest of the day.
A perfect marriage of fruity and floral, it has notes of citrus notes and a dominant raspberry, with elements of sweet peas and roses, ending on base notes of sandalwood and white musk. It is available in 100ML from My Beauty Spot and the fragrance fanatic’s hub, Chemist Warehouse.
