Ah, ’tis the season of empty wallets and obligatory gift-giving. But rather than complain, let’s embrace the reality that your Christmas paycheck will vanish into the abyss of presents for friends and family. If you’re in need of a shopping guide, check out everything the team is frothing this week. Cheers to another round of Staff Favourites, where spending becomes the true festive tradition.
Stella Restaurant & Bar
Richie Hall – Video Producer
Located at 427 Chapel St in South Yarra, Stella Restaurant & Bar offers something for everyone. Spread over four custom-built levels and set behind a beautiful 1800s facade it features a trattoria with velvet booths and pizza oven, an intimate private dining room with wine cellar, a cocktail bar with adjacent courtyard, and of course, a rooftop – which is a prime spot to enjoy the sunset with a Negroni (barrel-aged-in-house). There is certainly no shortage of Italian restaurants in South Yarra but Stella is easily one of the best. My picks are; the bucatini with spanner crab and tomato oil; 250-gram eye fillet sourced from Tasmania’s King Island; and osso bucco. The original Stella is owner Ali Mousavi’s young daughter. There’s a lot of love in this place.
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Ovata by Oakridge
Elliott Barsby – Commercial Director
A must-try this festive season, Ovata by Oakridge is a meticulously crafted sparkling wine that effortlessly invites you to indulge.
Hailing from the renowned Yarra Valley, this stunning blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir serves as a testament to Oakridge’s expertise in navigating the region’s pristine cool climate. Subtle floral and fruity notes interlace seamlessly, creating a symphony of aromas that complements the wine’s rich, creamy texture. Each sip is a fresh and exciting exploration of flavour, with delicate beads that dance in the glass. The dominance of Chardonnay freshness is a highlight, making Ovata a perfect companion for seafood and soft cheeses.
Ovata’s overall approachability makes it a delightful choice for any occasion, elevating both festive celebrations and everyday moments alike. Not sure of what to bring to the Christmas dinner this year? Look no further. Cheers.
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Li’l Darlin Surry Hills
Naman Singh – Journalist
Good food, good cocktails, happy hour and vibrant atmosphere. If I had to describe my experience at Li’l Darlin in Surry Hills, that’s what I would say. This conveniently located bistro is the perfect spot for anyone on a night out, looking for a solid bite and delicately-crafted drinks. A personal favourite filled with pleasant memories, I highly recommend it for a truly good time.
L’il Darlin has something for everyone – tapas, pizzas, pastas and burgers. But their highlight has to be their clever and intricate cocktail menu, which serves up classics like margaritas, negronis and mojitos, but also unique creations like the Gummy Beartini, L’il Mermaid, Honey Hennessy and All for the Gram. If the cocktail names weren’t enough of a vibe, their ambience sure will be. Buzzing with diners, the cosy location is adorned with flowers and curtain lights at every wall, making it a perfect feature for your socials.
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Lethal Company
Dayna Aspite – Branded Content Associate
I have never laughed while simultaneously screamed more in my life at a horror game than I did while playing Lethal Company. Nothing builds up a friendship more than a low-rez game with proximity chat. Band together in a group of four to complete tasks where your strategic and tactical skills are put to the test and the unexpected becomes the norm. Trade teeth with giant bugs, run away from a Jack in the box with legs and constantly check over your shoulder for a stalking shadow all while completing your not-so-usual work duties.
My favourite was the “Escape the Boardroom” challenge. This was not for the faint of heart, but it’s a surefire way to separate the leaders from the followers. This thrilling rollercoaster of a game where business meets mayhem and the only thing more dangerous than the competition is the coffee in the breakroom. I highly recommend Lethal Company for casual gamers and adrenaline junkies- it will not disappoint!
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My Muscle Chef Protein Balls
Harry Parsons – Senior Branded Content Manager
I have decided to kick start the new year new me goals a little early this year and the regular onslaught of gym classes requires a substantial amount of protein intake. When I first started I found it hard to fit in the amount of protein I needed in a day and was hesitant to go to protein balls due to some sub-par experience in the past. Deciding to give My Muscle Chef’s Protein bites a go, I have been genuinely shocked at how tasty they are (with the benefit of a substantial amount of protein included!)
These Protein Balls come in various flavours such as Choc Peanut Butter, Choc Hazelnut Truffle, Caramel & Sea Salt and White Choc Strawberry. I can honestly say that I haven’t been able to pick a favourite, they are all delicious! Where they really stand out is the gooey centre which I hadn’t experienced in a protein ball before. This centre elevates the flavours and removes the dry, stuck to the roof of your mouth feeling you get with other protein balls.
All in all, these are a great addition to my protein intake goals and I get to actually enjoy eating them, WIN.
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The Macallan A Night on Earth – The Journey
Scott Purcell – Co-Founder
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a huge fan of whisky. And while my relationship with alcohol has changed over the years and I’m trying to drink less, it’s still hard not to enjoy a delicious dram from probably my favourite Scotch Whisky brand The Macallan. This year they’ve collaborated with Chinese mixed-media artist Nini Sum on a multi-layered and incredible package that’s perfect for Christmas. But the colourful packaging aside, I’m not concerned about what’s inside! This limited edition bottle was created using a blend of The Macallan’s sherry seasoned European and American oak casks, and American ex-bourbon barrels. Square, front and centre on the packaging is “Toasted Oak. Coconut. Vanilla” which is said to be reminiscent of the flavour profiles of Nini Sum’s Lunar New Year memories. This is an exceptional gift for Christmas for anyone lucky enough to get their hands on it, and retails for $235.00 AUD.
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New Era Caps
Marcus Hurley – Sales and Partnerships Manager
I have a confession to make. The NFL team I follow – passionately may I add – was decided by pure coincidence and aesthetic appeal. I needed a hat; I liked the look of their logo and boom an obsession was born. I now have over 10 hats in different styles and colours, and this is largely due to the fact the New Era caps drop new options on the regular. You can shop the latest New Era releases, curated from their global range and with a local design team now to make sure you are sporting the best in sports fashion and streetwear. Go Hawks.
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The Belroy Hotel
Alex Martinez – Media Sales and Brand Partnerships
I live a stones throw down the road from The Belroy (which was once Gilroys Hotel) so have been very excited to check out the new venue. Whilst the old Gilroys had a certain old school charm to it, the new Belroy is a modern day glow up and much welcomed improvement across the board. Starting from the cosy Sports Bar down stairs, you make your way up the art filled stairs to the beautiful Terrace Bar and Bistro. The room is large and open plan with a generous amount of space whilst maintaining an upbeat atmosphere. The menu is classic pub style with tap beer options for everyone, great wines and a fantastic Margarita. For a light and fresh meal option, we loved the Moroccan Spiced Cauliflower Salad (we added chicken) which has hazelnuts and pomegranate. The General Manager and the heroes working the bar were extremely friendly. Definitely check this place out, it has something for everyone and conveniently located right next to St Leonards station.
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Wolves Whiskey Winter Run Batch #3
Jacob Osborn – Journalist
If you like whiskey with a bit of funk, then I have just the thing for you. It comes to us from California-based Wolves Whiskey and makes up part of their limited-edition Winter Run series, which veers off the beaten path to experiment with unique ingredients and maturations. This time around, Wolves blended various whiskies—including traditional rye along with three different beer-based distillates—to render a gloriously funky impression from the first whiff to the final sip.
One of the whiskies in Batch 3 was distilled from a Pilsner and aged in French Oak so as to yield a softer result. Nevertheless, this liquid pops on the nose and palate alike, opening with complex aromas of spicy apple, honey, dark chocolate, orange, and cherry. The taste is similarly distinct with notes of molasses, baking spice, citrus, and chocolate, giving way to a slightly effervescent finish of creamy stout. I was pleasantly surprised to discover this spirit and so too will any modern whiskey lover with an open mind and adventurous taste buds. Get a bottle while you still can.
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