The weekend has arrived, so put your feet up and stretch out; you’ve earned it. The last seven days have been a whirlwind of pop-culture news and entertainment, highlighted by one very special release (if we do say so ourselves). This week, the third Man of Many Digital Edition officially dropped, loaded with features, profiles and deep dives into your favourite athletes, musicians, products and brands. It’s a project that we’ve crafted with love and a touch of manic magic, so check out it and let us know what you think. If you are looking for something a little more streamlined, however, here’s Man of Many’s Staff Favourites for this week.
OTTO Pasta Club
Nick Hall – Editor-in-Chief
There aren’t many clubs that I would go out of my way to join, but OTTO’s Pasta Club is definitely one of them. The iconic Sydney culinary institution has just unveiled a new offering for carb-lovers and I can’t get enough of it. Across the month of September, OTTO Sydney is serving up a rotating selection of fresh house-made pasta specials by head chef Richard Ptacnik, with a paired glass of wine by head sommelier and lemon tiramisù for dessert, all for just $50 per person. That’s a hell of a deal.
The first week of the activation saw Cavatelli al sugo di maiale and Tortellini en brodo on the menu, but I’m holding out for week three, when the restaurant will drop a healthy smattering of Bucatini alla carbonara, to go along with Corzetti, cavolo nero and pistachio pesto. OTTO Pasta Club is available from 4–30 September. The deal includes a pasta special with paired wine and lemonmisù for $50 per person. Check it out.
Favourite Article of the Week: Our ‘TRAILBLAZERS’ Digital Edition Has Landed!
Butcher’s Buffet Chinatown
John Guanzon – Head of Social
If there’s one thing I love more than a great meal, it’s a great meal that provides excellent value. Butcher’s Buffet in Sydney’s Chinatown is ‘Sydney’s largest all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ’, where you can pile up plates of high-quality cut meats and all your favourite Korean dishes. The huge venue has 60 barbecue stations which can seat up to 200 people and a seriously impressive buffet station with every kind of meat cut you can think of, from premium beef brisket and pork belly to marinated galbi (short ribs).
If you like your meat already cooked for you, there’s a huge selection of cooked dishes and sides too, plus kimchi, fresh veggies, rice, and a range of dipping sauces to complement your meal. The best part about all of this though is you can walk away with a satisfied belly for less than $50 head. Prices start at $36.99 per adult and $21.99 per child for lunch; and $46.99 per adult and $29.99 per child for dinner. Prices like that could literally get you a coffee and a sandwich at a CBD cafe spot. Talk about great value. One word of advice though – wear stretchy pants. You’ll thank me later.
Favourite Article of the Week: Everything Announced At Apple’s Big Showcase
Paradise-1 – David Wellington
Dean Blake – Journalist – Tech, Entertainment & Features
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I’m on a reading kick, and it hasn’t stopped yet. I’ve been reading David Wellington’s space thriller Paradise-1, which sees an unlikely crew of misfits thrust together for a seemingly routine mission that quickly goes south and leaves them stuck in orbit around the titular planet. They quickly realise there are over 100 other ships stuck in orbit, and all hell breaks loose. When I say it’s a thriller, I’m not joking, and there are parts of it that stray a bit close to body horror, but the sci-fi concepts shine through to make everything feel fresh and compelling.
I haven’t finished the book quite yet, but I’m well past the halfway point and things are just getting better and more dire. The characters are likeable and relatable (even the robots), and the writing is snappy. If you’re after a good sci-fi story that doesn’t get bogged down in the minutiae of its world, Paradise-1 is a great pick. Plus, there’s a sequel coming in a few months called Revenant-X that I’ll be reading on day one.
Favourite Article of the Week: Fender HQ: Discovering the Past, Present, and Future of the Stratocaster
LEGO 1966 Batmobile
Rob Edwards – Branded Content Editor
Atomic batteries to power! Turbines to speed! You can keep any of the 21st-century incarnations; this is what a real Batmobile looks like. The hallowed ride of the incomparable Adam West and Burt Ward, the Caped Crusader’s wheels from the 1960s Batman TV show have never been bettered. Only Michael Keaton’s ‘89 Batmobile comes close.
Thankfully, LEGO is bringing this iconic vehicle to life with a 1,822-piece set featuring a moulded windshield, rotatable wheels, authentic decorations, and an opening trunk containing the Bat-Computer. Sadly there’s no Shark-Repellent Bat Spray, but then again that’s in the Bat-Copter, hopefully coming soon. The set also comes with a 1966-style Batman minifigure as well as a plaque outlining key stats. Who knew this customised Lincoln Futura had a top speed of 350 mph? I hope Alfred’s kept the Bat Brakes in working order.
Favourite Article of the Week: The Legend of Chuck Taylor: A Brief History of the Converse All Star
Jack Link’s Jalapeño Beef Jerky
Alex Martinez – Media Sales and Brand Partnerships
The Man of Many team was fortunate enough to be sent a few of the famous Jack Link’s beef jerky and biltong packs this week and the new Jalapeño flavour was the consensus favourite. The jerky has a great chewy texture, and the jalapeño kick adds just the right amount of spice without overpowering the original spices and beef taste. It’s the ideal snack for anyone who loves a little heat or a easy protein-packed treat. I thought the many packets of jerky sent to us would last the full week but they were gone in a day. Enough said.
Favourite Article of the Week: The Legend of Chuck Taylor: A Brief History of the Converse All Star
Sheet Society Spring Collection
The warmer weather is finally upon us and everybody knows it’s the perfect time to freshen up your bedroom for better vibes and to scare away the winter blues. Sheet Society’s latest spring collection has come to deliver the goods. This season, the brand has made it easy to show off your unique style with a range of fun colours and bold prints, perfect for giving your bedroom a fresh and warm feel. The Eden Cotton has got to be the best for the warmer weather as it’s extremely breathable thanks to its 100 per cent long-staple cotton. This also gives it its satin finish and feel.
The best part is you can breathe easy knowing they’re hypoallergenic and odour-resistant. With two dogs, this has been game-changing! If you’re in the mood to spoil yourself (which counts as selfcare, so you should) then you need to get your hands on some new bed sheets from Sheet Society, you will not be disappointed. They come pre-washed, too, so you know they’re looking after you from the get-go!
Favourite Article of the Week: ‘Dangerous to Society’: James McAvoy and Scoot McNairy Talk ‘Speak No Evil’
Meat & Wine Co “SAFARI” Restaurant
Beatrix Boon – Social Video Producer
Last Friday, I went along to Meat & Wine Co’s latest venue, a safari-themed experience right in the heart of the city, but you wouldn’t know it. The design of this restaurant transports you, and its ability to make you forget you’re on Bligh Street is extraordinary. The main dining area has a large fire pit in its centre, and lined along the walls are large hut-like structures, from every angle you can see a large custom-built Acacia tree, a tree, as I was told, quintessential of South Africa. Already, this place was blowing my mind, and we hadn’t even gotten to the food.
On the Safari Tasting Plate, I was given Boerewors—South African sausages; Bunny Show—lamb curry in miche bread that tasted like a warm hug; Vetkoek—lamb minced curry in fried bread; and my favourite—South African Samoosas. Everything on the plate tasted homely and quality. I’d absolutely go back just to have those samoosas again!
The main was a rib eye with ‘Hot African Chilli’. This steak was like butter! It was so amazing paired with the sauce, and it was a dream. The service throughout the night was a highlight. We had some lovely drinks, and the dessert was unsurprisingly divine as well.
I would absolutely recommend going here on a date night, not too expensive, the rib eye will only set you back about $50 and the layout and design is definitely worth checking out. Thank you Mona for organising this for us! I can’t wait to go back.
Favourite Article of the Week: G Flip on ‘DRUMMER’, Idols and the Night That Changed Their Life Forever
