The Olympic hangover is hitting hard. With a little under two weeks before the Paralympics starts, the entire Man of Many team is at a loss as to what to do with all this spare time. After spending the last three weeks glued to the couch, eating chips and judging the athletic performances of people far more talented than us, we now find ourselves in that weird in-between period. Yuck. Looks like we’ll have to pass the time somehow and Staff Favourites seems like as good an idea as any. Here you go.
Tile Bluetooth Tracker
When you are a travelling journalist (or anyone really), making sure your luggage gets where it needs to go is essential. I’ve been unfortunate/stupid enough to lose my bags a handful of times going through airports and crossing borders, but I think those days are behind me. For my birthday this year, my in-laws got me a Tile Bluetooth Tracker and it has been a lifesaver. The teeny, tiny tracker slips straight into your bag or suitcase and can be located with a tap of a button. Through the Tile app, you can see exactly where your gear is and follow its location as it moves. Thankfully, I haven’t had to chase any luggage down just yet, but when the time comes, I’ll be ready!
Favourite Article of the Week: Why Raygun Will Be Australia’s First and Last Breakdancing Olympian
Tamagotchi’s are BACK!… Well, sort of.
Scott Purcell – Co-Founder
The Instagram algorithm got me again with this plant. Yes, you heard that right. Plantagotchi is an AI Planter for your desk. Studies have shown that having plants or greenery on your desk can have a positive impact on happiness and well-being. This Plantagotchi brings all the kawaii you need, including notifications to your phone that remind you when to water and emotions that reflect your plant’s needs. It doesn’t come with a plant, so I bought a Chamaedorea Elegans Parlour Palm from The Plant Boys here.
Favourite Article of the Week: The Johnnie Walker Whisky Hierarchy Explained
Four Seasons Sydney
John Guanzon – Head of Social
I’ve had the pleasure of staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney twice now, and each time, it reaffirms why it’s one of my favourite places in the city. There’s something undeniably special about waking up to panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge—an experience that never gets old no matter how long you’ve lived in Sydney. What completely amazed me this time around though was the attentiveness of the staff. Call it coincidence, serendipity or just plain excellent hospitality service, but the valet attendant who parked my car five years ago was the same attendant who greeted me during this stay and to my surprise, he remembered me!
Apart from the warm and on-point service, what I love most about the Four Seasons is how it effortlessly combines elegance with comfort; the rooms are spacious, the beds are incredibly comfortable, and the amenities provide everything you need for a comfortable stay. It goes without saying too, but the location is unbeatable. I was in town for a 40th birthday (yes, I’m getting to that stage in life) and the hotel provided the perfect base for a weekend of celebration around The Rocks, Circular Quay, and some of the best dining spots the city has to offer.
Favourite Article of the Week: Why Paris 2024 Was the Most Important Olympics in Recent History
The Gidley
Elliott Barsby – Commercial Director
Ranked #24 on the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants list, this Sydney gem has a fantastic reputation and after hearing so many great things, I finally had the chance to experience it myself.
I was there to explore the new menu crafted by Head Chef Corey Riches, Group Bar Manager Ben Ingall, and my old friend, Head Sommelier Sean McManus. Hi Sean! Everything was amazing and I ate far too much to cover it all here, but to mention a few standouts…
The seafood tower was a clear highlight. Chicken fat oysters, tuna belly gilda, abalone with spring onion and chilli, prawn rolls, caviar, and Moreton Bay bugs with garlic butter. What a treat! The jerk-spiced charcoal squid with squid ink taramasalata was another must-try, offering a bold and smoky flavour experience. Of course, the steak was the hero of the night. The rib eye on the bone, char-grilled over ironbark and charcoal, was my personal favourite, and a special shoutout to the best steak side dish ever: a decadent ‘mac and cheese’ with gruyere, cheddar, parmesan, and truffle oil.
The drinks were just as memorable. I started the evening with ‘The Gidley Greyhound,’ a sparkling, clarified aperitif with gin and grapefruit. It was so good I had two. To round things off, ‘The Gidley Old Fashioned,’ with Buffalo Trace Bourbon and a hint of maple, was the perfect conclusion to a remarkable evening.
The new menu at The Gidley is a must-try for anyone who appreciates exceptional food and drink. I’ve already planned my next visit.
Favourite Article of the Week: Why Paris 2024 Was the Most Important Olympics in Recent History
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT
Rob Edwards – Branded Content Editor
There’s something about TAG Heuer’s unpretentious approach to luxury Swiss watchmaking that really speaks to me. While I’ve always found myself more drawn to the Carrera models (particularly the outstanding 39mm ‘Reverse Panda’ Carrera Chronograph), a recent stroll past the brand’s Sydney boutique brought me face-to-face with this new Aquaracer GMT, and I was immediately struck by what an incredible-looking watch it is.
With the green dial’s sunray brushed finish, that fantastic colour-coded bezel—one half deep black to mark night hours from 6 PM to 6 AM and the other half green, indicating the day from 6 AM to 6 PM—and the vibrant light green GMT hand, this is a visually striking timepiece that simultaneously doesn’t try too hard. Ultimately, the Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT is just an incredibly cool and sporty bit of wristwear, meaning TAG Heuer is making another entry on my watch wishlist.
Favourite Article of the Week: Inside OMEGA House: Paris Olympics’ Most Exclusive Venue
Hugo Boss #1
Marcus Hurley – Sales and Partnerships Manager
There’s an old adage that suggests “The suit maketh the man”. Now, I may have just made that up, but there is something to be said for the injection of confidence a well-made, perfectly fitting suit can bring.
I experienced this recently with the BOSS Slim-Fit Suit in Checked Virgin Wool. Now, while it’s not the sexiest name for a suit, once you move past this, you can easily see why BOSS has dominated the men’s fashion space for decades. This three-piece suit is tailored to a modern slim fit and exudes elegance and confidence. I took it on its first outing at a recent industry awards night, and whilst I didn’t leave with any winning silverware, I felt like a winner the entire evening.
It is well known around the Man of Many office that I have a strong affection for all things HUGO and all things BOSS. I have therefore taken it upon myself to ensure all Man of Many readers are given the opportunity to appreciate this fashion powerhouse as much as I do. So, this is the first of many shout-outs. Hugo Boss, if you’re listening, get in touch. We need to talk, and we need to talk to Australia… together. I know you’re brilliant, and I want everyone else to know…
Favourite Article of the Week: New Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Turns Up the Wick With Over 1,000HP
The Brothers Sun – Netflix
Alex Martinez – Media Sales and Brand Partnerships
My wife and I have just smashed out the first and last season of The Brothers Sun on Netflix. To relay the synopsis, after an assassin targets the head of a Taiwanese triad, his eldest son, Charles Sun, travels to Los Angeles to safeguard his mother and his brother, who remains entirely unaware of their family’s true nature.
I was completely hooked after just the first episode of this show. The series is action-packed, with a high body count, subtle humour and exploration of Asian culture. Michelle Yeoh stars in the series and can do no wrong in my eyes. The show will not be renewed for a season two, which is wildly controversial and a huge shame, but do not let this deter you from enjoying a helluva’ show. It’s only eight episodes so add it to the binge list.
Favourite Article of the Week: NBA Legend Carmelo Anthony is Coming to Australia Next Month
Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro
Beatrix Boon – Social Media Producer
Amazing for piece to cameras on TikTok! This handy device is a perfect addition to the MoM team, it auto-tracks the face with a 360° rotation and 90° tilt with absolutely no issues. It’s quiet, high quality and the best thing about it? It’s sooo easy to use!
A pet peeve of mine is getting a new gadget and having to download yet ANOTHER app to make it work. With just a simple NFC tap right on the front of the device, my iPhone 15 Pro automatically pairs. No need for an app! And, no third-party camera app either. Just Apple’s inbuilt camera app or whatever preferred medium of videoing, and it works instantly. Happy vlogging!
Favourite Article of the Week: 7 Things Google Are Launching This Year That Aren’t AI
