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Aesop

Man of Many’s Staff Favourites – 24 September 2022


Is anyone even reading this? If you are, get outside and enjoy the footy. With one of the biggest and most exciting AFL Grand Finals in recent memory, there’s a multitude of reasons to hit the pub and chow down on some questionable party pies with your mates. However, if you’re not of the aerial ping-pong persuasion, we’ve got some alternative reading for you. Check out Man of Many’s Staff Favourites for this week.

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Make out meals

Fancy Hank’s Brisket Tacos | Image: Make-Out Meals

Make-Out Meals

Nick Hall – Editor-in-Chief

If you work full-time, what’s happening for dinner is usually the last thing on your mind. Nobody wants to finish a tough day at the office and rush straight to Coles, only to be greeted by empty shelves and a smattering of $47 iceberg lettuce heads, so naturally, we as a society have adapted and overcome. By now, you’ve probably tried your hand at a ready-meal or two, or perhaps you’ve delved into the grocery package boxes such as Dinnerly and Hello Fresh. This week, I was lucky enough to be sent a box from the team at Make-Out Meals and I am 100 per cent on board with this option.

Make-Out Meals delivers chef-quality meal kits with recipes and special ingredients selected by some of Australia’s favourite restaurants. This week I nabbed a Barramundi a le Veracruz from Melbourne institution Mamsita, along with a Fancy Hank’s Smoked Brisket with Pickles and Slaw. Despite sounding ridiculously hard to make, even a culinary-challenged kitchen hand like me was able to figure it out, courtesy of the handy little recipe card. I followed all the instructions, which was a first for me, and managed to create a meal that looked great, smelled amazing and tasted even better.

If you want to up your cooking game without taking classes, I can’t recommend Make-Out meals enough. You simply choose from the rotating list of exclusive recipes, the team delivers the goods and you whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. How outrageously good.

Check it out

Favourite Article of the Week: What is Heardle? How to Play the Viral Music Game 

The World Championship of Magic Winner

Scott Purcell – Co-Founder

I’ve always had a thing for magic. Whether it was growing up watching the masked magician reveal hidden camera tricks, or buying invisible string in vegas to make cards float in front of people’s faces, if I see someone pull off a trick, I need to see and how they did it. But after watching Markobi compete and win at the FISM World Champion of Magic I have absolutely no idea how he does any of his tricks. It’s absolutely ridiculous. You know it’s good when all of the audience in the crowd are magicians themselves and even they are cheering and hollering.

Favourite Article of the Week: Defender 75th Limited Edition is a Fitting Tribute to the Original Land Rover

Crufts Dog Show – Heelwork to Music

Frank Arthur – Co-Founder

This week I’m not so much sharing a ‘favourite’ but rather a painful viewing experience after being sucked down a YouTube rabbit hole. This rabbit hole led me to the videos from the Crufts international dog show held annually in the UK. I’ve caught a few highlights from the Westminster show over the years and by no means am I a dog show enthusiast, but in my recent Crufts binge I discovered an event that I’d never seen before — ‘heelwork to music.

So what is ‘heelwork to music’? Basically, a dog and its handler perform a playful choreographed dance routine together. And yes, it’s as ridiculous as it sounds. Each performance is based on a specific theme. The handler and dog each play a character, complete with a low-budget outfit to match. And while I admit that it is somewhat impressive that these dogs have been trained to perform at such a high level, the cringe factor of the whole spectacle makes for some extremely uncomfortable viewing.

Favourite Article of the Week: BELIEVE: Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond are Coming to FIFA 23

Eidesis 2022 pr campaign imagery b 2000 x 1333px

Aesop Eidesis Eau de Parfum | Image: Aesop

Aesop Eidesis Eau de Parfum

Richie Hall – Video Producer

Eidesis is the new release in Aesop’s Othertopias fragrance collection alongside Miraceti, Karst and Erémia. It opens brightly with top notes of Petitgrain and Black Pepper leading to a spicy heart of Frankincense, Cumin and Cedar before resting into Sandalwood and earthy Vetiver. Aesop continued their partnership with Barnabe Fillon, the nose behind the previous three Othertopia scents, in the creation of Eidesis. Fillon says of Eidesis: ‘It could be seen as the most sensual of our fragrances – it works so well with people’s skin that somehow you feel it is a layer that was already there.’ After wearing it for a week this rings very true. I find the warmth and woodiness very comforting and the spiciness is rousing.

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Favourite Article of the Week: Audemars Piguet’s Hôtel des Horlogers Offers Sustainable Luxury in the Heart of Swiss Watchmaking

Disaronno velvet liqueur

Disaronno Amaretto Velvet Liqueur | Image: Disaronno

Disaronno Amaretto Velvet Liqueur

Sam Mangioni – Journalist – Entertainment & Culture

Disaronno Velvet is perfect for those who enjoy a creamy cocktail like myself. Incredibly smooth with an intense aroma, it masterfully mixes the distinctive almond taste of the most popular Italian liqueur in the world with lasting velvety notes. Enjoyed strictly Over Ice, its low alcohol content makes it the perfect drink choice to cool off after a hot day in the Australian sun. Indulgent in all the right ways, I’d also recommend pairing it with some amaretto biscuits for a delicious dessert option.

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Favourite Article of the Week: Queenstown’s Snow Machine Festival was an Off-Piste Après Adventure

Anaconda hq

Anaconda Adventure HQ | Image: Anaconda

Anaconda Adventure HQ

John Guazon – Head of Social

Have you ever told your missus that you’re nipping out to the shops to buy one thing and then accidentally come home with a trolley full of purchases? Yeah, me neither. This week I ventured out to the the new 8,000sqm Anaconda Adventure HQ, in Sydney’s western suburb of Chullora, and that place is like a Disneyland for campers; comparatively in size and scale, but also comparatively as ‘the happiest place on earth’ for dads and outdoorsy-folk alike.

The space occupies what was once a hardware store chain but was recently renovated and fitted out as Anaconda’s flagship concept store, opened in July 2022. It houses an interactive fishing simulator with a 40 foot aquarium, an entire warehouse-sized room dedicated to boating and water-sports and has over a dozen decked out trailers set up on the floor. I easily spent a good hour going down the line and sitting in each of the $50,000+ campers trying to manifest them into existence. And whilst I only planned to pop in to buy one kids’ camping chair that day, I walked out almost half a day later with a trolley full of items, a significantly smaller bank balance and a smile on my face.

Visit the store here:📍 62 Hume Highway, Chullora, NSW

Favourite Article of the Week: Traffic Stopped After Truck Carrying Dildos and Lubricant Spills Its Load on Highway

Marvel stadium

Marvel Stadium | Image: Visit Victoria

Watching the Bledisloe at Marvel Stadium

Simon Fitzgerald – Agency Sales Lead

As a Kiwi, and massive rugby union fan, I was lucky enough to attend the Bledisloe Cup game at Marvel Stadium last week. It was my first time watching a sports event in Melbourne, and needless to say, it didn’t disappoint. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd going crazy for both sides in a back and forward contest. And even with the controversy at the end of the game, everyone seemed to leave the stadium in high spirits.

Apart from the game itself, the hospitality at The Medallion Club was great. And another highlight was actually on the walk home – seeing a guy dressed as Darth Vader, playing ‘we are the champions’ on the guitar, starting a bit of a street party in the process. It amazed me how everyone got behind a sport that Melbourne isn’t well known for, and the atmosphere created by the fans. I’d heard it was one of the best sporting cities in the world, and would have to agree. I’d definitely be keen to see some more events at Marvel, and would recommend it to others as well. Check out what else is on.

Check it out

Favourite Article of the Week: Crocs Release 7-Eleven Footwear Collection for Stylish Slurpee Lovers

The legacy pan by ironclad co

The Legacy Pan by Ironclad Co. | Image: Ironclad Co.

The Legacy The Ironclad Pan Co.

Clelia Niyikiza – Branded Content Assistant

I recently came across a cast iron I like, and I was reminded of how I’d hit that point where finding great-quality household items sadly brings me joy. I’ve fully crossed the line and have accepted my youth is now behind me.

The Ironclad Pan Co first started in 2019 in New Zealand but has since made its mark producing the only cast iron cookware with a Three Generation Guarantee! Having just arrived in Australia this 2022 year, I had to try it out and was not disappointed. It was easy to do with pre-seasoning instructions and supplies already included in the box. With a collection of recipes also available on their website, It’s since become an essential item in my kitchen for several savoury and sweet meals

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Favourite Article of the Week: New on Amazon Prime in October 2022

Mountain designs expedition 50l duffle 1

Mountain Designs Expedition 50L Duffle | Image: Mountain Designs

Mountain Designs Expedition 50L Duffle

Harry Parsons – Branded Content Manager

After attempting to do a week’s worth of grocery shopping on my motorcycle with a bunch of tote bags, I quickly realized I was in need of a new duffle. One that could handle the surprise downpour of rain, fit more than just a quick milk and bread top up and be able to wear as a backpack to avoid the awkward sling over the shoulder ride. This duffle has honestly been a game changer for my daily commute and by the feel and looks of the quality, will be a lifetime purchase.

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Favourite Article of the Week: World’s Highest Apartment: NYC’s $370 Million Penthouse Lists

Bells cookies

Image: Bell’s Cookies Co.

Bell’s Cookies Co.

Jacob Osborn – Staff Writer

Obvious to some perhaps, but it was only weeks ago that I discovered the perfect combination of tasty cookie and morning coffee. First, you dunk the cookie and let it soak in the liquid but not for too long since you don’t want it to fall apart. Then you take a bite of the coffee-saturated portion of the cookie. Whilst still chewing, you take a hearty sip of the coffee and let the crumbling sugar and hot java circulate in your mouth before swallowing everything together. Now comes the sweet rush of caffeine and quite possibly the best part of your entire day. Yes, it’s that good.

That brings us to Seattle-based Bell’s Cookie Co. and their killer selection of sweet treats, which can be purchased in person or sent straight to your door. Not just packed full of flavour, each cookie offers a dense and absorbent texture, giving you all the more to enjoy if and when you have one with your morning coffee. With or without the coffee, these cookies are palpably unique, creative, and decadent. Personal favourites included Chocolate Chunk with maldon salt, Red Velvet with white chocolate, dark chocolate and marshmallows, and the S’more (which layers a cookie with marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker).

Chewy, sweet, and one-of-a-kind, Bell’s fresh-baked cookies are the perfect way to start or finish your day (or both). You can pick them up at one of the company’s Seattle locations or order them online (US customers-only) in boxes of either 8 or 12. Move over doughnuts and scones because this right here is some good dunkin’!

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Favourite Article of the Week: Can you Spot the Five Seedless Watermelons in this Fruity Optical Illusion?