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That’s a wrap! The first working week of July is officially done and dusted, so put your feet up, slip your trackies on and settle in for a stellar weekend. After all, more than halfway through 2024, we think you’ve earned it. To help you relax and fill in your free time, we’ve popped a few of our favourite things below, Check out Man of Many’s Staff Favourites for this week.
Mode Kitchen & Bar Truffle Season
When the weather cools down, the truffles come out, and to celebrate the sweeping shift in temperature, Mode Kitchen & Bar is launching a seriously decadent new menu. The restaurant, which you’ll find inside the iconic Four Seasons Sydney, will be serving up new dishes like Zucchini Flowers with Buffalo Ricotta and Peas, a vegetarian Tagliatelle Ripiene and a hearty Filetto Rossini, all accompanied by a generous shaving of rich black truffle. Executive chef Francesco Mannelli and his team have spared no expense, so if you (like me) are keen to indulge in a little culinary opulence, Mode Kitchen & Bar has you covered.
Additionally, the restaurant will be hosting a string of culinary events over July and August, including Sagra: A Celebration of Wine & Truffle; a vibrant, market-style restaurant takeover on August 8. The event will see Mannelli collaborate with internationally recognised flavour hounds Luca Ciano, Andrea Accordi, Enrico Maritan and Enrico Sgarbossa for a never-again repeated Italian-inspired feast. Buon appetite!
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QT Melbourne
Elliott Barsby – Commercial Director
In the heart of Melbourne’s CBD lies a gem that’s been my go-to for work trips and weekend escapes alike: QT Melbourne. This sleek property is a vibrant hub where style, comfort, and convenience converge.
The hotel has an edgy yet inviting atmosphere. The rooms are a testament to contemporary design, with lofty ceilings and thoughtful touches that blend comfort with creativity. It also boasts what I believe is the best rooftop bar in Melbourne. With sweeping views of the city skyline and a front-row seat to Melbourne’s social scene, it’s the perfect spot for after-work drinks or a relaxed weekend evening. After work Negroni anyone?
On my recent visit, I found myself a regular at the new Deli QT, the lobby sandwich bar conveniently placed to serve both my morning pre-meeting coffee as well as indulgent Italian-style paninis at lunchtime. This latest stay reaffirmed why the hotel has been a favourite of mine for so long. Whether for a business trip, evening entertainment, or simply unwinding in style, QT Melbourne consistently delivers an experience that exceeds expectations.
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Cricut Joy Xtra
John Guanzon – Head of Social
Disclaimer: I’m not a regular dad. I’m a craft dad. I’ll admit to getting embarrassingly excited whenever the kids ask me for help with their diorama or easter hat parade projects; rest assured I’ll be armed and ready with my hot glue gun and craft scissors. There’s a new chief item in my craft arsenal though: the new Cricut Joy Xtra. “Wait, what’s a Circuit,” you ask. To put it simply it’s a machine that cuts shapes and designs out of various materials like paper, vinyl, and fabric, making it perfect for crafts and DIY projects.
Think of a machine that can cut detailed shapes and patterns on a variety of materials including card stock, vinyl, and fabric. Some models are even capable of cutting into metals, wood, and leather. The Cricut Joy Xtra, released late last year, sits as a nifty mid-range model between the larger Maker and Explore series models, and the mini-sized Cricut Joy.
The Cricut Joy Xtra is incredibly easy to set up, with Cricut Design Space ensuring a smooth start. Its minimalist design and compact size allow it to fit seamlessly into any workspace. Even though it has a limited cutting depth compared to larger Cricut models, it handles materials like vinyl, paper, iron-on, and cardstock with ease. The setup process is straightforward—plug it in, connect to the Design Space app, and you’re ready to go. The machine comes with a starter bundle, including a pen, a weeder, and various Smart Materials so that you can dive into your first project right out of the box.
I’ve been practicing almost weekly, working on custom t-shirts, socks, and even personalised gifts for Man of Many team members. Whether you’re crafting custom cards, personalising a car vinyl, or tackling home decor projects, the Cricut Joy Xtra delivers consistent, high-quality results. It’s a reliable, versatile tool that’s perfect for both novice crafters and seasoned creators looking for a portable solution – whether you’re craft-inclined or not.
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Raclette Igloo Experience – Sydney
Harry Parsons – Senior Branded Content Manager
Yes, it’s getting colder and harder to get out in the evenings; the heater and warm clothes at home beckon me at the conclusion of each workday. However, one thing pulled me from my cozy solitude this week, and it was worth it. Think melted cheese on potatoes, extravagant charcuterie boards, your private igloo, a firepit, and toasted marshmallows, all on the rooftop of the Broadway Shopping Centre car park!
Whilst seated in my cosy igloo, all named after various ski ranges in the French Alps, you are treated by French servers setting you up for a heartwarming meal and a mulled wine. Before you know it, a feast of up to two kilos of Raclette cheese and a variety of four cured types of meat, served with boiled potatoes, pickled onions, and cornichons, arrive. Safe to say I ate a year’s worth of cheese that night, and to wash it all down, there was a mini bar offering a selection of French wines!
Finishing off the night sitting around the fire toasting marshmallows, in the middle of the city… seemed all to surreal. Gather your mates and book in your private igloo HERE for a wholesome evening. Get in quick because this experience is running until the 28th July!
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Millon Wines – Reserve Wine Box
Alex Martinez – Media Sales and Brand Partnerships
The Millions Reserve Gift Box is the perfect choice for making any special occasion truly memorable. Beautifully packaged and delivered in a premium gift box, it offers an exceptional experience for just $150 nationwide. Inside, the recipient will discover two great-tasting wines: the 2022 Reserve Grenache and the 2020 Reserve Shiraz, each carefully crafted to showcase the best of the Eden and Barossa Valleys. Whether they are a connoisseur, simply enjoy a nice glass of wine, or just want to look like a bit of a thoughtful hero, this gift is sure to impress and delight, adding a touch of luxury to any celebration.
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Tamdhu 18-Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Jacob Osborn – Staff Writer
The oldest expression from Speyside distillery Tamdhu is a toe-curling sipper of exceptional character. One can detect the Oloroso-seasoned casks in which the whisky was fully matured as early as the nose and its rich aromas of port wine, dark fruit, chocolate, and raisin. A dark and complex taste soon follows, delivering notes of caramel, toffee, dark chocolate, malted barley, sherry, and raisin that are dense enough to chew on. Spice, oak, and dark chocolate round out the complex profile for a spectacular finish.
There are some instances in which longer maturation is nothing more than a gimmick used to justify a higher price point, but this isn’t one of them. I sampled Tamdhu’s 12-year and 15-year statements alongside this one and the 18-year emerged as the winner. Aged in a combination of sherry-seasoned European and American oak, it introduces port wine, dark fruit, malted grain, and dark chocolate as early as the nose and rides those deep flavours all the way through to the spicy end. Oh, and did I mention that it’s bottled at cask strength? Score this limited edition stunner while supplies last.
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