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Friday 30 September 2016

Sushi With A Twist: FOOD REVIEW

If you love sushi, then a visit to Sushi With A Twist is a MUST!

It's not your standard sushi plates on a sushi conveyer belt, though - it's a truly unique taste sensation worth travelling for.


I'm not a Woollahra local but this place could easily become my sushi haunt... every single plateful is so fresh and delicious, and the menu items are unique. Not your run of the mill sushi here.


Think: a prosciutto, fig, and Gorgonzola sushi. YES. So delicious. The flavour combo is kinda insane, and just works.

The 'Lion King': fried leek, soft shell crab, salmon, and cream cheese. Uh huh. If you're a soft shell crab aficionado like I am, this dish is a must.

The 'Harmony' tatar: salmon belly, scallop and wasabi citrus dressing. So fresh and more-ish. Stop and one plate... not possible.

Josie's Juice has been lucky to dine at Sushi With A Twist twice so far, with more visits planned.

Here is more of the menu below, but first, some droolworthy pics:









Here's what you can order from the kitchen

Vegetable chips 4.0
Gyoza wagyu and pork 5.0
Gyoza seafood 5.0
Teriyaki salmon 9.0
Teriyaki chicken (Free range) 9.0
Chicken breast karage (Free range) 7.0
Rock prawn & honey chips 9.0
Katai prawn 9.0
Agedashi tofu 5.0
Cuttle sh tempura 5.0
Nasu dengaku
(Eggplant with sweet miso sauce) 7.0

Slow cooked pork belly kakuni 7.0
Green warm salad
(Snow pea, green bean and brocolli) 4.0

Mushroom salad 7.0


SASHIMI
Salmon (4pc) 5.0 king sh (3pc) 5.0 Tuna (3pc) 5.0

SPECIAL SUSHI ROLL
Bulgogi beef 7.0 Spicy creamy prawn 7.0
Lion king (Soft shell crab, cream cheese, salmon & fried leek) 9.0
Mango crab 9.0
Thai-ger prawn (Crab salad, king prawn, asparagus & thai salad) 9.0
Prosciutto & g 9.0
Daily chirashi don
(Sashimi, vegetebales & sushi rice) 5.0


CONTEMPORARY TWIST
Kingfish carpaccio 12.0
Snapper carpaccio 9.0
Seafood ceviche 9.0
Salmon with jalapeño dressing 12.0
Tuna tataki (Seared tuna, avocado, cherry tomato & lotus chip) 9.0
Harmony tatar (Salmon belly, scallop & wasabi citrus dressing) 9.0

FROM THE STEAMER
Edamame salt 4.0 Edamame spicy 5.0

SIDES
White kimchi 4.0
Vegetable pickle Seaweed lover salad 5.0

Here is more from our first visit to Sushi With A Twist, below, but first some details:

Their website is here: http://www.sushiwithatwist.com.au

Follow them on Instagram here.

Follow them on Facebook here.
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El-Phoenician Lebanese Restaurant: REVIEW

El-Phoenician is quite the institution in Sydney dining.

Boasting two locations - the original establishment has been in Parramatta since 1997 in its initial incarnation, and in its newer, more opulent, larger location since 2004, then also opening at a new location in Walsh Bay - this is the cuisine you hope for when you dine Lebanese.

Josie's Juice was a guest at El-Phoenician Parramatta, although I've dined there before... several times over the years thanks to my close proximity to Parramatta, and having friends with Lebanese heritage in abundance, and truly appreciating the food and the culture.

Let's get straight to it - the food is nothing short of sensational.

One BIG tip: come very hungry.

If your eyes are bigger than your stomach as mine are, you may not get to experience the full potential of the hearty, generous serves and hospitality these fine folks at El-Phoenician are ready to impress you with.

If you are like me, you won't be able to resist starting to snack on that sinfully good deep fried Lebanese bread planted on the table before you even arrive - it's SO good, more-ish, and a self imposed (but never adhered to) ban on carbs and deep fried food will be promptly forgotten.

Now, diners here are in one or two camps: real Lebanese food aficionados who grew up with the good stuff and therefore know where to get their fix just like mamma's - always a good sign when people of the same heritage as the restaurant cuisine are clued into the slick homestyle version of what they love to eat.

Or, you're a Lebanese food lover, with not a single drop of Lebanese blood in your DNA but have come to know that El-Phoenician is where it's at.

I'd not dined at El-Phoenician for a little while, so I was more than happy to take suggestions from the front of house experts who knew their food - and their wine.

Let's start with the dips and all the entrees... and all the delicious sides. Think: lane, homes, a delicious chilli garlic dip, the shankleesh (spicy aged cheese in herbs - SO good), my fave mixed plate of marinated pickles (those turnips!)



And then onto the substantial entrees:



















Full yet? We were! But... solider on we did, folks! Here are some mains (above and below) we loved but must admit we struggled to finish. Oh my GOSH, those potatoes. Next time I come to enjoy El-Phoenician we will be going straight to these mains. That chicken! That lamb... that garlic. I often judge a Lebanese food venue based on how good their garlic is... and their baba ghanoushEl-Phoenician can stand proud. SO, so good.



Dessert!

What, you thought we wouldn't squeeze this in? EVERYONE knows there is a separate part of the stomach to fit the sweet stuff in.

And, oh... those Lebanese sweets. The best on the planet! In fact, I would highly recommend a drop in visit JUST for the dessert at El-Phoenician. Ladies arms - THE best! The  deep fried filo pastry rolls filled with ashtah - a clotted cream are simply heaven, I tell you.

The baked ricotta cheesecake we also shared - while not traditionally Lebanese - was utterly delicious also.



ME. Now that's one happy, well fed face!




The wine list is ts wine list is a selection of Australian, French and Lebanese wines, in a nod to the heritage of this business owned by the El-Bayeh family.

The name El-Phoenician alludes to paying homage to its Phoenician ancestors, with the restaurant's intention to give patrons - from a table for two, to lovers of a hearty Lebanese banquet - a memorable experience and a delicious feed. One visit won't be enough... you have been warned! Lucky for you there are two locations. Josie's Juice dined at the Church Street, Parramatta location in the centre of the now famed 'Eat Street', and there is a new location in Sydney's Walsh Bay, serving the same El-Phoenician fare for the past five years.

Details:
El-Phoenician Parramatta
328 Church Street, Parramatta NSW
Phone: (02) 9633 1611 – Fax: (02) 9633 1622
Email: parramatta@el-phoenician.com.au
Trading Hours
Dinner: Monday – Saturday 5.00pm to late
Lunch: Tuesday – Saturday 11.30am to 3.00pm
Lunch: Monday Lunch Available For Private Events
Sunday: Closed for private functions
El-Phoenician Walsh Bay
7 Towns Place Millers Point (Walsh Bay) NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9633 1611 – Fax: (02) 9633 1622
Email: walshbay@el-phoenician.com.au
Trading Hours
Dinner: Tuesday – Saturday 5:00pm to 11.00pm
Dinner: Thursday, Friday, Saturday 5:00pm to 11.30pm
Dinner: Sunday 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Lunch: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11.30am till 3:00pm
Lunch (December): Tuesday to Sunday 11.30am till 3:00pm

Thursday 29 September 2016

Bec Judd Has Twins: PHOTO

Celeb baby news just in: Bec Judd has given birth to her twin boys.

Posting a gorgeous post birth photo on social media, she wrote:

Tom and Darcy Judd are here! Born at lunch time today, perfectly healthy. We are the luckiest parents in the world.

Wednesday 28 September 2016

Justin Theroux Speaks about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie divorce

In light of the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie divorce news, Jennifer Aniston's new husband Justin Theroux has said:

“As a child of divorce all I can say is that’s terrible news for those children and that's all you can really say,” Theroux told the Business Insider, referring to Pitt and Jolie’s six children. “It’s boring to sort of comment on anything else. People are having a bad time, that's horrible.”

Theroux also commented on the fact that Aniston has been dragged back into Pitt-Jolie headlines of late, calling the new tabloid narratives “nonsense.” 

“There’s an endless appetite for trash, apparently, though everyone would say that they don’t have that appetite,” Theroux continued. “But I think a lot of people do because people buy it. But there are bigger things to bitch about. It’s shocking how much bandwidth things can take up when there are far more important things going on in the world.”

(Photo: Getty Images):


Brad Pitt Comments on His and Angelina Jolie’s “Family Situation”

week after Brad Pitt confirmed the news which shocked the world that he and his wife Angelina Jolie are divorcing he is now bowing out of publicity duties as the narrator of Terrence Malick’s, 30-years-in-the-making 'Voyage of Time: Life's Journey.

The IMAX film, which releases in (US) theatres October 7, is now not a priority for him to promote given his delicate family circumstances. 

Brad Pitt told 'Access Hollywood' exclusively:

“Terrence’s Voyage of Time is an incredibly beautiful and unique experiential IMAX film for children and families chronicling the birth of time. I’m very grateful to be part of such a fascinating and educational project, but I’m currently focused on my family situation and don’t want to distract attention away from this extraordinary film, which I encourage everyone to see.”

“I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids,” Pitt said, referring to his six children with Jolie. “I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time.”

Angelina's attorney confirmed the split last week, saying, “Angelina Jolie-Pitt has filed for dissolution of the marriage. This decision was made for the health of the family. She will not be commenting at this time, and asks that the family be given their privacy during this difficult time.”

Later in the day, the actress’s manager followed up with a second statement, adding, “Angelina will always do what’s in the best interest of taking care of her family. She appreciates everyone’s understanding of their need for privacy at this time.”

Angelina filed for divorce after an alleged argument which took place while the family was flying on a private jet from France to the United States. Because the reported incident took place in flight—where the F.B.I. has special aircraft jurisdiction—the F.B.I. has since confirmed they are gathering info about the alleged event before, before deciding whether to launch an investigation.

(Photo: Getty Images)






Katy Perry Nude VIDEO: US voting plea

Katy Perry has been saying she wants to “use her body as click bait to change the world,” and now she has made good on that promise in a video reminding all to register to vote.

Here she is in all her glory:









Sunday 25 September 2016

Slimefest 2016: Tickets + Info

Oooh, bring it, Sydney!

Nickelodeon’s SLIMEFEST completely lived up to its name today, turning thousands of Melbourne kids GREEN at Margaret Court Arena.

Hosted by Delta Goodrem, the epic event featured tonnes of slime, stunts and performances by international headliner Omi, Havana Brown, G.R.L., In Stereo, Mashd B Kutcher and Megan Nicole.

Delta was in charge of the slime and didn’t disappoint, unleashing slime mayhem on the excited Melbourne crowd. Go, Delts!

“It was amazing to experience the buzz and excitement at SLIMEFEST today. The kids couldn’t wait to get slimed and of course, neither could I! It was truly a moment I’ll never forget,” said Delta.

Here's the proof!


Delta opened the show with her brand new smash hit River before heading into a Wings/Dear Life mash-up, which saw slime fly out of her piano and into the crowd – and that was only the start! Australia’s hottest export Havana Brown wowed the crowds with a debut performance of her brand new single Like Lightning, before pumping out her top hits, We Run the Night, Big Banana, You’ll Be Mine and Warrior. Boy band and teen heartthrobs In Stereo sent their fans crazy with She’s Rock and Roll, Make Your Daddy Like Me and Honest. They finished their set by throwing their arms in the air and unleashing a shower of slime rain onto the ecstatic crowd.

Newly reformed G.R.L., got the kids up and dancing to their global hits, Wild, Wild Love, Don’t Talk About Love, Rewind and Ugly Heart in their first arena performance since announcing their comeback this year. Jamaican pop sensation Omi, kept the crowd bopping with his global smash hits Hula Hoop, Drop In The Ocean and Cheerleader. The final SLIMEFEST performance was by Brisbane based DJs Mashd N Kutcher, who “mashed” up favourite Nickelodeon theme songs to create the ultimate Nickelodeon dance tune!

SLIMEFEST wouldn’t be complete without a final EPIC sliming, Nickelodeon style! Delta, along with all the SLIMEFEST performers, returned back on-stage to take on SLIMEFEST’s official dance – the MAYHEM MOVE, before being covered head to toe in the glorious green goo.

SLIMEFEST 2016 will be heading to Sydney for two more shows (11am and 6pm) on Friday 30 September
The SLIMEFEST 90 minute special will air exclusively on Nickelodeon on Friday 30 September at 6pm.

Tickets are available for both Sydney shows via SLIMEFEST.COM.AUTicket options include: Premium Mosh (mega-slime-action), Standing Floor (moderate-slime-action) and Seated (no-slime-action).










Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie: Last Interview: VIDEO

'Sunday Night' just screened the last interview of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Here is that story.

And here is that interview in full, as it appeared on the US 'Today' show:







Luna Park: Shopkins and Grossery Gang Village

The school holidays are here!

Yes, we know... you suddenly become an event planner, calendar wrangler, kiddies entertainer, time manager extraordinaire.

You KNOW Luna Park is a no brainer for non stop kiddie fun (unlimited rides, anyone? YES! For kids AND adults) and now the iconic Sydney historical theme park is introducing the BIGGEST Shopkins and Grossery Gang attraction with an entire Shopkins and Grossery Gang Village! YES!




Featuring a Shopkins Swapkins Station allowing children to swap their Shopkins with fellow fans (so, it's Shopkins aficionado heaven) and a Shopkins and Grossery Gang Museum and Treasure Hunt, there will be daily meet and greets with Kooky Cookie throughout Luna Park, and much more.

Featuring every Shopkins and Grossery Gang character ever created, a selection of one of kind Shopkins showbags and merchandise and an exciting opportunity for guests to have their very own Shopkin design made into a real life Shopkin by entering the Design your Own Shopkin competition, the Shopkins and Grossery Gang activities are bound to set little hearts racing and provide endless hours of entertainment these school holidays.


In addition to Luna Park Sydney’s traditional rides, including the recently reinstated Tango Train with a modern twist, LED light show and state of the art technology for a faster white knuckle ride, a brand new experience will be making its debut at the park only for the holiday period – The Avenger. For the older and braver crowd, the ride spins on three axes. Think extreme adrenaline and extreme fun for those brave enough to strap in.


Luna Park Marketing Manager, Brendan Biddell said, “We’re stepping it up a notch these school holidays and offering something for the entire family – the little ones can let loose in the Shopkins and Grossery Gang Village, while the bigger kids and adults can enjoy all the thrills of Luna Park’s rides, venues, attractions and entertainment.”


“Having the Shopkins and Grossery Gang Village is something we are really excited about, it’s a national first and caters to the school holiday crowd - an audience that is constantly on the look out for some extra entertainment options over the holidays.”


As the weather warms up, Luna Park will not only be THE perfect Sydney day out for young and older folks (the ferries wheel! Coney Island! The dodgem cars! The Hair Raiser drop tower! That million dollar view!), you should stay tuned for the fun pop up exhibits like this, themed events like Halloween (Halloscream), and much more.

For all your questions on Luna Park, click HERE.

For more on Shopkins at Luna Park, click HERE.

You can explore the Shopkins and Grossery Gang Villageopen daily during the school holidays from 10am - 4pm.
Note: ENTRY IS INCLUDED WITH YOUR UNLIMITED RIDES OR ANNUAL PASS WRISTBAND.
The Shopkins and Grossery Gang Village is open daily until 10 October.
And: it's exclusive to Luna Park Sydney. 


And here is a trailer for the Shopkins FUN at Luna Park:


Friday 23 September 2016

Between Two Ferns With Zach Galifianakis: Hillary Clinton VIDEO

US Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has subjected herself to 'Between Two Ferns' with Zach Galifianakis. And it's very funny:






Thursday 22 September 2016

Brad Pitt Under Investigation For Child Abuse

Breaking news in the Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt break up:

This, from TMZ.

Says the report:


Brad Pitt is under investigation by the LAPD and L.A. County Dept. of Children and Family Services for allegedly getting verbally abusive and physical with his children, and that's what triggered the divorce ... TMZ has learned.
Sources familiar with the situation tell us, Brad, Angelina and their kids were on a flight last Wednesday when he allegedly got wasted on the private jet. He allegedly went wild, screaming and getting physical with the kids.
(Photo: Getty)

We're told the plane landed at an airport around 8 PM, and witnesses say Pitt continued his rant on the tarmac, and even tried leaving in one of the fuel trucks.
Our sources say someone either on the plane or the tarmac anonymously reported the incident to the L.A. County Dept. of Children and Family Services. We're told Brad and Angelina have already been interviewed and DCFS plans to interview the kids as well. That investigation is ongoing.
We're also told the LAPD has the case ... which is routine when anyone reports child abuse. We do not know the specifics of the alleged abuse ... just that it was supposedly both verbal and physical.
Our sources say this incident triggered Jolie to separate from Brad the next day and file for divorce just days later.
A source close to Brad tells TMZ, "He takes the matter very seriously and says he did not commit any abuse of his children," adding, "It's unfortunate that people involved are continuing to present him in the worst possible light."

See the original report here.

Celebrities Read Mean Tweets #10: VIDEO

Mean Tweets.

It's a 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' thing.

Watch the latest instalment and c'mon, tell me you didn't laugh...

Says the YouTube descripition:

The Internet is both a wonderful and horrible place. A place where people go to share their love and also their hate. From time to time, we call out the haters by inviting well-known people to read some of the not so nice things that are written about them. We’ve done it again for our 10th edition of celebrities reading “Mean Tweets ” featuring Hugh Grant, Kate Hudson, Greg Kinnear, Melissa McCarthy, Chris Evans, Jane Lynch, Norman Reedus, Margot Robbie, Anthony Mackie, Judd Apatow, Olivia Wilde, Paul Rudd, Ryan Gosling, Zac Efron, Wanda Sykes, Russell Crowe, Bryan Cranston and Kiefer Sutherland.









Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, Priscilla Chan pledge $4 billion to fight disease

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his pediatrician wife Priscilla Chan have today pledged $4 billion to fight all disease, through the couple's philanthropic group.

Last year, they said they would give 99 per cent of their Facebook shares to charitable causes - and today, well... they started to put their money where their mouth is.

Called the 'Chan Zuckerberg Initiative', the limited liability corporation means Zuckerberg and Chan will put their Facebook shares over the next decade toward preventing, curing or managing all diseases by the end of the century.

See a clip here:



The goal is to "work together to cure, prevent or manage all disease within our children's lifetime," Dr. Chan said during the event in San Francisco for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

Dr. Chan spoke through tears as she recalled telling parents their child had an incurable disease or could not be revived. These experiences, she said, made her even more determined to work with scientists and engineers to build new tools that can save lives by the end of the century.

Zuckerberg, who took the stage after his wife's speech, said he and Chan want to "make a better future for our children."

How VERY cool is that?