MAI takes off to Chiang Mai

Myanmar Airways International (8M) launched a new service from Yangon to Chiang Mai, Thailand on 3 April in addition to its Bangkok-bound flights from Yangon and Mandalay.

The new route, Yangon-Chiang Mai, is served by a 95-seat Embraer E190 (E90) jet aircraft, which offers three weekly flights on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

• Flight 8M370 departs Yangon (RGN) at 1215 and arrive in Chiang Mai (CNX) at 1345.
• Flight 8M371 deparst Chiang Mai (CNX) at 1445 and arrive in Yangon (RGN) at 1515.

The airline is pitching the introductory one-way fare on the route at USD119.

MAI flies four daily flights on the Yangon-Bangkok (BKK) route and from Mandalay to Bangkok (BKK) daily. It also flies daily from Yangon to Bangkok (DMK).

It will face stiff competition on the Yangon-Chiang Mai route from Myanmar National Airlines (UB), which flies four times weekly using the 70-seat ATR72. Flights are scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

• Flight UB09 departs Yangon at 1720 and arrives in Chiang Mai at 1910.
• Flight UB10 departs Chiang Mai at 2015 and arrives in Yangon at 2105.

The average roundtrip fare on UB is USD250, with a low of USD185 in March and rising to around USD223 in April. Travel to Myanmar is restricted. Visa-free travel has been suspended for all foreign visitors, and the only way to enter the country is to join a tour package sold by authorised travel agencies.

Airfares falling as travel returns to pre-COVID-19 capacity

New data shows global and domestic capacity has reached pre-pandemic levels with fares dropping as a result.

Data from Flight Centre’s FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller shows global and domestic air capacity have reached pre-COVID-19 levels with international airfares out of Australia becoming cheaper.

Australia’s international capacity is currently at 95 per cent, according to Flight Centre Corporate Global COO Melissa Elf.

“We are anticipating that to tick up to 98 per cent next month, and hover around that mark for the next six months,” says Elf.

“As of this month, and for the first time since the pandemic, we have reached aircraft passenger seat capacity that is above or beyond pre-pandemic levels globally.

“This means that across the world we have as many seats available to passengers as we did before 2019.”

US carriers such as American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Airlines are all adding capacity, beyond their pre-2019 levels.

The increased capacity means airfares for corporate travellers are decreasing.

According to the data, international seat capacity out of Perth is at 111 per cent with Sydney nearing full capacity at 97 per cent.

“An analysis of key international routes for Australian travellers has found fares on some routes dropped by up to 25 per cent, and with more and more capacity and competition being introduced to the market it’s a trend we’ll continue to see throughout the rest of the year,” says Elf.

“We’re seeing promising signs that this will be a long lasting trend, thanks to new international capacity announcements like recent ones from Delta Airlines, Singapore Airlines, China Southern and Jetstar.”

Experience Stilt Fishing Be that striking silhouette in the sunset!

Stilt Fishing is an age-old tradition unique to Sri Lanka, practised by fishermen in down south coastal areas, which may look simple but clearly require much skill and balance.

They sit for hours on end on a crossbar perch, set against a vertical pole that is stuck deep into the sea bed a few metres offshore. You see these fishermen on stilts only down south coastal belt, specifically in Hikkaduwa, Koggala, Ahangama, Welipenna, Kathaluwa, Thalarambe and Mirissa and even on the scenic Madhu River. The stilt fishermen perfectly balanced on a stilt, patiently silent and still, painting stunning silhouettes against the glow of a beautiful sunset, is a spectacular sight to behold!

They seem to push limits of patience, sitting still on a stilt for their day’s catch. This two-metre-high stilt is to prevent shedding any significant shadows of the fisherman on the water, it being the science behind the act. The motionless stand against the painted sky at sunset in the art. But being ‘silent’ brings two-pronged outcomes: silence is to not disturb the fish and to not lose focus on the task. Well, for these stilt fishermen it all adds, to make them keep their heads above water.

Their feet may get numb but they certainly look a fascinating sight even with the sunlight stark in their face, as they sit still, on a single-seat stilt, on the job, until fish bite their line. They usually catch fish in the morning hours as well, having a bag around their waist or hanging from the crossbar to store the day’s catch of spotted herrings and mackerels.

Most tourists love to get on their stilt for the amazing experience and a memorable take-home selfie. If it takes your fancy to learn your new art of fishing, which in reality is an age-old traditional practice in the island, do it while you are in Sri Lanka. You may feel good to take a lesson from a friendly Sri Lankan fisherman who is willing to part with his trade secrets.

Even if you by chance slip balancing that long to catch a herring or three, the authentic experience is bound to etch happy and indelible memories of your visit to a beautiful fishing village in Galle, Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau

 ✆ +94114 865050  ☏ +94112 472985
 slcb@srilanka.travel
 meetinsrilanka.com

Anantara Recognised as Luxury Hotel Company of the Year at TTG Luxury Travel Awards in UK

TTG Luxury Travel Awards 2024 
Anantara - Luxury Hotel Company of the Year 

Anantara Hotels, Resort & Spas, a renowned global hotel brand, has received a prestigious accolade at the 2024 TTG Luxury Travel Awards – an annual event that acknowledges a wide range of achievements within the luxury travel industry.

Hosted by one of the UK's top industry magazines, TTG Luxury, the awards are now in their sixth year, and Anantara Hotels, Resort & Spas scooped the trophy for Luxury Hotel Company of the Year (Large) during the ceremony held in London on Friday 1st March.

All entrants had to give a detailed entry submission covering a wide range of areas, such as operations; customer service; staff care; and innovation in product; as well as demonstrating their commitment to running a Smarter, Better, Fairer business, in line with TTG Media’s own core purpose. Entries were then judged by panels of industry experts.

The TTG Luxury Travel Awards judges said: “Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas is a worthy winner that showcases the whole package beyond just exceptional product. We were particularly impressed with its signature Dollar for Deeds corporate social responsibility programme being rolled out across all properties, which encourages guests to opt-in to give back to the community by donating to a range of worthy causes. The brand has a refreshing 'two-way relationship' approach to working with its trade partners which prioritises listening and understanding the importance of feedback, while its transparent approach to workforce engagement and development focuses on the biggest areas needed to make an impact. With unique examples of what they are doing for customers, this is a brand that is looking into the future with the knowledge of where they want or need to grow, and a clear focus on that.”

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, commented: “We are thrilled to have received this prestigious award for our luxury brand, Anantara, particularly in the significant UK market. We take special pride in being acknowledged for our positive impact on sustainability and community engagement.”

Minor Hotels, which owns Anantara Hotels & Resorts, is an international hotel owner, operator and investor with more than 540 hotels in 56 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and the Americas.

TTG Luxury editor and publisher April Hutchinson said: “It gives me enormous pride to have awarded so many worthy recipients, who proved how they continually go above and beyond in our vibrant luxury travel sector. The TTG Luxury Travel Awards are not easy to win: we require a lot of detail from entrants to demonstrate how they strive to be a Smarter, Better, Fairer travel business, in line with TTG Media’s own core purpose. From global hotel brands to individual travel designers, the awards shine a light on what good looks like and we also place emphasis on recognising those who make a positive contribution in the area of sustainability and community engagement. We’re thrilled to have hosted so many people from across our thriving luxury travel sector in such a fitting venue and send hearty congratulations to all winners.”

THE GUIDE TO LOS ANGELES FOR PLANT PARENTS

Amir's Garden in Griffith Park | Photo: @dain_c0n, Instagram

Los Angeles is a paradise for plant parents. Whether you’re shopping for plants, accessories and tools, books, or just looking for sheer inspiration and expert advice, it’s all here. From nurseries to botanical gardens, plant design studios to restaurants and bookstores, discover horticulture havens in the City of Angels.

1) AMIR’S GARDEN

A five-acre ornamental garden and rest stop for Griffith Park hikers and equestrians, Amir’s Garden was begun in 1971 by the late Amir Dialameh. Driven by a fervor for nature born in the Alborz Mountains of his native Iran, he toiled for more than three decades with a pick and shovel, six or seven days a week, to transform a barren and fire-ravaged landscape into today’s lush, shaded grove. Over those many years, Amir planted pine and jacaranda trees, rose bushes, geraniums, oleander, and yucca. He terraced slopes, built stairs, and erected brightly colored benches. Since Amir’s 2003 passing, his verdant gift to Los Angeles has been maintained by hardy volunteers. (Sign up to volunteer here.)

2) AVALON NURSERY & CERAMICS

Avalon Nursery & Ceramics
Photo: @cualtzin_03, Instagram

On what was once a dusty corner lot in South L.A., owner Maria Luz Lopez has gradually built Avalon Nursery & Ceramics (5334 S Avalon Blvd, Los Angeles 90011) into a literal urban jungle over the past three decades. The bustle of Avalon Boulevard fades as you delve deeper into its rows of citrus and mango trees, aromatic sage and native shrubs, roses, ceramic pots and more, all accompanied by birdsong incongruous to the city surrounds. Started by Maria from the back of her car, Avalon is about as far from a corporate big-box nursery as it gets - chaotic and in many ways casual, yet with sufficient inventory to keep even the most prolific of plants people happy for hours.

3) CALIFORNIA CACTUS CENTER

California Cactus Center Photo: YouTube

A family-run business for more than 35 years, California Cactus Center (216 S Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena 91107) is SoCal’s preeminent specialized nursery for cacti and succulents. Known for its vast variety of common and hard-to-find specimens from all over the world, it also supplies local municipalities, universities, and the nearby Google campus. The five Thongthiraj sisters who operate the business are both incredibly friendly and uniquely knowledgeable, having worked in the nursery founded by their parents since childhood. California Cactus Center is just 10 minutes from incredible cactus and succulent collections at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and at Huntington Library Botanical Gardens, completing the ultimate trifecta for lovers of desert landscaping.

4) FOLIA COLLECTIVE

Photo: Folia Collective

Located in Eagle Rock, Folia Collective (5052 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles 90041) has been the friendly go-to boutique for local plant parents since 2016. Founder Danae Horst runs the place like a passion project, bringing with her the rare knowledge that only a lifelong fascination can fuel. Her bright and sleek storefront offsets its greenery with stark white walls and plain wood shelves that really emphasize the colors and varied forms of the flora within. Folia sells not only curated plants, but also planters, tools, hardware, and watering equipment. But it’s perhaps the genial advice from Danae and her staff that sets the place apart – and can make the difference between truly home-enhancing foliage and a few withered stems in sad pots.
 Green Thumb Nursery in Canoga Park | Photo: Green Thumb Nursery

5) GREEN THUMB NURSERY

Green Thumb Nursery in Canoga Park

 Photo: Green Thumb Nursery

The family-owned Green Thumb Nursery dates back to 1946, and it shows in truly specialist staff and old-school customer service which contrast sharply with those of big-box home improvement stores. Nothing is too much trouble at Green Thumb, and there always seems to be someone on duty who is knowledgeable on your plants or project of choice. If they don’t have a particular plant in stock, they’ll swiftly order it, and they only accept specimens from wholesalers that meet their unusually high standards. While their yard décor items may be a little cheesy, it’s Green Thumb’s nurseries and their staff that make this a place a gardeners’ go-to for life. Two locations: 21812 Sherman Way, Canoga Park 91303 and 23734 Newhall Ave, Santa Clarita 91321

A French Raclette Melted Cheese Igloo Experience is coming to Adelaide!

From 10th May to 9th June, be transported to the French Alps from the centre of Adelaide. Indulge in a traditional French dish oozing with melted cheese while surrounded by a cozy, winter mountain-style ambiance at the Raclette Igloo experience.

The highly anticipated Raclette Igloo Experience is coming to Adelaide after deliciously successful sell-out events in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney. In a city known for its love of exceptional food and wine experiences, Adelaide’s cheese-lovers can now book for this unique and immersive culinary experience, with tickets on sale from today.

Cooler nights are coming to Adelaide in May so it's a perfect time for the Raclette Igloo Experience, which will take over Festival Plaza with sights, smells and tastes sure to captivate. It is a perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family in a private igloo, feast on Raclette cheese, sip on wine, including the hot mulled kind, and enjoy your very own fire pit with marshmallows.

SAY CHEESE TO AN UNFORGETTABLE FRENCH CULINARY EXPERIENCE

An exclusive and intimate experience, Raclette Igloo will have 14 igloos, each named after a famous French ski resort. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by French-speaking staff who will enhance the culture experience. A Raclette Guide will take visitors through the finer points of eating Raclette to immerse them into this unique dining event.

Ambiance includes snow falling gently on arrival, guests greeted with the spiced warmth of mulled wine, surrounded by pine trees and twinkling fairy lights. The premium experience continues in each different igloo, where you friends and families join loved ones and indulge in one of the most popular dishes from France.

Vincent Hernandez, Raclette Igloo Founder and Director, says: “Raclette isn't just a meal – it's a French tradition of sharing, laughter, and indulgence. Some of my best memories are gathering around the Raclette grill with my friends and family, savouring the delicious flavours and enjoying each other's company. At the Igloo Raclette experience, we bring that same warmth and joy to Adelaide, allowing people to create unforgettable memories together – while indulging in lots of cheese."

Tickets are on sale now. Igloos can be booked for a party of 6 or 8 people.

TWO TONNES OF CHEESE DELIVERED FROM FRANCE TO ADELAIDE TO EXPERIENCE THE AUTHENTIC FLAVORS OF THE RACLETTE

Raclette arrives in Adelaide straight from the French Alpine regions for guests to experience the authentic flavours of this ever popular cheese-based winter dish. Raclette is, in fact, the best-selling cheese in France. This hearty meal is typically enjoyed during the colder months, when the warmth and comfort of melted cheese are most welcome.

On the table will be up to 2 kilos of Raclette cheese and a selection of four exquisite cured meats. The cheese is dished up with with boiled potatoes, pickled onions, and cornichons, all served family-style.

To complement the meal, each guest is given a glass of mulled wine (alcoholic or alcohol-free), a match made in heaven to fully enjoy a Raclette dish. Inside the igloo is an equipped mini bar with a selection of French wines (for an additional cost) that pair perfectly with the dish. For those who prefer something lighter, a selection of soft drinks, including still and sparkling water and sodas is available.

MARSHMALLOW ROASTING: THE PERFECT WAY TO FINISH A MEMORABLE DINING EXPERIENCE!

Guests finish their gastronomic journey with the perfect ending to a scrumptious dining experience, gathering around a fire pit with and roasting giant marshmallows to perfection. The crackling warmth of the fire creates the perfect backdrop for sharing stories and laughter while enjoying this classic treat.

Raclette Igloo is an event like no other and not to be missed. At last Adelaideans can indulge in this unique and immersive culinary experience.

Tickets are on sale now at racletteiglooexperience.com.au

DETAILS

What – Raclette Igloo
When – Friday May 10th – Sunday June 9th 2024
Where – Festival Plaza, Adelaide
How much – $99 pp, parties of 6-8 minimum. Children under 6 are free.

BOOKINGS AND INFORMATION

racletteiglooexperience.com.au

Thai PM Srettha launches Thailand Tourism Festival 2024 in grand style

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (Second from the left)

opens Thailand Tourism Festival 2024.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin opened Thailand Tourism Festival 2024 -- the country's biggest travel fair held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok.

The four-day fair leverages the kingdom's soft power and promotes distinctive tourism resources in different regions as well as new travel experiences in well-established and lesser-known destinations.

"Tourism is front and center of the government's policy in socio-economic development. We are harnessing the strength of the Thai soft powers, our rich tourism resources, breathtaking landscapes and the famed Thai hospitality to propel Thailand into becoming a tourism hub. The Thailand Tourism Festival perfectly aligns with our plan," Srettha said at the opening ceremony of the event.

Organized annually by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, or TAT, this year's festival is held under the concept of "happy travelling at the Thailand Tourism Festival".

The festival is made up of nine zones. TAT is also presenting its innovation approach on digital tourism and the 'partnership 360 strategy' to showcase tourism offerings along with fascinating soft powers. 

"We are also encouraging tourists to travel responsibly through the "Zero Waste to Landfills' initiative," said Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Tourism and Sports Minister.

Products arranging from handcrafts to local cuisine from

nearly all parts from Thailand can be seen during the fair.

TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, said TAT expects the event to attract 150,000 visitors and generate 20 million reaches. "We hope it will inspire year-round domestic travel and help to generate 1.4 to 1.5 billion Baht ($38.37 million to 41.12 million) to the Thai economy," she added.

TAT is set to kick start the joyous month of the Maha Songkran World Water Festival on the festival's last day on April 1 with spiring Songkran processions and the launch of new faith-based tourism routes to ring in the Thai New Year.

Deep dive and snorkelling facility planned for Hervey Bay resort

Hervey Bay could be home to Australia’s deepest themed dive and snorkelling facility under plans to create a natural oasis as the centrepiece of the proposed five-star Sheraton Hervey Bay resort. The deep dive and snorkelling facility would be unlike anything else in Australia, providing both a stunning preview of the marine wonders of the region and an opportunity for scuba diving accreditation. 

Ocean Odyssey Deep Dive Australasia would feature a spectacular aquatic environment populated with marine life replicas amid a seascape of coral bustling with local fish species. The facility would be up to 7 metres deep and embedded in a world-class recreation podium designed as a luxurious interpretation of the stunning tropical Queensland coastline. Details of the proposal were unveiled in Hervey Bay today by award-winning designer and environmentalist Jamie Durie. 

The latest announcement follows news last month that Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, part of the Marriott International Group, would become the operator of a 223-room hotel component of the proposed $445 million Torquay waterfront development. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the world’s largest hospitality group and developer Sunny Beach Land would see Hervey Bay become the location for Australia’s fifth Sheraton hotel. 

The proposed development would feature a mix of residential, resort, retail and luxury entertainment options, including 424 private apartments in addition to hotel rooms, business lounge, fitness centre, international standard 400-seat function and conference space and a destination roof top bar overlooking the bay. 

It would generate an estimated 1,350 new jobs across the life of the project and attract new high spending tourists to the Fraser Coast. Jamie Durie will be meeting with locals at the Stockland Hervey Bay Shopping Centre over the next three days to share more details of their vision for a Sheraton Hervey Bay resort. 

Quotes attributable to Sunny Beach Land Director Dan Cuda: “We are already planning to build the largest and most luxurious new hotel between Brisbane and Cairns to put the Fraser Coast region on the map as a must-visit global tourism destination. “Now we are also excited to reveal we’re in the early planning stages for a resort oasis and themed deep dive and snorkelling facility unlike anything seen in Australia before. “Our project will shortly go before the Fraser Coast Regional Council for approval and it’s clear that a majority of the community want it to go ahead. “The contribution this development would make to the region in terms of the economy, business, tourism, employment and reputation is unprecedented and we look forward to making further announcements about our plans soon.” 

Quotes attributable to project ambassador Jamie Durie: “Imagine stepping out of your five-star resort suite and entering a preview of the natural wonders of the region that surrounds us before an adventure in the exclusive Ocean Odyssey Deep Dive Australasia facility. “Imagine swimming into the gaping jaw of a humpback whale or navigating around a rusted shipwreck, creating lifelong memories in this magical place, all in the safety of your own hotel. “These opportunities could be a reality if our project is approved. Last week we were in Hervey Bay to show some select community members our plans and the support we received was simply overwhelming. “Working together, we can turn this amazing vision into an amazing reality.” 

WHERE TO MEET JAMIE DURIE 

Stockland Hervey Bay Shopping Centre 

▪ Thursday 18 April 2pm-7pm 

▪ Friday 19 April 10am-4pm 

▪ Saturday 20 April 9am-12pm

Vivid Food 2024 set to sizzle with international and local talent

From near and far, some of the hottest names in the culinary world will appear at Vivid Sydney this year as part of Vivid Food, embracing the festival’s 2024 theme, Humanity, and highlighting food as a fundamental part of the human experience, connecting us through the universal language of cuisine.

This year’s roster of renowned local and international culinary talent across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen will craft diverse, innovative menus that celebrate our shared heritage and the rich tapestry of global cultures present in Sydney’s food scene, through a series of dynamic events spanning intimate fine dining experiences through to communal fire-cooked feasts.

Vivid Residence will bring Latin America’s best female chef 2022, Manoella ‘Manu’ Buffara of Manu Restaurant, to take over Peter Conistis’ waterside venue, Ploós, while hatted restaurants Fred’s, AALIA and The Charles Brasserie & Bar will be among the top dining spots hosting Vivid Chef Series events and unmissable foodie collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs including Max Coen, Sally Abé and Ivan Brehm.

Vivid Fire Kitchen returns to the Vivid Food program in a new home on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk with the world’s best pitmasters and BBQ heroes including Christine Manfield; Firedoor's Lennox Hastie; Texas' Jess Pryles; Michelin-starred Swedish chef Niklas Ekstedt; LA’s Shalamar Lane and more, firing up The Goods Line with cooking demonstrations and tasty BBQ fare from tandoor and teppanyaki to First Nations tucker.

This announcement bolsters an already impressive Vivid Food 2024 program including the Our Shared Humanity series featuring leading Australian chefs; Atelier by Sofitel – A Culinary Connection; VividPlace Food Trail, A Culinary Canvas by Danielle Alvarez, the return of Aster Vivid 2024 and much more, all with a nod to Vivid Sydney, Humanity.

John Graham, Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, said: “After a successful launch last year, I am pleased to see Vivid Food returning for a second year. Food is a cultural cornerstone, a fundamental part of the human experience, something we can all share and through that shared experience, enjoy new flavours and perspectives.

“Sydney has a wonderful food scene and Vivid Food is a great chance to explore that local scene. The Vivid Food program will range from headline experiences including the free BBQ demonstrations at Vivid Fire Kitchen. We invite Sydneysiders and visitors from across the globe to join us and enjoy one of Sydney’s great strengths.”

Vivid Sydney Festival Director and Vivid Food curator Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Food captures the essence of our shared humanity through the global language of food. It’s a celebration of how cuisine can mirror the diversity of cultures, while also being a bridge that connects us all. We’re thrilled to announce the incredible local and international culinary talent joining the Vivid Food program across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen, who will bring to life the rich tapestry of Sydney’s food scene. Our diverse range of Vivid Food events, from intimate dining experiences to communal feasts, promises to bring people together and showcase the unique and collective culinary heritage that makes our city so special.”

Stephanie Calape, Vice President of Culinary Events at IMG, which produces Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen in collaboration with Vivid Sydney, said: “Following the phenomenal popularity of last year’s inaugural Vivid Food experiences, which saw Vivid Residence sell out within 48 hours, we are excited to bring back another incredible, diverse array of experiences and chefs for 2024. From world-renowned Chef Manoella Buffara’s one-of-a-kind fine dining Vivid Residence experience at Sydney’s Ploós, to Vivid Chef Series’ unmissable mash-up of Sydney and the world’s most exciting chefs, and the star-studded, immersive Vivid Fire Kitchen festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Vivid Residence

Culinary artistry meets social responsibility at Vivid Residence as Latin America’s Best Female Chef 2022, Manoella Buffara of Manu Restaurant, Brazil, which was awarded the The Flor de Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award 2023, graces Peter Conistis’ waterfront venue, Ploós, right in the heart of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Renowned for putting Curitiba on the global culinary map, Buffara’s approach integrates local produce with a commitment to environmental and social sustainability. During her Vivid Sydney residency, Buffara will showcase her pioneering approach to fine dining for the first time in Australia, celebrating New South Wales’ produce alongside her team and Ploós's esteemed chefs.

Chef Manoella Buffara said: “I’m incredibly excited to be part of Vivid Food in Sydney, an event that highlights the importance of cuisine in our culture. As the culinary capital of Australia, Sydney becomes a hub for vibrant flavour exchanges, bringing together top chefs and local producers to create memorable food experiences. In the heart of this bustling city, I will launch a pop-up that showcases my love for high-quality ingredients and authentic flavours. Sharing my cooking and stories with Sydney is a true honour, and I look forward to being part of this amazing food event that Vivid Food offers.”

Buffara and the team will create two menus, with a nine-course tasting menu for dinner, and a seven-course tasting menu for lunch. Tickets for the nine-course dinner menu are $420 per person, with the shorter lunch tasting menu costing $320, with bespoke beverage pairings also available. Vivid Residence will run from 24 May to 2 June 2024 offering a unique dining experience in the middle of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Tickets go on sale Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com/food.

Vivid Chef Series

The Vivid Chef Series will take over Sydney’s food scene, with the city’s best hatted restaurants and chefs pairing with some of the world’s most exciting culinary talent to bring the global contemporary culinary scene to Sydney for a limited number of nights.

Nouri Snacks

The series of exclusive dinners will see local and international talent collaborate to create a never-to-be repeated menu that celebrates the best NSW produce and suppliers, imbued with global culinary sophistication.

London chef Sally Abé, who will take over The Charles Brasserie & Bar as part of Vivid Chef Series, said: “As a passionate chef, I am thrilled to be a part of the Vivid Food series in Sydney. It is an incredible platform that celebrates the intersection of art, culture, and gastronomy, allowing me to showcase my culinary skills in a vibrant and innovative setting. I am excited to immerse myself in the diverse food scene of Sydney and collaborate with talented chefs from around the world, creating unforgettable culinary experiences.”

Chef collaborations include:
● The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abé | Once comrades in arms on the other side of the globe whilst working at the three Michelin-starred restaurant The Ledbury in London, Sally Abé of The Pem will be reuniting with Billy Hannigan of Sydney’s hatted The Charles Brasserie & Bar, for three unmissable lunches and dinners. The menu will merge Hannigan’s European-inspired cooking style with Abe’s passion for nostalgic British cuisine. Joining them in the kitchen will be head pastry chef Rhiann Mead, who will add her signature sweet and innovative flair to the evening.

● AALIA x Ivan Brehm | Ivan Brehm of Michelin-starred Singapore restaurant, Nouri and Paul Farag of AALIA (two hatted Sydney restaurant, previously named Gourmet Traveller’s NSW restaurant of the year, 2023) will collaborate on two exclusive dinners that celebrate global food traditions. The dinners will blend AALIA’s expertise in Middle Eastern cuisine with Nouri’s celebration of global food traditions, for a menu that honours diversity of cultures paying tribute to the richness of our collective culinary heritage.

● Fred’s x Max Coen | Max Coen of London Michelin-starred Dorian and Ben Greeno of acclaimed Sydney restaurant, Fred’s will unite for four exclusive dinners that fuse their culinary philosophies. Chef Coen’s meticulous focus on ingredient-focussed wood-fired grilling will meet Greeno’s farm-to-table approach and hyper-seasonal cooking, for a menu that celebrates the beauty and artistry found in simplicity, all while utilising the best in local produce.

Tickets go on sale Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com/food.

Vivid Fire Kitchen

Vivid Fire Kitchen will light up its new home of The Goods Line across 23 nights, with the world’s best pitmasters and BBQ heroes joining forces with acclaimed local flame-focused restaurants for a festival of accessible fire demos, cooking sessions and exclusive BBQ dishes, with drinks, DJs and entertainment ablaze with Fire Sculptures, Flame Shooters and fire drums. Using the best NSW produce, a line-up of acclaimed local and international chefs will serve up a selection of flame-seared street food from around the globe, from tandoor and Argentinian Asado, First Nations tucker, alongside hearty sausages, tender brisket, charred eggplant, and aromatic satay, offering a nightly multicultural feast.

Guests will enjoy demonstrations combining local produce and raw-fire cooking from chef and restaurateur Lennox Hastie of Sydney’s two-hatted Firedoor who returns for Vivid Food 2024; one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs and culinary ambassadors Christine Manfield; reigning Seafood Champion in the World Food Championships, John McFadden; chef, restaurateur, proud Bundjalung woman and owner of Karkalla restaurant, Mindy Woods; Michelin starred chef of Sweden’s Ekstedt at The Yard, Niklas Ekstedt; Texas-based live fire cook, author, TV personality Jess Pryles; Pitmaster of LA-based My Father’s Barbeque, Shalamar Lane and more.

Australian chef and restaurateur Lennox Hastie who will appear at Vivid Fire Kitchen, said: “For me, food is an integral part of my creative expression because it engages all my senses and allows me to connect with ingredients and people on a deeply personal level. Vivid Food celebrates the rich and diverse nature of our food culture of Australia, reminding us that food is not just about sustenance but a powerful form of connection supporting community, evoking emotions, and creating lasting memories.”

Alongside BBQ offerings and the blazing atmosphere on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk, Vivid Sydney audiences will also be able to enjoy dishes from a curated selection of Sydney’s hottest dining concepts at Vivid Fire Kitchen, from casual eateries to acclaimed restaurants, including Messina Milk Bar, a culinary time capsule that transforms beloved chocolate bars and classic sweets into modern gelato delights. A menu highlight: a warm Milo fudge sundae, specially developed to warm you up on cold winter nights.

Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen events are produced by IMG in collaboration with Vivid Sydney. IMG is the global events company behind the likes of Gourmet Escape, Taste Festivals, The Big Feastival, New York Fashion Week: The Shows and Frieze art fairs.

Vivid Food is part of Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, which will run from 24 May to 15 June 2024. Tickets for Vivid Residence and Vivid Chef Series will go on sale Friday 19 April via https://www.vividsydney.com/food. Vivid Fire Kitchen events, taking place at The Goods Line in Ultimo, are free for all to attend. Food and drink can be purchased on site.

For more information and tickets, visit vividsydney.com

Pure Ceylon Cinnamon – Galle’s incomparable spice the world craves for!

Aromatic History

‘Sweet Cinnamon of Ceylon’ dates back to 2800 BC when the global powers in the ancient world were obsessed with it. Conquerors, queens, emperors, travellers, explorers and merchants covetously followed its magical aroma-trail to Sri Lanka (then called Ceylon) charmed by it.

The Making of a Magical Spice

In the Cinnamon family, the highest grade cinnamon the world craves comes from Ceylon Cinnamon – Cinnamomum zeylanicum, a tree native to the island. It holds premium sovereignty, producing the finest Pure Ceylon Cinnamon, of the world. It might interest you to learn just how Sri Lanka became the best, highest-grade cinnamon producer on the planet, acquiring a lasting reputation in the global market due to its unique quality, flavour, aroma and colour.

Galle’s geography can be one decisive factor for Pure Ceylon Cinnamon’s uniqueness in flavour and fragrance, considering its altitude, topsoil, climate and most exclusively the ocean breeze that literally embraces the Cinnamon plantation in Galle, throughout its lifecycle.

The traditional modus operandi of this Cinnamon plantation gives latitude to nature’s own process, in inculcating therapeutic value to every part of the cinnamon plant. The unique art and the science of processing and curing of cinnamon, a skill handed down from generation to generation, induces its distinctive characteristic flavour.

All these contributing factors have brought about a benchmark product rich in quality, therapeutic value and aroma, classifying Pure Ceylon Cinnamon in an iconic, incomparable premium-class of its own. 260

Creating Global Demand

‘Pure Ceylon Cinnamon’ of Sri Lankan origin, referred to as ‘true cinnamon’ has been established as a truly unique global brand. Grown and manufactured solely in Sri Lanka, Ceylon Cinnamon confines itself to four grades with specific standards, lengths and diameters namely Continental, Mexican Hamburg and Alba – the most expensive (6mm diameter quill). Sri Lanka also produces and exports value-added Ceylon Cinnamon products of oil, powder and tablets to many countries meeting growing global demands.

Being the world’s largest producer and exporter of Pure Ceylon Cinnamon, Sri Lanka dominates 90% of the global market share. Cinnamon being the most significant and valuable spice produced in Sri Lanka, it has captured giant global markets of USA and Mexico and holds sway Columbia, Ecuador, Spain, Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Guatemala as committed markets.

The Spice of Life

Due to the unique flavour, quality aroma and colour Pure Ceylon Cinnamon has tickled the taste buds of global connoisseurs. With a high component of antioxidants, Pure Ceylon Cinnamon is considered a product of overall health that has become a must-have ingredient in everyday cooking globally.

Mexico uses it in chocolates, Asians, in their curry and the Americans, in their bakes. Desserts, spicy candies, tea, hot chocolate and liqueur have their distinctive flavour and aroma because of it. Your perfume and exotic gifts won’t smell so good without it. Global cosmetics and pharmaceutical products use it for many ‘good’ reasons. Natural ingredient with therapeutic value is healthier and preferred over the synthetic counterparts that create health hazards. Clearly, Pure Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka has set a global benchmark.

When you visit Sri Lanka, experience an enchanting walk through perfumed glades of a Cinnamon Estates in Galle, with active Cinnamon production processes and authentic traditional practices. Don’t forget to take home genuine flavour-fresh products to remember your ‘Pure Cinnamon Experience!’

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau

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