In the lead up to Gourmantic’s 10th Birthday on 26 June 2019, today we’re kicking off a daily year by year countdown showcasing 10 years of Gourmantic.
Each day, we’ll be releasing a snapshot of one year which includes the key highlights, what we were writing about at the time, and local and international legends we’ve met along the way. Step into our time machine, as we start the year by year countdown of #10YEARSOFGOURMANTIC.
Year 1: 26 June 2009 to 25 June 2010 – 10 Years of Gourmantic
Key Highlights…
- won the Grantourismo global travel & food writing competition
- contributed to Best Kept Travel Secrets global campaign to bring fresh water to an Ethiopian village
We were writing about…
- Le Jules Verne: Dining at 125m Above Paris
- A Taste of Luxury: Petrossian Caviar and Vodka
- The Norias of Hama in Syria
- Manjimup & Perigord Truffles Compared
- St Pancras: The London Station for Foodies
- Sake Tasting at Ultimo Wine Centre
- The Masterchef Influence
- Afternoon Tea at Burj Al Arab
- Globalisation and the Changing Face of Travel
- Vesper Martini
We met…
- nobody… we were shy and we were anonymous!
Year 1 Facebook photo gallery here.
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Year 2: 26 June 2010 to 25 June 2011 – 10 Years of Gourmantic
Highlights…
- Attended our very first media event
- Our Monbana Chocolatier article was forwarded by France to their client Chef René Redzepi, of Noma Restaurant
- Visited Eau de Vie Bar which sparked the passion for writing about bars, cocktails and spirits
- Nominated in Best Australian Blogs 2011 Competition
- Wrote guest post on Trains on the Brain website
- Wrote guest post on The Urban Grocer website
- Launched new website, Degustinations
We were writing about…
- Bordeaux: Chateau Lafite Rothschild Visit
- The Ugly Side of Venice
- Annual Champagne Tasting at Ultimo Wine Centre
- Where to Eat in Paris: Restaurant and Bistro Guide
- Flight Review: Emirates A380
- The Dish of Aleppo: Kabab Bil Karaz (Cherry Kabab)
- Lark Whisky Masterclass with Bill Lark
- Hotel Metropole Suisse, Lake Como: A Room with a View
- Grace Wines Masterclass with Ayana Misawa
- Eau-de-Vie Bar in Darlinghurst
We met… International Legends
- Ayana Misawa, Grace Wines Winemaker, Japan
We met… Local Legends
- Bill Lark, the Godfather of Australian whisky
- Chef Chris Cranswick-Smith of Emmilou
- Chef Justin North
- Philip Moore, Master Distiller at Distillery Botanica
- Chef Stephane Jegat (sadly, no longer with us)
- Barry Chalmers, Luke Redington, Max Greco & Phil Gandevia (aka Dr Phil) of Eau de Vie bar
- Simon McGoram, Hugh Payten Smith at Schweppes Elixir Launch Party
Year 2 Facebook photo gallery here.
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Year 3: 26 June 2011 to 25 June 2012 – 10 Years of Gourmantic
Key Highlights…
- Featured in NEW YORK TIMES feature article on Toby Smith of Toby’s Estate “An Australian Import Speaks to Brooklyn”
- Featured in NEW YORK TIMES article “Parisian Wine Celebrated in Montmartre Festival”
- Featured in USA Today Travel on “What to Wear on the Beach in Dubai”
- First interview: Chris Cranswick-Smith, the Man Behind the Chef of Emmilou Tapas Bar
- Attended first Bar Show 2011
- Gourmantic Lights Up Coca-Cola Sign at Kings Cross
- Launched the Gourmantic newsletter
We were writing about….
- Champagne Bureau Tasting 2011 – Comité Champagne CIVC
- The Singleton of Glen Ord: Single Malt Whisky Tasting at Eau-de-Vie Bar
- Men & Martini: What His Choice of Martini Reveals About Him
- Interview with Toby Smith: The Man Behind the Coffee Bean
- Sam Ross of Milk & Honey Talks Cocktail Families
- Champagne Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 1985 Tasting Notes
- Johnnie Walker Double Black Launch
- Cocktail Island
- Cigar Appreciation Seminar with Samuel Spurr at La Bodeguita del Medio
- Locanda dell’Isola Comacina: Lunch in the Middle of Lake Como
We met… International Legends
- Brian Nation, Jameson Irish Whiskey
- Sam Ross, Milk & Honey
- Don Francisco Hajnal Alfaro, José Cuervo Tequila
- John Campbell, Laphroaig Distillery Manager at Laphroaig Live
- Ludovic Ducrocq, Grant’s Global Brand Ambassador
- Ron Jeremy, Ron de Jeremy Rum, Pornstar
- Jeff Arnett, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller
- Per Even Allaire, HINE Cognac
- Francesco Lafranconi
We met… Local Legends
- Ben Davidson at ABSOLUT Tune launch
- John Noble Elisabeth Drysdale at Champagne Bureau Tasting
- Sven Almenning, Laura Hay & Chris Middleton at The Singleton of Glen Ord launch
- Amy Cooper at Bars March
- James France, Vanguard Luxury Brands
- James Buntin at Royal Salute Whisky at Sydney Polo Club
- Mikey Enright at Palmer & Co
- Dan Woolley at the Sydney Whisky Fair
- Sarah Miller, Pez Collier, Collin Perillo, Jason Williams at World Class Finals
- Stuart Reeves, Woodford Reserve Masters Collection Workshop
- Mauro Ribeiro, Cerbaco
- Ben Taouss & Mischa Bonova at Pocket Bar
- Mitch Bushell, Mark Little, Peter Stevens, Steve Cipriani, Joe Sinagra, SouthTrade and many many more at Cocktail Island
- John Susman, Yarra Valley Caviar Launch at Cloudy Bay Fish Co
- Haylee Morison, Sean Forsyth, Loy Catada, Jean Munos and many more at Taste of Sydney 2012
- Ivan Myers and David Ligoff of World of Whisky at the Ardbeg Day islay-limpics
- Tom Bulmer, Reece Griffiths, George Goto, Jason Williams, Dre Walters
- Tim Phibs, graffiti artist
Year 3 Facebook photo gallery here.
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Year 4: 26 June 2012 to 25 June 2013 – 10 Years of Gourmantic
Key Highlights…
- Featured in Sydney Morning Herald for Glenmorangie Secret Society in “Speak: not so easy”
- Featured in HARPERS Wine & Spirits Magazine for Champagne Summit
- Featured in Wikipedia for: Australian Film Walk of Fame, Champagne Stemware, Wedding Cake Island
- Judged my first cocktail competition, Lairds Applejack
We were writing about…
- Glenmorangie Secret Society Dinner at Black by Ezard
- GQ Men of the Year Awards 2012 with Chivas
- Vin de Champagne Awards 2012
- Interview with Jill Dupleix and Terry Durack: Kings Cross Festival Food Curators
- Oysters at the House, Guide to Sydney Rock Oysters, Pacific and Angasi
- The Taste of Moutai: China’s Luxury Spirit
- Pacifico Go Go & Australian Bartender Magazine’s 150th Issue Party
- Chartreuse Masterclass with Chevalier Nathan Bradbery
- Gourmantic & Best Kept Travel Secrets Campaign Bring Fresh Water to Ethiopian Village
- Dîner en Blanc Sydney
We met… International Legends
- Dita Von Teese for Cointreau
- Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie
- Didier Mariotti, Champagne G. H. Mumm
- Ago Perrone, Galliano
- Raj Nagra, Bombay Sapphire Gin Flavour Experience
- Sam Galsworthy, Sipsmith Gin
- Chef Heinz Beck, La Pergola, Italy
- Sophie Decobecq, Founder and Master Distiller of Calle 23 Tequila
- Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich
- Charles Vexenat, Pernod Absinthe
- Sergio Mendoza, Don Fulano Tequila
- Charles Maclean & Alex Bruce, Adelphi Whisky
- Ron Cooper, Del Maguey Mezcal
- Audrey Delagarde, Lillet
We met… Local Legends
- Patrick Maguire, Sullivans Cove Whisky Master Distiller
- Ross Brown, Brown Brothers
- Yukino Ochiai, Deja Vu Sake
- Karel Papi Reyes, Havana Club
- Manuel Terron, Midori Global Ambassador
- Richard Feyn, Sydney Brewery
- Marco Faraone, Stefano Catino, Bourbon Street Party at Cockatoo Island
- Daniele Pirotta, Sam Egerton, Jamie Chesher at Appleton Estate Rum Australian Bartender Challenge Final 2012
- Cristiano Beretta, Taka Shino, Kevin Peters, Dan Noble, and many many more
Year 4 Facebook photo gallery here.
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Year 5: 26 June 2013 to 25 June 2014 – 10 Years of Gourmantic
Key Highlights…
- Named in Australian Bartender Most Influential List 2013
- Judged the Australasian Whisky Awards
- Joined the Academy that votes for World’s 50 Best Bars
- Media partner for Omnivore Sydney 2014 food festival
- Featured in S#!t People Say To Aussie Bartenders video
- Celebrated 5th birthday with a Progressive Bar & Restaurant Tour in 5 venues then a party at Hello Sailor
- Travelled to Turkey, London, Paris & New Zealand on a media famil
We were writing about…
- Women in Whisky: The Girl from Glenlivet, The Ambassador & The Writer
- Bartender Profile Series (Natalie Ng, Mischa Bonova, Anai Rocha, Katherine Wasiel, Rinna Kato, Sheena Cullan, Luke Hanzlicek, Michael Nouri, Ben Blair, Reece Griffiths, Tom Bulmer, Luke Redington)
- GQ Men of the Year Awards 2013 with Chivas
- Rare and Impossible Lunch with 3 Winos and a Fishtale
- Airline Review: Turkish Airlines Business Class Bangkok-Istanbul
- The Glenlivet: The Guardians’ Chapter & Dinner at Tetsuya’s
- London Food Tour: Brixton & Borough Market
- Australia’s Top Food & Travel Bloggers’ Secrets
- Jacob’s Creek Australia’s Longest Reserve Table
- Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2013
We met… International Legends
- Ger Buckley, Master Cooper Jameson Irish Whiskey
- Dr Jim Swan, Kavalan Whisky
- Graham Coull, Glen Moray Whisky
- Martine Nouet, Whisky Live Dinner
- Bill Samuels Jr, Maker’s Mark 46,
- Max Warner, Chivas Brothers
- Sam Simmons, The Balvenie Global Ambassador
- Dan Aykroyd, Crystal Head Vodka
- Chef Sven Chartier, Saturne (Paris)
- Chef Anjum Anand, Spice Tailor
- Mike Miyamoto, Suntory Whisky
- Gordon Dundas, Bowmore
- Clovis Taittinger, Champagne Taittinger
- Guillermo Erickson Sauza, Tequila Fortaleza
- Simon Ford, 86 Co Spirits
- Jonathan Scott, Glengoyne
- Andy Dawson, Broker’s Gin
- Alfred Cointreau, Cointreau
We met… Local Legends
- Tom Baker, Mr Black Coffee Liqueur
- Baz Luhrmann at ABSOLUT OZ Launch
- Dan Hong at Insider Guide to Haymarket Sydney
- and many many more!
Year 5 Facebook photo gallery here.
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Year 6: 26 June 2014 to 25 June 2015 – 10 Years of Gourmantic
Key Highlights…
- Gourmantic was Sponsor of the Best Bar Food Award in the Australian Bartender Awards 2014
- Speaker at Publicity & Media Workshop during Bar Week 2014
- Featured in Hotel Club’s Australia’s Top Food Blogs for 2014 with Gourmantic being awarded the title of Best Online Foodie Magazine 2014
- Joined the Academy that votes for World’s 50 Best Bars
- Changed logo from suitcase to circle
We were writing about…
- Le Mary Celeste, Paris
- Interview with Jim McEwan, Bruichladdich Master Distiller
- Mix It to Fix It All-Female Cocktail Competition
- Interview with Jared Brown, Sipsmith Gin Master Distiller
- Top 10 Australian Craft Spirits
- Chivas Regal Extra with Colin Scott, Master Blender
- Voyager of the Seas New Staterooms
- Yasa Caviar
- John Walker & Sons Private Collection 2015 Edition
- The Glenlivet Winchester Collection Vintage 1964
We met… International Legends
- Jim McEwan, Bruichladdich
- Dave Broom, Whisky Expert
- Jared Brown, Sipsmith Gin
- Colin Scott, Chivas Master Blender
- Tim Stones, Beefeater Global Ambassador
- Chris Noth, Chivas Extra
- Leslie Gracie, Master Distiller Hendrick’s Gin
- John Quinn, Tullamore DEW
- Joe McCanta, Grey Goose Global Ambassador
- Asbel Morales, Havana Club Maximo Extra Anejo
- Phillip Duff, for Gin 1495
- Sean Muldoon & Jack McGarry, The Dead Rabbit NYC
- Arturo Lomeli, Clase Azul Tequila Master Distiller
- Jaime Orendain, Tequila Arete
- Rusty Cerven, Bols Genever
- Enrique Comas, Bacardi family member and Global Brand Manager
- Phil Ward, Mayahuel NYC
- Julio Bermejo, Tommy’s
- Tomas Estes, Tequila Ocho
- David Suro, Agave Love
- Houston Eaves, Agave Love
- Esteban Morales Garbi, Agave Love
- Naren Young, Dante NYC
- Jesus Hernandez, Olmeca Tequila
- Sergio Mendoza, Don Fulano Tequila
We met… Local Legends
- David Vitale, Starward
- and so many more from the hospitality family!
Year 6 Facebook photo gallery here.
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Year 7: 26 June 2015 to 25 June 2016 – 10 Years of Gourmantic
Key Highlights…
- Celebrated 7 years with 7 bars creating bespoke cocktails over 7 days
- Named in Australian Bartender Top 100 Most Influential List 2015
- Launched Cocktails & Bars website in August
- On selection panel for Top 25 Bartenders by Drinks World Australia
- Published on Executive Style by Fairfax
- Joined the Academy that votes for World’s 50 Best Bars
We were writing about…
- How to Pair Champagne & Caviar: Champagne Mumm Brunch at Thredbo
- The Great Whisk(e)y Rumble
- Boutique Wines Awards
- Keepers of the Quaich: Ben Davidson & Sven Almenning
- Aus Gin Day
- Interview with Diplomatico Rum: Jose Ballesteros, Tito Cordero & Patrick Rabion
- Mortlach Rare Old & 2.81 Distillation Process with Georgie Bell
- Guide to Canberra: Where to Eat, Drink & Stay
- Wuliangye Chinese Liquor Gala Dinner
- Tukka Restaurant, Brisbane
We met… International Legends
- Jimmy & Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey
- Peter Wills, Kilchoman
- Kirsten Grant Miekle, William Grant & Sons
- Mike Miyamoto, Suntory Whisky
- Fred Noe, Jim Beam
- Dan Tullio, Canadian Club
- Jose Ballesteros, Tito Cordero & Patrick Rabion, Diplomatico Rum
- Matt Magliocco, Michter’s Distillery
- Chris Morris, Woodford Reserve Master Distiller
- Georgie Bell, Mortlach
- Alex Kratena, ex Artesian
- Don Livermore, JP Wiser’s Master Blender
- Ryan Magarian, Aviation Gin
- Cihan Anadologlu, Circle
- Chris Fletcher, Assistant Master Distiller Jack Daniel’s
- Dan Aykroyd, Crystal Head Vodka
We met… Local Legends
- Reg Papps, Ironbark Distillery
- Sue Hodder, Senior Winemaker Wynns
- Judith Kennedy, AM
- Andrea Gualdi, Maybe Frank
Year 7 Facebook photo gallery here.
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Year 8: 26 June 2016 to 25 June 2017 – 10 Years of Gourmantic
Key Highlights…
- Celebrated Gourmantic’s 8th Birthday with Gourmantic Origins Dinner
- Released Gourmantic Birthday Gin 2017
- Was a Guest Speaker for Business 101: Late Starters – Keeping the Doors Open for Night Time Trade
- Quoted in book “If Venice Dies” by Salvatore Settis from “The Ugly Side of Venice” article
- Joined the Academy that votes for World’s 50 Best Bars
We were writing about….
- Interview with David Stewart MBE, The Balvenie’s Malt Master
- Vin de Champagne Awards 2016
- Business 101 Seminar: Corinne Mossati on Night Time Trade
- EXCLUSIVE: Behind the Scenes at Cape Byron Distillery with Eddie Brook and Jim McEwan
- Restaurant Hubert, Sydney
- How to Spot a Whisky Nerd in 12 Easy Steps
- Gourmantic Origins Dinner
- Mjolner: Viking Themed Restaurant & Bar Opens in Redfern
- Pino’s Vino e Cucina Alexandria
- Cocktails & Bars Launches International Bars Directory
We met… International Legends
- David Stewart MBE, The Balvenie’s Malt Master
- Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s
- Emmanuel Delafon, Chartreuse CEO
- Paul John, Paul John Whisky
- Daniyel Jones, Angostura Global Ambassador
- Nico de Soto, Mace NYC
- Pamela Heilmann, Michter’s Master Distiller
- Sietse Offringa, The Macallan Brand Ambassador
- Sophie Decobecq, Founder and Master Distiller of Calle 23 Tequila
- Guillermo Erickson Sauza, Tequila Fortaleza
- Ruben Aceves, Master Taster and Global Ambassador of Tequila Herradura
- Stewart Buchanan, BenRiach
- Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey
- Martin Hudak, American Bar at the Savoy
- Ben Branson, Seedlip
- Marian Beke, The Gibson, London
We met… Local Legends
- way too many to list from this point forward!
Year 8 Facebook photo gallery here.
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Year 9: 26 June 2017 to 25 June 2018 – 10 Years of Gourmantic
Key Highlights…
- Named in Australian Bartender Top 100 Most Influential List 2017
- Gourmantic Gets a Brand New Look
We were writing about…
- Bar Tapa Brings a Taste of Spain to Darlinghurst
- The Balvenie Hammer Dinner with Sam Bloomfield and Ross Blainey
- Everything You Need to Know about Mars Whisky
- All You Need to Know about Korean Tea Ceremony
- The Duke of Clarence Sydney
- Yukino Ochiai Appointed Australia’s First Female Sake Samurai
- Moutai Unveils Limited Edition Australia Bottle at Gala Dinner
- Carbon Mexican: Agave Cocktails & Wood-Fired Cuisine Comes to Bondi
- I Am George Wines Launches with Film Series as a Tribute to George Wyndham
- Mode Kitchen & Bar Sydney
We met… International Legends
- Jeff Beachbum Berry
- Kazuto Hombo, President of Hombo Shuzo Co Ltd, Koki Takehira, Distillery Manager of Mars Whisky
- Ben Branson, Seedlip Founder
- Fairfax Hal, Sipsmith Co-Founder
- Simon Ford, Fords Gin
- Charles Maxwell, Thames Distillers
- Thierry Arnold, Remy Martin International Ambassador
- Nils Boese, Jägermeister Global Brand Ambassador
- Martin Markvardsen, Highland Park Ambassador
- Ralph Hochar, Chateau Musar
We met… Local Legends
- our hospitality family keep growing!
Year 9 Facebook photo gallery here.
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Year 10: 26 June 2018 to 25 June 2019 – 10 Years of Gourmantic
Key Highlights…
- Celebrating the 10 year milestone
- Gourmantic gets a new logo for its 10th year
We were writing about…
- Kid Kyoto: Modern Japanese with a 90s Soundtrack
- Rhonda’s Terrigal: Modern Italian Dining on the Central Coast
- Le Salon DadA by Claire’s Kitchen
- Hope & Sesame: Food and Cocktail Pairing at Mode Kitchen & Bar
- Mister Pocket Releases Meat Free Menu
- How to Pair Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky with Food
- Glenfiddich Whisky Wanderer Bus Brings a Unique Experience Around Australia
- The Glenlivet Code: A New Mystery Single Malt Lands in Australia
- Sydney Brewery Surry Hills Opens Its Doors
- Forty Licks Vietnamese Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
We met… International Legends
- Dale DeGroff, King Cocktail
- Desmond Payne, Beefeater Master Distiller
- Matt Magliocco, Michter’s Whiskey
- Joseph Magliocco, Michter’s Whiskey
- Jim McEwan, The Cask Whisperer
- Jose Rafael Ballesteros Melendez, Diplomatico Rum CEO
- Hidetsugu Ueno, Bar Hgh Five Tokyo
- Stefano di Dio, Oscar 697 Vermouth
- Jack Teeling, Teeling Whiskey
- Alfred Cointreau, Cointreau
- Brian Nation, Head Distiller, Jameson
- Ger Buckley, Master Cooper Jameson
- Dré Masso Co-Creator of Altos Tequila
- Bastien Ciocca and Andrew Ho, Hope & Sesame Guangzhou
- Kazuyuki Torii, Suntory Senior Specialist for Gin and Spirits
- James Wheeler & Will Meredith, Dandelyan
- Jesse Este, Ocho Tequila Ambassador
- Diego Loret de Mola, Founder of Barsol Pisco
- Jared Brown & Sam Galsworthy, Sipsmith Gin
- Ben Branson, Seedlip Founder
- Jillian Vose, Beverage Director of Dead Rabbit NYC
We met… Local Legends
- Tim Whitefield, Distiller & Co-Founder of Tanglin Gin
- Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
Year 10 Facebook photo gallery here.
Thank you for being part of our first decade!