News Archive

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August 2009 Newsletter

Our refurbishment is complete just in time for summer!

I can feel it in the air and we've had a few good days already. Summer conferencing takes on a whole different aspect with outdoor teambuilding, afternoon cruises and evening BBQs at the waters edge adding a special touch to your meeting.

It's been a busy month here at the Mirage. Our refurbishment is complete and, WOW what a difference. I'd like to extend an open invitation to all of our past and present guests to come on up to the Northern Beaches and see for yourself.

Hope to see you soon.

Paul Cutler
Sales Manager

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Contents (scroll down to view):

• Inspiration of the Month
• A Taste of the Mirage - Tom Yum Soup, yum!
• Trivia Time - Just can't get enough Australian Trivia
• Summer Conferencing - Breakfast is on us
• Upcoming events - Orlando Winemakers Dinner, Bridal Open Day
• Conference Tips - Buzzwords for the workplace

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Inspiration of the Month

'There is more to life than increasing its speed'

- Mahatma Ghandi

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A TASTE OF THE MIRAGE - Mick's Tom Yum Soup

Serving size: Serves 4
Cooking time: Less than 30 minutes

Ingredients

3 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon tom yum paste
1/2 clove garlic, finely chopped
3 stalks lemon grass, inner part, chopped
2 kaffir lime leaves
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast fillets - cut into thin strips
125g fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon chopped fresh green chilli
1 bunch fresh coriander, chopped
1 sprig fresh basil, chopped

Preparation

In a large saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Stir in the tom yum paste and garlic, and cook for about 2 minutes. Stir in the lemon grass and kaffir lime leaves. Place the chicken in the saucepan, and cook 5 minutes, or until cooked through. Mix in the mushrooms. Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and green chilli. Continue cooking until well blended. Remove from heat, and serve hot with the coriander and basil sprinkled on top.

NOTE: An authentic Thai hot and sour soup. Try not to omit the coriander, as this is essential. Use Thai basil instead of regular basil if you can find it. Tom yum paste is hot, so try the soup before adding the chilli and decide if any extra heat is required.

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TRIVIA TIME - Australian General Knowledge

1. Which of the following Real Estate agencies did not originate in Australia?
a. Ray White
b. Century 21
c. LJ Hooker

2. What two animals appear on the NSW Coat of Arms?
a. Poodle and a Budgie
b. Crocodile and Koala
c. Lion and a Kangaroo

3. What are the two main colours on a Vegemite Jar label?
a. Pink and Green
b. Blue and Vermillion
c. Yellow and Red

Click the email address below, type 'trivia time' in the subject line, send and you will receive the answers shortly! Every response will go into the draw for a $50 Newport Arms Gift Voucher. paul.cutler@newportmirage.com.au

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Summer Conferencing - Come for a visit and we'll shout you breakfast

The crazy run up to the end of the year is not far away. February and March enquiries are coming in thick and fast. We've decided to make everyone's lives easier with an all inclusive Summer Conference Package. This is guaranteed to keep any boss happy with lots of free inclusions and savings of $26 per person per day on a standard conference rate.

Come and see our newly renovated Hotel. Book in for a site inspection between now and 15 October and win a Champagne Breakfast for you and three friends.

For more information email paul@newportmirage.com.au

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Orlando Winemakers Dinner

Join us at the Terrace on Pittwater on the 24th of September for a night of fine wines - accompanied with great food. Guest speaker will be Don Young, who is responsible for Orlando's white and sparkling wines. Click here for more information.

Bridal Open Day Sunday 13 September

Come and experience, first hand, our award winning wedding venue. The Newport Mirage is having a Bridal Showcase on Sunday the 13th of September. The Reception Venue will feature a wide variety of decor ideas, including the waterfront ceremony terrace. Lindy Dean, our Weddings Consultant will be on hand to help you design your dream wedding. Click here to find out more.

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Conference Tips - Buzzwords for the workplace

Social Notworking: Spending hours on the likes of Facebook, MySpace and Twitter for personal reasons during work hours.

Blamestorming: Sitting around in a group, discussing why a deadline was missed or a project failed and who was responsible.

Tourists: People who take training classes at work just to get a vacation from their jobs. “We had three serious students in the class; the rest were just tourists

Weisure: The blurring of work and leisure time (for example, checking your work emails on your BlackBerry when you're sitting at home on the lounge)