News Archive

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May 2009 Newsletter

May on Sydney's Northern Beaches

The summer crowds are gone, there's a chill in the air in the morning, yet it's still beautiful in the water.

If not obvious yet, autumn is my favourite time here. Why don't you come and see what I'm talking about. Our Winter Conference promotion runs until the end of May, with winter rates to the end of August. Bring your team to the beach and Pittwater and see for yourself.

If you had a chance to try our dessert recipe last month (I think the schnapps made it!), then we've got another great winter offering from Stu, our famous chef.

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 - Stu, our Celebrity Chef, is on a roll
• Trivia Time - Winter is a time for staying in and revisiting some old favourites
• Best Value Winter Offers for 2009! PLUS win a Romantic Weekend for two.
• Upcoming events - The Pittwater Wedding Expo & Speakers Corner with Matthew Hayden + a June Long Weekend Romantic Stay
• Conference Tips - Themeing your event

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Inspiration of the Month

'The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will'

- Vince Lombardi

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A TASTE OF THE MIRAGE - Stu's Special Lamb Shanks (Serves 4 - 5)

A winter favourite here at the Mirage. Best served with a glass of good red.

Ingredients

• 750g desiree potatoes, peeled, cut into 5cm pieces
• 40g butter, chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
• lemon wedges, to serve

Basic lamb shank braise

• 8 large french-trimmed lamb shanks
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 lemon, rind finely grated, juiced
• 6 sprigs thyme

Method

1. Make basic lamb shank braise: Preheat oven to 180°C. Place lamb shanks in a large roasting pan. Season with salt and pepper. Combine stock, lemon rind, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and thyme in a jug. Pour over shanks. Cover pan tightly with foil. Roast shanks for 1 1/2 hours. Remove foil and roast, uncovered, for a further 30 minutes or until browned and tender.
2. Meanwhile, place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Place over high heat and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer, partially covered, for 20 minutes or until tender.
3. Drain and return potatoes to saucepan. Add butter and milk. Mash until smooth. Add parmesan and chives. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. Spoon mash into shallow bowls. Top each with 1 lamb shank. Spoon over sauce from roasting pan. Serve with lemon wedges.

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TRIVIA TIME - Winter is time indoors with old movies and a nice glass of red to keep out the cold

1. Where do "bluebirds fly", according to a song from the Wizard of Oz?
a. Into the roof hole
b. Over the Rainbow
c. Under the window
d. Full throttle

2. What 1961 Movie has Audrey Hepburn note 'Personally, I think it's a bit tacky to wear diamonds before I am forty'?
a. Terminator
b. The Blues Brothers
c. Breakfast at Tiffany's
d. Phil and Teds Excellent Adventure

3. In the Sound of Music, Captain von Trapp and his daughter, Liesl sing a song about a white flower before making a quick getaway. The flower was
a. a bunch of roses
b. gladioli
c. edelweiss
d. frangipani

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

Congratulations to Cathy from CSR who came up with all correct answers last month.

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Winter Conference Promotion - Rug up with The Mirage!

We have a great Winter Conferencing offer at the Newport Mirage. Book and deposit your conference* on our great value winter rates and we'll send you a $100 Wish Card. Every booking also goes into the draw to win one of our romantic Weekend Indulgence packages.

Each Weekend Indulgence package includes two nights' accommodation in a King Room, Breakfast and a Dinner at the famous Terrace on Pittwater Restaurant - 2008 'Restaurant of the Year Winner' - Restaurant & Catering Awards.

http://www.newportmirage.com.au/conference-special-offer.html

*based on minimum conference spend of $2500. Booking conditions apply

02 9997 7011 or email paul.cutler@newportmirage.com.au

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Wedding Expo

Come and experience, first hand, our award winning wedding venue. The Newport Mirage is hosting the 9th Annual Wedding Expo on Sunday the 14th of June. Lindy Dean, our Weddings Consultant will be on hand to help you design your dream wedding. On display will be 30+ local professional wedding suppliers to give you inspiration for your special day.

www.newportmirage.com.au/weddingexpo09

Make your own Fireworks this June Long Weekend

Escape to Sydney's beautiful northern beaches with our fabulous Queens Birthday Indulgence package at the Newport Mirage. From just $159 per night, on a 2 night package, you and your partner can enjoy one of our King Rooms, full breakfast each day, a 1/2 hour massage each, free parking and a discount voucher to the famous Terrace on Pittwater Restaurant. We also have a 2 night package, with all the same inclusions for $189 per night.

Phone: 02 9997 7011 or email reservations@newportmirage.com.au

Speakers Corner @ The Terrace On Pittwater

Enjoy a beautiful lunch overlooking Pittwater and hear cricketer Matthew Hayden reflect on his stellar career. Friday 5th June. Corporate Tables available

http://www.theterraceonpittwater.com.au

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HOW TO.... Theme your event

This month, Cheryl Pearson from Synergy Events, provides an insight into how to create a theme for an event or conference.

Conference Themes, Product Launches, Gala Dinners or Promotions - This is the time to rise above the crowd and showcase your company, product or service. A conference theme or corporate dinner can be transformed by creating the ideal atmosphere, designed to impress and WOW your audience. Theming your event can assist in maximising your guest's experience while achieving your objectives and strengthening your company profile.

When theming, it is important to focus on your goals, what do you want your audience to walk away thinking, feeling or saying about your event? It is also important to choose an event style with design and colours that reinforce your company branding. It is important create a clear brief of what you would like to achieve and then work closely with the event organiser to deliver it.

You may wish to focus on a serious business theme for your conference, but then change the mood for the dinner by creating an exciting and highly interactive evening (for example: Casino, Beach Party, A Night at the Races or a 1920' Gangster event). These are just a few of the popular themes for corporate dinners.

For more great ideas visit www.synergyevents.com.au or give Cheryl a call on 9981 7155