News Archive

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March 2010 Newsletter

It's official - Autumn is here!

There's the hint of a chill in the air but the ocean is still very warm. Our beach time may be coming to an end for a while.

As we get into autumn and winter ask us about some of our spicy Asian inspired dishes. Sarah and the team have been getting creative. There's even a Tibetan Curry on the menu!

How about getting your team to cook up a dinner of their own? Team Cooking is becoming one of the most popular group activities here at the Mirage. Out of the comfort zone and into the kitchen.

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 - Vegetarian Special
• Trivia Time - Current Affairs
• Winter Conference Special - Shout your team to Sunset Drinks
• Upcoming events - Speakers Corner, Easter on the Beaches and more
• Conference Tips - Break the Ice!

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Inspiration of the Month

'Try not to become a man of success, but a man of value'

- Albert Einstein

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A TASTE OF THE MIRAGE - Kelsang's Vegetarian Curry

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 brown onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3cm piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 400ml coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 400g pumpkin, peeled, cut into 2cm cubes
• 1 large kumara (orange sweet potato), peeled and cut into 2cm cubes
• 150g snow peas, sliced
• snow pea sprouts, optional

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high. Add onion, garlic, and ginger and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Add curry paste and cook for 2 minutes.

2. Stir in coconut milk, fish sauce, brown sugar, pumpkin, and kumara. Stir until well-combined, bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium, then simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until pumpkin and kumara is tender.

3. Add snow peas and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until bright green and tender. Serve topped with snow pea sprouts.

Note: Add extra vegetables (eggplant or beans) and tofu to taste. Serve with jasmine rice.

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TRIVIA TIME - Australia Day Trivia, mate!

We only have one question this month and it will test your current affairs and arts knowledge:

1. Who is the man famous for his recent photo shoot featuring 5000 people at the Sydney Opera House? (hint: his name is similar to two articles of clothing)
a. Solomon Grundies
b. Spencer Tunick
c. Jean Claude Van Damme

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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Winter Conferencing - Book now and save

We have some great winter conference offers for the months of May to August. Contact us now and save up to $28 per person per day.

BONUS - Book before the 31st of March and receive a complimentary Sunset Terrace Pre Dinner Drinks package*.

For details email conferences@newportmirage.com.au

*Some Booking conditions apply

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Waratahs Speakers Corner Lunch
The HSBC Waratahs are coming to the Terrace on Pittwater, and leading the way will be Adam Freier, Tahs Hooker and current Wallaby. Adam is a very proficient public speaker and we hear he has quite a few stories to tell. Join Adam and a few of his Waratahs team mates on the 11th of March for a great way to spend an afternoon.

Bridal Open Day on Pittwater
We are holding our Autumn Bridal Open Day Sunday the 14th of March. Come and see, first hand, our award winning venue. The Mirage will be showcase it's award winning reception venue, as well displaying a range of decor ideas. Our wedding consultants will be on hand to answer any questions.

Want to be an Easter Beach Bunny?
Treat yourself to an Easter break with our fabulous Easter Indulgence package. Packages start from $179 per night and include accommodation, full breakfast each day, a ½ hour massage, free parking and a discount voucher for the Terrace on Pittwater Restaurant.

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Conference Tips - Icebreakers for your conference or team building day

Your team will get to know each other quicker with a few of these fun conference starters.

Toss a Name
Standing in a circle, the person with the ball calls someone by name and tosses the ball to them. When the other person catches it, they say, "Thank you, ......................" (the name of the person who threw it to him/her) and then calls upon another person to toss the ball to. After the balls have been tossed for a couple of minutes, start a second ball going at the same time, then a third, and finally a fourth.

Introductions
Have people pair up. Give the pairs 5 minutes to meet each other and share some personal details - suburb, high school, years at the company etc. Then have the person introduce their partners to the rest of the group.

Your worst/first Job
Everyone goes around the room and tells what they did for his/her first or worst job. You could also do it ahead of time and ask meeting attendees to fill out a card and the facilitator can read them aloud and everyone has to guess which employee had that particular job. Everyone gets a chuckle and learns something about their colleagues.