News Archive

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May 2010 Newsletter

I don't know, but it still feels a little bit summery around here!

We're still swimming in the ocean, and at 22 degrees in mid-May, I think we'll get at least another month. If you're coming to stay, remember to bring your surfboard, as this is also the best time of year for waves.

It's also the time that Sarah and her team of chefs unleash their winter menu. Bring on the Tom Yum soup, or my personal favourite, the roast pork belly.

There's a fair bit happening on Sydney's northern beaches over winter, so why not come on up for the weekend, soak up the winter sun and see what's going on.

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 - The Secret Pork Belly recipe
• Winter Conference Special - A good time to save on meetings
• Trivia Time - Current Affairs
• Upcoming events -V8 Heaven, Palm Beach Markets and the Wedding Expo
• Conference Tips - Teambuilding without breaking the budget!

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Inspirational quote

'You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf'

- Jon Kabat-Zinn

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A TASTE OF THE MIRAGE - Roasted Pork Belly with Plum Sauce - a winter favourite

Ingredients

• 800g boned pork belly, rind-on
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup (250ml) water
• 1 1/2 cups (375ml) chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chinese cooking wine
• 1/4 cup (55g) firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced thinly
• 3cm piece fresh ginger (15g), sliced thinly
• 1 cinnamon stick, crushed
• 1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
• 1/3 cup (80ml) orange juice
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 4 plums (450g), cut into eight wedges

Method

Preheat oven to moderate (180'C/160'C fan-forced). Place pork on board, rind-side up. Using sharp knife, score rind by making shallow cuts diagonally in both directions at 3cm intervals; rub combined salt and oil into cuts.

Combine the water, stock, sauce, wine, sugar, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, chilli, juice, cloves and fennel in large shallow baking dish. Place pork in dish, rind-side up; roast, uncovered, 1 hour 20 minutes. Increase oven temperature to very hot (240'C/220'C fan-forced). Roast pork, uncovered, further 15 minutes or until crackling is crisp.

Remove pork from dish; cover to keep warm. Strain liquid in baking dish into medium saucepan, skim away surface fat; bring to a boil. Add plum, reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, about 15 minutes or until plum sauce thickens.

Note: Serve pork thickly sliced with plum sauce and green salad.

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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.

For details email conferences@newportmirage.com.au

*Some Booking conditions apply

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TRIVIA TIME - From the old dart!

An interesting time for politics in Australia at the moment, but more so for Great Britain:

As of today (possibly) who is the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?
a. James Brown
b. Gordon Brown
c. Barry White

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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UPCOMING EVENTS

V8 Supercars Speakers Corner Lunch
The V8s are coming to the Terrace on Pittwater, and leading the way will be Jamie Whincup and Greg Murphy. Come and hear these legends of V8 Supercar racing as they take to the podium to give us their take on one of Australia's most loved sports. Whether you are a Holden or a Ford fan, this is one for all the blokes and blokettes.

Palm Beach Markets
Come on up to the Northern Beaches for a romantic weekend stay. The famous Palm Beach Markets are on Sunday the 23rd of May. Contact us for accommodation rates for one of the best times of the year to visit Sydney's Northern Beaches. Overnight packages start from $198 per couple. Mention this newsletter and receive free Breakfast for two in our Pittwater Restaurant.

10th Annual Pittwater Wedding Expo
Visit the 10th Annual Pittwater Wedding Expo on Sunday the 20th of June. Held here at the Newport Mirage, you will meet the right people and experts to help you plan a fun and stress free wedding.

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Team Tips - Putting together a teambuilding event

Team building is back on the minds of organisations and corporations alike. If a powerful team building program is your goal, here are a few ways you can manage costs without giving up the benefits...

• Hold your event either on-site, or off-site at a local park. The group should not have to travel too far to get to the venue, and the venue should not cost an arm and a leg before you have even booked a facilitator.
• Focus on activities first and decorations last. Although presentation is important, it is the activities that should have meaning in the end.
• Be realistic about your team building goals. Are you looking for a stand-alone event that will raise morale and enhance team synergy, or do you need something a little more focused, with specific goals and outcomes.
• Cook up a storm. Nothing says ÒteamÓ like a meal that was put together by the members of your group. Another great activity could be cooking the meal together. Bring out the Masterchefs in your team.
• Combine your team builder with another activity. Maybe you just can't afford to go off-site, and you prefer to have something brought to your location as part of a strategic planning session, or other meeting. Facilitated team building can provide a quick energizer for your team, and then you can "get back to work." Your conference venue can always assist.

Team building on a budget is not necessarily a bad thing. If you simplify and focus on the key necessities, you can still reap the benefits of a high quality team building experience.