Sydney Pizza Festival 2013 ~ Buon Appetito!

A Little History of The Pizza

In 1889, as the Queen of Italy, Margherita di Savoia, was visiting the city of Naples, one great culinary curiosity filled her mind.  She had heard that everyone in the city, both rich and poor, were addicted to a round, flat bread called Pizza. When she expressed her desire to try this, the royal court ensured that one of the best chefs in Naples, Raffaele Esposito, took care of the preparation of a special pizza for the Queen. The result was the Margherita, a pizza evoking the colours of the Italian flag: green (basil leaves), white (mozzarella) and red (tomato sauce).

From Campania, the phenomenon of pizza-making and appreciation for this southern speciality spread all over Italy. The humble Pizza welcomed new ingredients, new recipes and adapted itself to the taste of Italians from region to region.

Thanks to the massive Italian migration in Australia during the 20th century and consequently, the opening of many pizzerie, pizza did not take long to conquer the taste buds of the Australians.

The 13 pizzerie included in this festival, both in Melbourne and Sydney, have been selected due to their commitment to authenticity and extremely high quality, while following the authentic way of making pizza. Their ingredients are scrupulously sourced from Italian and local producers while their contribution to the understanding of authentic Italian Pizza amongst the wider public is constant and driven by passion.

So many variables influence the process of pizza making: between the oven, the flour, the water, the external temperature and, of course, the Pizzaiolo, who will add his mastery to it.

While the pizzas are different from one pizzeria to another, a following of devoted pizza lovers has been established and it is truly unique. It is now your turn to discover which pizza is your favourite!

Buon appetito!
Matteo Rubbettino
Pizza Festival Director

Sydney Pizza Festival events throughout July: http://pizzafestival.com.au/sydney/events/event/

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Staying in Sydney for the 2013 Pizza Festival? 

Need accommodation in Sydney CBD?

Metro Hotels offer comfortable and affordable hotel rooms and apartments around Sydney city that will keep you close to major public transport hubs so you can visit the event locations. So whether you're coming from interstate to Sydney or coming from overseas, we've got you covered!

• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour (close to Wynyard station)
• Metro Hotel Sydney Central (close to Central station)
• Metro Hotel on Pitt (close to Town Hall station)
• Aspire Hotel Sydney Ultimo (close to Central station)

Each hotel or serviced apartment is close to major train stations, buses or ferries. Because all four are situated in the city, there are plenty of taxis available to catch on the street. Our city also offers a free bus service (it's a completely green bus) that loops around the main streets of Sydney. Many major Sydney attractions can be reached by foot from our hotels. Nearby there are also supermarkets, shops, restaurants, convenience stores, ATMs, medical centres and public toilets all within walking distance.

For discount specials on our hotels and apartments, visit this page: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special

SCG to host $13 million LA Dodgers vs Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Match

 

Zack Greinke of the Los Angeles Dodgers / Pic credit: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images/AFP 

Paul Goldschmidt of the Arizona Diamondbacks / Pic credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

US Major League Baseball is coming to Sydney, with the opening series of next season - between the LA Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks - to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in March 2014.

In a $13 million coup for the NSW state government, the opening series of the MLB will be held at the SCG on Saturday March 22 and Sunday March 23 - the first time a competitive US baseball fixture will be held in Australia and only the sixth time one has been staged outside America.

Sports Minister Graham Annesley said the event would "generate more than 10,000 international and interstate visitor nights to Sydney, which will help us reach our goal to double overnight tourism expenditure in NSW by 2020".

The games have been described as the biggest internationally recognised event in this country since the 2003 Rugby World Cup final and come exactly 100 years after the Chicago White Sox played against NSW at the SCG.

"Sydney will host the first two games for the opening series of 2014 Major League Baseball at the Sydney Cricket Ground," Premier Barry O'Farrell said.

"The opening series will feature the LA Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks playing the first two games of the season.

"This is a significant win for Sydney and again delivers on my election commitment to bring major events to NSW. It's estimated the matches will deliver a $13 million benefit for the local economy, as well as attract visitors from interstate and overseas."

NSW will be showcased to an estimated global TV household audience of up to 168 million, including 75 million in the US.

Ironically - or perhaps fortuitously for sports fans who like to see a bit of biff - the Dodgers and Diamondbacks had a huge brawl in their game yesterday, with the entire squads of both teams running across the field to fight each other.

A similar spectacle can't be predicted next year but the Dodgers and Diamondbacks will be in Sydney for six days, when they will play the two games and open the doors to their training sessions.

"Sydney has a history of hosting significant baseball games at the SCG, with the Chicago White Sox playing against a combined NSW team in 1914," he said.

"The SCG will be transformed into an MLB field, with the construction of an infield clay area, pitcher's mound, dugouts and additional grandstand."

Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/sydney-cricket-ground-to-host-13-million-us-baseball-curtain-raiser/story-fni0cx12-1226662783768

About SCG:

The Sydney Cricket Ground is a sports stadium in Sydney in Australia. It is used for Test cricket, One Day International cricket, Twenty20 cricket and Australian rules football, as well some rugby league football and rugby union matches. It is the home ground for the New South Wales Blues cricket team and the Sydney Swans of the Australian Football League. It is owned and operated by the SCG Trust that also manages the Sydney Football Stadium located next door.

Location: Moore Park, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

Need Accommodation near SCG Moore Park Sydney for the 2014 Major League Baseball match between the LA Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks? 

Metro Hotels offer affordable and comfortable hotel rooms and apartments in the Sydney CBD and within close distance to the Sydney Cricket Ground in Moore Park, via a short bus ride or taxi ride. The hotels are 2-5 minutes walk to major train stations and close to all buses and taxis that can take you to the SCG.

• Metro Hotel Sydney Central
• Metro Hotel on Pitt
• Metro Apartments on King
• Aspire Hotel Sydney

Sydney city also offers a free bus service (it's a completely green bus) that loops around the main streets of Sydney every 10 minutes. Many Sydney attractions (like Darling Harbour, Harbour Bridge, Opera House) can be reached by foot or bus from our hotels and apartments. Nearby there are also supermarkets, shops, restaurants, convenience stores, ATMs and public toilets all within walking distance.

If you'd like to arrange a stay in a Metro Hotel or Apartment, here are some specials available for booking: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special

Princess Package @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Pamper yourself like a true Princess. Enjoy your complimentary wine and chocolates upon your arrival to your one Bedroom Executive Apartment. With stunning views of Darling Harbour, and see where Princess Mary met here Prince , with the Floor to Ceiling cathedral windows, brand new kitchen and a midday checkout

$229.00* Sunday - Thursday, $349.00* Friday - Saturday

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/58

Location: 132-136 Sussex St Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia

Phone: +61 2 9290 9200

Offer expires 31 May 2013!

Terms and Conditions:

• Subject to availability
• Offer valid until 31st May 2013
• Rates are based on 2 adult occupants
• Minimum 2 night stay is required
• Booking is non-refundable 

Located in the Sydney Central Business District (CBD), Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour has 26 spacious guest apartments.

Our 3 ½ star fully serviced one bedroom loft-style apartments provide you with many of the creature comforts of home. The well equipped kitchen and laundry facilities in your room are ideal for longer stays and provide you with plenty of room to relax and enjoy your stay. Each of the well appointed rooms also has a LCD television with 28 free Foxtel channels, telephone, free WiFi, ensuite bathroom and small balcony.

It's all about the views! Imagine standing on your own private balcony with a relaxing drink and watching the sun set over Darling Harbour. Well that's exactly how you could enjoy the end to another day when you next stay with us in one of our Executive Apartments located on levels 4-7.

Located perfectly in the heart of the city, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is within easy access of all major attractions such as, the Sydney Aquarium, IMAX Theatre, Cockle Bay Restaurants, Maritime Museum, Chinatown - restaurants and taverns, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Powerhouse Museum and the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Metro Hotels Sydney Properties as Featured on Oze Holidays

 

Metro Hotels Sydney Properties Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour and Metro Hotel Sydney Central as Featured on Oze Holidays

Metro Hotels Employment Opportunites: Aspire Hotel Sydney Is Seeking a Full Time Front Office Team Leader To Join Our Team

As Front Office Team Leader, you will be responsible for providing a great leadership to the Front Office team and assisting Front Office Manager and Senior Duty Manager in day-to-day supervision of Front Office operations.

This position is also responsible in undertaking key front office functions including exceed guest expectations by delivering outstanding service. Successful candidate will be expected to have:

• Ability to demonstrate ownership of daily reservation activities and hotel operations
• Experience of at least 1 year in a front office environment.
• Strong Communication and problem solving skills
• Ability to make decisions and manage your duties.
• Ability to supervise and lead by example
• Provide a positive environment that encourages Mentoring and training of Front office Team
• Strong customer focus.
• Excellent time management and the ability to multitask.
• Full availability to work a 7-day rotating roster (day and evening shifts involved). 

Candidates with previous RoomMaster, Fedelio or Opera PMS experience will be highly regarded. Only short listed candidates will be contacted

If this is you please apply with a cover letter and resume to: rrisal@aspirehotel.com

Metro Inn Miranda Changes Name to Reflect Its Enhanced Offering

Metro Inn Miranda has changed its name to Metro Hotel Miranda to reflect its enhanced accommodation offering, including 14 new superior rooms located on the top floor of the Hotel with spectacular views over Sydney and Botany Bay.

Located at the highest point of Miranda and popular with business and leisure travellers alike, Metro Hotel Miranda has always been heavily booked. When the top floor of the seven-storey building became available in 2011, owner Metro Hospitality Group decided to take the opportunity to add to the property’s existing 40 family and standard rooms.

Manager Dale Harlick said the buildings top floor was converted into 14 new superior rooms, all with oversized windows to allow guests to take advantage of the breathtaking views. Corner suites have kitchenettes and all rooms are modern and tastefully decorated, providing a new level of outstanding comfort and quality without the hefty prices of the city. Many of the new rooms have disabled access.

The addition of a Superior level signified the beginning of a new era for the hotel, resulting in the decision to change its name to Metro Hotel Miranda to mark its improved accommodation offering. However, Ms Harlick said the hotel would not change its focus from providing exceptional hospitality, service and dedication to excellence.

“We will always aim for our service to be impressive and for our guests to experience the magic and wonder of life in the Sutherland Shire,” Ms Harlick said. “We know many of our guests by name and will continue to welcome them.”

Metro Hotel Sydney Central – Perfect for a City Escape - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is the perfect accommodation choice for visitors to Sydney, situated right in the heart of Sydney’s entertainment district and providing easy access to the best Sydney has to offer.

Situated directly opposite the Capitol Theatre, Metro Hotel Sydney Central is the ideal accommodation choice for theatre-goers, particularly with the amazing line-up of internationally-acclaimed productions planned for this year and next.

Shows include Shen Yun (April 27 – May 6, 2012); The Nutcracker on Ice (June 2012); The Addams Family (March 2013); and The Lion King (December 2013), and guests are advised to book their accommodation at the same time as they book their tickets to avoid disappointment.

Located in Pitt Street in the city, Metro Hotel Sydney Central offers quality, comfortable accommodation, including 10 guest suites, 154 superior rooms and, for the more budget conscious, 66 well-equipped standard rooms.

Guests will enjoy a little slice of Asia with Chinatown, Little Japan, Little Korea and ThaiTown offering an eclectic mix of restaurants, mini-marts and shopping outlets all within easy walking distance.

Read on:

Metro Hotel Sydney Central – Perfect for a City Escape - Metro Hotels