Ah, February has arrived, bringing with it the season of love and of course, Valentine’s Day. So whether you’re on a mission to find the perfect gift for that special someone or simply craving a bit of self-indulgence, dive into our latest edition of Staff Favourites below.
MORE: Man of Many’s Staff Favourites – 27 January 2024
QT Sydney + Gowings Bar
John Guanzon – Head of Social
What I love about a good hotel chain is the reliability and knowing what to expect with each stay, regardless of where you are. However, QT Hotels & Resorts completely takes this and spins it on its head. Having stayed at several QT hotels across the country and New Zealand, I absolutely love that each hotel has a dynamic and unique personality with a signature touch of quirk. With a distinct focus on art and design, each hotel celebrates its surroundings and perfectly pays homage to its locale. Most recently, I stayed at the QT Sydney for a mini-weekend staycation, which has been crafted within the historic Gowings and State Theatre buildings. The unique boutique hotel in the heart of the city seamlessly merges elements of Gothic, Art Deco, and Italianate architecture, embodying the charm of yesteryears.
The rooms, exquisitely designed with a blend of contemporary and eclectic styles, exude charm and sophistication. Each corner has a unique quirky detail, leaving pleasant surprises at every turn. The hotel features a neo-French bistro named Parlour, a bar and grill influenced by the ambience of New York’s Little Italy called Gowings, QTea High Tea curated by Adriano Zumbo, and a luxurious spaQ, offering the ultimate pampering experience. If you’re in the area any time soon, be sure to check out their Spritz in the City special at Gowings, where you can grab yourself a tasty fish sandwich paired with a flight of drinks which hero Forty Spotted Tasmanian Gin, a product of Lark Distillery. If you’re looking for a hot date spot, Gowings is also hosting a special Valentine’s Day Love at First Bite lunch, with a menu expertly crafted by Creative Culinary Director, Sean Connolly. Make sure to keep an eye out on our socials for a sneaky preview.
Favourite Article of the Week: Editor’s Letter: Man of Many January 2024
Casetify Ultra Bounce Phone Case
John Guanzon – Head of Social
As someone who regrettably drops their phone on a daily basis, a well-quality phone case is a dire essential. After recently upgrading to the new iPhone 15 Pro, I knew the run-of-the-mill plastic phone case wouldn’t cut it. Hands up to anyone who’s still managed to shatter their phone glass, even with a phone case on. Lucky for me, CASETiFY has come to the rescue after recently releasing its most durable military phone case to date. The new range of Ultra Bounce cases supports 10 times the normal military standard and is built to withstand drops of up to about 10 metres. Its centrepiece is the 4 Ultra Bounce Corners, featuring compression ribs with air cavities for structural support and rigidity upon impact, meaning concrete better beware. The system also includes a 1.2mm raised camera ring, a built-in 2.2mm raised Lens Cover, and three layers of Ecoshock material. Sounds promising. CASETiFY also offers a huge range of designs and styles to choose from, with art from a range of artists. I chose the “Deep Blue Sea” design from impasto painter, Ann Marie Coolick, and so far, so drops or cracks. Come at me.
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Kilinga Bacanora Silvestre
Jacob Osborn – Journalist
You know all about tequila and mezcal, but what about the agave spirit of bacanora? Illegal to produce until 1992, this ancient liquor is being brought back to life with help from Kilinga founder and distiller Rodrigo Bojorquez Bours. Due to ongoing regulations, it can only be made in specific locations throughout Mexico such as the state of Sonora, where Bours plies his craft.
Compared to its agave-based brethren, Kilinga Bacanora Silvestre tends to go bigger on floral notes with citrus underpinnings and a full-bodied mouthfeel. The flavour can take some getting used to when sipped neat but puts a distinct and delicious twist on traditional cocktails like the classic margarita. No matter how you take it, bacanora is quite unlike anything you’ve tasted though also smooth and familiar enough to reward experienced drinkers. If you enjoy agave spirits, give it a shot.
Favourite Article of the Week: Google’s New AI Art Selfie Feature Turned Me Into an Astronaut
Untied at Barangaroo
Naman Singh – Content & SEO Specialist
In the peak of the summer months, there’s no place quite like a sun-drenched rooftop to spend an evening.
Located front and centre of Barangaroo, Untied offers unmatched views of the harbour, but also serves up delicious drinks, with their pornstar martini being a highlight. If you’re after something non alcoholic, then their virgin mojito is a go-to.
Combined with an aesthetically pleasing ambience, filled with bright neon florals, it makes for a stunning location to unwind with friends and loved ones.
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VULKIT Card Holder
Naman Singh – Content & SEO Specialist
If you’re on the lookout for a new way to store your cards, look no further than the convenient card holder from VULKIT.
Sleek in design and available in 7 classic colours, it stores up to 12 cards in its appropriately sized slots. The magnetic feature allows for easy access to all your cards and the aluminium builder offers protection from RFID/NFC scanning.
I gifted this to my partner over Christmas and I can confirm he’s a very happy consumer, who doesn’t leave the house without it.
Favourite Article of the Week: 21 Best Travel Gifts – Essentials for Every Adventurer
Good Ways Deli
Alex Martinez – Media Sales and Brand Partnerships
Nestled discreetly in Alexandria and Redfern, Good Ways Deli gives the impression you are being let in on a locals only secret. It may be small, but these sambos are heavy hitters. A short but well thought out menu boasts a range of sandwiches from classics to inventive creations (including the “Deli” which contains kangaroo mortadella), all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff create a welcoming space for a quick bite or leisurely meal.
Good Ways Deli excels not only in sandwiches but also baked goods, refreshing beverages and a gun hot sauce on the menu too. With attention to detail in both presentation and taste, this tiny deli proves that good things often come in small packages. A must-visit for those seeking a satisfying and flavorful stop in.
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