SYDNEY GAY & LESBIAN MARDI GRAS – 5th March 2016

Join 10,000 fabulous people as they unite for a glittering explosion of pride in the heart of Sydney’s gay and lesbian district.

Born from a single night of political protest in 1978, the true Mardi Gras spirit lives on 38 years later, bringing the city to a standstill with hundreds and thousands lining the streets in support of equality, pride and a dazzling spectacle of sparkles and self-expression.

The Parade joyously celebrates just how far we have come, and accepts the challenge of the journey ahead.

EVENT DETAILS

Saturday 5th March 2016
7:00pm – 10:30pm
Oxford Street & Flinders Street, Darlinghurst NSW
http://www.mardigras.org.au/2016-festival-event-guide/sydney-gay-and-lesbian-mardi-gras-parade

Taste Of Sydney – 10th – 13th March 2016-02-23

Taste of Sydney is a stunning celebration of Sydney’s unique and progressive dining scene. Over four indulgent days the city’s latest, greatest and hottest restaurants will each fashion together 3-4 exquisite signature dishes in ‘taste’ sized portions, allowing you to create your dream tasting menu at the ultimate foodie festival.

Choose dishes from Sydney’s hottest restaurants and mingle with award-winning chefs and like-minded foodies as you browse through hand-picked premium food and drink producers take part in one of the many interactive foodie attractions or simply relax and enjoy live entertainment in the stunning surrounds of Centennial Park.

Taste of Sydney operates like a restaurant with a lunch and dinner service. A Taste session lasts for 4-5 hours (session dependent) to give you time to enjoy your pick of restaurant dishes, browse the artisan stalls, enjoy some of the many attractions and relax to live entertainment. Tickets are sold for each session and are only valid for the time and date indicated on the ticket.

All the Information you need including session times, participating restaurants, featured chefs is available through the Taste of Sydney website or Facebook page – http://www.tasteofsydney.com.au/tickets-info/

Festival Venue: Centennial Park Sydney

MOVEABLE FEAST ON BONDI BEACH 12^th March 2016

A moveable feast is a new series of experiences to take Sydneysiders on seasonal dining journeys in 2016. The first is set on the iconic Bondi Beach with incredible music, five-star picnic style dining and some of the most spectacular views Sydney has to offer.

EVENT DETAILS

Saturday 12th March 2016
6.30pm – 11.00pm

The tickets are $220.00 per person (incl. GST) to be purchased in pairs,
Tickets include:

• A styled table on Bondi beach (no need to bring anything)
• A deliciously abundant picnic hamper for 2 people – Menu by Lauren Murdoch (Rockpool, Lotus, Felix, Ash st Cellar, Sydney Opera House Concourse venues)
• Dan Rowntree (DJ set)
• Dancing barefoot under the stars on Bondi beach…The dress code is PASTEL BEACH CHIC

Tickets available at – https://amoveablefeastevents.com.au

Madonna “Rebel Heart” Concert – 19^th & 20^th March 2016

Don’t miss out on Madonna’s historic return to Australia, performing live for the first time in 23 years with The Rebel Heart Tour.
Allphones Arena have a number of VIP packages which have inclusions such as pre-parties, front row seating, complimentary beverages and official tour merchandise. Sydney will also play host to tour related after parties and harbour cruises and there are still tickets available to purchase.

EVENT DETAILS

Saturday 19th & 20th March 2016
Start Time: 8:00pm
Venue: Allphones Arena, Homebush NSW

Tickets available at – http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=MADONNA16&eg=CRIN&utm_source=ticketek.com.au&utm_medium=friendlylink&utm_campaign=MADONNA16

GOLDEN TICKET AT ROSEHILL RACE COURSE – 19^th March 2016

SPECIAL OFFER: To celebrate the 60th running of the Longines Golden Slipper, Rosehill Racecourse are offering a limited number of pre-purchased $30 Golden Tickets. This will allow access to the Longines Golden Slipper Day and entry to all six days of the 2016 Sydney Autumn Carnival. *conditions apply.

RACE DAY HIGHLIGHTS

• Pre-purchase a $30 Golden Ticket to attend Longines Golden Slipper Day and receive entry at all six days of the Carnival at Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick. This includes Cellarbrations Ladies Day, Longines Golden Slipper Day, Western Sydney Legends Day, The Championships Day 1 and Day 2 and Schweppes Stakes Day.
• Offer valid until 12pm on Saturday 19 March 2016.
• Save on general admission tickets this Sydney Autumn Carnival when you buy the ‘Golden Ticket’ to Longines Golden Slipper Day.

EVENT DETAILS

Saturday 19th March 2016
Gates Open: 11:00am
First Race: 12:30pm
Last Race: 5:50pm

When too much is never enough there are always exclusive brands like Bentley. And if you’re average Bentley is too, erm, average, then there’s the Continental GT Speed. This is the one with the W12 twin-turbo engine that’s been tweaked for extra power and torque. Just what everyone needs really… That and a $500k price tag!

The Bentley Continental GT is a car for conspicuous consumers; people who want the world to know they are so outrageously rich they can afford a car so outrageously expensive.

Or to put it the other way, it’s not for those amongst us who disdain the spotlight and maybe have a more socially equitable view of the world.

But gee, if ever there was a car that was going to ignite the dollar-hungry capitalist in us all then it’s this big, bluff top-spec Bentley Continental GT Speed 2+2 coupe. All $485,200 of it. Either that or maybe the convertible version at $534,400…

The GT Speed is the Conti with the twin-turbo 6.0-litre W12 engine that’s been tuned-up to deliver 467kW/820Nm. That’s an extra 33kW/100Nm compared to the standard W12, which by the way is essentially two narrow angle Volkswagen V6 engines bolted together.

It’s the engine that is the special part of this deal. That’s because it goes so hard. No 2320kg (yes, 2.32 tonnes!) should slam you back into the seat like this.

Hit the throttle to overtake and you’ll be out across the broken lines and back before you have time to hit the blinker. Mountains become molehills. Molehills are crushed.

The immense capability of the GT Speed was amply demonstrated late last year when racing driver John Bowe topped 330km/h on the unrestricted Sturt Highway north of Alice Springs.

Not only is our test car the same model, it is the very same car.

But the best bit of the GT Speed is not that it tops 300km/h – or even the raw rate of acceleration. After all, 0-100km/h in 4.2sec is not supercar stunning in this age of 2.8sec Teslas.

No, where the GT Speed hits a homer is the way the permanent all-wheel drive system and 275/35 ZR21 Pirelli PZero tyres take all that firepower and fling this car forward rocket-like out of any corner.

Be ready for it, because the next corner will turn up quicker than you expect. Yes, the 405mm front discs and eight-piston callipers are massive and the stopping power immense. But they’re only so much help if you’re playing catch-up with a car that truly lives up to its name.

Two days later I drove the ridiculous yet loveable Walkinshaw Performance W547 on the same set of winding, hairpin-festooned roads. It has more power and more torque than the big Bentley coupe, but felt nowhere near as fast. The W12 revved so much more quickly and there was so much more traction. Any speed, any angle, any time, the Bentley just leapt forward.

So at this point you probably suspect there’s a Torr-ish 90/100 coming for the GT Speed [Eds note: I think the correct adjective is Torr-oidal]. Only if drool-inducing acceleration is the only parameter by which we mark cars. It’s not. And no, I am not going to start clacking on about the 15.5L/100km on-test fuel consumption rate we averaged. If you can afford this thing, then that’s not an issue.
What is an issue is the dynamic set-up of the GT Speed, which is simply not as good as the engine. The electric-assist rack and pinion steering is accurate enough, but there’s annoying rattle on corner bumps.

Those bumps and corrugations also upset the GT Speed’s ride and handling. On their softest of four settings the air springs provide neither sufficient body control or comfort. Dial them up to Sport and the body flattens out noticeably while ride doesn’t get any worse. What all that also means is this is not a car you chuck at corner. Brake straight, turn it in with a little in reserve then boot it…
That’s what happens when you combine stiffened short travel suspension, liquorice strap tyres and an excessive kerb weight. Something’s gotta give.

But for milder driving this is a very quiet car, with only a smattering of tyre noise. So if your commute is smooth then go for it. I hope it’s unrestricted too.

The test car lost further ground because of a still unexplained electrical glitch. When it was collected it wouldn’t charge my phone – which had to be plugged into an adaptor in the glovebox via a Bentley-supplied cable (yep, no USB outlet).

Then the radar cruise control didn’t operate, an exclamation mark popping up in the instrument panel.

It all came to a head at an urban intersection, when I went to switch lanes at low speeds and the GT Speed simply conked out. Lights, power, gone. Not a darn thing. The car rolled to a stop halfway up a concrete median strip.

It re-started and the glitch vanished, never to reappear in our short time with the GT Speed. The ACC worked, the phone charged. Isolated problem or Conti GT gremlin? Either way it just shouldn’t be an issue in a car like this – or any car at any price for that matter.
But then again when you’re spending this much cash it’s also a surprise to discover how many things are still optional, including the aforementioned adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera and a space-saver spare wheel.

But you do get front, side and a driver’s knee airbag, bi-xenon headlights, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with 30GB memory and Google Maps memory, dual-zone climate control and 17 standard paint and hide choices.

Also, in a car measuring up at 4806mm long and 1944mm wide it would be nice to have more rear space than the shoebox the GT Speed offers up.

Never mind, stay in the front seats. Because up-front there’s no doubt the GT Speed is a beautiful place to be. Build and material quality of the interior of this car are simply outstanding, heightened by being equipped to Bentley’s Mulliner trim levels. Stitched leather, real metal used in the inserts, comfortable and supportive front seats and even a modicum of storage.

Not that such a pedestrian feature as door pockets will sway a GT Speed buyer. No, when it comes to this car so much of it is about the price, prestige, exclusivity, look and the speed. Very much the speed.

Article & Images via www.carsales.com.au

With the Summer months now coming to a close (Less than two weeks to be a little more precise) we thought we would put together some things to do in Sydney that you NEED to check off our bucket list this season.

Girls Picnic at The Winery – Surry Hills ( Every Saturday & Sunday)

http://thewinerysurryhills.com.au/whats-on-soon

There’s nothing better than enjoying morish food, great drinks and the company of your best girlfriends on a summer’s day in Sydney. Before the season ends, round up your girl squad for a $45.00 (per person) “Girls Picnic” at the winery in Surry Hills.

You’ll find a huge selection of nibbles, substantial meals, desserts (the brownie is an absolute must), and more cocktails than you’ll know what to do with. Its specialty, needless to say, is wine – and lots of it. But there’s also a range of cocktails and beers on tap, as well as main meals, picky plates and snacks, and private rooms for special functions.

St. George Open Air Cinema

http://www.stgeorgeopenair.com.au

Situated on Mrs Macquaries Point against a backdrop spanning the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city skyline, St. George Open Air Cinema is a premium lifestyle experience, where the allure of film is combined with fine food and wine, and postcard views.

From early evening patrons gather at the harbour’s edge to make the most of the stunning views, vibrant summer atmosphere and enjoy the event’s harbourside bar and restaurant

Then at nightfall, an unrivalled cinematic experience unfolds when the screen is hydraulically raised to stand three storeys high before a 2000 seat grandstand. 32 speaker surround sound, and a program including premieres, previews and the best of current and recent releases completes an unforgettable night.

Gates Open: 6:15pm
Film Commences: 8:30pm ( Approx.)

Timetable

Tue 16 Feb	M	Joy
Web 17 Feb	MA 15+	Sisters
Thu 18 Feb	M	Preview: The Daughter
Fri 19 Feb	PG	St. George Customer Sunset Preview: Hail, Caesar!

Dining At The Boat house Palm Beach

It would be devastating to let the summer go and not have taken in the beyond chic surroundings of Boat House at Palm Beach. This is place is definitely the one the most popular venues (I should mention they have 4 located across the Northern Beaches & North Shore areas) to dine for breakfast, brunch or lunch on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. We suggest you make a day of it weather it’s playing a round of golf just next door at the 18-hole golf course, hiking to the top of the Palm Beach Lighthouse to get a glimpse of some of the most breathtaking 360 degree views in New South Wales, paddle boarding, beaching or all of the above. Then follow up any of these activities by enjoying five star food, interiors to rival a vogue living photo shoot and the natural surrounds that are the Boat House Palm Beach – A glass of bubbles is also a must!

http://www.theboathousepb.com.au

Remember to be safe & responsible and stylish by contacting the team at Prestige Chauffeurs to professional designated driver so you can relax and enjoy all this amazing city has to offer.

The past few weeks have been absolutely CRAZY (In the best way possible!!) in the Prestige Chauffeurs office. We have been working on some pretty exciting projects and with some pretty amazing people!

We thought we would take a minute to fill you guys in on what has been happening from Movie Premiers, to Media Tours, Launch Parties, Racing Carnivals and the Dally M Awards
And it goes a little something like this…

CRYSTAL HEAD VODKA TOUR

About two weeks ago Prestige Chauffeurs were absolutely thrilled to take on the Crystal Skull head Media Tour with Dan Aykroyd and the team during their time Sydney. We had a few of our drivers on the job to make sure we took the whole team where they needed to be over the week which was a mix of television channels, radio stations, newspaper outlets and some of the finest restaurants the city of Sydney has to offer! The CSH Team are some of the most professional and laid back VIP’s we have worked with – It was a pleasure to be involved!

BONDS 100

More recently… (We are talking this week) Prestige Chauffeurs were so privileged and excited to be involved with the Bonds 100 Celebrations with special guest the talented and gorgeous Iggy Azalea!! This is one of the biggest coups for us since we have started up. This was a huge event held at the amazing institution that is Café Sydney (we know, we know yet another 5-star restaurant!!) to mark Bonds Australia celebrating their 100-year birthday.

Spring Time… Almost!

It’s always a good thing to be kept busy – And this could not be truer for Prestige Chauffeurs right now! From our MD – to our chauffeurs on the roads we’ve been working full throttle (Forgive the pun!) to get our the social butterflies we like to refer to as our clients from one race day to carnival to weddings, engagements, 21^st‘s and celebrate spring social affairs!

This year are as busy as we have any been – More so than any other season before; SO with that said, make sure you call and book in quickly for all your upcoming events!

Just because the temps have dropped and winter is now full swing it does not mean social activities in the gorgeous harbor side city we call Sydney.  We may not get the snow, or exude the same icy vibes that other cities to our south do … However we do have one annual attraction that year after year is loved by Sydney’s young and old alike – Ice Skating!

The city of Sydney offers visitors and locals the opportunity to experience the winter magic with two open air, out door destinations offering completely different vibes.

If you city slicker who love a bit of New York City ambiance need to check out the Winter Festival at St Mary’s Cathedral. Over looking Sydney’s Hyde Park this open air ice rink instantly transforms the Sydney streets in a magical winter wonderland reminiscent of New york Cities Central Park.

If your taste skews towards the sun and sand rather than the snow, then Bondi Winter Magic is for you! With a giant ice skating rink constructed right on the beach in front of The Pavilion. Weather you enjoy taking in the view at the famous Bondi Beach and soaking up some winter sun or prefer to skate under the Sydney night sky, Australia’s only beachside ice rink is the perfect place for you!

Plan your next romantic date, family outing or school holiday activity to keep the kids entertained by pre planning your transport. Relax in the comfort and warmth of a chauffeur driven, prestige vehicle as we navigate traffic, drop you at the front and source parking so you don’t have to.

Mention this blog post to receive 10% off your next booking.

St Mary’s Winter Garden – 19^th of June to the 19^th of July 2015

• Winter Garden Sydney will offer delectable food and beverages, winter activities and entertainment from Friday

www.wintergarden.com.au

Bondi’s Winter Magic – 20^th June,  to the 12^th July 2015

• Open 10:00am – 9:00pm Daily; Ice Skating Lessons offered Monday – Friday

www.bondiwintermagic.org.au

There is always something to do and see in Sydney – Sometimes so much so it’s hard to keep track!  The team at Prestige Chauffeurs thought we would get you prepared  for the month of event ahead by putting together a list of all the fun things to do and see in June around Sydney –

Vivid Sydney is a unique annual event of light, music and ideas, featuring an outdoor ‘gallery’ of extraordinary lighting sculptures, a cutting-edge contemporary music program, some of the world’s most important creative industry forums and, of course, the spectacular illumination of the Sydney Opera House sails.

It positions Sydney as the creative hub of Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, and delivers both innovative live entertainment and creative inspiration on a grand scale.

Sydney is a pretty amazing and beautiful city to experience no matter what season, day or night the lights twinkle and the harbor glistens. Weather you are looking up at the Centre Point Tower, climbing the Harbor Bridge, running Mrs. Macquarie’s stairs, strolling the Royal Botanic Gardens, Shopping on Oxford Street or sailing past the Opera House – There is always something to do and see. New events, exhibitions, productions; Therefor it’s our opinion that in order for a show to become an annual event in this city it has to be something pretty damn spectacular. The city facades, buildings, icons and open air space over the next few weeks will loan themselves the visually stunning Vivid Sydney Festival 2015.

Vivid Sydney is happening around Sydney in various locations in the Sydney CBD, on the harbor and even all the way over to Chatswood. There are installations, projections; laser shows a river of light through out the Sydney areas. Dull buildings will come alive when lit with multi-colored patterns, the Opera House bathed in digital artworks and  our Harbor Bridge is resembling an abstract rainbow which onlookers can only see by night adds to the magic of it all.

Unfortunately an event of this scale always comes with a few road closures & not enough parking, so make sure you rely on the team at Prestige Chauffeurs to strategically and efficiently navigate your way through the city streets. Your personal chauffeur can stop at any and all Vivid Sydney exhibitions, wait while you and your enjoy a meal at one of the many five-star restaurants Sydney has to offer.

Let our experienced Prestige Chauffeurs team map out custom designed route for you to explore the lights shows and events or alternatively you can let us know the exhibitions and events you want to see and we will make it happen.

The annual event will be showing from the 22nd May 2015 – 8th June 2015. Call Prestige Chauffeurs today to ask about tours and obtain a quote.

This week Prestige Chauffeurs was honored to be involved in the launch of Sydney’s newest lifestyle concierge service providing elite clientele with best services and experiences that Sydney has to offer.

Prestige Chauffeurs as a partner of The VIP Sydney took the opportunity to provide the pinnacle in Chauffeured vehicles to all the celebrity and media guests on the evening. The Venue Top of The Town Penthouse in Darlinghurst hosted media guests and celebrities to the likes of TV Presenter & David Jones Ambassador Jason Dundas, John Ibrahim, Celebrity Stylist Kelly Smyth, Big Brother 2014 Contestant Jade Albany.

“We have aligned ourselves with the very best professionals in their industry, including Australia’s leading cosmetic surgeon, celebrity personal stylists and Hollywood’s preferred cosmetic dental surgeon, Dr. David Carr,” says VIP founder Karim Gharbi.

Guests were taken by our chauffeurs to the event in a variety of luxury vehicles including Bentley Flying Spurs, Rolls Royce Ghost, BMW 7 – Series, Audi A8 & Q7 Sports. Through out the evening we had a our Valet Director onsite to assist guests arriving in our vehicles and coordinate cars  on to the red carpet, as well as minding our brand new two-tone Rolls Royce Ghost which set prominently at the entrance to the event.

We are excited to work with The VIP Sydney in the coming months to provide Sydney-Siders and visitors alike to experience the very best this beautiful city has to offer from bars & nightclubs, to elite vehicles, shopping experiences, privates jets & the premier beauty & cosmetic services . We couldn’t ask for a more successful event – A massive thank you to Karim Gharbi, company founder & Simon Edds, the business manager from The VIP Sydney, none of this would be possible without them!

Make Sure you check out the The VIP Sydney website – www.thevipsydney.com

Sit back, relax and enjoy your Limo experience with Prestige Chauffeurs

We offer Transfers to Randwick Racecourse in our stylish vehicles. We have a range of current model luxury vehicles to choose from ensuring you arrive at the races in sheer comfort and style, accompanied by the A ­Class service of our personal chauffeurs.

• Prestige Corporate Drivers
• Direct transfers to Randwick Race Course
• Arrive in style & sip Champagne  on your journey
• Don’t wait in long ques
• Transfers to local restaurants after your big day out

Book Now & Get a Quote