A Taste of Down Under: Australia Week at the Trump

January 21, 2010 This year, Australia week will take place from Friday, January 22 through Thursday, January 28 at the hotel, 401 N. Wabash, Chicago. In partnership with the Australian Government, Wine Australia, the State of Victoria and other Aussie vendors, guests will have an opportunity to experience the whole country, not just through food and wine, but in art, travel, music and more.

Highlights include:

An Evening with the Chefs and a Week-Long Menu

Celebrity Chef Simon Bryant, Executive Chef of the Hilton Adelaide, has emerged as one of Australia's hottest young chefs, starring in a national television show called "The Cook and the Chef." This year, Chef Bryant will journey to join Chef Brunacci in Chicago, where the two powerhouses will collaborate on a special, six-course Australian dinner menu that will be served exclusively at Sixteen on Friday, January 22. The two chefs will interact with guests throughout the evening, highlighting the distinct, indigenous ingredients featured on the menu. Wines provided by Wine Australia will be poured by Sommelier Steven Lee and special guest Australian winemakers. That evening, the menu will be priced at $105 per person including wine pairings (exclusive of tax and gratuity). From Saturday, January 23 through Thursday, January 28, Chefs Bryant and Brunacci's six-course menu will be available for $105 per person, or $145 with wine pairings, alongside Sixteen's regular a la carte and blind tasting menus. For reservations, call (312) 588-8030.

Escape the Winter: Experience Australia

On Sunday, January 24, the entire 16th Floor of Trump Chicago will turn into a veritable Australian marketplace as the hotel hosts Escape the Winter: Experience Australia. This spirited "walkabout", taking place from 1 to 5 p.m., will showcase more than 30 wines provided by Wine Australia, Coopers Beer and dozens of uniquely Australian foods for sampling, along with aboriginal art, jewelry, live music and more. The hotel's Grand Ballroom, Grand Foyer and popular Skyline Room will be filled with delectable items to savor and accented with sweeping fabrics in the warm colors of Australia. In addition to hourly wine seminars, Chefs Simon and Brunacci will also interact with guests, talking about their homeland and its cuisine. Those interested in learning about Australia's distinct travel destinations can meet with travel representatives, and even book a trip right on the spot! Anthony Snape and Claire Wyndham, both poplar Australia

n acoustic pop/rock singers and songwriters, will perform live throughout the afternoon. Tickets for Escape the Winter: Experience Australia is $35 per person, with ticket proceeds benefiting Chicago's Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. There will also be raffle tickets on sale for a chance to win impressive prizes, some of which include a trip for two to Australia, provided by V Australia, an overnight stay at Trump Chicago, and even a six-month membership at The Spa at Trump. Tickets will be available beginning in January and can be purchased in advance at www.trumpchicagohotel.com/australia . They can also be purchased the day of the event for $40 per person by cash or credit card only. Guests may arrive at the property's West Entrance for this special event.

Staycation Options

For those interested in making a "staycation" out of their Australia Day festivities, Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago will offer compelling weekend packages from Friday, January 22 to Sunday, January 24. All packages include a one-night stay in one of the hotel's spacious, beautifully appointed guest rooms and a late, 2 p.m. checkout. During their visit, guests may also opt to take advantage of Rebar, the property's chic sushi and cocktail lounge, as well as relax and rejuvenate at The Spa at Trump. All prices are based on dual occupancy and are inclusive of gratuity. Options include:

Experience Australia Packages:

Australia Day dinner on Friday, January 22 and a one-night stay for $605 per couple, excluding taxes.

Saturday, January 23 one-night stay and two tickets to Escape the Winter: Experience Australia on Sunday, January 24 for $325 per couple, excluding taxes.

Saturday, January 23, Dinner for two in Sixteen and experience the Australian tasting menu, two tickets to Escape the Winter: Experience Australia on Sunday, January 24 and a one-night stay for $675 per couple, excluding taxes.

For reservations, please call (312) 588-8000 or (877) 458-7867.

About Simon Bryant
Chef Simon Bryant has been with Hilton Adelaide for ten years, commencing as a Commis Chef, followed by 18 months as a Chef de Partie in The Grange with Cheong Liew and rapidly working his way up to Senior Sous Chef of The Brasserie. It is in The Brasserie where Simon has emerged as one of Australia's hottest young chefs.

Simon brings a fresh, down-to-earth approach to cooking and has a great appreciation for simple food cooked properly, which is demonstrated by the innovative style of the menus in the Hilton Adelaide. His passion for fresh local produce has resulted in an innovative concept, Seriously South Australian cuisine, which promotes the State's finest produce to hotel guests and members of the public alike.

Simon's passion for cooking is evident in his cooking classes in Hilton Adelaide's main kitchen, guest appearances at the Adelaide Central Market and regional farmers markets, just to name a few.

About Mercy Home for Boys & Girls
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls has been a solution for kids in crisis since 1887. Full-time residential, aftercare and community-based mentoring programs provide life-saving services to more than 400 troubled and hurting young women and men every year. Mercy Home gives children who have suffered abuse, neglect, poverty and even abandonment the opportunity to rebuild their lives and the encouragement to realize their dreams. Young people receive therapeutic, academic and vocational help so that they can grow into healthy, successful adults. Mercy Home is 99.4% privately funded and operates on two campuses in Chicago: a home for boys at 1140 W. Jackson Blvd. and a home for girls at 11600 S. Longwood Dr. Visit www.mercyhome.orgto learn more.

About the Vendors
2010 Australia Week participants include the Australian Government; Wine Australia; the State of Victoria; South Australia Tourism Commission; Tourism Tasmania, Southern Rock Lobster (Ravioli, Bisque, Tails); Ausab (Abalone); Cleanseas (Hiramasa, Mulloway, Bluefin Tuna); Waterwheel (Crackers); Yellingbo Gold (Olive Oil); Wallaby (Energy Bars); Yarra Valley Dairy (Marinated Feta); King Island Dairy (Roaring Forties, Seal Bay); Moondarra Cheese (Fruit and Nut Cheeses); Coopers (Beer); Wild Hibiscus; Punch Coffee; Tasmanian Rain (Still and Sparkling Water); Strauss Brands (Grass-Fed Lamb and Veal); Fortune Fish (Barramundi and Spanner Crab); Tuckers Natural (Dessert Crackers); Kookaburra Licorice; Bio Grape (Organic Fruit Pastes); Broadleaf (Wagyu and Grass-Fed Beef); Murray River Salt; TipsyCake (Desserts); Michael Hill Jewelers; Urban Source (Interior Designs); travel companies from around Australia; Anthony Snape; Claire Wyndham; Chef Simon Bryant; several artists; and others, and with event management and design by Our Big Splash.

About Sixteen
Located on the 16th Floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago, Sixteen was designed by Ivanka Trump and Chicago-based architects Valerio Dewalt Train Associates. The space defines a unique environment that celebrates the modern American cuisine of Executive Chef Frank Brunacci and Chicago's famed architecture. Sixteen serves breakfast daily from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. and Sunday brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lunch is available Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is available Monday through Wednesday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sixteen is closed for dinner on Sunday. The Bar at Sixteen, as well as the adjoining Bridges Room, open daily at 11 a.m. and serve a casual bistro menu from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations, please call (312) 588-8030. Click here to find Sixteen on Facebook

About Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago
Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago, located in the heart of the city at 401 N. Wabash Avenue, welcomed its first hotel guests in January 2008. The hotel, comprising floors 14-27 of a 92-story residential tower in development by the Trump Organization, features 339 luxuriously appointed guestrooms including one-, two- and three-bedroom suites; Sixteen, a fine dining restaurant featuring the modern American cuisine of Executive Chef Frank Brunacci; The Spa at Trump®; the Trump Health Club; Rebar, a chic cocktail lounge and more. Fifty-three spa guestrooms were also unveiled September 2008. Designed by the noted architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with interiors by McGinley Design, Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago is a stunning addition to Chicago's distinguished skyline. For room and event reservations, call (312) 588-8000, (877) 458-TRUMP (7867). .

For information on owning a Residential Condominium or Hotel Condominium in Trump International Hotel and Tower® Chicago, please call (312) 644-0900. Prices start from the upper $500,000s.

About Trump® Hotel Collection
Launched in October 2007, Trump® Hotel Collection is the next generation of luxury hospitality - one that is raising the bar in the top-tier travel experience with a level of customized service unrivaled in the market today. Presided over by internationally renowned developer Donald J. Trump and his three grown children - Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric - the prestigious portfolio includes the highly acclaimed Trump International Hotel & Tower® New York, Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago and Trump International Hotel™ Las Vegas. Trump International Hotel™ Waikiki Beach Walk® will join Trump® Hotel Collection in November 2009, followed by Trump SoHo™ New York in early 2010. Additional hotel projects are under development around the globe, including Toronto, Panama, Dubai, Cap Cana, Scotland and New Orleans. Trump® Hotel Collection is headquartered at Trump Tower, 725 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10022.

ABOUT SOUTH AUSTRALIA
southaustralia.com

South Australia is a state of Australia located in the southern half of the country and is about one and a half times the size of Texas.

South Australia is known as the WOW state - Wildlife, Outback, Wine

South Australia is known for its abundance of 'authentically' Australian experiences. There is no other place in Australia that offers the richness of wildlife, outback and food & wine experiences in the same area.

Kangaroo Island, often referred to as Australia's Galapagos or a zoo without fences is the state's star attraction. Teeming with kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, seals, sea lions, penguins, birdlife, goannas and platypus to name a few. This is the best place in Australia to see the widest range of native animals in their natural habitat. Kangaroo Island offers fantastic touring opportunities, with stunning scenery and delicious locally produced foods. It is only a 30 minute flight out of South Australia's capital - Adelaide.

South Australia is home to most of Australia's international recognized wine regions. SA produces approximately two thirds of wine exports, with approximately 60% of Australian wines imported to the US coming from the state of South Australia.

The famous Barossa Valley, only an hour drive from Adelaide, is home to over 60 wineries offering cellar door tasting, with spectacular regional cuisine. Widely regarded as the wine capital of Australia, the area boasts more than 60 wineries, ranging from quaint boutique cellar doors, to large international companies such as Jacob's Creek, Penfolds, Henschke and Wolf Blass.

The SA wine country is not limited to just one region in the state, with the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley and the Coonawarra all offering premium wine touring.

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia is also known as the gateway to the outback. The Flinders Ranges is the oldest mountain range in the world and is known for its 4WD tours, scenic flights, aboriginal rock art, cattle stations, geology, abundant wildlife and friendly locals. Also don't forget to explore underground homes and attractions in Coober Pedy, the world's opal mining capital.

Adelaide is the capital of South Australia and is home to more restaurants per capita than any other city in Australia. Famous eat streets include Gouger and Rundle, which boast nearly every kind of ethnic restaurant you can imagine. The Adelaide Central Market is truly the destination for food lovers. The Market is the largest undercover market in the Southern Hemisphere and is home to many gourmet specialties introduced by the waves of immigrants and their families who call Adelaide home.

Quick Facts

Adelaide

South Australia is home to 1.6 million people, and is one-and-a-half times the size of Texas

Adelaide is known as the 20 minute city as it only takes 20 minutes to get to the beach, Adelaide Hills and to start sampling wines at the famous Penfolds Magill estate.

The City is extremely easy to navigate as it is laid out in a grid pattern, with accommodation close to city attractions.

Adelaide has a similar climate to Southern California. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities and for alfresco dining.

There are more restaurants per capita in Adelaide than any other capital city in Australia. Adelaide, described by the New York Times as "the culinary hub of Australia" is the nation's gourmet capital

Activities

Adelaide Central Market tour

Swimming with dolphins at Glenelg,

Aboriginal Cultures Gallery in SA museum (largest display of Aboriginal artifacts in the world),

Visit to Penfolds Magill Estate (home to Australia's most famous wine - Grange)

Aboriginal guided bush tucker tour of Adelaide's historic botanic gardens

Art Gallery of South Australia

Alfresco dining on Rundle or Gouger streets in downtown Adelaide

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island, often referred to as Australia's Galapagos or Zoo without fences and is only a 30 minute flight from the gateway of Adelaide

Kangaroo Island has the most abundant and diverse variety of wildlife of anywhere in Australia Kangaroo Island covers an area the same size as Long Island, New York.

Kangaroo Island is the only place in Australia where you can walk amongst a colony of Australian Sea Lions

A great quote from an American Traveler who visited KI: "I finally feel like I am in Australia!" Kangaroo Island was voted by National Geographic Traveler as the most unspoiled island in the Asia Pacific region

One-third of the island is National Park, Conservation Park or wilderness area Recommend minimum 2-day stay, offering a combination of food, hospitality and wilderness experiences

Activities

Walking on the beach with Australia Sea Lions at Seal Bay

Wilderness touring on Kangaroo Island to spot Kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, echidnas, platypus, goannas to name a few

Swimming with dolphins and sea lions

Scuba Diving for the leafy sea dragon

Kangaroo and Koala spotting

Penguin spotting tours

Bird watching (over 240 species of birds on KI)

Bush walking

Experience gourmet food & wine experiences (local produced honey, sheep milk cheese, freshwater Marron, locally produced wine, local seafood such as oysters, King George Whiting, Southern Rock Lobster)

Relaxing at one of the many un-crowded, un-spoilt, pristine beaches

Sand boarding at Little Sahara

Caving at Kelly Hill cavesv

Relax and enjoy the facilities of one of Australia's most remote luxury wilderness eco-lodges, Southern Ocean Lodge

Food & Wine Regions

South Australia is the largest wine producing region in Australia, producing 40% of all of Australia's wine

66% of all the Australian wine in the United States comes from the South Australia

Some of the most well known South Australian wine labels include Penfolds, Jacob's Creek, Rosemount, and Wolf Blass originate from the Barossa

The oldest shiraz vines in the world are located in the Barossa

McLaren Vale is only 45 minutes south of Adelaide is known as where the vines meet the sea.

The Clare Valley is an hour and a half north of Adelaide and is famous for its Rieslings.

Activities

Cellar Door tasting at both international labels and boutique wineries

Food & Wine Trails including cheeses, olives, smoked meats

Hot air ballooning over the Barossa vineyards

Clare Valley Riesling trail - riding a bicycle along 16 mile trail to various wineries

Outback

It is easier to reach the Outback from Adelaide than any other Australian city

The Flinders is the oldest mountain range in the world, and is home to the monolith of Wilpena Pound.

The Flinders Ranges is a four hours drive from central Adelaide or 1hr 40 minute flight by charter aircraft from Adelaide.

Outback wildlife includes the Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies, kangaroos, emu and Australia's largest bird of prey, the Wedge-tailed Eagle

It is home to quintessential Australian outback scenery that is typically found in much more remote parts of the country.

A host of high-end products have just been developed: Wilpena Pound Resort, Rawnsley Park, Arkaba Station in November, Angorichina Station and the Prairie.

Combining the Clare Valley experience on the way through to the Flinders ticks off one of Australia's best wine regions in the same journey

Coober Pedy is the world's largest opal-producer, supplying over 80% of the world's opals.

The Desert Cave hotel, in Coober Pedy, is the world's only international underground hotel.

Activities

4WD tours

Wildlife spotting - Yellow Footed rock wallabies, Kangaroos, Emus, Wedge tailed eagles

Hiking and mountain bike trails

Scenic flights over Wilpena Pound

Aboriginal rock art

Cattle drive at Nilpena Station - Sunsets, Saddles and Shiraz

Opal Fossicking

Aboriginal dot painting

Events Calendar

Tour Down Under - January 17 to 24
International cycling action takes place in South Australia every January with the Tour Down Under. The first stop on the world cycling calendar, the Tour Down Under is the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere and the only UCI ProTour race outside Europe. This exciting event attracts the cream of Australian and European professional cyclists to compete in a series of grueling road races through Adelaide and various country regions of South Australia. Before one of the race stages, recreational cyclists can join in the action and cycle the same route as the professionals. Take part in street parties and see towns dress up to welcome the Tour Down Under.

Adelaide Festival of Arts, South Australia - February 26 to March 14
The Adelaide Festival of Arts ranks alongside Edinburgh and Avignon as one of the world's leading arts festivals. Held in every 'even' year, it embraces a potent mix of contemporary and classical artistic expression and performance.

Adelaide Fringe- February 19 - March 4
Adelaide Fringe is an exciting and offbeat annual event, sweeping up audiences in its raw, street-wise energy and late night activity - comedy, music, theatre and more. The Adelaide Fringe as the second largest Arts Festival in the world after the Edinburgh Fringe in Scotland. The 2009 event attracted 1,004,440 attendances across both ticketed and free events.

Tasting Australia, Food & Wine Festival - April 9 to May 6
The best of Australia's hospitality, culture and all things gastronomic will be featured once again at Tasting Australia. The event has hosted hundreds of the world's top chefs, sommeliers, restaurateurs, food , wine, beer and travel media - including the most highly respected television presenters and producers - and has attracted a wide cross-section of the food-loving public to Adelaide and South Australia.

Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive - July 30 to August 29
Arguably the most authentic Australian Outback experience, the Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive combines 500 head of cattle, 100 horses, over 240 miles of desert track, and a cast of Australian characters. It's a vacation unlike any other. Climb into the saddle and help herd cattle along one of Australia's most evocative stock trails, passing through inspirational landscapes and collecting a swag of adventure stories along the way. Your companions will be visitors from across Australia and around the world, riding with some of Australia's finest drovers. Relive a very real part of Australian history on this Outback adventure - book early for six 5 day / 4 night tours between Friday 30 July and Sunday 29 August in 2010.