Product review: Para'kito | Win a Para'kito pack!

Nothing beats some outdoor fun with mates. Whether you’re camping in the Northern Territory, fishing off the coast of Western Australia, or simply enjoying a BBQ in Brisbane, it's always handy to have mosquito and insect protection devices on hand. 

We were recently at a BBQ at Ruffey Lake Park and thought it would be an opportune time to try out Para'Kito -  a 100 percent natural eco-friendly mosquito and insect protection device.

A European quality product, we liked that Para'Kito is both lightweight and completely waterproof, making it really easy to use. 

A natural and safe alternative to other products on the market, Para’Kito is ideal for adults, children, babies, pregnant women and allergy sufferers alike, as it has no direct contact with the skin, leaves no unpleasant odour and offers 24 hour protection from mosquitoes and insects.

A unique blend of seven essential oils including; lavender, geranium, citronella, pine tree, patchouli, clove and peppermint is infused into the heart of a polymer pellet, which slips easily into your Para’Kito wristband or clip.

These patented oils mask the presence of humans from mosquitos for 15 days effectively making the wearer invisible, even when coming in contact with water, eliminating the need for reapplying sticky chemical sprays.

The Para’Kito clip is particularly handy (it easily attaches to a back pack, belt, or can be hung inside a tent when sleeping) as well as for babies – just hang it from their pram or stroller. We found the clip useful to clip near the tables where we sat at the BBQ as it kept the mossies at bay. The kids on the other hand really liked the neoprene wristband as they could choose from a range of colours available.

Competition Now Closed. 

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[23/12/2018] Announcement: Winners of the Blog Giveaway: 

Para'kito pack

Thank you to everyone who entered!

The winner is…

Jessica L. with the following entry:

"My favourite outdoor recipe is a simple and fresh salad. All I do is mix a pack of rocket, canned beetroot (sliced), goats cheese and a handful of walnuts with a juice of half a lemon and drizzle over some good quality extra virgin olive oil. It's easy, fresh and yummy. I love a picnic outdoors and this recipe is always popular."

… Congratulations, the winner will be contacted via email.

Competition Now Closed. 

Giveaway: Tickets to Flavour Exchange

Flavour Exchange is hitting Fed Square this Thursday and Friday, and Gastrology has teamed up with DIG + FISH to give away a double pass to one lucky winner.

Flavour Exchange is a foodie event that is held quarterly in Federation Square and showcases the best wines, beers, ciders, spirits and foods from Victoria, with over 50 exhibitors.

There are some great producers this season including Melbourne Rooftop Honey, Coldstream brewery, 3 Boys Baking and Dal Zotto vineyard.

Tickets are 32.50 and include 14 tasting tokens and a premium wine glass for tasting.

Blog giveaway: Double pass to Flavour Exchange

How to enter 

All you have to do, is:
  • Follow us on twitter (if you have not already) 
  • Send us an email answering “What is your favourite Victorian wine or produce?” 
The best entry, as judged by the Gastrology team, will win a double pass to Flavour Exchange.

The competition will run from Tuesday 2 December 2014 to 4:00pm Wednesday 3 December 2014 (winner to be announced on this post on the same day and notified via email).

For more information check out www.flavourexchange.com.au

The fine print: 
Only entries made using a valid email address are eligible. Your email address will not be published. This competition is a game is of skill not chance. This giveaway is open to readers in Australia only. Prize is not transferable or exchangeable or redeemable for cash. The Promoter is not responsible for prizes once they have been dispatched to the winner. The image of the prize is purely representative and the actual prize is subject to change. 


[3/12/2014] Announcement: Winner of Tickets to Flavour Exchange

Thank you to everyone who entered!

The winner is…


Anastasia S. with the following entry:


What is your favourite Victorian wine or produce? 
Ice Cream from the historic 1840's Gundowring dairying property and homestead in the Kiewa Valley of northeast Victoria. Created with love where the air is clean, the water runs crystal clear, and cows graze contentedly on lush green pastures"
… Congratulations, the winner has been contacted via email.


Competition Now Closed.

Scoopon Red Carpet Restaurant experiences | Win a Chinese banquet for two at Man Tong Kitchen (valued at $189)

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Scoopon and Man Tong Kitchen.
Between 14-20 July, Scoopon will be celebrating Melbourne’s love of food by offering discounts to some of the top rated restaurants in the city as part of its Melbourne food week.

Customers can benefit from up to 65% off some of the top rated restaurants on Urbanspoon, satisfying their desire for great dining experiences without the high price tag. From modern pub fare to Mexican street food - Scoopon’s food week includes a mix of cuisines from some of Melbourne’s favourite foodie hotspots. 

Scoopon 8 Course Chinese Banquet with Wine @ Man Tong Kitchen
Sister Restaurant to the Highly-Acclaimed Hu Tong, Man Tong Kitchen offers exquisite Chinese cuisine. 
Upon entering Man Tong Kitchen, diners will be wowed by the restaurant’s plush dining ambience. Designed to capture the bygone era of Imperial China in a contemporary fashion, the expansive dining room is adorned with textured wood pillars and wall panels dressed in rich deluxe colours like gold and red for a stunning contrast. The restaurant’s dining space is further enhanced by the mood lighting.

Purchasers of the Man Tong Scoopon will imbibe in 8 divine courses...
Left: Signature Xiao Long Bao pork dumplings (4 pieces)
Right: Chicken San Choi Bao in lettuce cups (2 serves)

While many Chinese restaurants in Melbourne serve Xiao Long Bao, Man Tong’s variety are a cut above. The allure lies in their gracefully delicate pastry skin enveloping rich pork-seasoned broth.  
Left: Sweet Corn Soup with crab meat and chicken (2 bowls)
Right: Peking Duck with Pancakes (2 pieces)

Another highlight of our meal was the Peking duck with pancakes. Each portion was carefully prepared to ensure that each was fresh and warm when consumed. With a generous slice of duck breast, fresh spring onion, warm pancake and ample sauce, it boasted a crisp skin and unctuous fat.
Stir Fried String Beans with Minced Pork and Szechuan Chilli Sauce
Juicy Eye Fillet with Honey and Pepper Sauce

The eye fillet with honey and pepper sauce was delicious.  Well-seasoned, the warming pepper was very welcoming on a particularly cold Melbourne day. Overall, a superbly executed dish.
Man Tong’s Special Fried Rice
Deep Fried Banana Fritter with Ice-Cream

Man Tong’s take on traditional banana fritter was delicious. The banana had an ethereally light and crispy batter and was soft and sweet inside. Served with a creamy vanilla ice cream, this was a pleasant end to our meal.  
Man Tong Kitchen affords a valuable dining experience that comprises delicious food and wine in a mesmerizing setting located at a prime location. 
Savour Man Tong Kitchen’s legendary xiao long bao and exquisite Chinese cuisine at Crown in the heart of Southbank by purchasing the Man Tong Kitchen scoopon here.

What: Scoopon's Melbourne Food Week deals 



Win 1 x Scoopon voucher to dine at Man Tong Kitchen!

Gastrology has teamed up with Scoopon to giveaway 1 x Scoopon voucher to Man Tong Kitchen to indulge in a decadent Chinese banquet for 2 with wine each which is valued at $189 to 1 of our lucky readers!

How to enter 

All you have to do is: 

  1. Follow us on twitter (if you have not already) 
  2. Send us an email answering “What is your favourite dish and why?” 


The best entry, as judged by the Gastrology team, will win 1 x Scoopon voucher to Man Tong Kitchen.

The competition will run from Monday, 14 July 2014 to 5:00pm Thursday, 24 July 2014 (winner to be announced on this post on Friday, 25 July 2014. 
Man Tong Kitchen on Urbanspoon
The fine print: 
Only entries made using a valid email address are eligible. Your email address will not be published. This competition is a game is of skill not chance. This giveaway is open to readers in Australia only. Prize is not transferable or exchangeable or redeemable for cash. The Promoter is not responsible for prizes once they have been dispatched to the winner. The image of the prize is purely representative and the actual prize is subject to change. 

To find out more or purchase one of the deals, visit www.scoopon.com.au/melbourne.

[25/07/2014] Announcement: Winners of the Blog Giveaway: Man Tong Banquet Scoopon

Thank you to everyone who entered!

The winner is…


Jayne L. with the following entry:

“While it is difficult to choose a favourite (they all look absolutely delicious), my most favourite dish is Man Tong's signature Xiao Long Bao pork dumplings. Their Xiao Long Bao's boasts finesse that make them several notches above the average ones you receive at other establishments. I love the delicate dumpling skin which envelopes the decadent broth. It is always a pleasure piercing through the thin casing and slurping the hot and flavoursome broth within and flavouring the remaining pastry and minced pork with just the right amount of black vinegar and heaty ginger. 
Would love to win this banquet to try all these other dishes and find out more about what Man Tong has to offer beyonf the Xiao Long Bao pork dumplings.” 
… Congratulations, the winner will be contacted via email.

Competition Now Closed. 

Win 2 x double passes to CHEF!

Directed by Jon Favreau, CHEF follows the temperamental Carl Casper (Favreau), a prestigious name in the world of food who falls from grace and ends up starting his own food truck to recapture his flair, integrity and reconnect with his family.

Casper was once a promising star in the culinary world, whose artistic aptitude has long been restrained by an overbearing restaurant proprietor (Hoffman). With his passion for cooking wilting, Carl’s career takes a turn for the worse, when a prominent food critic targets the uninspired Chef with a provocative review. Outraged by his comments, Carl takes to twitter and goes head to head with him in an online battle, which he unknowingly broadcasts to thousands of followers. 

Disillusioned with his career and desperate to escape the social media circus that he inadvertently created, Carl agrees to accompany his ex-­‐wife Inez (Vergara) and son to Miami. As his passion for cooking reignites, an opportunity to start up a food truck business presents itself and Carl begins to re-­‐establish his artistic promise and at the same time, reconnect with his family. 

With an all-star cast including Jon Favreau, Dustin Hoffman, Scarlett Johansson, Sofia Vergara and Robert Downey Jr, CHEF serves up a delectable feast of drama and laughs. 

Release Date: 8 May 2014 
Running Time: 115 mins

Gastrology has teamed up with STUDIOCANAL to give away 2 x double passes to CHEF which will be valid from opening day to 2 of our lucky readers!

How to enter 

All you have to do is follow us on twitter and send us an email with the name of your favourite chef and why.
The best 2 entries, as judged by the Gastrology team, will win 1 x double pass each to CHEF.

The competition will run until 8:00pm Wednesday the 7th of May 2014 (winner to be announced on this post on Thursday 8th of May 2014). 

The fine print: 
Only entries made using a valid email address are eligible. Your email address will not be published. This competition is a game is of skill not chance. This giveaway is open to readers in Australia only. Prize is not transferable or exchangeable or redeemable for cash. The Promoter is not responsible for prizes once they have been dispatched to the winner.

The tickets are valid anywhere the film is playing. Not valid for Gold Class, VMAX, La Premiere, Directors Suite etc. Not valid on Tuesdays after 5pm or Saturday or public holidays. Valid even with No Free Tickets. Non transferable. Seating is subject to availability.

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[8/05/2014] Announcement: Winners of the Blog Giveaway: 2 x double passes to CHEF

Thank you to everyone who entered!

The 2 winners are…


A. Zarzanello with the following entry:

“My favourite chef is my nonna. You can’t really beat a hearty Italian meal made from scratch – especially when it’s cooked with love!”

J. Lee with the following entry:

"My favourite chef is Maggie Beer. Her passion for fresh and locally sourced produce has certainly helped people understand the value in Australia's bountiful and wonderful fruit, veg and meat. I also love her innovative spirit (verjus!) and rustic country cooking."
… Congratulations, the winners will be contacted via email.

Competition Now Closed.