S-Liquor hosts Australia Day Weekend at Odom Garden
One of Cambodia’s most well-attended events, so far this year, was held over the weekend and hosted by local alcohol distributor S-Liquor the ‘Australia Day Festival’ featured a range of top Australian wines, food & many more! Despite the official Australia Day celebration actually being held on January 26 – a common misconception by those non-Australians attending the event – a weekend at the lovely open space of Odom Garden was the best fit.
Mike Vongsykeo – the owner of S-Liquor and an Australian national – kept the large crowd happy with special deals on wines and beers that were kept flowing over both days as well as offering non-drinking activities including live music, face painting and even a clown for the kids.
Drinks and music all for a good cause
The food department was also well stocked with the in-house bar and cafe Botanico offering great eats, craft beers, or simple Cambodia beer bottles for only $2.50. There were also many other pop-up stores such as Khmer Nights favorite Ostra Fine Foods that provides Cambodia’s best value freshly shucked oysters (in our opinion) for only $1.
The oyster bar business is also owned by fellow Australian Tim Squires and has been expanding rapidly with several locations now around Phnom Penh and even one in Siem Reap.
In addition, to great food and drink a number of prizes were on offer with one of the most respected and long-running charities Cambodia’s Children Fund receiving all proceeds. The non-profit organisation, founded in 2004 by Scott Neeson (another Australian who also attended the event) was initially established to support 45 children in need and now educates over 2,000 children.
To read our piece on the Glasshouse click here.
A who’s who weekend at Odom Gardens
Despite the Saturday occasion running directly against the Australian Chamber of Commerce family day – the event was well attended from a wide range. Attendees included even the Australian Ambassador to Cambodia Pablo Kang making an appearance. While other well-known characters from Phnom Penh’s music, fashion, food, and even business community were also spotted.
Despite many thinking last year would be the end of the road for Odom Garden what has become Phnom Penh’s beloved green open space continues on. The planned residential towers (yes – dont get us started on swapping desperately needed green space for another residential building) for unknown reasons are yet to break ground. The 4,000 sqm prime plot of land on Norodom Boulevard is a great venue with a play area for kids and has a safe dog section for anyone looking to escape the concrete jungle of downtown Phnom Penh again next weekend.
*Bong Tom is an expat living the dream in downtown Phnom Pneh – one 50cent draft at a time.
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Author: Leon Havana
A trained chef and sports aficionado with extensive experience across South America and Asia. Leon’s culinary creations celebrate local flavors, while his love for sports like football and boxing connects him with local communities.
