Masks are no longer mandatory in South Australia for people in health care settings and those working in personal care services. While not required for the general community, wearing a mask in public is recommended if physical distancing is not possible. SA Health provides further information on mask usage.

Sea Lounge at Holdfast Shores’ Marina Pier, founded by foodies in 2017, has evolved from the popular Greek restaurant Zucca Mezze to offer authentic Indian cuisine. Owner Farroukh aims to present Indian food in a way that Australians can enjoy by the sea, staying true to Indian herbs and spices. The menu includes curries, a gluten-free Shepherds Pie, and standout appetizers like Sarson Ke Phool and Bharwaan Aloo & Shimla Mirch. The restaurant has received strong support from the Adelaide community.

Angelakis Bros have launched a Mediterranean-inspired stall at Adelaide Central Market, offering a variety of ready-to-eat seafood options and a new menu featuring sashimi, poke bowls, fish tacos, and fish and chips. The stall aims to cater to the festive season demand, predicting high sales of local seafood products. To celebrate, they are offering special prices on SA crayfish and have introduced a loyalty program with various benefits. The new stall is expected to enhance the seafood shopping experience for South Australians.

Coriole Vineyards in McLaren Vale has introduced the Arbour Bar, a relaxed outdoor space offering tasting plates of locally sourced, sustainable produce overseen by head chef Tom Tilbury. Open daily from December 27 to January 10 and weekends thereafter, the bar provides a casual dining experience without the need for reservations. The venue also offers a variety of beverages, including award-winning wines, beer, cider, and non-alcoholic options.

Francisco Ortega, an American expat living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, was attacked by a taxi driver near the Reunification Palace. The incident occurred when Francisco and his friends were crossing a street and he swatted the taxi's hood to alert the driver. The driver, in a fit of rage, physically assaulted Francisco, knocking off his glasses and causing him to fall and break a rib. The driver then attempted to stab Francisco with a knife and later with an iron bar. Francisco took refuge in a café and received medical treatment for a stab wound and broken rib. The taxi driver, who was unlicensed, fled the scene, and the incident was reported to the police. The article suggests that this is part of a larger issue with aggressive taxi drivers in the city, exacerbated by the rise of ride-hailing apps like Grab and Uber.

Estonia’s Nikolai Novosjolov and the Hungarian men’s epee team secured victories at the FIE’s Challenge SNCF Reseau Men’s Epee World Cup in Paris. Novosjolov triumphed over world number two Bogdan Inishiki in the individual final, while Hungary narrowly defeated Korea in the team event. The competition featured over 300 fencers and 35 teams globally, with notable performances from various athletes including Curtis McDowald and Kyoungdoo Park.

The Adelaide Hills Convention Centre in Hahndorf, winner of the Best Business Event Venue in Australia at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in 2017 and 2018, offers a state-of-the-art venue on 32-acres of manicured grounds. It features seven event spaces, a 5-star chef, and helicopter access, making it ideal for private events, conferences, and weddings. The venue boasts floor-to-ceiling views of Mount Lofty and rustic elements like 100-year-old wooden floorboards.

Organisers of the Summer Sounds Festival have had to adjust their lineup due to border restrictions caused by the Northern Beaches and Greater Sydney coronavirus cluster. The Veronicas' show on January 6 has been cancelled, while other acts like Hot Dub Time Machine and DJ Nino Brown have been rescheduled. The revised lineup includes performances by The Jungle Giants, Bernard Fanning, and more. Family Pods have been introduced for certain shows, and some acts like Massaoke Oz and Human Nature have been cancelled. More details and tickets are available on the festival's website.

Port Adelaide café The Banksia Tree has announced that January 1 will be renamed 'Bloody Mary Day,' featuring a special event with Bloody Marys and lobster rolls. The initiative supports local businesses like Kangaroo Island Spirits and The Little Craypot. The café will also host a 'Summer BBQ Dinner' on January 15 in collaboration with BIG Shed Brewing, offering a choice of vegetarian or meat dishes. Both events emphasize the café's commitment to promoting South Australian produce and community engagement.

The female-founded Sparkke at the Whitmore in Adelaide is hosting an all-day New Year's Eve celebration with three ticketed events: Pol In the Park on the rooftop, Graze Away 2020 in the courtyard garden, and Sparkke off 2020 with live music by Zkye Blue. Co-founder Kari Allen expresses excitement about the event, highlighting its significance after a challenging year for the hospitality industry. Walk-ins are also welcome, with a tapas menu available.

ETCH Sparkling offers a range of non-alcoholic beverages, including the Honey Rosewater flavor (HNY), made with natural ingredients from the Mornington Peninsula and free from preservatives, refined sugars, and artificial additives. Co-founders Andy and Jason Quin highlight the brand's commitment to health and the growing trend of alcohol-free drink options. The drinks are available in various flavors and can be found at Chapley's Foodland and Romeo's Foodland across Adelaide.

La Sing, an Adelaide nightlife institution, has launched its own Rockstar Lager in collaboration with Big Shed Brewing. The can design was created by Jason Makarenko, La Sing's new floor manager. The venue, located at 261 Gouger Street, has also undergone a slight revamp during its closure earlier in the year. The lager, described as having refreshing malts and a spicy finish, was officially launched at an invite-only event. La Sing's merchandise, including the new beer, is available from their online shop, and the venue is now open early on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm.

Doughballs The Pizza Place in Moseley Square, Glenelg, is hosting a New Year's Eve event titled 'GET STUFFED (with Pizza) 2020', featuring a 3-course banquet, unlimited drinks for two hours, and a glass of prosecco at midnight. The family-friendly venue offers vegan and gluten-free options and recommends early bookings. The owners, Catriona and Lincoln, are praised for their hospitality. The restaurant also offers bottomless brunches starting January and breakfast style pizzas.

Bernadette Crook, the founder of 'Be in the Good Books' in Adelaide, offers personalized gift boxes and bespoke picnic experiences using ecologically sustainable South Australian produce. The company aims to make gift-giving effortless and memorable, especially for special occasions like proposals and anniversaries. Their offerings include curated grazing boxes, professional photography, and live music, with customizable vouchers available for last-minute gift-givers.

Les Deux Coqs, a French charcuterie and patisserie in Adelaide Central Market, is expanding its presence. Owned by French couple Katia Vincon and Bastien Verslype, the business has been serving South Australian customers since 2017. Despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the business adapted by launching a website and focusing on delivery, receiving strong customer support. With the state's focus on local and small businesses, Les Deux Coqs is planning new market experiences, including a European-style market in Glenelg and a pop-up in Rundle Mall.

Woodsoak Wines, a family-owned vineyard located between Robe and Beachport, has been producing boutique premium wines since 2010. Run by Will and Sonia, the vineyard integrates Sonia's Indian heritage into its wine offerings, including the award-winning Zaahira Sparkling and Pyaar Pinot Noir. The couple opened a cellar door in Robe in 2018, which has become popular among locals and tourists. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, the business has received strong community support, allowing them to remain open and plan their annual 'Sparkling & Samosas' event to thank their patrons.

Helen Reddy, the iconic singer known for her feminist anthem 'I Am Woman,' has passed away. Tributes have poured in from various figures, including the film's director Unjoo Moon and former Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Reddy's life and legacy are celebrated in the biopic 'I Am Woman,' set to be featured at the Adelaide Film Festival. The film, starring Tilda Cobham-Hervey, chronicles Reddy's journey and her impact on the feminist movement.

The 18-stage HTV Cup, Vietnam's biggest and oldest bike race, has gained international attention as it kick-starts global pro cycling amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite not being accredited by the UCI, the race has drawn significant media coverage. Defending champion Javier Sarda Perez and other participants have noted the increased global interest. The event, originally scheduled to finish on April 30, now coincides with the 130th birthday of Ho Chi Minh. The race is seen as a testament to Vietnam's success in controlling the pandemic and is expected to boost the profile of Vietnamese cycling.

BESTMALZ, a traditional German family malt producer, has successfully combined tradition with innovation to meet the global demand for craft beer. Under the leadership of Dr Axel Göhler, the company has expanded internationally, distributing quality malts to over 85 countries. The company adheres to the German Purity Law while innovating in logistics, customer care, and IT support. The article discusses the challenges and strategies of maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation in a family business, the rise of craft beer, and the importance of personal identity in consumer choices. Dr Göhler emphasizes the long-term strategic thinking that has guided BESTMALZ through various market changes and highlights the competitive advantage of being a family business.

Over one-third of family businesses worldwide targeted double-digit growth in 2018/2019, with higher percentages in emerging markets like India and China. Family businesses benefit from greater agility and streamlined decision-making, allowing them to expand faster than non-family businesses. Examples include JD.com and Evergrande Group in China. Five fast-growing family businesses to watch include Jeunesse Global Holdings LLC (USA), Eicher (India), Grupo Antolin-Irausa SA (Spain), Robertson Group Holdings (UK), and Marshall Motor Holdings plc (UK). These companies have demonstrated significant growth and market presence in their respective industries.

Pérez, a cyclist from Spain, discusses his experiences and challenges while cycling in Vietnam, including his diet struggles and team changes. He highlights his achievements in the HTV Cup and the Tour of Indochina, and his preparation for the upcoming Coupe de Hue Gran Fondo. Pérez emphasizes the differences between cycling in Europe and Asia, noting the value placed on foreign riders in Asia. He also shares his philosophy on cycling and his long-term commitment to the sport.

Hieu Van Le's tenure as the Governor of South Australia has been extended for another two years, making his service the longest in the state's history. Le, a former Vietnamese refugee, has been recognized for his significant contributions to the community and public life, including his support for over 200 charity and community organizations. His reappointment was approved by Queen Elizabeth II, following a request from State Premier Steven Marshall. Le's journey from a refugee to a prominent public figure highlights his dedication to community service and multiculturalism.

Hieu Van Le, the first Asian and Vietnamese refugee to hold a vice-regal position in Australia, has had his tenure as South Australia's Governor extended by two years, approved by Queen Elizabeth II. Le, who arrived in Australia as a refugee in 1977, has been recognized for his significant contributions to the community and public service, including being awarded Australia's highest honor, the Companion of the Order of Australia. His term will now continue until August 31, 2021, marking the longest service in a vice-regal position in South Australia's history.

The 2019 Coupe de Hue Gran Fondo in Vietnam, recognized by the Union Cycliste Internationale, is set to feature former Tour de France winner Cadel Evans. The event, which aims to be included in the UCI’s Gran Fondo World Series, has introduced significant course improvements and new challenges to attract serious cyclists. Race director Richard Casswell emphasizes the event's potential to put Vietnam on the international cycling map and increase participation. The race includes a 150km route with over 3,000 meters of climbing and exclusive permission to ride up Bach Ma mountain.

Three expatriates, Rob West, Grant Bowdery, and Marieke Dekkers, will undertake a 300-kilometer non-stop trail-running relay along the Red River to support Newborns Vietnam. The run aims to raise funds for training doctors and neonatal nurses and purchasing vital equipment. The trio will start from the National Children’s Hospital in Hanoi and finish in Lao Cai, covering a route that includes several clinics supported by the charity. The effort highlights the significant newborn mortality rate in Vietnam and aims to improve healthcare standards. They have already raised $16,100 on JustGiving.

Cecilia Berder won individual and team gold for France at the 2019 Absolute Fencing Gear FIE Women’s Sabre World Cup in Salt Lake City. She defeated Russia's Sofya Velikaya and Hungary's Anna Marton in the individual event and led France to victory over Hungary in the team event. The competition also saw Italy securing the bronze medal by defeating China.

Jon Aspin is a seasoned freelance writer with a history of working in communications and marketing for major multinational brands such as Sony, Lion Nathan, and P&G. Since relocating to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam in 2014, Jon has diversified his portfolio to include a wide range of topics. His areas of expertise now encompass a variety of subjects including people, places, food and drink, popular culture, the environment, travel, lifestyle, and general news. Jon is open to taking on new assignments and can be reached through the provided contact links.

The article discusses the impact of the rising popularity of convenience stores on Vietnam's food service industry. Decision Lab, a market research firm in Ho Chi Minh City, presented data showing that convenience stores like Family Mart, VinMart+, and Circle K are attracting more customers at the expense of mid-to-high-end food outlets, leading to a decrease in average spending per visit. The trend is driven by aggressive expansion, competitive pricing, and the appeal to younger consumers, particularly Gen Z. Despite the growth of convenience stores, street food remains popular, with many recognizing its superior quality and value. The article also touches on the cultural aspect of Vietnam's street food and the resilience of traditional vendors in the face of modern retail disruption.

The article covers the creation of Vietnam's first fully sustainable downhill mountain bike trail, designed by Singaporean Hui Min Lim through his company Dirtraction. The trail is located at La An Resort near Da Lat in the Central Highlands and was built with the help of Vietnamese staff and additional workers. The 2.1 km trail offers a 250m descent and is described as a 'blue square intermediate flow trail,' suitable for both novices and experienced riders. The project was a collaboration between Lim, Singaporean Nicky Tay, and the resort's owner, Mr. Viet, and was inspired by international mountain biking destinations. The trail was recently tested at the LAAN MTB Jamboree, receiving positive feedback from participants, including multiple-time Singaporean national champion Junaidi Bin Hashim.