The Star is the ideal destination for an indulgent and thrilling way to beat the winter chill – with a great range of hot options to choose from.

For those with a passion for fast cars and fine food, The Star has teamed up with Prancing Horse Ferrari Drive Experiences to offer thrill seekersa spin across the city driving the new Ferrari 458 Italia followed by lunch at the award-winning Balla restaurant. August is truffle month and a great opportunity to indulge in this delicacy.

For a truly stylish and sophisticated night out, head to Marquee's annual Dom Perignon Masquerade Party with superstar DJ Havana Brown performing.

Try some Salsa lessons on Wednesday evenings or 'Rock with Laughter” with some the country's best stand-up comedy at Rock Lily. Plus, all the Friday night sporting action will play live from the 24/7 Sports Bar.

DINING

Truffles, Truffles, Truffles

August is Truffle Month at The Star – experience the exquisite flavours of truffles at BLACK by ezard, Balla and Sokyo. Each has created a unique menu showcasing this rare delicacy in its own impeccable style.  Truffle month is an epicurean experience not to be missed.

Take the fast lane to lunch

Combine the thrill of driving the new Ferrari 458 Italia and the delight of dining at Stefano Manfredi's award-winning restaurant, Balla. Starting exclusively from The Darling at The Star, guests can slide behind the wheel of a red Ferrari 458 Italia for a romantic one-hour drive with their own partner as co-pilot.  Begin your journey with private tuition and driving instructions delivered by two-way radio communication and a dedicated support vehicle, guests will track in true glamour and style across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, south to Rose Bay and return via Anzac Bridge to The Star.  On return, enjoy a three course culinary journey at Balla.  Prices start at $880 per couple (Tuesday - Friday) or $990 per couple (Saturday). Conditions  apply.

The Balla regional dinner series continues this month featuring Friuli on Tuesday 5 August, from 6.30 pm. In association with Vogue Living and Natuzzi, celebrate the Friuli region with a four-course regionally inspired menu showcasing Friuli's famous delicacies served with Italian-style wines along with talks on food, family, living and design. Hosted by Stefano Manfredi and Editor-In-Chief of Vogue Living Victoria Carey. Ticket cost from $95 per person. Guests will receive a gift bag and take home recipe for the main dish from the night. For bookings call 02 9657 9129.

Quick Bite

Enjoy a delicious one-course Quick Bite lunch at BLACK by ezard for just $25.

Classically inspired food styles influenced by the great American grills and contemporary Europe. Offer available every Friday, 12pm-3pm until 29 August.

And don't miss the new bar menu - guests out for a cocktail are also in for a tasteful treat as BLACK by Ezard, one of The Star's most opulent dining spaces, introduces its new bar menu. A combined collection of sumptuous offerings including chilled oysters, ocean trout crackling, wagyu slider, fois gras, crème brulee and pork hock terrine.

For Heaven's Saké!

The annual Sokyo Sake dinner with Sake presenter Yukino Ochiai takes place 27 August at 6:30 pm. Accompanying Yukino will be saké makers from four saké houses: Mr Nakano from Dewazakura Brewery; Mr Sekiya from Houraisen Brewery; Mr Shata from Tengumai Brewery; Mr Onozawa from Yoshinogawa Brewery. Chase Kojima will be serving 5 courses including dessert matched with 8 different sakés (2 from each house) - $150 inclusive of Saké.

ENTERTAINMENT

Marquee

August 2 @ 10pm – The Dom Perignon Masquerade Party, featuring superstar DJ Havana Brown, will see Sydney's social set descend onto the dance floor in a slick night of frivolity and fun. Tickets start from $35 and can be purchased from www.moshtix.com.au

Marquee Line Up for August offers an impressive line up of both international and local artists, who are set to hit the Marquee stage. With names such as Ashley Wallbridge, Marlo and Candyland - you don't want to miss out!

Prelude

August 8 @ 6pm - PRELUDE is set to redefine Friday nights to give Sydneysiders a whole new after-work drink experience. Imagine your evening being a journey through an intimate New York lounge bar, starting with jazz funk at The Library (next door to Marquee), crossed with expansive views of the Harbour city and skyline and ending in a true nightclub experience that would rival that of the Big Apple. 

Rock Lily

Enjoy live entertainment at the intimate venue with a range of bands, artists and comedians. Plus every Wednesday starting August 6 from 7pm, Rock Lily turns up the heat with I Love Salsa, with two of Sydney's best Latino DJ's and live bands. Warm up with a free salsa lesson to get you in the mood.

And, the search for Sydney's hottest unsigned band is on, sign up to enter 'Clash of the Bands' competition via star.com.au/rocklily. Winning band scores $25,000 in cash and prizes.

August 2 @ 9:30pm – Black Diamond Hearts: Their mix of non-stop layers of current hit songs with classic hit sound grabs, played over a pounding beat, sets the template from which Black Diamond Hearts deliver to their audience a relentless desire to dance.

August 28 @ 7:30pm - Rock with Laughter: The highly-popular night returns for another side-splitting evening of stand up and will be headlined by none other than comedy legend Jeff Green (UK). Green has a brand new trademark show of hilarious observations, stories and rapid-fire jokes. Who's in Jeff's sights this year – Australian pollies, fatherhood, his long-suffering wife? Join him to find out. Dane Hiser and Jackie Loeb will be supporting. Funnyman Mikey Robins will be returning as host for the hilarious event, with comedy-goers able to enjoy drink specials as well as a $9.50 tex mex bar menu.

24/7 SPORTS BAR

2014 Bledisloe Cup – Rugby fans can unite at the 24/7 Sports Bar for all the thrills and spills of the match live on the big screens. August 16 – Qantas Wallabies v All Blacks, August 23 – All Blacks v Qantas Wallabies, October 18 – Qantas Wallabies v All Blacks.

NRL – view all the action of Friday Night football from the 24/7 Sports Bar. Every Friday during August and September, live commentary and special guests.

Cherry

When the winter chill sets in there's no better way to get the blood pumping than to get in to Cherry and dance the night away to the latest mixes played by accomplished DJ's such as Elly K, Jack Kennedy, Hannah Gibbs and Damien Goundrie. From 6pm to 2am every Friday.

Lucky Lounge

Karaoke at the Star: Are you a seasoned singer or simply keep the shower as your stage? Whatever level your talent, there is $250 prizes each week up for grabs in the Lucky Lounge Karaoke competition with a grand final prize of $1000 (August 21). The evening kicks off at 7.30pm every Thursday and entry is as easy as being an absolute rewards member and signing up on the night.

Lyric Theatre

Strictly Ballroom continues at Sydney's premier live entertainment venue, Sydney Lyric, the place to experience musicals, theatre, concerts, opera and ballet.

Strictly Ballroom the Musical performances have been released up to Sunday 5 October. A special Dinner & Show package is now available for selected performances. Purchase an A Reserve ticket via the special link below and receive a delicious one course meal main (Pho, Laksa, Pork Pad See Ew, Chicken Pad Thai, Kimchi Potato Noodle) and beverage (glass of wine, house beer or soft drink) from Fat Noodle for just $99*! Click below for details.

http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/promo/4zm6l0

GAMING

The Star Mahjong: Your chance to win a share of $1,000 each game. Register daily at the Mahjong Room, Casino Level 2. Registration closes 10 minutes prior to the commencement of games. Traditional Mahjong is held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10.30am, 2.30pm and 7pm whilst Baida Mahjong is available on Tuesday and Saturday and either 10.30am or 2.30pm.

Bingo Now: With a jackpot of $79,000 for Tuesday and Thursday games, The 24/7 Sports Bar at The Star is heating up with excitement trying to find who will take home the big one. A share of $2,100 cash and $1,400 in Casino Dollars is also on offer with games at 11am, 2pm and 7pm, with a $2 entry fee per session. Terms and conditions apply and can be found at star.com.au

Wheel of Fortune (starts Aug 25 – Sept 22): Your chance to win a BMW 220i Coupe or $45,000 cash, plus a share of $15,000 in table free bet vouchers. Earn $10 Casino Dollars between Monday 00:01 and Sunday 23:59 each week on any Table Game with all your Absolute Rewards Membership to earn one virtual entry into each prize draw. All entries earned over the promotional period will go into each prize draw.

P&O promotion: If warmer waters are somewhere you would much prefer to be, Absolute Rewards members can have a chance to win their choice of a 3 or 4 night P&O domestic cruise for 2 adults. Each package also comes with return domestic economy flights to Sydney from their nearest domestic airport, along with limousine transfers to and from the airport to 100km. An entry is available for Absolute rewards members who spend every $100 Absolute Dollars earned within the Entry Period. Members can earn an unlimited amount of entries.

All you need to play is to be an Absolute Rewards member. Visit an Absolute Rewards desk for more details and to sign up – it's quick, easy and free to join.

For more information or enquiries, visit www.star.com.au or call 1800 700 700.