London: Artemisia Gentileschi is coming to the National Gallery this April
The art of Artemisia is coming to London.
FOOD & DRINK, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFE & TRAVEL
Category: FEATURES
Sydney: Coogee Pavillion's middle level is now open!
It’s about time! For as long as any coastie’s conscionable memory extends, the middle level at the Merivale Coogee Pavillion’s been shut. But, no more! Complete with three venues – restaurant mimi’s, cocktail bar will’s and wine and tapas bar Una Más – it’s a new addition to the coastside haunt that’s slammed every weekend. More space, more on offer, more reasons to go, the ‘Pav”s new places to eat and drink are guided by the cooking philosophy of executive chef Jordan Toft (Bert’s, Bar Topa) – a simple, yet special style of dining sparked by a Mediterranean heart, through an Australian lens. New feeds on offer span the likes of warmed Queensland scallop, chicken wing murri and summer fennel, barbequed black lip abalone skewer, pancetta, bay and yeasted puff pastry arlettes, warm d’affinois. Coogee Pavilion’s middle floor has been five years in the making and is the product of an inspiring collaboration between Toft, Justin Hemmes and Merivale’s design team (Bettina Hemmes, Vince Alafaci and Caroline Choker of ACME, and stylist Amanda Talbot). To see more of the menu, make a booking, go to the Coogee Pavillion’s website. To see more, scroll down.
Melbourne: Where to watch the Australian Open in style this January
It’s January and that means tennis season in Australia, with millions of tourists, tennis lovers and superstars flocking into town despite the worst ever bushfire season Australia is enduring at the moment (donate to relief funds here). But if crowds and blistering outdoor heat isn’t your thing, then perhaps a chill session at the QT Melbourne might suffice. The hotel’s popular dining destinations are the place to see and be seen pre, during and post-match, thanks in large part to a collaboration with Aperol Spritz this summer. The Russell Street lobby to The Rooftop will come alive thanks to the work of Cake Shop, which will transform into a country club in the city, featuring green turf and white furniture and serving Aperol Spritz exclusively. Meanwhile on level 11, The Rooftop at QT will embrace the Australian Open spirit with a life-size bright orange tennis court installed next to the bar. Guests will have the chance to win their very own Grand Slam, with Nintendo Wiis fixed to the screens for virtual matches. For more of what’s on and how you can benefit, head to the QT Hotel website.
What's happening in Federation Square? Summertime Social is taking over
Until 5 April, Federation Square in the heart of Melbourne will be serving up social times like never before. Transforming Federation Square’s Skyline Terrace into Melbourne’s biggest rooftop playground in time for summer, it’ll offer game lanes alongside a huge line-up of nostalgic activities including everyone’s favourites – giant Jenga included – luxe retro caravans and a huge communal lawns. Complete with picnic baskets for the fancy, cocktails for the loose and huts and coverings for groups who’d like to chill int he middle of town, what’s they’re putting on is ideal. Here’s what’s on… Summertime Social events and specials Australian Open Catch all the action from the Australian Open live on the big screen at The Communal Lawn Australia Day Long Weekend, Sunday 26 Jan, 1-5pm Ultimate Aussie Games Showdown on The Communal Lawn Battle it out on The Lawn as we challenge you and the crew to an epic line-up of Aussie inspired games. We’ll be tossing pluggers, putting your knowledge of Aussie slang to the test and seeing who can belt out the best ‘cooee’. Live tunes Plenty of prizes to be won FREE event Happy Hour, weekdays, 4-6pm$6 Tap Cocktails, Furphy Beer, Rose & Prosecco Bottomless brunch, Saturdays, 11am–12.30pm, $49pp90 minutes of bottomless tap cocktails, prosecco, mimosas, beerUnlimited game lane access (first in best dressed) Mini Panna Cotta and Fruit Salad Cup on arrival1 x brunch item (choose from): Fancy Prawn Croissant, boozy cocktail sauce, soft herbs, hand cut chips Bacon BLT, BBQ sauce, hash brown Sourdough with Yarra Valley tomato… Read More
Good Thai good in Melbourne? Ging Thai at Crown, of course
In a foodie heaven like Melbourne, it can be difficult to decide where and what to eat, with the city being such a melting pot of cuisines. A personal go-to might be Thai, but where’s good these days? Because for a long time, there weren’t many great options for it that combined great vibe, traditional food and top notch service. But thankfully, times have changed thanks to local Thai chef On Saengyojanr, who’s opened the brand new Ging Thai at Crown. With 30 years of experience in kitchens around Asia and Melbourne, Saengyojanr has finally opened up Ging Thai as a continuation of her journey at Crown. Prior to being head hunted by Crown in 1997, she was working at the Thai Embassy in Bangladesh. During her time at Crown, she was instrumental in bringing the best Thai food across all levels at Crown from it’s restaurants all the way to conferences and VIP business. She also lead the kitchen at Long Chim for two years before Long Chim closed its doors to make way for Ging Thai. With the entrance right on Southbank along the Yarra, you’re immediately taken in by the vast space filled with natural light, traditional Thai decor, buzzing energy and an irresistible smell of deliciousness. Ging Thai has a great selection of Thai food, some traditional and some not so common. Saengyojanr prides herself on delivery traditional Thai cuisine with a modern twist, creating a fresh and vibrant take on classic dishes. Complete with all the classics, as well as… Read More
The best French music festival, So Frenchy So Chic, coming to London
Australia’s home-grown French pop festival So Frenchy So Chic will travel to London for the first time next year, bringing the best of French vocals to France’s neighbour. The inaugural So Frenchy So Chic London will take place on 5 September 2020 in the exquisite grounds of the World Heritage-listed Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich. So Frenchy So Chic is the only festival dedicated to French music outside French-speaking countries. It started in Melbourne Australia, moved to Sydney and the festival that has hosted such vocal stunners as Camille – who headlined January’s all-female line-up – Émilie Simon, Moriarty, Lou Doillon, Féfé, The Dø, and Yelle, the festival’s heading home. For more and to get your tickets, go to the website.
Q Dining dishes out top notch seasonal fare atop Sydney’s Circular Quay
Hotel restaurants are having a moment. No longer relegated to being a last resort for hotel guests, they’ve become dining institutions in their own right, for guests and locals alike. Such is the case with Q Dining. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand, Q Dining occupies a prime spot on Circular Quay, with floor to ceiling windows showcasing its enviable harbour view. Q Dining offers a regularly changing menu, showcasing Australia’s best seasonal produce and locally sourced meat and seafood. The a la carte menu features tried and tested staples with a distinctly Australian twist; pork sourced from Byron Bay is accented with saltbush, whilst poached cod is seasoned with coastal herbs. Sides consist of classic staples like butter bean salad, mash, baked cauliflower, and shoestring fries. Vegetarians are also catered for here, with a sublime lemon thyme risotto with strong notes of parmesan, or spicy linguine with roasted red pepper and herbs among the dishes that can be served meatless. Dessert isn’t an afterthought at Q Dining, with innovative dishes like a white chocolate yogurt crémeux served with mandarin sorbet and pistachio, or a classic yet well executed buttermilk panna cotta providing a sweet end to a delicious meal. The beverage list is thorough, featuring wines from around the world, as well as a concise cocktail list. Its clean, modern aesthetic also cements Q Dining as a fine dining one to watch. Featuring high ceilings, metallic pendant lights, and a subtle blue and wood colour scheme which blends perfectly with the harbour view outside,… Read More
2 things to see in Covent Garden this Christmas
Christmas is on and so are the lights. Where’s best to see them? Covent Garden in London, of course. Don’t miss the Biscuiteers Installation. Weighing in at 10kg and spanning over 4ft wide, the intricate creation has been decorated entirely by hand and took the British baking masterminds over 100 hours to construct and ice. Providing the ultimate festive picture moment in Covent Garden’s Market Building, passers by also have the chance to purchase bespoke tins filled with 10 designs of Covent Garden hand-iced biscuits and build-your-own gingerbread houses. Tiffany ice-skating rink. The brand just sold for $16.2 billion, so you know they can afford something nice. Tiffany & Co. will unveil a one-of-a-kind scented interactive winter wonderland experience, filled with sparkling snow, a festive ice-skating rink and fragrance pop-up shop, amid the backdrop of iconic Tiffany Blue boxes. Bringing the magic of the season to life, the enchanting Tiffany & Co. winter wonderland will be located in the East Piazza from 28th November to 26th December. Centered around the joy of gifting, the installation features multi-sensory experiences, including experiencing Tiffany & Co.’s Signature Eau de Parfum as it is diffused into the air during key intervals each day, along with glistening snow falling from the sky and magically dissolving as it touches the ground.
Glebe favourite The Toxteth pub gets an upmarket refresh
Occupying a prime position on the corner of Glebe Point Road and Ferry Road for almost a century, The Toxteth recently underwent an update. Glebe’s beloved local has long been the pub of choice for catching up with friends and family over drinks and good food with live music. In late 2018, The Toxteth, or The Tocky as it’s known by locals, was given a makeover. Retaining its rustic exposed brick walls, The Tocky has been fitted out with plush leather banquettes, leather paneling on the bar, copper fixtures, and timber finishes, all set around a soft neutral olive colour palette. The courtyard now features a retractable roof, making it a viable dining option regardless of the season. To accompany the new decor, the food and beverage menu has also undergone a new look. The Tocky’s classic rump steak and chicken schnitzel remain, however they’re now joined by new plant-based options. The vegetarian and vegan fare ranges from delightfully crispy popcorn cauliflower and Italian-inspired mushroom arancini to kelp noodle salad with salt and pepper tofu or a variety of hot bowls. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, join ‘Sienna’s Brunch Club’, a bottomless Bellini brunch. For the first time, The Toxteth is serving cocktails and mocktails. The Gins and Roses is a beautifully balanced floral option, while the Espresso Martini on tap from the Lexington Hill Collection is sure to be a millennial favourite. The range of cocktail carafes provide the perfect accompaniment to a sunny afternoon with friends, and the lychee and passion fruit… Read More
German Gymnasium London: The bar’s doing autumn cocktails a la Game of Thrones
Look, we all felt the full force of the ending of Game of Thrones. We all wanted Cersei to be brutally murdered. We all wanted Jamie to be a bit more vindicated. We all wanted to get the real story about Bran, the Night King and the whole whack story. But for everything the show let us down on, German Gymnasium right next door to Kings Cross Station in London, is building us back up with – in cocktail form. For autumn in the UK, the bar is introducing four new cocktails to its menu: Stark’s Old Fashioned, a smooth and classic drink with Woodford Reserve, Mozart chocolate and chocolate bitters. Winter Is Coming, made with Woodford Reserve Rye, cherry brandy and vermouth, served in a stunning goblet emblazoned with the dire wolf. A Dance with Dragons – Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons’ fiery refreshment made with Jack Daniels, beer, ginger beer and elderflower; and lastly. A Song of Ice and Fire, a fruity and velvety concoction created for Queen Cersei Lannister, made with Jack Daniels Rye and served in the Queen’s golden goblet. Ans the drinks aren’t all, the venue is renowned for its fairly epic installations in the middle of the thoroughfare inside, and for this round, they’ve put a beautiful autumnal tree inspired by the Heart Tree in Game of Thrones, with matching weirwood trees upstairs in The Meister Bar and throughout the restaurant. So though the story may be gone and told, it’s definitely not forgotten. These exclusive cocktails are available… Read More