Why you need to see La Boheme – we speak to lead male singer Atalla Ayan

Updated: 10/03/2023

Opera Australia is putting on La Boheme this season at the Sydney Opera House, as part of their year-long celebration of the world famous Sydney Opera House’s 50th birthday this year in 2023. Ahead of the show wrapping-up and to remind you that yes, you do need to see it before it leaves the stage, we had a chat to its lead tenor, Atalla Ayan, opera singing extraordinaire who is taking on the role of Rodolfo for Opera Australia in this production on at the Sydney Opera House until 11 March 2023. How exciting is it for you to be taking it on the role of Rodolfo with Opera Australia? Singing Rodolfo means a lot to me – it was the very first role I’ve sang on stage professionally and it is certainly very close to my heart. Singing Rodolfo means experiencing the joy of singing and the passion for living every moment as the last one. Are you excited to be singing in the Opera House? I just love singing in Sydney! People are the nicest, the House is great to sing in and colleagues are the best. It is a pleasure and a true gift for me singing in the magnificent Sydney Opera House! And an honour, really. Also, I’ve got to make a point: the audience is just amazing! H emotionally invested do you have to be in your character. How do you do it? Singing La Boheme taught me something beautiful about life: The passion and the joy of living every moment, every second as… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, OPERA, SYDNEY

Tags: Atalla Ayan, Best operas, la boheme sydney, Opera guide Sydney, Opera singer Atalla Ayan, sydney, sydney opera, sydney opera house, What opera to see in Sydney

IWD audiobooks: top listens for International Women’s Day

by THE F

Updated: 08/03/2023

Today, 8 March, is International Women’s Day and to celebrate we have done a roundup of the best lessons in books from around the world that celebrate female power and awareness. These are the perfect way to celebrate and hero the incredible women in our lives. Audible has released an International Women’s Day collection, which features a series of bestselling audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals that showcase women and their fearless stories from across the world. From inspirational memoirs to thought-provoking female-led fiction, the collection covers a range of opinions and experiences that encourage an insightful view into the lives of exceptional women. Audible’s International Women’s Day title recommendations Power by Kemi Nekvapil Kemi Nekvapil knows the feelings of fear, vulnerability and powerlessness. Growing up in foster care, many times she had the doors to validation and opportunity closed to her because of her race and gender. Learning to make her own choices and use her voice without apology were her first steps towards a bold, purpose-filled life. Now a highly respected executive and personal coach, Kemi has created a five-step process to guide other women to build their power and transform their lives through the principles of Presence, Ownership, Wisdom, Equality and Responsibility. Drawing from her personal lived experience and work with clients, Kemi deconstructs traditional power paradigms; explores why, as women, we so readily give our power away and shows us how to reclaim our power, and all that’s possible when we build a power-fuelled life. Blending inspiring stories with reflective coaching… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

Tags: IWD

Oh what fun it is to ride on an electric scooter

by THE F

Updated: 07/03/2023

Oh what fun it is to ride on an electric scooter in Australia especially in March, with special events coming up like the public holiday that is Labor Day (March 6 in Western Australia, March 13 in Victoria and Tasmania), non-holiday events like the Jewish Purim Day and St. Patrick’s Day and last but not least, the annual awareness event (still non-holiday) that is the National Close the Gap Day (NCTGD). But before I go further, it is important to note that not all cities in Australia have regulations in place for electric scooters. It is important to check with your local council to ensure that you are riding your electric scooter in accordance with the law. In some areas, electric scooters are not permitted on footpaths or require a license to ride, so it’s important to be safe than sorry–do your research before taking your electric scooter out on the road! Labor Day (March 6 & 13) Labor Day is a time to celebrate and honor the contributions of workers across Australia, which is why it is declared as a public holiday – the only one in March. In Western Australia, Labor Day is celebrated on March 6th, while in Victoria and Tasmania, it is celebrated on March 13th. While there are many ways to celebrate this important day, riding an electric scooter can be a fun, great way to get around and enjoy the festivities and celebrations, where large crowds can lead to increased traffic and pollution. Entry-level to powerful e-scooters are also… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge; help a charity

by James Banham

Posted: 03/03/2023

Sydney’s known for two things: the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Both are iconic, but only one lets you climb it – and this year, the Bridge is supporting a charity and doing some good for the community. Following an incredible inaugural event last year which saw over 550 participants and more than $70,000 raised, BridgeClimb Sydney is thrilled to announce the return of its Climb for a Cause charity event on Sunday May 7, 2023, supporting Black Dog Institute, Australia’s leading mental health research institute. Doing more for the world than just allowing commuters aboard, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and BridgeClimb are fast-becoming not just a fun outdoor social activity, but an engine for change. For one day only, individuals, groups, and organisations can come together to ascend the magnificent arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge while raising awareness and important funds towards a mentally healthier world. So why not get involved? It takes only three steps: More info and bookings can be found at the BridgeClimb website

Category: AUSTRALIA, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY, TRAVEL

Tags: BridgeClimb, Climb Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Bridge

Make mine a martini this World Pride

by Danielle Kirk

Posted: 02/03/2023

World Pride isn’t wrapping up yet and there are still plenty of opportunities to celebrate with a cheeky libation. In homage to the iconic martini, Stoli Vodka is hosting ‘Martini Mayhem’ at The Conservatory Bar by Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park until 7 March. This fabulous takeover champions the frivolity and diversity of the beloved martini. Miss Martini herself, AKA Ana Page, has lovingly crafted a menu of five on theme martinis inspired by pride icons themselves; Kylie Minogue, George Michael, Donna Summer, Shirley Bassey and Madonna. Expect martinis using Stoli’s range of premium, salted karamel, cucumber and vanil vodka. Ranging from fresh flavours like mint, cucumber and elderflower to form the ‘Supernova’, to a sultry salted caramel espresso martini aptly named ‘I Feel Love’, along with a classic martini – the ‘Lucky Star’ which is ripe with grapefruit bitters and a 23-karat gold leaf olive. You can score these tasty tipples for only $12 during happy hour in The Conservatory Bar every weekday between 5pm-7pm, before heading out to their World Pride events happening around Sydney. While you’re getting in the moodwith martinis, dial it up another level at the Oyster Shucking station! It will be available Friday to Sunday, offering fresh oysters with fun vodka-fusions including vodka granita in pride colours and martini mignonettes. “I’m so excited for the chance to work with Stoli this WorldPride season, not only is it something I hold close to my heart, but I knew that with Stoli’s range of flavours, we would be able to create… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: mardi gras, sheraton grand, stoli vodka, World Pride

How to eat out in Sydney without breaking the bank

by James Banham

Posted: 28/02/2023

Here’s your ticket to affordable eating in Sydney again. Cost of living crisis, who? In good news, it’s back; TheFork, leading online restaurant reservation platform, is excited to announce Australia’s biggest dining event, TheFork Festival, has returned for another year from 1 March to 2 April. TheFork Festival is all about discovery without breaking the bank – for four weeks, anyone who books a restaurant reservation through TheFork at any of their participating restaurants will receive up to 50% off their dining bill. That could mean dining out all day for less than $35 – that’s way below the average single-household grocery bill per week of $104! Here’s what a delicious day out in Sydney could look like! Enjoy $4 Hotcakes at On Conwell for breakfast, a Vietnamese Fried Rice $12 at 14 North 108 East for lunch and a Mix Plate Tacos at Roast Republic for dinner at only $15. For more info and to make your plan of attack for how to eat your way through Sydney, head to The Fork’s website, linked above.

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Best places to eat in Sydney this World Pride

by James Banham

Posted: 28/02/2023

This Sydney World Pride is all about openness, being your best self and living the life you want. And if that involves eating at quality restaurants around the city, then get that too! Here’s a short round-up of some top places we’ve found, offering some of the nicest experiences around the city this Pride. North Bondi Fish For one day only, Bondi Beach will become the city’s hottest club for 12,000 people from 3pm, starring pop sensation Nicole Scherzinger, and featuring an all-Australian DJ line-up including dameeeela, Jarred Baker, Jacqui Cunningham, DJ Charlie Villas and DJ Dan Murphy. Naturally, North Bondi Fish is hosting a pre-beach party, complete with music, margs, love and golden glitter. A line-up of much-loved DJs will be hitting the decks to pump out tunes that evoke nothing but fun, and beats that’ll make you sizzle and dazzle down to Bondi’s sands to continue through til’ late in the night. Plus, their Summer of Margs menu has been extended to Sunday 5th of March to satisfy any margy cravings in conjunction with WorldPride. Go by on Saturday 4 March. Reign at the QVB Indulge in a decadent shared menu and an array of bubbles to suit your palate. Whether you’re looking for a Sunday recovery or a pre-game spot before heading out, Reign at QVB is the perfect destination. Join MC Lady Francesca every Sunday from 10am to 2pm for a four-course brunch with paired bubbles of your choice, served by topless waiters. Lady Francesca is one of the fiercests queens around…. Read More

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Best restaurants in Sydney, best restaurants sydney, Eat Sydney, sydney food guide, Where to eat in Sydney

COS x Courtney Act design World Pride charity totes for Black Rainbow

by James Banham

Posted: 28/02/2023

Courtney Act has been all over everything lately – from eloquently defending herself on TV, to singing live at the World Pride Sydney opening event, she’s the woman who does it all! And now to, in celebration of the 2023 Sydney World Pride, COS is unveiling a limited-edition tote designed by all-round performer, activist, and advocate Courtney Act. 100% of the funds raised will go towards First Nations LGBTQIA+SB (Sistergirl, Brotherboy) organisation Black Rainbow to support positive health and well-being for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community. Find your own at COS stores around the country.

Category: CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, STYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: cos, COS bags, COS cloth totes, COS Drag bag, courtney act, Courtney Act drag queen

Nespresso’s limited edition collection with Chiara Ferragni is its chicest yet

by Danielle Kirk

Updated: 24/02/2023

OG influencer, Italian fashion icon and entrepreneur Chiara Ferragni has teamed up with Nespresso for the mother of all Milano in the most chic coffee range collaboration we’ve ever seen. We all know Italian coffee is where it’s at and Nespresso’s new and limited-edition collection, co-developed with Chiara, pays homage to Milan’s history, architecture, and lifestyle. The collection features a new coffee blend, Milano Intenso, a range of stylish accessories and a GORGEOUS CitiZ Nespresso machine. Dripping in gold accents, when we say this range is chic (and also super limited edition), we mean it. The entire collection is adorned in a bespoke geometric deep green design with gold accents influenced by Milan’s historic locations, Villa Necchi, Palazzo Montedoria and Duomo Cathedral, and is inspired by Chiara’s vision of the city. The coffee itself is made for Australians who love a robust bean. Milano Intenso has a medium-dark roast, and a high intensity rating of eight, with a classic combination of cocoa and roasted-cereal notes. Nespresso recommends that this be enjoyed as a cappuccino given it’s medium-dark roast pairs well with milk. “My love of coffee and Italy knows no limits, so I jumped at the chance to collaborate again with my dear Nespresso family to co-develop this limited-edition collection,” Chiara tells, “The new range has been inspired by the creativity and rich culture of Milan, and I am so excited to bring to life such great tasting coffee with beautiful accessories and machine for coffee lovers to enjoy wherever they are.” Sip in style… Read More

Category: COFFEE, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: chiara ferragni, coffee, limited edition, nespresso

The latest release from The Macallan is where coffee meets whisky

by Danielle Kirk

Updated: 24/02/2023

Iconic whisky makers, The Macallan, are back with their second annual release of The Harmony Collection and this time the flavours are inspired by coffee. The Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica single malt whisky explores the intersection of coffee and whisky production and challenges even the most staunch whisky drinker to be creative and test their palate by pairing it with coffee. This limited edition whisky is a must try! The Harmony Collection is inspired by a deep connection to the natural world, which has been at the heart of The Macallan for nearly 200 years. Starting in 2021 with the release of Rich Cacao which offered indulgent chocolate flavour notes and incorporated discarded husks from cacao pods in the packaging.Sustainability and nature have been constants since The Macallan began crafting single malt whisky, and The Harmony Collection releases showcase this across different food industries. For their latest release, Inspired by Intense Arabica, The Macallan Whisky Maker Steven Bremner has created the distinct Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean flavour profile to playfully pair with coffee to unlock distinct flavour profiles. Steven says, “Exploring the world of coffee with our masters in the industry, who shared their knowledge, creativity, and love for their art, was both an education and an inspiration. There are many parallels between the approach to creating incomparable whisky and coffee. Each requires unique skills and craftsmanship to achieve depth and complexity of taste and both worlds aim to deliver an extraordinary consumption experience. Whisky Maker’s Notes:The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: coffee, limited edition, the macallan, whisky