Category: LIFESTYLE

New bar in Sydney: INNA Lounge

Espresso martini

Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s bustling CBD, INNA Lounge emerges as a beacon of luxury and nostalgia within the historic walls of The Republic Hotel. This latest addition to Sydney’s nightlife is not just a bar; it’s a cultural revitalisation of one of the city’s iconic landmarks. With the promise of combining unapologetic sophistication and a wink to the past, INNA Lounge invites patrons to indulge in an experience unlike any other. Stage One of an Ambitious Renovation INNA Lounge marks the beginning of an ambitious facelift for the beloved Republic Hotel. A multi-million dollar renovation aims to breathe new life into this four-story building, preserving its rich heritage while infusing it with a fresh, contemporary edge. The transformation of INNA Lounge sets the tone for what’s to come, offering a glimpse into a future where history and modernity coalesce seamlessly. A Cocktail List That Nostalgically Innovates At the heart of INNA Lounge’s charm is its inventive cocktail menu. Spearheaded by Rusty (James Russell), the Virtical Group Beverage Manager, the menu draws inspiration from the vibrant art deco era of the 1930s and post-World War I innovation. Featuring reimagined classics that spotlight iconic Australian ingredients, such as Milo and Arnott’s biscuits, each cocktail tells a story. The ‘Biscuit Tin’, a peach cobbler homage to Arnott’s, and the ‘Mayne Meal’, a marriage between Milo and the Espresso Martini, are just a taste of the creative flair INNA offers. Culinary Creations to Complement Your Cocktail Complementing the sophisticated drink selection, Chef Derek Bell curates a series… Read More

Tickets available for Chicago in Sydney

Chicago dancers stage theatre

Due to an unprecedented demand, CHICAGO, the musical described by The Times (UK) as “The sharpest, slickest show on the block”, has announced additional performances. Fans will be delighted to hear that tickets for shows up until 21 July are now on pre-sale, with general public sales commencing on Friday, 22 March. This comes as a result of the show’s immense success and stellar reviews in Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane, where it sold out and garnered five-star accolades from critics and audiences alike. The spectacular production is set to dazzle Sydney at the Capitol Theatre starting from 9 June. Australia’s distinguished theatre producer, John Frost for Crossroads Live, has curated a remarkable cast for this season of CHICAGO. The lineup includes Anthony Warlow, who brings to life the suave lawyer Billy Flynn, with Zoë Ventoura as the formidable Velma Kelly and Lucy Maunder as the ambitious Roxie Hart. The cast also features the comedic genius Peter Rowsthorn as Amos and the talented Asabi Goodman as the prison warden Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, alongside a vibrant ensemble that accelerates the show’s energy and style. Set in the roaring 1920s, CHICAGO offers a tantalizing tale of Roxie Hart, a nightclub dancer who turns a crime of passion into a frenzy of media sensationalism with the help of Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer, Billy Flynn. The musical not only entertains but mirrors the scandal and the intrigue of the jazz age with its spectacular choreography, unforgettable songs, and gripping storyline. The 1996 Broadway revival of the show, choreographed by Ann… Read More

How to appear in Opera Australia’s “West Side Story”

Opera Australia West Side Story HOSH dance

Ever dreamed of lighting up the stage in one of the most iconic musicals of all time? Well, pack your dancing shoes and prepare for an exhilarating experience because Opera Australia is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that’s bound to get your heart racing. For the first time in musical theatre history down under, fans of the legendary “West Side Story” can purchase a unique walk-on role, taking their place in the spotlight on the breathtaking Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage. Imagine the applause, the lights, the energy – and you, right there in the heart of it all! This isn’t just any role. Each night, during the up-coming season, one lucky individual will join the talented cast on-stage for the electrifying ‘Dance at the Gym’ scene. It’s a chance to not just watch the drama unfold but to be an integral part of it, to move to the rhythms of Leonard Bernstein’s timeless score amidst the backdrop of Sydney’s shimmering skyline. But wait, there’s more to this star treatment than just the performance. The walk-on role comes with perks that would make even the most seasoned actors envious. From professional hair and makeup, a custom costume fitting, to a rehearsal with the Assistant Director to perfect your moments in the spotlight. Before the show, you’ll meet and greet the ensemble, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. And because such nights are best shared, the experience includes four Premium Reserve tickets, allowing you to bring your own cheering squad. Your evening of glamour doesn’t… Read More

‘WHAT A FEELING’ World Premiere at BFI FLARE

What a feeling women dancing

The World Premiere of WHAT A FEELING by Kat Rohrer is set to debut at the BFI Flare, London’s LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, on March 15, 2024. WHAT A FEELING marks Kat Rohrer’s first entry into fiction features, weaving a tale of love across cultural divides and societal expectations. This romantic comedy shines a spotlight on two middle-aged women, Marie Theres (Caroline Peters) and Fa (Proschat Madani), who boldly step out of societal margins to claim their space in a world ripe with possibilities. Supported by the Austrian Film Institute, the film boasts a stellar cast including Nicole Ansari-Cox, Barbara Spitz, Anton Noori, Gohar Nurbachsch, Allegra Tinnefeld, Heikko Deutschmann, Rafael Haider, Petra Morzé, Joseph Lorenz, Ines Kratzmueller, Adriane Gradziel, and many others. The storyline captivates from the start, with Marie Theres, a dedicated doctor gearing up for her 20th wedding anniversary, only to have her world turned upside down by her husband Alexander’s (Heikko Deutschmann) confession, leading to a fateful encounter with Fa at Bigi’s (Barbara Spitz) queer bar. Fa, with her carefree, spontaneous nature and openness about her love life, is starkly different from the more reserved Marie Theres. Despite the initial mismatch, an unexpected and complicated romance blossoms between them. Their story is a testament to the unpredictable, often winding paths love takes, reminding us that finding one’s place and person in the world can defy norms and expectations. WHAT A FEELING is set to be released in theaters across Austria on April 19, 2024, promising audiences a heartwarming, thought-provoking film that celebrates love… Read More

Yakimono’s night of sake appreciation

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Get ready for an extraordinary evening as Yakimono proudly presents the return of the much-anticipated Sake-Mono event! After the overwhelming success of last year’s sell-out extravaganza, we’re thrilled to announce that this exclusive experience is back – for one night only! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 9th, as Yakimono teams up once again with Yukino Ochiai, Australia’s esteemed certified sake expert and Director of Deja Vu Sake. As the country’s first female Sake Samurai and WSET certified Level 3 Japanese Sake Educator, Ochiai-san brings unparalleled expertise to guide guests through an enchanting exploration of Japanese sake. Prepare to be captivated as Ochiai-san expertly curates a tasting journey featuring extraordinary pours from renowned sake producers such as Tsukinokatsura, Kenbishi, Dewazakura, and more. These premium drops are rarely found in Australia, making this event an exclusive opportunity to savor the finest offerings from the world of Japanese sake. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with a signature sake cocktail, setting the stage for an evening of pure delight. Executive Chef Daniel Wilson has artfully crafted a menu of vibrant Japanese delicacies, meticulously paired with each pour. From the tantalizing Tuna Tartare Tempura and succulent BBQ King Salmon to the divine Yuzu Bombe Alaska for dessert, every dish promises to be a symphony of flavors. With tickets priced at $99 per person and limited spots available (last year’s edition sold out in a matter of days), we urge you to secure your place now to avoid missing out on this extraordinary event. Event Details: Don’t miss out… Read More

Meal prep has never been easier thanks to the Ninja XXXL FlexDrawer

Screenshot 2024 03 18 at 3.56.12 pm

If you’e not an air fryer convert by now, where the bloody hell have you been?! Air frying is fast, simple and requires very little clean up since minimal oil is used and any splatter is contained. However, if you’re a meal prepper (how very Doomsday vibes!), you’ll know that not many air fryers can house your food demands. Enter the new Ninja XXXL FlexDrawer air fryer with it’s whopping 10.4L capacity. This is the big daddy of all air fryers and brings the Ninja Kitchen tech expertise to your home for easier group, family and batch cooking. It’s defining features is the FlexDrawer that transforms your air fryer from a DualZone, capable of cooking two seperate dishes for their own set time and temperature, to MegaZone, with extra-large capacity of 10.4L which is big enough to cook a whole chicken (#gains) or a Sunday lamb roast, including the veggies! The DualZone is perfect if you’re prepping protein and sides concurrently as you can easily sync the finishing times using the timer and temperature functions so your meals are all done in one go. Don’t despair if you’ve got a sweet tooth and want to prep baked oats or protein muffins, the FlexDrawer isn’t just for meats and veggies, you can even bake a whole pavlova in the air fryer! That’s the kind of meal prep I think we can all get behind… Need some inspo to get started? Try this spicy tofu with green beans for a healthy lunch prep, or this gluten-free salmon… Read More

Where to go this Easter 2024

Cairns beach Australia

With Easter fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about making the long weekend extra special. Whether you’re looking forward to some quiet relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city or seeking unique Easter events and attractions, StayWell’s properties have got you covered. Located within a few hours’ drive from Sydney, these accommodations in Bowral, Pokolbin, and Leura offer a splendid blend of comfort and adventure. And for those with a taste for international travel, the serene beauty of New Caledonia awaits, merely a short flight away. Here’s a guide to making the most of your Easter long weekend with StayWell, where luxury meets the charm of local festivities and natural wonders. Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral  Discover the allure of Australia’s first Park Proxi hotel, Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral, nestled in the picturesque town of Bowral in the Southern Highlands, just a scenic 90-minute drive south of Sydney. Boasting spacious rooms, spa facilities, a fitness centre, and an eighteen-hole golf course, this accommodation promises a perfect Easter long weekend getaway. During the Easter long weekend, enjoy the variety of local events from the Good Friday market and family fun day at Moss Vale, the Burrawung Easter markets and the Easter Sunday Funday in Bowral. Bowral is also home to an incredible range of restaurants and bars, from the modern Observatory restaurant and Harvey’s Bar at Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral to the innovative Thai cuisine at Paste in Mittagong and fine Italian fare at Onesta Cucina. Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill Nestled… Read More

New YAWYE juice bar in Melbourne

Yawye smoothies

Just a few months after opening its first store on Little Collins Street in Melbourne’s CBD, YAWYE is popping up in South Yarra, with a second location at the base of Goldfields House at 627 Chapel Street. Making waves in the health food space and on social media, YAWYE is taking Melbourne by storm one swirly smoothie at a time. Located on the ground floor of Goldfields House, where Daly St meets Chapel St, YAWYE’s newest home has a striking design, developed by Melbourne-based studio Rodeo Rodeo, which features a spacey blue fit out made from recycled sea plastics. Serving the eye-catching, ingredient-packed smoothies and acai bowls YAWYE has quickly become known for, the menu has a few exciting updates too. The crowd-favourite ‘Cosmic Coffee’ caffeine smoothie can now be upgraded to a double shot of coffee free of charge. Smoothies can also be customised by taking out or adding ingredients to suit your tastes, such as adding unflavoured protein powder for $2. Fans can also order all their usual favourites, including YAWYE’s signature ‘Blue Lagoon’ smoothie featuring Blue Majik spirulina and marine collagen powder, or the soft-serve acai bowls with any combination of toppings from fresh fruit to housemade peanut butter. “We’re so excited to bring YAWYE to South Yarra,” says Chef and Food Consultant Sarah Watson. “Our flavours are fun, with an element of surprise. Whether you’re looking for a protein-rich post-workout snack or an energy booster in your work break, we’ve designed the menu so that it caters to all different needs.”… Read More

Melbourne city dinner options if you’re seeing Wicked

Wicked theatre food

The Westin Melbourne is excited to announce its partnership with the internationally acclaimed Broadway musical WICKED, bringing the magic of musical theatre into the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. From March 2 through to June, an array of wonderfully WICKED-themed experiences will be on offer for guests and theatregoers, including bespoke accommodation packages, a decadent high tea, and a new cocktail menu of enchanting concoctions – sure to be ‘pop-u-lar’ with fans. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wicked Musical Melbourne (@wickedmusicalmelb) Executive Chef, Apoorva Kunte shares, “Creating this menu has been a lot of fun and the friendship between WICKED’s main characters, Elphaba and Glinda, has been the inspiration to bring it to life. Using local and sustainable produce, I’ve paired ingredients that share a camaraderie and complement each other when served together, yet hold its own distinct characteristics and identities, just like the main leads. The show’s bright and vibrant colours also lead the high tea, with the iconic WICKED green taking centre stage”. Fans will get a fix of wicked flavours in the enchanting WICKED High Tea ($85 per person), sure to charm diners with every bite. Available daily from 11 – 5.30pm, the high tea serves up a selection of sweet and savoury treats, inspired by the whimsical world of Oz, accompanied by an Elphaba Fizz cocktail. Savoury items will include: A decadent assortment of sweets will follow, such as: Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from WICKED’s Melbourne home, the Regent Theatre, guests can turn a… Read More

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in 2024

Melbourne flower garden

I’m just touching base as the world-renowned Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show opens its doors next Wednesday, March 20th. With a jam-packed five-day program from Wednesday, March 20th until Sunday, March 24th, there’ll be something for every flower-lover and plant connoisseur. Key favourites such as the Show Gardens Competition and High Tea sessions return alongside exciting new activities including the inaugural Twilight Tapas to accompany Friday night’s ever-popular Gardens by Twilight. Dozens of breathtaking horticultural designs will ignite visitors’ senses over the program, accented by enchanting works from the country’s (and world’s) best garden and floral experts.Hailing from Sweden, newcomers to the Show Garden competition, Annika Zetterman and Kajsa Bjorne, will bring their international flair alongside returning global veteran designers Peter Donegan from Ireland and Koji Ninomiya from Japan. Closer to home, in collaboration with the Wurundjeri Council, attendees are invited into the Indigenous Show Garden for an immersive experience that reflects the rich connection between the land and its custodians.Please find media release linked HERE and event imagery from the incredible 2023 show linked HERE.EVENT DETAILS Location: Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton GardensTickets: On sale now from melbflowershow.com.auDates & Times:Wednesday 20th March: 9:00am – 5:00pmThursday 21st March: 9:00am – 5:00pmFriday 22nd March (Gardens by Twilight): 9:00am – 9:00pmSaturday 23rd March: 9:00am – 5:00pmSunday 24th March: 9:00am – 5:00pm