Category: CITIES

How to celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 at The Star Sydney

Prepare to welcome the Year of the Snake in serious style as The Star Sydney transforms into a vibrant hub of Lunar New Year celebrations. For two whole weeks, from 28 January to 12 February 2025, guests can revel in exquisite dining, dazzling entertainment, and a joyful cultural experience unlike any other. At the heart of it all? A one-night-only fine dining event hosted by chef extraordinaire Luke Nguyen at Fat Noodle. A Feast to Remember with Luke Nguyen If you’re after a show-stopping way to celebrate, Luke Nguyen’s Lunar Feast on Tuesday, 4 February 2025, is where you need to be. For one night only, Nguyen will bring his culinary magic to a specially curated six-course banquet at Fat Noodle, showcasing dishes steeped in the rich traditions of the Lunar New Year.Priced at $128 per person, the evening includes a complimentary lychee and kalamansi mocktail to kick things off. From there, guests will indulge in a feast made to symbolise prosperity, happiness, and fortune, including standout dishes like Fatt Choy Yu Sheng with Tasmanian salmon and Kaluga caviar, steamed blue spotted coral trout with lobster bisque, and a decadent Vietnamese coffee bavarois to finish. This isn’t just a meal – it’s storytelling, culture, and exceptional flavours all on one plate. Bookings for the banquet are essential, and with an event this special, spots are bound to fill up fast. Indulge Across The Star’s Signature Restaurants The culinary delights don’t stop there. Over the two-week celebration, The Star’s marquee restaurants are pulling out all the… Read More

Wine & Cheese Fest 2025 returns to Melbourne – your tastebuds are in for a treat

Attention Melbourne foodies – the ultimate day for indulgence is just around the corner. The much-loved Wine & Cheese Fest is making a delicious comeback to The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne on Saturday, 1st March 2025. If you’re a fan of perfectly aged cheeses, incredible wines, or just love excuses to eat and drink your way through the best Victoria has to offer, mark your calendar now. What’s on the menu? Everything you could dream of. This year’s festival promises a feast for the senses with over 50 exhibitors from around Victoria and beyond. Think creamy delights from Boatshed Cheese, Milawa Cheese Company, and That’s Amore Cheese paired with sensational wines from Rob Dolan, Santolin Wines, and Witchmount Estate. Whether you’re a blue cheese aficionado or prefer an easy-drinking Shiraz, there’s something to please every palate. And it’s not just about tasting – though you’ll want to show up hungry. The festival offers unlimited free tastings, because how else will you decide which goodies to take home? Don’t forget your stretchy pants because the lineup of eateries is equally tempting. Grab a gooey bite from Frencheese, munch on flavour-packed arancini from That Arancini Guy, or spice up your day with tacos from La Santa Muerte. No one leaves this festival empty or unsatisfied. Become a Wine & Cheese Expert Love wine and cheese but wouldn’t call yourself an expert? That’s about to change. Festival-goers can attend free masterclasses that turn casual enjoyers into full-fledged aficionados. The sessions, which will be announced closer to the… Read More

Van Gogh All Night: The National Gallery’s Final Weekend Treat

The National Gallery in London has pulled out all the stops for Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers. If you’ve missed securing a ticket to this blockbuster exhibition, don’t despair just yet. For one night only – and we mean all night – the Gallery is opening its doors from 9pm on Friday, 17 January 2025, until 10am the next morning, in an epic finale for its sell-out masterpiece binge. Tickets for these newly added late-night slots go on sale today, Thursday 9 January, and they’re bound to fly faster than you can say “Starry Night.” With over 280,000 visitors already wowed by the exhibition, this extra stretch of hours is pure gold for anyone still angling to see Van Gogh’s world-class works. And while staying up all night might usually come with regrets and a bad takeaway, this is an opportunity you’ll actually feel smug about. Historical Moment: Art After Dark This isn’t your bog-standard museum trip. It’s only the second time in history that the Gallery has thrown open its doors through the night. The first? Back in 2012, when people flocked in the wee hours to see Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan. According to Sir Gabriele Finaldi, the Gallery’s Director, this nocturnal escapade takes its cues from some of the luminaries of the art world. Lucian Freud, David Hockney, and Francis Bacon, for instance, were known to haunt the Gallery during nightly hours, letting the stillness feed their creative souls. Freud himself once quipped, “I use the gallery as… Read More

Discover Vinabar: Sydney’s hidden Vietnamese-inspired micro-bar

Tucked away in the secretive laneways of Kent Street, behind what appears to be an ordinary banh-mi cart, lies Sydney’s most intriguing new cocktail destination—Vinabar. This Vietnamese-inspired micro-bar captures the imagination with its unique fusion of Southeast Asian charm, cutting-edge mixology, and an intimate setting that’s full of surprises. A Hidden Gem in the Heart of the City Occupying a space no larger than two parking spots, Vinabar is proof that big things come in small packages. Step inside, and you’re greeted by an interior that masterfully blends tradition with contemporary elegance. Sixty silk lanterns from Hoi An dangle from the ceiling, casting a warm, inviting glow over the dark wooden joists. Beneath them, sleek black marble benchtops offer a polished contrast, while the highlight of the venue design—a scaled replica of Da Nang’s famous Golden Hand Bridge—serves as the shelving for the bar. The intricate, custom-made door disguised as a banh-mi cart alone took six weeks and over 60 hours to perfect, reflecting the level of craftsmanship and love poured into every inch of this space. Small Space, Big Ambitions Vinabar’s ethos of “small space, big dreams” is embodied not only in its design but in its drinks menu, curated by Tony Yang, the Creative Lead and Venue Manager. A rising star in Sydney’s bar scene, Tony has drawn deeply from his Vietnamese heritage and the bold, vibrant flavours of Southeast Asia to create cocktails that are as inventive as they are nostalgic. Highlights from the cocktail menu include the playful Opens With Sesame,… Read More

Lottie brings contemporary Mexican food to Redfern

Come January, Sydney’s dining scene will reach new heights—literally and figuratively—with the highly anticipated arrival of Lottie, a contemporary Mexican rooftop restaurant and Mezcaleria. Perched atop The EVE Hotel in Redfern, this culinary gem is set to be a lush oasis of vibrant flavours, bold design, and unparalleled ambience, redefining rooftop dining in the city. An Elevated Escape Lottie emerges as a dazzling retreat, offering an elegant yet effortlessly relaxed atmosphere that draws inspiration from both its surroundings and the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine. Designed by Sydney’s renowned George Livissianis and landscaped by Daniel Baffsky of 360 Degrees Landscape Architects, the space is as extraordinary as the food it promises to serve. From the textural cayenne terrazzo and pink travertine tiles—a nod to Redfern’s rooftops—to lavish banquettes and thriving greenery framing the Sydney skyline, every detail has been meticulously considered. Adding to the restaurant’s year-round appeal is a retractable roof, ideal for soaking up the sun in summer or cosying up on cooler days. A Fresh Take on Mexican Cuisine Lottie offers a menu that’s as authentic as it is innovative, showcasing the shared Pacific coastlines of Mexico and Australia. Curated by Executive Chef Pip Pratt and his exceptional culinary team, the dishes balance nuanced, delicate flavours with the fiery heat of chillies, creating a dining experience that transcends your traditional notions of Mexican fare. Expect a selection of snack-style dishes such as raw scallop with celery and apple, rockmelon and watermelon gilda garnished with Tajin, and beef tartare with sea urchin. For small… Read More

Bell Shakespeare opens 35th anniversary season with Bold Henry 5

Celebrating 35 years of trailblazing theatre, Bell Shakespeare kicks off its anniversary season in 2025 with a fresh, thought-provoking staging of Henry 5. The production promises to be a theatrical highlight, blending the timeless work of Shakespeare with a strikingly contemporary lens. Directed by the esteemed Marion Potts, this ambitious interpretation runs at the Sydney Opera House from 1 March – 5 April, Canberra Theatre Centre from 10 – 20 April, and wraps up at the Arts Centre Melbourne from 11 – 25 May. A Bold New Director Returns Returning to Bell Shakespeare after a 15-year hiatus, Marion Potts brings her seasoned vision and a female perspective to this classic history play. Known for her nuanced reinterpretations of works like Othello and Hamlet, Potts repositions Henry 5 to probe the murky complexities of war, bravery, and leadership. Set against the backdrop of Prince Hal’s transformation into King Henry V, the tale unfolds as England is thrust into war with France following a scathing insult by the French prince. The young king, hailed as a hero for his improbable victory at the Battle of Agincourt, is at the play’s centre. However, Potts promises a production that digs deeper, revealing the human cost of conflict and examining the pressures of masculinity and heroism. Speaking about the production, Potts said: “Henry 5 is so rich that it resonates differently for audiences across time. Our production firmly places the play in today’s world, unpacking ideas of conflict, fairness and compassion. With young men inheriting strong expectations around masculinity, I’m… Read More

Hotel Sorrento on Mornington Peninsula: new rooftop & salt bar unveiled

Hotel Sorrento, the iconic Mornington Peninsula landmark, is set to redefine coastal luxury with the unveiling of its new Rooftop bar and restaurant and the refreshed Salt bar. Officially opening on Friday, 13 December 2024, this next phase of the hotel’s multi-million-dollar development fuses timeless elegance with the vibrant charm of seaside living.

Grey Goose serves style and sophistication at the Australian Open

Ace your summer with a touch of elegance as Grey Goose, Australia’s number one super-premium vodka, partners with the Australian Open 2025. Making its debut as the official vodka partner, Grey Goose is set to elevate the tournament both on and off the court with chic cocktails, premium hospitality, and an exuberant celebration of Australian summer culture. If that’s not a “smash” hit, we don’t know what is! The Grey Goose way Fans will be sipping in style with the unveiling of the Grey Goose Lemon Ace, a cocktail crafted exclusively for tennis enthusiasts. This citrus-forward masterpiece is the signature serve of the Australian Open 2025. Picture this—a refreshing blend of Grey Goose original vodka, passionfruit syrup, and sparkling lemonade, served over ice, and garnished with a zesty lemon ball and fresh mint. It’s a glass of sunshine designed to capture the spirit of the tournament and the Australian summer. Building on the international success of Grey Goose’s legendary Honey Deuce™—the globally recognised US Open signature cocktail—the Lemon Ace is set to take centre stage in Melbourne. If A-list celebrities sipping raspberry-accented cocktails at the US Open is anything to go by, the Lemon Ace might just become your must-try drink for 2025. Courtside hospitality Grey Goose isn’t just bringing cocktails—it’s bringing an experience. Melbourne Park will host two exclusive new hospitality offerings, ensuring fans feel the tournament’s electric vibe while enjoying premium drinks in unmatched settings. But don’t worry if you can’t secure a spot at these premium venues. The Grey Goose Lemon Ace… Read More

New Levantine cafe opens in Sydney: Cafe Levant in Greenacre

Nestled just 20 minutes from Sydney’s bustling CBD, Cafe Levant has officially opened its doors in Greenacre, offering diners a warm welcome into a world inspired by the Levant region. This family-owned cafe, steeped in tradition and history, pays homage to the flavours, culture, and aesthetics of Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Palestine, reflecting the rich heritage of its founders—the Afiouny family. Crafted by Heritage For Jinan Afiouny Ammoura, co-owner and manager of Cafe Levant, this is no ordinary cafe—it’s a heartfelt celebration of her family’s identity. “The Levant is more than a collection of cities,” Jinan explains. “It’s who we are, it’s our upbringing, and it’s the love we want to share with others.” With Lebanese, Turkish, and Syrian roots, Jinan, her husband Hassan Ammoura, and their siblings have created a space that reflects their multicultural background. From the green velvet seating and white tiling to the gold fixtures and lanterns, every detail of the interior is a tribute to the Levant region’s charm. The family’s story is deeply connected to Greenacre. The very site where Cafe Levant now stands is rich with history—it once served as a beloved milk bar where Jinan and her siblings would buy snacks after school. Next door, their parents, Ghassan and Hala Afiouny, ran NutRoasters, teaching their children about the ingredients and flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine. When the milk bar closed in 1995, the family purchased the space, and after years of dreaming, they finally opened Cafe Levant in 2021. Now, the cafe is a testament to the… Read More