Category: CITIES

Why you should revisit Aria on Sydney Harbour next date night

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Posted: 23/10/2024

After a quarter-century of dazzling Sydney’s fine dining scene, Aria is shaking things up with a fresh approach to dining that’s as bold as a kangaroo on caffeine. This iconic restaurant, helmed by culinary maestro Matt Moran and the Solotel group, is renowned for its contemporary Australian flair, and it’s now embracing a new chapter with a dynamic menu that promises to keep diners on their toes. Gone are the days of the prescriptive seasonal menu. Instead, Aria is rolling out a flexible array of dining options that cater to both the casual lunch crowd and the full-blown gastronomy enthusiasts. Whether you’re popping in for a two-course lunch or gearing up for an eight-course culinary marathon, Aria’s new offerings are designed to accommodate any appetite. The choices are varied: a two-course menu at $120 per person for a quick yet sumptuous bite, a three-course at $180 for a more rounded experience, or dive into the five-course ($240) and eight-course ($290) tasting menus for a complete sensory journey. Restaurateur Matt Moran shared his excitement about this evolution, saying, “Aria was created with the vision of bringing an exceptional dining experience to Sydney; 25 years on and we are still creating unforgettable experiences for those who dine with us. The eight-course menu will include a few surprises that do not feature on the main menu, providing a true taste of our team’s talent.” A significant shift also sees Aria’s kitchen aligning with Australia’s top producers, ensuring the freshest hyper-seasonal produce graces their plates. This means more frequent… Read More

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

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National Gallery London offers chance to see magnificent Carracci cartoons

magnificent Carracci cartoons

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Posted: 23/10/2024

Next spring, art enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity to witness the magnificent Carracci cartoons up close at the National Gallery. Displayed in Room 1, these extraordinary works, created around 1599, are not just impressive in size—nearly four metres wide and two metres tall—but also in their delicate execution using charcoal and white chalk. Given their fragility and grandeur, these masterpieces are seldom exhibited, making this a truly special occasion. The Carracci cartoons entered the National Gallery’s collection in 1837, thanks to a generous gift from Lord Francis Egerton. Before that, they belonged to the esteemed artist Sir Thomas Lawrence. Originally, these grand drawings were crafted as preparatory works for the painted ceiling in the gallery of Palazzo Farnese, one of Rome’s Renaissance treasures, now housing the French Embassy. The commission was initiated by Odoardo Farnese, a cardinal and the younger son of the Duke of Parma. In 1594, he enlisted the talented Carracci brothers from Bologna to adorn his family palace with artistic splendour. Upon their arrival in Rome, Annibale and Agostino Carracci drew from the grandeur of antique sculptures and the masterpieces of Michelangelo and Raphael to conjure an idealised vision of the classical world, celebrating the loves of the gods. The resulting ‘Galleria Farnese’ became a beacon of inspiration for generations of artists. The two cartoons on display are largely the work of Agostino, though Annibale is believed to have contributed to their creation. They depict scenes from Ovid’s Metamorphoses—stories of transformation that were integral to the frescoed ceiling in the Farnese… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LONDON

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Drinks on Melbourne rooftops: where to go this summer

Melbourne bars night Yarra river

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Posted: 23/10/2024

Melbourne does so many things well, but food and drink are amongst the finest. Add to that, some of the country’s best and fairest bars and restaurants on rooftops around the city and you have yet another reason to head into town to try some of the city’s best. We rounded some of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Melbourne for your enjoyment this summer. Morris House 120 Exhibition Street, CBDVisit Morris HousePerched atop a charming 1920s heritage building, Morris House boasts a spacious rooftop perfect for a chic escape. With its neutral aesthetic, leafy accents, and a retractable roof, it’s the ideal spot to unwind. Enjoy DJ tunes every Friday and Saturday night from 7pm, adding a vibrant vibe to your evening. The Hawthorn Hotel 481 Burwood Road, HawthornVisit The Hawthorn HotelThe Hawthorn Hotel invites you to its newly extended 160m² rooftop, ideal for casual drinks and dining in the heart of the inner-east. The mix of high and low tables, festoon lighting, and beer garden games creates a lively atmosphere. Plus, a large LED screen ensures you won’t miss any sports action. Fargo and Co 216 Swan Street, RichmondVisit Fargo and CoSet atop a historic Edwardian bank building, Fargo & Co’s rooftop is Richmond’s stylish hotspot. Known for its vintage vault doors and bartenders dubbed as “tellers,” it’s a destination for fun. Don’t miss their famous Saturday bottomless brunch for a delightful weekend treat. Harlow 447 Church Street, RichmondVisit HarlowHarlow offers a prime spot to sip and snack with some of the… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FEATURES, MELBOURNE

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NG Stories launches: hear the tales you’d never know existed

National Gallery art

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Updated: 23/10/2024

This week marks the launch of NG Stories: Making a National Gallery, an exciting new immersive digital experience that delves deep into the human histories surrounding the National Gallery. Running from 4 October 2024 to 12 January 2025, this exhibition is set to captivate audiences by highlighting the lives and contributions of those often forgotten in the annals of art history, including 14 Victorian children who grew up within the Gallery’s walls. NG Stories is part of the NG200 digital engagement programme, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, and promises to blend the digital with the physical, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the Gallery’s 200-year history. This initiative brings to life the stories of the Gallery’s first housemaid, the Keepers, and porters who resided in the building, as well as the key figures involved in the acquisition of artworks for the nation. Visitors will explore two rooms on the Gallery’s ground floor. The first features interactive and immersive elements that place the visitor at the heart of the experience. The second room takes them on an audio-visual journey through the Gallery’s rich past, enhanced by a soundscape that blends ambient sounds from bustling public areas with behind-the-scenes recordings of staff at work. The exhibition also reimagines the famous wartime concerts of pianist Myra Hess, combining archival footage with a new soundscape. This segment shines a light on the people behind these concerts, including composer Howard Ferguson and Joyce Grenfell, who famously quipped about the concert sandwiches, ‘We made sandwiches that became justly famous for being complementary… Read More

Category: CITIES, ART, ARTS & CULTURE, LONDON

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Amatrice Rooftop Restaurant open in Melbourne

AmatriceRooftop lr 175 Melbourne restaurant dining room

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Posted: 21/10/2024

Perched atop Cremorne’s tallest building, the much-anticipated Amatrice Rooftop Restaurant is now open, ready to welcome locals and Melburnians alike. Offering spectacular views of the city skyline, this modern-Italian dining destination promises a unique experience in the heart of Cremorne. Situated on the rooftop of Cubitt Place at 16 Stephenson Street, Amatrice Rooftop Restaurant is the crowning jewel following its sister venue, Caffé Amatrice, which opened on the ground floor in September. Behind this Italian venture are hospitality veterans Dave Parker, along with Kelly and Alex Brawn, who have drawn inspiration from the picturesque Italian village of Amatrice. “We’re excited to be bringing an offering to Cremorne that’s wanted and needed. Melbourne is known for its rooftop bars, but Amatrice Rooftop Restaurant will be doing things a little differently,” says co-owner Alex Brawn. “First and foremost – we’re a restaurant, the dining offer is the hero and in equal merit to the view, it’s central to the venue experience.” Accessed via a stylish lift lobby designed by Splinter Society Architecture, the venue reaches the tenth floor where award-winning interior designer Brahman Perera has crafted an elegant setting. The design nods to the chic allure of globally recognised venues like the Soho House rooftops, featuring imported red marble tables, red velvet banquette seating, and aqua subway tiles. Sculptural lighting and overhanging pendant shades from Arturo Alvarez add layers of sophistication, while olive trees and a retractable glass roof enhance the indoor-outdoor ambience. Leading the kitchen is Head Chef Vincenzo Di Giovanniello, whose Italian heritage shines through… Read More

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

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New cafe in Atarmon, Sydney you need to try: Buckle Cafe Distillery

Sunny outside cafe

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Updated: 21/10/2024

Nestled between the vibrant Inner West and the sophisticated North Shore, Artarmon is a suburb that beautifully blends casual café culture with an upper-market wine bar obsession. Adding a fresh twist to this mix is Buckle + Depot, Artarmon’s new bistro-meets-distillery and brewery, which offers locals a unique space to both pause and play. Following a successful soft opening earlier in October, the first half of this dual-venue, Buckle Cafe Distillery, is all set for its grand opening on Tuesday, 22nd October. Housed in a stunning glass atrium next to the heritage-listed building at 1 Frederick Street, this 150-seater venue aims to provide an inclusive experience for the Lower North Shore community. “We wanted to create a venue that seamlessly connects café and cocktail culture, where anyone can come to pause or play,” explains General Manager James Peters, alongside Executive Chef Johnny Sercombe. “This is something we’ve injected into every aspect of the venue from the interiors to the menu. We really wanted a transformative space – something that offered one thing by day, another by night, and a bit of both in between, depending on the experience customers want.” Johnny Sercombe, renowned for his work with top hospitality groups like Merivale, Solotel, and Applejack, brings a flavour-packed and versatile menu to Buckle. Patrons can enjoy a seamless transition from café lunches to evening dinners, with options like a Bacon & Egg Roll, Avocado On Toast, and Acai Bowl for brunch. As the clock strikes 12, the menu shifts to heartier offerings like a Falafel… Read More

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

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New film festival in London this November: One Fluid Night (OFN)

Film Festival people pexels geladelrosario 3644048

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Posted: 21/10/2024

The vibrant and diverse world of international LGBTQIA+ cinema is set to take centre stage as One Fluid Night (OFN) evolves into a full weekend film festival, celebrating its 5th edition with expanded offerings and a new home in the heart of queer London. What began in September 2023 at Genesis Cinema in east London as a bi-monthly event showcasing short films has now blossomed into the OFN LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, a grand celebration of queer storytelling and creativity. Scheduled for 15th to 17th November, this year’s festival will be hosted throughout Soho, with film screenings at the prestigious Curzon Soho and Courthouse Hotel Cinema. Film enthusiasts and festival-goers can look forward to after-parties at iconic venues such as Louche Soho, The Yard, and Soho Theatre. The festival’s expansion allows for the inclusion of feature-length films and documentaries alongside its already robust selection of short films, making it a comprehensive celebration of LGBTQIA+ cinema. The 5th edition of OFN is set to screen an impressive 12 feature films and a staggering 113 short films, representing stories from 34 countries. This diverse programme underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing high-quality content from around the world, giving international queer filmmakers a vital platform to share their work. Central to the festival is its renowned awards system, which this year will honour filmmakers with the highest number of awards for LGBTQIA+ stories in Europe, across 18 categories. Judging these entries is an esteemed international panel, including industry luminaries such as Anca Vaida, Branko Tomovic, Chance Sion-Raize Calloway, Daisy… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FEATURES, LONDON

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Yentl at the Sydney Opera House: Queer, Quirky, and Utterly Captivating

Yentl Gallery 16x9 2

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Updated: 21/10/2024

Who knew Yiddish could be this much fun? The latest Yentl production at the Sydney Opera House, directed by Gary Abrahams and produced by Moira Finucane, breathes new life into the 1962 Isaac Bashevis Singer tale, and it’s an absolute riot. It’s not every day you get full frontal nudity and emotional turmoil sprinkled with comedy—but hey, here we are. In this story reimagined with modern flair, Amy Hack dazzles as Yentl, the woman who defies Orthodox Jewish tradition by disguising herself as a man to study religious scripture. Her performance is heart-wrenching, but also hilarious, thanks in large part to Evelyn Krape, who narrates and plays multiple roles, including Yentl’s father. Krape’s witty quips and goofy antics lighten the mood just when things get heavy, ensuring you don’t get lost in the drama. Whether she’s poking fun at the solemnity of faith or teasing Yentl’s romantic entanglements, she keeps the audience giggling. Hack’s emotional portrayal is backed up by the impeccable cast—Nicholas Jaquinot as Avigdor and Genevive Kingsford as Hodes are particularly strong, creating the perfect love triangle. And let’s not forget, these actors learned Yiddish for their roles, adding authenticity and nuance to the performance. Whether in moments of passion or quiet reflection, the cast pulls you into their world, making it feel as though you’re right there in the shtetl with them. While the storyline remains true to the original Yentl—love, faith, and the search for identity—the modern twist of queerness adds depth to the narrative. The exploration of gender, tradition, and… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY, THEATRE

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Sydney’s new Japanese foodie precinct Prefecture 48 should be top of your list

prefecture 48 japanese

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Updated: 21/10/2024

If you thought you’d tasted all Sydney has to offer, think again. Prefecture 48 has landed in the CBD with a bang, and it’s here to shake up the dining scene with six separate and unique Japanese-inspired venues spanning three floors under one (very, very stylish) roof. The entire ethos behind this venture from Azabu group is simple: good hospitality. Every venue, and there is quite the range from casual to fine dining, is centered around providing the finest aspects of Japanese tradition and transforming it into an experience that fosters connections and memorable experiences. Every dish is created to showcase each chefs mastery and the diverse tastes and food styles of Japan. Prepare for a culinary adventure that spans Japan’s 47 prefectures, and enter the (unofficial) 48th right here on Sussex Street Sydney. Whether it’s the elegant kaiseki at Garaku or the Tokyo-style robata grilling at Ibushi, every dish across Prefecture 48 is a nod to Japan’s rich and diverse food culture. Omakase enthusiasts, you’ll want to lock in a seat at their eight-seat sushi bar, where guest chefs bring their A-game with a rotating menu selected by them. With its fusion of Japanese and European dishes, FIVE is bound to become your new lunch break obsession. From elevated snacks to serious mains, it blends flavours with a finesse that feels very cosmopolitan. And when the inevitable post-meal sweet craving hits, the in-house patisserie Dear Florence is ready to indulge you on the ground floor. If you’re not looking to dine but drink, don’t… Read More

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

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Sydney Beer Week – where to go in Sydney

Beer cheers

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Posted: 18/10/2024

As the calendar flips to mid-October, beer enthusiasts in Sydney have every reason to raise their glasses in cheer. Applejack is pulling out all the stops for beer lovers with a week-long celebration, offering special deals across three of their buzzing venues: Taphouse, Forrester’s, and SoCal. Running from 18th to 25th October, this is the ideal time to rally your friends, indulge in delicious grub, and perhaps make a few pour decisions along the way. Kicking off the festivities, Taphouse in Darlinghurst is hosting a Grifter Brewing Tap Takeover on Friday, 18th October. Starting at 6pm, beer aficionados can snag one of the 50 free schooners up for grabs — but be quick, as it’s first come, first served. Even if you miss out on the freebies, you won’t be disappointed. All night long, Grifter Pale Ale schooners are served at a special price of just $7.50. Throughout the week, Grifter’s taps will be flowing with a selection of four beloved brews, including the refreshing Grifter Pale Ale, the quirky ‘Serpents Kiss’ Watermelon Pilsner, the intriguing Kool Thing IPA, and the tangy Pink Galah Lemonade Sour. But that’s not all Applejack has up its sleeve. They’ve teamed up with the local legends at Young Henrys to craft their first collaboration brew, ‘Hazy Love’. This tropical-inspired beer, with notes of toasted coconut and citrus, is a hazy New England IPA that promises the flavours of a Sydney summer. Donovan Binks, Applejack’s Group Beverage Manager, describes it as having a “smooth and creamy texture,” perfect for enjoying… Read More

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

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