Category: ADELAIDE

Two-day drive and play itinerary in the stunning Adelaide Hills

Updated: 09/08/2022

It’s South Australia’s best-kept secret – the Adelaide Hills. Renowned for its restaurants and cafes showcasing some of the best produce in the state – you can’t blame the locals for wanting to keep this destination to themselves. The region is also home to some of the finest wineries and venues in the country, boasting magnificent backdrops and picture-perfect scenery. The choice of accommodation is also impressive, such as one of the region’s finest destinations – Mount Lofty House. The best part about this? While it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s all within an easy 40-minute drive from the heart of Adelaide. There’s so much on offer in this region, that it’s understandably hard to choose where to start. Here’s a suggested two-day itinerary for the foodie looking to get away for the weekend and experience the best Adelaide Hills has to offer. Day One: Start the weekend with a leisurely drive through the breathtaking Adelaide Hills and head to the historic Mount Lofty House. Overlooking the spectacular Piccadilly Valley, this iconic 5-star boutique lodge was originally built in 1852 by prominent statesman Arthur Hardy as his summer house. It features Chef Hat Award-winning restaurant, Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant and on-site boutique spa – Gatekeeper’s Day Spa – that offers a slice of heavenly rejuvenation. If the plan is to get away from it all for the weekend, you’ve come to the right place. Once you’ve settled into your room and enjoyed a plate of moorish signature Mount… Read More

Category: ADELAIDE, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Adelaide, adelaide hills, beerenberg, driving holidays, jurlique, mount lofty house

Your favourite Aussie bartenders add local flavour to 4th of July cocktails

by Danielle Kirk

Updated: 06/07/2022

The 4th of July may pass Australians by with nary a thought, but what if we told you it was worth celebrating this year with an American classic cocktail in hand, but with a local twist. Partnering with ‘Cheers! Spirits from the USA’, 22 well-known Australian bartenders and mixologists lent their expertise to creating a free cocktail book for Independence Day, containing a range of cocktails that hero American spirits, but with an Aussie twist, and designed specifically to be made and enjoyed ar home. The cocktail list highlights the quality and versatility of American spirit brands including Angel’s Envy, Jack Daniels, Koval, Maker’s Mark, Old Forester, Wild Turkey, Westland, Westward American Single Malt Whiskey and Woodford Reserve. Once you download the cocktail book, the recipes are yours to keep, but if you do prefer someone else making your drinks (you’re only human), the participating bartenders will also have them available at their venue from June 27-July 4. Have a gander at the below list of bartenders and their creations, plus the venue to find them at: Simon Hopkins (Jolene’s Sydney – NSW) puts a chocolate spin on the classic Old Fashioned using Westward Whiskey. Dan Gregory (The Gresham Bar – QLD) is showcasing a Woodford Reserve Goin’ Out West. Adam Lau (Grain Bar – NSW) develops the DJ Sutherland celebrating Westland American Oak Whiskey. Grace Rawlins (Memphis Slim’s House of Blues – SA) is using Westland Peated Whiskey in the innovative Spicy Peat cocktail. Chris Garner (The Barrie – NSW) is highlighting Wild Turkey… Read More

Category: ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, BRISBANE, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE, RECIPES, SYDNEY

Tags: american cocktails, cocktails, free cocktail book, free recipe book

Eat cheap in Sydney with Dimmi this July

by James Banham

Posted: 02/07/2018

July is a quiet time in restaurants around the country. With it being winter, cold, miserable and nothing but stay-at-home-worthy, Dimmi is taking the bull by the horns and throwing down a 50% discount on many of the country’s most beloved restaurants. From 2-31 July, Dimmi’s access to the hottest restaurants ensures that every social occasion is covered; catch up with friends for dinner at Longrain in Sydney, in Queensland book a mid-week lunch at Comuna Catina, Adelaide residents can enjoy a long lunch at The Kitchen Door or indulge the taste buds with dinner at Melbourne’s St Luja. Here are some of the restaurants participating for you to get excited about… SA Lindes Lane Bar & Eatery Rigoni’s Bistro The Kitchen Door Level One @ Electra House QLD Caffe Primavera Comuna Catina Motion Bar and Grill Moda Restaurant VIC Henry and the Fox Hunter & Barrel – Eastland Time Out Fed Square St Luja NSW Longrain Fratelli Fresh Manta Restaurant & Bar Berowra Waters Inn WA The Harbour Master Julio’s Hunter & Barrel Whitford City Tom’s Italian Reservations open on Monday 2 July via the Dimmi website and the Dimmi app!

Category: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, HOBART, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE, SYDNEY

Tags: dimmi, dimmi discounts, food, order food, restaurant discounts

How to get free burritos in Australia on 23 May

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

If there’s one thing we don’t have enough of in Aus, it’s Mexican food. Good thing Zambrero is about to play the proverbial jalapeno and blow your socks off with the news that this 23 May, they’re whipping out all sorts of free burritos to Mexicana food lovers around the country. It’s gonna be good. But, why? To celebrate the launch of Zambrero’s smokin’ new Barbacoa Beef, they’re treating the masses to thousands of free burries across nine cities. Check out Zambrero’s Facebook, which is where they’ll reveal the locations as they unfold from tomorrow. As part of the launch as Zambrero is also looking to answer the ‘big and beefy’ questions on the day, and people will also get the chance to voice their ‘biggest beef’ with their city. If people aren’t near one of the locations, 168 participating Zambrero restaurants across the country will be offering a buy-one-take-one deal on the 23rd, too. Yum.

Category: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CANBERRA, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE, PERTH, SYDNEY

Tags: barbacoa, burritos, free burritos, mexican, where to get mexican food, zambrero, zambrero barbacoa

ARTS & CULTURE

Good news for the London Museum revamp

06/09/2024

By James Banham

In a bold move to enrich London’s cultural landscape, the City of London Corporation and the Mayor of London have pledged an additional £50 million towards the creation of the new London Museum. So if history and the arts are your thing, then get excited! Nestled within the historic Smithfield markets, this ambitious project, designed by Stanton Williams and Asif Khan, is set to become one of Europe’s most significant cultural infrastructure projects, preserving the iconic market buildings for future generations. With a generous contribution of £25 million each from the City of London Corporation and the Mayor, the funding boosts the museum’s overall project budget to £437 million. Accompanying this, the museum is on a mission to raise an additional £30 million, with nearly half already secured through private donations and philanthropic efforts. The transformation of the Victorian General Market and Poultry Market into world-class spaces for art and learning is well underway. Slated to open in 2026, the General Market will showcase the museum’s permanent galleries, bringing to life more of its renowned collection than ever before. By 2028, the Poultry Market will house a cutting-edge learning centre, temporary exhibition spaces, and a publicly accessible collections store, inviting visitors to explore behind the scenes of the museum’s vast collection. Sharon Ament, Director of the London Museum, expressed her excitement about the project: “Thousands of Londoners are helping to shape this fantastic new museum which will not only explore our city’s rich history but the people and places that make it such a vibrant… Read More

Sydney Contemporary announces MA Art Prize winner as First Nations artist Alfred Lowe

05/09/2024

By James Banham

The eighth edition of Sydney Contemporary opens its doors today at Carriageworks, promising an exhilarating display of artistic prowess that spans the globe. In partnership with Principal Partner MA Financial Group, this year’s fair sets the stage for over 85 galleries and more than 400 artists from across Australia and the world, transforming the iconic venue into a vibrant hub of contemporary art from September 5th to 8th, 2024. A highlight of the launch is the announcement of the MA Art Prize winner, emerging First Nations artist Alfred Lowe. This prestigious $10,000 acquisitive award celebrates and supports the work of emerging and early-career artists in Australia. Hailing from the Arrernte community in the Central Desert, north of Alice Springs, Lowe now practices in Adelaide. His winning piece, “All dressed up I, 2024,” showcases his skill with clay and ceramics, using hand-built stoneware adorned with sgraffito and raffia to reflect themes of Country, informed by his deep connection to the central desert landscape. Sydney Contemporary has cemented itself as Australasia’s premier art fair since its inception in 2013, attracting over 25,000 visitors per edition and generating more than $121 million in art sales. It serves as a crucial meeting place for collectors and art enthusiasts, fueling the growth of the Australian art market. This year’s fair promises a dynamic lineup, including a colossal 20-meter-wide installation by artist Lisa Roet, an engaging Talk Contemporary program featuring Mona’s Kirsha Kaechele, and a vibrant performance by multidisciplinary artist HOSSEI. Fair Director Zoe Paulsen expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s… Read More

Sydney Dance Company brings ‘momenta’ dance to Melbourne

05/09/2024

By James Banham

Sydney Dance Company is set to captivate Melbourne audiences with the debut of Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela’s latest creation, ‘momenta’, at the Arts Centre Melbourne from 8-12 October. This full-length dance work, which has already garnered critical acclaim in Sydney, is a celebration of the profound beauty and fragility of shared humanity. Through the dynamic and evocative language of contemporary dance, ‘momenta’ delves into the ephemeral nature of human connections and encounters. Bonachela’s choreography is renowned for its intricate rhythmic patterns and inventive partnering, and ‘momenta’ is no exception. The 17 dancers of Sydney Dance Company transcend their physical boundaries, showcasing a breathtaking blend of grace, power, and vulnerability. Each movement is designed to resonate through space, creating a visceral experience for audiences as they are drawn into a world where raw emotion seamlessly blends with exquisite technique. The performance is elevated by the evocative electronic soundscapes of composer Nick Wales, who weaves in elements from P?teris Vasks, adding layers of depth to the narrative. Elizabeth Gadsby’s immersive set design and Damien Cooper’s striking lighting further enhance the atmosphere, capturing the essence of fleeting moments suspended between past and future. These elements converge to create a space where individual trajectories collide and intertwine, echoing the transient nature of life itself. Rafael Bonachela expressed his excitement about bringing ‘momenta’ to Melbourne, stating, “We’re thrilled to present momenta in Melbourne for the first time. momenta is a testament to the ephemeral yet profound connections that weave through all of our lives. From the most tender exchanges to… Read More

Listen to Beethoven live in Sydney

02/09/2024

By James Banham

In a celebration of musical revolution and historical milestones, the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall will play host to a landmark event on 26 October 2024—an extraordinary concert commemorating the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. This monumental piece, renowned for its powerful ‘Ode to Joy’ choral finale, redefined the symphonic form by integrating human voices, and has since become a resounding anthem for equality, freedom, and unity across the globe. Presented for one inspirational concert only, “Ode to Joy – Beethoven & Smyth” promises an evening steeped in musical brilliance and historical significance. Under the baton of the inimitable Elizabeth Scott, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ 400-strong Festival Chorus, alongside special guest soloists Bronwyn Douglass, Helen Sherman, Bradley Daley, and Michael Honeyman, will bring this masterpiece to life. Adding another layer of youthful exuberance to the performance, the Sydney Youth Orchestra will join forces in this magnificent collaboration. Not content with merely celebrating Beethoven’s legacy, the program also shines a spotlight on another trailblazing composer, Dame Ethel Smyth. Known for her fervent activism and defiance of societal norms, Smyth’s contributions to music and the suffragette movement remain inspiring. Her grand Mass in D, hailed as a masterpiece upon its premiere in 1893, will be performed, echoing the sentiments of George Bernard Shaw, who praised her work for dispelling the notion that women could not accomplish great feats in art. Smyth, a formidable figure in the male-dominated world of classical music, used her platform to champion equality. Her anthem, “The March of the Women,” composed during… Read More

Bridgerton candlelight concert comes to Sydney

02/09/2024

By James Banham

Sydney is about to be swept off its feet as Netflix, Shondaland, and Fever join forces to present the exclusive Bridgerton Candlelight Concert. This enchanting event is set to transform St Stephen’s Uniting Church into a Regency-era wonderland on October 24th, 2024, with performances at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Imagine stepping into a world lit by thousands of flickering candles, where the air is filled with the familiar tunes of Bridgerton hits performed by a local string quartet. This multi-sensory musical experience promises to be a night to remember, featuring an eclectic setlist that includes Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next,” and “Give Me Everything” by Pitbull, Afrojack, Ne-Yo, and Nayer, among others. With Bridgerton’s three seasons captivating audiences globally, this Candlelight Concert is a chance for Sydney-siders to immerse themselves in the magic of the series in a truly unique setting. To secure your spot at this highly anticipated event, sign up for the waitlist on Fever’s app or website. Doing so grants you exclusive pre-sale access to tickets, up to 24 hours before they become available to the public. Fever’s Candlelight Concert series is renowned for democratizing access to classical music, offering a fresh twist that appeals to a broad audience. Each concert is a celebration of music, performed in iconic venues worldwide, and this Bridgerton special will be no different, with limited tickets available for this fashionable event of the season. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this dazzling evening. Tickets for the Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on… Read More