Category: MELBOURNE

Go to Adrian Richardson’s new Italian joint, Pasta Bambino

Posted: 22/04/2024

Affordable Gourmet Pasta and Classic Cocktails at Bouvier Bar In a heartwarming homage to his Italian roots and an answer to the current economic squeeze, celebrated chef Adrian Richardson unveils ‘Pasta Bambino’, a winter pop-up nestled within the cozy confines of Bouvier Bar, on Melbourne’s iconic Lygon Street. Offering an escape into the warmth of Italian cuisine, this pop-up is poised to serve up an array of classic Italian pasta dishes, alongside handcrafted cocktails and wine, all priced to please. Since its opening in 2017, Bouvier Bar has become a staple in Brunswick East, known for its classic cocktails and unmatched hospitality. Adrian Richardson, the culinary force behind La Luna Bistro and now Pasta Bambino, aims to stir the pot in the current dining scene with affordable, yet gourmet, pasta offerings reflective of his Italian heritage. Drawing from childhood memories of making pasta from scratch with his Italian grandparents, Adrian’s approach with Pasta Bambino is simple yet profound. “Some of my fondest food memories are helping my Italian grandparents in the kitchen,” Richardson recounts, tying his culinary endeavors back to his foundational experiences with food. The pop-up restaurant’s menu sings a ballad of traditional Italian comfort food, with the promise of changing offerings to keep the palette intrigued. Patrons can look forward to starting their meals with tasty smaller plates like crumbed and fried mozzarella and an antipasto board brimming with Mediterranean delights. Main dishes feature a variety of handmade and locally sourced gourmet pasta such as casarecce bolognese and fresh ricotta gnocchi, not to… Read More

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

Tags: best italian restaurants, Melbourne Italian restaurants, Pasta Bambino

ST. ALi coffee in Melbourne has a new shop

by James Banham

Updated: 20/04/2024

ST. ALi, the revered Melbourne coffee institution, is thrilled to announce the opening of its latest venture on Bali’s shores. This April, coffee aficionados and culinary enthusiasts will be welcomed at the brand new ST. ALi cafe located on the ground floor of the avant-garde FURTHER HOTEL in the lively and promising district of Pererenan. This expansion marks a significant milestone, promising to infuse Bali’s blossoming coffee scene with ST. ALi’s celebrated blend of premium coffee and gastronomic flair. “Expanding into Bali presents an exhilarating opportunity for us to introduce the ST. ALi philosophy to a wider audience. Pererenan’s evolving culinary landscape and its rich, immersive culture provide the ideal setting for our brand to flourish,” proclaimed Lachlan Ward, CEO of ST. ALi. FURTHER HOTEL has quickly made its mark since its establishment in 2023, earning accolades for its innovative hotel concept that seamlessly integrates with the community ethos of Bali’s southwest coastline. This collaboration between ST. ALi and FURTHER HOTEL is set to enrich the guest experience significantly, marrying the hotel’s novel approach with ST. ALi’s expertise in coffee and cuisine. “Partnering with ST. ALi to bring the essence of Melbourne’s coffee culture to Pererenan is a fulfillment of a long-held aspiration,” expressed Simon Digby, Co-Founder of FURTHER HOTEL. “Facing some of Bali’s most sought-after surf spots, we anticipate ST. ALi will become a morning hub for surfers eager for their coffee fix.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by ST ALi INDONESIA (@stali.id) In line with this partnership, ST. ALi Bali,… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, MELBOURNE

Tags: coffee, melbourne cafes, melbourne coffee, St Ali

Discover the home of Australian whisky at Starward’s new distillery and bar precinct

by Danielle Kirk

Updated: 17/04/2024

After winning 24 Double Gold medals in 2 years, Starward goes even bigger with its recent unveiling of a brand-new distillery tour and bar experience.

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, MELBOURNE

Tags: Australian whiskey, australian whisky, melbourne, port melbourne, Starward, Starward whiskey, starward whisky

Ruben’s Deli does good food in Melbourne’s Armadale

by James Banham

Updated: 14/04/2024

What really sets this Melbourne gem apart isn’t just its delectable sandwiches; it’s the incredible catering service spearheaded by owner Amanda Ruben, that’s capturing the hearts of food lovers across the city.

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

Tags: Amradale Melbourne, Armadale food, Cafes in Armadale, Deli High Street, High Street Armadale, Ruben's Deli Armadale, Rubens

Sweet Greek Delights in Melbourne

by James Banham

Updated: 14/04/2024

Sweet Greek is offering the same beloved seasonal dishes with a fresh new look that promises to elevate your dining experience to new heights.

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

Tags: Desserts Melbourne, Sweet Greek, Sweet Greek Melbourne

Prahran Market’s new breakfast delight: Maker & Monger

by James Banham

Updated: 17/04/2024

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the tempting scent of artisanal cheeses as Maker & Monger introduces a delectable morning spread that promises to elevate your breakfast experience.

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, MELBOURNE

Tags: Best Melbourne cafe, Maker Monger, melbourne cafe

Bang Bang Asian restaurant opening in Hampton

by James Banham

Posted: 10/04/2024

Excitement fills the air as Bang Bang, the revered Pan Asian street food sanctuary, prepares to unveil its second location in Hampton on Wednesday, 17th April. This new addition promises to bring the vibrant flavours and innovative culinary creations that define Bang Bang to a fresh neighbourhood, inviting locals and diners citywide to embark on a tantalizing journey through the best of Asian street food in Melbourne. A Culinary Adventure Awaits After the overwhelming success of its Mordialloc restaurant, Bang Bang identified the burgeoning demand for a new location, with Hampton emerging as the ideal destination to expand its culinary empire. Drawing inspiration from Asia’s bustling street food culture and the team’s global travels, Bang Bang’s bold seasonal menu is a testament to unrivalled Pan Asian cuisine in Melbourne. The Menu: A Symphony of Flavours Dive into a world of culinary delights with Bang Bang’s diverse menu offerings, tailored to cater to every palate and occasion. From Bites to Desserts, each dish showcases a fusion of authentic produce and complex flavour profiles that transport diners to the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, and India. Feast Your Senses For the ultimate dining experience, Bang Bang offers two exceptional Feed Me menus curated by the chefs, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a culinary journey filled with bold flavours and delectable surprises. Crafted Cocktails and Happy Hours Complementing the vibrant flavours of the menu are Bang Bang’s innovative cocktails, featuring tantalizing creations like Midnight Rose and Chilli Chilli Bang Bang. With Bang Bang Hour offering… Read More

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

Tags: Bang Bang Asian Hampton, Hampton Melbourne, Hampton restaurants

Maha Melbourne is a must for Middle Eastern food

by James Banham

Updated: 12/04/2024

Step into the vibrant world of Shane Delia’s acclaimed Middle Eastern restaurant, Maha, where culinary innovation meets tradition in a symphony of flavours and aromas. For the first time in over a decade, Maha is proud to unveil its latest offering – an enchanting à la carte lunch menu that promises a personalised dining experience like never before. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maha Restaurant Melbourne (@maharestaurant) Embrace Choice with Maha’s New Lunch Menu At Maha, diversity reigns supreme as the restaurant introduces an array of new options to cater to varied palates and preferences. Alongside the cherished tasting set menus, guests can now relish the freedom of choice with the introduction of both à la carte and vegan à la carte lunch selections. Priced individually, these offerings allow diners to curate their lunch experience according to their cravings and desires. A Gastronomic Journey Through Maha’s Lunch Menu Dive into a world of culinary wonders with Maha’s thoughtfully crafted lunch menu, designed to tantalize your taste buds and ignite your senses. From delectable small plates to sumptuous main courses, each dish is a masterpiece in its own right, promising a symphony of flavours that celebrate the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. Elevate Your Lunch Experience at Maha Available from 12 pm to 3 pm every day of the week, Maha’s new à la carte lunch menu offers a flexible dining option for busy city dwellers, power lunches, or those seeking a refined culinary escapade in the heart of Melbourne. Immerse yourself… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, MELBOURNE

Tags: Maha, Middle Eastern food Melbourne

More shows for WICKED in Melbourne

Sheridan Adams in WICKED CREDIT Jeff Busby scaled

by James Banham

Posted: 09/04/2024

Since its grand opening on 2 March, the resplendent Regent Theatre has been graced by the enchanting presence of “Broadway’s Biggest Blockbuster,” WICKED. To cater to the overwhelming demand and keep the magic alive, new performances have been released for sale until 28 July. Presales commence today, with general public tickets available from 12 April. The Mesmerizing Tale of WICKED The theatrical phenomenon that is WICKED has captured the hearts of critics and audiences in Melbourne, earning five-star reviews and effusive praise across social media platforms. Here’s what the critics have to say: A Worldwide Sensation Celebrating over two decades since its Broadway premiere, WICKED stands as one of the most successful and beloved musicals globally. With an audience of over 65 million people worldwide, it proudly holds the title of the 4th longest-running show in Broadway history. Accolades and Legacy Winner of over 100 major awards, including the Grammy Award, Olivier Award, six Helpmann Awards, three Tony Awards®, and six Drama Desk Awards, WICKED continues to enthrall audiences with its originality and depth. As proclaimed by USA Today, WICKED is “A complete triumph! An original musical that will make you laugh, cry and think.” Captivating Performances Under the guidance of a stellar Australian cast, led by Courtney Monsma as Glinda and Sheridan Adams as Elphaba, the musical unfolds the captivating journey of two extraordinary women in the land of Oz. The ensemble cast, with their exceptional talent and dedication, brings this timeless tale to life with every note and step. Unravel the Origins of… Read More

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE, THEATRE

Tags: melbourne theatre, theatre, wicked, wicked melbourne

Yarraville Victoria Hotel in Melbourne is back open

by James Banham

Posted: 05/04/2024

The iconic Victoria Hotel in Yarraville has proudly reopened its doors, unveiling a much-anticipated $2.5 million renovation. This transformation introduces a brand-new beer garden and a delightful children’s play area, enhancing its reputation as a family-friendly destination in the region. For the first time in its history, the pub now boasts an expansive beer garden that can accommodate up to 170 guests. This newly designed space features comfortable picnic table seating among lush greenery, a dedicated outdoor bar, and an impressive children’s playground. These additions solidify The Victoria Hotel’s status as the go-to venue for family-friendly dining in the community, designed with the needs and desires of its patrons in mind. Venue Manager Anthony Cook expressed his excitement about the renovation, stating, “It’s exciting to finally open the new beer garden and kids’ play area for our patrons. This well-deserved renovation brings modernised features, tailored spaces for all ages, and so much more to our local, meaning it will continue to be a space for all to enjoy.” In addition to the beer garden, the renovation brings a refreshed bistro and a brand-new adjoining kids’ play area, replete with interactive features to keep the young ones engaged. The children’s area is a miniature representation of Yarraville itself, including a Yarraville Sun Theatre feature wall, an interactive train & kiosk, reading nooks, tech corners, drawing stations, a soft play area, and much more. The culinary experience at The Victoria Hotel has also been elevated, with a refreshed menu featuring delicious share-style plates, pizzas, and pub classics,… Read More

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

Tags: Best Melbourne pubs, Melbourne pubs, Victoria HotelYarraville pubs

ARTS & CULTURE

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Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By James Banham

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.