Category: MELBOURNE

Opera For All: free in Melbourne this February

Posted: 19/01/2023

If you’re looking for something of the musical variety to kill an hour this February in central Melbourne, consider Opera Australia’s first Opera For All! They have announced a stellar line-up of four brilliant singers to perform in the free BMW Opera for All concert in Fed Square on Saturday 4 February between 4pm-5pm. Annual concerts take place in Munich, and the series has also been staged in Berlin, London, and Moscow and now Melbourne’s joined the list, living up the city’s European heritage, feel and reputation as culturally iconographic. Singing some of opera’s most famous arias, the cast will comprise soprano Sophie Salvesani, direct from her mainstage opera debut in the recent acclaimed production of Don Giovanni; Melbourne-born and three time Green Room Award-winning mezzo-soprano Dimity Shepherd; Korean tenor Simon Kim, known for his concert performances with Opera Australia and internationally; and acclaimed baritone Luke Gabbedy whose recent role debut in La Traviata received high praise. The free, summer afternoon, open-air concert will feature opera’s biggest hits from Verdi to Puccini for an hour of thrilling high notes and soaring harmonies; it is the perfect way to dip your toe into opera for the first time or revisit some of opera’s best. For a flavour of what it might be like, checkl out our previous coverage on Opera Australia’s outdoor spectacles they host annually. 4pm-5pm, 4 February 2023 Tickets are free with no registration required | Fed Square, Melbourne opera.org.au/events/bmw-opera-for-all

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, MELBOURNE, OPERA

Tags: free opera, Melbourne open air opera, melbourne opera, opera australia

Where to go after Melbourne’s Pride Parade

Espy St Kilda sunset al fresco outdoor garden view

by James Banham

Posted: 19/01/2023

This Sunday 5 February, after the glitter settles the the hoarse voices of cheering begin to subside, there’s only one place you should be looking to: St Kilda’s The Espy. From one end of Fitzroy Street to the other, The Espy is set to shine like the beacon of LGBTIQA+ merriment, putting it on and turning it out for all the queer kids from Melbourne and abroad. Entry is free to all areas and guests will enjoy over-the-top themed decor, more music and entertainment than you can shake a glitter stick at and Rainbow Slushies that will be raising money for The Victoria Pride Centre. There will be a very special Espy staircase performance from Sunshine Disco Faith Choir. Roving performers will add to the Pride vibe and a who’s who of Melbourne’s queer dance community will play across three rooms including Jason Conti, Butch Le Butch, Gavin Campbell¸ Jake Judd, Hip Hop Hoe, Sugar Plump Fairy, Onyx, Juicy Fruit, Cushen and EMMYK & Tilly. Meanwhile HONCHO DISKO will be taking the reins in the Gershwin room and guests will enjoy entertainment featuring fierce drag performances and DJs from across the country and around the globe, including a stellar, special guest performance from disco legend DJ Severino – direct from The Eagle in London. What: Hotel Esplanade’s Post Parade Party When: Sunday 5th February, 2023, 12pm until late Where: ‘The Espy’ Hotel Esplanade, 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda, VIC, 3182 Who: Anyone wanting to celebrate Pride ‘23 Why: To continue the celebrations of Pride ‘23 once the March has come… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, LGBTIQ, MELBOURNE

Tags: espy, fitzroy street, Melbourne Pride, Pride parade

Breakfast is back on the menu at Carlton’s favourite Italian deli, King & Godfree

by James Banham

Updated: 12/04/2024

Because there are never enough brunch and lunch places in Melbourne, King & Godfree has kjoined the fray. And it’s more than welcome! This Summer, the Carlton deli King and Godfree is expanding its eat-in offering to include breakfast and brunch on Fridays and Saturdays from 9am – 3pm. View this post on Instagram A post shared by King & Godfree (@kingandgodfree) They’ve put together a curated selection of breakfast staples and brunch essentials delivered with an Italian spin. You can choose from an assortment of savoury and sweet items, from poached eggs with Barkley grandmother ham, melted scamorza, fried sage, hollandaise and crumpets to buttermilk waffles with coffee mascarpone, maple syrup and berries. Also on the menu is a selection of cold and hot panini’s prepared daily such as mortadella, fior di latte, pistachio pesto and rocket or polpette, napoli and scamorza. It’s never too early to imbibe something a little stronger, and King and Godfree’s cocktail selection does not disappoint. Pair brunch with a forza garibaldi, nonnino sour or bellini, or for a soft morning start, there’s an array of freshly squeezed juices, homemade iced teas and sodas, and of course, Italian coffee brewed to perfection. Find King & Godfree in Carlton

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

Tags: Best brunch Melbourne, Carlton Melbourne brunch, Melbourne brunch list, Where to get brunch Melbourne

Celebrate Chinese New Year’s ‘Year of the Rabbit’ in Sydney & Melbourne

by James Banham

Updated: 20/01/2023

The Year of the Rabbit ?? symbolises longevity, positivity, auspiciousness, wittiness, cautiousness, cleverness, deftness and self-protection. So, why not ring it in by eating like a Ming Dynasty king around Sydney? There are countless options on offer for Chinese nationals, friends and families and their friends and family from locally and abroad, which is great, because if Chinese New Year is about one thing: it’s about eating a lot, making a lot of noise (refer Chinese dragons!) and bringing in the new year with generosity, friendliness and good times. Here’s a round up of a few options around town to add to your diaries. Chinese New Year in Sydney Sokyo’s prosperity lobster The Star Sydney will illuminate itself with opulence and colourful activities to delight the senses during the Festival of Abundance, a two-week long Lunar New Year celebration of food and art, from Saturday January 21 st to Sunday February 5th. Ringing in the Year of the Rabbit, The Star Sydney’s signature restaurants will each offer dishes created from the finest ingredients that have cultural significance to the Lunar New Year, bringing diners good fortune and prosperity for the year ahead. Australia’s most expensive sashimi platter will be served up by Sokyo’s skilled chefs, sure to satisfy seafood lovers. The stunning $888 “Prosperity” lobster sashimi platter is packed with twelve kinds of fish and lobster, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Aria – Seven-course tasting menu Aria’s limited-edition tasting menu showcases prestige ingredients to match their unparalleled views of Sydney Harbour. The Lunar… Read More

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

Tags: Chinese New Year, Chinese New Year Melbourne, How to celebrate Chinese New Year's 'Year of the Rabbit' in Sydney and Melbourne, lunar new year, Lunar New Year Melbourne, Lunar New Year Sydney, THE F Chinese New Year, Where to eat Melbourne, where to eat sydney

Melbourne restaurant Fishbowl is doing good for the community

by James Banham

Updated: 08/01/2023

Opening this month (7 January) in Armadale in outer Melbourne, Japanese-inspired salad bar Fishbowl will be the first to open in partnership with Flying Fox, a youth organisation building connections between people with disability and the community through the power of fun. The grand opening of the Armadale store will harness a community feel with all proceeds from the day going to wards supporting Flying Fox’s programs as they continue to grow. Guests will be able to visit the new store from 11am, where FISHBOWL will also be providing beats, sweets and treats throughout the day.Over four months in the lead up to the launch, Flying Fox have held two’hangouts’with the group in store side by side with Fishbowl staff taking orders, making bowls, calling on the pass and just simply hanging out with their friends over bowls. The partnership was sparked from the idea of how to utilise FISHBOWL’s reach and community engagement, doing what they can to change fast food and change the culture. Head down on the date. They’re at FISHBOWL Armadale, Shop 4 & 5, 953-967A High Street, Armadale 3143 VIC

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

Tags: Fishbowl, the f melbourne

Where to go in Melbourne and Sydney this New Years Eve 2022

by James Banham

Posted: 21/12/2022

Where to go this New Years’ Eve and New Years’ Day in Melbourne Melbourne comes to life on a New Years’ Eve and New Years’ Day with a wide range of parties, events, and follow-up sessions to choose from. Here’s a round up of some NYE and NYD options that took our fancy… Mr. Miyagi Dine on Mr. M’s special New Years Eve Feed Me Menu, paired with an arrival cocktail, bottomless French bubbles, wine and Sapporo beer. Mr Miyagi is at 99 Chapel Street, Windsor and you can participate for $149 per person 5pm – 10:30pm (90-minute bookings). Bookings here St Kilda Sea Baths The party will kick off with two hours of free drinks & gourmet canapés from 4pm – 6pm along with early rooftop access. DJs will play tunes on all three levels from 4pm with the local line-up keeping the party alive until 1am. DJs include Lana, Louis Gilbert, Joe Sofo, Boris Radman and Andrej spinning tunes with sponsors including Belvedere, Moet & Chandon, Dasher & Fisher, Hard Fizz & Wet Pussy. Guests are invited to watch the last sunset of 2022 and to ring in 2023 with a spectacular fireworks display and the best seat in the house overlooking the iconic St Kilda Beach, Port Phillip Bay oceanfront along with Melbourne City views. Book here Where to go this New Years’ Eve and New Years’ Day in Sydney Sydney’s got options, too, though. With the lights or pubs, restaurants and fireworks reflecting off the Harbour’s still summertime water, it provides some of the most top-shelf New Years’ options… Read More

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

Tags: Melbourne and Sydney New Years, NYD Melbourne, nyd sydney, nye melbourne, nye sydney, What to do for New Years in Melbourne, What to do for New Years in Sydney

The only Australian photographic art you need for your walls

by James Banham

Updated: 11/12/2022

Backpacker, traveller, expat of just lover of Australian scenery, this one’s for you. If you’re looking for something to fill the overwhelmingly empty surfaces of your four walls, then I’m pleased to introduce you to Through Our Lens by Australian based photography partners Edger Pudans and Norah Nguyen. They take the beauty that lies in around and under the Australian landscape and turn it into a moment you can dip into at any time, at your convenience, through photographic art pieces. Their story is sweet; they met in Uni and discovered their mutual love for photography and producing quality imagery of their surroundings. They honed their skill and these days, provide portals into Australiana to their global client base of people like you and I: locals, travellers and fans of the rugged beauty-come-urban centres that comprise one of the greatest countries on Earth; Australia. Especially our favourite coastal wall art! To take their words from their website, “For landscape photographers, a certain level of planning will always be a necessity. Being at the mercy of natural light and other elements like wind and cloud cover, it can be tricky to ensure you’re in the right spot at the right time to capture that perfect shot. But thanks to modern technology, Edgar and Norah don’t have to leave things up to chance. We use advanced applications like Sky Candy, designed to demonstrate the direction of sunlight during an allocated time of day. Based on the location of the shoot, this will help us determine the time… Read More

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

Your new local public bar and wine shop in Brunswick, Melbourne is Bahama Gold

by James Banham

Updated: 09/12/2022

Featuring $60,000 worth of sound equipment, access to a collection of 500 records and more than 500 bottles of wine collected over the last 20 years, this intimate venue in Brunswick East is a feast for the senses. Nestled next door to Brunswick East’s beloved Old Palm Liquor you’ll find Bahama Gold – a public bar and bottle shop conceived by Neighbourhood Wine and Old Palm Liquor founding partners and hospitality veterans Almay Jordaan and Simon Denman. They wanted to try a new venue that served as a case study on how space and sound joyfully intersect, while actually serving excellent beverages with a quality surround. As with their other venues, Simon and Almay have worked closely with a network of local artisan trades to bring the space to life, always keeping the mindset of ‘function over form’ – ensuring lighting and acoustics are front of mind with every design decision. What makes it unique is the dedication to quality the founders put into the new venue. Each week, Simon and the wine team meet with approximately 20 winemakers to taste and purchase their products – and the team purchase so frequently, they admit that some bottles in their collection are so rare that not even the producers themselves have any left. Of course, there are beers and non-alcoholic sips from local producers available too, all of which have gone through the same rigorous taste-testing by Simon and wine team as the bottles housed upstairs. While the concept of Bahama is ever-changing, don’t expect it to become a restaurant or gastro-led… Read More

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

Tags: Bahama Gold, Brunswick pubs, New bars Melbourne, North Melbourne bars, THE F Bahama Gold, Where to drink Melbourne

Melbourne Latin fusion brunch you didn’t know you needed

by James Banham

Posted: 06/12/2022

Ask anyone what their favourite cuisine is and ‘Mexican’ is usually found in the top 5* answers. So, when Melbourne southside local and favourite, Repeat Offender brings in a new Latin-inspired brunch menu, you know most people – you, too – are gonna sit up. Staying true to its legacy, the new summer menu is completely gluten-free and has added a new lineup of tacos, a spectacular confit leg of lamb, as well as a pan-fried blue-eyed cod with sautéed spinach, red mole, and crispy kale. For their plant-based friends, they’ve also introduced a series of new small and large plates including the stuffed zucchini with vegetable mince, pasilla, almond, lemon cheese and micro-herbs grown in Elwood. And because they’re good like this, for those who don’t want to miss out on all the action, Repeat Offender is now offering several Banquets for any palette or budget, with seven course banquets starting at just $55pp right through to an $80pp feast featuring all the most craved menu items. Good food should be served with great wine, and Repeat Offender has refined its wine menu to serve local Central and South America drops, paying homage to its menu. Bringing the heat, Repeat Offender has now an extensive range, including 8 different Margarita’s – try each flavour from spicy to coconut, this is your excuse to indulge in a margarita everyday of the week. *Totally made-up, but you know it’s true.

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

Legendary food and wine master series in Melbourne and Sydney you don’t want to miss

by James Banham

Updated: 06/12/2022

December is the season to treat yourself – and if doing Christmas right is your thing, then a little bit of overeating is the best way to do it! That’s why the news of Botswana Butchery, in partnership with leading Barossa winery, St Hallett, offering both Sydney and Melbourne food and wine lovers a luxurious dining experience not to be missed this November and December hit the desk, we got excited. Angel Fernandez – guys behind Botswana Butchery – has selected some of Botswana Butchery’s signature dishes, showcasing distinctive flavours and food mastery to curate an exclusive matched menu, paired perfectly with a selection of premium St Hallett wines. The decadent and limited time Little Black Book exclusive four course menu includes venison tartare and grilled quail both signature dishes on Angel’s menu. And the wine! St Hallett will be laying down bottles of the Butcher’s Cart Shiraz 2019, Higher Earth Shiraz 2018, Blackwell Shiraz 2019 and from this year’s vintage release collection, the Old Block Shiraz 2018. The wines have been handpicked by Helen to showcase the exceptional quality, rich textures, depth, and versatility of Barossa wine. Signature four course menu $180. Signature four course menu matched with premium StHallett wines $250. Prices are per person and the full table must participate. 23rd November – 18th December, Monday – Saturday between 12pm and 11pm. Offer availableat all sittings without pre-ordering. Book Melbourne and Sydney at the links below: St Hallett X Botswana Butchery Masters Series Sydney St Hallett X Botswana Butchery Masters Series Melbourne

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

Tags: Botswana Butchery, Food and wine experience, melbourne restaurant

ARTS & CULTURE

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 THE F

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

film movie reel pexels daydream 20432081

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.

For excellent Flamenco, look to Sadler’s Wells

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Step into a world where tradition meets innovation, where old blends seamlessly with new to create something entirely original and electrifying. At Sadler’s Wells, the iconic Paco Peña, accompanied by his talented Paco Peña Dance Company, presents Solera – a captivating production that breathes new life into the timeless art of flamenco. As the evening unfolds, prepare to be mesmerised by a fusion of exceptional music, dance, and passion that transcends boundaries and embodies the essence of human emotions in all their raw beauty. The show opens with a symphony of everyday sounds that seamlessly transform into a vibrant celebration of the human spirit. Take away the traditional red Flamenco dress and imagine you’re in a studio with friends who are just chilling and decide to have a dance. They chat in-between sets, sip water, play on their phones – all normal every day stuff – that plays an insightful and very real backdrop to the magic unfolding in the foreground. From the rhythmic beats of percussionist Julio Alcocer to the exquisite melodies woven by guitars and voices, every moment is a testament to the skill and artistry of the performers. Directed with precision by Jude Kelly CBE, Solera masterfully transitions from the mundane to the magical, immersing the audience in a world of colour, light, and drama that is nothing short of spellbinding. In the second act, the stage comes alive with a spectacle of performance, accentuated by striking costumes and evocative lighting that elevate the talents of the company to new heights. Dancers… Read More

4 reasons to get excited for ‘Frontiers: Choreographers of Canada’s at Sadler’s Wells

11/04/2024

By James Banham

This exceptional triple bill showcases the extraordinary talents of three distinguished Canadian choreographers: Crystal Pite, Emma Portner, and James Kudelka, promising an unforgettable journey through the world of contemporary ballet.