Category: CITIES

What’s new at The Rover Sydney

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In a move that promises to delight patrons old and new, Liquid and Larder has ushered in a wave of exhilarating updates to Surry Hills’ favoured local haunt, The Rover. Pivoting to better serve the community’s tastes, The Rover will now usher guests through both floors of its enticing space, from Monday to Saturday between 4pm-12am. The traditional separation of the vibrant cocktail bar downstairs and the seafood-centric restaurant above has dissolved, and instead one finds a cohesive venue offering both drinks and dishes on each level in a seamless experience of world-class cocktails and a reimagined bistro menu. The hospitality maestros behind established dining institutions such as Alfie’s, Bistecca, and The Gidley, have been the brain behind The Rover for over a decade. Although it has transformed from its original incarnation as The Wild Rover, the establishment retains its essential character—a testament to Liquid and Larder’s commitment to the ambience of a cherished and spirited neighbourhood spot. Owner James Brady expresses a heartfelt vision behind the venue’s refreshed approach, “The Rover has always served as a snug and vibrant backdrop for both casual and intimate gatherings, much like visiting a cherished friend’s home. By combining and expanding the food and drink offerings, we’re responding to our guests’ desires and readying ourselves to welcome more members from our community through our doors every evening.” Noteworthy among the myriad of enhancements is the Rover’s homage to beef lovers, the iconic Gidley burger, which will be made available outside of the CBD for the very first time,… Read More

Angelica Kauffman is at the Royal Academy of Art London

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In March 2024, the Royal Academy of Arts is set to unveil a remarkable tribute to Angelica Kauffman, one of the most distinguished artists of the 18th century and a founding member of the Academy itself. The exhibition aims to celebrate the rich tapestry of Kauffman’s life and works, guiding the visitor through the journey of her prolific career—from her early recognition as a child prodigy to becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after painters. Kauffman’s oeuvre is a testament to her versatility, with a portfolio that boasts history paintings, portraits, and her remarkable self-portraits. Each of the over 30 artworks on display, including many that have never graced the UK before, offers a glimpse into her journey across Europe and her ultimate rise to fame. These pieces collectively narrate a story of exceptional talent, determination, and how Kauffman carved out a space for herself in a predominantly male industry during the 18th century. As attendees navigate through the four distinct sections of the exhibit, they will encounter Kauffman’s self-portraits that artfully placed her identity under her own control—a bold statement for a woman of her time. The exhibition will also delve into her training in Rome, her celebrated arrival in London where she was “Angelicamad,” and her poignant works that often depicted female protagonists. Further exploring her relationship with the Royal Academy, the show will shed light on her influence amidst the gender constraints of her era, highlighted by Zoffany’s portrayal of Kauffman and Moser in “The Academicians of the Royal Academy.” By featuring her… Read More

Mister Bianco’s tomato festival in Melbourne

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As the vibrant shades of red start to dominate the pantries, Mister Bianco in Kew heats up its kitchen for a seasonal celebration that tantalises the taste buds: the Festa Del Pomodoro (Tomato Day). This joyous event is etched on Saturday 2nd March – a day to embrace the zest of fresh, ripe tomatoes in their prime. The excitement at Mister Bianco mounts as March heralds the time for Sugo making, a ritual cherished by the team for its traditional essence and the promise of mouth-watering Italian cuisine. Join us for a fabulously orchestrated dinner where the humble tomato takes center stage. With the ambiance enlivened by the aromas of Italy, our guests will not only indulge in a spectacular three-course home-style meal but will also partake in the artistry of Sugo making. A feast for the senses awaits, accompanied by our finely selected house wines. Our very own Chef Joe Vargetto, a maestro in the culinary world, is thrilled to offer more than just a dining experience. Armed with pots and passion, he is set to impart his closely guarded Sugo-making secrets through an engaging cooking demonstration. Attendees can look forward to an educational evening filled with anecdotes, techniques, and inspiration, directly from the expert’s kitchen to yours. Event Details: Menu: Shared Entree Shared Mains + Sides Dessert Bonus: Every guest leaves with a treasured bottle of Sugo, a memento of the event to be savoured at their own tables. Reservations for the Festa Del Pomodoro dinner event can be made at SevenRooms. Explore… Read More

Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour takes video to a new level

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As Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour transformed the Melbourne Cricket Ground into a sea of blinking lights and exhilarated faces, fans were not just savouring the musical experience; they were digitally encapsulating every moment in astonishing volumes of data. Telstra, an eagle-eyed observer of data trends, has crunched the numbers to reveal a narrative as compelling as the concert itself. Over three spellbinding nights, the Swiftie fandom, armed with their smartphones, ushered in a whopping 35 terabytes of data usage—equivalent to a staggering 15,500 hours of video. That’s enough time to stream the Eras Tour Concert Film on loop for about 1.7 years straight without a breather! In a startling comparison with her peers, Swift’s concerts saw fans consuming almost double the data, marking The Eras Tour at the MCG as a digitally colossal affair. The concert’s digital footprint emanated patterns of its own. Before the star graced the stage, there was a surge in phone usage, but as soon as the opening notes reverberated through the stadium, the Swiftie smartphones dimmed in unison, only to re-emerge with vigour, capturing every beat and ballad. The end of the 1989 set was a particularly undistracted affair, with the mystery of ‘surprise songs’ keeping the devices pocketed and eyes fixated on the stage. An infrastructure ballet was Telstra’s response to the Sydney legions of Taylor fans. A strategic deployment of a Cell-on-Wheels was reminiscent of widening a highway; it promised a bandwidth boon designed to uphold the weight of thousands of streaming, sharing fans. Alongside, Sydney’s Accor Stadium… Read More

2 new markets in Sydney

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Get ready to ring in the Easter festivities with two spectacular markets presented by Cambridge Markets, set to paint the town with vibrant energy and delightful offerings. As we gear up for the joyful season, mark your calendars and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through a world of creativity, delectable cuisines, and boundless community spirit. A Tale of Two Markets The much-anticipated Cronulla Easter Market is all set to make a triumphant return at the picturesque Don Lucas Reserve, Wanda Beach, Cronulla, on Saturday and Sunday, March 16-17, from 10am to 4pm. Meanwhile, The Ultimate Easter Market EQ is gearing up to captivate visitors at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, on Easter Sunday, March 31, from 10am to 4pm. Delightful Offerings Await! Step into a world where over 150 stallholders will converge from across Sydney, offering a diverse array of fashion, homewares, gifts, art, craft, plants, toys, and much more. Embrace the fusion of global flavors as both markets present a tantalizing smorgasbord of world cuisines, ranging from Thai to Turkish, promising an epicurean experience like no other. Unveiling the Magic Madelienne Anderson, the director of Cambridge Markets, expresses her excitement for these upcoming events, “We at Cambridge Markets love a good Easter market. It’s a great time of year for markets as the weather is fabulous and people enjoy this relaxed period when they get to take a breather from the fast pace of the new year.” She adds, “Both these markets will have their own flavor, and bring a bit of… Read More

Stokehouse’s new dessert for sweet-tooths

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Calling all dessert lovers and sweet tooths of Melbourne, this one’s specially crafted for you. As part of the highly-anticipated 2024 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival program, Stokehouse will host a unique, one-night-only event that promises to redefine the art of desserts and leave a lasting impression on every guest’s palate. On Monday, 18th March, Stokehouse Group Pastry Chef Ash Smith, renowned for his culinary expertise at establishments like Aria, Rockpool Grill & Bar, and Spice Temple, will join forces with his longtime friend Eddie Stewart of Tokyo Lamington to curate an exquisite five-course dessert degustation. Priced at $148 per person, this exceptional collaboration aims to celebrate the nostalgic pastry trends of the past while infusing a contemporary twist that captivates the senses. The ‘Desserted’ experience is designed to challenge perceptions and elevate desserts from mere meal finales to the main event itself. Guests can anticipate a journey through the entire dessert spectrum, commencing with a savory-leaning first course and culminating in classic sweet treats, each presented with a delightful twist that showcases the chefs’ innovative prowess. As the sun sets over the St Kilda beachfront, attendees will savor a welcome drink upon arrival before indulging in this symphony of sweetness that pays homage to cherished memories and culinary traditions. Event Details: The ‘Desserted’ dinner promises an evening of temptation that seamlessly blends innovation and tradition, accentuated by the breathtaking backdrop of the picturesque St Kilda beachfront. Stokehouse and Tokyo Lamington extend a warm invitation to all dessert enthusiasts and food connoisseurs, inviting them to… Read More

Join a run club for your resolutions

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Sydney’s fervor for running has reached new heights, captivating the hearts of both fitness enthusiasts and social butterflies alike. Whether you’re a greenhorn in the running world or a celebrated Strava Local Legend, the vibrant run clubs at Barangaroo, The Rocks, and Darling Harbour offer an exhilarating blend of outdoor enjoyment, adrenaline-pumping workouts, and the potential to forge new connections. 1. The Run Club – Darling Harbour Kickstart your Monday with the Darling Harbour run club, led by an amiable and seasoned trainer. Dive into a sequence of drills and exercises meticulously designed to enhance your running technique and cardiovascular fitness. Whether you relish short-distance running or seek an invigorating challenge, the club caters to all preferences, offering a diverse array of faster and shorter runs spanning 200m to 600m, with the routes changing weekly. 2. The Run Club – The Rocks Embrace The Rocks’ allure while kickstarting your day with The Run Club. Perfect for individuals of all skill levels, this club serves as an ideal prelude to a bustling workday. In collaboration with Active Live, seasoned trainers curate invigorating workout sessions guaranteed to leave you perspiring and reveling in the rush of endorphins. 3. The Run Club – Barangaroo Conclude your workweek with Barangaroo’s freshly minted Run Club, promising an uplifting start to your day. Embark on a warm-up jog to a distinctive training spot within the picturesque surroundings of Barangaroo. Here, your affable and proficient trainer will lead you through a series of exercises and drills aimed at elevating your heart rate… Read More

Pleasure Club Sydney: unexpected awaits

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The anticipation is over as Odd Culture Group’s Pleasure Club officially opens its doors, inviting adventurous souls to experience an unparalleled blend of entertainment and creativity. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Newtown, Pleasure Club promises an electrifying atmosphere where the unexpected is just the beginning. Unveiling a World of Free Entertainment and Artistic Ingenuity Odd Culture Group proudly champions free entertainment that is accessible to all while also fostering a deep connection with the independent artist community. With a commitment to nurturing the careers of local creatives, Pleasure Club will feature monthly lineup announcements through its social channels, showcasing a diverse range of talent. However, what sets this venue apart are the clandestine shows and surprise unveilings of rare and special performances carefully woven into the programming. Embracing the Profound Impact of Art and Experience In a statement, Zavadszky expressed, “I think everyone is realizing how important the arts are in our lives, and that experiences are more valuable than conventional transactions of product. They engage with our senses in ways which are more profound and introducing this diversified offering as a kind of ‘new norm’ is really leveling up the industry for the better.” Pleasure Club aims to be a refuge at any hour of the night, where impeccable drinks, knowledgeable staff, and a comforting ambiance ensure a sense of security. As the curtains part, guests are transported into an unpredictable realm of entertainment, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience with each visit. Opening Weekend Line-Up: A Glimpse into the Spectacular Friday 23rd Feb Saturday… Read More

Herb and Chilli food festival in Victoria

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The Herb and Chilli Festival is set to mark its 12th annual celebration on March 16 & 17, 2024, promising a weekend filled with sizzling experiences, live music and entertainment. The event will take place at the scenic grounds in Wandin, Yarra Valley, offering an array of sweat-inducing products, competitions, and live cooking demonstrations. A Spice Lover’s Paradise Founded in 2012 by Clive and Di Larkman, owners of Romantic Nursery, this festival serves as a dynamic platform for both indulgence and education, showcasing Australia’s finest herb and chilli products. The couple’s dedication to sharing their passion with others has made this event a must-visit for spice enthusiasts. Clive Larkman expressed, “Our event is about bringing people together who have a love for flavour and spice. It introduces people to the world of herbs and chillies; not just in their food but also in drinks, general health, and the many cultures for which they are basic parts of life.” New Flavors and Experiences The 2024 festival brings a host of new food vendors, enticing festival-goers to explore unfamiliar flavor combinations and venture out of their comfort zones. With close to 100 businesses within the herb and chilli realm participating, attendees can revel in unique offerings and sample the enticing world of spice-infused consumables. Hot Sauce Alley returns this year, expanding from 8 to 11 vendors, each unveiling at least one new hot sauce product in 2024. Additionally, several new stalls will be experimenting with previously unseen flavor combinations for attendees to try and buy. Culinary Delights… Read More

Johnny’s Green Room for Margarita Day

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Melbourne’s iconic rooftop bar, Johnny’s Green Room, has undergone a stunning transformation, capturing the essence of Tuscan-inspired elegance with a fresh new look. To mark this occasion and celebrate World Margarita Day, they are introducing an exclusive lineup of four exquisite margaritas that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your rooftop experience. Indulge in Margarita Delights From Thursday 22nd to Sunday 25th February, Johnny’s Green Room will feature an enticing selection of margaritas, each crafted to perfection to suit various flavor preferences. Whether you crave something zesty, spicy, salty, or refreshingly sweet, there’s a margarita tailored to satisfy every palate. The Margaritas: Unwind with Friends and Flavors In addition to these exclusive margaritas, Johnny’s Green Room will continue to offer its delightful array of food and drinks, ensuring that you can pair your margarita experience with delectable options from their regular menu. Why not gather your friends and make a night of it? Pair your chosen margarita with a Margherita pizza and relish an evening of unparalleled enjoyment amidst Melbourne’s vibrant skyline. If you’re looking for the perfect way to partake in World Margarita Day and elevate your ‘Things To Do’ guides this week, consider featuring Johnny’s Green Room and their limited-time margarita extravaganza. It’s an opportunity to embrace the spirit of celebration and savor the artistry of mixology against the backdrop of Melbourne’s captivating cityscape. For further details or imagery, feel free to reach out. Let’s toast to the world’s beloved beverage and the joy of shared experiences! Note: The mentioned information was… Read More