Category: CITIES

Weddings in Bimbadgen: Only done well at Palmer’s Lane in the Hunter Valley

Updated: 22/02/2019

If you’re looking for a unique venue in regional NSW for your next special event (but not too far out of Sydney), then look no further than the Hunter Valley. Just two hours north of Sydney, the Hunter is one of the largest river valleys on the NSW coast and boasts some of the best vineyards in the country. In the heart of the Hunter, you’ll find Pokolbin, which is home to Bimbadgen. Although this vineyard is nearly approaching its 50th birthday, Bimbadgen has added a new luxe venue to its impressive collection – Bimbadgen Palmers Lane – which is now available for all kinds of occasions, including weddings. Nestled between the property’s lake and picturesque vineyard, Palmers Lane can be transformed to suit all tastes, from a stunning outdoor dining configuration with moody, yet atmospheric festoon lighting overhead to a more intimate soiree inside the venue, which features beautiful high ceilings and exposed beams. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re indoors or outdoors, you’ll take pleasure in enjoying the spectacular Broken Back mountain range in the background as you take another sip of Bimbadgen’s award winning Sparkling Semillon. Sound okay, so far? All your catering needs will be attended to by the very professional in-house, award-winning Esca Bimbadgen restaurant team. Not only will you have the pleasure of enjoying beautiful, locally-sourced produce, but also world-class Bimbadgen wines. Cheers to that! For couples wanting to add an unforgettable experience to top off their wedding day, why not take a helicopter transfer to the venue, operated… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

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Battle of the drag queens: The Winery hosts a rumble for mental health

by James Banham

Posted: 22/02/2019

Elizabeth, who? The real Queens of Sydney are about to turn up, do battle and do some good while they’re at it at Surry Hills’ The Winery, who’re putting on a gay royal rumble to donate dollars to the Black Dog Institute, for mental health. It’s all a part of the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Queens Minnie Cooper and Hanna Conda will battle it out to Lady Gaga and Freddie Mercury; Charisma Belle and Sia Tequila duelling Tina Turner, Cher and Dolly Parton on Wednesday and Sia Tequila and Jaquie St Hyde channelling Madonna and Kylie Minogue on Thursday, before the ultimate Battle of the Legends on Friday 1 March. It’s a full line-up that will donate 25% of ticket sales to Black Dog Institute, a research institute that works to reduce the incidence of mental illness and the stigma attached to it. Tickets for The Mardi Gras Tribute Nights are $20 with an Absolut cocktail on arrival and will run from Tuesday 26 February to Friday 1 March from 5pm. Tickets can be purchased from The Winery’s website.

Category: CITIES, DRAG, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Black Dog Institute, Drag queen battle, gay sydney, mardi gras, sydney gay lesbian mardi gras, the f gay, the winery, Winery Sydney Mardi Gras

KING by Shaun Parker for Sydney Mardi Gras: A Review

by James Banham

Updated: 22/02/2019

Being a gay man in 2019 really is a revelation. In 30-or-so years, gay men and women have gone from the ostracised outcasts of abnormality, to something few people bat an eyelid to. But it’s the underlying tone of masculinity and what exactly that is, and the questioning of it, that has been the most rocking of qualities of the homosexual existence since it first came into common parlance in the mid 20th century. Fast forward to today, when we’re looking at KING, a dance production choreographed by Shaun Parker and musically backed by Ivo Dimchev and you have a culmination of the story of males that could only be done in collaboration with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival 2019. KING is a dance production of 10 male dancers and Dimchev himself, a Bulgarian choreographer, visual artist, singer-songwriter that explores Parker’s (choreographer) trademark highly physical choreography in an articulate interrogation of male power, control and group dynamic, expertly exposing the brutality of macho ritual and the human toll of toxic masculinity. In short: KING is the Queen of Mardi Gras in 2019 that is a visually striking, musically intoxicating and artistically rousing performance that makes you three things: proud to be gay, proud to be around gays and proud to be in an age where the concept of masculinity can be picked apart, dissected and danced away as a farce, open to artistic interpretation and playfulness, welcoming of all. And then, of course, there’s the striking vocals of Dimchev who’s obviously a… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, FEATURES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

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Changing your drinking habits: What’s Your Story?

by James Banham

Updated: 18/08/2021

Over the next two weeks, Melbourne will come alive with three artwork installations that highlight one thing: the drinking culture in Melbourne is taking a shift. But, is it for you? The City of Port Phillip, City of Stonnington and City of Melbourne are all coming together this summer to highlight a fundamental shift in the way Melbourne locals approach their drinks. They hit the streets and targeted people from the ages of 18 to 24 who enjoy pubs, visit clubs and are out ’til all hours, making the most of Melbourne’s renowned nightlife. What did they find? Three poignant quotes from hundreds of people they collected stories from that really shone a light on some promising shifts in the approach we might be seeing towards drinking and drinking culture. Hot tip: it’s a healthier one. Aptly titled What’s Your Story? – see it at @whatsyourstorymelb on Insta – it formed a new campaign by the three local governments that is about asking participants a series of questions relating to their nightlife experiences in Melbourne and relaying the three core approaches to drinking culture that exist now into interactive artwork around the city. It’s all a part of VicHealth’s Alcohol Culture Change Initiative which aims to change cultures of risky drinking in Victoria. “Music is all I need” was the first of three installations to make its way to Queensbridge Square (15 February), before the other two take an even rotation to give each message a natural moment in the spotlight. It’s reflective of a culmination of quotes… Read More

Category: CITIES, COLLABORATION, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

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German, hippy and traditional, Gowings Bar & Grill at QT Sydney has a new chef

by James Banham

Posted: 18/02/2019

The German, hippy and traditional elements aren’t in Michael Box’s genetic make-up, as much as they are in his new menu for Gowings Bar & Grill at QT Sydney. He’s the new chef there and giving things a healthy turnover with the new menu, due to be unveiled later in 2019. QT Hotels’ new executive chef Michael Box is welcomed to Sydney’s dining institution Gowings Bar & Grill because apparently he matches the high-energy service and dedication to local produce they’ve made themselves known for. Hes already been a around a bit since 2015 when he was executive sous chef in 2015 before joining QT Canberra’s award-winning Capitol Bar & Grill as executive chef. It was in this role he developed an unrivalled pedigree in championing a food first philosophy driven by local produce. Incremental changes to the lunch and dinner menu are already underway. He’s going to be reintroducing guest favourites including the “I Only Have A Minute” Steak and QT Canberra’s award-winning QT Rib Eye. In addition, returning to the in-room dining menu after popular demand is the infamous Not So Club, winner of the Gourmet Traveller Hotel Guide Awards Best Club Sandwich in 2016. Meanwhile, updates to the Gowings Bar & Grill breakfast menu cater to the needs of the CBD power breakfast crowd as well as guests looking for a lazy morning brunch. Going well beyond typical hotel buffet fare, the à la carte menu includes Buckwheat Strawberry Pancakes with lemon ricotta, the nutritious Brain-Food Bowl of turmeric rice, za’atar avocado… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

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Move over Tim Ho Wan, new restaurant Canton! Canton! is here

by James Banham

Updated: 18/02/2019

If, like most people, you thought Tim Ho Was was as gross an excuse for Chinese food as it was, then you’re about to have your day made. Canton! Canton! is taking over the old venues on Pitt and George Streets in Sydney on 18 February, bringing quality Cantonese eats to central Sydney. Inspired by the hustle and bustle of Canton’s vibrant markets, Canton! Canton! serves up home-style Cantonese dim sum and roast meats by executive chef Jackie Chan and his team of foodies. Jackie has spent the past 28 years perfecting the art of dim sum. It all comes off his experience as head dim sum chef at Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore before joining the Tim Ho Wan group in 2016. He’ll be working hard to transport guests to the capital of Guangdong and the epicentre of Cantonese culture through food. He’s drawn from the region’s rich tapestry of culture, history and tradition to form a menu that features the perfect blend of the traditional five Chinese flavours – sweet, sour, bitter, savory and salty. Check it out from 11am at Shop GD04, 580 George Street, Sydney or see more at the group’s website.

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

Tags: asian restaurants sydney, Best Chinese restaurants Sydney, Canton Canton Sydney, Cantonese food Sydney, Chinese food Sydney, food blog, sydney restaurants, THE F Asian food, THE F Chinese food, the f sydney, Tim ho Wan Sydney

Have brunch at the Beresford for Mardi Gras with Absolut

by James Banham

Updated: 18/02/2019

When the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras descends on Sydney, it means three things: more nudity, more drinking, less food, but better quality, at least. That’s why Absolut – who do those fabulous little gay bottles of vodka at this time of year – have again partnered with Sydney’s gay church Sunday session at the Beresford by Merivale, to put on a Mardi Gras brunch for the whole season. With brunch options for everyone (not just LGBTIQ people) on 17 and 24 February and 4 March, there’s enough of an excuse to get out and ‘be scene’, from 11-1 in February and 12-3 in March for the self titled “recovery brunch”. With standard brunch fare like eggs, bacon, hash roestis and such, it’s an all encompassing offering, but it’s the hero Absolut cocktails that really make it. Here’s the menu. Find the Beresford at 364 Bourke Street, Surry Hills.

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

Tags: absolut, beresford, Beresford Sydney, sydney gay lesbian mardi gras, sydney mardi gras, THE F Absolut, THE F Beresford, the f gay, ThE F Mardi Gras

Huge music at Fair Day for Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2019

by James Banham

Updated: 18/02/2019

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day is on in Sydney this month and comes complete with a stellar line-up for celebrators of all things gay and their friends. Over 80,000 people are expected to turn out to Victoria Park in Camperdown, showing in force the support for and positive energy around the acceptance, promotion and equality of LGBTIQ people and their family and friends. nd equality of LGBTIQ people and their family and friends. This year, presented in partnership with ANZ, Fair Day 2019 will shine a light on rising LGBTQI music stars that are reshaping the Australian contemporary music landscape and breaking new ground. Hosted by Faustina Agolley, you will discover a heady mix of queer trailblazers including soulful electronic pop duo and Eurovision contenders Electric Fields, genre-defying J Award winner Mojo Juju and breakout electronic tomboy-pop artist HANDSOME. Also taking the stage are Detroit-based alt-pop singer-songwriter Flint Eastwood, fierce R&B storyteller & producer Maribelle and Melbourne-based synth-pop duo The Marion Cranes plus super DJ duo stereogamous spinning tunes between sets. Complete with all the stallholders for all people from all walks of life, Fair Day is a celebration of life, living and sharing joy amongst everyone alike. The mid-morning program on the ANZ Main Stage will start from 10:30am and will feature performances from the NSW Police Band, Swing Out Sydney Dancers and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir. In the early afternoon you will be able to get a taste of some of the extraordinary queer performance, cabaret and… Read More

Category: CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Worth a visit: The Royal Opera House in London has been redone

by James Banham

Updated: 16/02/2019

Three years after the Royal Opera House in London was overhauled, it’s open and the result is exactly what you’d expect of the city’s finest arts and culture venue. It comes complete with all the bells ‘n’ whistles of the old opera house, just a lot nicer, newer and with a whole new feeling entirely its own. With inviting new entrances, extended foyers and terraces and a new café, bar and restaurant, together with an extensive programme of ticketed and free daytime events, the Royal Opera House is now open to the public every day from 10am. You’re welcome to wander in, check it out, have a coffee and take a tour, but for those die hards, there’s a full program of oeratic wonderment that is absolutely worth a ticket. See their full line-up here. The whole project was spurred on by the Linbury Theatre; a new space, which takes the spot as the West End’s newest and most intimate theatre. The new space will let The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera and other special artists all perform in the same space. Check out the Royal Opera in Covent Garden and the new space with any production at the Opera House any time. Have a look at their website.

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

Tags: Covent Garden Opera, opera, opera blog, Opera House, opera review, Royal Opera House, the f opera, THE F Opera blog

Woolwich Pier Hotel is local food done nicely

by James Banham

Posted: 15/02/2019

It’s comfy, cosy, made out of an older, renovated, more contemporary version of its former self and is popular with the locals; it’s the Woolwich Pier Hotel in Sydney’s inner west and it’s nice. It’s a colonial-era hotel from the outside with all the mod cons of what you want from somewhere to go and eat these days, inside. From long group tables downstairs, where there’s more of a pub-like feel, gaming included, to upstairs where there’s cosy nooks to hide away in, the Woolwich Hotel caters to it all. Complete with beer garden for the relaxed Sunday sessions on one hand and white tablecloths for those after something a little more refined, on the other, there’s no shortage of options catered for. If you glance off the top floor balcony in the Harbour Bridge direction, you see it, too, making the hotel a prime position for New Years’, parties and just general unwinding. See more about the Woolwich Pier Hotel at the website.

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

Tags: Sydney best pubs, sydney pubs, THE F Woolwich, Woolwich Pier Hotel

ARTS & CULTURE

Yayoi Kasuma makes more history at NGV Melbourne

22/11/2024

By James Banham

This summer, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne invites you to lose yourself in the extraordinary universe of Yayoi Kusama.

Why rush to see The Great Mughals at V&A: a celebration of opulence, art and culture

22/11/2024

By James Banham

Today, the Victoria and Albert Museum opens the doors to a landmark exhibition, The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence. For the first time in a major show, the monumental artistic achievements of the Mughal Empire’s ‘Golden Age’ (c. 1560–1660) take centre stage, showcasing the splendour, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange that defined one of the world’s greatest empires. The Glory of the Mughals The Mughal dynasty, rooted in Central Asia, was founded in 1526 by Babur, a Timurid prince who carved out an empire stretching from modern-day Afghanistan to the edges of southern India, and from Gujarat to the borders of present-day Bangladesh. At its zenith, the empire was known for its staggering wealth, progressive governance, and artistic innovation. Focused on the reigns of three of the dynasty’s most celebrated emperors—Akbar (r. 1556–1605), Jahangir (r. 1605–1627), and Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658)—the exhibition illuminates a period when the Mughal court transformed into a cultural powerhouse. These were the rulers who commissioned masterpieces like the Taj Mahal and fostered an artistic legacy that blended Persian, Indian, and European influences. Unveiling the Court’s Creative Mastery At the heart of the exhibition are over 200 objects, breathtaking in both their beauty and their historical value. Visitors can expect to marvel at exquisite paintings, intricately illustrated manuscripts, luxurious textiles, vibrantly hued carpets, and dazzling objects crafted from mother of pearl, jade, rock crystal, and precious metals. Many of these treasures have been hidden from public view for decades, making this a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the artistry of… Read More

A Golden Adventure awaits at the Australian Museum with new Machu Picchu Exhibition

21/11/2024

By Danielle Kirk

Sydney, prepare yourselves for a cultural gold rush. From November 23, the Australian Museum is rolling out its latest blockbuster, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru. This dazzling exhibition is your passport to ancient Peru, featuring 134 priceless treasures from the land of the Incas and 14,000 years of history. Think glittering jewels, royal tomb artefacts, and a VR journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s more than a history lesson—it’s a time machine with all the bells, whistles, and human sacrifice relics you could dream of. Following the success of the Ramses Exhibition at the Australian Museum (fun fact, it became the highest grossing exhibition in the State’s history, selling over 500,000 tickets!), Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is created in partnership with Peru’s Museo Larco, Museo de Sito Manuel Chavez Ballon, and Neon Global, taking you on a journey through five ancient Peruvian empires, spanning over 3,000 years of rich history. Parts of the collection have only been shown in four other cities around the world, in fact, some of the artefacts have never left Peru before, and now we’re lucky to set sights on them in Sydney. Expect to see the most opulent Andean gold collection to ever leave Peru, intricate ceremonial masks, and objects that whisper secrets of long-lost rituals. For the tech-savvy explorers, the Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor VR experience will transport you above the clouds for a bird’s-eye tour of the legendary citadel. Guided by the… Read More

NGV Architecture Commission 2024: Home Truth by Breathe

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In a bold reimagining of Australian home design, Home Truth by Breathe has been announced as the winner of the NGV Architecture Commission for 2024. This captivating installation takes the form of a labyrinthine house-within-a-house, challenging the notion of ever-expanding home sizes in Australia. At the heart of this design is a powerful message: rethink how we build to create more sustainable, higher-quality, and community-orientated living spaces. Home Truth invites visitors to step into a space that questions the ethical and ecological ramifications of the sprawling, oversized homes that have become prevalent across the nation. An external frame mirrors the silhouette of the average Australian home, which, at 236 square metres, ranks as the largest globally. Nestled within this silhouette is a serene timber structure, representing a smaller, more sustainable living footprint. This juxtaposition of scales is not just an architectural statement but a call to action. By contrasting these two structures, Home Truth shines a light on how smaller, more considered homes could help reduce suburban sprawl, mitigate environmental impacts, and enhance community wellbeing. It is a thought-provoking invitation for audiences to consider alternative, sustainable housing models that could lead to positive lifestyle changes. Visitors entering through the expansive garage door of the larger house find themselves navigating a maze of rooms and corridors, eventually arriving at the intimate timber retreat. This wooden haven offers a space for meditation and reflection, presenting a tangible vision of a more sustainable housing future. Constructed from framing pine and Saveboard, Home Truth uses materials emblematic of current… Read More

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Suna Fujita, LOEWE & Melbourne Art Fair to exhibit works

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In an exciting fusion of art and fashion, Melbourne Art Fair has announced a groundbreaking partnership with LOEWE, the esteemed luxury fashion brand renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship since 1846. This collaboration brings to life an exquisite preview of Jonathan Anderson’s renewed partnership with the Kyoto-based ceramist duo, Suna Fujita, marking a world-first exhibition in Australasia. The LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection made its debut with an intimate showcase at LOEWE’s Melbourne Collins Street store, offering an exclusive viewing experience of twenty whimsical ceramic pieces. These delicate works, celebrated for their intricate hand-painted scenes featuring ocean creatures and cosmic animals, seamlessly blend artistry with everyday function, transforming accessories and ready-to-wear items into enchanting works of art. Fair Director Melissa Loughnan expressed her enthusiasm for this creative union, stating, “This partnership is a reflection of Melbourne Art Fair and LOEWE’s shared commitment to supporting living artists and creatives, and an exciting precursor to the 18th edition of the Fair, which promises to be one of our most dynamic and anticipated showcases yet.” The collaboration not only highlights the playful essence of Suna Fujita’s ceramics but also underscores the vibrant art scene that Melbourne Art Fair champions. Launching today, the LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection is available both in stores and online at loewe.com, continuing until 29th December 2024. This artistic venture paves the way for the 18th edition of Melbourne Art Fair, set to take place from 20-23 February 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair will present a remarkable assembly of… Read More