Category: CITIES

Free opera is coming to Melbourne with the Mazda Opera in the Bowl

Opera Sidney Myer Music Bowl

With ol’ faithfuls Natalie Aroyan, Sian Pendry, Virgilio Marino and Luke Gabbedy, Opera Australia about to knock Melbourne’s socks off with the annual Mazda Opera in the Bowl, coming this November. On 24 November, Australia’s premiere opera company will take over the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on the fringe of Melbourne’s CBD to fill the city skyline with some tracking tunes from the world’s most beloved productions. Classics from Carmen, Turandot – which is coming back this season – Tosca and The Barber of Seville, you can get in amongst the action for free from 4pm. Here’s the program for the night… BIZET Overture to Carmen ROSSINI ‘Largo al factotum’ from The Barber of Seville BIZET The Flower Song from Carmen SAINT-SAËNS ‘Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix’ from Samson and Delilah VERDI ‘Ritorna vincitor’ from Aida BIZET ‘Au fond du temple saint’ from The Pearlfishers Interval ROSSINI Overture to William Tell BIZET Seguidilla from Carmen BIZET The Toreador Song from Carmen PUCCINI Vissi d’arte’ from Tosca MASCAGNI ‘Intermezzo’ from Cavalleria Rusticana DELIBES ‘Dôme épais, le jasmin’ from Lakmé PUCCINI ‘Nessun dorma’ from Turandot See more info at the Opera Australia website.

Summer is getting cold with Opera Australia and the return of Turandot

Turandot

It’s been a few years since the Chinese princess locked away in her Pagoda tower graced the Sydney stage in Turandot, but she’s back again this summer, and bringing the chill. She’s known for her cold demeanour, ruthlessness and cunning nature – especially toward men – sure to add a bit of frost to Sydney’s revolting humidity right in the thick of the summer months. Opera Australia is bringing back Puccini’s principessa as part of the spring-summer season and it’s sure to be a hit. She’s lauded as one of the ultimate classics in the Opera Australia repertoire. This time around, the production will feature the director’s own famous choreography, sculptural stagecraft and larger than life costumes, this renowned staging of Turandot has transformed this already powerful drama into a spectacular piece of theatre. After stunning audiences with her role debut in Opera Australia’s 2018 digital production of Aida, American powerhouse soprano Amber Wagner makes her triumphant return to Sydney to take on the role of the brutal Turandot. Read more about the last time Opera Australia performed Turandot at the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour here. Turandot is on in Sydney from January 15-29, February 1-27 and March 1-27. Get tickets for the production from Opera Australia.

5 reasons you need to go to the Cake Bake & Sweets Show in Sydney and Melbourne

Upper East pancake

The Cake Bake & Sweets show is on in Sydney and if your sweet tooth commands most of what you do on any given day, then this is for you. The Cake Bake & Sweets Show is Australia’s largest event devoted to the world of baking, decorating and sugar craft and will be taking place in Sydney from the 23-25 and Melbourne from the 30 November to 2 December. 1. National & International chefs, pastry chefs & cake artists – This year’s event will see celebrity chefs from around the world coming together to share their tips and tricks during live theatre demonstrations through out the event. The star studded line-up includes; Eric Lanlard, Benny Rivera, Kirsten Tibballs, Katherine Sabbath, Adriano Zumbo, Anna Polyviou, Lorraine Pascale, Siba Mtongana, Miguel Maestra and many more. 2. Chocolate Master Classes – A chocolate lovers dream, these master classes will show visitors the tricks of the chocolate trade, covering everything from the perfect way to temper chocolate to creating Christmas themed choc figures. 3. Make & Take Cupcake classes – Perfect for cupcake lovers of all ages, these themed classes will let you create scrumptious sweet treats that you can take away, or if you’re anything like us, eat immediately. 4. A Selection of Sweet & Savoury Treats – Throughout the event visitors will be able to indulge in treats from businesses around the nation. With flamingo cookies, minion cake pops, toasted marshmallows made your way, apple pie flavoured fairy floss, prosecco, pizza and everything in between on floor, we’re all for the post show food coma. 5. Healthy Baking… Read More

How Chapel Street’s Mr Miyagi is smashing Melbourne Night Noodle Markets this year

Mr Miyagi

From 8-25 November, go to Birrarung Maar in Melbourne for the annual Melbourne Night Noodle Markets. They’re on again and serving-up all the good stuff from the likes of F&B legends Wonderbao, Black Star Pastry and Sash Japanese – and heaps more! We spoke to Mr Miyagi, the ramen joint on Chapel Street that made a fast name for itself, about what’s on for them this Market season… What do you think you bring to Good Food Month that is different to everyone else? A new surprise every year, we are constantly testing new menu items and this year’s offering is better than ever! How did you decide what will be your hero menu items this year?  We work throughout the year to come up with the most delicious dishes imaginable. This year’s offering has been tried and tested through our “50 step process”. This includes wet weather testing, plate stability tests, UV resistance and photographability tests. Our staff all have a different favourite, and that’s when you know the items are good! In three words, how’d you describe your flavour?  Japanese. Hot. Dog. What’s your favourite thing about food?  It brings people together, fun memories are always created over a meal. Awkward Tinder dates and family food fights wouldn’t be possible without food! Why Melbourne Good Food Month?  We love Melbourne, we love food and we love months. The Noodle Markets give us a great platform to share our love of these things with a huge group of people and get feedback to keep improving. See… Read More

5 reasons to get excited about Black Star Pastry at Melbourne Night Noodle Markets

Black Star Pastry 1

Black Star Pastry made their name well and the made it fast. Watermelon cake, anyone? They’re back again this year at the Melbourne Night Noodle Markets, on now at Birrarung Maar, and peeps are getting excited. They’re known for their delicate flavours, small portions and pretty presentation, but here’s what else is up with what they’ve got going on at this year’s session: What do you think you bring to Good Food Month that is different to everyone else? There are so many incredible culinary creations available during Good Food Month, but in terms of cake concepts, we’re bringing some unique slices to the stalls. This year we’ve brought our Strawberry Watermelon, Chocolate Lava, and Raspberry Lychee cakes to the Night Noodle Markets. Anyone with a sweet tooth needs to save room for at least one. How did you decide what will be your hero menu items this year? Our iconic Strawberry Watermelon Cake is said to be the world’s most Instagrammed cake, so it picks itself as the hero item. It only makes its way to Melbourne once a year and the queues are always long for this sweet sensation. You know it’s a good cake when a molten chocolate fondant with raspberry compote, caramelised popcorn and freeze-dried raspberries takes second billing. In three words, how’d you describe your flavour?  Strawberry. Watermelon. Perfection. What’s your favourite thing about food? Good food is one of life’s great pleasures, that’s why we’re in the business of making it. Look around the Night Noodle Markets, it’s full… Read More

Just Hype are the official sponsor of this year’s Harbourlife party in Sydney

Harbourlife

Day drinking just got a new name: Just Hype. They’re the youth fashion label who’ve been announced as this year’s sponsor of the renowned Harbourlife party, set to be bigger and better than ever before!   View this post on Instagram   Harbourlife 2018 is about to SELL OUT! Hit the link in our bio to snap? up last tickets. . . . . . #harbourlife #musicfestival #electronic #house #dance #sydney #sydneyharbour #party #friends #music #tickets #onsalenow #countdown #mk #greenvelvet #frankyrizardo #shibasan #rolandtings #elibrown #denaamy A post shared by Fuzzy Events (@fuzzyaustralia) on Oct 29, 2018 at 9:36pm PDT On 17 November, Sydney’s spectacular waterside party will smash the Harbour’s Fleet Steps alongside Mrs Macquaries Chair. Fleet Steps are likely the country’s ultimate dancefloor location and Harbourlife is lucky enough to have claimed it its own, playing host to a handpicked selection of international and local house music talent such as Green Velvet, MK and Shiba San. Why have Just Hype pulled out the stops this year and thrown themselves at Harbourlife? Easy. They’ve been the go-to brand for festival outfits since 2011. Starting out as a self- funded project in the UK, they gained exposure from winning a t-shirt design competition and have been in the fast-lane ever since. The streetwear brand made its way Down Under in 2018 and is now available in over 25 countries worldwide. Just Hype have even made a festival edit range for Harbourlife 2018. Check it out here.   View this post on Instagram   @cordell_mclean in our foil… Read More

5 things to know about Wonderbao at this Melbourne Night Noodle Markets

Wonderbao

The Melbourne Night Noodle Markets have kicked of at Birrarung Maar along the Yarra River and, just like every other year, are offering some incredible eats, open to the public. If last year wasn’t enough to get you going back again, then perhaps what went down at Sydney might be the ticket? Or, maybe just your love for carbs? In any case, with incredible restaurants lined-up like, Wonderbao, Sash Japanese, Mr Miyagi and Black Star Pastry, you know it’s gonna be good.   View this post on Instagram   Rain, Hail or Shine we’re still here ??#sydneynightnoodlemarkets #nightnoodlemarkets #wonderbao A post shared by WONDERBAO (@wonderbao_) on Oct 11, 2018 at 12:00am PDT We spoke to Wonderbao to get the inside story on what’s up with them this year… What do you think you bring to Good Food Month that is different to everyone else? Wonderbao aims to educate people and show them how good a dish so simple can taste. Wonderbao uses family recipes which have been perfected for decades and passed through three generations to show Melbourne what we are all about. How did you decide what would be your hero item this year? This year’s hero item is our Korean Fried Chicken. Fried chicken is a crowd favourite, a crispy but juicy piece of chicken complimenting the soft and fluffy bun is only everyone’s night market dream food. The slight hint of spice makes it all that much better and enjoyed by so many different people. In three words, how’d you describe your… Read More

Taste of Sydney Collective starts tonight – here’s what’s on

Lover food 3

There’s a new food session on in Sydney this year, Taste of Sydney Collective and it’s bringing together all the chefs, all the restaurants, putting on all the food and and has a veritable f%$&ing tonne of stuff on, so listen up. It’s on from 8-10 November at the Cutaway at Barangaroo and here’s what to expect: You’ll be plunged into a vibrant atmosphere, taste incredible dishes, and get to interact with food heroes making it an unparalleled culinary adventure. Every day, eight new restaurants will be featured, overall starring 32 restaurants where the chefs, music, atmosphere, fringe events and vibe – all inspired by culture, geography and style – will challenge the chefs’ creativity where they will be serving up unique dishes only available at Taste Collective. Thursday 8 November, 5.30pm – 10pm Tanqueray Terrace A chic New York-style bar designed to bring out the effortless glamour and bold crafted nature of our gin, complete with Tanqueray gin. For those looking to touch up their gin vernacular there will be gin cocktail masterclasses running throughout the festival inside the Tanqueray Terrace Bar. Johnnie Walker highball experience Join Johnnie Walker, the world’s no.1 Scotch whisky, in its Whisky Room at Taste of Sydney Collective and discover the incredible story, flavour, and art of blending. Create your own Johnnie Walker Highball with a selection of world-class mixers, bitters, and a garnish of your choice to amplify your favourite flavour found within our pioneering spirit. See what else is on Thursday, here.

Paris to Provence is back in Melbourne for the 10th year

Paris Provence Melbourne 3

This November, Melbourne’s annual three-day french festival Paris to Provence will transform the grounds of Como House and Gardens in South Yarra for the 10th year running. This year is anticipated to be the best yet, with over 75 French exhibitors (spanning food, wine, books, homewares, fashion, gifts), events and workshops running across the festival, highlights are set to include: Annual Doggy Franc’y Dress Party An immersive pop-up experience based on Megan Hess’s first children’s book ‘The World of Claris; the chicest Mouse in Paris’ Pop-up French cinema 30 food and wine stalls including L’Hotel Gitan, Entrecôte Escargot eating race Le Petit Goûter French High Tea: Kids French High Tea My French Kitchen demonstrations from Agathé Patisserie, Richmond Hill Café, Milk the Cow, Pierrick Boyer, and Le Pot de Moutarde. Dates: Friday, 30 November from 12:00pm–9:00pm Saturday, 1 December from 10:00am – 7:00pm Sunday, 2 December from 10.00am – 6:00pm

Beverly Centre in West Hollywood has just undergone a $500 million reno – and looks great!

Beverly Centre Hollywood 1

You know when you’re driving down la Cienega Boulevard in West Hollywood and the mammoth temple of retail that is the Beverly Center gets closer and closer, you’re kind of in awe at the size of the thing Well, prepare for more awe, because they’ve just poured USD$500 million into the thing to make it what may likely be one of the largest shopping centres in America. They’ve embarked on a $500 million re-imagination that will transform every aspect of the iconic fashion destination, made all the more impressive by the fact they’re letting everyone stay open to trade throughout the whole thing. Upon completion, shoppers and diners will feel its new personality through significant changes that include: Adding a continuous ribbon of new skylights that will bathe the entire centre’s elegant and contoured floor openings and curves in natural light. A shimmering new exterior that incorporates a perforated steel façade and will beautifully capture light during all parts of the day. A fresh new streetscape that combines modern architecture and drought-resistant greenery for a pleasant walking experience. A row of street-level restaurants that open the centre to the vibrancy of West Third Street and embrace a pedestrian-oriented environment. An additional valet off West Third Street to provide quick access to the street-level restaurants and retail. A state-of-the-art smart parking system to dramatically improve the centre’s arrival and departure experience. An eighth level multi-concept gourmet social house – THE STREET – by Chef Michael Mina. Spectacular panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills and downtown Los Angeles from THE STREET, as well as from… Read More