Category: CITIES

Mardi Gras party at the parade on Hyde Park

Pullman Sydney Mardi Gras party

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Updated: 03/03/2024

Step inside the wonder of Sydney’s most vibrant prelude to the legendary festival—the PRE-GAME MARDI GRAS PARTY at Pullman Sydney Hyde Park is the place to kickstart your celebration in style. Unleash your spirit, UN-HYDE YOUR PRIDE, and revel in an evening where the world truly is your playground. They’re calling all fun-loving souls to level up your Mardi Gras experience; don’t just join the parade, lead it with flamboyance and panache! As the sun dips below the horizon on Saturday, 2nd March 2024, prepare for an extravaganza from 5pm to 9pm. Enjoy the luxury of first-class entertainment, free flowing drinks, delicious roaming bites, and the hottest DJs setting the mood for an evening brimming with good vibes. And remember, part of our allure is location, location, location—you’ve got front row access to the parade’s radiant beginning. The time to hesitate is over! Secure your ticket today with our FIRST RELEASE at $229—because why wait when you can ensure your spot at this spectacular gathering? Remember, prices ascend with each release, and you’ll want to be part of the most fabulous Mardi Gras party in Sydney. So dress to impress, rally your friends, and let’s make memories that will sparkle long past the last float has passed. Let’s make this Mardi Gras one for the history books together because when it comes to celebrating love and equality, we don’t just party, we soar. Book here

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, LGBTIQ, SYDNEY

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Kowloon Cafe Express opens in Chatswood, Sydney

Chinese Kowloon Cafe

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Updated: 04/02/2024

Chatswood has just welcomed its latest culinary gem, the renowned Kowloon Cafe Express, which opened its doors on the 12th of January, 2024. This marks the fourth establishment under the Kowloon Cafe umbrella, breathing life into Chatswood’s vibrant food scene with its unique Hong Kong-inspired ambience and cuisine. The grand opening of Kowloon Cafe Express is not merely the inauguration of another eatery; it symbolises an ongoing commitment to delivering an authentic slice of Hong Kong, artistically curated by Howin Chui and Howard Leei. The duo, known for their expertise in crafting niche Asian dining experiences, continue to weave cultural threads from their native Hong Kong into Sydney’s tapestry, encapsulating rich traditions with every dish served. “Howin’s vision to translate the spirit of Hong Kong into every element of his cafes – from melody to menu – has been once again realised with the opening of Chatswood’s Kowloon Cafe Express,” commented Darren Kong of Kong Studios, the architectural maestro behind the cafe’s design. Passersby can step off the bustling streets into a haven of nostalgia and new memories, perfect for fast-paced Sydneysiders who still covet the pleasure of dining. The cafe’s highlights include the Crispy Butter Pineapple Bun, the equally photogenic and palate-pleasing Hong Kong-style French Toast, and an array of beverages from traditional HK Style Condensed Milk Tea to the inventive Ribena with Vanilla Ice Cream. With Chui at the helm, Kowloon Cafe Express is set to become a cornerstone of culinary excellence in Chatswood, reinforcing the suburb’s status as a go-to destination for… Read More

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

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Don Fred Sydney is hosting bottomless

Millon rose wine

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Updated: 04/02/2024

Whilst the art of savoring a meal has been perfected by Italians for centuries, Sydneysiders are now invited to embrace this tradition of leisurely summer dining within Newtown’s lively streets. At Don Fred, a genuine Italian Paninoteca Bar has opened its doors on 28 King Street, presenting a luscious three-course set menu at just $49 per person. From noon to evening, every Friday through Sunday, treat yourself to this exquisite experience from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Elevate the occasion with our Bottomless Spritz option for an additional $65 per person, enjoying endless sips of aromatic Aperol or tangy Lemon Gin Spritz. These effervescent libations are the perfect complement to your elegant dining affair and spirited exchanges, adding a refreshing zest that encapsulates the essence of summer*. The crafted menu includes: Whether it’s to relax post-work, rendezvous with friends, or indulge in a pre-dinner aperitivo before delving into Sydney’s dynamic nightlife, Don Fred’s Bottomless Aperitivo embodies the epitome of summer evenings spent unwinding in style. Address: 28 King Street, Newtown, New South Wales, 2042, Sydney, Australia. Wednesday – Sunday, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

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

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Where to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Sydney

Valentines food meal dinner plate table wine

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Updated: 31/01/2024

Valentine’s Day is not just a day, it’s a celebration of love, a time when romance weaves itself into the tapestry of our daily lives with a touch more elegance and fervour. Allow us to be your culinary Cupid, guiding your taste buds on a love-infused journey through the most charming and delightful dining experiences our city has to offer. Whether it’s a candlelit dinner, a cosy bistro with ambient melodies, or a rooftop setting under the stars, our Valentine’s Day restaurant guide for Sydney is your gateway to creating unforgettable moments with your beloved. So, reserve your table, and let the magic unfold in a symphony of flavours and heartfelt conversations. NOMAD Sydney Indulge in a taste of the Mediterranean at NOMAD, set in a chic converted warehouse in Surry Hills. The share style set menus, inspired by travels through Spain, Morocco, and the Middle East, are sure to tantalise your taste buds, especially with a glass of champagne upon arrival. Book your experience here — $185pp Novotel Sydney Parramatta Spread the love with Novotel Sydney Parramatta’s Valentine’s Day Degustation Dinner at 350 Restaurant & Lounge. Featuring a 6-course degustation menu with mouth-watering flavours, Novotel Parramatta it promises a romantic, Australian fusion dining experience for you and your loved one. From tartare and succulent oysters, to snapper and ravioli, connect with your partner over some divine food this V-day.  Inclusions 6-course degustation menu for $95pp. Add matching wines $45pp. All from 6pm. Book the 6-Course degustation menu Fratelli Fresh Enjoy some flirtatious feasting at Fratelli Fresh with a… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FEATURES, SYDNEY

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Opera Australia & Pinchgut Opera do ‘Theodora in Concert’

Theodora okpera people books

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Posted: 26/01/2024

This February, the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House will be filled with the rich sounds of Handel’s ‘Theodora’, thanks to an unprecedented collaboration between two of Australia’s leading opera companies – Opera Australia and Pinchgut Opera. For the first time in their illustrious histories, these two giants of the opera scene have joined forces to present ‘Theodora in Concert’, marking the first Handel opera programmed by OA in the past decade. This thrilling collaboration gives audiences a rare chance to experience Handel’s captivating score, performed in English by some of Australia’s most renowned early music specialists. Pinchgut Opera, renowned for their renditions of seldom-performed 17th and 18th-century masterpieces, will be making their Sydney Opera House stage debut with this production. The artistic prowess of Erin Helyard, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Pinchgut Opera, along with acclaimed opera director Lindy Hume, promise a performance of exceptional quality. Australian soprano Samantha Clarke, fresh off a widely celebrated debut performance as Violetta in OA’s La Traviata, will be stepping into the titular role of Theodora. Clarke’s recent performance was lauded by the Sydney Morning Herald for her “fluid grace” and “thrilling force at climactic moments.” Adding to the star-studded lineup is American countertenor Christopher Lowrey, who will be making his OA debut as Didymus, a role he has performed to global acclaim. Joining him will be Helen Sherman, a Helpmann Award nominee, who will make her OA debut as Irene. Regular OA performers and audience favourites, Michael Petruccelli and David Greco, will play Septimius and… Read More

Category: SYDNEY, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, OPERA

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West Melbourne’s best food festival

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Posted: 26/01/2024

Get ready, foodies and music lovers! The much awaited, premier food and music festival in Melbourne’s West – Flavour Fest – is back and promises to be more scrumptious and entertaining than ever before. The festival will take centre stage on Saturday, 2 March, from 12pm to 9pm. A celebration of community, culture, and cuisine, this spectacular event is proudly presented by Melton City Council and Woodlea. It offers a delightful mix of mouth-watering bites from Victoria’s most popular food trucks, thrilling kids activities and a line-up of music artists that promise an electrifying performance that will have you dancing into the sunset. The main stage will come alive from 3pm onwards with sweet sounds from artists including the Pierce Brothers, Steph Strings, Kitschen Boy, Mitch Santiago, and D’Arcy Spiller. But before the music commences, the afternoon is dedicated to tantalising your taste buds. Savour the flavours from some of Melbourne’s best food trucks, including Big Boy BBQ, Hoy Pinoy, 400 Gradi, and many more. But it’s not only about the savoury delights. The ‘Sweet Life’ zone is specifically designed for the sweet-toothed, offering a variety of desserts from cakes to greek doughnuts and gelato. And for those over 18, a visit to Flavour Fest’s dedicated Beer Garden is a must. Here you’ll find local boutique brewers, wine distillers and artisan spirits from Melbourne’s West, including the likes of ReWine, Wonki, and The Prosecco Van. Flavour Fest is also a family-friendly event. The ‘Play Zone’ will feature a sustainability-focused immersive art experience by the Slow… Read More

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

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New modern Asian in South Yarra Melbourne

Bar Darling restaurant

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Updated: 26/01/2024

South Yarra is about to welcome a new culinary gem into its vibrant Toorak Road dining precinct. Token, a gastronomic venture by the esteemed Darling Group, is set to officially open its neon-lit, 150-seat dining space on the 23rd January 2024. Infusing the Japanese Izakaya concept with modern sophistication, Token is designed to navigate diners through a seamless culinary journey from day to evening. The venue itself personifies casual dining with a touch of decadence, featuring an open bar, a central kitchen, and a curated raw bar where sashimi and temaki are made on demand. “We’ve crafted a menu that entices a culturally curious audience with beautiful and fresh Japanese-inspired dishes,” remarks Chef Ashly Hicks, one of the creative minds behind Token’s meticulously curated menu. The restaurant has two focal points – the Liquid & Raw and the Charred & Flamed. While the former pays homage to nature’s light and fluid attributes with a cocktail bar and raw offerings, the latter explores darker, textured, and sensory facets, emanating from the open-fired kitchen. The venue features a custom-made Binchotan yakitori grill and a coal-fired oven, promising a visual spectacle for patrons. Token’s Head Chef Jun Sun, a Nobu and Ichi Ni Izakaya veteran, will bring these flame-kissed Asian fusion creations to life. Token’s menu is a celebration of umami flavours, from spicy delicacies to skewered and chargrilled delights. Standout dishes include Tempura Enoki Mushroom with Kombu Seasoning, Twice-Cooked Pork Belly Chashu Kushiyaki, and “Steak Frites” Wagyu with Japanese Pepper Sauce served alongside Token Fries. Token is… Read More

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

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Coconut smoothie bar in Sydney

coconut smoothie drink pexels taryn elliott 5993600

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Posted: 26/01/2024

A tropical revolution is brewing in the heart of Sydney. Coconature, the city’s first-ever coconut-based smoothie bar, is set to open its doors in Westfield Sydney, on February 2, 2024. This pioneering establishment marks a significant shift in Sydney’s beverage scene, introducing a unique concept centred around the versatile and nutritious coconut. Coconature responds to Sydney’s growing demand for healthier, natural alternatives with its range of coconut smoothies. Emphasising the natural potential of coconuts, these smoothies tantalise taste buds while offering health benefits. Coconature ensures transparency in its offerings, using natural sweeteners of the coconut, such as Coconut Water, instead of artificial sugars, appealing to those seeking flavorful yet wholesome dietary choices. A Menu Crafted with Care and Quality At the heart of Coconature’s offering is its signature product line, including the acclaimed Signature Coconut Smoothie, a blend of fresh coconut water, coconut flesh, frozen coconut cream, and ice. This smoothie epitomises the essence of Coconature – a commitment to simplicity, purity, and the natural goodness of coconuts. For those who enjoy a caffeine kick, the Coffee Coconut Smoothie, combining roasted coffee beans with coconut elements, is a unique and invigorating option. Catering to diverse dietary needs, Coconature proudly offers vegan and dairy-free alternatives. The Passionfruit Mango Coconut Smoothie is a testament to the bar’s creativity, blending the exotic flavours of passionfruit and mango with the creamy texture of coconut. The range also extends into innovative smoothie blends such as Biscoff Coconut Smoothie. Patrons can also personalise their drinks with an assortment of toppings, such… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

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Valentine’s Day at Stokehouse Melbourne

Lobster

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Posted: 26/01/2024

This Valentine’s Day, embark on a gastronomic journey that will leave you and your loved one with unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a fan of fresh, succulent seafood or you prefer a delightful Mediterranean feast, Stokehouse and Stokehouse Pasta & Bar at St Kilda have you covered. For just $200 per person, Stokehouse offers a four-course menu meticulously curated by Executive Chef Jason Staudt. Showcasing Australia’s finest seafood and seasonal produce, this menu features delectable delights such as a fig tart with oregano and buffalo curd, Yellowfin tuna bite with compressed melon and pickled rind, and Stokehouse’s iconic seafood platter. For those wanting to bring a touch of luxury to their dining experience, an additional whole Victorian Lobster is available, served with Ancho chilli butter, pickled biquinho chilli, steamed buns, and thick-cut chips for $190. Crafted for two, this show-stopping dish is perfect for those wanting to turn up the romance this Valentine’s Day. The options downstairs at Stokehouse Pasta & Bar are equally enticing. For $120 per person, enjoy a four-course Mediterranean feast and a welcome drink. Kick off your exquisite dining experience with a refreshing glass of King Valley Rosé Prosecco, followed by an array of antipasti including white anchovy and olive gilda’s and bresola with oregano may gnoccho frito. For mains, make your pick between dry aged club steak with salsa verde and garlic or locally sourced John Dory with peperonata. And to top it all off, Pastry Chef Ash Smith has concocted a heavenly Ferrero Rocher and red velvet cake parfait to… Read More

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

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Unforgettable Valentine’s Day events around Melbourne

Valentine's Day dinner

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Posted: 24/01/2024

Whoever you’re marking February 14th with this year, true romance is guaranteed across Chris Lucas’ eight Melbourne venues. From tableside flowers and fiery fun to summer strawberry pavlova and the finest champagne, wooing your loved one has never been easier. Just make the booking and leave the rest up to the team at Lucas Restaurants. Yakimono: Ignite the Flames of Love Yakimono is bringing the fire to Valentine’s Day with an exclusive flame-kissed Setto menu for $110pp, which includes a cheeky cocktail to kick things off. Expect a mix of classics and special additions to share against the backdrop of the neon-lit dining room. Think fresh, flavorful kingfish sashimi; umami negi chicken skewers; dynamite tuna hako with dragon’s fire sauce and much more. The sparks will be flying — and we don’t just mean from the kitchen. What’s more, Yakimono is teaming up with the flower maestros at Bush, transforming its downstairs foyer into a pop-up florist for one day only. Drop by from 10am to 7pm on 14 February to pick up some stunning seasonal blooms, including banksia stems from $25 a pop and lush bouquets from $85. Get in quick to reserve your February 14 booking now Society Dining Room: A Feast for All the Senses A spectacular setting for any romantic rendezvous, with exceptional Euro-accented fare to match, Society is the perfect choice for a truly memorable Valentine’s Day. Visit the esteemed Dining Room for an exclusive $245pp Chef’s Menu, set to include a very special edition of Society’s famed dessert trolley…. Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FEATURES, MELBOURNE

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