Category: CITIES

Melbourne wine & cheese fest 2024

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Prepare your taste buds for a truly delectable experience as the Wine & Cheese Fest returns to Melbourne on Sunday, 3rd March 2024. Hosted at The Timber Yard, this event promises a delightful showcase of the finest dairy products and grape varieties, creating an unforgettable celebration for all attendees. An Epicurean Delight Embrace the 11th edition of the Wine & Cheese Fest, where approximately 50 artisan producers from Victoria and beyond will converge to curate a sensory paradise. With complimentary tastings, engaging masterclasses, and the opportunity to interact with each boutique producer, this event is a tribute to Australian businesses and the art of gastronomy. Culinary Showcases Step into a world of culinary exploration with renowned producers such as That’s Amore Cheese, BoatShed Cheese, Schulz Organic Dairy, Long Paddock Cheese & The Cheese School, L’Artisan Cheese, Urban Vineyard, Bellarine Estate Winery, Pizzini Wines, Clarnette Wines, and John Gehrig Wines. Additionally, a selection of eateries including Ummu Gozleme, Porcupine Eatery, Athens Traditional Souvlaki, and Cannoleria will be present, offering delicious dishes to savor between tastings. The Ultimate Experience Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply seeking to tantalize your taste buds, the Wine & Cheese Fest caters to all enthusiasts of fine cheese and wine. Attendees can partake in free masterclasses conducted by cheese producers and winemakers, gaining insights into production techniques, culinary tips, and the art of becoming a true aficionado. For those seeking an extra element of excitement, the Grape Stomp Competition awaits, offering participants the chance to win delightful prizes. Express your interest… Read More

Les Femmes new music in Sydney

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Prepare to be swept away by the magnetic allure of Les Femmes – an all-female musical ensemble comprising former ‘The Voice’ contestants, exuding sophistication, charm, and pure entertainment. This vibrant trio is not just a musical act; it’s an immersive experience paying tribute to the legendary male artists who have left an indelible mark on the world of music. Les Femmes will be gracing the stage at Cardea Bar in Sydney throughout February and March, promising an unforgettable evening of live music, delectable dining, and innovative cocktails. Get ready to indulge in an evening of revelry and musical magic while immersing yourself in the opulent, elegant, and old-world charm that Cardea is renowned for. Details:

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: fun, flirty and functional

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The most un-hallowed (but definitely most Hallmarked) day is almost upon us… Valentine’s Day! Wondering what to get your special someone and drawing blanks? We’ve got you covered! FUN GIFTS Aussie winemakers Doom Juice have teamed up with flower artists Acid Flwrs to create the mother of all fancy shiraz bottles, Acid Doom. Only 66 have been produced and this collectors item is only available until sold out for $99. Missed out? You can score their ~lovely~ bundle for the same price. Collect experiences not things and take your boo to the movies. Laneway Cinema in The Rocks is screening romcom hit 50 First Dates for FREE at 7pm on Feb 14th, and Mov’in Bed, Barangaroo’s first beach cinema, is hosting special Valentine’s Day romantic movie screenings all month, tickets are available from $12. You know what’s fun? Making pink gin cocktails, or just straight up enjoying a pink gin spritz on the balcony. We’re loving Malfy Gin Rosa. Make it yours for $74.99 (or less if you’re a Dan’s Member!) FLIRTY GIFTS Sassy cookies taste good mentally and in your mouth! Sweet Mickie do a range of cookies that ship Australia-wide featuring sweet, or sexy, messages starting from $34.95. This may not be a family friendly website but we can’t give you specific recs, to each their own and all that BUT Love Honey stocks a wide range of adult toys, gadgets and goodies to set the spicy mood. Games are really having a moment, so why not design your own or find an… Read More

Best roti in Sydney at Kafe Kooks

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Stepping into Kafe Kooks is like stepping into an electric embrace of Asian culture, right in the bustling heart of Ultimo, Sydney. This café, with its bold and eclectic charm, has done more than just capture the attention of food enthusiasts; it has redefined the café culture by spinning a traditional Asian staple – the humble Roti – into culinary gold. Since swinging open its doors in June 2021, Kafe Kooks has become the go-to destination for not just robust coffee or a mean cocktail, but a dining experience that’s both alluringly innovative and comfortably all-day. The magic lies in their Asian-inspired menu, a homage to the song “Kooks” by David Bowie, that celebrates the spirit of individuality and authenticity through every dish. Andrew Ray, the visionary owner and a renowned Roti aficionado, alongside the culinary finesse of Head Chef Victor Thapa and the deft hands of Roti Master Surish Rajandran, have conjured a breath-taking array of dishes where Roti is not a mere side player but the star. Picture this: a Roti Canai that perfectly pairs with chicken and potato curry gravy, the zesty kick of sambal sauce, and the hearty Sarang Burung – a nod to Penang’s vibrant street food scene. Or for the avant-garde palate, their trailblazing ‘Avocado Roti Coin’, a twist on the beloved classic that promises to intrigue and satisfy. Whether it’s falling for “The Curry Collection” with its voluptuous curries companioned by aromatic roti, or finding delight in a space that offers a warm welcome not just to you… Read More

Dog lovers’ festival coming to Brisbane

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Brace yourselves, Brisbane dog enthusiasts! After a six-year hiatus, the most anticipated event in the canine calendar is making an eagerly awaited comeback! Prepare to indulge in a weekend full of furry fun and excitement at the nation’s favourite Dog Lovers Festival, returning to Brisbane , 9-10 March 2024 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC). This two-day extravaganza promises to be an unforgettable affair crammed with K9-focused amusement, expert insights, and a plethora of pooch-related revelry. We’re not just talking about wagging tails; the festival line-up is nothing short of spectacular, with live performances by some of the nation’s most skilled dogs, illuminating talks by distinguished dog experts, and representation from an array of leading breed clubs and adoption groups. Sneak a cuddle in the pat-a-pooch zone, or treat your four-legged friend to the ultimate shopping spree with the latest doggy products and services. “South-East Queensland boasts a community with an incredible passion for dogs,” states Jason Humphris, the Festival Founder. With the rise in dog ownership, this event provides the perfect opportunity to welcome new dog owners and those contemplating the addition of a furry companion to their lives. The ADVANCETM Stage: Where Stars Are Born! Expect a star-studded line-up led by the charismatic Shelly Horton, keeping you entertained all weekend. Sit in on expert sessions from TV’s own Dr Claire Stevens, and learn tricks of the trade from the dynamic duo, Dr Katrina Warren & Kelly Gill. Instagram’s beloved dog-fluencers will also hit the stage, and don’t miss the adored cartoon… Read More

Reuben Kaye for one night only at Sydney Opera House

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Prepare yourselves for an evening of uproarious laughter and spectacular vocals as the dazzling Reuben Kaye graces the Joan Sutherland Theatre once more with “Opera Up Late” – an unparalleled fusion of opera and comedy that promises more than just a night at the theatre. Hailed as the diamond at the heart of last year’s WorldPride festival, this comical genius will captivate you on Friday, 1st March, for a one-night extravaganza that guarantees to annihilate the conventional boundaries of classical and cabaret. Picture the scene: the clock strikes 10:45 pm, and a murmur of anticipation ripples through the hallowed hallways of the Sydney Opera House. The stage ignites with a spectacle of colour and the air thrums with iconic operatic melodies, reborn with a refreshingly irreverent twist. With Reuben Kaye at the helm, this event draws together the creme de la creme of Australian talent, including operatic tenor Benjamin Rasheed and the effervescent Georgina Hopson, to name but a few. Reuben Kaye is an unparalleled mastery of satire, combined with a vocal prowess that defies expectation, crafts an experience that is at once breathtaking and wildly unorthodox. This is not your grandmother’s night at the opera. It’s an invitation to partake in something revolutionary, a chance to witness the extraordinary, a rendezvous with the sublime and the ridiculous. Those familiar with Kaye will recognise his inimitable style: vivid, audacious, and endlessly entertaining. “Carmen at eight years old was just the overture,” Kaye quips with signature flair. Prepare for the crescendo as he delivers what could… Read More

Adam Lambert headlining Sydney Mardi Gras

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As the countdown to the 2024 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras draws to a fervent pace, a seismic announcement has set the community abuzz: Grammy-nominated artist Adam Lambert is poised to headline the extravagance. This revelation has sent ripples of excitement through the vibrant center of Sydney, promising an event that will etch itself into the annals of LGBTQIA+ celebration. Adam Lambert, a vocal powerhouse whose career has continually intersected with activism and advocacy for the community, leads a constellation of over 150 artists announced for the Festival’s centerpiece events. The anticipation reaches a zenith with the potentials of the undisputedly magnetic international superstar taking the stage. Mardi Gras 2024 is engineered to surpass all former precedents, boasting a diverse array of talent that includes legends like CeCe Peniston, revered for anthems like “Finally,” and the captivating Slayyyter, set to deliver an Australian-exclusive performance at the Bondi Beach Party. Echoing Lambert’s unparalleled influence in the music industry, a plethora of adored Australian acts like Cub Sport and MAY-A will grace various stages, enveloping the Festival in an eclectic blanket of musical and performance artistry. With such a cornucopia of stars lined up, Sydney’s Mardi Gras stands as a beacon of not only inclusive celebration but also an exhibition of phenomenal talent and LGBTQIA+ excellence. This year contends to be a riveting display of culture and pride, where the Hordern Pavilion is to transform into a warehouse haven of contemporary and Chicago house vibes, thanks to the charisma of Adam Lambert and the likes of… Read More

Tips to not be a dickhead at the beach

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As the sun graces the Australian skyline, our pristine coasts beckon with their shimmering waves and golden sands. However, beneath the allure of our renowned beaches, a pressing concern emerges: the quintessential beach etiquette—or rather, the lack thereof. A groundbreaking survey by Preply has shed light on this issue, providing invaluable insight into the behaviours that are marring the experiences of many a beach-goer and, consequently, how these faux pas can be mitigated. The results are in, and Australians have spoken: 55% are irked by the presence of pets, 48% frown upon swimming outside designated zones, and 46% would rather not witness public displays of affection at the beach. Unsurprisingly, Bondi Beach garners the notoriety for less-than-commendable conduct, a sentiment echoingly closely followed by beautiful yet bustling beaches in Surfers Paradise and St Kilda. Yet, how do we navigate these choppy waters of beach manners? It’s simpler than you might think. Preply’s study suggests that ignoring undesirable behaviour is the go-to for 55%, whilst a forthright 24% opt for a polite reminder of the common courtesies. A mere 8% take to social media as their platform of choice for etiquette enforcement. Our beloved sandy stretches are not just for recreation but are ecosystems demanding respect. Feeding seagulls, littering, failing to adhere to safety norms—such as designated surf and swim zones—are all actions acclaimed for their absence. Cultivating an environment of respect and safety is the collective responsibility of all beach-goers, ensuring every trip to these terrestrial paradises is nothing short of spectacular. In the campaign… Read More

Play your own game of Traitors – and win

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Immerse yourself in The Traitors Card Game, where the line between ally and adversary is as thin as a card’s edge. Inspired by the cunning and suspenseful BBC TV show that has captivated the nation, this game ratchets the tension up a notch, bringing the mind-bending challenge of loyalty and deception right to your living room. It’s a battle of wits, a contest of character; can you outsmart and outmaneuver to secure the gold? Engage in the ultimate social strategy game where your role as a FAITHFUL or a TRAITOR is a tightrope walk over a pit of uncertainty. The FAITHFUL must weed out the treacherous TRAITORS in their midst to split the prize, while the TRAITORS plot in the shadows, aiming to grab the jackpot undetected. Trust is your currency, and betrayal? Merely a tool. Equipped with event cards brimming with potential calamities and abrupt turns of fate, no two games are the same. Suspense is your constant companion as you tread carefully, knowing that a single slip could lead to your downfall. Optional digital features amplify the experience, pulling you deeper into the murky world of trust and duplicity—a perfect centrepiece for gatherings of friends and family, young and old. Sharpen your skills in human psychology and strategy as trust hangs by a thread. With the stakes set high and hearts racing, the question isn’t just whether you can win, but if you can survive the betrayals that await. Be one of the cunning folks who engage with The Traitors Card Game—the gripping… Read More

Bottomless aperitivo at Don Fred Sydney

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Bid farewell to the days of endless eggs Benedicts and mimosas at brunch; it’s time to embrace the Italian flair of ‘Bottomless Aperitivo’ at Don Fred, nestled in the vivacious Newtown. This culinary delight has been a cornerstone of Italian culture for generations, and now Sydneysiders have the pleasure of indulging in this timeless tradition. Nothing captures the essence of Italian dining like the leisurely spread of exquisitely crafted courses, each designed to tantalize the palate, complemented by a cascade of curated spritzes. Priced with charm and accessibility in mind, at $49 per person, a three-course extravaganza awaits you at this newly unveiled Paninoteca Bar, serving adoring patrons from Friday to Sunday, noon till the stars claim the sky. But for those with a penchant for something truly spectacular, the ‘Bottomless Spritz’ offering beckons. Indulge in the zesty and spirited effervescence of an Aperol or Lemon Gin Spritz for an additional $65 per person—an accompaniment that transforms dining into a celebration.Don Fred’s menu is a symphony of culinary delights: start with a delicate capsicum carpaccio or the inventive garlic konjac with black rice, move on to a hearty polpetz on polenta, and conclude with a choice of a decadent chocolate mousse or a tropical coconut pannacotta. Please note, this elegant feast requires an online booking for a minimum duo of gourmands. Don Fred’s ‘Bottomless Aperitivo’ doesn’t just offer a meal; it offers an experience—a chance to seamlessly blend the enjoyment of splendid food and drink with the joy of conversation and camaraderie. Situated at 28… Read More