Category: CITIES

A digital journey through the National Gallery’s rich history

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As we delve into the heart of the National Gallery’s captivating legacy, a treasure trove of stories and experiences awaits, unveiling the profound impact of art on lives and communities. The gallery’s illustrious history is woven with tales of generosity, evolution, and the remarkable individuals who have contributed to its timeless allure. A Legacy of Artistic Influence Life surrounded by art clearly had an impact on several young children of the National Gallery’s founding figures – two of whom later exhibited at the prestigious Royal Academy as esteemed artists, testament to the profound influence of artistic immersion from a young age. Threads of Generosity and Growth Numerous narratives within NG Stories spotlight groups instrumental in nurturing the collection’s growth. The 113 subscribers who united to purchase Constable’s iconic “The Cornfield” in 1837, grounding a legacy that resonates to this day. Additionally, reflections on pivotal campaigns to preserve masterpieces by Titian for the nation in 1972, 2008, and 2012 underscore the enduring impact of collective generosity, shaping the collection’s remarkable scope. Evolution of Roles and Significance NG Stories delves into the evolution of pivotal roles at the Gallery, encompassing scientific, learning, framing, and art handling aspects, each intricately woven into the fabric of the Gallery’s mission. This exploration illuminates the vital significance of these roles in the day-to-day care of the collection, enriching our understanding of the meticulous curation and preservation efforts that safeguard the Gallery’s cultural treasures. Embracing Digital Enrichment Lawrence Chiles, Head of Digital at the National Gallery, expresses a resolute commitment to leveraging… Read More

It’s National Noodle Month at Sydney Place

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As we embrace National Noodle Month, the spotlight is on Sydney’s culinary landscape, particularly its bustling dining precinct, Sydney Place. If you’re on the hunt for a tantalizing noodle experience, look no further! Here’s a curated selection of venues that promise to elevate your noodle indulgence to new heights. 1. Yasaka Ramen, Sydney Place Established in 2014, Yasaka Ramen stands as one of the pioneering establishments in Sydney’s ramen scene. Renowned for its signature Tonkotsu broth, meticulously crafted from pork bones and water, this luscious broth has garnered a dedicated following over the years. The two-step cooking process ensures an intricately developed flavor profile, offering a delightful symphony of taste. Fresh noodles, crafted daily on-site, along with a rotating menu of innovative dishes, make Yasaka Ramen a haven for aficionados seeking an endless journey of ramen appreciation. 2. BoBo Dumpling Bar, Sydney Place A delightful offshoot of Cantonese eatery Tao, BoBo Dumpling Bar celebrates the art of dumplings and more. Embracing age-old recipes with a contemporary twist, BoBo presents a playful take on beloved classics. From delectable dumplings and dim sum to sizzling hot pan dishes and stir-fried noodles, each offering boasts a fusion of traditional flavors and modern flair. Whether it’s the Fried Chicken Gyoza, King Prawn Pot Stickers, or the aromatic Roasted Duck, BoBo Dumpling Bar promises a delightful exploration of Cantonese cuisine. 3. Malay Chinese Noodle Bar, Sydney Place Step into the world of authentic Malay culinary mastery at Malay Chinese Noodle Bar, where the aroma of carefully crafted laksa varieties fills… Read More

Pidapipo’s creations for Melbourne Food & Wine Festival 2024

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As we step into the month of March, the excitement around the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (MFWF) continues to soar, and there’s no shortage of remarkable events to captivate your taste buds. If you’re looking to add a dash of thrill to your MFWF experience, the Pidapipo collaboration promises a fusion of savoury and sweet flavors that will leave you craving for more! A Delectable Fusion: Salty Sweet Pidapipo, known for its innovative and delectable gelato creations, has joined forces with expert chef and restaurateur Dan Hong to introduce “Salty Sweet” as a captivating addition to this year’s MFWF lineup. This extraordinary collaboration brings together the expertise of Pidapipo and the culinary ingenuity of Dan Hong to offer an unprecedented culinary journey. Gelato Creations Beyond Imagination From the 16th of March throughout the festival, indulge in three unique and specially crafted gelato flavors exclusively available at Pidapipo stores. The one-of-a-kind creations include: Unforgettable Launch Party March 16th marks the much-anticipated launch day, where the Fitzroy Laboratorio will host an unforgettable party featuring Asian-inspired sweet and savoury treats with a Pidapipo twist, meticulously curated and tested by Dan Hong himself, alongside Pidapipo’s co-founder Lisa Valmorbida. Exclusive event-only dishes at this celebration include: This one-of-a-kind collaboration promises an unmatched culinary experience, blending the artistry of gelato with the culinary brilliance of Dan Hong, ensuring an unforgettable journey of flavors and creativity. For those seeking an adventure for the senses, the Salty Sweet collaboration is a must-visit, offering an exclusive opportunity to savor the unexpected and celebrate… Read More

South Melbourne restaurant Lucia does it well

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From the team behind suburban gems Riserva, Baia Di Vino, and San Lorenzo comes a new dining destination in Melbourne’s inner south. Lucia, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar located at the base of Eleven Eastern Road, South Melbourne, promises to redefine the traditional European dining experience. Co-owners Frank Ciorciari and Anthony Silvestre have set out to bring the same much-loved style of warm, old-school hospitality as their other venues, to the local area. Elevated Design and Ambiance Brought to life by Melbourne architecture practice Rothelowman and Melbourne/New York-based branding studio Blurr Bureau, Lucia draws inspiration from European heritage and the Renaissance period. The light-filled dining room is exquisitely designed, featuring earthy tones of maroon and moss green, floor-to-ceiling windows, banquette seating, marble tops with brass detailing, and mood-lighting, all contributing to an ambiance that accentuates the space’s European feel. The Culinary Experience Lucia follows the same ethos of the owner’s other venues through simple, well-executed food complemented by an iconic wine list. Head Chef Jordan Clavaron, who honed his skills under his father, a Michelin Star chef, curates a masterfully simple Mediterranean menu, characterized by signature recipes with seasonality at its core. The menu draws inspiration from Clavaron’s travels around France, Italy, and Spain, offering a seamless transition from day to night with share plates, mains, and larger share plates, all crafted with a Mediterranean flare. An Unparalleled Wine Selection Heading the expansive 400-bottle list is Head Sommelier Simone Garro, aiming to delight diners with some of the world’s most iconic wines, designed to… Read More

Asian degustation for Good Friday at Cocobei

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Cocobei, the quintessential Melbourne-style cafe nestled in Docklands, is poised to elevate your Good Friday experience with an exclusive Good Friday Degustation event. Renowned for its commitment to delivering exceptional culinary delights, Cocobei, with over two decades of industry expertise, invites guests to savor a 4-course seafood feast in a degustation style to celebrate the Easter weekend. Embracing the essence of Melbourne’s vibrant culture, Cocobei seamlessly blends Australian, French, Mediterranean, and Asian fusion brunch options to create an adventurous degustation full of flavor, promising to provide an unforgettable Good Friday. Drawing from his Chinese heritage, Martin Sun, Head Chef of Cocobei, incorporates traditional cooking techniques and aromatic spices commonly found in Chinese cuisine, infusing dishes with unique Chinese elements such as dehydration and broth-making techniques to enhance flavor. Sun also draws inspiration from Italian cooking techniques such as osmosis, and French innovations such as the sous vide, consommé, and crème practices. The degustation begins with a Gazpacho with Almond Cracker, Avocado Crème, and Torched Prosciutto, the perfect cleanser, with a hit of salt to prepare the palette for the remaining courses. The second course unveils a succulent Confit Salmon adorned with Watermelon Jerky infused with smoked oils and an aromatic blend of herbs. This advanced culinary practice, characterized by a meticulous 15-hour baking process and an additional 15 hours in the dehydrator, unveils a distinct and unparalleled flavor experience—a groundbreaking approach to culinary experiences. Elevating this creation further, it is complemented by the delicate addition of passionfruit vinegar and the vibrant burst of finger lime,… Read More

New bar in Sydney: INNA Lounge

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Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s bustling CBD, INNA Lounge emerges as a beacon of luxury and nostalgia within the historic walls of The Republic Hotel. This latest addition to Sydney’s nightlife is not just a bar; it’s a cultural revitalisation of one of the city’s iconic landmarks. With the promise of combining unapologetic sophistication and a wink to the past, INNA Lounge invites patrons to indulge in an experience unlike any other. Stage One of an Ambitious Renovation INNA Lounge marks the beginning of an ambitious facelift for the beloved Republic Hotel. A multi-million dollar renovation aims to breathe new life into this four-story building, preserving its rich heritage while infusing it with a fresh, contemporary edge. The transformation of INNA Lounge sets the tone for what’s to come, offering a glimpse into a future where history and modernity coalesce seamlessly. A Cocktail List That Nostalgically Innovates At the heart of INNA Lounge’s charm is its inventive cocktail menu. Spearheaded by Rusty (James Russell), the Virtical Group Beverage Manager, the menu draws inspiration from the vibrant art deco era of the 1930s and post-World War I innovation. Featuring reimagined classics that spotlight iconic Australian ingredients, such as Milo and Arnott’s biscuits, each cocktail tells a story. The ‘Biscuit Tin’, a peach cobbler homage to Arnott’s, and the ‘Mayne Meal’, a marriage between Milo and the Espresso Martini, are just a taste of the creative flair INNA offers. Culinary Creations to Complement Your Cocktail Complementing the sophisticated drink selection, Chef Derek Bell curates a series… Read More

Tickets available for Chicago in Sydney

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Due to an unprecedented demand, CHICAGO, the musical described by The Times (UK) as “The sharpest, slickest show on the block”, has announced additional performances. Fans will be delighted to hear that tickets for shows up until 21 July are now on pre-sale, with general public sales commencing on Friday, 22 March. This comes as a result of the show’s immense success and stellar reviews in Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane, where it sold out and garnered five-star accolades from critics and audiences alike. The spectacular production is set to dazzle Sydney at the Capitol Theatre starting from 9 June. Australia’s distinguished theatre producer, John Frost for Crossroads Live, has curated a remarkable cast for this season of CHICAGO. The lineup includes Anthony Warlow, who brings to life the suave lawyer Billy Flynn, with Zoë Ventoura as the formidable Velma Kelly and Lucy Maunder as the ambitious Roxie Hart. The cast also features the comedic genius Peter Rowsthorn as Amos and the talented Asabi Goodman as the prison warden Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, alongside a vibrant ensemble that accelerates the show’s energy and style. Set in the roaring 1920s, CHICAGO offers a tantalizing tale of Roxie Hart, a nightclub dancer who turns a crime of passion into a frenzy of media sensationalism with the help of Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer, Billy Flynn. The musical not only entertains but mirrors the scandal and the intrigue of the jazz age with its spectacular choreography, unforgettable songs, and gripping storyline. The 1996 Broadway revival of the show, choreographed by Ann… Read More

How to appear in Opera Australia’s “West Side Story”

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Ever dreamed of lighting up the stage in one of the most iconic musicals of all time? Well, pack your dancing shoes and prepare for an exhilarating experience because Opera Australia is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that’s bound to get your heart racing. For the first time in musical theatre history down under, fans of the legendary “West Side Story” can purchase a unique walk-on role, taking their place in the spotlight on the breathtaking Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage. Imagine the applause, the lights, the energy – and you, right there in the heart of it all! This isn’t just any role. Each night, during the up-coming season, one lucky individual will join the talented cast on-stage for the electrifying ‘Dance at the Gym’ scene. It’s a chance to not just watch the drama unfold but to be an integral part of it, to move to the rhythms of Leonard Bernstein’s timeless score amidst the backdrop of Sydney’s shimmering skyline. But wait, there’s more to this star treatment than just the performance. The walk-on role comes with perks that would make even the most seasoned actors envious. From professional hair and makeup, a custom costume fitting, to a rehearsal with the Assistant Director to perfect your moments in the spotlight. Before the show, you’ll meet and greet the ensemble, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. And because such nights are best shared, the experience includes four Premium Reserve tickets, allowing you to bring your own cheering squad. Your evening of glamour doesn’t… Read More

‘WHAT A FEELING’ World Premiere at BFI FLARE

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The World Premiere of WHAT A FEELING by Kat Rohrer is set to debut at the BFI Flare, London’s LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, on March 15, 2024. WHAT A FEELING marks Kat Rohrer’s first entry into fiction features, weaving a tale of love across cultural divides and societal expectations. This romantic comedy shines a spotlight on two middle-aged women, Marie Theres (Caroline Peters) and Fa (Proschat Madani), who boldly step out of societal margins to claim their space in a world ripe with possibilities. Supported by the Austrian Film Institute, the film boasts a stellar cast including Nicole Ansari-Cox, Barbara Spitz, Anton Noori, Gohar Nurbachsch, Allegra Tinnefeld, Heikko Deutschmann, Rafael Haider, Petra Morzé, Joseph Lorenz, Ines Kratzmueller, Adriane Gradziel, and many others. The storyline captivates from the start, with Marie Theres, a dedicated doctor gearing up for her 20th wedding anniversary, only to have her world turned upside down by her husband Alexander’s (Heikko Deutschmann) confession, leading to a fateful encounter with Fa at Bigi’s (Barbara Spitz) queer bar. Fa, with her carefree, spontaneous nature and openness about her love life, is starkly different from the more reserved Marie Theres. Despite the initial mismatch, an unexpected and complicated romance blossoms between them. Their story is a testament to the unpredictable, often winding paths love takes, reminding us that finding one’s place and person in the world can defy norms and expectations. WHAT A FEELING is set to be released in theaters across Austria on April 19, 2024, promising audiences a heartwarming, thought-provoking film that celebrates love… Read More

Yakimono’s night of sake appreciation

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Get ready for an extraordinary evening as Yakimono proudly presents the return of the much-anticipated Sake-Mono event! After the overwhelming success of last year’s sell-out extravaganza, we’re thrilled to announce that this exclusive experience is back – for one night only! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 9th, as Yakimono teams up once again with Yukino Ochiai, Australia’s esteemed certified sake expert and Director of Deja Vu Sake. As the country’s first female Sake Samurai and WSET certified Level 3 Japanese Sake Educator, Ochiai-san brings unparalleled expertise to guide guests through an enchanting exploration of Japanese sake. Prepare to be captivated as Ochiai-san expertly curates a tasting journey featuring extraordinary pours from renowned sake producers such as Tsukinokatsura, Kenbishi, Dewazakura, and more. These premium drops are rarely found in Australia, making this event an exclusive opportunity to savor the finest offerings from the world of Japanese sake. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with a signature sake cocktail, setting the stage for an evening of pure delight. Executive Chef Daniel Wilson has artfully crafted a menu of vibrant Japanese delicacies, meticulously paired with each pour. From the tantalizing Tuna Tartare Tempura and succulent BBQ King Salmon to the divine Yuzu Bombe Alaska for dessert, every dish promises to be a symphony of flavors. With tickets priced at $99 per person and limited spots available (last year’s edition sold out in a matter of days), we urge you to secure your place now to avoid missing out on this extraordinary event. Event Details: Don’t miss out… Read More