Category: CITIES

New YAWYE juice bar in Melbourne

Yawye smoothies

Just a few months after opening its first store on Little Collins Street in Melbourne’s CBD, YAWYE is popping up in South Yarra, with a second location at the base of Goldfields House at 627 Chapel Street. Making waves in the health food space and on social media, YAWYE is taking Melbourne by storm one swirly smoothie at a time. Located on the ground floor of Goldfields House, where Daly St meets Chapel St, YAWYE’s newest home has a striking design, developed by Melbourne-based studio Rodeo Rodeo, which features a spacey blue fit out made from recycled sea plastics. Serving the eye-catching, ingredient-packed smoothies and acai bowls YAWYE has quickly become known for, the menu has a few exciting updates too. The crowd-favourite ‘Cosmic Coffee’ caffeine smoothie can now be upgraded to a double shot of coffee free of charge. Smoothies can also be customised by taking out or adding ingredients to suit your tastes, such as adding unflavoured protein powder for $2. Fans can also order all their usual favourites, including YAWYE’s signature ‘Blue Lagoon’ smoothie featuring Blue Majik spirulina and marine collagen powder, or the soft-serve acai bowls with any combination of toppings from fresh fruit to housemade peanut butter. “We’re so excited to bring YAWYE to South Yarra,” says Chef and Food Consultant Sarah Watson. “Our flavours are fun, with an element of surprise. Whether you’re looking for a protein-rich post-workout snack or an energy booster in your work break, we’ve designed the menu so that it caters to all different needs.”… Read More

Melbourne city dinner options if you’re seeing Wicked

Wicked theatre food

The Westin Melbourne is excited to announce its partnership with the internationally acclaimed Broadway musical WICKED, bringing the magic of musical theatre into the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. From March 2 through to June, an array of wonderfully WICKED-themed experiences will be on offer for guests and theatregoers, including bespoke accommodation packages, a decadent high tea, and a new cocktail menu of enchanting concoctions – sure to be ‘pop-u-lar’ with fans. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wicked Musical Melbourne (@wickedmusicalmelb) Executive Chef, Apoorva Kunte shares, “Creating this menu has been a lot of fun and the friendship between WICKED’s main characters, Elphaba and Glinda, has been the inspiration to bring it to life. Using local and sustainable produce, I’ve paired ingredients that share a camaraderie and complement each other when served together, yet hold its own distinct characteristics and identities, just like the main leads. The show’s bright and vibrant colours also lead the high tea, with the iconic WICKED green taking centre stage”. Fans will get a fix of wicked flavours in the enchanting WICKED High Tea ($85 per person), sure to charm diners with every bite. Available daily from 11 – 5.30pm, the high tea serves up a selection of sweet and savoury treats, inspired by the whimsical world of Oz, accompanied by an Elphaba Fizz cocktail. Savoury items will include: A decadent assortment of sweets will follow, such as: Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from WICKED’s Melbourne home, the Regent Theatre, guests can turn a… Read More

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in 2024

Melbourne flower garden

I’m just touching base as the world-renowned Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show opens its doors next Wednesday, March 20th. With a jam-packed five-day program from Wednesday, March 20th until Sunday, March 24th, there’ll be something for every flower-lover and plant connoisseur. Key favourites such as the Show Gardens Competition and High Tea sessions return alongside exciting new activities including the inaugural Twilight Tapas to accompany Friday night’s ever-popular Gardens by Twilight. Dozens of breathtaking horticultural designs will ignite visitors’ senses over the program, accented by enchanting works from the country’s (and world’s) best garden and floral experts.Hailing from Sweden, newcomers to the Show Garden competition, Annika Zetterman and Kajsa Bjorne, will bring their international flair alongside returning global veteran designers Peter Donegan from Ireland and Koji Ninomiya from Japan. Closer to home, in collaboration with the Wurundjeri Council, attendees are invited into the Indigenous Show Garden for an immersive experience that reflects the rich connection between the land and its custodians.Please find media release linked HERE and event imagery from the incredible 2023 show linked HERE.EVENT DETAILS Location: Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton GardensTickets: On sale now from melbflowershow.com.auDates & Times:Wednesday 20th March: 9:00am – 5:00pmThursday 21st March: 9:00am – 5:00pmFriday 22nd March (Gardens by Twilight): 9:00am – 9:00pmSaturday 23rd March: 9:00am – 5:00pmSunday 24th March: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Scenic dining in Australia

Magil plate food

Australia’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes, offering not just exceptional menus, but also breathtaking views and iconic locations. Whether you are a food enthusiast or an avid traveller, these destinations provide a window into the country’s unparalleled beauty. Location: 78 Penfold Road, Adelaide SA 5072 Highlights: Nestled in the beautiful Adelaide foothills, Magill Estate Restaurant combines modern dining with stunning scenery. Enjoy contemporary dishes and an impressive wine selection amid breathtaking views that make every meal memorable. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Magill Estate Restaurant (@magillestaterestaurant) Location: Plane Tree Dr, Adelaide SA 5000 Highlights: Situated within the picturesque 51-hectare Adelaide Botanic Garden, Restaurant Botanic offers a dining experience that evolves with the seasons. Chef Justin James crafts a menu to engage all your senses, ensuring a relaxed four-hour culinary adventure. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Restaurant Botanic (@restaurantbotanic_adl) Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000 Highlights: Dine with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and the city at the iconic Sydney Opera House. The menu celebrates Australian cuisine with elegant meals crafted from top-quality local ingredients. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bennelong Restaurant (@bennelong_sydney) Location: 1 Macquarie Street, Sydney Highlights: Aria boasts stunning views of Sydney’s landmarks paired with a versatile menu. Whether opting for a full degustation or a selection of dishes, the best of Australian ingredients are showcased in every bite. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aria Restaurant (@ariarestaurant) Location: 270 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000… Read More

Bar’d Work Sydney is a new kind of theatre

Bard Work Shakespeare

Australia’s favourite Shakespeare troupe, Bar’d Work, is thrilled to announce its return to the vibrant pub scene with “Much Ado About Nothing”, set to light up the Shakesbeer Sessions once again. Delving into the heart of Shakespeare’s comedic brilliance, this show pits the sharp-tongued Beatrice against the wily Benedick in a verbal duel that is as hilarious as it is timeless. Set in the convivial atmosphere of Sydney’s most iconic pubs, Bar’d Work invites audiences to experience a side of Shakespeare that’s rarely seen in traditional theatre settings. The company’s rendition of “Much Ado About Nothing” promises a whirlwind of romance, intrigue, and laughter, engaging audiences in a way that only live theatre—in the most unexpected of venues—can. Director and creator Chris Huntly-Turner makes it clear, “The Bar’d is back, taking Sydney pubs by storm, performing Shakespeare the way the Bard himself intended – for the people, in packed out pubs!” It’s a nod to the Elizabethan tradition of staging plays in inn yards, making the Bard’s work accessible and relatable to everyone. According to Laura Heuston of Theatre Travels, Bar’d Work’s approach has demonstrated that making Shakespeare accessible and entertaining for modern audiences doesn’t require radically altering the text, but rather, adapting the performance style – and the audiences have responded with roaring laughter and enthusiastic participation. Originating from a moment of inspiration among actors in 2019, Bar’d Work has grown into a beloved staple of the Australian pub scene. Its unique blend of interactive, raucous storytelling has seen the company sell out multiple… Read More

Sydney Philharmonia does Elijah this season

Conductor orchestra choir

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs is delighted to announce a monumental performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah, featuring the internationally renowned operatic baritone, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, in the lead role. This singular event, scheduled for 7pm on Saturday, May 18, at the iconic Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, promises to be an unforgettable evening of music and drama. Under the direction of the esteemed Brett Weymark, audiences will experience the old testament tale of Elijah, brought to life through Mendelssohn’s profound musical composition. At the heart of this performance is Teddy Tahu Rhodes, whose voice has captivated audiences across the globe for its “velvet like richness” and “great resonance,” aspects that have earned him accolades including the ARIA, Helpmann, and Limelight awards. Artistic Director Brett Weymark expressed his enthusiasm, noting that for the role of Elijah, “only one name comes to mind – Teddy Tahu Rhodes.” This performance not only showcases Rhodes’ magnificent talent but also embodies the grandeur of 19th-century music-making, enriched with the emotional depth and humanity that Mendelssohn embedded in his work. Elijah remains a masterpiece, celebrated for its penetrating exploration of human determination and faith, played out through its captivating orchestration and choral arrangements. This production by the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, employing the powerful combination of a 400-voice Festival Chorus and a cast of exceptional soloists, is designed to mesmerize the audience with every note and emotion conveyed. Beyond the enthralling music, this event is a unique opportunity to witness a cast of established and emerging talents, including Celeste Lazarenko, Sian Sharp, Andrew Goodwin,… Read More

Summer lunches while you can at Johnny’s Green Room

food johnnys green room JGR AriannaLeggiero 50

As summer unfurls its final golden rays, Johnny’s Green Room adds yet another charm to its rooftop allure. Between the breezy hours of 1PM and 3PM on weekdays, this haven offers an enticing invitation to indulge in the quintessentially Italian delight of Pucce. These sumptuous bread pockets, brimming with seasonal freshness, echo the soul of Salento’s street food traditions. Crafted under the visionary guidance of Culinary Director Karen Martini, the menu promises a tantalising trio of variations. Whether it’s the crunch of fried local calamari contrasted with the zest of fresh lemon, the creamy dreaminess of buffalo mozzarella paired with heirloom tomatoes, or the rich tapestry of flavours married in the Mr. Canubi Mortadella option, each Puccia is a carefully curated symphony of taste. Encouraging the spirit of sharing, why not seize this culinary adventure with a colleague? After all, delights doubled are delights doubled.

Being successful; Australian style, with Geedup

Black woman

The prestigious luxury whisky brand Chivas Regal breaks new ground with the announcement of its latest initiative, a series of workshops under the banner of the ‘How We Rise’ platform. Aimed at empowering and uplifting the next wave of cultural entrepreneurs, this programme is set to take the creative world by storm. Scheduled to kick off on Saturday, April 13, with an event hosted alongside Geedup Co. in Sydney, and followed by a second workshop on Saturday, April 20, with Serwah Attafuah in Melbourne, attendees are in for a profoundly enriching experience. These workshops promise an immersive deep-dive into the intellect and innovation driving some of Australia’s most celebrated creative talents. With Geedup Co., participants will uncover a wealth of knowledge essential for business success, learning to craft captivating narratives, understand their brand’s core values and target audience, and the strategies involved in transitioning from traditional brick-and-mortar establishments to flourishing online platforms. The session with Serwah Attafuah on April 20 will shift focus towards brand authenticity. Here, the budding entrepreneur will discover invaluable insights into establishing an authentic brand identity beyond the facade of social media. The workshop will cover leveraging community support, engaging target audiences in meaningful ways, and cementing a genuine brand and online presence. Appointed as ambassadors of the ‘How We Rise’ platform, Geedup Co., and Serwah represent the embodiment of hustle-led ambition and fearless pursuit of success. From its roots in Western Sydney in 2010, Geedup Co. has risen as an international fashion powerhouse, while Serwah has carved a niche in… Read More

Limbo The Return: a highlight of Sydney theatre

Limbo performance theatre

Welcome to a circus spectacle of otherworldly proportions, “LIMBO The Return” is the exhilarating new headline show captivating audiences at The Grand Electric, the hottest venue in town. This acclaimed production marries the thrilling essence of live circus, cabaret, and acrobatics with the heart-pounding live music composed by New York’s own Jank master, Sxip Shirey. Set in a realm delicately balanced between heaven and hell, “LIMBO The Return” showcases an international ensemble of top-tier circus performers and musicians, creating an experience that transcends the ordinary. Having spellbound crowds in Spiegeltents across Newcastle and Adelaide, “LIMBO The Return” now sets its sights on Sydney for its headline season. The show has been embraced with open arms, drawing in audiences eager to witness its jaw-dropping, fire-breathing, and gravity-defying acts. Critics, too, have been fervently enthusiastic, with Upside Adelaide awarding the show a five-star review, lauding it as “a whirlwind of excitement and wonder… that will leave you wanting more.” Elsewhere, See Do Eat Review echoed this acclaim in their own five-star praise, highlighting the band as “musical geniuses” and heralding the show as their “favourite show of the Fringe”. More than a decade ago, the original LIMBO production propelled its creators, Strut & Fret, onto the global stage. After selling out at the Sydney Festival, it embarked on an international tour gracing stages from Brussels to Bogota. The show even captivated Madonna, who attended twice during its London season. Its follow-up, “LIMBO Unhinged,” enjoyed a hugely successful and critically acclaimed run at the Sydney Opera House, before… Read More

Review: Wicked at the Regent Theatre Melbourne

Wicked Australia

In an era where the fantastical often mirrors the stark realities of our world, Wicked, the beloved musical, draws thousands into its emerald allure yet again, proving its timeless relevance and enchanting allure. Its latest revival in Melbourne, commemorating the 20th anniversary of its Broadway debut, prompts the perennial question: Does Wicked continue to cast its spell over audiences, or is its magic waning? From the moment you step into the opulent ambiance of the Regent Theatre, it’s clear that Wicked hasn’t lost an iota of its charm or vibrancy. The production, with its slick costumes, precise choreography, and larger-than-life sets, remains a testament to the creative ingenuity behind this spellbinding musical. Yet, it’s not the spectacle alone that keeps audiences riveted; it’s the effervescent energy and unparalleled talent of the cast that breathe new life into the familiar tale. Courtney Monsma’s portrayal of Glinda is nothing short of spectacular, infusing the character with a delightful mix of humor, warmth, and depth. Her interaction with Sheridan Adams’ Elphaba, whose vocal prowess and emotional range anchor the show, makes for a compelling narrative of friendship, rivalry, and redemption. Together, their performances not only captivate but also elevate the material, making every note of “Defying Gravity” resonate with a fresh sense of urgency and inspiration. While the production eloquently showcases the dazzling spectacle that fans expect, it’s the underlying themes of social justice, acceptance, and the consequences of ambition that give Wicked its lasting appeal. The musical deftly navigates these complex issues, making it as much a… Read More