Category: CITIES

Sydney’s favourite chicken joint BUTTER teams up with Spotify A1 for limited edition eats

Chill scaled

If you’ve ever been to BUTTER, Sydney’s hottest chicken shop, you’ll know it’s hard to go past the classics. However thanks to a new partnership with Spotify you will be quickly forgetting the famous Cheezus burger and opting for the new limited edition bites. BUTTER and Spotify have teamed up to launch the BUTTER x Spotify A1 menu. Inspired by local hip-hop artists A.Girl, ChillinIT and Day1, the uber popular A1 playlist and talent has lead to BUTTER feast for the ears and mouth with limited edition menu items from $25  such as: ChillinIT Canadian Sandwich Fried chicken burger with Chivas maple BBQ sauce, maple bacon, cheese, mayo and fries in the sandwich A.GIRL Nashville Sandwich Nashville spiced fried chicken sandwich with buttermilk ranch, fried runny egg and lettuce  (note: excludes egg at Surry Hills store) Day 1 Fried Chicken Snack Pack 2 fried chicken tenders with mozzarella, house Spicy BBQ sauce and spicy mayo on a bed of fries Upgrades to include the divine cinnamon donuts and drinks, plus a family box also available if you want to go all out.  “We’re so hyped to be working with Spotify’s A1 and some of our favourite and diverse local hip hop community artists to create our limited edition menu. We hope that Sydneysiders love the delicious A1 menu – we’ve had a great time working closely with ChillinIT, A.GIRL and Day1 to bring this to life.” – Julian Cincotta, Owner, Exec Chef and COO at BUTTER Sydney Get your mouths around it for two weeks… Read More

A new kind of Madame Butterfly flies into Sydney Opera House

Madame Butterfly Sydney Opera Australia geisha

The Madam is back – and this time with a whole new experience for the most seasoned of opera-goers amongst us. For the longest time, the production from the inner sanctum of creativity that was the mind of now retired artistic director Moffat Oxenbould that saw the Madam take to a traditionally Japanese-inspired set, perforated throughout with animated, faceless avatars captured hearts and minds in each and every production between Sydney and Melbourne. MORE: Here’s what we thought of Phantom of the Opera by Opera Australia But now, the Madam will be treated to a shake-up of the 21st century variety. A few years back, Opera Australia invested in some ten-metre tall digital screens that are as interactive as they are mobile, suspended from the ceiling of the Joan Sutherland Theatre stage and able to be positioned in any way the new creative direction dictates. These will be used to full effect in this 2022-and-on production of Madame Butterfly, allowing for a complete re-imagining of Puccini’s masterpiece as a complete dystopian masterpiece. MORE: About The Marriage of Figaro by Opera Australia Surprisingly stark but beautiful, the creative dream team of director/choreographers Graeme Murphy andJanet Vernon, designer Michael Scott-Mitchell, costume designer Jennifer Irwin and video designer SeanNieuwenhuis crafted a Butterfly unlike any other production seen in Australia. It’ll be captivating, dynamic, symbolistic and come complete with a backdrop and towering robotic servants with which the singers interact. Striking costume designs draw on a range of eras, from burlesque to cartoons and sci fi. Is Madame Butterfly… Read More

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, get your money back: BridgeClimb has a new offer

Sydney Harbour Bridge day

Been wanting to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but been too hesitant or haven’t had the cash? Then your time to chill and finally do it is now! They’ve got a new cashback offer for visitors, giving you the chance to reclaim $100 from your purchase price. Why? Well, after the horror of the past two years of highs, lows, ons and offs, they felt it was their civic duty to help visitors out on achieving one of many bucket list items right in their own backyard. There are a few conditions outlined below, but otherwise; have at it! For more info, to see how it works and how much you can claim back for various activities, head to the BridgeClimb website

The ultimate Japanese culinary and KI NO BI gin experience at Sake Melbourne

KINOBIGIN SakeLaunch StevenWoodburn 25

World Gin Day is just around the corner. And what better way to celebrate than treating yourself to an intimate tasting experience at Sake that includes a spectacular six-course dinner accompanied by KI NO BI gin cocktails and tastings! The ‘6 Elements’ dinners will take place in Sydney and Melbourne and will deliver the ultimate culinary experience for lovers of gin and Japanese cuisine alike. The ‘6 Elements’ dinners are inspired by KI NO BI’s intricate production process, where botanicals are divided into six different categories, known as the 6 Elements, steeped in rice spirit, and then distilled individually. Produced in Kyoto, KI NO BI gin is distilled with Japanese botanicals, grouped by flavour to create the six elements which are macerated and distilled separately, before being blended with Fushimi water.   The 6 Elements that make up the dry style of gin KI NO BI is renowned for are Base, Citrus, Tea, Herbal, Spice and Fruity & Floral, which are then blended to create the distinctive KI NO BI flavours. As most gin lovers would appreciate, water is a vital ingredient of this popular spirit, as it makes up more than 50% of the liquid inside every bottle. The KI NO BI distillery is located close to the famous sake-producing area of Fushimi, south of Kyoto city. The name “Fushimi” comes from the Japanese words for “hidden” or “underground” and “water”, and Fushimi water is renowned for its purity, softness and flavour. In addition to the pureness provided by the Fushimi water, quality ingredients… Read More

The Carb Queen: Baga Chipz is McCain’s new creative director

Baga Chipz drag queen McCain 2

If ever there was an on-brand move for a drag queen to make; it’s this one. The UK’s beloved drag superstar, Baga Chipz is officially McCain’s new creative director. Bringing her flava to the frozen food brand, this queen is planning to shake things up with her bold and daring direction. Labelling her first campaign as ‘Anything Goes’ to liven up Britain’s mealtimes, she’ll be releasing her classy, and dazzling tips and recipes via her Instagram page on the 2nd June through a series of videos! Follow her on Instagram Baga’s mantra is simple – anything goes with McCain and she’ll be putting that to work as the self-proclaimed “Queen of Chips”. The Rupaul’s DRag Race alum will share her own fabulous take on British classics from the iconic chip butty to the beloved potato smiles and beans all over social media. Watch the bags of McCain everything just fly off the shelves… For more, head to Baga’s Instagram or the McCain website

How to drink Highland Park whisky in the Sydney Botanical Gardens

Food festival Sydney tents harbour

Whisky fans get ready for this premium pop-up dining event, bringing the unique experience of one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland to Sydney, for a limited time only: A Wild Harmony. Described as the most “complex and balanced whisky on the planet”, Highland Park is a wildly harmonious single malt whisky characterised by a uniquely complex balance of flavours shaped by the extraordinary contrasts of its Orkney Island home. From such a distinct and seemingly harsh place comes the most balanced and harmonious single malt whisky, that balances heather honey, spicy fruitcake and peat smoke. At the event that runs from 3-4 June 2022, expect: An entree of house poached king prawns with smoked fennel puree, sorrel and nasturtium leaf paired with 12 Year Old Highland Park whisky.  A main of red braised wagyu beef daube, porcini cream, onion petals, radish, linaria served with charcoal bread rolls and whipped chive butter and paired with 15 Year Old Highland Park whisky. A dessert of honey poached pear, brown butter crumble and brown sugar ice cream parfait paired with 18 Year Old Highland Park whisky. For more info and tickets go to the Wild Harmony website

8 places in Melbourne to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee

Melbourne rooftop view city

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating 70 years on the throne. If that’s not cause to celebrate – even for the strongest non-monarchist amongst us – then what is? But where? I hear you ask. Well, here you go. Eight of Melbourne’s finest establishments to celebrate the milestone none of us will ever reach, but we’re so happy someone else did. Fargo & Co – bottomless brunch, DJs until late and exclusive cocktail list 216 Swan St, Richmond Friday 10th June – DJs on the decks until late. Sat 11th and Sunday 12th June – O.G. Bottomless Brunch from 12-2 pm and 3-5 pm ($69pp), with the option to upgrade to be seated in a lush après ski lodge cabin and enjoy a chocolate fondue fountain for an extra $10pp, at $79pp. Bookings essential. DJs on the decks until late plus an exclusive cocktail list. Harlow – open all long weekend for live music, bottomless brunch and drag trivia 447 Church St, Richmond Friday 10th June – Live music in the beer garden, then DJs until late. Saturday 11th (11.30 am and 2 pm) and Sunday 12th June (12 pm) – Disco Drag Bottomless Brunch, which includes 2 hours of bottomless beverages (Bacardi cocktails, Moon Dog seltzers, house wine, sparkling and beer), plus a choice of dish from the new lunch menu, hosted by a fabulous Drag Queen. $69pp, bookings essential. DJs on the decks until late. Monday 13th June- Open for normal trade, Drag Queen trivia in the main bar from 7:30pm. Free… Read More

Jubilee weekend in Brighton at the UK’s Most Spectacular Seafront Terrace, Rockwater

Brighton Hove seafront

If you’re not amongst the predicted 4 million people to descend on London to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee celebration this weekend, then perhaps heading the other direction’s for you? The UK’s most luxurious, coastal community hub, Rockwater Hove has a celebration for Her Majesty all their own with your name on it. Situated on the picturesque Western Esplanade of Hove’s seafront, Rockwater Hove is the ultimate boutique bar and restaurant experience to celebrate in style.  Rockwater Hove’s terrace is open to the public this Jubilee weekend on a walk-in basis for all-day dining and spectacular sea views. Here, you and guests can enjoy an array of delicious, locally sourced food and beverages from seasonal seafood platters, charcuterie boards and plant-based delicacies, along with an extensive cocktail, wine and beer menu.  For more, head to the Rockwater Hove website

Best ways to celebrate VIVID Sydney in The Rocks

Rocks Sydney vivid sydney

Vivid Sydney is on! From 28 May to 18 June, the city comes to light in celebration of the artistry, culture and propensity to celebrate that is the city of Sydney. If you missed our best date night suggestions for the public event period, then scroll down for some more ways to celebrate that are less date-y and more let’s go out and have fun. For food, head to… 6HEAD will deliver an ultimate sensory experience through theatrical gastronomy, where you will have all five senses stimulated as they embark on a culinary journey designed to fascinate. The Rocks Markets will be hosting evenings of tasty treats throughout Vivid Sydney to keep you fuelled up, from pizza and gozleme to gelato, dumplings, crepes, BBQ and more. Throughout the lit-up stalls, visitors can also explore handmade jewellery, fabrics and gifts. And as a bonus, there’ll also be live music! Sights, eats and tunes? Sorted. Tayim’s outdoor alfresco dining courtyard, complete with glowing decorations, for the perfect opportunity to stop and fill up during their Vivid Sydney journey with falafels and fresh lamb skewers with a side of delicious cocktails and wine.  Creperie Suzette, who will be serving up rainbow bagels and glitter coffees throughout the festival. Afterwards, stop by The Tea Cosy, who is transforming their courtyard on Atherden Street into a glow-themed garden, with neon lighting, glowing furniture and special menu items from Thursday to Sunday. For drinks, head to… Blu Bar on 36 has carefully curated a special Vivid Sydney Menu which is available… Read More