Category: SYDNEY

Why you should care that the Sydney Biennale is back

Biennale Symbols

This year, the vibrant city of Sydney, Australia, is set to play host to the 24th edition of the esteemed Biennale of Sydney. Titled ‘Ten Thousand Suns,’ this major international art festival will run from the 9th of March to the 10th of June, 2024. Being the largest contemporary art event of its kind in Australia, the Biennale showcases an impressive lineup of 88 artists and collectives, hailing from 47 different countries, all coming together to celebrate and explore various themes through the medium of contemporary art. The event will span multiple locations, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Artspace, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, and for the first time, the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, UNSW Galleries and the iconic and recently restored White Bay Power Station. Under the artistic direction of Cosmin Costina? and Inti Guerrero, the 24th Biennale of Sydney proposes ‘celebration’ as both a method and a source of joy. Drawing inspiration from legacies of collective resistance and unity in the face of injustice, the event features a core exhibition of contemporary art that delves into themes ranging from the resurgence of First Nations technologies and knowledges, the history of Islam in Australia, Queer resilience, and the international expression of Carnivale, to the atomic era and human-induced climate alteration. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Biennale of Sydney, this edition challenges Western fatalistic views of the apocalypse, fostering a hopeful outlook around a future lived in joy and shared widely. The 2024 edition will… Read More

Why you need to go back to Spice Temple: Crabs!

Spice Temple crab noodles

Spice Temple, the much-loved regional Chinese restaurant in Melbourne and Sydney, is celebrating Mud Crab season in true style, offering a feast featuring Australia’s native crabs – affectionately known as ‘Muddies’. These sumptuous crustaceans are at their seasonal best, boasting luxurious, irresistibly sweet flesh. As a quintessential ingredient in Chinese cooking and a star of the banquet style of dining at Spice Temple, the live Mud Crabs, sourced directly from Queensland, are cooked to order and dressed in delicious authentic sauces. The spice of the season, until Sunday, 31st December, is the $99 price point on all Mud Crab dishes – a value-packed proposition for a flavour-packed dish that promises to be a show-stopper at any group gathering over the summer, holiday and festive celebrations. Under the expert guidance of Spice Temple’s Executive Chef Andy Evans, the Mud Crabs are steamed to perfection to ensure their sweet, delicate flesh remains tender and untainted. Diners can choose from a variety of five traditional sauces to accompany the delectable crab meat. As the Mud Crab season progresses and the summer heat intensifies, Spice Temple’s menu will also feature Blue Swimmer Crabs and Snow Crabs, each adding their own unique flavours to the mix. For Chef Andy, Mud Crabs and live seafood are the epitome of Chinese dining and offer a unique opportunity to present the regional Chinese flavours that Spice Temple is famous for. In his words, “Mud Crabs are often considered a luxury, but the real treat for our guests this season is the limited-time $99… Read More

Discover the Allure of Hickson House: Your New Favourite Destination for Gin Delights

Hickson House Summer Cup cocktails 6

Hickson House in Sydney is redefining the gin tasting experience with an array of exciting updates, ready to transport you into a world of unique gin-centric exploration. Starting today, the doors will open daily from 10 am, with tasting flights guided by our knowledgeable distillery door manager amidst the captivating backdrop of our towering, copper stills. This tantalising experience is available for just $10, which can be redeemed off any bottle purchase. Our expansive distillery store is stocked with all five of our award-winning Hickson House gins – Australian Dry, Classic Dry, Harbour Strength, Seven Spice, and Summer Cup. We also offer a range of gin-related products, like our delectable Martini olives and house-smoked Gibson onions, to amplify your gin experience. Our new release, Hickson House Wild Rosé Summer Cup, has been the talk of the town. A contemporary Australian twist on classic British fruit cup aperitifs, this Limited Edition launched last Summer has swiftly become a crowd favourite. Having won both Gold and Best in Class (Flavoured Gin) at the Australian Gin Awards 2023, it now forms a permanent part of Hickson House’s range. We believe in sustainability and make conscious efforts to reduce our environmental footprint. We source ingredients and native botanicals locally whenever possible and use handmade stills from country New South Wales. Our commitment to sustainability extends to our bottle return policy, where patrons can bring used Hickson gin bottles back for refills or exchanges. Adding to the excitement, we offer Bottomless Gin Brunches from 11 am on weekends. These brunches… Read More

Embark on an Unforgettable Culinary Journey at Charlotte Bar & Bistro

Sydney dining room

Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible allure of Charlotte Bar & Bistro, brought to you by the internationally renowned Azabu Group. Meticulously positioned in the picturesque harbourside suburb of McMahon’s Point, this culinary gem is set to redefine Sydney’s dining panorama with its exceptional French cuisine. Our doors officially swing open on Friday, 13th October, extending an invitation to all food connoisseurs to partake in an extraordinary gastronomic voyage. Our menu, carefully curated by Head Chef Hiroshi Manaka, is an ode to the rich traditions of French cuisine, enhanced with a unique touch of Azabu. Manaka, a seasoned maestro of French gastronomy with a distinguished career in Michelin-star kitchens across Europe, promises an avant-garde dining experience that is both nostalgic and ground-breaking. Our crowning glory, the ‘Boeuf En Croûte Royal,’ is a tantalizing rendition of a French classic, masterfully reimagined with an Azabu twist. Guests can choose from a variety of dishes designed for sharing, or opt for our banquet menu, perfect for groups of four or more. With a capacity of 120 guests, Charlotte Bar & Bistro hosts a variety of distinctive spaces. The Terrace, a charming outdoor area, is reminiscent of the French Riviera’s coastline, offering a tranquil setting bathed in natural sunlight during the day. Additionally, we house three exquisite private rooms, ideal for intimate and personalized gatherings. As Azabu Group’s most ambitious venture yet, Charlotte Bar & Bistro represents our unwavering commitment to culinary innovation. This marks our fifth venue within three years, bolstering an already impressive portfolio of authentic… Read More

Sashay into Silly Season with The Imperial Erskineville’s Fancy Feast Drag Brunches

DRag queen bar

Prepare yourselves, Sydney! The iconic LGBTQIA+ venue, The Imperial Erskineville, known for its colourful entertainment and strong connection to the Inner West community, is set to redefine your weekend experience. Launching on the 4th of November, The Impy’s Fancy Feast Drag Brunches are promising a weekend that’s more fabulous than you could ever imagine. What does a typical Saturday at The Imperial look like? Picture an afternoon of decadent pleasures; a dynamic spectacle of Sydney’s beloved drag talents commanding the stage; a spread of delectable dishes that cater to every palate, whether you’re a vegetarian or omnivore; and a selection of luscious cocktails to toast with. The Imperial Erskineville has it all, and it’s all served with a side of electrifying atmosphere. Larger groups are invited to savour the ‘Fancy Feast Menu,’ priced at $50pp for vegetarians and $55pp for omnivores. For smaller assemblages of 4-7 guests, an exquisite ala carte selection from The Imperial’s new Main Bar menu awaits, featuring pub classics and indulgent dishes with a Mediterranean twist. And let’s not forget the $15 cocktail jug specials, the perfect accessory to your thrilling Saturday afternoon. Timed impeccably for the festive silly season, The Imperial’s Fancy Feast Drag Brunch is your golden ticket to a leisurely afternoon filled with drag artistry and culinary delights. To become part of this immersive experience, make your reservation at https://imperialerskineville.com.au/fancy-feast/. Felicitating creativity, self-expression, and inclusivity, The Imperial Erskineville, a beacon of the Inner West, continues to offer exceptional entertainment and meaningful connections to the community. Don’t miss out… Read More

Where to eat in Sydney when you’re feeling fancy

Aria Sydney view

At Aria and North Bondi Fish, there’s a whirl of exciting activity as we prepare for the end of the year. North Bondi Fish (NBF) has reintroduced their much-loved takeaway menu, perfect for savouring as you enjoy the sun-soaked Bondi sands. You can indulge in a variety of delightful dishes, including the daily selection of sashimi with wasabi, pickled ginger & soy, and the NBF fish taco with cabbage, chipotle and green tomato. Not to overlook, classic fish and chips and the NBF fish burger. On top of this, NBF presents Seaside Cocktails of the World, an exquisite collection of refreshing cocktails that will transport your senses to sun-drenched shores around the globe. Every weekend, you can let loose to the tunes of Sydney’s finest DJs, as you enjoy spicy margaritas and fresh fish in the golden hour at NBF. Over at Aria, weekday lunches are a luxurious affair. Enjoy the most beautiful views of Sydney Harbour as you indulge in dishes such as sweet corn agnolotti with preserved truffle, potato & cured egg yolk, and blue eye cod paired with cauliflower, poblano & macadamia. Aria also offers a pre-theatre dining experience every evening until 6pm, curated for guests to indulge before a show at the neighbouring Sydney Opera House. The New Year’s Eve celebrations at Aria promise to be an unforgettable experience. With two sittings, an early evening dinner from 5pm and a main event from 7.30pm, the evening will offer stunning floor to ceiling window views of Sydney Harbour. So, whether you’re at… Read More

Luna Park Sydney Unveils Dream Circus: A Mesmerizing Immersive Experience

Dream Circus

Prepare to be awestruck and captivated as Luna Park Sydney, the iconic amusement park, embarks on an ambitious transformation. The $15 million reimagination project kicks off with the unveiling of Sydney’s Immersive Big Top, home to the spectacular Dream Circus launching on December 22nd, 2023. This grand multi-generational spectacle is set to mesmerise over 50,000 people throughout the summer. Luna Park’s Dream Circus is not your ordinary circus experience. It is a world-first immersive attraction that will take guests on a narrative journey, introduce them to lovable characters, and immerse them in a sensory spectacle like never before. Created by a team of specialist creatives and technicians in Sydney, including the talented Artists in Motion, TDC, and Auditoria, this unique experience promises to leave visitors spellbound. The venue for this extraordinary adventure is Sydney’s Immersive Big Top, a state-of-the-art 3,000sqm multi-purpose entertainment space equipped with cutting-edge technology. With Barco projection technology, spatially mapped audio systems, hologram technology, motion-activated LED screens, and the latest in lighting technology, the Immersive Big Top offers a 360-degree visual and audio immersion across its vast surface area of more than 3,500sqm. But the excitement doesn’t end there. Luna Park’s Immersive Big Top will also serve as a state-of-the-art training facility for future technologists in Sydney. The advanced environment will provide a unique skill development opportunity, offering a vocational pathway into the rapidly growing immersive experience industry. “We are proud to create one of the most technically advanced environments in the country,” says John Hughes, CEO of Luna Park Sydney. “The… Read More

The Sydney dining subscription you need

Food sushi tray

Introducing an exciting new opportunity to elevate your dining experience, right in the heart of Newtown. Calle Rey, a leading name in plant-based cuisine, is proud to unveil their innovative membership program – ‘The Calle Rey Membership Experience’. Since its inception in 2020, the dynamic duo behind Calle Rey, Madi Cohen and JC Miranda, has been devoted to providing patrons with extraordinary culinary journeys. The launch of this membership program is yet another step towards enhancing those experiences, offering a plethora of exclusive privileges for just $50 per person, per month. Launch week is destined to be a gastronomic celebration unlike any other, with members invited to indulge in two premium dining experiences per month. One of these must be a weekday booking, leaving the other open to your preference of a weekday or weekend. The menu is a love song to plant-based cuisine, with members granted unrestricted access to Calle Rey’s expansive, mouth-watering selection, as well as exclusive member-only tasting plates at no additional cost. The only extra you’ll pay for are your beverages. Plus, for a once-off $50 fee, your friends and family can join you in this exclusive epicurean adventure. But the benefits don’t stop there. Members can enjoy priority bookings, flexible dining options, and access to member-only events, including preview taste tests of our new menus, sponsored events, and enthralling cooking and cocktail masterclasses. Madi Cohen, co-founder of Calle Rey, asserts, “The program is a unique initiative to balance our significant cost increases while providing an enhanced customer experience, offering unparalleled… Read More

Experience the Revolution of spirit maturation with Goodradigbee Distillers

Goodradigbee

In an exhilarating development, Goodradigbee Distillers opens the doors to its state-of-the-art Brookvale distillery bar, The Good Bar, and cellar door today. This innovative distillery takes a novel approach to spirit maturation, eschewing traditional oak barrels in favour of accelerated maturation cubes made from Australian hardwoods, creating a completely new spirits category. With a higher wood-to-liquid volume than spirits matured in oak barrels, the process results in a distinctively Australian spirit. The Australian hardwoods, handpicked by Goodradigbee Distillers, include Jarrah, Ironbark Yellow, Ironbark Red and Tasmania Blackwood. Sourced from the Alps and the high country, these woods are hardened and dense due to the extreme weather conditions, leading to an intense and transformative interaction with the spirits. The result is a range of hardwood malt spirits that are sweet, complex, and nothing short of revolutionary. Goodradigbee Distillers also offer wood-infused gins like Sweetwater Gin, native botanical gins like Freshwater Gin and the complex pink Blush Gin, along with Orchard Road Dry. Their Grey Gum Vodka, aged in Grey Ironbark and double distilled, further exemplifies the influence of hardwood on their spirits portfolio. The use of Indigenous ingredients sourced from Bush to Bowl, adds an authentic Australian touch The Goodradigbee Distillers bar (The Good Bar) is located at 41 Orchard Road, Brookvale is opening is open Wednesday – Sunday. Online purchases of the Goodradigbee Distillers range of spirits can be found at select Dan Murphy stores and independent retailers as well as the goodradigbee.com

Opera Australia Unveils Majestic 2024 Season

Samantha Clarke as Violetta in Opera Australias 2024 production of La Traviata at the Sydney Opera House

Opera Australia, the nation’s flagship opera company, has revealed a truly captivating programme for its 2024 season. The line-up is a sublime blend of timeless classics and avant-garde performances, poised to offer an opera experience like never before. The season opens grandly with the timeless spectacle of La Traviata, transported into a breathtaking realm with cutting-edge digital staging. This seamless fusion of traditional opera with modern innovation is a testament to Opera Australia’s commitment to bringing opera into the 21st century. The company continues to charm the audience with Puccini’s poignant ‘La Bohème,’ a beloved classic that has been captivating audiences worldwide for more than a century. Mozart’s evergreen masterpiece ‘The Magic Flute’ also makes a glorious return, immersing audiences in a fantastical world filled with enchanting music and whimsical charm. In a bold move, Opera Australia introduces a groundbreaking contemporary piece to the stage. This daring inclusion showcases the company’s continual endeavour to push the boundaries of opera, creating a diverse portfolio that caters to all tastes. Opera Australia’s 2024 season promises a thrilling journey, filled with exquisite performances and daring new productions. It is, without a doubt, a must-attend event for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Secure your tickets now and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of Opera Australia. More info at the Discover 2024 page Image: Samantha Clarke as Violetta in Opera Australia’s 2024 production of La Traviata at the Sydney Opera HousePhoto Credit: Georges Antoni