Category: SYDNEY

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

Posted: 04/11/2023

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

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: Best drag brunches Sydney, Drag brunch, drag queens, Drag queens Sydney, Erskineville, imperial hotel, Sydney drag brunches

Where to eat in Sydney when you’re feeling fancy

by James Banham

Posted: 04/11/2023

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

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: aria sydney, best restaurants sydney, North Bondi Fish Sydney, Restaurants with a view, sydney restaurants

Luna Park Sydney Unveils Dream Circus: A Mesmerizing Immersive Experience

by James Banham

Posted: 04/11/2023

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

Category: CITIES, ART, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Luna Park, sydney circus

The Sydney dining subscription you need

by James Banham

Posted: 31/10/2023

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

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Experience the Revolution of spirit maturation with Goodradigbee Distillers

by James Banham

Updated: 01/11/2023

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

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: Doogradigbee, Goodradigbee Distillers

Opera Australia Unveils Majestic 2024 Season

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

by James Banham

Updated: 30/10/2023

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

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, OPERA, SYDNEY

Tags: la traviata, opera, opera australia

Experience the Culinary Excellence at Alfie’s: Sydney’s Premier Steakhouse and Bar

by James Banham

Posted: 18/10/2023

Alfie’s, a game changer in the Sydney restaurant scene, is now open. Reimagining the steakhouse model, this new venue from Liquid & Larder (the minds behind Bistecca, The Gidley, The Rover) serves up high-quality steak with an injection of charm and swagger. Alfie’s aims to disrupt the CBD’s trend of American steakhouses, offering an affordable, premium alternative. James Bradey, co-founder and director of Liquid and Larder, claims they are breaking the mould with Alfie’s, offering their signature high-quality food and drink in a fast-paced, vibrant setting. The restaurant, located on Bligh Street, is styled after the edgy underbelly of East London and offers a full sensory experience. The menu, curated by executive chef Pip Pratt and head chef Matt Thomson, is executed to perfection, featuring dishes like a $38, 220g Riverine sirloin, wet and dry aged on site for maximum flavour, and guaranteed to grace your table within 15 minutes of ordering. Side dishes designed to complement the perfect cut include Alfie’s bubble and squeak slaw, roast mushrooms, fire-roasted baby carrots, and hot chips with chip shop curry sauce. For the wine enthusiasts, Group Sommelier Kyle Poole’s list is filled with organic and sustainable classics. And for the early finishers, there’s a rotisserie ‘Beefetta’ special, Alfie’s take on porchetta, slowly cooked for five hours each day and available from 5pm each night. The striking bar is a destination in its own right, offering a daily happy hour from 4-6pm, with DJs spinning old UK grime and hip hop Wednesday to Saturday from 6-10pm. The drinks… Read More

Category: CITIES, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Alfie's, Alfies Sydney, Best Sydney restaurant, New Sydney restaurant, sydney restaurants

The Ambry Sydney: worth a visit?

by James Banham

Posted: 16/10/2023

With its grand opening, The Ambry is set to redefine the Eastern Suburbs dining scene with its unique blend of tradition and innovation. From the moment you step through the grand glass frontage, you are enveloped in a world of culinary delights and an atmosphere of grandeur. The inviting lounge area and central bar present a myriad of choices for relaxation, whether you wish to enjoy a pint, a glass of wine, or indulge in a classic cocktail concoction from the impressive bar menu. Chef Carlo Della Sala, a native of Italy, expertly crafts each dish with a perfect blend of traditional Italian flavours and the finest Australian ingredients. The result is a gastronomic journey that takes you through a repertoire of club classics and Italian-inspired delicacies that tantalize your taste buds and leave you yearning for more. The Ambry not only promises an unforgettable dining experience but also a memorable journey that transcends beyond the meal. So whether you are planning a romantic dinner, a festive celebration or a casual night out, The Ambry guarantees to leave an indelible impression that lingers long after the meal is over. Experience the extraordinary transformation of the Eastern Suburbs culinary scene with The Ambry at Waverley Greens. Come, join us for a culinary journey that is as unforgettable as the view. We look forward to crafting memorable experiences with you in this haven for all occasions. With The Ambry, the culinary scene of the Eastern Suburbs is not just poised for transformation; it has arrived. More info… Read More

Category: CITIES, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Ambry, best sydney restaurants, sydney restaurants

AALIA’s exclusive collaboration with Michelin-Starred chef Alan Geaam

by James Banham

Updated: 16/10/2023

Experience Middle Eastern food like never before at AALIA’s Chef Series grand finale for 2023. AALIA is thrilled to welcome renowned French-Lebanese Michelin-starred chef, Alan Geaam, as the final guest of their esteemed series. Partnering with AALIA’s Executive Chef, Paul Farag, the culinary duo invite guests to savour Middle Eastern cuisine in a refreshingly new and exhilarating way. Alan Geaam is the only Lebanese chef to secure a Michelin star in Paris, celebrated for blending his Lebanese roots with sophisticated French cuisine. His commitment to culinary innovation and his passion for pushing boundaries will grace Sydney, promising a spectacular dining experience. This exclusive event, marking the closure of AALIA’s 2023 Chef Series, will take place on Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th of October. The menu showcases a cornucopia of dishes, including hummus cornet with trout roe and nuts, and lobster with freekeh and arak. Desserts include a sweet brik pastry baklava with cashew ice cream and preserved quince, along with a Mouhalabia lollipop. “I am beyond excited to give Australian diners the best possible experience,” says Michelin-starred Chef, Alan Geaam. “This will be the first time we embark on emulating the ‘Alan Geaam dining experience’ anywhere else in the world. I am so excited to delve into Sydney’s fresh and local ingredients to bring a creative, beautiful, and delicious menu to life with Chef Paul and his team.” AALIA’s Executive Chef, Paul Farag, shares the excitement, saying, “At AALIA, we’re dedicated to pushing boundaries, that’s why our chef series has been some of our most… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

What to see at Sydney Opera House: the harp played right

by James Banham

Posted: 09/10/2023

Step into the ethereal world of Mary Lattimore, the acclaimed American harpist and composer, as she prepares to grace the iconic Sydney Opera House with her mesmerising debut performance on December 4. Lattimore, a virtuoso of the 47-string Lyon & Healy harp, has been enchanting global audiences for over a decade with her captivating narratives set to music. Her sonic tales, woven with emotional resonance and vivid imagery, are set to come alive in the intimate setting of the Utzon Room. Not just a solo act, this special performance will also feature the talents of guitarist Paul Sukeena, adding another layer of intrigue to an already spellbinding evening. Lattimore’s latest solo album, “Goodbye, Hotel Arkada” (2023), is a testament to her evolving musical journey. This expansive soundscape incorporates not just the harp, but also guitar, keyboard, Theremin, and more. The album features collaborations with Lol Tolhurst of The Cure, Meg Baird, and Rachel Goswell from Slowdive, further broadening its auditory horizons. Beyond her solo work, Lattimore is a sought-after session musician, having collaborated with a diverse range of indie rock and experimental musicians, including Thurston Moore, Sharon Van Etten, Jarvis Cocker, Kurt Vile, and Jeff Zeigler. Her 2020 album, “Silver Ladders,” created in collaboration with Slowdive’s Neil Halstead, saw her ambient harp paired with richly textured arrangements. Ever since embarking on her solo career in 2012, Lattimore has been crafting intricate stories through her music, inviting listeners to embark on an immersive journey with her. This intimate connection between artist and audience is so captivating… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, MUSIC, SYDNEY

ARTS & CULTURE

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Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By James Banham

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.