Get porked: Pork-A-Palooza at The Morrison is on in Sydney

Posted: 20/05/2019

Until 23 May, The Morrison in Sydney, right on George Street is your swine-tastic destination for all things pork. And it’s damn good. Joining the long list of food themed events and offering The Morrison puts on every year, Pork-A-Palooza will offer its guests a range of porky delights for even the most averted pork eaters. The menu includes whole suckling pigs – yes, that’s right – and pork hotdogs for as low as $1 each on Tuesdays. A top way to begin any week, Pork-A-Palooza is an obvious homage to the hog, with a menu cooked-up by chef Sean Connolly who dubs the humbel swine “his penicillin”. On top of dogs and whole piggies, also on offer are top noshes like chilled pigs head terrine, oysters Kilpatrick with bacon and crispy pork belly with squid as well as optional sides and salads and such. Not to mention, drinks on offer have all been designed by in-house mixologists and designed a menu of Swiney Swigs – sips with a piggy twist including the Don Melon Ham cocktail made with prosciutto infused Bulleit bourbon and the Orchard Spritz, a fruity concoction of Chambord, blueberry jam, lemon and James Squire Orchard Crush. All drinks will go down well with a handful of pork scratching popcorn, free at the bar with any special drinks purchased. The Morrison will be bringing the pork-loving vibe to Sydney from 23 April to 23 May with Pork-A-Palooza. Pre orders for suckling pigs open from 1 April and the full schedule of swine events is listed on the website.

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

Tags: morrison sydney, Pork A Palooza, Pork Morrison Sydney, sydney food, sydney food blog, The Morrison, The Morrison George Street

The Sydney Fair: Back in Randwick from May to June

by James Banham

Posted: 15/05/2019

Take your pick from over 5000 items around 60 exhibitors at this year’s Sydney Fair, back on again from 30 May to 2 June. Right in the heart of Randwick, it’s the kind of place you’ll find some of the most unique and covetable items available in Australia along the lines of vintage fashion, antiques, jewellery, arts and rare objects. Highlights at this year’s Fair are all about a range of vintage Scandinavian and revered George Jensen jewellery available for purchase from fine jewellery expert, Christopher Becker. Actor and collector Jermel Nakia (better known for his role as young William on hit TV series This Is Us) will add a splash of Hollywood glamour with his meticulously curated collection of iconic movie costumes. The History of the Handbag exhibition will also make its debut as a retrospective of iconic handbags from the last 100 years, from the ornately decorated flapper bags of the 1920s through to today’s most highly sought designer bags. So if stuff is what you need, the Sydney Fair is where you’ll find it! See more at the Fair’s website.

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Out of Office: Friday drinks just got better at the Golden Sheaf Double Bay

Crowd of people dancing to music at the Golden Sheaf

by James Banham

Posted: 15/05/2019

Because Friday is the beginning of the weekend and all you want to do is erase the memory of the week that was, we give you Out of Office: new activation by the Golden Sheaf in Double Bay that will help you achieve it all. It’s the Friday night go-to destination for those who work hard and play harder, kicking off in May. Pairing DJs chosen by Sydney heroes UNDR Ctrl with exclusive food and bar offerings, the free affair is the perfect setting to ditch the desk chains and dive into an OOO mentality. Handshake Happy Hour from 4-6pm kickstarts Friday freedom right with the Corona Cart and more surprise and delight moments each week. From the Garden Bar, feast on a bar-style menu of fish sliders, brisket spring rolls and chicken tacos, designed for sharing with the whole team in a sneaky after-work meeting. Stay and Play from 6pm marks your final clock off moment when a new stint of cocktail specials kick in, as the dance floor gets moving to close the loop on the 9-5 week, all the way to a 2am close. From this Friday, May 17 Shantan Wantan Ichiban will appear behind the mic at triple j and FBi Radio. Joining him is World Champion DJs with a set of psych-funk treats, and Life Of Leisure. Supported by Junya.Junya, fearless femme tastemaker Luen will step behind the decks on May 24, setting alight her groove-snatching rarities that has seen her support Peggy Gou and DJ Seinfeld. Rounding out the month on May 31 is a DJ set from bedroom-producer and triple j… Read More

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Golden Sheaf, Golden Sheaf Sydney, sydney bars, Sydney clubs, Sydney Friday drinks, sydney pubs, THE F Golden Sheaf

Tranquility meets functionality at new BodyMindLife studio in Kirrawee

by Emi Berry

Updated: 13/05/2019

We spend so much of our lives in the gym, so to find somewhere that feels like home (perhaps even nicer!) is the ultimate goal. That place has been found at the BodyMindLife studios. The brand new studio at Kirrawee in the South Village precinct has opened and between the 75 classes each week and stunning facilities, this is the first time we’ve never wanted to skip a workout. BodyMindLife founder Philip Goodwin says this was exactly his intention. “We want the community to come together here and to feel like they can stay as long as they like,” Goodwin says. As soon as you enter the peaceful space with its white walls, diffuser scented air and scandi elements, you’re immediately relaxed. I’m usually one to rush to and from the gym in a desire to get it over and done with, but at BodyMindLife I arrive early to stretch and remain after class for a cup of herbal tea. For those not familiar with Reformer Pilates itself, Reformer uses all the methodologies behind Pilates but instead performs them on moving platform frame (or ‘bed’) with different weighted springs to that create resistance as you move back and forth. The moving frame allows you to really target those small muscle groups and get in deep stretches you may not have thought was possible. Reformer is great for recovery after an injury and and building long, lean muscles. If you think there’s only so many moves you can do on a reformer bed think again. There… Read More

Category: CITIES, HEALTH & FITNESS, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Best yoga studios Sydney, BodyMindLife Kirrawee, BodyMindLife Sydney, BodyMindLife yoga studio, Danielle Kirk, Sydney yoga, THE F BodyMindLife, Tranquility meets functionality at new BodyMindLife studio, yoga, Yoga studios Sydney

Japanese Mother’s Day: Where to take Mum on her special day

by James Banham

Posted: 12/05/2019

Sash Sydney opened only earlier in 2019, but has already managed to take Japanese food in Surry Hills to a brand new level. Read about what Sash is like, here. And just in case their already popular Sunday sessions weren’t enough of a reason to visit, then what they’ve got going on this Mothers’ Day 2019 is sure to be hollering for a booking. For the special woman in your life, they’re putting on a spread. Spoil Mum with a 7 course modern Japanese banquet designed by their head chef Peter Wu. It’s a menu to be grazed on, consisting of Sash’s already renowned dishes including, hand rolled sushi, inspired tacos and crispy battered delights. Find Sash Restaurant at 80 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills. Mother’s Day bookings are essential.

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

Tags: japanese food sydney, Japanese Mothers Day, sash japanese, Sash Japanese Sydney, Sash Sydney

Coffee all over Sydney: Chambers Fine Coffee does it right

Holding a cup of coffee in front of the trading hours of Chambers Fine Coffee

by Emi Berry

Posted: 11/05/2019

When you think of Haymarket in Sydney, delicious Chinese dumplings and barbecued Peking duck probably springs to mind. But located on the fringes of bustling Chinatown is some of the most satisfying coffee you’ll find in town – at Chambers Fine Coffee.Who would’ve thought? The queue for takeaway coffee is evidence that this the go-to cafe for locals working or studying in the precinct for their daily dose of caffeine. As the name suggests, Chambers Fine Coffee is committed to brewing a decent hot beverage, which isn’t just limited to coffee, but also includes trending favourites such as organic matcha lattes, turmeric lattes and dirty chai lattes – the perfect belly warmer for those cold autumn days. For the warmer months, Chambers also offers delicious frappes, milkshakes and smoothies. Chambers also offers an all day breakfast menu with old time favourites such as eggs benedict with smoked salmon, accompanied with slices of satisfyingly crunchy toasted sourdough. But then who can go past a finger-licking burger with chips for lunch, which also includes a vegetarian version with grilled haloumi, eggplant, tomato and lettuce? The menu is extensive but not overwhelming (because that’s the last thing you want when you want to sit down to an uncomplicated, casual meal), and guarantees to cater to all cravings at a reasonable price point. Chambers Fine Coffee can be found across six locations in Sydney including Haymarket, Top Ryde, Rhodes, Chatswood, Parramatta and Burwood Plaza.

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

Tags: Best Sydney cafes, Chambers coffee Sydney, Chambers Fine Coffee, Chambers Fine Coffee Sydney, sydney cafes, sydney coffee

Best crepes in Sydney for Vivid Festival: Four Frogs Creperie

by Emi Berry

Updated: 16/11/2022

The countdown is on to Vivid Sydney, where spectacular light exhibitions transform the city over a three week period commencing Friday 24 May. While there will be events taking place all over the city, Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House and The Rocks will no doubt take centre stage during this iconic light festival. As the city illuminates from 6pm each evening, you’ll probably want to grab dinner before, after or in between discovering the inspiring light installations. The nights will be cool, so what better way to warm up than indulging in a warm glass of mulled French cider and a delicious crepe at Circular Quay’s Four Frogs Creperie. Founded by four Frenchmen who fell in love with Australia, Four Frogs Creperie is the real deal when it comes to mouth-watering sweet crepes and galettes (savoury crepes). With over 50 variations of a mix of crepes and galettes on offer, even the fussiest eaters amongst us will find something to satisfy. For those seeking a traditional French galette, you can’t go past the La tartiflette which is produced with bacon, Swiss and raclette cheese, potato and onion slow-cooked in cider. You can choose to add an egg to the topping, which is highly recommended if you really want to enjoy the complete ‘la tartiflette’ experience. We’ll also let you in on a very important tip, particularly during those cold evenings by the harbour: the homemade mulled cider is exceptionally good, so why not spoil yourself and order a glass to accompany your meal. Made with… Read More

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, FRENCH FOOD, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Best crepes Sydney, Crepes Sydney, Crepes VIVID Sydney, Four Frogs, Four Frogs Crepes, french restaurants sydney, vivid sydney

SYDNEY: Dinners for VIVID – Chroma dinner at Mode Kitchen & Bar, Four Seasons

Mode Kitchen & Bar_Hiramasa kingfish sashimi, sweet & sour onions, macadamia

by James Banham

Updated: 13/06/2019

VIVID Sydney will again take over the city from 24 May to 15 June, so if ever you’ve wanted to eat colour, the time is now. What? Mode Kitchen and Bar on the ground floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney – and under the insanely legendary hand of head chef Francesco Mannelli – is putting on what’s called the Chroma dinner. It’s a sumptuous feast of gastronomic proportions, open to the public, for the entire season for VIVID in Sydney. “Inspired by interesting and extraordinary Australian ingredients I created a unique menu to stimulate guests senses, whilst paying homage to my Italian heritage playing with cooking techniques to create natural vibrant colours and dishes to excite our guests,” said Francesco. It’s a dinner of the celebration of light, colour, sound and sensation created around three dishes and a dessert specifically designed to awaken the senses and take diners on a culinary journey of colour, scent, sound and light. Each dish has been carefully matched to a cocktail or drink by Roderick Boerma, Grain Bar Manager who reigns from Amsterdam and is a true master of fine local produce. Inspired by RGB, these colours have been created to enhance the dining experience as guests enter a world of colour and a sensorial awakening. And if that wasn’t enough, Mode has transformed a space into a white canvas, ready to integrate the very unique BroomX projector that has abilities to create spectacular virtual reality projections who surprise and delight guests, transforming the newly white room into… Read More

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

Tags: Dinners for VIVID Sydney: Chroma dinner at Mode Kitchen & Bar, four seasons, Restaurants VIVID Sydney, VIVID dinner, vivid sydney, where to eat vivid sydney

Butcher and the Farmer does bottomless British brunch in Sydney

by James Banham

Posted: 08/05/2019

At the Tramsheds in Glebe, right in the heart of Sydney, Butcher and Farmer has nestled in nicely; and now they’re doing bottomless brunch. Because; Sydney. With stuff on the menu like eggs sunny-side-up, bacon, BATF signature pork and fennel sausage, confit mushroom, roasted Roma tomato, fried Sonoma bread, house braised beans and a hash brown, it’s a good time. Top it all with bottomless prosecco and the very British Pimm’s cups, it makes for a good time. Why? Butcher and the Farmer have teamed up with Will Stewart and Steve Flood, both English, who’ve spruiked the new Union Jack themed Smeg toaster, on show at Butcher and the Farmer, to inject a little English into seaside Sydney. It’s an explosion of British gastronomy, right in the middle of town, which for those with a penchant for the UK, will hit the spot ideally. See more and make your own booking at the Butcher and Farmer’s website.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Bottomless brunch Sydney, brunch sydney, Butcher Farmer, Smeg Union Jack toaster, tramsheds sydney

Bill Henson’s first solo exhibition in seven years in Sydney at Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery

by James Banham

Posted: 03/05/2019

On Friday 17 May, Sydney’s Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery will present a solo exhibition of new works by Bill Henson marking the first exhibition of Henson’s first in Sydney in seven years. Henson had his first solo exhibition, at the age of 19, at the National Gallery of Victoria in 1975. The gallery now has over 100 Henson works and his work is held in every major public collection in Australia and many overseas collections including Los Angeles County Museum of Art, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Solomon R Guggenheim Museum and so many more. Reviewing the Bill Henson exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria in 2017, the critic John McDonald wrote: “…Entering the transformed gallery from a room of French 19th century art, the impact is stunning…. Ineffability is the keynote of Henson’s work. Even the most detailed description would not prepare viewers for the experience of standing in front of these images in a darkened room…. The landscapes are deceptively straightforward at first glance….Yet the complexity of taking the picture from exactly the right position with the right quality of light is immense. It’s one of the miracles of art that the most difficult and complicated processes result in works of pristine simplicity…” Exhibition opens Friday 17 May 6-8pm and continues until Saturday 8 June 2019.

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

Tags: Art blog, Art gallery Sydney, Bill Henson, Bill Henson artist, Bill Henson exhibition, Bill Henson photographer, sydney art, Sydney art blog, Sydney art galleries, THE F Bill Henson

Category: SYDNEY