Category: FEATURES

Best food festivals around Italy: where to go

Pizza

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Posted: 17/09/2022

Italy is the home of pasta. The birthplace of pizza. The refuge of cannoli and the haven of tiramisu. And that’s just covering a few regions! As the world gets increasingly food focused, Italy’s reputation has just taken over, giving us not just the image of Italy as a foodie’s paradise, but direct-from-the-source-type places where we can get all the produce we’d ever need. Think Eataly! To honour the beautiful country that is Italy and to get excited for the full calendar year of food events and things to do around the country, we’re taking a look at the best and biggest food festivals around the country to add to your diary. And why. JANUARY, gennaio Sagra della Sfincia di Priescia, Montelepre, SICILY All about the traditional Sicilian sweet treat, sfincia di priescia, this annual festival takes place on 6th January in the Piazza Principe di Piemonte. FEBRUARY, febbraio Battle of Oranges, Ivrea, PIEDMONT Get your cameras ready because the Battle of Oranges must be seen to be believed. An epic three-day food fight which runs from Sunday until Shrove Tuesday every year, this festival is all about flying fruit in a re-enactment of a skirmish dating back to the 12th century. MARCH, marzo Feast of San Giuseppe, CAMPANIA, SICILY, LAZIO Across southern Italy on March 19th, Italians celebrate San Giuseppe with myriad versions of zeppole, the more-ish crispy fried dough balls which are a popular street food throughout the south. Ask for the melt-in-your-mouth Zeppole di San Giuseppe – and don’t even try stopping at just one…. Read More

Category: EUROPE, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

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Top world heritage sites to see in Italy outside of Pompeii and Venice

Venice gondola

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Posted: 17/09/2022

Many of us have been to Pompeii and Venice, sure, but once you’ve been there and bought the t-shirt, where do you go for your next trip? Italy is a peninsula of unadulterated – in parts – coastline, urban dwelling, history, drama, good food and wine – the list is endless, so there’s no shortage of other world heritage sites, some over 2,000 years-old or more, to sink your passport into. So, let’s have a look and say a warm ‘buongiorno’ to your next Italian holiday… Frescoes of Padua, Veneto Added to the UNESCO stable in 2021, the glorious 14th century frescoes in the historic walled city of Padua are painted on eight secular and religious buildings. Chosen for the way they illustrate the progression of fresco art over the course of a century, the most famous is Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel fresco cycle, which is said to have marked the start of a revolution in mural painting. Porticoes of Bologna, Emilia Romagna Another newcomer, the Porticoes of Bologna have been a feature of the town since the 12th century. Covering 62 kilometres in total, the porticoes, 12 of which have been elected as UNESCO World Heritage sites, range from timber to brick, concrete and stone versions and are an iconic element of the city’s architecture. Sipping an espresso or enjoying a gelato on a summer evening under one of Bologna’s porticoes is an unforgettable, authentic local experience worthy of inclusion on any itinerary to the Emilia Romagna region, a firm favourite among foodies.   Montecatini Terme, Tuscany… Read More

Category: EUROPE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

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Father’s Day giveaway: WIN an Iron Clad Pan Co. Old Dutch oven

A photo of people's feet looking out the front door of a tent

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Updated: 14/08/2022

Doubling as a camping oven and big enough to cook two whole chickens (!), if ever there was a gift that screamed ‘DAD’, it’s this one. Brought to us by the Iron Clad Pan Co. , makers of cast iron cookware with a three-generation guarantee across Australia, the new Dutch Oven is a welcome to change to other more conventional outdoor cooking and camping-ware that just ticks boxes. It’s a gift idea that’s perfect for Dads who love the outdoors. Super functional, simply flip the lid over and place it on top of hot coals and you have a camp stove.  It is the only Australian-made cast iron Dutch oven, made from entirely recycled high-grade iron and with a Three Generation Guarantee. For more, head to the website (link above), or try to win one below. Win an Iron Clad Pan Co. Old Dutch oven worth $480 Entries close 11:59pm AEDT, 17 August 2022 Terms and conditions here Loading…

Category: FATHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDES, FEATURES, GIFT GUIDE, LIFESTYLE

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She’s sophisticated, stylish & sassy: meet the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

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Updated: 08/08/2022

The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is due to hit Mitsubishi dealerships in Australia from 15th August 2022, offering a new-generation PHEV system for Aussies with up to 84km of pure electric driving – up from 54km in the previous model. For consumers looking for a sophisticated and fun PHEV without the high-end price tag, your time has come.  Shaun Westcott, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia says with the release of the new Outlander PHEV, the company is targeting a more premium market than before. “Our core target market is primarily middle-class Australians and we haven’t shifted from that, but what we have picked up from our market research is feedback from customers looking for a more premium offering. So, what we’ve done is move this car up in terms of quality finish, sophistication, and style. Every attribute of the vehicle has improved. And that is to give our customers a better value for money product at the more premium end of the market.”  MORE: We took one for a spin around all Victoria and here’s how it went The competitors versus the Outlander PHEV So, what makes the Outlander PHEV stand out from the competitors, such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or the Kia Sorrento PHEV? If environmental considerations are high on your list of priorities, Mr Westcott says driving a PHEV versus a hybrid is the better option. Mitsubishi market research from the previous Outlander PHEV model has revealed drivers tend to use electric mode 84 per cent of the… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, CARS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

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Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms are open: chance to see Platinum Jubilee exhibition is now

White drawing room in Buckingham Palace

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Posted: 23/07/2022

Every summer (usually), Buckingham Palace opens its world famous State rooms, to the public for a first-hand look into the space that the Royals occupy. It’s an experience that few are afforded but everyone should take, peeping behind the veil of intrigue that surrounds the British Royal Family and all the glamour and prestige behind their life’s journeys, rituals and ceremonies and private jewellery collections. This year from 22 July – 2 October 2022, the latter is the highlight of a visit to the Buckingham Palace State rooms with an exhibition that keeps the celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee called Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession. It’s a modest, but oh-so impactful exhibition that shares elements of the Queen’s life as the Head of State and her journey from adolescence to adulthood. Through displays of some of the world’s most famous tiaras, crowns and parures (sets of matching jewellery pieces), all accompanied by photos taken by the Queen’s photographer Dorothy Wilding (1893 – 1976) that have inspired postage stamps all over the world, it’s an exhibition worth seeing. If for nothing else, then just to see the diamonds! You’ll see the famous Diamond Diadem, The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, the Delhi Durbar necklace and the South Africa necklace. Through the snaking journey you take past the Throne Room, Queen’s Picture Gallery, Ball Room and many coloured State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, your experience gives you a first-hand glimpse into the life of a Monarch like Queen Elizabeth II, her… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

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National Gallery London’s Summer on the Square

The National Gallery London from the front with umbrellas and tables spread out in Trafalgar Square

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Updated: 23/07/2022

This summer from 11 29 August in the heart of London, the National Gallery will host a free festival of immersive art, creativity and community. Summer on the Square (Trafalgar, that is), is a festival that’s a re-working of the Gallery’s art collection – creating an entirely new participatory set of experiences and activities that play with scale, spectacle and sound. Come along to immerse yourself in a purpose-built arts studio; participate in practical and walk-in art and sound installations; as well as sketching, making, moving, and exploring The National Gallery’s collection.  The sessions will be free, drop-in and open to all ages and abilities. During an unprecedented cost of living crisis, the National Gallery hopes the festival will be an opportunity for local and London-wide communities to enjoy art and celebrate their own creativity with friends and family – creating a space for wellbeing and joy in tough times. For the full program and timings, head to the Summer on the Square website

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

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5 reasons to visit Mykonos Greece this summer

Mykonos ocean cliff view

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Updated: 11/07/2022

It’s summer in Europe! And that means, well, so many things, but primarily: travel to and around the mainland. Europe’s a big place and Greece is one of the many destinations that sits atop its crown of must-visit destinations; and Mykonos even more so, if that’s your vibe. Think Jackie O’s on the beach, water views at every stop and all the table service anyone could ever need. Oh and these 5 other winning reasons. Read on and get planning! 1. Resident DJ and weekly music events Popular for its glamorous nightlife, superstar DJs and beautiful crowds, Mykonos is a true holiday destination. The fun starts at Kensh? Ornos, with a calendar of regular events sure to keep guests entertained. Throughout the season, different musicians and performances will be taking place at Kensh? Ornos, ranging from singers to DJ’s, dancers and more. Recent events include our resident DJ, DJ Angelosi playing Ethnic Electronic and Afro House music and Mediterranean ethnic music performances by Ghenwa Nemnom. 2. The star-lit swimming pool One of the best places to take a dip in Mykonos, the Kensh? Ornos pool was designed to complement the hotel’s surrounding Ornos Bay. With majestic views of the Aegean Sea, lounging by the pool has never been more relaxing. The pool is the perfect Instagram spot, guaranteed to give everyone at home FOMO. At night, the turquoise swimming pool is illuminated with ‘starlights’ that light up the turquoise water for inviting evening swims. Guests can enjoy fresh towels, delicious cocktails and snackable lite bites whilst… Read More

Category: EUROPE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

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Homegrown talent to see at Sydney Opera House this spring in La Traviata by Opera Australia

Stacey Alleaume opera singer

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Posted: 24/06/2022

If there’s one soprano you need to see in your life, either while living in or visiting Sydney, it’s Melbourne’s own Stacey Alleaume. She’s a rocket of a singer that is more often than not, found up front-and-centre in many of Opera Australia’s annual productions. And it’s easy to see why… Stacey was proclaimed a star when she sang Violetta in the 2021 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of La Traviata and last month received more glowing reviews for her main-stage debut as Violetta at Arts Centre Melbourne. Along with Stacey, soprano Irina Lungu will open the second stage of the Sydney season on 22 October, singing her signature role of Violetta in Australia for the first time, having sung the role across Europe, the UK and Tokyo, including receiving rave reviews in 2019 at the Vienna State Opera. Along with a range of other singers, the spread of what’s on from Opera Australia is – as per usual – internationally acclaimed, and will shine the light on the best of Australia’s arts and music scene from the lens of Opera Australia. Here’s a full run-down of the Opera Australia winter season for 2022. For more and to book tickets to La Traviata, head to the Opera Australia website. What is La Traviata about? Opera Australia explains it as a tragic love story that inspired pop culture classics Moulin Rouge and Pretty Woman, Verdi’s famous score includes the show-stopping aria ‘Sempre libera’ and the instantly recognisable drinking song, ‘Brindisi’. Combined with lavish sets and costumes,… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, OPERA

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National Gallery London begins countdown to 200th birthday with Bicentenary celebration

People gathered around front door of National Gallery Trafalgar Square

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Updated: 22/06/2022

2022 it seems, is the year of milestones and celebrations. If Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee wasn’t reason enough to celebrate all that’s wholesome and likeable about the UK, then perhaps the news that the Nation’s favourite Western-style gallery, the National Gallery of Trafalgar Square is turning 200 years old. And they’ve got a lot planned to celebrate it. The countdown’s on to 10 May 2024 when the institution hits the milestone. What will it do with this time? Celebrate its past and look forward to the future with a year-long festival of art, creativity and imagination which sets the tone for its third century, of course! And the best bit is everyone’s invited. The celebrations will extend from in-to-outside the Gallery, encouraging visitors to London and locals to participate, view, engage and learn. “We will make it easier than ever for everyone to share a space with some of the greatest paintings in the world. From seeing a real work in the context of your local museum or gallery to enjoying a dive into the virtual history of the nation’s collection, everyone can find new ways to connect with art,” says the Gallery. Here’s a run-down of what’s on to look forward to. Dates and more info to come from the National Gallery website MORE: See the Raphael exhibition at the National Gallery until 31 July The Gallery across the nation   The National Gallery is going national, taking key elements of its 2000+ strong collection to areas all over the UK.  NG200: National Treasures  12… Read More

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

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Your interstate best friend: The Toyota Landcruiser 300 7-seat monster

Toyota outback Landcruiser

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Updated: 29/05/2022

Cars are all about context, right? You don’t get a convertible Volkswagen Eos to hit the outback. Much less do you get a Ford Wildtrak for simple trips to the shop. But on the odd occasion you find a car that’s equal parts massive and practical that makes you think, ‘oh yeah, that works’. Say hi to the Toyota Landcruiser 300. Quite literally the biggest car you’ve ever driven, with more power than the simple streets of Sydney knew how to handle and enough suspension to make you have moments of existential quandry where you think, ‘am I actually driving, or just rolling under my own momentum?’ MORE: Here’s what we thought of the Toyota CHR Koba SUV View this post on Instagram A post shared by T H E F (@the_f_online) More an icon and master of the outback, you’d be considered nuts if you didn’t put this car through its paces on all kinds of terrain from the city to the country. So, we spoke with travel expert Quentin Long about the best ways to explore Australia’s landscape and those unseen destinations. The Landcruiser 300 makes all kinds of trips for all durations and demands a breeze. With perks and features that include some of these bits, you’re in good hands: a brand new 3.3L twin-turbo V6 diesel engine delivering 227kW and 700Nm 10-speed automatic transmission designed to enhance driving performance, fuel efficiency, and quietness – which genuinely works – you hear nothing and let’s not forget, the Multi Terrain Select with a… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, CARS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

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