Category: FEATURES

Eurovision glory: Drag queen Courtney Act is going to save Australia

Courtney Act Shane Jenek drag queen

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Updated: 01/01/2019

Somebody needs to strip Jessica Mauboy’s right to rep Australia in Eurovision ASAP and Courtney Act is the woman to do it. Since she burst onto our TV screens back in the hey day of Big Brother Australia – and she’s just won the celebrity version of the fizzer in 2018 – Courtney Act (Shane Jenek) has released a new tune she’d love to take Australia to the big leagues in 2019. We’ll be able to decide soon. The new track by Courtney Act is called Fight for love and will hit Eurovision – Australia Decides on SBS on Saturday 9 February 2019. “A sweet 16 years after Australian Idol, I have the chance to show Australia how I have grown as an artist and performer and I am so excited! To compete to represent Oz in Eurovision is second only to being on that stage in Tel Aviv and singing my lungs out for my country. Fight For Love is a dancefloor banger all about coming together and fighting for the things we believe in. I think it’s so important to think about the basic human rights of others and to use our collective voices, minds and bodies to lift those people up and bring about change,” she said. Courtney’s new single Fight For Love is available to purchase now on iTunes and stream on Spotify. Courtney will compete with Fight For Love on SBS’ Eurovision – Australia Decides on Saturday 9 February 2019. Listen to the track on Spotify.

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, DRAG, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

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Frank’s Cafe Melbourne has a new summer menu complete with incredible crepes

Franks Melbourne crepe

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Updated: 30/12/2018

Its interior gives you Japanese chicness, its exterior is trendy but inviting and its menu is as wide ranging and varied – and the desserts! – as the best of them. This is Franks Cafe – a Bayside suburban cafe that has taken the traditional and made it better, adding-in quality coffee, forward thinking food done well and a unique take on something for the sweet-toothed that needs to be tried to be believed. Complete with a new menu for summer, starting this month, Frank’s is stepping up the food game, rolling out their usual stunners like eggs Benedict with crispy pork belly and a chicken reuben sandwich that would make a Frenchman’s toes curl. In short, it’s good. Head chef Eli Faye has added eight new breakfast and lunch dishes to the menu alongside the incredible and not-too-sweet Violet Crumble Crepe. It’s a delicious honeycomb crepe is filled with light textured, rich-flavoured chocolate mousse, topped with vanilla bean ice-cream, fresh honeycomb and chocolate floss.  Yes, it’s every bit as amazing as you’d think and the best bit? It doesn’t leave you hating yourself afterwards. Eli models the menu around a simple philosophy of good food, good produce, Instagram worthiness and a happy feeling at the end of it that means you’ll be considering going back every weekend – or more. You can find Frank’s Melbourne at 97 Cavanagh Street, Cheltenham in southeast Melbourne. View this post on Instagram Suburban brunching realness ? Frank’s in Cheltenham is a Mecca of deliciousness, complete with the most epic… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

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New Years’ Day at Watsons Bay just got more lit with Client Liaison

Client Liaison Harvey Monte

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Updated: 23/12/2018

Client Liaison are the two Aussie guys who’re everywhere right now and this January they’re taking over the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. Just ‘cos. They’ve revealed the full lineup for their New Year’s Day event at the hotel.They’ll play the part of party curators, having hand-picked a clique of their coolest electro friends to warm up the crowd ahead of their headline DJ set at the iconic beachside hotel. Alex Dimitriades AKA DJ Boogie Monster, star of The Slap and spinner of disco, soul and vintage vinyl – Nicky Night Time, frontman and producer of Van She and Triple J presenter and Client Liaison bass player Tom Tilley. Caitlin Medcalf, DJ John Howard, Eddy Diamond, Jack Kennedy, Sports and Strange Associates are also hitting the decks throughout the afternoon alongside CL. And always ones to keep a surprise up their eclectic sleeves, Client Liaison will introduce a final surprise guest at the party on New Year’s Day. The boys have brought their favourite vodka brand on board with Grey Goose mixing the signature ‘Le Grand Fizz’ cocktail for partygoers, and Corona providing the fresh cold beers from lunchtime ‘till late. Client Liaison presents New Year’s Day at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel opens at midday with DJs playing al fresco across two levels against the 180-degree Harbour backdrop. As day turns to night the party will get hot and heavy in the Sunset Room with final warm-up acts and the exclusive DJ performance from Client Liaison. Tickets are super limited to set the scene for an intimate experience. VIP third release tickets are… Read More

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

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7 best ways to celebrate New Years Eve 2018 in Sydney

New Years Eve

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Updated: 11/12/2018

New Years is happening again and it’s a case of if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.  All over Sydney and Melbourne things are being turned all the way up, with DJ acts, bottomless everythings and general debauchery available everywhere to welcome-in 2019. Here’s where to go… NYE at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel With an electric line up and unbeatable views of the fireworks action over the city skyline, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is the place to kick back and let loose on the biggest night of the year. The event opens at 5pm with warm up sets from local DJs, before Sydney DJ and producer Jesse Porches takes to the decks – fresh from his national tour of Australia, Jesse’s worked with the likes of Flume and Skepta and is tipped to be one to watch on the electronic scene. He’s warming up for event headliner MUTO, the northern beaches born DJ and producer who packed out the tent at his Splendour in the Grass debut this year; MUTO will be ramping up the energy as the clock strikes midnight and local DJs continue the party until 2am. Check it all out at the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel here.  Portside at Sydney Opera House Portside Sydney Opera House has released tickets to its ultimate NYE event, offering an all-inclusive VIP experience, complete with the best vantage point of Sydney’s world-renowned fireworks. $795 Second release General Admission includes: ·    Free flowing French Champagne, beer and wine (spirits at additional cost) ·    Canapes and substantial food grazing stations ·    Prime… Read More

Category: FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

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Green vehicles move over: Hyundai has launched its first electric vehicle, the Ioniq

2019 IONIQ Electric Premium - 18

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Posted: 03/12/2018

Hyundai can now add another three notches to its belt in Australia thanks to its latest feat – the introduction the Ioniq electric, plug in and hybrid vehicles. It doesn’t matter whether you’re still (moronically) in the “green cars are for hippies” camp, or whether you’ve converted fully to the ways of the world, the mortality of fossil fuels and the fact that cars are polluting, the Hyundai Ioniq is a car that for all intents and purposes is just like any other you’re used to – only better. It’s an electric vehicle power train wrapped in a fastback body, giving it that electric vehicle flair, without being too boldly ‘green’. But, even then, when you couple its inner-city-friendly look and feel, generous space and vast range of colours with the fact it’s essentially free to “fill up”, can charge to 80% in 23 minutes (or so) and can be charged at home, you’d be made to not consider getting one. That is of course, unless you can’t: living arrangements, etc. The new range-opening 2019 Ioniq car is an accessible and user-friendly taste of electric motoring for literally everyone, and comes can come complete with a petrol/electric hybrid system that helps it achieve exceptional fuel economy. The Hyundai Ioniq comes with all the mod cons you’d want from a 2019 ride. In addition to the three engine types of the new car, Ioniq offers Elite and Premium trim levels for all rides, including such swish additions like leather finishings, sun roof and more. As standard,… Read More

Category: CARS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

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New life to Kings Cross Sydney: Limited nightclub opens this November

Limited Kings Cross 3

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Updated: 30/11/2018

It’s been a while since the NSW State Government sucked the life out of what Sydney had going on after dark, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be recouped. There’s a guy called Nathaniel Bourke, who’s completely of that opinion, too. So, he’s opening Limited nightclub in the old Kings Cross stomping ground to add a little bit of something new and exciting to the night time district that has been converted into below-par sex shops and Sunday brunch venues. A weird combination in itself. As the name suggests, Limited will be an exclusive, bottle service oriented lounge and nightclub, fuelled by a team of mixologists and chefs to create a carefully curated menu of signature cocktails, contemporary dishes with a twist and a premium selected of champagne and spirits against a backdrop of velvet drapes, leather banquettes and risque artwork. Channeling the area, the drinks list is made-up of a range of cocktails, all inspired-by and named after the most iconic clubs from Kings Cross’ past; Beach Haus, Underground, Sugar Reef, Sapphire, Lady Lux, Soho, Piano Room, Dragonfly, Hugo’s and The Gambo. Rest in peace, friends. Bourke knows how to do night time entertainment. With his previous experience at Marquee nightclub at The Star, you can imagine the mood: think stylish, dark, tabled and bottle serviced; it’s a good time waiting to happen. Limited is dark, mood lit, long and hidden, adding an air of style that Kings Cross totally needs. See more at the Limited nightclub website. Follow Limited Sydney on Instagram @limited.sydney. Limited 2 Kellett… Read More

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

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Love, bottled up: Celebrate 1 year of marriage equality with Absolut Drop

Absolute Drop

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Updated: 26/03/2022

It was a year ago that Australia bit the bullet and finally conceded that everyone is equal – and it’s nice. Sure, it was only voted in by a margin, but marriage equality for LGBTIQ Australians was one of the biggest successes of 2017 and one of the largest successes of the Liberal Government at the time. And now, grog masters Absolut, have bottled-up the joyousness with one helluvan epic tale behind their latest bottle design to commemorate just this. In a nutshell, they went around the world and attended all the anti-love, pro-hate demonstrations they could find. Shockingly, there’s still quite a lot, apparently. But while they were there – earplugs in, of course – they collected all the anti-equality signage they could. They then extracted the ink from the signs and mixed it with the glass to infuse the essence of bullshit that hateful morons around the world exude, ironically and pragmatically turning it into a permanent state of love in the Absolute vodka bottle, which stars myriad words for love from all over the world. “This message is incredibly important to us,” commented Eric Thomson, Pernod Ricard Australia, marketing director, “we’re passionate about creating a more open world and we are excited to reveal Absolut Drop; the ultimate expression of this purpose. Earlier this year we were proud to partner with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for their milestone 40th anniversary of the globally renowned festival that is the embodiment of celebration, self-expression and acceptance.” The Absolut Drop campaign is part of… Read More

Category: FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE

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Blue Water Grill by Rockpool Dining Group is returning to Sydney

Blue Water DIning 1

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Updated: 26/03/2022

Chef Neil Perry is bringing Blue Water Grill back to Sydney diners after a 30-year hiatus with a six-day pop-up in the heart of Sydney city. Blue Water Grill will open up for the limited time at 11 Bridge Street from Monday 19 November to Saturday 24 November with lunch and dinner sittings daily. On the menu will be seafood with Asian flavours that Blue Water Grill was renowned for, and foods that defined Neil Perry’s reputation as a champion of sustainable catches. They’ll have around 20 hallmark dishes on the menu, complete with an ‘80s-style cocktail list and a list of Australian wines. Neil Perry will be hands-on in the kitchen, frying fish, stir frying squid, char-grilling seafood and mustering up fragrant green curry, coconut sambal, chilli sauces and salsas. They’re all the quintessential dishes that put his first restaurant and super-fresh seafood straight off the boats on Australia’s culinary map. See more and the new menu at the Rockpool Dining website and the menu below: Freshly shucked oysters with candied ginger $4 Fried goats’ cheese, beet salad, Sichuan pepper $19 Sugar cured Ocean Trout, tomato, onion, chilli $19 Raw tuna, avocado, sweet sesame dressing $25 Mussel, garam masala noodle soup $19 Char-grilled baby octopus, mint, chilli salad $19 Stir-fried king prawn, lettuce, tamarind dressing $24 Stir-fried squid, water spinach, black pepper, curry leaves $25 Pipis, black bean, chilli $25 Leather Jacket green curry $25 Char-grilled Swordfish, mango chilli salsa $29 Char-grilled tuna, spicy cucumber peanut salad $29 Pan-fried Red Throat Emperor, coconut sambal $29… Read More

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

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Free opera is coming to Melbourne with the Mazda Opera in the Bowl

Opera Sidney Myer Music Bowl

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Updated: 26/03/2022

With ol’ faithfuls Natalie Aroyan, Sian Pendry, Virgilio Marino and Luke Gabbedy, Opera Australia about to knock Melbourne’s socks off with the annual Mazda Opera in the Bowl, coming this November. On 24 November, Australia’s premiere opera company will take over the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on the fringe of Melbourne’s CBD to fill the city skyline with some tracking tunes from the world’s most beloved productions. Classics from Carmen, Turandot – which is coming back this season – Tosca and The Barber of Seville, you can get in amongst the action for free from 4pm. Here’s the program for the night… BIZET Overture to Carmen ROSSINI ‘Largo al factotum’ from The Barber of Seville BIZET The Flower Song from Carmen SAINT-SAËNS ‘Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix’ from Samson and Delilah VERDI ‘Ritorna vincitor’ from Aida BIZET ‘Au fond du temple saint’ from The Pearlfishers Interval ROSSINI Overture to William Tell BIZET Seguidilla from Carmen BIZET The Toreador Song from Carmen PUCCINI Vissi d’arte’ from Tosca MASCAGNI ‘Intermezzo’ from Cavalleria Rusticana DELIBES ‘Dôme épais, le jasmin’ from Lakmé PUCCINI ‘Nessun dorma’ from Turandot See more info at the Opera Australia website.

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE, OPERA

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5 reasons to get excited about Black Star Pastry at Melbourne Night Noodle Markets

Black Star Pastry 1

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Updated: 26/03/2022

Black Star Pastry made their name well and the made it fast. Watermelon cake, anyone? They’re back again this year at the Melbourne Night Noodle Markets, on now at Birrarung Maar, and peeps are getting excited. They’re known for their delicate flavours, small portions and pretty presentation, but here’s what else is up with what they’ve got going on at this year’s session: What do you think you bring to Good Food Month that is different to everyone else? There are so many incredible culinary creations available during Good Food Month, but in terms of cake concepts, we’re bringing some unique slices to the stalls. This year we’ve brought our Strawberry Watermelon, Chocolate Lava, and Raspberry Lychee cakes to the Night Noodle Markets. Anyone with a sweet tooth needs to save room for at least one. How did you decide what will be your hero menu items this year? Our iconic Strawberry Watermelon Cake is said to be the world’s most Instagrammed cake, so it picks itself as the hero item. It only makes its way to Melbourne once a year and the queues are always long for this sweet sensation. You know it’s a good cake when a molten chocolate fondant with raspberry compote, caramelised popcorn and freeze-dried raspberries takes second billing. In three words, how’d you describe your flavour?  Strawberry. Watermelon. Perfection. What’s your favourite thing about food? Good food is one of life’s great pleasures, that’s why we’re in the business of making it. Look around the Night Noodle Markets, it’s full… Read More

Category: ASIAN FOOD, CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

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