Milkybar MILO: The perfect combination of creamy white chocolate and crunchy malt balls
Experience the ultimate nostalgic treat with the collaboration between Milkybar and MILO
by THE F
Posted: 13/08/2023
Experience the ultimate nostalgic treat with the collaboration between Milkybar and MILO
by James Banham
Updated: 23/07/2023
With World Coffee Day approaching on October 1st, there is no better time to explore the vibrant coffee culture and discover new cafes to satisfy our caffeine cravings. One such cafe that deserves a special mention is Pillar. Led by a team of passionate coffee connoisseurs, Pillar is dedicated to redefining the coffee scene and creating a space where coffee lovers can come together and share their experiences. In this blog post, we will dive into the world of Pillar, learn about its founders, explore its unique offerings, and understand why it should be on everyone’s radar for all things coffee and cafe-related. Meet the Founders Pillar is the brainchild of a talented trio who are driven by their love for coffee and their desire to create a strong cafe community. The team consists of Uel Lim, a previous contestant on My Kitchen Rules and co-founder of Kin cafe; Edwin Luo, a seasoned head barista with a passion for crafting exceptional brews; and Nate Tong, an entrepreneurial leader with a vision to build a thriving cafe culture. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and expertise to Pillar, ensuring an unforgettable coffee experience for all who visit. A Space for Connection Like many of us, the founders of Pillar have experienced life-changing moments over a simple cup of coffee. These moments of connection and inspiration have laid the foundation for Pillar, a space where people can come together and share their stories. From catching up with friends to business meetings or simply enjoying a peaceful… Read More
Category: CITIES, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY
Tags: Best cafes, Pillar, Pillar cafe Sydney, sydney cafes, World Coffee Day
by James Banham
Posted: 30/06/2023
Get ready for a gastronomic spectacle that will ignite your senses this 4th of July! Welcome to Maha East, where the extraordinary culinary prowess of renowned chef Shane Delia meets the innovative winemaking craft of Eddie Chami from Mersel Wines. This promises to be an evening of indulgence, leaving you with an unforgettable dining experience. As the sun sets and the lights dim, the magic unfolds. Chef Shane Delia, known for his inventive and delectable dishes, is curating a three-course tasting menu that showcases some of Maha East’s most popular creations. Each dish is a journey through the rich tapestry of flavour profiles that have made Maha East a culinary hotspot. But what’s a remarkable meal without the perfect wine? Enter Eddie Chami, the passionate Lebanese winemaker who has been redefining the wine industry with his unique creations. Eddie’s Mersel Wines are crafted from indigenous Lebanese grape varieties, using organic farming methods and natural production techniques. His innovative portfolio includes Piquette, PetNat, and skin-contact wines – all beautifully fermented, unfiltered, and unfined, with minimal or no sulfites. Every course on the menu is thoughtfully paired with a selection from Mersel Wines. These pairings are meticulously curated to enhance the flavours of each dish, creating an immersive dining experience that goes beyond the plate and the glass. For $140pp, immerse yourself in this tantalizing fusion of food and wine, starting at 7:00 pm. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now for this exceptional evening of culinary delight. And the experience doesn’t end with the meal…. Read More
Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK
Tags: Best Melbourne restaurants, Maha Easy, Melbour restaurants
by James Banham
Updated: 29/06/2023
Truffle lovers in Sydney have reason to rejoice with the start of the much-awaited truffle season. The city has no dearth of options when it comes to indulging in the earthy and aromatic delicacy. Here are some top spots to get your truffle fix: Darling Square IIKO Mazesoba is one of the most renowned culinary destinations in Sydney, known for its brothless ramen and black truffle menu. Their limited-time menu features unparalleled flavours of black truffle sourced exclusively from Truffle Hill in Western Australia. The menu includes customer favourites like Black Chicken Karaage and new dishes such as Brie Cheese Tempura served with Truffle honey. WingBoy offers Truffalo Wings and a Truffalo Burger. The wings are doused in truffle-infused buffalo sauce and topped with shaved black truffles, while the burger features truffle-infused buffalo tenders, slaw, ranch, shallots, and a milk bun. Spago serves up delectable truffle-infused dishes like Spaghetti cacio e pepe with exotic mushrooms and fresh truffle, Criss Cut Potato Chips with crispy bacon, melted cheese, truffle oil, and fresh truffle, and Homemade classic Tiramisu with fresh truffle. Ume Burger also boasts of luxury upgrades to its burgers and sides with Truffle Mayo, a crispy Kakaige Truffle Burger and Ume Hot Chips dipped in Truffle Mayo. The Streets of Barangaroo IIKO Mazesoba is a common name here too, offering the same black truffle menu as it does in Darling Square. Cirrus brings back its annual dinner series complemented by David Coomer’s rare black winter truffles, sourced from the fertile land nestled between the mighty… Read More
by James Banham
Posted: 29/06/2023
Get ready, Sydney coffee lovers! Padre Coffee has officially opened its first-ever store in your city, and it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Located in Paddington’s Five Ways, this multi-purpose coffee concept store is not only an espresso bar, but also a retail section selling Padre Coffee’s signature blends and home-brewing equipment, and a dedicated coffee training and education space. And to celebrate the launch of this amazing spot, Padre Coffee has created a limited-release, single origin Colombian coffee with cherry, strawberry, raspberry, and rose flavours that will blow your mind – it’s like sipping a cherry cola! But hurry, because this exclusive coffee is only available for a limited time while supplies last. This marks Padre Coffee’s first foray into the Sydney coffee market, and after growing a cult-like following in Melbourne and Noosa, they’re ready to share their passion for specialty coffee with all of you. The Paddington store has created jobs for nearly a dozen professional baristas from across the city, who are excited to pour you the perfect cup of coffee. And if that’s not enough, the store will also offer educational and interactive events for coffee enthusiasts and casual sippers alike in the coming months. So head on over to 241A-241B Glenmore Road, Paddington and experience the magic of Padre Coffee for yourself. With pastries and fresh bread supplied by Staple Bread & Necessities (Wednesday to Saturday), Cut Lunch Deli’s mouth-watering cookies, and famous Portuguese tarts from Clovelly’s Tuga Pastries, there’s no better place to start your day than… Read More
Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY
Tags: Best coffee, Coffee Melbourne, coffee sydney, New cafes Sydney, Padre coffee
by James Banham
Posted: 28/06/2023
Wine lovers, rejoice! There’s a new wine bar in town that’s sure to become your new go-to destination for a night out. Introducing By The Glass, located in Armadale, this venue is bringing quintessential European concepts to Australia with its cosy yet adventurous atmosphere. Upon entering By The Glass, you’ll be greeted by an expansive selection of wines from around the world, available by the bottle or by the glass. From Australian Chenin Blanc to Argentinian Malbec, there’s something to suit every palate. The wine list is curated with a whole menu refresh every six weeks, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting to try. The sixty-eight-seater wine bar is divided into several intimate spaces, each with its unique atmosphere, depending on the occasion. From the dark and moody indoor dining area to the hypnotic ambience of the street front dining section, By The Glass offers a variety of seating options. Plus, their secluded thirty-eight-seat arcade area is perfect for those looking for a more private dining experience. But it’s not just the wine that’s impressive at By The Glass – the food menu is equally enticing. Venue Manager and Head Chef Myles Davis-Schiele has created a menu bursting with flavour, featuring dishes like Burnt Butter Brioche topped with mackerel, Duck & Lamb Pate, and Oysters with preserved lemon oil & bloody shiraz gin caviar. Plus, the Marinated Beef Heart served with chimichurri, Burnt Butter Cauliflower, and Lamb Carpaccio are favourites gracing the menu. By The Glass owners, Ron Dhali and Gareth Yan, are… Read More
Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, MELBOURNE
by James Banham
Posted: 28/06/2023
Australia is well-known for its thriving food and beverage scene, and the world-class bartending competition did not disappoint. The competition brought together five talented bartenders from across the country who battled through three rounds of cocktail challenges, each one more difficult than the last. Eduardo Conde, with his exceptional skills and innovative approach to cocktail-making, emerged as the clear winner of the competition. The cocktail challenges presented by the competition were diverse, with each bartender having to put their own twist on classic cocktails while incorporating various spirits, including Johnnie Walker Blue Label, tequila Don Julio 1942, and Bundaberg Small Batch Rum. Conde’s winning cocktails included a twist on an Old Fashioned and a twist on a Paloma, showcasing his incredible creativity and expertise. Conde’s win was a testament to Australia’s vibrant and innovative bartending scene. The competition showcased how Australian bartenders are leading the way in sustainable practices, using local and seasonal ingredients while incorporating traditional and contemporary techniques that result in unique and delicious cocktails. Conde’s next challenge will be taking part in the Diageo World Class Global Finals in Sao Paolo, Brazil, where he will represent Australia against more than 50 other global finalists. He will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and compete for the title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year. In conclusion, Eduardo Conde’s win was a remarkable achievement that highlighted the exceptional talent of Australian bartenders. The competition also revealed how the industry is evolving, leading the way in sustainability, creativity, and innovation. We wish… Read More
Category: CITIES, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY
Tags: Australia's bar, Australia's best bartender, Bartender
by James Banham
Updated: 26/06/2023
Get ready, Melbourne. On Monday, July 10th, the city will welcome its newest four-level pub, Morris House, after a stunning $4 million transformation. Designed by the talented Red Design architects, Morris House will feature a fresh, light exterior, an NYC-inspired basement comedy club, an elegant ground-level dining room, a cozy level one bar and terrace, and a spacious rooftop with fantastic city views. Taking over the former European Bier Café, the renovated venue will accommodate up to 550 guests across its four revamped levels, including a generous rooftop space for 180 guests: Basement Comedy Club – Morris House proudly presents the Basement Comedy Club, a neon-lit haven inspired by New York’s finest comedy venues. Showcasing exposed brick and moody lighting, the space will host local and headline comedy acts every Friday and Saturday night in partnership with Melbourne Comedy, featuring a residency from Arj Barker starting on July 18th. Ground Floor Dining Room & Bar – The newly revamped ground floor Dining Room boasts plush leather booths and a sleek marble bar, perfectly situated off the bustling city sidewalk for mid-week lunches or post-work drinks. Level One Bar & Terrace – Experience comfortable booth seating and a sun-soaked terrace overlooking Exhibition Street at the Level One Bar and Terrace. This space hosts weekly live music and is available for corporate and social events. Enjoy local bands every Friday night or unwind with $16 Negronis while listening to smooth jazz every Thursday. Rooftop – The fourth-level rooftop offers an inner-city, leafy-green oasis perfect for social gatherings…. Read More
by James Banham
Updated: 19/06/2023
Pier One Sydney Harbour has a new winter experience in store for guests, and it’s called “The Glass Room.” After six years of success with “Igloos on the Pier,” Pier One partnered with Alyce Tran, co-founder of In The Roundhouse, to create a new experience that promises to delight visitors this season. The Glass Room is an elevated transformation of one of Pier One’s luxury balcony suites, where guests can enjoy stunning views of Sydney Harbour while soaking in a cedar hot tub, sipping cocktails, and snacking on treats with friends. The suite has been transformed into a maximalist-inspired interior to create an inviting space, with plush furnishings of pink and red hues that are perfect for group gatherings. “I love colour and I wanted to bring something fresh to transport people into a cool interior that they would enjoy hanging out using trendy shapes, colors and design elements,” said Alyce Tran. “Guests will be immersed in an experience that brightens their mood and lifts their spirits.” Food and drink menus include a selection of cold and hot dishes, such as Sydney Rock Oysters, Whipped Cod Roe and Bottarga, Artisan Cured Meats and Cheeses, Breaded Brie with Kumquat Chutney, and more. Signature cocktails like the Pineapple Daquiri and Limoncello Spritz are available, along with sharing options like Cosmopolitans, Mojitos, and Aperol Spritz. Non-alcoholic carafes include Strawberry Raspberry Fizz and Innocent Mojito, and a variety of wine, beer, and soft drinks are also available. In addition to the food and drinks, guests can take a dip… Read More
Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY
by James Banham
Posted: 16/06/2023
Internationally renowned British chef, restaurateur, and farm-to-table pioneer, Simon Rogan, is bringing his three-Michelin starred restaurant, L’Enclume, to Balmoral Beach’s iconic Bathers’ Pavilion for a five-week residency starting from Wednesday 19 July till Sunday 20 August, with only five weeks left until the event. The Bathers’ Pavilion team is excited to announce further details of this fully immersive dining experience. The team behind the residency has gone above and beyond to ensure that the local experience reflects the full L’Enclume experience in an Australian context. This includes wine flights, exclusive cellar list, service, and tableware. The team has also commissioned local ceramicists Malcolm Greenwood, Simon Reece, and Leia Sherblom to create unique versions of the tableware used at L’Enclume. Furthermore, bespoke wood artist Ted O’Donnell is hand carving 100 wooden spoons for a signature dish. Head Sommelier, Valentin Mouillard, and Director of Operations, Tom Sykes, have worked together to create three spectacular wine flights to pair with the eight-course menu. An exclusive private cellar list of extremely rare and hard-to-get vintages has been curated in partnership with The Royal Mail. Both Simon Rogan Restaurants/UMBEL Restaurant Group and Bathers’ Pavilion are passionate about providing opportunities for young hospitality talent and the industry’s great potential for career development. As part of the residency, two chef’s tables on Thursday 27 July and Tuesday 9 August will be dedicated to passionate and driven young professionals in hospitality who are 30 years old or younger. They will get an opportunity to learn from and interact with Simon Rogan and his… Read More
Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY
Tags: Simon Rogan, Sydney celebrity chef