Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD

The Mudgee Wine & Food Festival is coming to Balmoral Sydney

Updated: 11/08/2019

From the bush to the beach, the best of wine region Mudgee in rural NSW is coming to the best of inner-city beaches, Balmoral for the annual food fest worth travelling for. The annual Mudgee Wine and Food Festival is back on 11 August 2019, turning out some of the region’s most popular wineries and producers to the city. Still the longest-running regional wine and food festival in Sydney, activities will run from 11am-5pm, launching the official 40th Mudgee Wine + Food Festival program and the 2019 Mudgee Region magazine. The beach will undergo a revamp for the day, transforming the entire foreshore of Balmoral Beach into a chill ground for wines by Craigmoor Wines, De Beaurepaire Wines, Moothi Estate, Robert Stein Winery and First Ridge Estate and other local producers like High Valley Cheese Co., Lomondo Olive Oil, Milnes of Mudgee and Rylstone Olive Press. Check out more about the day at the Festival’s website.

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

Tags: Balmoral beach Sydney, Mudgee Balmoral Beach, Mudgee food, Mudgee Food Wine Festival, Mudgee NSW, Mudgee wine

Nespresso launches ‘Reviving Origins’ to bring back lost coffees

by James Banham

Posted: 08/07/2019

Nespresso not only makes good coffee, but they do good things for coffee, too. For example, they recently announced that they’re launching a new campaign to bring back life to coffee regions that’ve found themselves under threat. Called Nespresso Reviving Origins, the new program – through its AAA Sustainable QualityTM Program – is working with farmers in regions that have been devastated by conflicts, economic hardships or environmental disasters. Nespresso’s also launched two new single origin coffees for the hardcore lovers, one from Zimbabwe, Africa and the other from South America’s Colombia. Called Tamuka mu Zimbabwe and Esperanza de Colombia, these exquisite and rare coffees have been virtually unknown, slowly disappearing for decades. Now, through Nespresso’s investment and the commitment of partners, coffee farmers in these two regions are starting to rebuild sustainable livelihoods, restore their local economies and bring much-needed development to their rural communities. Tamuka mu Zimbabwe and Esperanza de Colombia will be available in Australia from May 2019 – one of only 18 countries to receive the rare seasonal blends, which Nespresso is working towards establishing as part of its permanent range through the Reviving Origins program. If quality, untouched coffee is your thing, then head to the Nespresso website to see more.

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: African coffee, nespresso, Nespresso coffee, Nespresso single origin, Single origin coffee

Melbourne Good Food Month feature events you want to try

by James Banham

Posted: 03/06/2019

Melbourne’s Custom House is about to become the hub-of-hubs for this year’s Melbourne Good Food Month. With chefs Adam Liaw, Jason Baratt and Nick Mahlook on hand, there’ll be a series of unique dining events that await any hungry foodie. Here’s what’s on: Adam Liaw x Keita Abe When: Wednesday, 12 June, 6:30pm How much: $170 Adam Liaw, television host of Destination Flavour and author of five incredible cookbooks, is inviting Melburnians on a cultural and culinary journey, with Keita Abe from Sydney institution, Chaco Bar. Abe is the master of yakitori, cultivating a cult following with his famous meat skewers, inspired by his native city of Fukuoka, Japan. Tickets include multiple courses with premium wines and beer supplied by James Squire. The Good Food Editor’s Dinner presented by David Jones When: Friday, 14 June, 6:30pm How much: $170 National Good Food Editor Ardyn Bernoth and Chief Restaurant Critic Gemima Cody have assembled the who’s who of the industry, sharing their insights and anecdotes into the wonderful world of food – Jason Barratt, head chef of Halcyon House’s two-hatted restaurant Paper Daisy, Nick Mahlook, whose ocean-to-plate philosophy keeps Melbourne’s The Atlantic Group very busy, and Nikki To, the woman behind the famous food images in the business and the person Australia’s top chefs call when they want to elevate a dish into an icon. Young Chefs Lunch with Marco Pierre White presented by Citi When: Saturday, 8 June 1:30pm In this special event, Marco Pierre White will host a four-course lunch, prepared by four hotly tipped stars of Melbourne’s culinary scene – Jessica… Read More

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

Tags: food guide Melbourne, Good Food Melbourne, good food month, melbourne food, melbourne good food month, the f melbourne

SYDNEY: Dinner at 6HEAD in The Rocks: Why you need to go

by Emi Berry

Updated: 16/11/2022

Behind every great venue is a story and the recently opened 6HEAD restaurant located in the stunning Campbell Cove waterfront precinct east of The Rocks has quite the story to tell. Headed up by talented Executive Chef Sean Hall, 6HEAD is all about providing an exceptional steakhouse experience, working in collaboration with some of the country’s finest producers of quality Australian beef including Collinson & Co, Mayura Station and Tender Valley. The name 6HEAD takes us back to 1788, when the first fleet arrived with only 6 head of cattle – two bulls and four cows – which were sourced from South Africa on the long voyage from England to Australia. On arrival, a convict was tasked with keeping an eye on the cattle, however after coming back from a break, he realised the cattle had disappeared. No word on what happened to the convict, but it wasn’t until 8 years later that stories emerged about 100 head of healthy cattle spotted across the Nepean River. It was suspected the herd were direct descendants of the original 6 head, raising hopes beyond the colony that Australia had the capability to produce excellent cattle. The rest they say, is history. Fast forward to 2019, where the spirit of this story lives on at 6 Head and is the driving force behind Hall’s team, resulting in an enjoyable culinary journey. 6HEAD is unpretentious and friendly with a menu that will have you salivating from the word go. From starters including braised short rib croquettes to possibly the… Read More

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

Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show: What to see this June

by James Banham

Posted: 01/06/2019

On until 2 June in Melbourne, the Melbourne Good Food and Wine Show is on again, pumping out morsel-after-morsel of deliciousness for visitors and locals alike. It’ll bring together some of Australia’s most loved chefs, alongside over 250 exhibitors (120+ cheeses, over 800 wines, and more!), and a range of masterclasses for visitors to take part in and enjoy. The show moves on to Sydney from 21-23 June, but before it does, head on down to see these guys doing their delicious thing. Pinchy’s The champagne and lobster bar in Emporium, will be hosting its first Pop-Up at GFWS, exclusive to the Melbourne Show! Pinchy’s operates under a traceable, sustainable process, distribution and production line, and focuses on a higher quality product. They work directly with fisheries in Maine and Alaska, where their world-leading international and environmental standards preserves the resources and offers the best quality and taste. Emperor’s Champagne Parlour A first for the GFWS, the new Parlour is space dedicated to champagne in all its glory, and will feature the Champagne Dame, Kyla Kirkpatrick as a host throughout the weekend. Kyla will teach guests about the history of champagne, the different types, and the best ways to drink champagne (caviar included!). The Parlour will also feature the Emperor Champagne Truck, and Emperor’s newest beverage addition, Charles Collin (which launched two weeks ago) will be available only through Emperor (both during the event and in general). Glenfiddich The Good Food and Wine Show marks the beginning of a nation-wide Whiskey Wanderer tour, including the exclusive look at the… Read More

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

Tags: Food wine, Good Food Wine Show, melbourne food blog, Melbourne food wine show, Melbourne Good Food Wine Show, the f food blog, the f melbourne

Rosetta Sydney does Negroni Week: Top 6 cocktails to try

by James Banham

Posted: 01/06/2019

Rosetta in Sydney is stepping up to the plate this Negroni Week, 24-30 June, by pumping out six new creative variations of the quality beverage. They’ve taken the classic Negroni to the next level, each putting their own unique spin on the famous Italian cocktail for Negroni Week and will donate – along with every other Rockpool restaurant – $1 from every Negroni sold during the annual fundraising event to OzHarvest, which diverts waste food from the hospitality industry to people in need. Rosetta’s Negronis – available for $15 each or the fantastic Happy Hour price of $10 from 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday – are these and they look good! Negroni: Campari, Cinzano Rosso, Bulldog London Dry Gin. Boulevardier: Russell’s Reserve 10-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Cinzano Rosso, Campari Rosita: Espolon Tequila Reposado, Cinzano Rosso, Cinzano Extra Dry, Campari Rum Negroni: Campari, Cinzano Rosso, Appleton Estate Signature Blend Jamaica Rum Negroni Sour: Negroni pre-batch, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup Rosetta: Glen Grant 10-year-old Scotch Whisky, Campari, Cinzano Bianco, grapefruit soda Rosetta will also host a Negroni masterclass on Wednesday, 12 June at 6pm to demonstrate the tricks of the perfect Negroni, including two cocktails and bar snacks. ($25pp)

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Australian Negroni week, best cocktails, cocktails, negroni cocktails, negroni week

Take your dog to brunch: Good Times Milk Bar is the dog friendly cafe you need

by James Banham

Posted: 22/05/2019

Down a quiet street in Bentleigh in Melbourne’s southeast sits a corner cafe like few others. Good Times Milkbar is tutti-frutti in colour scheme, positively massive inside, pumps out some of the coolest staple and trendy menu items we’ve seen from any cafe in a while and – and this is the best part – it comes complete with its own dog-friendly courtyard! ? For Easter, they’re indulgent, for dogs they’re welcoming and for the regular weekday humdrum, they’re easy, convenient and welcoming. The menu at Good Times is always changing, but think staple bits like avocado toast, of course, dippy eggs – good for kids of adults – chilli eggs served kind of like a burrito with a tortilla and a pastrami benedict, for those who’re more bougie than bacon. While they do cater for kids with a cute separate menu made up of pancakes, milkshakes and cheesymite soldiers, they don’t have a dog menu. Just give them your leftovers and they’re happy, anyway! Find Good Times Milkbar at 83 Tucker Road, Bentleigh VIC.

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

Tags: food blog, Good Times, good times milk bar bentleigh, Good Times Milk Bar review, melbourne food blog, THE F Good Times Milk Bar

The Glebe Hotel has been redone – and it’s damn nice

by James Banham

Posted: 20/05/2019

Unassuming and pokey from the outside; warm, cosy and inviting on the inside: The Glebe Hotel in Sydney has an atmosphere all its own that has locals going nuts for it once again. And it’s easy to see why. Over the last seven months, the hotel has undergone a massive reno, turning it from the regular local it used to be into something worth a dedicated trip for. Since 1862, the Glebe Hotel has had many names and been many things to many locals and visitors, having served labourers from the surrounding wharves in its earlier days and more contemporary fine foodie hunters lately. It’s still a family owned establishment that has maintained its traditional features, full of quirk, character and charm. A clever re-design breathes new life into the venue whilst remaining reminiscent of its ancestral past. The bulk of its main dining room is reformed stables for example, which includes a mezzanine loft (originally the hotel stables). It’s a beautiful, light and airy dining space with exposed brickwork, wooden tables and bar that have been lovingly revived with the addition of a bespoke jacaranda mural by Sydney artist, Indigo Jo. Adjacent to the restaurant is a leafy and sunny courtyard featuring a majestic centenary fig tree, wooden bunketts and high tables, where dogs are also welcome. But it’s the food that sets the pub apart from regular ones. Its menu’s been created by head chef Ben Allcock and focuses on gastro-pub fare with sophisticated dishes and comforting favourites using fresh seasonal produce. Think… Read More

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

Tags: Best Sydney pubs, Glebe Hotel, Glebe Hotel Sydney, Glebe Hotel Sydney menu, sydney pubs, THE F Glebe Hotel, THE F Sydney pubs

Dinners for VIVID Sydney: Experience dining in the dark at 12 Micron Barangaroo

by James Banham

Updated: 22/05/2019

VIVID Sydney, the festival of light is back on again in 2019 and joining the long list of venues around town that’re celebrating is 12 Micron in Barangaroo. Perrier Jouet champagne are heading in to the swanky 12 Micron to deliver an immersive and multi-sensory art and culinary experience throughout VIVID festival. The restaurant’s private dining room and bar will be transformed from 24 May to 15 June into a light exhibition and play host to a dining in the dark series to artfully combine gastronomy, music, art and light. It’s all been inspired by the ‘Art of the Wild’ campaign by Perrier Jouet, which re-imagines nature in a vibrant, magnetic and spectacularly vivid way. The menu has been designed by 12-Micron’s Executive Chef Daniel Corbett will use darkness to heighten diner’s senses of taste, smell and sound to play with the flavours of the food and Champagne to deliver an incredibly unique dining experience. Get the experience from 7.30pm every Thursday – Sunday night during VIVID. See more at the 12 Micron website.

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

Tags: restaurant guide sydney, Restaurants Vivid, THE F 12 Micron, THE F Vivid Sydney, Vivid food Sydney, vivid sydney, Whats Barangaroo, where to eat sydney

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

by James Banham

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

ARTS & CULTURE

New opera about Australia debuts in Victoria Australia

19/09/2024

By James Banham

In collaboration with Opera Australia, Perth Festival, and Brisbane Festival, this opera is the creation of renowned composer Jonathan Mills and acclaimed librettist Meredith Oakes, inspired by Murray Bail’s Miles Franklin-winning novel.

Reasons to hurry to the NGV this season

18/09/2024

By James Banham

From the monumental Pharaoh exhibition to engaging discussions about fashion, and even a taste of Italian culture, there’s something for everyone.

Good news for the London Museum revamp

06/09/2024

By James Banham

In a bold move to enrich London’s cultural landscape, the City of London Corporation and the Mayor of London have pledged an additional £50 million towards the creation of the new London Museum. So if history and the arts are your thing, then get excited! Nestled within the historic Smithfield markets, this ambitious project, designed by Stanton Williams and Asif Khan, is set to become one of Europe’s most significant cultural infrastructure projects, preserving the iconic market buildings for future generations. With a generous contribution of £25 million each from the City of London Corporation and the Mayor, the funding boosts the museum’s overall project budget to £437 million. Accompanying this, the museum is on a mission to raise an additional £30 million, with nearly half already secured through private donations and philanthropic efforts. The transformation of the Victorian General Market and Poultry Market into world-class spaces for art and learning is well underway. Slated to open in 2026, the General Market will showcase the museum’s permanent galleries, bringing to life more of its renowned collection than ever before. By 2028, the Poultry Market will house a cutting-edge learning centre, temporary exhibition spaces, and a publicly accessible collections store, inviting visitors to explore behind the scenes of the museum’s vast collection. Sharon Ament, Director of the London Museum, expressed her excitement about the project: “Thousands of Londoners are helping to shape this fantastic new museum which will not only explore our city’s rich history but the people and places that make it such a vibrant… Read More

Sydney Contemporary announces MA Art Prize winner as First Nations artist Alfred Lowe

05/09/2024

By James Banham

The eighth edition of Sydney Contemporary opens its doors today at Carriageworks, promising an exhilarating display of artistic prowess that spans the globe.

Sydney Dance Company brings ‘momenta’ dance to Melbourne

05/09/2024

By James Banham

Sydney Dance Company is set to captivate Melbourne audiences with the debut of Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela’s latest creation, ‘momenta’, at the Arts Centre Melbourne from 8-12 October. This full-length dance work, which has already garnered critical acclaim in Sydney, is a celebration of the profound beauty and fragility of shared humanity. Through the dynamic and evocative language of contemporary dance, ‘momenta’ delves into the ephemeral nature of human connections and encounters. Bonachela’s choreography is renowned for its intricate rhythmic patterns and inventive partnering, and ‘momenta’ is no exception. The 17 dancers of Sydney Dance Company transcend their physical boundaries, showcasing a breathtaking blend of grace, power, and vulnerability. Each movement is designed to resonate through space, creating a visceral experience for audiences as they are drawn into a world where raw emotion seamlessly blends with exquisite technique. The performance is elevated by the evocative electronic soundscapes of composer Nick Wales, who weaves in elements from P?teris Vasks, adding layers of depth to the narrative. Elizabeth Gadsby’s immersive set design and Damien Cooper’s striking lighting further enhance the atmosphere, capturing the essence of fleeting moments suspended between past and future. These elements converge to create a space where individual trajectories collide and intertwine, echoing the transient nature of life itself. Rafael Bonachela expressed his excitement about bringing ‘momenta’ to Melbourne, stating, “We’re thrilled to present momenta in Melbourne for the first time. momenta is a testament to the ephemeral yet profound connections that weave through all of our lives. From the most tender exchanges to… Read More