Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD

Top destinations to wine and dine around Australia in 2019

Posted: 09/10/2018

The best places in Australia were decided on recently in the latest instalment of the national Good Food Guide Awards, marking the official launch of the 2019 Good Food Guide. Jock Zonfrillo’s Restaurant Orana (SA) nabbed the night’s top honour of Vittoria Restaurant of the Year – following his win in the Food for Good category last year, while Peter Gilmore (Quay, NSW) took out the prestigious Citi Chef of the Year award, and Jodie Odrowaz (Iki Jime, VIC) was named the Josephine Pignolet Young Chef of the Year. New Restaurant of the Year was awarded to Laura (VIC), while Santa Vittoria Regional Restaurant of the Year went to the much-lauded Brae (VIC). This is also the first year the national awards has been held in Melbourne, with support from Visit Victoria. To get a spot in the coveted Guide, restaurants in New South Wales and Victoria must score at least 14 out of 20, while all other states must score a minimum of 15. To achieve a hat is a pinnacle of a chef’s career and a restaurant’s history, and the term ‘hatted’ has become embedded in the Australian lexicon. Only seven restaurants nationally achieved the top accolade of three hats, and they include Attica (VIC), Brae (VIC), Momofuku Seiobo (NSW), Minamishima (VIC), Quay (NSW), Restaurant Orana (SA) and Sixpenny (NSW). See more at the Good Food Guide website.

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

Tags: australian good food, food guide, good food, good food guide, the f good food guide

Banana is the new strawberry according to the South Pacific Jam Company

by James Banham

Posted: 07/10/2018

Strawberry jam is dead. And no, that’s not because psychos keep pricking them with needles all over the country, but, according to the South Pacific Jam Company, strawberry jam has a new contender for first place in the jam game. And, the usurper? Banana jam. View this post on Instagram A post shared by South Pacific Jam Company (@southpacificjamcompany) on Sep 26, 2017 at 8:03pm PDT They categorise it as a taste of spontaneous joy, which – as founder and manufacturer, Catherine Stace would attest to – is just the beginning. Because Australia has an abundance of tree fruits but culturally we’ve been stuck in a loop of runner fruits, we have overlooked stunning flavour profiles such as bananas. Using popular home-grown fruits, the Banana Jam, Mango & Ginger Jam and Guava & Pineapple Jam are made with crafted blends of Australian unrefined raw sugar, coconut oil and coconut sugar creating a rich, caramelised coconut setting with up to 40 per cent* less sugar than other jam and spreads. And the result is incredible! Banana jam primarily is quite a delicate flavour; sweet, but fruity, smooth, but textured – but overall delicious. The South Pacific Jam Company range is versatile; you can add it to your toast, drizzle it on pancakes, top it on yoghurt, shake it up in a smoothie, slather it on a pavlova, add it to a cheese platter or create a salad dressing, which is why it’s so good. A lot of what the South Pacific Jam Company produces can be used in this way as well as the traditional ‘on… Read More

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

Tags: australian jams, banana jam, best jams, jam, jams, south pacific jam company, the f jam

Justin North, James Metcalfe and cast of celebrity chefs host a Run for Kids Dinner

by Emi Berry

Posted: 07/10/2018

It was a gala dinner of the best kind. With celebrity chefs Justin North, James Metcalfe, Shariq Hassan and Jaci Koludrovic at the helm, 150 guests were treated to a night of culinary excellence. And while this was a pretty incredible experience, the best part of the night was knowing that all the proceeds from this gala dinner were going to a very good cause, Variety – the Children’s Charity. Variety is a well-respected charity that helps disadvantaged Aussie kids have a fair go in life. The ‘Run For Kids Dinner’ marked the launch of the four chefs’ fundraising efforts for Variety, with Justin North participating in the NYC Marathon in November – a further fundraising activity for Variety. Held at the Sailmaker Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency, the ‘Run for Kids Dinner’ was a fine example of how brands come together for the good of the community. The majority of the produce and services were donated, which meant the event only cost $1800 to run. The target for the night was $50,000 which was easily met (with over $53,000 raised on the night) after fundraising activities during the evening, which included a raffle and live auction. Each of the four chefs’ had the opportunity to create a course, which was paired beautifully with premium local wines – 2016 Mollydooker ‘The Boxer’ Shiraz and 2016 Fox Creek Chardonnay – both from South Australia. The incredible four course line up included: Canapes by Shariq Hassan, Hyatt Regency Sydney (Sapphire Coast rock oysters, king prawns & fried… Read More

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

Tags: celebrity chef cooking, celebrity chefs, variety

Go to burger heaven with a trip down Milky Lane Bondi

by James Banham

Posted: 06/10/2018

Cheat day? Love a burger? Know nothing about nutrition? Whatever your reason for a burger that looks like that ^ Milky Lane Bondi is the go-to you need. They’re the uber burger franchise expanding at an impressive rate since opening its first restaurant only three years ago and they’re now all over the place from Sydney to the Gold Coast and have plans to open four more locations to open by Christmas 2018. Bondi locals started it and it’s the mothership of the brand, serving-up quality burgs for some of the most discerning burger masters. In a restaurant complete with ultimate hip-hop vibes, Bondi locals fall over for it – sacrilegious hip-hop mural and all – and the seriously delicious stuff they produce. Peter Haselhurst, Christian Avant, Scott Findlay and Patrick Killalea realised their dream of supercharging the nostalgic milk bar to create a unique destination, where the perfect curation of food, music and art creates a sensory utopia for one and all and that’s kinda what they’ve done. With burgers like the BIG POPPA of wagyu beef patty, Texan rub smoked beef brisket, maple smoked bacon, mac and cheese patty, American cheddar, onions rings, pickles, BBQ sauce, mustard, Milky Lane special sauce and ML ketchup, and the CHIC-KANYE burger of crispy southern fried chicken, maple smoked bacon, American high melt cheese, Carolina slaw, lettuce, BBQ sauce, habanero aioli and pineapple relish; their menu is RnB inspired deliciousness done so well. Put on top of that, shockingly good desserts like a churros bowl or Nutella cheesecake, and you’re cooked. Check out the Milky Lane restaurants… Read More

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

Tags: best burgers, bondi burgers, burgers, milky lane, milky lane bondi, sydney burgers

International chefs are coming to Sydney for The Blend with Chivas Regal at Ms G’s Potts Point

by James Banham

Posted: 01/10/2018

Executive Chef Dan Hong will collaborate with some of his favourite chefs to launch The Blend in Sydney. It’ll be an exclusive series of international chef collaborations, bespoke cocktails and whisky blending at Ms.G’s in Potts Point, overlooking some pretty sweet views of the Sydney city skyline. Ms G’s fast became known for its quality food and good times, but now, they’re cracking her wide open, inviting-in guest chefs to come and cook with Dan Hong to create an experimental menu that will be served for two nights only, and see one signature dish available for the month. The events will be become the ultimate weeknight parties with DJs, roving snacks, bespoke Chivas Regal cocktails that have been created for the event to match the menu especially and whisky stations throughout the venue where you can sample and learn more about the different blends if that’s your thing. LA chef Kris Yenbamroong of Night + Market fame will be in town on 10 and 11 October. Also, Jowett Yu of Hong Kong’s Ho Lee Fook and Louis Tikram of LP & EP, LA will be kicking around on 12 and 13 November. Here’s what you ned to know: October Dates: Wed 10th and Thu 11th Oct Chef: Kris Yenbamroong Restaurant: NIGHT + MARKET, LA November Dates: Mon 12th and Tue 13th Nov Chef: Louis Tikram & Jowett Yu Restaurant: LP & EP, LA and Ho Lee Fook, Hong Kong Get tickets from Merivale.

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

Tags: chivas blend ms gs, chivas regal, dan hong, ms gs, potts point

Why you need to eat at Pelicano Double Bay

by James Banham

Posted: 01/10/2018

Pelicano is the restaurant, club and bar in the heart of Double Bay Sydney, known for its top music, bougie crowd and even bougier food and drinks menu. So, if you’re in the area, it’s worth heading underground for. Pelicano is just on Bay Street, clandestinely hidden underneath the strip shops, your only way in and out are the stairs that take you down and through the glass doors. Inside, you’re welcomed by mood lighting, an upmarket casual feel and a range of staff that are as good to look at as the food and drinks they serve. You know you’re in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The menu is pretty far reaching and wholesomely done. With a little from the east, a little from the west, you;re treated to such things as mac and cheese croquettes and sashimi for starters, cheeseburgers and yellowfin tuna tartare for larger items and a wide range of sweet-inspired cocktails for dessert. They believe the treat to cleanse the palette after an onslaught of flavours is a cleansing hit of alcohol. They’ve had no complaints yet. See the full Pelicano menu here. They serve until 10, usually. After then, the demands of the customers move more from food to drinks and the music gets louder, lights get dimmer and table service commences, offering the after hours club to really fire up well into the night. See more about Pelicano Double Bay and get involved. Pelicano Restaurant & Bar 24 Bay St, Double Bay, Sydney Wednesday – Thursday 6pm-12am Friday – Saturday… Read More

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

Tags: eat double bay, pelicano, pelicano double bay, pelicano sydney, restaurants double bay, the f pelicano

FroPro is the new high protein, low sugar ice cream you need in the freezer

by James Banham

Posted: 01/10/2018

There’s a new frozen treat in town and it’s the best yet. FroPro is serving you frozen tubs of awesomeness from all over the place, but it’s what goes into it that’s the real kicker. It’s dear Oz’s only ice cream with a 5-star health rating from ex-professional Rugby Union player Ed O’Donoghue. FroPro is one of those things that touts all that ‘all natural’ stuff, but once you get past that and read the good bits for what they are, you learn it’s high in protein and is 95% sugar-free, low GI and low fat, starting from only 78 calories per serve. Not bad, hey? Coming in chocolate, salted caramel, peanut butter and toasted coconut flavours, they’ve hit the biggest flavours in food trends over the past four years with the launch range and no guessing where to from here! You’ll find FroPro in over 650 Woolies and 800 Coles outlets around the country.

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

Tags: fropro, frozen yoghurt, protein ice cream

Stuffed Beaver in Crows Nest is doing an awesome Bottomless Brunch

by James Banham

Posted: 27/09/2018

If there’s one thing that goes down a treat in Sydney, it’s a Bottomless Brunch. And the latest one to join the fray is at Stuffed Beaver in Crows Nest. They’re known for their poutine and quality comfort food, but this spring season, they’re known for bottomless wine, too after they’ve launched an exciting new brunch offering. Starting from Sunday 23rd September from 12pm to 3pm, the Beaver Bottomless Brunch will offer customers an unforgettable experience, serving bottomless pulled pork tacos, poutine, mimosas and Beaver Brew. Do it for $49 per person and enjoy pulled pork tacos, poutine, mimosas and Beaver Brew. Bookings essential: Phone 02 9437 9746 to book

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: bottomless brunch, crows nest, stuffed beaver

Newtown Good Food Fair is back on in Sydney this October

by James Banham

Posted: 17/09/2018

The 2018 Newtown Good Food Fair is being held on Sunday 14th October. Time to get your Doc’s out. Bigger than ever before, they’re bringing back over 30 food and drink stallholders showcasing the diverse offering in the Newtown precinct. It’s been running for six years now and is fully about the community, allowing it to take over Newtown Square and Eliza Street to celebrate the suburb’s eclectic offering and community spirit. For one day only, you can sample your way through Newtown, relishing on fare by the likes of Queen Chow, Mary’s, Acre, Black Star Pastry and Gelato Messina, washed down with the best booze offerings by Young Henry’s, Solotel and P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants. Live music and an 8,000 strong guest list will ensure an authentic street party vibe. Here are the deets… When: Sunday 14 October 2018 Where: Food stalls – Newtown Square and Eliza Street, beverage stalls – Eliza Street only Time: Start 11.00 am, Finish 4.00 pm Newtown Square / 6.00 pm Eliza Street

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

Tags: best food newtown, best food sydney, food fair sydney, newtown, newtown food, newtown food fair, sydney food, sydney newtown

Chargrill Charlie’s has launched a new anti-ageing salad range

by James Banham

Posted: 13/09/2018

Because health is from within.

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

Tags: anti ageing salads, chargrill charlies

ARTS & CULTURE

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. In partnership with Principal Partner MA Financial Group, this year’s fair sets the stage for over 85 galleries and more than 400 artists from across Australia and the world, transforming the iconic venue into a vibrant hub of contemporary art from September 5th to 8th, 2024. A highlight of the launch is the announcement of the MA Art Prize winner, emerging First Nations artist Alfred Lowe. This prestigious $10,000 acquisitive award celebrates and supports the work of emerging and early-career artists in Australia. Hailing from the Arrernte community in the Central Desert, north of Alice Springs, Lowe now practices in Adelaide. His winning piece, “All dressed up I, 2024,” showcases his skill with clay and ceramics, using hand-built stoneware adorned with sgraffito and raffia to reflect themes of Country, informed by his deep connection to the central desert landscape. Sydney Contemporary has cemented itself as Australasia’s premier art fair since its inception in 2013, attracting over 25,000 visitors per edition and generating more than $121 million in art sales. It serves as a crucial meeting place for collectors and art enthusiasts, fueling the growth of the Australian art market. This year’s fair promises a dynamic lineup, including a colossal 20-meter-wide installation by artist Lisa Roet, an engaging Talk Contemporary program featuring Mona’s Kirsha Kaechele, and a vibrant performance by multidisciplinary artist HOSSEI. Fair Director Zoe Paulsen expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s… Read More

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

Listen to Beethoven live in Sydney

02/09/2024

By James Banham

In a celebration of musical revolution and historical milestones, the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall will play host to a landmark event on 26 October 2024—an extraordinary concert commemorating the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. This monumental piece, renowned for its powerful ‘Ode to Joy’ choral finale, redefined the symphonic form by integrating human voices, and has since become a resounding anthem for equality, freedom, and unity across the globe. Presented for one inspirational concert only, “Ode to Joy – Beethoven & Smyth” promises an evening steeped in musical brilliance and historical significance. Under the baton of the inimitable Elizabeth Scott, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ 400-strong Festival Chorus, alongside special guest soloists Bronwyn Douglass, Helen Sherman, Bradley Daley, and Michael Honeyman, will bring this masterpiece to life. Adding another layer of youthful exuberance to the performance, the Sydney Youth Orchestra will join forces in this magnificent collaboration. Not content with merely celebrating Beethoven’s legacy, the program also shines a spotlight on another trailblazing composer, Dame Ethel Smyth. Known for her fervent activism and defiance of societal norms, Smyth’s contributions to music and the suffragette movement remain inspiring. Her grand Mass in D, hailed as a masterpiece upon its premiere in 1893, will be performed, echoing the sentiments of George Bernard Shaw, who praised her work for dispelling the notion that women could not accomplish great feats in art. Smyth, a formidable figure in the male-dominated world of classical music, used her platform to champion equality. Her anthem, “The March of the Women,” composed during… Read More

Bridgerton candlelight concert comes to Sydney

02/09/2024

By James Banham

Sydney is about to be swept off its feet as Netflix, Shondaland, and Fever join forces to present the exclusive Bridgerton Candlelight Concert. This enchanting event is set to transform St Stephen’s Uniting Church into a Regency-era wonderland on October 24th, 2024, with performances at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Imagine stepping into a world lit by thousands of flickering candles, where the air is filled with the familiar tunes of Bridgerton hits performed by a local string quartet. This multi-sensory musical experience promises to be a night to remember, featuring an eclectic setlist that includes Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next,” and “Give Me Everything” by Pitbull, Afrojack, Ne-Yo, and Nayer, among others. With Bridgerton’s three seasons captivating audiences globally, this Candlelight Concert is a chance for Sydney-siders to immerse themselves in the magic of the series in a truly unique setting. To secure your spot at this highly anticipated event, sign up for the waitlist on Fever’s app or website. Doing so grants you exclusive pre-sale access to tickets, up to 24 hours before they become available to the public. Fever’s Candlelight Concert series is renowned for democratizing access to classical music, offering a fresh twist that appeals to a broad audience. Each concert is a celebration of music, performed in iconic venues worldwide, and this Bridgerton special will be no different, with limited tickets available for this fashionable event of the season. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this dazzling evening. Tickets for the Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on… Read More