Category: FOOD & DRINK

Jubilee weekend in Brighton at the UK’s Most Spectacular Seafront Terrace, Rockwater

Posted: 01/06/2022

If you’re not amongst the predicted 4 million people to descend on London to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee celebration this weekend, then perhaps heading the other direction’s for you? The UK’s most luxurious, coastal community hub, Rockwater Hove has a celebration for Her Majesty all their own with your name on it. Situated on the picturesque Western Esplanade of Hove’s seafront, Rockwater Hove is the ultimate boutique bar and restaurant experience to celebrate in style. Rockwater Hove’s terrace is open to the public this Jubilee weekend on a walk-in basis for all-day dining and spectacular sea views. Here, you and guests can enjoy an array of delicious, locally sourced food and beverages from seasonal seafood platters, charcuterie boards and plant-based delicacies, along with an extensive cocktail, wine and beer menu. For more, head to the Rockwater Hove website

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Brighton bars, Brighton restaurants, Hove, Jubilee in Hove, Rockwater

Free Krispy Kreme doughnut on National Doughnut Day

by Emi Berry

Posted: 30/05/2022

Yes, it’s almost National Doughnut Day again and Krispy Kreme Australia is giving away 100,000 free Original Glazed doughnuts for one day only on Friday 3 June. Here’s a stat that will blow your mind: Krispy Kreme will be glazing 2,000 Original Glazed doughnuts per hour on its production line – that’s 33 doughnuts a minute – in preparation for the big day!! Fans have long been mesmerised by the glaze waterfall in stores, which luxuriously coats doughnuts with a secret glaze recipe that dates all the way back to the 1930s. “National Doughnut Day is our absolute favourite day of the year. Why? Because we love to share our famous Original Glazed with our fans and thank them for their support across the year. Nothing says National Doughnut Day like a Free Krispy Kreme OG,” says Olivia Sutherland, Marketing Director at Krispy Kreme. So how do you score a free doughnut? Simply turn up to any participating Krispy Kreme Australia store to grab a free doughnut on 3 June to celebrate. But don’t dawdle, because this offer is only available while stock lasts. To find your nearest participating store, visit www.krispy kreme.com.au/stores If you miss out on National Doughnut Day, keep an eye out for when Krispy Kreme’s Hot Light is on. When the Hot Light is on, it means fresh Original Glazed doughnuts are being made and customers can score a free delicious, melt in your mouth doughnut straight off the line every day with any purchase.

Category: FOOD & DRINK

Tags: free doughnuts, krispy kreme, krispy kreme original glaze, national doughnut day

8 new restaurants across London to visit

by James Banham

Posted: 30/05/2022

The spring-summer season in London imbues the city with freshness to such a point that almost makes you forget the bleakness of the 9 other months of the year. And when there are new restaurants and bars to try out across town? Well, you’ll be dining out on the memories – as well as the fine menus – for months! Some of these listed might not be new in the true sense of the word, but fresh from covid restrictions and with something new to offer at very least, they’re worth adding to your list or paying another visit to. Laurel’s On The Roof Shoreditch Officially opened on Thursday 5th May, Laurel’s On The Roof is London’s newest and most laid back rooftop restaurant, bar and pool located at the Mondrian Shoreditch. Inspired by 1970’s Hollywood and the legacy of Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles, Laurel’s is an all day-dining and drinking hotspot infused with glamour and offering London’s most sought after tables. Transporting diners on an exploration of Los Angeles, Laurel’s offers an evolving all-day, highly seasonal menu, the perfect spot to while away long summer evenings whilst overlooking the bustling Shoreditch neighbourhood. Riding House Bloomsbury Wednesday 8th June will see the opening of Riding House Bloomsbury, the long-awaited second iteration of Fitzrovia’s Riding House Café from restaurateur Adam White. Opening with a soft launch from 25th May, Riding House Bloomsbury is set to be a lively modern brasserie with a members club-like atmosphere, adding to Bloomsbury’s burgeoning reputation as the latest dining hotspot…. Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: 8 new restaurants across London to visit, Best restaurants London, Notting Hill restaurants

Celebrate National Hamburger Day with Cleaver’s Organic

by Emi Berry

Updated: 26/05/2022

It’s National Hamburger Day on Saturday 28th May so why go out for a burger when you can create one in the comfort of your own home with quality patties and produce. Cleaver’s Organic has joined forces with former MasterChef contestant Tim Bone to create tasty recipes inspired by four iconic movie milestones to enjoy this National Hamburger Day. Thanks to Cleaver’s Organic, Aussies can enjoy delicious homemade burgers with grass-fed certified organic produce that is 30% more nutritious than conventionally produced meat. You can find all the Cleaver’s Organic ingredients you need for your National Hamburger Day recipes including Beef Mince (RRP $13.00), Beef Sausages (RRP $10.00) and Chuck and Brisket Burgers (RRP $10.00) and more at selected Coles and independent grocers. Chicago Burger Recipe – Serves 4 4 brioche burger buns 1 pack Cleaver’s Organic Beef Chuck and Brisket Burgers 8 slices of American Cheddar 3 tsp celery salt 2 brown onion, peeled & chopped into wedges 2 tbsp olive oil 4 tbsp American Mustard 4 tbsp ketchup 1/4 cup pickles 1/2 cup roasted capsicum strips 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced Preheat barbecue Grill burger buns on the barbecue Place the onion wedges into a bowl, drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tsp of celery salt. Toss to combine, separating the onion layers. Cook on the barbecue, tossing occasionally until it starts to char. Remove. Place the burger patties onto a plate. Season both sides with 1 tsp of celery salt and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Cook on the barbecue… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK

Tags: cleavers, cleavers organic meat, hamburgers, national hamburger day

Date nights for VIVID Sydney in 2022

by James Banham

Posted: 24/05/2022

If you’re not climbing up Sydney Harbour Bridge or getting together at one of the many gin opportunities that lie before you this VIVID Sydney 2022, then perhaps date night’s on the cards. The Harbour View Hotel is putting on the festival of lights and visual art in their own way. And by offering delicious takeaway meals with drinks so there’s no need to worry about dinner before exploring the exhibitions around The Rocks. The Harbour View Hotel will be launching a special pop-up glow bar, serving glow in the dark cocktails outside their historic venue in The Rocks. This limited edition glow bar will be available throughout Vivid (from 27th May until 18th June), making it easy to sip on cocktails while you take in the stunning light installations of Vivid. The Harbour View Hotel will also be selling takeaway packs so you can wander through The Rocks and find the perfect picnic spot overlooking the harbour and Vivid lights. The Harbour View Hotel Vivid Takeaway pack (for $95) includes: Antipasto for 2 Stir fried noodles with chicken bites and capsicum x 2 Flatbread bread with roasted capsicum dipping sauce x 2 4 x Smirnoff Seltzers 1 x Blanket For more information, head to the Harbour View website

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Date night Vivid Sydney, Date nights for VIVID Sydney in 2022, vivid sydney, What to do Vivid Sydney

Where to enjoy Cointreau cocktails this VIVID Sydney

by James Banham

Posted: 24/05/2022

Lights, sound and festivity probably like we’ve never seen it before – after the Covid drama – will descend upon Sydney this VIVID and if ever there was a place to go for a drink, looks like this is it. Cointreau will be launching into the season with their new dedicated Cointreau Margarita Kombi for those exact drinks. Parking up outside Terrace on the Domain from May 27 to June 18 from 4pm-8pm. People are invited to come and enjoy Margaritas on the lawn outside the Terrace on the Domain while looking at all the Vivid lights on the city skyline. The ultimate pop-up bar on wheels, is in the form of a retro VW Kombi and will be offering delicious Margaritas. Cointreau, at the heart of one of Australia’s favourite cocktails, the margarita, has favourably increased by 83% in the last 12 months alone. To accommodate the versatility of this favoured tipple, the Cointreau Margarita Kombi will be serving 3 different Margaritas, the Original Margarita, the Vivid Bright Margarita and the Spicy Margarita. Each margarita will be sold for $18. For more information, head to the VIVID Sydney website

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Get excited for the new Lotus Dumpling Bar at Summer Hill

by Emi Berry

Posted: 20/05/2022

Sydney’s inner west has a new venue opening on 25 May 2022 and this one is worth getting excited about. The Lotus Dining Group – which already runs six restaurants across Sydney including Lotus Barangaroo and Lotus Galeries – is opening their latest venue in Lackey Street, Summer Hill. Despite being the new kid on the block, it feels like the new venue is among old friends. Located in the heart of Summer Hill, just across the road from the village square – otherwise known as The Piazza, which comes alive in the evenings with live music where locals can be seen dancing – the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. With the impressive menu designed by Lotus Dumpling Bar at Summer Hill head chef Chris Tsao and Lotus Dining Group’s head chef, Steve Wu, guests are guaranteed to enjoy an extensive range of flavour-packed dumplings and share plates, such as Hot and Numbing Chicken Ribs, XO Scallop with Chinese Dipping Donut and Crispy Prawn Dumplings. Other notable dishes include Mix Mushroom & Endive Salad with Citrus Dressing, Five Spice Tofu and Black Fungus Dumplings, Pork Xiao Long Bao, Wok Fried Prawns with Thai Sweet Basil and Chilli and Steamed Broccolini with Sugar Snap Bean and Kale. “We’re excited to bring our dumpling bar offering to Summer Hill,” says Wu. “Over the lastfew years, we’ve seen a big shift in diners choosing to stay local so we wanted to share ourWalsh Bay concept with a brand new neighbourhood within Sydney. The new menu haseverything people will… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: Chinese food Sydney, Chinese restaurants Sydney, lotus dining, lotus dumpling bar

There’s a new pizza must-go: 400 Gradi opens in Mildura, Victoria

by James Banham

Updated: 06/06/2022

Up north from Melbourne by about 6 hours’ drive, there’s a country town called Mildura. Known for fruit orchards, it’s probably pretty low on the list of places you’d expect somewhere like 400 Gradi, the Italian food and drink providore to open. But, prepare to be surprised. To launch the new 400 Gradi venue, founder Johnny Di Francesco has partnered with co-owner and local resident Michael Sarrou, who previously ran Mildura’s Fasta Pasta for 17 years. The new 300 capacity restaurant brings 400 Gradi’s famous Italian cuisine, including its once crowned world’s best Margherita pizza and much-loved favourites, to the region with all the best Italian inspired items you’d expect from a restaurant chain with now 7 locations. The interiors embrace 400 Gradi’s signature Italian luxe aesthetic with subtle greenery, terrazzo countertops and tables, and plush upholstery. The new space, outfitted by Dean Dyson Architects, includes two dining areas, a bar serving cocktails, and two private function rooms catering for 50 and 70 guests respectively. For more and to book, head to the 400 Gradi website.

Category: FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD, LIFESTYLE

Learn how Chandon make sparkling at tasting event: Method UntraditionalOf

by James Banham

Updated: 25/05/2022

A feast for more than just the eyes, Chandon’s Method Untraditional event is where you will discover what it takes to become a wine connoisseur for the night, brushing-up on what makes Chandon’s batches so unique. This May, destination sparkling winery CHANDON will play host to ‘Method Untraditional’, a limited edition sensory experience that celebrates CHANDON’s new Winemaker Explorations Range, and its two newest sparkling wines, the Field Blend 2017 and Meunier Rosé 2019. You’ll learn how the Petite Meslier was harvested concurrently and blended with Chardonnay, PinotNoir and Pinot Meunier varieties, to yeild a wine of unusual composition and character, with novelflavours of lemon blossom and bergamot. A collection of clear glass cloches will direct you to smell these floral tones, and understand how balancing them with pink grapefruit and crabapple, makes the Field Blend best suited to those who favour a dry palate. And that’s not even the half of it. CHANDON’s ‘Method Untraditional’ is now open for bookings, and will run throughout the wintermonths at CHANDON’s Yarra Valley Estate. Sessions run for 20-30 minutes, and are available 7 days. Tastings are $21 per person, and include a five-flight tasting of the entire Winemaker ExplorationsRange, including the new release Field Blend 2017 and Meunier Rosé 2019. Bookings are a must, and can be made via their website

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Enjoy modern European cuisine with Dining in the Dark Sydney

by James Banham

Updated: 10/05/2022

The room’s dark, you’re wearing a blindfold and you can eat everything. Might sounds like it’s a scene from a strange erotica novel, but it’s really just the experience that awaits you at Sydney’s Dine in the Dark event this May. Located at at Beast & Co, 425 Bourke St, Surry Hills, the event will take you through a hosted gastronomic experience through the heart of continental Europe. Why? Well, studies have shown that 80% of people eat with their eyes, so by eliminating sight, guests will enjoy an elevated dining experience, focusing on taste, smell and touch. So the theory goes. Tickets are available here for $110 per person for 6pm and 8:30pm sittings, each of which are approximately 90 minutes

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Dine in the dark Sydney, Enjoy modern European cuisine with Dine in the Dark Sydney, sydney food, where to eat sydney

ARTS & CULTURE

Yayoi Kasuma makes more history at NGV Melbourne

22/11/2024

By James Banham

This summer, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne invites you to lose yourself in the extraordinary universe of Yayoi Kusama.

Why rush to see The Great Mughals at V&A: a celebration of opulence, art and culture

22/11/2024

By James Banham

Today, the Victoria and Albert Museum opens the doors to a landmark exhibition, The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence. For the first time in a major show, the monumental artistic achievements of the Mughal Empire’s ‘Golden Age’ (c. 1560–1660) take centre stage, showcasing the splendour, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange that defined one of the world’s greatest empires. The Glory of the Mughals The Mughal dynasty, rooted in Central Asia, was founded in 1526 by Babur, a Timurid prince who carved out an empire stretching from modern-day Afghanistan to the edges of southern India, and from Gujarat to the borders of present-day Bangladesh. At its zenith, the empire was known for its staggering wealth, progressive governance, and artistic innovation. Focused on the reigns of three of the dynasty’s most celebrated emperors—Akbar (r. 1556–1605), Jahangir (r. 1605–1627), and Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658)—the exhibition illuminates a period when the Mughal court transformed into a cultural powerhouse. These were the rulers who commissioned masterpieces like the Taj Mahal and fostered an artistic legacy that blended Persian, Indian, and European influences. Unveiling the Court’s Creative Mastery At the heart of the exhibition are over 200 objects, breathtaking in both their beauty and their historical value. Visitors can expect to marvel at exquisite paintings, intricately illustrated manuscripts, luxurious textiles, vibrantly hued carpets, and dazzling objects crafted from mother of pearl, jade, rock crystal, and precious metals. Many of these treasures have been hidden from public view for decades, making this a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the artistry of… Read More

A Golden Adventure awaits at the Australian Museum with new Machu Picchu Exhibition

21/11/2024

By Danielle Kirk

Sydney, prepare yourselves for a cultural gold rush. From November 23, the Australian Museum is rolling out its latest blockbuster, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru. This dazzling exhibition is your passport to ancient Peru, featuring 134 priceless treasures from the land of the Incas and 14,000 years of history. Think glittering jewels, royal tomb artefacts, and a VR journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s more than a history lesson—it’s a time machine with all the bells, whistles, and human sacrifice relics you could dream of. Following the success of the Ramses Exhibition at the Australian Museum (fun fact, it became the highest grossing exhibition in the State’s history, selling over 500,000 tickets!), Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is created in partnership with Peru’s Museo Larco, Museo de Sito Manuel Chavez Ballon, and Neon Global, taking you on a journey through five ancient Peruvian empires, spanning over 3,000 years of rich history. Parts of the collection have only been shown in four other cities around the world, in fact, some of the artefacts have never left Peru before, and now we’re lucky to set sights on them in Sydney. Expect to see the most opulent Andean gold collection to ever leave Peru, intricate ceremonial masks, and objects that whisper secrets of long-lost rituals. For the tech-savvy explorers, the Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor VR experience will transport you above the clouds for a bird’s-eye tour of the legendary citadel. Guided by the… Read More

NGV Architecture Commission 2024: Home Truth by Breathe

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In a bold reimagining of Australian home design, Home Truth by Breathe has been announced as the winner of the NGV Architecture Commission for 2024. This captivating installation takes the form of a labyrinthine house-within-a-house, challenging the notion of ever-expanding home sizes in Australia. At the heart of this design is a powerful message: rethink how we build to create more sustainable, higher-quality, and community-orientated living spaces. Home Truth invites visitors to step into a space that questions the ethical and ecological ramifications of the sprawling, oversized homes that have become prevalent across the nation. An external frame mirrors the silhouette of the average Australian home, which, at 236 square metres, ranks as the largest globally. Nestled within this silhouette is a serene timber structure, representing a smaller, more sustainable living footprint. This juxtaposition of scales is not just an architectural statement but a call to action. By contrasting these two structures, Home Truth shines a light on how smaller, more considered homes could help reduce suburban sprawl, mitigate environmental impacts, and enhance community wellbeing. It is a thought-provoking invitation for audiences to consider alternative, sustainable housing models that could lead to positive lifestyle changes. Visitors entering through the expansive garage door of the larger house find themselves navigating a maze of rooms and corridors, eventually arriving at the intimate timber retreat. This wooden haven offers a space for meditation and reflection, presenting a tangible vision of a more sustainable housing future. Constructed from framing pine and Saveboard, Home Truth uses materials emblematic of current… Read More

LOEWE PRECO SS25 SUNA FUJITA CERAMICS RGB CROPPED 4X5 3 5

Suna Fujita, LOEWE & Melbourne Art Fair to exhibit works

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In an exciting fusion of art and fashion, Melbourne Art Fair has announced a groundbreaking partnership with LOEWE, the esteemed luxury fashion brand renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship since 1846. This collaboration brings to life an exquisite preview of Jonathan Anderson’s renewed partnership with the Kyoto-based ceramist duo, Suna Fujita, marking a world-first exhibition in Australasia. The LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection made its debut with an intimate showcase at LOEWE’s Melbourne Collins Street store, offering an exclusive viewing experience of twenty whimsical ceramic pieces. These delicate works, celebrated for their intricate hand-painted scenes featuring ocean creatures and cosmic animals, seamlessly blend artistry with everyday function, transforming accessories and ready-to-wear items into enchanting works of art. Fair Director Melissa Loughnan expressed her enthusiasm for this creative union, stating, “This partnership is a reflection of Melbourne Art Fair and LOEWE’s shared commitment to supporting living artists and creatives, and an exciting precursor to the 18th edition of the Fair, which promises to be one of our most dynamic and anticipated showcases yet.” The collaboration not only highlights the playful essence of Suna Fujita’s ceramics but also underscores the vibrant art scene that Melbourne Art Fair champions. Launching today, the LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection is available both in stores and online at loewe.com, continuing until 29th December 2024. This artistic venture paves the way for the 18th edition of Melbourne Art Fair, set to take place from 20-23 February 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair will present a remarkable assembly of… Read More