Category: FOOD & DRINK

Top 5 events at Canberra Good Food Month in 2021

Updated: 08/03/2021

Canberra Good Food month is back in 2021, celebrating the very best of the capital city for the seventh sensational year. Here are the five best events to add to your calendar: Alanna Sapwell x Analiese Gregory x Bar Rochford Lunch sittings from 12:00pm, dinner sittings from 6:30pm | Sunday, 28 March | Bar Rochford | $160 Hold on to your hats, Canberra! Good Food Month presented by Citi is flying Alanna Sapwell, former head chef of ARC Dining (Brisbane) and Saint Peter (Sydney), and Analiese Gregory (who recently departed Hobart’s two-hatter, Franklin) into town for two delicious events at everyone’s favourite watering hole, Bar Rochford. Tickets include multiple courses with matched wine. Buy tickets for lunch here Buy tickets for dinner here Young Chefs Dinner presented by Citi Vegetarian Edition 6:30pm | Monday 29 March | Monster Kitchen & Bar at Ovolo Nishi | $150 Promoting and nurturing young talent is a Good Food Month legacy and we proudly shine a light on the crème-de-la-crème of Canberra’s bright young things. This year the brief is to go green, so what better way than a plant based take-over of the newly vegetarian kitchen of Monster Kitchen & Bar – our budding young chefs Kenny Tse (Monster Kitchen & Bar), Ben Waterston (Les Bistronomes) with one more to be announced soon, will curate a stellar set menu under the guidance of acclaimed Michelin-starred Executive Chef, Paul Wilson. Tickets include three courses with premium wine and beer. Buy tickets here The Good Weekend Quiz: Live The Good… Read More

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

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Best burgers in Five Dock Sydney: Fat Belly Jack’s food truck

by James Banham

Updated: 08/03/2021

Southern American food better watch out – it’s about to meet its match. The Australian interpretation’s out for blood. The new Fat Belly Jack’s food truck is serving up Nashville fried chicken, burgers and bar snacks like dumpster fries, cheeseburger spring rolls and jalapeno poppers five days a week (Wed-Sun) from the beer garden at the re-launched Illinois Hotel in Five Dock. None of it’s good for you, but it’s good for the soul, turning a local inner west pub into its slice of heaven as they use recipes developed over years of research and general taste gauging. Fat Belly Jack’s boasts the most authentic Nashville fried chicken outside of Nashville. With heat level ranging from mild to ‘really f#cking hot’, there is something for everyone with wings done four ways, as well as chicken tenders and other snacks. Find the food truck at The Illinois Hotel, 15 Parramatta Road, Five Dock

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

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Australia’s first non-alcoholic bar is opening this April: Brunswick Aces Bar

by James Banham

Updated: 27/02/2021

There’s a new bar opening in Brunswick East, Melbourne and they’re not serving alcohol. To a seasoned drinker, this is quite shocking, but to those who aren’t into it, can’t drink it, or just fancy not writing themselves off on a first date or casual catch-u[ with friends, it’s been a long-time needed. It’s called Brunswick Aces Bar, is by Brunswisk Aces Distillery and is set to open late April 2021. A 150-person capacity venue on Weston Street in Brunswick East, it’ll be the first of its kind in Australia, offering a dedicated space for non-drinkers to enjoy an extensive list of specially curated drinks and cocktails. Every section of the drink menu will be designed to cater for non-drinkers, from beers and wines, to the distillery’s signature 0% alcohol gin alternative, Brunswick Aces Spades Sapiir and Brunswick Aces Hearts Sapiir. The menu will feature a host of sober takes on classic cocktails, like the Negroni, Espresso Martini, Tom Collins and the simple G&T, as well as a range of premium beers and wines from around the world. With Brunswick Aces being stocked at premium bars and restaurants nationwide, and with domestic travel not returning to normal any time soon, the team will also be looking to bring a taste of these venues to Brunswick East by recreating the drinking experience from venues including Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel and Firedoor. Find out more at the Brunswick Aces website.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Tags: Australia's first non-alcoholic bar is opening this April Brunswick Aces Bar

Drinks from a drag queen: how to make it happen

by James Banham

Updated: 27/02/2021

This annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, you can have a drag queen bring you alcohol. And be happy about it. BWS Paddington South Dowling Street, BWS Paddington Oxford street and BWS Darlinghurst – have had store signs changed to BWS YASSS, complete in rainbow colours, as part of the celebrations which means that Miss Prada Clutch will hand deliver some very special party packages. “Yas darlings, I’m so excited to be part of BWS Mardi Gras celebrations. The BWS YASSS store signs are fabulous because ‘Yas’ has its origins in our glittering drag community and is a fierce expression of support,” Prada Clutch said. “And drinks delivered in one hour? How qween-venient. Certainly faster than it takes for me to get ready in the morning, darlings. I can’t wait to help deliver my special party packages and so speedily. Somebody hold my lipstick!” Prada Clutch added. How to get Prada to bring you booze? The party packages include a bottle of super star and Sydney Mardi Gras headliner Rita Ora’s premium tequila brand Próspero and Mishka Vodka as well as glitter props in the Mardi Gras vibe. Customers who entered a competition to win a Mardi Gras party pack personally delivered by Miss Prada Clutch have gone into the draw.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: BWS Sydney, Drinks from a drag queen how to make it happen, Prada Clutch Sydney

Get baked at Sydney’s newest pop-up event – The Big Bake

by Emi Berry

Updated: 22/10/2022

We’re all looking for interesting and fun events to get us out of the house, so here’s one for Sydneysiders who don’t mind getting their fingers sticky while enjoying a cocktail or two. From the team who brought us Floating Cinema, Bumper Cars on Ice, Beyond Cinema, and the Mad Hatters Tea Party, Viral Ventures has launched yet another innovative and fun pop-up event to keep us entertained. It’s called The Big Bake and it’s currently running in the Sydney CBD until the end of April. This baking-themed event is the perfect way to spend a fun night out with a friend, a group of friends, or even as part of a corporate challenge. It runs for 90 minutes and during this time, you’ll be rolling your sleeves up bake, create, design & whisk (while sipping your cocktail when you’re not whisking eggs whites or combining your dry ingredients). Before kicking off, you’ll receive a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival. There is a bar conveniently located right next to your kitchen workspace, so you and your friends can start a tab and enjoy some come cocktails during the session. Also be prepared to participate in some hilarious games that will have your friends in stitches and grabbing their mobiles to capture the moment to unashamedly share on social. Each Big Bake session offers multiple recipes to choose from and recipes change each week. You could be making cupcakes or custard tart one week, and mouthwatering salted caramel brownies and cheesecakes the next. Tickets are… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: baking, cooking, cooking event, the big bake, viral ventures

Gordon’s Gin launches a new zesty flavour – Mediterranean Orange Distilled Gin

by Emi Berry

Updated: 16/03/2021

So it appears we won’t be heading to the Mediterranean any time soon, so good thing Gordon’s Gin is bringing the Med to us! Adding to their list of diverse and vibrant flavours – think, Gordon’s Pink, Gordon’s Sicilian Lemon, and now Mediterranean Orange – there’s something to suit everyone’s taste and great for any occasion. It’s available now in liquor stores across the country and online for $49.99. Here’s how to serve the perfect Gordon’s Mediterranean Orange and Tonic: What you need: 30 ml Gordon’s Mediterranean Orange Distilled Gin 120 ml Tonic Water Orange Wheel (to garnish) How to do it: Fill a chilled glass with ice cubes, pour 30ml of Gordon’s Mediterranean Orange over the ice and top up with 120ml chilled tonic water. Garnish with a wheel of orange, then give it a final stir. Enjoy! For those who prefer a ready-to-drink option, there is also a 330ml Orange Gin and Soda now available in liquor stores across the country for $21.99 (4-pack).

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

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Join a KitchenAid colour of the year masterclass this February with all proceeds going to charity

by Emi Berry

Updated: 19/02/2021

We’re all looking for a positive spin on 2021 and this is the perfect way to kick it off. KitchenAid first launched its iconic colour products in 1955. Ever since then, it has unveiled an annual KitchenAid ‘Colour of the Year’, with this year’s colour named Honey’ – a warm and rich hue with a golden-orange undertone, which radiates positivity and warmth. Sounds gorgeous, doesn’t it! And to showcase the new, stunning ‘Honey’ products, KitchenAid is running three super fun Masterclasses in Sydney that will appeal to the sweet tooth, the savoury lover and the stylist looking for inspiration for their next dinner party. For the sweet tooth: February 24 2021 This class is all about sweetness, with baking queen, Katherine Sabbath. Armed with Aussie icons Tim Tam and Choc Ripple, she’ll teach you how to pull together a Tim Tam and Choc Ripple dessert while you also learn how to master KitchenAid’s suite of kitchen appliances. For those who prefer savoury: February 25 2021 This masterclass is a savoury-themed session, presented by Harris Farm and KitchenAid In-House Maker, Belinda Gazzard. You’ll learn how to create easy to master savoury dishes that will nourish your body and bring joy to your taste buds whilst celebrating local produce. Plus of course, you’ll also learn how to master KitchenAid’s suite of kitchen appliances For the budding stylist: February 26 2021 This class is all about learning how to style your next dinner party. Interior Designer Steve Cordony and catering extraordinaire Amanda Cordony will teach you how to… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

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Learn how to make a winning Chilcano cocktail recipe with an Aussie twist

by Emi Berry

Updated: 16/02/2021

Who doesn’t appreciate a refreshing and fruity cocktail on a warm summer day? And a winning cocktail recipe to boot! After a fierce competition featuring 26 original recipes to find the best Chilcano cocktail in the country, Alicia Clarke from Double Deuce Lounge in Sydney was crowned the Chilcano Champion in the first-ever Aussie Pisco Chilcano Competition. Alicia’s creation, named ‘The Queensland Yacht Club’, gives a refreshing Australian twist to the Chilcano with the use of tropical mango and pineapple cordial, Stone’s Ginger Wine and of course, Peru’s favourite spirit, Pisco. This mouth-watering cocktail is a simple recipe that brings together the bright citrus flavours of Pisco, spicy bite of ginger, complex bitters and zest of lime for the ideal summer cocktail. And the good news is, Double Deuce Lounge will be hosting a live demonstration on 16 February at 6:00pm on Instagram to show you how to make this winning cocktail! Just follow @DoubleDeuceLounge and tune in at 6pm for their live video. Make sure you grab the following ingredients beforehand so you can make the cocktail at home as you follow Alicia’s instructions during the live demonstration. Ingredients: 45ml Barsol Quebranta Pisco 25ml Mango and Pineapple Cordial 10ml Stone’s Ginger Wine 10ml Lime juice 5ml Sugar syrup Method: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake hard. Single strain into a frozen glass and garnish with a pineapple leaf. Don’t forget to share your creation (before you drink it!) by tagging @promperu.anz and use the hashtag #AussieChilcano on Instagram. If you want… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, RECIPES

Tags: chilcano, chilcano cocktails, cocktail recipes, cocktails, cocktails sydney, pisco

South Yarra Melbourne’s newest cafe: Norman

by James Banham

Updated: 16/02/2021

After the mess that was 2020, Norman is now open in South Yarra! A visually pleasing space to drop-in to or stay a while, it’s complete with a two-level tranquility, that can hold up to 100 guests. It’s a sleek and sophisticated joint with brushed brass tones, baby blue hues and leafy greens throughout. And the food? Think a mix of classic cafe dishes with a twist as well as entirely new creations, giving cafe goers every reason to try something new. Whether it be an all-Aussie breakfast dish like Norman’s Vegemite avo toast or something more left of field like zucchini and corn waffles, Norman really has something for every hungry tummy. The brekky board really does have it all with a variety of bite-size sweet and savoury dishes that feature on the menu, and if you’re still hungry, dig into the brekky burger. Find it at ?Shop 2/300 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141 Monday – Saturday – 7am-4pm Sunday – 8am-4pm

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

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11 Melbourne restaurants to celebrate Valentine’s Day at in 2021

by James Banham

Updated: 05/03/2021

So, Valentine’s Day as a concept is super divisive. Some love it, some not so much, others just use it as an excuse for dinner. That’s where this comes in handy. Here’s a list of 11 of Melbourne’s trendiest and top-notch places to smash a romantic dinner with a special someone – or group of them – you need to book before Sunday. Mejico Melbourne Spice things up this Valentine’s Day at Melbourne’s newest Mexican restaurant and tequila bar, Mejico. Sip on all kinds of margaritas and celebrate with a special set menu including oysters, Mejico’s signature tableside guac, salmon ceviche, Yucatan style BBQ empanadas, porterhouse steak with chimichurri and a margarita cheesecake to finish.Mejico’s Valentine’s Day set menu is available or dinner for $75 per person. Bookings online at Mejico’s website Chin Chin Melbourne Lock yourself and the one you love in at Chin Chin with its special ‘Love Me, Feed Me’ menu. The delicious set menu includes all the dishes you know and love from the CBD favourite including kingfish sashimi, grilled king prawns with Chin Chin papaya hot sauce and more. To finish with something sweet, lovers can indulge in a special Valentine’s Day heart-shaped chocolate and coconut mousse with chilli caramel and raspberry sorbet. Couplers can sit back and relax while they sip on liquid loving cocktails including the ‘Easy Lover’ with Aperol and elderflower and ‘Two’s Company’ with gin, raspberry and rhubarb flowers. The Love Me, Feed Me menu is available for $89 per person and bookings are available at Chin Chin’s site Bomba Treat your… Read More

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

Tags: melbourne restaurants, Valentine's Day restaurant guide, Valentine's Day restaurants, Where to eat Valentine's Day

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

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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