Category: FOOD & DRINK

Painting the road pink: Sydney’s Rose street festival is back

Updated: 16/11/2022

After a hit the first time ’round, Sydney’s Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel is painting the road pink with its second Rose Street Fest in Watson’s Bay! With the Sydney skyline as the backdrop to what will be a stunning festival of alcohol and happiness, it’s the kind of thing families, friends and lovers flock to, to wander the aisles, try the drops and enjoy the sun. There’ll be music, food and wine as anyone there over 18 is given a tasting glass with their ticket and free passes to all the vendors the likes of Gilbert wines, AIX, Freeman Vineyard, Mirabeau and more. There’ll even be Blossom Rosé Sparkling Apple Cider pouring, Proud & Punch is sampling its fruity coconut pops as a cooling palate cleanser and the Watsons Bay street food cart will have a rosy makeover piled high with pink desserts and frosé to sample. From 11-7 on 27 October, it’s the best way to welcome-in the summer. Get tickets here.

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

Tags: rose street fest, Sydney rose street fest, watsons bay boutique hotel

Japanese vodka in Australia: what to make of the new batch

by James Banham

Posted: 21/09/2019

The House of Suntory, Japan’s leading name in Japanese whisky is trying something on. They’ve just launched the new HAKU vodka in Oz, adding to the brand’s collection, now a trilogy, and giving Japanese spirit-lovers something to fight about. It’s centred around what they call monozukuri, the relentless quest for perfection, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to quality. Sounds Japanese. There must be something about double-syllabic words that just works for the Australian market, given this is the third spirit in the range: ROKU Gin, TOKI Whisky and now, HAKU Vodka. Either way, it’s good. Think, a vodka with a floral rice aroma that tastes of natural sweetness and complex flavour that leaves you with a smooth finish with a sophisticated, pleasantly lingering sweetness thanks to the bamboo charcoal filtration process. Get it from leading retailers.

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Arnold Ivey crafts a new menu at London’s Avenue in St James

by James Banham

Posted: 16/09/2019

Oysters from all over the UK, fresh fish caught that morning and incredible wholesome, borderline umami flavours, the new menu by the UK chef is one to try. Arnold Ivey’s stints at the likes of London institutions like Bluebird Chelsea, Orrery in Marylebone, Paternoster Chop House (the first dates restaurant) and Kensington Place before it shut down, all contribute to the stunning new menu. Sure, they do the Avenue classics that draw the regulars, like the Avenue Cheeseburger and Classic Chicken Caesar Salad, but it’s the new seafood additions that are really worth the visit. Think whole seabass off the bone, mussels, fish and chips, yellowfin tuna tartare with cucumber, apple and seeded crackers, Severn & Wye smoked salmon, served alongside soda bread, capers shallots and dill cream, and the famous lobster roll with Mary Rose sauce and fries available on the weekend brunch menu. And top it all off with new dessert options like a house-made strawberry Avenue take on the eton mess and a sensationally tart lemon meringue. Both musts! Head to the Avenue at 7-9, St James’s St, St. James’s, London SW1A 1EE or their website to book your experience.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Avenue, Avenue London, London restaurants

Recipe: Blood orange Negroni cocktail

Fratelli Fresh Negroni cocktail drink Sydney 2

by James Banham

Posted: 05/09/2019

Sure, the classic Negroni is a winner and has been for hundreds of years; ut have you tried a blood orange one? There’s a new gin out there by Whitley Neil that’s all about heroing flash flavours like rhubarb & ginger, blood orange and pink grapefruit. So, by using any one of them in the classic recipe, you get a new dimension that makes it better. But, don’t take our word for it. Here’s how to make your own. Blood orange Negroni recipe Blood Orange Negroni 25ml Blood Orange Whitley Neill Gin 25ml Aperol 25ml Sweet Vermouth Method: Build in glass & Stir Orange slice garnish

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, RECIPES

Tags: Blood orange Negroni, How to make Negroni, negroni, negroni recipe

5 best Latin American places to eat in Sydney

Chula Mexican restaurant Potts Point Sydney THE F posters wall

by THE F

Updated: 16/11/2022

Whether you are a Latino going travelling in Australia or you’re just going for a holiday there and want to find the best places in Sydney for Latin American recipes, we have you covered. Keep reading to discover the best Latin American eateries in Sydney that can help you feel right at home, even when you are thousands of miles away. Latin American Food in Australia According to REVIEWBOX, globalisation has helped to ensure that no matter where you are in the world, you are likely to be able to find food that reminds you of home. This is true for Latinos who are in Australia, as there is an array of restaurants and eateries that provide traditional Latin American recipes. Food is such a big part of culture and so it is important to embrace different cultures and recipes all around the world, whilst still eating the food that you love from your home country. If you are searching for Latin American dishes in Sydney, such as Ceviche, Empanadas, Cuy, Arepas, Pupusas, Tacos, Tamales, Aji Amarillo, or Feijoada, then here at the places you need to try: INCA’S Restaurant Cafe & Bar In Darlinghurst, Sydney, you’ll find Inca’s Restaurant Cafe & Bar which specialises in Peruvian and Latin cuisines. This place is great for seafood and has excellent reviews online. It is well worth a trip if you want delicious Latin American dishes. Tequila Mockingbird Situated in Paddington, you’ll find Tequila Mockingbird, which is a great restaurant to try out if you are looking… Read More

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MEXICAN FOOD, SYDNEY

Indian afternoon tea: Vivek Singh, and Great British Bake Off star Tamal Ray make it happen

by James Banham

Updated: 29/08/2019

Remember Tamal Ray, the baker from the Great British Bake Off? Sure ya do… Well, he’s teamed up with Vivek Singh, the London king of Indian behind such establishments as Cinnamon Bazaar in Covent Garden and its stunning bespoke menu, to create the latest trend in English afternoon tea. Singh has been around for a while now, turning out stunning Indian flavours the city keeps going back for, but now, the two are trying something new. Now on the menu at at Cinnamon Bazaar in Covent Garden, the bespoke menu brings fire and spice to the traditional tea-time spread, and is inspired by the duo’s shared family roots in Kolkata, West Bengal. They’re doing such gastro magic as marrying the flavours of East India with modern culinary techniques, giving afternoon tea a completely new look and taste. They’re doing away with boring white bread sandwich fingers, subbing them out for things like Kolkata fish finger sandwich with tomato chutney cooked in turmeric, chilli and mustard oil. Add to that, the likes of a Bengali-inspired Chicken Kathi ‘spring rolls’, yet another take on the traditional street food rolls found in Kolkata. No afternoon tea at Cinnamon Bazaar would be complete without Vivek’s signature chaat, so guests can tuck into Tamal’s favourite Pani Puri – semolina shells filled with spiced chickpeas, mint and tamarind water – and Papdi chaat, crisp wheat chaat with yoghurt, tamarind and coriander chutneys. It’s the kind of thing that’s so yummy, so now and so very London. See more at the Cinnamon… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Eat well without the worry: WW and chef Gary Mehigan show you how

by Emi Berry

Posted: 28/08/2019

Australian chef, restaurateur and former MasterChef judge Gary Mehigan is a self-proclaimed pleasure seeker when it comes to food. Gary also says as he gets older, he finds it increasingly harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle surrounded by all that glorious food. This was particularly problematic during his time on MasterChef, gaining weight every season over the last ten years. Not only did he feel sluggish, but worse than that – he knew he was unhealthy. Gary wanted to buck the trend and choose a healthier approach to living. And he did. Now a WW (Weight Watchers) Ambassador, Gary’s weight is the lowest it has been both during and after filming MasterChef. He says he took on the WW challenge to become healthier and feels more energised than ever. Gary has recently released a WW cookbook called Bringing Flavour Home, which contains a collection of delicious recipes developed by Gary that don’t compromise on flavour or enjoyment. For those with additional dietary needs, the recipes are usefully divided into categories such as gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan and nut free. But why not give it a go yourself. Here are two delicious recipes Gary has shared with us to give you a taster of just how good, healthy eating is! Bringing Flavour Home is available for purchase online (RRP $15.95) Prawn & Mussel Curry Serves: 4 Preparation: 15 minutes Cooking: 15 minutes “Most prawns in Australia arrive at the market or fishmonger’s frozen. There’s nothing wrong with this as they get frozen on the… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Bringing food home, Gary Mehigan, Gary Mehigan weight watchers, Gary Mehigan WW, WW

Sydney restaurants to visit: The Prince of York

by James Banham

Updated: 23/08/2019

Loosten your laces, let your hair down and pop a button or two, The Prince of York is all about a good time where you can just enjoy. The Prince of York is chill, but to great detail with a vibe you can both enjoy and relax in. It’s all been curated to a stylish extent set-up in an offbeat juxtaposition of understated design, colour, flamboyance and grunge brought together by eccentric and cultivated tastes. They’ve tried to emulate the grandeur of the scene of the late 80’s and early 90’s, Prince of York’s basement bar, Pamela’s is complete with disco ball and a stage, set for live music and impromptu theatrics. Couple all that with music of rare disco, new wave and post punk tracks for late night playlists, it’s all about hitting the right note for a break from the norm, a haven, where you’re free from judgment to have a great time. Doors are open now, located at 18 York Street Sydney. See more at the Prince of York website.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Prince of York, Prince of York Sydney, sydney bars, sydney drinks guide, sydney pubs, Sydney pubs guide

There’s a month-long cherry blossom festival in Sydney you can’t miss

by James Banham

Posted: 22/08/2019

In Manly, you’ll find Daniel San’s, the beachside hovel to go for Japanese delights and, this month, all the cherry blossoms you need outside of Land of the Rising Sun. It’s transforming into springtime Japan, called ‘Sakura Sakura! A Cherry Blossom Festival’ with a floral wonderland and perfectly pink menu, for all your social media needs. But, social buzziness aside, don’t let that detract from the intended quality of the food! The festival begins on 1 September, the first day of spring, running until 7 October with pink-inspired, cherry blossom special dishes, cherrylicious cocktails and a fabulous floral photo wall. There’s a menu that spans Sakura mochi ball skewers, Sakura vege burgers, pink pork bao buns and even Sakura sushi. Monday to Friday Daniel San is dishing up food and drink deals including $20 Kirin beers + Sakura burgers and they’ve even promised to bring back the utterly indulgent Taiyaki waffles, this time stuffed with Nutella and a pink twist. Sakura Sakura! A Cherry Blossom Festival runs from 1 September – 7 October. Check it out here.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Cherry Blossom festival, Cherry Blossoms, Manly Japanese restaurant, Manly Sydney

Bathtub gin is in: Ableforths is going back to its roots

by James Banham

Posted: 21/08/2019

From back when alcohol was illegal and people went about making their own in the bathtubs of their homes and clandestine operations, bathtub gin fast became a thing. It likely wasn’t good back in the day, but Ableforth has taken the concept and turned it around for the modern day market, pumping out their latest bathtub brew from the UK for the enjoyment of Australians. They drew inspiration from distillers of the past and timeless drinks known for robust, fresh and unusual flavours. This inspiration comes to life in the distinctive look and feel of the Ableforth’s bottle and was the starting point for creating their award winning, distinctively delicious tasting spirits. It’s an effort, too. During a week-long operation, copper pot-stilled gin is painstakingly infused with six botanicals: orange peel, cassia, juniper, coriander, cardamom and clove. It’s all to create a gin that is full of vibrant flavours only achieved through this distinct cold-compounding infusion process which gives the new gin its own schtick. Find out more at the Ableforths website.

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Ableforths bathtub gin, Ableforths gin, Bathrub gin, Best bathtub gin, gin

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