Category: FOOD & DRINK

The Peruvian cockail event for lovers of flavour: Noche de Cigarros at COYA Angel Court

Posted: 03/06/2019

If COYA in London at Angel Court isn’t hosting bottomless brunch or throwing a white party, they’re putting on something they’ve dubbed Noche de Cigarros. It’s all about Peruvian cocktails and cigars and will go down on 11 June. They’re putting their own spin on alfresco drinking by hosting the whole shebang in an informal evening soiree, kicking off with a welcome drink, before guests sit down for a cigar – voluntarily – and cocktails. For the first event, you’ll be given the chance to smoke a Montecristo Open Master cigar while enjoying two of COYA Angel Court’s signature cocktails, The Nut Nut and El Capitan. COYA comes complete with its own terrace, which they’ll be throwing to do on every other Tuesday of the month. For the refined smoker, it’s the kind of thing, lovers of flavour could easily get used to. Noche de Cigarros will happen at COYA London from 11 June, then every second Tuesday of the month. Drinks start at 6pm with the guided tasting starting at 6.30pm. Score your tickets here.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Best bars London, COYA Angel Court, COYA bar, Coya London, COYA Noche de Cigarros, London bar, London bars, London drinks, the f alcohol, The F London

New Aussie balls in London you need to try

by James Banham

Updated: 04/06/2019

They’ve got eight new balls, each one more delicious than the last and they’ll have you gagging with glee. Regardless of whether you’re after beauty, a protein snack or more energy, Health Lab‘s range of new balls will do it. And deliciously. They take the edge off hunger, are conveniently tiny making them perfect for daily everything and help to save you from yourself before you binge on other things. All the balls are made from ingredients that promote happy skin and positive gut health, too. But, ‘What flavours?‘ you ask; why, these of course: Thrive: Choc Brownie Protein Balls Game changer: Salted Caramel Protein Balls Power: Peanut Butter Choc Hemp Energy Balls Pick-me-up: Espresso Hemp Energy Balls Happy skin: Choc Sea Salt Collagen Balls Skin hero: Choc Cherry Collagen Balls Gutsy: Mixed Berry Gut Health Balls Glow: Choc Matcha Gut Health Balls

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Health Labs, Health Labs protein balls, Protein balls, Protein balls London, The F London, THE F protein balls London

LONDON: COYA’s annual summer white party takes over the city this June

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

There’s at least one place you should know (amongst thousands) in London and it’s COYA. They’ve started a bottomless, boozy brunch recently, but it’s their annual white party that really puts them top of the must-visit list, The annual summer time COYA white party right in the middle of London is coming around soon, on 20 June. They call it La Noche Blaca and it’s all about a transformation of the rooftop garden at 1 Angel Court into the back streets of Lima where guests can taste the flavours of Peru and enjoy COYA’s signature cocktails looking over the city skyline. It’s a dress-in-white thing, all part of the party vibe. Just be careful when it comes to gorging on Peruvian stalls’ street-style dishes of their popular Atun Chifa ceviche, pork tacos and the irresistible Churros con Chocolate. They’ll be pumping out pisco sours and Perrier Jouet champagne, the DJs will turn up the volume as the sun goes down and special performers will immerse guests throughout the evening, basically transporting them to Lima. If drinks are your thing and chic outfits in white also do it for you, this is for you. Head along to La Noche Blanca at COYA in London on 29 June for £25 per person. Get tickets here. Find them at Rooftop garden, 7th Floor, 1 Angel Court, 31-33 Throgmorton Street EC2N.

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

Tags: Best bottomless brunches London, Bottomless brunch London, Bottomless drinks London, Coya, Coya Anngel Court, Coya London, London best restaurants, London brunch, THE F bottomless brunch, The F London, THE F restaurants

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

Drinks in London: World Gin Day takes over the city

by James Banham

Posted: 01/06/2019

The Botanist Gin is making an interactive map to guide you seamlessly around London, from bar-to-bar, in your quest for a decent drink. It’s all part of World Gin Day that’s taking over the city, encouraging people to embark on a foraging trail with The Botanist gin to ease their gin-related woes. It’s all happening on 8 June and will see heaps of bars around London participate to serve up the b’loved beverage. Bars like Boisdale of Belgravia, Opium, The Blind Pig, The Shrub and Shutter, The Little Yellow Door, Le Pont de la Tour and Jin Bo Law Skybar will offer foraged gin-based cocktails have worked with The Botanist to create a map to guide Londoners on their perfect gin quest to celebrate World Gin Day. Here’s what’s on offer. Boisdale of Belgravia: enjoy exclusive foraged cocktails in the specially created The Botanist Garden and upstairs terrace, where you can sip on their specialty Ugly Betty cocktail amongst the glorious greenery. The Little Yellow Door: wake up with The Hangover, a quirky breakfast cocktail made with The Botanist Gin, elderflower, egg white, and chlorophyll, served in a coupette with mint and chlorophyll perfume. The Blind Pig: they’re serving up the Queen Bee libation. The cocktail, a gloriously creamy concoction, features The Botanist Gin mixed with mead, honey liqueur, New Forest syrup, cream, citrus and egg white. One for the White Russian lovers. And there’s more! Head over to see the map by The Botanist here, and get responsibly drinking from 5-9 June.

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: drinks in Lonon, gin cocktails, Gin cocktails London, London drinks

Cointreau turns 170 and throws a worldwide party

by James Banham

Posted: 01/06/2019

In addition to throwing global celebrations around the world, Cointreau have made a brand-spanking-new bottle for autumn ’19, made in collab with a guy called Vincent Darre. He’s a French interior designer that epitomises chic creativity and mixes style and eras with unique elegance. He’s adorned the bottles with three original designs, bringing the story of Maison Cointreau, the duality of its orange liqueur, and memorable cocktail moments to life. What’s on around town? Kicking off the celebrations, Le Cointreau Cocktail Show will head to Paris and take up residence at the prestigious Pavillion Elysee from June 13-16, putting a spotlight on the classics that have played a key role in Cointreau’s proud history. They’ve also created a four-part showcase around its most legendary cocktails: the Sidecar, the Margarita, the Cointreau Fizz, and the Cosmopolitan, which will be brought to life across the globe through eye-catching activations. See more at the Cointreau website.

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: alcohol, best alcohol, Cointreau, Cointreau birthday

The British beach right in middle London: Applebee’s Fish pops up for summer

by James Banham

Updated: 30/05/2019

Fish and chips, prawns, chip butties and more; Applebee’s Fish is bringing all the best of the English coastline right to Southbank in London this June for its very own pop-up. For four months, the fish masters will be pumping out the best the coast has to offer with a dedicated champagne and oyster bar, games sandpit, live music from some of the best buskers in London, cocktails on tap and boat-fresh seafood. What, though, is a seafood fest without drinks? Hardly a seafood fest, is what, so they’ve even teamed-up with Hingston & Co who’ll be providing the cocktails on tap including Aperol spritz, negronis while Hallgarten Wines are in charge of the vino. The pop-up will be open to everyone from 14 June at Underbelly, 30 The Queen’s Walk, Lambeth, London, SE1 8XX. See more about Applebee’s Fish at their website.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Applebees Fish, Fish Chips London, London food, London food blog, Southbank pop up

100 years of Negroni: Strazzanti London hosts a new supper club in the city

Fratelli Fresh Negroni cocktail drink Sydney 2

by James Banham

Updated: 30/05/2019

Over an exclusive four nights from 24-30 June, Strazzanti – London’s Italian restaurant haven – will host an homage to the humble Negroni; the drink of champions. 100 years ago, the drink was concocted for the first time, cementing itself in the history books as a drink of refinement and taste and the prime use for Italy’s most renowned export (other than pasta), Campari. Chef Emilia Strazzanti has collaborated with Campari and Gin Ondina to coincide with Negroni Week (24th-30th June 2019) in east London’s drinking den TT Liquor, where they’ll host an Italian-inspired supper club, complete with a four-course dinner, cocktail pairings and bespoke Italian installations. From 26-29 June, The Sicilian Supper Club will be an intimate and relaxed setting to celebrate the evolution of the Negroni, amongst decorations by McQueens Florist that’ll transform the space into a botanical wonderland, filled with delicate trailing foliage, potted herbs, prickly pear plants, and a window display of lush greenery. Menu for the four days includes the best of this season’s produce along with showcasing the fresh, diverse and yet the simplicity of mediterranean flavours from Italy. Think, an assortment of Aperitivo and Stuzzichini, including Zucchine with Almonds, and heavenly deep-fried Primo Sale cheese, with honey and Sicilian oregano, which will be enjoyed with an Ondina Basil G&T. Other antipasti plates will include crowd-pleasing wild fennel, pork belly and mozzarella croquettes, Capulitatu & fresh tomatoes with Sicilian oregano & fresh buffalo Ricotta cheese; served with E5s Hackney Wild Bread. The sharing plates will be served with an… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: London cocktails, London cocktails guide, London negroni week, London Negronis, negroni, Negroni Strazzanti London, negroni week, Strazzanti London

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