Category: FOOD & DRINK

Chelsea Flower Show doughnuts: Crosstown and Bluebird team up for good

Posted: 24/05/2019

Crosstown, the doughnut people of London and Bluebird European restaurant of Chelsea are have created a special floral inspired doughnut afternoon tea for The Chelsea Flower Show. So if flowers, colour and deliciousness are your thing, then you’ve got two days to swoop in and try before the flower show finishes. Running until 25 May, the courtyard will be serving a three-tiered afternoon tea, piled with Crosstown doughnut bites, cakes, scones and sandwiches. The special creations for the show is a vegan orange blossom dough bite, accompanied by red velvet and rose petal cupcakes; caramel mocha choux buns; neroli blossom and strawberry macaroons and the flower pot of dark chocolate mousse with yuzu curd and chocolate soil will sit alongside warm homemade scones with jam and butter, and an assortment of sandwiches. For more, head to Bluebird Chelsea at 350 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UU???

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Chelsea Flower Show, Chelsea Flower Show doughnuts, doughnuts, London doughnuts

New, rustic and comfy – Morty & Bob’s at Coal Drops Yard London is your new local

by James Banham

Posted: 23/05/2019

Morty & Bob’s was one of the early settlers of London’s new Coal Drop Yard open air entertainment and dining precinct just north of Kings Cross station and you’ll love what they’ve done with the place. They moved in, used the existing brickwork to their advantage and have made a properly cosy atmosphere within, regardless of its open ended format and in-line open kitchen. It all works nicely, soaks you in filtered natural light and slams you with a menu you can’t help but want to try the whole of. It’s comfort food, done stylishly without the frills in a venue that is as much set-up for a quick bite as it is to while away a few hours. Morty & Bob’s has quickly famed itself thanks to its penchant for toasted cheese sandwiches and wine; a combination of which they hero every so often for the carb and wine lover in all of us. Read more about their upcoming one in June here. They’ve split the menu into three parts, with brunch & lunch, evening and bar food and drinks, really catering to everyone with staples like a brunch bun of avocado and streaky bacon; kale, buckwheat and avocado on sourdough and minute rib eye steaks with house hash browns and a fried egg. See the menu and plan your next visit at the Morty & Bob’s website.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Burgers London, Coal Drops Yard, Food blog London, London Coal Drops Yard, London food blogger, London Morty & Bobs, Morty Bobs, The F London

Karl Lagerfeld lives on: German Gymnasium pays tribute with new cocktail

by James Banham

Posted: 23/05/2019

The memory of German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld lives well and truly on, right in the heart of London. Just next door to the brand new development that is the Coal Drops Yard – where you’ll find the super comfy Morty & Bob’s – outside the gate of Kings Cross St. Pancras, the German Gymnasium is putting on a spread even the world’s most notoriously cynnical man of fashion would approve of. They’ve decked the place out in flowers, fashion and a likeness of the man with his signature sunglasses, too, all to celebrate the introduction of a new cocktail, The Karl, to the menu. The talented bar team have worked with Moët & Chandon to create a one-off Rosé Brockman’s gin, Lillet rosé and house strawberry liquor. The brightly coloured liquid takes inspiration from Lagerfeld’s far-reaching vibrant impact on the fashion industry. Check it out and make a booking at the German Gymnasium website.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: German Gymnasium, Karl Lagerfeld, Karl Lagerfeld designer, London cocktails, London food blog, London food blogger, London German Gymnasium

Take your dog to brunch: Good Times Milk Bar is the dog friendly cafe you need

by James Banham

Posted: 22/05/2019

Down a quiet street in Bentleigh in Melbourne’s southeast sits a corner cafe like few others. Good Times Milkbar is tutti-frutti in colour scheme, positively massive inside, pumps out some of the coolest staple and trendy menu items we’ve seen from any cafe in a while and – and this is the best part – it comes complete with its own dog-friendly courtyard! ? For Easter, they’re indulgent, for dogs they’re welcoming and for the regular weekday humdrum, they’re easy, convenient and welcoming. The menu at Good Times is always changing, but think staple bits like avocado toast, of course, dippy eggs – good for kids of adults – chilli eggs served kind of like a burrito with a tortilla and a pastrami benedict, for those who’re more bougie than bacon. While they do cater for kids with a cute separate menu made up of pancakes, milkshakes and cheesymite soldiers, they don’t have a dog menu. Just give them your leftovers and they’re happy, anyway! Find Good Times Milkbar at 83 Tucker Road, Bentleigh VIC.

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

Tags: food blog, Good Times, good times milk bar bentleigh, Good Times Milk Bar review, melbourne food blog, THE F Good Times Milk Bar

The UK’s first cancer cookery school Life Kitchen at The Lodge will open next month

by James Banham

Posted: 21/05/2019

Ryan Riley set up Life Kitchen to offer free cooking classes for people living with cancer. On 4 June, Life Kitchen at The Lodge will become an official thing. It’s all thanks to the lasting memory of Riley’s mother Krista, who passed away from small cell lung cancer in 2014. The school’s about free cooking classes for people living with cancer across the UK, based in the north east. Through teaching and learning accessible and creative recipes, Life Kitchen is purposed to help people living with cancer by bringing back the flavours and joy of cooking and eating through accessible and creative recipes. In just under a year, Life Kitchen has evolved from a passion project to a highly regarded charity initiative, with a string of celebrity chefs championing the cause. Even Nigella Lawson will be at the opening! To see more, head to their Instagram. Find Life Kitchen at Mowbray Park Sunderland, United Kingdom.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Kitchen for cancer, Life Kitchen, London Life Kitchen, Nigella Lawson cancer kitchen life, THE F cancer kitchen. Cancer kitchen, THE F Life Kitchen

Mindshine: The drink without alcohol that’s just as great

by James Banham

Updated: 21/05/2019

Who says you need alcohol to get lit? Happiness is a state of mind, they say, and how to achieve it is more often than not how you approach your day than what you put in your body. Unless of course, it’s Mindshine. Three Spirit, Ago Perrone (mixologist) and Will Williams have joined forces to create Mindshine which is a bespoke non-alcoholic drink inspired by the benefits of meditation that Ago Perrone has practiced for years. With this week marking Mental Health Awareness week, more than ever it is necessary to look at the status of health within the hospitality industry. Responding to the growing number of people abstaining from alcohol and looking for exciting alternatives, alcohol-free Three Spirit is combining plant-based and natural uplifting elements, bringing a bittersweet year savoury taste. Designed by some of the world’s best bartenders, herbalists and plant scientists to combine flavour and function to replicate the positive effects of alcohol in a natural way, Three Spirit is leading this liquid social revolution, and bringing true botanical alchemy to life. Mindshine is a tribute to wellbeing, a drink designed to make you feel good. Three Spirit combines eleven plant-based ingredients from across the world used for centuries in ceremonies and potions, including mood enhancing lion’s mane, serotonin-boosting Yerba mate, pleasure-inducing cacao and the natural aphrodisiac damiana. So if inner peace is your thing and you’re keen on seeing how the master tackles it, then tune into Unify on 21 May at 8.30am GMT for a guided meditation. Oh, and make a cocktail with the stuff once you’re done for that full holistic experience. Here’s how. Ingredients:30ml Three Spirit60ml Evanished virgin… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, HEALTH & FITNESS, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Gherkin meditation, How to meditate, London meditation, Mindshine

The Glebe Hotel has been redone – and it’s damn nice

by James Banham

Posted: 20/05/2019

Unassuming and pokey from the outside; warm, cosy and inviting on the inside: The Glebe Hotel in Sydney has an atmosphere all its own that has locals going nuts for it once again. And it’s easy to see why. Over the last seven months, the hotel has undergone a massive reno, turning it from the regular local it used to be into something worth a dedicated trip for. Since 1862, the Glebe Hotel has had many names and been many things to many locals and visitors, having served labourers from the surrounding wharves in its earlier days and more contemporary fine foodie hunters lately. It’s still a family owned establishment that has maintained its traditional features, full of quirk, character and charm. A clever re-design breathes new life into the venue whilst remaining reminiscent of its ancestral past. The bulk of its main dining room is reformed stables for example, which includes a mezzanine loft (originally the hotel stables). It’s a beautiful, light and airy dining space with exposed brickwork, wooden tables and bar that have been lovingly revived with the addition of a bespoke jacaranda mural by Sydney artist, Indigo Jo. Adjacent to the restaurant is a leafy and sunny courtyard featuring a majestic centenary fig tree, wooden bunketts and high tables, where dogs are also welcome. But it’s the food that sets the pub apart from regular ones. Its menu’s been created by head chef Ben Allcock and focuses on gastro-pub fare with sophisticated dishes and comforting favourites using fresh seasonal produce. Think… Read More

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

Tags: Best Sydney pubs, Glebe Hotel, Glebe Hotel Sydney, Glebe Hotel Sydney menu, sydney pubs, THE F Glebe Hotel, THE F Sydney pubs

Hu Tong Dumpling Bar, Melbourne: Some of the best you’ll ever eat

by THE F

Updated: 20/05/2019

Melbourne is famous around the world for its eccentric melting pot of cultures when it comes to its food scene. But a night out in Melbourne doesn’t really start (or end) without cheap dumplings and great company. The worst part about this is unless you are in the know, you can turn a corner and find yourself in a dark dumpling shop where the dumplings taste cheaper than the still water. But have no fear, Hu Tong Dumpling Bar is here to rescue you from that. Not only do they serve delicious dumplings but they also serve traditional Chinese dishes, originally enjoyed by the everyday people of China but of course with a modernised twist. The word Hu Tong in Chinese means alley or laneway, so it’s only fitting that the Hu Tong Group chose the well-known Market Lane the location of Hu Tong Dumpling bar. Now this is no ‘hole in the wall’ dumpling bar, this is an event of a venue with three levels of ample space and great vibes. The food; the glorious food. I did very little research prior to my visit and knew that the dumplings were a must but I figured, when in Hu Tong, why not try a bit more. To fulfill my craving for winter, I had to try the sweet corn and seafood soup but as for the rest of my order, I left the ordering to the wait staff, who were kind enough to walk us through the extensive menu. ?? The staff at Hu… Read More

Category: ASIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Hutong Dumpling Bar, Hutong Melbourne, Melbourne dumpling bar

Dinners for VIVID Sydney: Experience dining in the dark at 12 Micron Barangaroo

by James Banham

Updated: 22/05/2019

VIVID Sydney, the festival of light is back on again in 2019 and joining the long list of venues around town that’re celebrating is 12 Micron in Barangaroo. Perrier Jouet champagne are heading in to the swanky 12 Micron to deliver an immersive and multi-sensory art and culinary experience throughout VIVID festival. The restaurant’s private dining room and bar will be transformed from 24 May to 15 June into a light exhibition and play host to a dining in the dark series to artfully combine gastronomy, music, art and light. It’s all been inspired by the ‘Art of the Wild’ campaign by Perrier Jouet, which re-imagines nature in a vibrant, magnetic and spectacularly vivid way. The menu has been designed by 12-Micron’s Executive Chef Daniel Corbett will use darkness to heighten diner’s senses of taste, smell and sound to play with the flavours of the food and Champagne to deliver an incredibly unique dining experience. Get the experience from 7.30pm every Thursday – Sunday night during VIVID. See more at the 12 Micron website.

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

Tags: restaurant guide sydney, Restaurants Vivid, THE F 12 Micron, THE F Vivid Sydney, Vivid food Sydney, vivid sydney, Whats Barangaroo, where to eat sydney

Get porked: Pork-A-Palooza at The Morrison is on in Sydney

by James Banham

Posted: 20/05/2019

Until 23 May, The Morrison in Sydney, right on George Street is your swine-tastic destination for all things pork. And it’s damn good. Joining the long list of food themed events and offering The Morrison puts on every year, Pork-A-Palooza will offer its guests a range of porky delights for even the most averted pork eaters. The menu includes whole suckling pigs – yes, that’s right – and pork hotdogs for as low as $1 each on Tuesdays. A top way to begin any week, Pork-A-Palooza is an obvious homage to the hog, with a menu cooked-up by chef Sean Connolly who dubs the humbel swine “his penicillin”. On top of dogs and whole piggies, also on offer are top noshes like chilled pigs head terrine, oysters Kilpatrick with bacon and crispy pork belly with squid as well as optional sides and salads and such. Not to mention, drinks on offer have all been designed by in-house mixologists and designed a menu of Swiney Swigs – sips with a piggy twist including the Don Melon Ham cocktail made with prosciutto infused Bulleit bourbon and the Orchard Spritz, a fruity concoction of Chambord, blueberry jam, lemon and James Squire Orchard Crush. All drinks will go down well with a handful of pork scratching popcorn, free at the bar with any special drinks purchased. The Morrison will be bringing the pork-loving vibe to Sydney from 23 April to 23 May with Pork-A-Palooza. Pre orders for suckling pigs open from 1 April and the full schedule of swine events is listed on the website.

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

Tags: morrison sydney, Pork A Palooza, Pork Morrison Sydney, sydney food, sydney food blog, The Morrison, The Morrison George Street

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