Category: FOOD & DRINK

Get porked at The Morrison until 23 May with Pork-A-Palooza

Updated: 12/04/2019

The thought of masticating countless carcasses of piggies isn’t a thing of dreams, but god damn, it’s delicious. As the weather starts to cool in Sydney, city-centre pub favourite – that have a lot to do with oysters, crabs and other food fests throughout the year – The Morrison Bar & Oyster room is dedicating a month of food specials and inventive drinks to delicious, succulent pork. Pork-A-Palooza is his homage to the hog, running from 23 April to 23 May with a specially sourced menu of pork inspired food and drinks, weeknights of swine specials and free piggy snacks at the bar. The menu features bits like chilled pigs head terrine, oysters Kilpatrick with bacon, crispy pork belly with squid and the pièce de résistance – tender suckling pig for a Game of Thrones-style feast. The half suckling pig will satisfy 6-8 people with the whole pig suitable for an army of 10-12. Diners going the whole hog must order their suckling pig 72 hours in advance. Pork-A-Palooza has two weeknight specials running throughout the festival. Tuesdays are Dollar Dog Hour from 6-7pm (walk-ins only), with succulent hot dog sandwiches in white bread with habanero mayo for just $1. And Thursday is officially Ribs Night; from 6pm The Morrison will be serving platters of tender ribs glazed with signature sweet coca cola barbecue sauce for diners to dig in with their hands. See more about everything that;s on offer at the Pork-A-Palooza website.

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: George Street Sydney, Hotels Sydney, Morrison, Morrison Hotel, morrison sydney, Pork A Palooza Sydney, sydney pubs

Great food in The Rocks, Sydney: Endeavour Tap Rooms aren’t your normal pub

by James Banham

Posted: 12/04/2019

The Endeavour Tap Rooms in The Rocks right on Circular Quay could easily be dismissed as ‘just another pub’ from the outside, but to use that old adage – it’s what inside that counts. The Tap Rooms are so much more than a place to have a beer and a bite. Without even factoring in that they brew their own range of 4 boutique beers, right behind one of the bars, the Tap Rooms’ menu is insane, range of bevs other than beer is madness and level of service is pretty top-notch when you consider it’s a tourist-beaten strip of the olde town. Located within the building that once housed Sydney’s longest-running colonial hotel, Seaman’s, dating back to the 1800s, brewing is in the Tap Rooms’ blood, it seems. Complete with in-house brewery on the ground floor of the adjoining Brew Bar, the 600-litre brewhouse serves batches from its eight vessels and continues the fun with four other mass produced brews in the main Tap Rooms from four rotating taps. Scotty the brew master has more than 10 years of experience under his belt, which he uses to masterfully play with all-Australian ingredients. So needless to say, if you dig beer, then come here; but if food’s your bag, then just wait… The menu is one of epic proportions. If you’re meat-free, they cater to that, but if you do eat meat, then hold on to you knickers – it’s good. Think Ranger’s Valley Black Angus braised beef brisket, Borrowdale pulled pork, house-made sauces, charred… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Best Sydney pubs, Endeavour Tap Rooms, Endeavour Tap Rooms review, sydney pubs, Tap Rooms, Tap Rooms Sydney

The drink to drink before you drink: Body Armour erases hangovers

by James Banham

Posted: 12/04/2019

Mardi Gras, birthdays, Christmas (we all need help), and general Saturday nights all mean one thing: hangovers. But those days might be gone if you’ve got an open mind and a strong will to try anything once: Body Armour exists and is the little drink before a big night out. It’s a little energy-loaded, nutrient-rich power shot that you take at least an hour prior to drinking as a drinking prophylactic so you wake up in the morning feeling less shit than you otherwise would. Look, nothing’s fool-proof, but there’s something to be said for the ‘one drink, one glass of water’ rule combined with one of these. You wake up feeling on top – more or less – of your game. New to the Australian market (launched October 27) Body Armour is the little drink to have before a big night out. Designed to provide you with essential nutrients and relief from your typical hangover symptoms, this liquid gold is the perfect solution to keeping you on track for your fitness goals. Body Armour at the Sydney Fitness Show Body Armour will have a stand at this year’s Fitness Show (April 12-14 2019 at the ICC Sydney) where you can test the drink, get free stuff and win stuff. And just generally be surrounded by good-looking people.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Body Armour, Body Armour drink, Fitness Show, Hangover, hangover cure, Hangover relief, How to avoid hangover, Sydney Fitness Show

7 Game of Thrones themed whiskies: The new collection of malts

The Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection launch full collection

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Game of Thrones final season (SAD!) is only 6 sleeps away and to celebrate, here’s a new range of whiskies to try (responsibly) each night until the grand unveiling. Get shopping. Named fittingly after each family house of Westeros, the Game of Thrones range is a nice taster back into the season we’ve been waiting over a year for. Each bottle is inspired by the fearlessness of the family it represents, bodied to-boot and with packaging that strikes as much fear into an observer, drinker or entertainer, as a cold, heartless stare from Cersei Lannister. Here’s what each bottle is about… Game of Thrones House Stark – Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost House Stark’s resiliency, strength and ability to thrive under the most intense situations are greatly shaped by Winterfell’s frigid temperatures. Dalwhinnie, known for being one of the highest distilleries in all of Scotland is cold and remote much like The North where House Stark calls home, making the two an iconic pairing. Extreme conditions are responsible for shaping the signature Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost honeyed sweetness and spicy warmth. Naturally, it’s best served chilled or over ice. TASTE: Honey and fresh fig develop on the palate followed by a delicious maltiness and rich fruit cake. Game of Thrones House Tully – Singleton of Glendullan Select House Tully located at Riverrun, rules as the lord of the River lands. The power of water flows through both House Tully and The Singleton Glendullan Select as it is made on the banks of the River Fiddich in the wooded hills of… Read More

Category: FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: game of thrones, Game of Thrones whiskies, GOT Whiskeys, Where to buy Game of Thrones whisky, Whiskies

Special cocktail: Easter Negroni by The Rook and 12-Micron

by James Banham

Posted: 07/04/2019

There’s a special drink coming to the bars of 12-Micron and The Rook in Sydney just for Easter – and it’s cute as feck. If you jumped on board the Negroni bandwagon when everyone else did in 2018, then wait until you wrap your hands around 12-Micron x The Rook’s Easter Negroni. It’s their latest creation made from coconut-washed gin, cacao infused Campari, La Quintinyne Rouge Vermouth and cacao garnished with a white chocolate coconut parfait bunny with a soft mandarin centre. It’s decadent as hell and will be available for a limited time this April at The Rook and 12-Micron. The classic 3-step cocktail has been transformed into a 10-part masterpiece. First 12-Micron’s pastry team create the white chocolate and coconut parfait before pouring them into bunny moulds. They then whip-up the liquid mandarin centre before adding that to the parfait casing. While the bunnies are setting the coconut washed gin and cacao infused Campari is prepped, before bar tenders at The Rook or 12-Micron put together the finished product in front of your eyes. Check it out and get your own for $24 from either venue.

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: best negronis sydney, Easter Negroni, Easter Negroni recipe, negroni, Sydney bar The Rook, Sydney Negroni bar, THE F Campari, THE F Negroni, THE F The Rook

Woolwich’s finest feed: Cucinetta on the water does stylish food well

by Emi Berry

Posted: 04/04/2019

Looking for somewhere special to dine? Then we’ll let you in on a little secret. Overlooking Lane Cove River in the peaceful suburb of Woolwich is Cucinetta, an award winning, hatted Italian restaurant which is just about to launch an exciting new breakfast menu that is guaranteed to please. Sydney born and bred Vincenzo Mazzotta, founder and Executive Chef at Cucinetta, creates unforgettable meals by using methods his forefathers used, applying them to slow cooking, pasta and cheese making. Ideally, you’d like to keep a hidden gem like this to yourself. But it would be unfair not to tell others about this beautifully located restaurant serving up delicious, authentic Italian dishes, including the incredibly fresh pastries, baked in-house. The new breakfast menu due to be launched in early April offers something for everyone. Frankly, they had me at ‘Nutella-filled croissants with white chocolate and hazelnuts’. But the ricotta hot cake with orange mascarpone, poached pear, figs, coconut and nuts is hot on the heels of those freshly baked croissants. Also high on the list of ‘must-haves’ is the super fluffy, brioche French toast, with caramelised banana, ricotta, chocolate and salted caramel. But if sweet dishes aren’t your jam, fear not, as there are a plenty of savoury dishes to satisfy, such as the moreish baked eggs with kale, chorizo, capsicum, tomato, chili and focaccia. The zucchini flower fritters with smoked salmon, cucumber, crème fraiche, and poached egg is another dish that is hard to go past. The ambience at Cucinetta is cheerful by day and… Read More

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

Tags: best restaurants sydney, Cucinetta Lane Cove Sydney, Cucinetta Sydney, sydney food, sydney restaurants, THE F Cucinetta, THE F restaurant

Celebrate Australia with food: South Australian dining series at MODE Kitchen and Bar

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

In the hotel lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney, MODE Kitchen and Bar rules the roost – along with Grain Bar – in giving its guests and visitors one hell of a ride in gastronomy. A part of the hotel’s Celebrate Australia dining series, head chef Francesco Mannelli has played with some of the finest fare – and seasonally-based, geographically sourced goods from down under – the country has to offer. It hails from South Australia, really heroing a lot of what the state has to offer. And for an Italian, Mannelli really loves what it does; adding a lot of variety to food he knows well and loves to work with. For Mannelli, simplicity is key when working with such incredible produce. He notes that the best way to highlight an ingredient that is already special on its own, is to create a dish with a good balance of flavour, a contrast in texture and respects the produce. Guests dining on the new menu can experience dishes like sautee Coorong Pippies, served with spicy sausages from Calabria, karkalla and grilled focaccia; a grilled hard to source cut in the form of a Mayura Station Wagyu Tri Tip MB 9+ with roasted balsamic onions; Hiramasa kingfish sashimi with sweet and sour sauce, macadamia and pickled onion and a South Australian kangaroo loin, crusted with crushed Tasmanian pepper, warigal greens and beetroot. “It is one of Mode Kitchen & Bar’s key philosophy to work with local produce, showcasing to our International and domestic clientele…. Read More

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

Tags: bars in sydney, best restaurants sydney, Celebrate Australia food series, Celebrate Australia Mode Kitchen Bar, Grain Bar, Mode Kitchen Bar, Mode Kitchen Bar Four Seasons, sydney restaurants

Nespresso’s got a new flavour all the way from Costa Rica

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

One of the world’s finest coffee beans comes from Cosa Rica, so it’s no surprise that this month, Nespresso is going wild by launching its new Limited Edition Master Origin Costa Rica. The latest coffee from Nespresso’s Master Origin collection is all about Costa Rica’s lush green landscapes and bubbling natural volcanic spring water. They make it with locally grown Arabica coffee bean that’ve been selectively handpicked from the Central Highlands, then soaked for 12 hours in natural hyper thermal mineral water at temperatures ranging from 65-70?C. It’s is a unique patented process that means the natural minerals thoroughly cleanse the beans and enhance their finest characteristics, creating a perfectly balanced taste. It’s a limited edition brew that showcases, for the first time, a rare and innovative soaking and fermenting process in hot spring water, used to highlight the malty sweet cereal character of this coffee. Edgar Salgado, a Costa Rican farmer and roaster, patented this technique which is local to the Central Highlands of Costa Rica and proudly produced by Nespresso. It’s available now for a limited period from Nespresso Boutiques across Australia, online at nespresso.com.

Category: FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Australian coffee, Costa Rica coffee, nespresso, Nespresso coffee, Nespresso Costa Rica, THE F Nespresso

Listen up chicken lovers: Chargrill Charlie’s is moving to Melbourne

by James Banham

Updated: 03/04/2019

Sydney’s chicken people, Chargrill Charlie’s – popular with Justin Bieber and any other international guest that comes to Oz to visit – is opening in Melbourne. Set to open on 6 April in the centre of the city’s inner-east in Camberwell, Chargrill Charlie’s first Victorian store is ready to recreate the friendly atmosphere that has seen the 11 New South Wales venues become a staple of Sydneysider life – just see what they have on offer. The founder of the slow-cooked rotisserie chook in Australia, Chargrill Charlie’s menu goes beyond the tender take-out mainstay. The extensive dine-in and take-away list will tempt you with an abundance of fresh creations, be they healthy or not so much. They’ll also have the usuals like salads, dinner plates, chicken schnitzels, homestyle vegetables, crunchy hot chips, wedges, rolls and burgers as well as the infamous apple pie dessert. Here’s what in store on opening day: From 12pm – 1pm Chargrill Charlie’s will be serving a FREE quarter sized BBQ Chicken + Chips combo. Then, between 5pm – 6pm there will be a FREE half BBQ Chicken + small Salad dinner deal. See more at the Chargrill Charlie’s website.

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

Tags: Chargrill Charlie Melbourne

London’s National Gallery celebrates Sorolla Spanish Master of Light exhibition with new menus

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

The National Dining Rooms and The National Café right in the middle of London are celebrating the Sorolla: Spanish Master of Light exhibition at The National Gallery with a special menu hailing all the way from Spain thanks to restauranteur, Oliver Peyton. It’s all going down from 18 March to 7 July, and has been inspired by the stunning work of Spanish painter, Joaquín Sorolla y Bastidas. Think tapas style starters of smoked ham, manchego croquettes with pimento aioli, for instance. Then you’d move onto the likes of hake fish in romesco sauce and almond olive dressing, vegetable paella with sprouting broccoli, asparagus, padron peppers and saffron. Dessert looks something like a bit of crema catalana or tarta de Santiago served with clotted cream and it all kicks off for £19 (about $40) for two courses or £24 ($50) for three. Complete with artwork by the artist themselves, comprised of vivid seascapes, garden views, and bathing scenes for which he is most renowned, the Sorolla exhibition features more than 60 works spanning Sorolla’s career. It – and the restaurants, obviously – are worth a visit. See more at the Peyton and Byrne website. Find them here: The National Dining Rooms Sainsbury Wing, National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN The National Café East Wing, The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

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

Tags: Best restaurants London, Best restaurants National Gallery, London restaurants, National Gallery London, National Gallery London restaurants, THE F Gallery, The F London, THE F London restaurants, THE F National Gallery

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