Category: FOOD & DRINK

Take the party to hell: Fireball cinnamon whisky comes in a 3.5L cask

Posted: 23/03/2019

Aptly named Firebox – the Pitbull song about it yet to make charts – Fireball cinnamon whisky just changed the game a bit, by releasing something for parties or the die-hard. A new 3.5 litre cask of the “taste like heaven, burns like hell” spiced spirit is available in a limited edition run in Australia, with only 300 casks available. Launched in February of this year, the Firebox gives summer-autumn parties a new vibe – especially when the sun’s shining – making it the ideal companion for outdoor BBQs, house parties or just generally getting lit with friends. Leading the charge with a spicy selection of red-hot launches like FIREBALL 6 PACK and their merch store in late 2018, FIREBOX is the hottest cask available on the market. FIREBOX is set to get any party from backyard to beach, fully sizzling. Luke Hackner, Fireball Culture Ambassador comments “FIREBALL not only tastes awesome, but continually pushes boundaries, nailing it once again with FIREBOX… the mother of all casks!” Firebox 33% ABV is available now at Booze Bud and selected stores nationwide for $225. Meanwhile, the classic bottle is still available for $55 from retailers.

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Cinnamon whisky, Fireball cinnamon whisky, Firebox, Firebox cinnamon whisky, THE F Fireball, THE F Firebox

6 reasons to visit the new Vivi Restaurant and Bar in London

by James Banham

Updated: 18/03/2019

If the 60s were your decade of choice, you like quality bevs and fancy a new joint to visit, right in the middle of London, then the new Vivi Restaurant and Bar at Centre Point is for you. Complete with flair bartending, an all-day menu and a quality range of decor, the new venue – by the folks who brought us the famed London Skygarden – offers up a fresh new six reasons to pay it a visit. And then keep coming back. The dining room Open from brekkie to brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, head chef Arnaud Delannay will be pumping out signature dishes that focus on bold flavours and fresh seasonal ingredients. He’s kind of made a name for himself by turning out twists on the old classics such as Keen’s twice baked cheddar soufflé; chicken kiev and mash; and duck à l’orange and all the desserts you need. 2. The bar Vivi has really made its mark with the whole nostalgic thing. By working with a drinks menu that celebrates old school bartending with imaginative, quality cocktails, they’ve carved a niche out for themselves that really hits the mark when it comes to justi what you need. Drinks like Wild Honey on the Beach of Bulleit rye whiskey, pimento dram, lemon thyme infused honey, lemon and The Beach Boys, The Weeping Guitar of gin mare, Italicus rosolio di Bergamotto, cucumber, elderflower, lime, tonic water, everything they make is quality. 3. The gallery This is where Vivi-goers comes to people watch, gawk,… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: London bar restaurant review, London bars, London best bars, London best restaurants, London restaurants, Vivi, Vivi London, Vivi London bar restaurant

London’s newest, flashest entrepreneur’s club: Home Grown opens in April 2019

by James Banham

Posted: 17/03/2019

If there’s one thing London does well, it’s their clubs, bars and private members’ hideaways, perfect for the sneaky drink, refined surrounds and general chilled awesomeness of what it means to be a member. Home Grown is for high-growth entrepreneurs and from 3 April, will be open on Great Cumberland Place in Marylebone, right in the middle of London. Home Grown is for fast-geared people with a business mind and drive to work, never stop and never take a break. It’ll be comprised of a carefully selected membership of entrepreneurs and investors will join a star-studded group of business to create a unique new community, designed for individuals who not only work to live, but live to work. The founders of exciting brands such as Not on the High Street, Seedlip, Planet Organic, Larsson & Jennings, Pleesecakes, Duke & Dexter and Blondie’s Kitchen along with ambassadors including Daniel Priestly, Jenny Tooth OBE, Julie Devonshire OBE, Lex Deak, Camilla Dolan, Andy Yates and Stephen Page are just some of the dynamic individuals getting ready to make Home Grown their second home. Why? The new pad will be dedicated to growing businesses thanks to its networking opportunities. What will Home Grown offer? For members after a bit of benefit to their membership, it’ll host: Expert ‘How To’ talks ‘Sweatworking’ – a HIIT workout, and networking event where barriers to building better connections are broken down through exercise ‘Breaking Bread’, intimate monthly dinners with leading experts in specialist fields which will include debate, discussion and delicious dishes. Health… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Best London bars, Best London clubs, Best London members lounges, Home Grow, london, London bars, London clubs, London members lounge, London members lounges, The F London

A land of sweeping plains: Larrikin Gin’s new batch, Sunburnt Country

by James Banham

Updated: 17/03/2019

It was Dorothea Mackellar who penned the poem, My Country in 1987, with the famed stanza, “I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains, of ragged mountain ranges, of droughts and flooding rains,” but it was Larrikin Gin in 2019, who put a flavour to the sentiment. The new Aussie gin includes ten native Australian botanicals, giving this smooth and strong gin a complex and totally unique Australian flavour you can only find here. They really threw the net far and wide when creating the palette of the new Sunburnt Country gin. On a journey of discovery from the Kakadu Plum of the Northern Territories to Strawberry Gum from the Northern Tablelands of NSW, Larrikin gin really shines a light on Australia as one of not only the oldest original lands on our planet, but one with the most home-grown diversity and an undeniably Aussie spirit. The gin is strong at 50.7%, but keeps a nice smooth finish that can be enjoyed straight with some ice on a hot Australian day, or is refreshingly perfect with tonic water. Other botanicals they’ve used that need to be tried to be believed are the likes of Roast Wattleseed, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon Aspen, Kakadu Plum, Native Blood Lime, Desert Lime, Bush Tomato, Strawberry Gum, Davidson’s Plum and Finger Lime. But, there’s only really one way to find out yourself if it’s for you: Sunburnt Country will be available from March online or at selected on premise outlets for $100.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Tags: Australian gins, Best gins, gin, Larrikin Gin, THE F gin, THE F Larrikin Gin, the-f australia

Quartier Bistro and Bar is refined eating in The Rocks

by Emi Berry

Posted: 16/03/2019

Tucked away in the backstreets of The Rocks is the cozy French-inspired Quartier Bistro & Bar, a fabulous venue for an intimate dining experience or a celebratory lunch with the girls. Welcoming and stylishly decorated, this relatively new yet chic restaurant only opened its doors in late 2018. The bistro in located in the luxurious Quay West Suites Sydney on Gloucester Street. Quartier Bistro & Bar offers a breakfast menu everyday, and lunch and dinner menus from Tuesday through to Saturday (closed on Sunday and Monday). Here, you can enjoy classic French inspired dishes such as steak frites, moules marinière and charcuterie boards for two. Of course, you’ll want to finish with a traditional French dessert such as the tarte tatin or the vanilla crème brûlée to end the night on a sweet high. The bistro also host special events, so keep an eye on their website for these reasonably priced culinary promotions. Quartier Bistro & Bar recently hosted an indulgent high-tea event celebrating International Women’s Day, presented by Veuve Clicquot, with guests sampling some of the best champagne the House of Veuve Clicquot has to offer. The bistro has also collaborated with Queer Screen’s – 26th Mardi Gras Film Festival and is currently offering a Post Mardi Gras Indulgence promotion which includes an entrèe, a main plus a bottle of wine for $45 per person. This offer runs until the 31 March, 2019. Quartier Bistro & Bar is also the perfect venue for those looking for somewhere to sink into a comfortable armchair after… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: high tea sydney, Quartier Sydney, THE F Quartier

How coeliacs can now drink beer, worry-free

by James Banham

Posted: 16/03/2019

Up until now, most beers have been excluded from people with coeliacs disease, but things have changed thanks to Hahn. Research from Coeliac Australia reveals that over six million Australians restrict gluten from their diets to some extent. And further to that, the data highlights that in addition to 357,000 Aussies that suffer from coeliac disease, 2.5 million Australians strictly avoid gluten due to intolerance or for other reasons. A further 4.5 million restrict to some degree. That’s a lot of restriction. But, Hahn have, this season, gotten themselves a tick of approval from Coeliacs Australia, putting beer back on the cards for people who usually can’t enjoy. The Hahn Ultra Crisp is a beer brewed entirely from rice – delivering a full-strength lager, that is lower carb, 99% sugar free, preservative free and gluten-free. Created using a ground-breaking brewing process five years in the making, the lager is endorsed by Coeliac Australia as gluten-free and appropriate for those with coeliac disease while maintaining the core traits of a low-carb Hahn beer. They’ve even teamed-up with international chef, author and gluten-free lifestyle advocate Jason Roberts said the launch of Hahn Ultra Crisp aligns to his philosophy that living gluten-free does not mean you have to live taste free. “Almost all beers are brewed with malted barley or wheat and will contain gluten. The whole process of brewing Hahn Ultra Crisp from rice is both contemporary and remarkable. It means people like me, who live a gluten-free lifestyle, can easily find and enjoy a refreshing beer.”… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Hahn beer, Hahn premium beer, THE F beer, THE F Coeliac

Cruise Bar at Circular Quay does a decent dinner

by James Banham

Updated: 14/03/2019

There’s a reason Cruise Bar is called so. Whiling away a day on the Sydney Harbour with a sweeping view of the famed Circular Quay – where all the ferries dock – and the Sydney Opera House makes for the perfect location to cruise, kick back try some of their pretty well-rounded menu. Cruise Bar has been an institution in Sydney forever, but it’s their new menu that sets them a cut above the rest. They hero seafood, and offer the rest of it out of courtesy – and done well – to cater to the thousands of visitors that get on and off the gigantic cruise ships that dock out the front. Coupled with a small but robust list of wines in a venue that’s as relaxed as it is easy to access, Cruise Bar does relaxed and accessible like the best of them. Find more about Cruise Bar online.

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Cruise Bar, Cruise Bar review, Cruise Bar Sydney, THE F Cruise Bar

Carbs for Mardi Gras: Textbook Patisserie does a Golden Gaytime croissant

by James Banham

Updated: 26/02/2019

If you’re in Sydney’s inner south and know Textbook Patisserie, then prepare to have your pre-Gras diet shot to shit: they’re doing gay croissants. Because the art of butter, crispy, bread-like pastries from the pretty, wrought iron-clad streets of gay Paris just simply aren’t gay enough, John Railey is going next level. Multicoloured croissants made by the Callebaut Chocolate hero Railey will adorn the display cabinets of the Botany Road bakery this Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras season, celebrating in a more delicious way, the freedoms we’re so afforded in this wonderful era, city and country as gays and their friends. The pastry is literally rainbow coloured and bursting with coloured Callebaut Chocolate pieces, caramel, chantilly and caramel peptides for an extra little somethin’. Get them from Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 March for $12.50. Find Textbook Patisserie at 274 Botany Road, Alexandria.

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

Tags: Croissant, Gaytime Croissant, Golden Gaytime Croissant, Mardi Gras croissant, Textbook Patisserie Sydney, THE F Croissant, ThE F Mardi Gras, THE F Textbook Patisserie

Mardi Gras drinks: Parade views from the Pullman Hyde Park

by James Banham

Updated: 23/02/2019

There’s nothing quite as gay as Mardi Gras, so if glitter, rainbows, hot bods, banging music and drinks are your thing, then heading to the Pullman Hyde Park in Sydney is where you need to be. From beside the marshalling area of the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras down Oxford Street, the Pullman is serving drinks, food, rainbows and fabulosity like no other venue along the strip. The level 1 full length windows provide prime position to look down upon the parade’s rabble, in all their semi-nude, musically-fuelled, pro-LGBTIQ glory. Aptly named the Rainbow Room, it’s the place to be this 2 March 2019. Found at the top of College Street, just metres from Oxford Street’s official parade starting line, Pullman Hyde Park is serving up tickets for $149 per person that include exclusive entry to the bright and bold Rainbow Room, bottomless beverages from pop-up bars by event sponsors Gayle, Australia’s first equality conscious beer and cider. Top that off with Absolut – don’t miss their Absolut recovery brunch at the Beresford – canapés and fabulous entertainment from drag queen hosts Shebeast & Tora Hymen, with music by DJ Victoria Anthony. Following on after the fabulous pre-parade festivities, guests can make an exit, flashing their wrist bands to be given exclusive access to a College Street viewing area, allowing them to make their way through the glittering explosion that is the Mardi Gras Parade. Get your tickets at the Pullman’s website.

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

Tags: pullman hotel, Pullman Hotel Hyde Park, pullman mardi gras, pullman rainbow lounge, pullman sydney hyde park, Pullman Sydney Rainbow Lounge, sydney gay lesbian mardi gras, the f gay, ThE F Mardi Gras, THE F Pullman

Weddings in Bimbadgen: Only done well at Palmer’s Lane in the Hunter Valley

by Emi Berry

Updated: 22/02/2019

If you’re looking for a unique venue in regional NSW for your next special event (but not too far out of Sydney), then look no further than the Hunter Valley. Just two hours north of Sydney, the Hunter is one of the largest river valleys on the NSW coast and boasts some of the best vineyards in the country. In the heart of the Hunter, you’ll find Pokolbin, which is home to Bimbadgen. Although this vineyard is nearly approaching its 50th birthday, Bimbadgen has added a new luxe venue to its impressive collection – Bimbadgen Palmers Lane – which is now available for all kinds of occasions, including weddings. Nestled between the property’s lake and picturesque vineyard, Palmers Lane can be transformed to suit all tastes, from a stunning outdoor dining configuration with moody, yet atmospheric festoon lighting overhead to a more intimate soiree inside the venue, which features beautiful high ceilings and exposed beams. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re indoors or outdoors, you’ll take pleasure in enjoying the spectacular Broken Back mountain range in the background as you take another sip of Bimbadgen’s award winning Sparkling Semillon. Sound okay, so far? All your catering needs will be attended to by the very professional in-house, award-winning Esca Bimbadgen restaurant team. Not only will you have the pleasure of enjoying beautiful, locally-sourced produce, but also world-class Bimbadgen wines. Cheers to that! For couples wanting to add an unforgettable experience to top off their wedding day, why not take a helicopter transfer to the venue, operated… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: australian wines, Bimbadgen NSW, Bimbadgen Palmers Lane, Bimbadgen wines, Hunter Valley, Palmers Lane, Palmers Lane Bimbadgen NSW, Sydney hunter Valley, THE F Bimbadgen, THE F Wedding

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