Category: LIFESTYLE

Celebrating Shiraz: toasting sustainability and flavour

Shiraz red wine

As International Shiraz Day approaches on July 25th, it’s a great opportunity to explore the craftsmanship behind this quintessential Australian varietal with Rewild. Shiraz is more than just a wine in Australia; it embodies a rich history as one of the pioneering grape varieties in the nation’s vineyards, celebrated for its bold flavours and impressive structure. Ideal for a cosy winter night or an engaging dinner party, Rewild’s Shiraz is produced with a holistic focus on sustainability to minimise environmental impact. We spoke with Tony Allen, the winemaker at Rewild, who shared the secrets to crafting an exceptional Aussie Shiraz sustainably: This International Shiraz Day, why not raise a glass of Rewild Shiraz paired with a hearty meal? We recommend delicious options such as a roast lamb dish, eggplant lasagne, or a charcuterie board featuring rich cheddar cheese. For a classic pairing, you can’t go wrong with a medium-rare fillet steak.

Cannoleria x MoVida: The Pedro Ximenez & Raisin Cannoli

Cannoli wine

This August, Cannoleria is thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration with one of Melbourne’s most beloved dining establishments, MoVida. From the 23rd to the 29th of August, or until sold out, all Cannoleria stores will feature the limited edition Pedro Ximenez & Raisin Cannoli as the Flavour of the Week. This unique treat showcases the culinary heritage of MoVida’s owner Frank Camorra, blending the rich notes of Pedro Ximenez, a renowned Spanish wine grape, with succulent raisins to create a delightful dessert experience. So, what exactly is the Pedro Ximenez & Raisin Cannoli? Picture Cannoleria’s signature crunchy shell filled with MoVida’s iconic Pedro Ximenez-infused raisins, combined with smooth ricotta, and topped with a delicious raisin crumble. This thoughtfully crafted cannoli promises to be a must-try for all Melburnians, urging everyone to mark their calendars and indulge in this delectable creation. “We are so excited to be continuing our collaboration series with MoVida,” shared Dario Di Clerico, co-owner and chef at Cannoleria. “It’s one of our favourite places to eat in Melbourne, and when Frank agreed to create a unique cannoli with us, I was absolutely delighted.” Frank Camorra echoed this enthusiasm, expressing his fondness for Pedro Ximenez. “In Spain, one of the most classic desserts is a vanilla bean ice cream sprinkled with Pedro Ximenez, which inspired this collaboration. The sweet, rich raisin flavour pairs perfectly with ricotta, making this cannoli an exceptional treat.” Following the successful collaboration with Mount Zero Olives last month, this partnership with MoVida signals more exciting flavour combinations to come… Read More

ZAHALKAWORLD – An Artist’s Archive at the National Art School

ZAHALKA Room 3621 2048

The National Art School (NAS) is set to showcase a significant survey exhibition of Anne Zahalka, one of Australia’s foremost photo-media artists, at the NAS Gallery from 16 August to 19 October 2024. Originally exhibited at the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) in 2023, ZAHALKAWORLD – an artist’s archive brings to light pivotal works from Zahalka’s distinguished photographic career that spans over 40 years. The exhibition will feature more than 100 pieces from 15 different series, alongside collected ephemera from her studio and archive, providing a comprehensive look at her artistic evolution. Zahalka’s collaboration with the National Art School includes the integration of six artworks from their collection and five newly created pieces crafted between 2023 and 2024. Following its display at NAS, ZAHALKAWORLD will embark on a national tour, with details to be announced later. Renowned globally for her contributions to contemporary photography, Zahalka has held over 40 solo exhibitions and her works are represented in prestigious collections, including those of the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Through her distinctive style, Zahalka engages with cultural and environmental themes, blending critical insights with humour to challenge prevailing narratives and showcase the cultural diversity of Australia. Highlights of the exhibition include iconic series such as Bondi: Playground of the Pacific, The Landscape Re-presented, and Kunstkammer, the latter featuring an immersive, life-sized recreation of Zahalka’s studio—a unique glimpse into her creative process. An exciting aspect of the exhibition is its accompanying events program, where visitors can book one-on-one artist talks,… Read More

The Korean Film Festival in Australia 2024

Korean people Troll Factory computer

The Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA) is set to make a grand return to Sydney in 2024, showcasing an impressive array of Korean cinematic masterpieces. This year, KOFFIA introduces a new format with Sydney hosting the main festival, while four other cities will feature a curated selection of FREE screenings through the Korean Film Festival in Australia Touring Program. Taking place in Sydney from August 22 to August 27, KOFFIA will present ten Australian premiere screenings of Korean films. Meanwhile, the Touring Program will visit Canberra (August 31 – September 1), Burnside (September 10 – 13), Benalla (September 14 – 15), and Alice Springs (October 9 – 12), offering a taste of the festival with four selected films screening for free in each city. KOFFIA Programmer Francis Lee stated, “We are thrilled to bring KOFFIA back to Sydney and to introduce the Touring Program, which allows us to share the beauty and diversity of Korean cinema with a wider audience across Australia. This year’s selection of films promises to captivate viewers with its rich storytelling and exceptional cinematography.” Opening night Opening the festival across all locations is FAQ, a whimsical family comedy about an overburdened elementary student, Dong-chun, who discovers the secrets of the world through a talking bottle of rice wine. Sydney exclusive films In Sydney, KOFFIA will present a series of exclusive screenings that showcase the latest and greatest in Korean cinema. Based on the hit Naver webtoon, Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman is a supernatural drama that delves into dark… Read More

Go to The Rocks Sydney for food this August

The Rocks Markets SYdney

Feeling the pinch? This August, The Rocks is showcasing Sydney’s best food and drink deals and fun, budget-friendly events and activities to get you exploring its iconic, historic laneways during the winter season. Forage The Rocks, the precinct’s annual celebration of food and drink, invites Sydneysiders to make the most of their time in the charming, inner-city heritage precinct, and visit time and time again, by offering great deals and even greater times. Whether it’s sipping through $25 cocktails and canapes, sampling NSW’s best wines at the newly-announced NSW Wine Cellar Door at The Rocks Markets, chasing the best easy eats and happy hours, mingling with like-minded people at a Conscious Connection event, or enjoying free live jazz under the stars, The Rocks is ready to heat things up this August. For Bar Hoppers The Cocktail Trail Returning due to popular demand, discover limited-edition cocktail and canape pairings for just $25, at 13 of Sydney’s best bars, with five new venues joining the trail. Highlights include cult Euro wine bar and restaurant Le Foote’s two-sip martini served with a plate of marinated olives, and a Strangelove yuzu gin spritz with tuna tartare from The Glenmore. NSW Wine Cellar Door at The Rocks Markets Following a new 12-month partnership with the NSW Wine Association, The Rocks Markets will be home to the NSW Wine Cellar Door. When announcing the notable partnership, NSW Wine President Mark Bourne said, “It’s fitting we’re bringing NSW wines back to where it all began. The first vines in Australia were planted… Read More

Celebrate Father’s Day with Tomatin Whisky and MISC Parramatta

Tomatin x MISC 9

This year, Tomatin Whisky has partnered with MISC Parramatta to present Sydneysiders with the ultimate package to honour Dad. Every Thursday in August and on Father’s Day, September 1st, you can treat him to an exclusive Steak and Scotch experience designed to delight the senses. The package features a glass of Tomatin 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch or a refreshing cocktail made with this exquisite whisky, paired with a succulent 1kg Rib Eye MB5+ to share, accompanied by a rich Tomatin whisky-infused sauce. Guests will also enjoy enticing sides including beef intercostal skewers, focaccia, hommus, crack salt chips, and charred broccolini, finishing off with a delectable Tomatin Bombe Alaska for dessert. This premium family set menu is available for just $115 per person and is intended to be shared among 2-4 people, ensuring that the whole family can indulge in a mouthwatering dining experience. Tomatin, known for its smoothness and distinctive character, is expertly matured in a blend of Bourbon barrels and Sherry casks, resulting in elegant aromas of wild heather, pine, and cedar. With flavour notes of crème caramel combined with apples, pears, and mango, this Highland Single Malt Scotch offers a full-bodied buttery finish that pairs perfectly with the rich marbling of the Rib Eye. With accolades including double gold medals at the World Spirits Competition in San Francisco (2023 and 2024), it represents a splendid way to express your appreciation for Dad this Father’s Day. MISC Parramatta serves as a vibrant community hub, showcasing a diverse array of local produce and… Read More

Celebrate the cooler months at Baker Bleu

Cake

Baker Bleu is embracing the chill of the cooler months by introducing a delightful range of seasonal baked goods that promise to warm hearts and tickle taste buds. The star attractions include a reimagined Portuguese custard tart and an exquisitely crafted cinnamon scroll, both expertly baked by Baker Bleu’s dedicated team. With their signature laminated sourdough pastry enveloping a sumptuous custard mixture, the custard tarts have become an instant hit, flying off the shelves since they debuted as a winter bestseller. “Sourdough is our signature and so we wanted to bring our own spin on the classic custard tart. The result is something between the popular Portuguese pastel de nata and Chinese egg tart with a Baker Bleu touch,” comments baker and owner Mike Russell. The overwhelming demand saw these tarts quickly garnering a loyal following, a testament to their irresistible appeal. Complementing the custard tarts is the iconic cinnamon scroll, executed to perfection by Baker Bleu’s talented pastry chefs from Melbourne and Sydney. Made with Wholegrain Milling flour sourced from New South Wales, their proven yeasted dough is layered generously with Copper Tree Farms butter and cinnamon sugar, and finished with a luscious sour cream and cinnamon icing. This delightful treat pairs beautifully with a weekend coffee or a cozy catch-up with friends over baked goodies. “We’re excited for these products to land with our customers, new and returning, as they really showcase the talent and creativity of our pastry chefs and are the perfect comforting pick-me-up on these colder days,” adds Mike Russell…. Read More

Chicos Mambo’s award-winning show TUTU comes to the Peacock Theatre

Tutu Sadlers Wells

Chicos Mambo’s acclaimed performance of TUTU is set to light up the Peacock Theatre at Sadler’s Wells, from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 October. After nearly a decade of touring and close to 700 performances worldwide, this family-friendly show, created by Artistic Director Philippe Lafeuille, features an all-male cast of six dancers dressed in a kaleidoscope of flamboyant costumes. TUTU affectionately mocks the classical ballet uniform while expertly parodying over 40 iconic characters, blending styles from classical ballet to contemporary dance. Audiences can expect innovative twists on well-known pieces, including a hip-hop rendition of Swan Lake and a quirky take on Dirty Dancing. Ahead of the show, Lafeuille expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m very happy and proud to be presenting my show TUTU in London. For me, London represents one of the world’s great epicentres of performing arts and entertainment. It’s a city that has given me great theatrical thrills, and I’m delighted that our visit coincides with TUTU’s 10th anniversary. Where better to celebrate this milestone than at Sadler’s Wells, a theatre that showcases dance in all its diversity and richness? So get ready to be ‘TUTUfied’, London… let’s dance!” David Fry, the Peacock Programmer, shares the excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Chicos Mambo’s TUTU to the Peacock Theatre this October. With their blend of technical prowess and comedic flair, Chicos Mambo injects a fun and fresh energy into their shows. I know our audiences and West End friends will adore TUTU’s playful choreography and flamboyant costumes that cleverly subvert gender norms in… Read More

How AI makes life as a creative easier

Black woman Flex Mami

So AI is a thing now and it can make life easier. That’s at least according to Flex Mami, an Australian influencer, author and DJ, who uses AI in a way that many Aussies don’t think to use it for. Here’s a bit about Microsoft’s AI before we hear from Flex themselves. Understanding Microsoft’s AI Copilot Microsoft’s AI Copilot, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-3 language model, is a sophisticated AI assistant designed to assist developers in writing code more efficiently. By analyzing natural language inputs from developers, AI Copilot generates code suggestions, provides relevant documentation, and offers smart completions in real-time. This intuitive tool aims to augment developer capabilities, reduce coding errors, and accelerate the software development process. Enhancing Productivity and Collaboration One of the key advantages of Microsoft’s AI Copilot is its ability to boost productivity among developers. By automating repetitive tasks, suggesting alternative solutions, and offering contextual insights, AI Copilot enables developers to focus on higher-level problem-solving and innovation. Moreover, the collaborative nature of this AI tool promotes knowledge sharing, fosters best practices, and facilitates seamless teamwork within development teams. Streamlining Workflows and Code Quality With AI Copilot’s intelligent code completions and suggestions, developers can write code more efficiently and accurately. The AI assistant analyzes the context of the codebase, identifies patterns, and generates relevant snippets, thereby streamlining coding workflows and reducing the likelihood of errors. Additionally, AI Copilot helps maintain code quality by enforcing coding conventions, catching syntax errors, and providing instant feedback during the coding process. Embracing the Future of Coding As… Read More