FOOD & DRINK

A place to eat in Coogee: Marra Bar & Grill

22/04/2024

As the leaves turn and we welcome the cooler, more reflective seasons of autumn and winter, the Coogee Bay Hotel proudly unveils its latest culinary delights at the renowned Marra Bar & Grill. This eagerly anticipated menu refresh aligns perfectly with the launch of the “Quintessentially Coogee” campaign, a heartfelt initiative designed to reward patrons and cement the hotel’s deep-rooted allegiance to its local community. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Coogee and boasting unparalleled views of its iconic beach, Marra Bar & Grill has long stood as a beacon of exceptional dining. This season’s offerings bring to the table an enriched palette of flavors, starting with perfectly seared Scallops atop a rustic blend of crushed peas and potato scallops – a true homage to autumn’s bounty. The curated Charcuterie Board, with its fine selection of Ortiz anchovies, delicately shaved jamón, and De Palma salami, along with marinated olives and pickles, provides the perfect shareable feast for those crisp coastal evenings. Continuing with the theme of comforting classics, the menu features the heartwarming Bangers & Mash—pork & fennel sausages served over a bed of silky colcannon and finished with a mustard jus. The oven-roasted half chicken, accompanied by kipfler potatoes seasoned with thyme and parmesan, captures the essence of home-cooked warmth. For those seeking a more refined touch to the traditional pub fare, the Wagyu Burger offers a gourmet twist, and the zesty Chicken Wings, served with a cooling ranch dressing, promise to tantalize the taste buds. Seafood lovers are not forgotten, with the Casarecce… Read More

Go to Adrian Richardson’s new Italian joint, Pasta Bambino

22/04/2024

By James Banham

Affordable Gourmet Pasta and Classic Cocktails at Bouvier Bar In a heartwarming homage to his Italian roots and an answer to the current economic squeeze, celebrated chef Adrian Richardson unveils ‘Pasta Bambino’, a winter pop-up nestled within the cozy confines of Bouvier Bar, on Melbourne’s iconic Lygon Street. Offering an escape into the warmth of Italian cuisine, this pop-up is poised to serve up an array of classic Italian pasta dishes, alongside handcrafted cocktails and wine, all priced to please. Since its opening in 2017, Bouvier Bar has become a staple in Brunswick East, known for its classic cocktails and unmatched hospitality. Adrian Richardson, the culinary force behind La Luna Bistro and now Pasta Bambino, aims to stir the pot in the current dining scene with affordable, yet gourmet, pasta offerings reflective of his Italian heritage. Drawing from childhood memories of making pasta from scratch with his Italian grandparents, Adrian’s approach with Pasta Bambino is simple yet profound. “Some of my fondest food memories are helping my Italian grandparents in the kitchen,” Richardson recounts, tying his culinary endeavors back to his foundational experiences with food. The pop-up restaurant’s menu sings a ballad of traditional Italian comfort food, with the promise of changing offerings to keep the palette intrigued. Patrons can look forward to starting their meals with tasty smaller plates like crumbed and fried mozzarella and an antipasto board brimming with Mediterranean delights. Main dishes feature a variety of handmade and locally sourced gourmet pasta such as casarecce bolognese and fresh ricotta gnocchi, not to… Read More

ST. ALi coffee in Melbourne has a new shop

20/04/2024

By James Banham

ST. ALi, the revered Melbourne coffee institution, is thrilled to announce the opening of its latest venture on Bali’s shores. This April, coffee aficionados and culinary enthusiasts will be welcomed at the brand new ST. ALi cafe located on the ground floor of the avant-garde FURTHER HOTEL in the lively and promising district of Pererenan. This expansion marks a significant milestone, promising to infuse Bali’s blossoming coffee scene with ST. ALi’s celebrated blend of premium coffee and gastronomic flair. “Expanding into Bali presents an exhilarating opportunity for us to introduce the ST. ALi philosophy to a wider audience. Pererenan’s evolving culinary landscape and its rich, immersive culture provide the ideal setting for our brand to flourish,” proclaimed Lachlan Ward, CEO of ST. ALi. FURTHER HOTEL has quickly made its mark since its establishment in 2023, earning accolades for its innovative hotel concept that seamlessly integrates with the community ethos of Bali’s southwest coastline. This collaboration between ST. ALi and FURTHER HOTEL is set to enrich the guest experience significantly, marrying the hotel’s novel approach with ST. ALi’s expertise in coffee and cuisine. “Partnering with ST. ALi to bring the essence of Melbourne’s coffee culture to Pererenan is a fulfillment of a long-held aspiration,” expressed Simon Digby, Co-Founder of FURTHER HOTEL. “Facing some of Bali’s most sought-after surf spots, we anticipate ST. ALi will become a morning hub for surfers eager for their coffee fix.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by ST ALi INDONESIA (@stali.id) In line with this partnership, ST. ALi Bali,… Read More

Discover the home of Australian whisky at Starward’s new distillery and bar precinct

16/04/2024

By Danielle Kirk

After winning 24 Double Gold medals in 2 years, Starward goes even bigger with its recent unveiling of a brand-new distillery tour and bar experience.

Adelaide Hills wineries worth a visit

12/04/2024

By James Banham

Renowned for its cool climate, this picturesque locale offers an ideal terroir for producing some of the most exquisite wines known to connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike.

Tag: best gin

Australia’s got a new gin – Grown Gin

by James Banham

Posted: 30/08/2023

Grown Spirits, a boutique gin brand known for its love of gardens and commitment to sustainability, has revealed its newest offering, Ocean Grown Gin. This unique creation is a result of a pioneering partnership with the Reef Restoration Foundation. With a vision to capture the essence of the ocean in a bottle, Grown Spirits also aims to contribute to the environment, pledging a portion of the profits from each bottle sold towards the restoration and rejuvenation of coral reefs along Australia’s stunning North Queensland coastline. Will Miles, Co-Founder of Grown Spirits, encapsulates their sustainability ethos, stating, “When we started Grown Spirits nearly a decade ago, we were very conscious of unnecessary waste and designed the bottle to have a life beyond just single use – our wider than usual neck is an encouragement to repurpose the bottle as a vase. In 2021, we took a step further by creating Sydney’s first Gin Refill Station as a way to help with bottle waste, and now this latest release attempts to be even more active in combating our ever-changing environment.” This Ocean-inspired gin intends to encapsulate the refreshing sensation after a dip in the sea, the lingering taste of salt on your lips, and the pleasure of a punchy beachside cocktail. On the nose, it exhibits a gentle saline character, reminiscent of a Mediterranean sea breeze, and unveils notes of olive and savoury herbs. The palate unravels a bright and refreshing flavour profile with dry citrus tones and a warm hint of spice. Ryan Donnelly, CEO of… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, FOOD & DRINK

Tags: australian gin, best gin, Gin Australia, Grown gin

Conservation meets craftsmanship: Rhino Orphanage co-founder acquires the White Rhino Gin Company

by James Banham

Posted: 20/07/2023

In a remarkable union of conservation and craftsmanship, Pete Richardson, co-founder of the world’s first baby rhino orphanage, has made an exciting acquisition. Pete has acquired The White Rhino Gin Company Ltd and the Urban Rhino gin brand, marking a significant milestone in his journey while introducing a limited-edition legacy batch that is set to captivate gin enthusiasts worldwide. Pete Richardson, a dedicated conservationist, was working in The Waterberg area of Limpopo in South Africa when the devastating rhino poaching crisis hit the headlines back in 2012. Alongside fellow conservationist Arrie van Deventer, Pete took action to save the orphaned babies and together, they established the world’s first purpose-built facility – The Rhino Orphanage. Despite now residing in the UK, Pete remains an active director of the orphanage, tirelessly working towards protecting and rehabilitating these magnificent creatures. Through his connection with the orphanage, Pete crossed paths with Belinda Chaffer, the driving force behind Waterberg Rhino UK, who introduced him to the owners of The White Rhino Gin Company. Enthralled by the shared vision, Pete expressed his excitement about this unique opportunity, stating, “When I met Belinda and the owners of the company, it felt like destiny. We quickly realized the incredible potential to build a global brand with Urban Rhino gin while supporting the remarkable conservation efforts of both Waterberg Rhino UK and The Rhino Orphanage. I’m thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead.” Crafted with meticulous care, Urban Rhino is an exceptional London dry gin that has garnered high praise from customers and businesses… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LONDON

Tags: best gin, bets gin, UK gin, White Rhino Gin

Top 7 gins to celebrate World Gin Day with

by James Banham

Posted: 10/06/2022

If there’s anything that’s taken a massive jump back into vogue over the past 5+ years, it’s gin. With people making it in their bath tubs, to huge multinationals pumping out varietals by the dozen, there’s no denying that these days, it’s all about the artisan batches with a dashing story to-boot. So without further ado and to help you celebrate World Gin Day on 11 June, we’ve rounded up our favourite gins of the new and old that you need a bottle of to drink either with or without friends this World Gin Day – or month? Jardin d’été Lovingly inspired by French florals, more specifically a garden cultivated by Debbie Gabriel, wife of Citadelle Founder Alexandre Gabriel, Jardin d’été is made with the addition of melon flesh, whole lemon, yuzu zest and orange peel, atop the unique 19 botanical combination used to make Citadelle Original. Gin and tonic A La Francaise recipe 1 part Citadelle Jardin d’été 3 parts tonic Peel of an organic lemon In a large wine glass filled with ice cubes, pour 1 part of Citadelle Jardin d’été. Top it off with 3 parts tonic. Make a nice twist of lemon peel; express it above the glass and place it delicately in the glass. Hendricks Neptunia This unconventional, intriguing ode to the sea emanates from the curious mind of Master Distiller Ms. Lesley Gracie and uses a mysterious blend of refreshing Scottish coastal botanicals to express the magic of the sea in liquid form, creating a rich, evocative sensorial story…. Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: best gin, Best gins for World Gin Day, New gins to buy, Top 7 gins to celebrate World Gin Day with, world gin day

Garden Grown Gin teams up with the Australian Botanic Garden to distil the most Australian gin

by THE F

Posted: 24/11/2018

Garden Grown Gin – formerly Distillery Botanica – has partnered with the Australian Botanic Garden in Mount Annan to develop a limited-edition ‘Botanic Garden Grown Gin’. Working alongside long-term collaborator and master distiller Peter Moore as well as the Garden’s curator manager John Siemon, Garden Grown Gin allows you to experience a new facet of the Garden; taste. The team selected native botanicals from the Australian Botanic Garden, including Ginger Rhizome, Mount White Lime, Orange Berry, Wombat Berry, Macadamia, and Bunya Nut Pine, to compose a rare spirit which captures the essence of Australian biodiversity. Botanic Garden Grown Gin is packaged in the iconic minimalistic bottle characteristic of Garden Grown Gin (and Distillery Botanica), for a limited release of 1000 bottles. Working to promote and support conservation efforts at the Garden, the proceeds from sales of the limited-edition gin will be put towards the Australian Botanic Garden’s conservation initiatives which preserve Australia’s biodiversity through seed collection, seed banking, and conservation research and training. The collaboration coincides with the Garden’s 30th birthday. The Botanic Garden Grown Gin has strong notes of orange and lime, with the botanicals providing an added depth of flavour, including the ginger which lends a tingling feeling to the tongue. “No plants, no future. Which also means no gin,” Garden Grown’s Will Miles said of the Australian Botanic Garden’s mantra, going on to state that “since profits from each bottle purchased go directly back to the Garden’s vital initiatives, we’re honoured to collaborate for the second year and support a project with… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: australian botanic garden, australian gin, best australian gin, best gin, botanic gin, garden grown gin, gin

50 Sips of Pink: Beefeater Gin is London’s millennial iteration of a classic spirit

by THE F

Posted: 19/11/2018

Beefeater London unveils a tantalisingly fruity gin in a millennial-friendly shade. Following a successful launch in the UK, Beefeater Pink is coming to Australia this month, ready to be incorporated into your summer G&Ts. Urging customers to ‘Pink your Gin’, the newest addition to the Beefeater London family is a fresh, vibrant take on the much loved Beefeater London Dry Gin. Beefeater Pink’s oh-so-aesthetic rose hue is attained through the addition of strawberries after the distillation process, seamlessly mingling with the citrus and juniper notes to create a delicate and refreshing gin. Pink is a sensory experience, with the strawberry infusion lending the gin a sweet fragrance sure to delight Beefeater London’s younger audience. The newest addition to the Beefeater London repertoire, Pink follows the success of its acclaimed predecessor, Beefeater 24. Though it differs from the classic Beefeater London Dry recipe, Pink retains elements of traditional gin-making, with Master Distiller Desmond Payne drawing inspiration from Beefeater’s founder, James Borrough. A pharmacist by trade, Borrough’s creative curiosity was exemplified by his innovative concoctions, including raspberry gin, cherry brandy, British Brandy, bitters, and mint. Payne channels his spirit through constant experimentation, resulting in the creation of the strawberry infused spirit. The contemporary London inspiration behind Beefeater Pink was epitomised by the launch at Catalina Restaurant in Rose Bay. Guests were treated to a modern high tea; in lieu of cucumber finger sandwiches and deviled eggs were pork belly skewers and Welsh rabbit on sourdough toast, though the classic scones and jam provided the perfect gastronomical end… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: alcohol, beefeater, beefeater london, beefeater pink, beefeater pink gin, best gin, gin, pink, pink gin

ARTS & CULTURE

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By THE F

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.

For excellent Flamenco, look to Sadler’s Wells

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Step into a world where tradition meets innovation, where old blends seamlessly with new to create something entirely original and electrifying. At Sadler’s Wells, the iconic Paco Peña, accompanied by his talented Paco Peña Dance Company, presents Solera – a captivating production that breathes new life into the timeless art of flamenco. As the evening unfolds, prepare to be mesmerised by a fusion of exceptional music, dance, and passion that transcends boundaries and embodies the essence of human emotions in all their raw beauty. The show opens with a symphony of everyday sounds that seamlessly transform into a vibrant celebration of the human spirit. Take away the traditional red Flamenco dress and imagine you’re in a studio with friends who are just chilling and decide to have a dance. They chat in-between sets, sip water, play on their phones – all normal every day stuff – that plays an insightful and very real backdrop to the magic unfolding in the foreground. From the rhythmic beats of percussionist Julio Alcocer to the exquisite melodies woven by guitars and voices, every moment is a testament to the skill and artistry of the performers. Directed with precision by Jude Kelly CBE, Solera masterfully transitions from the mundane to the magical, immersing the audience in a world of colour, light, and drama that is nothing short of spellbinding. In the second act, the stage comes alive with a spectacle of performance, accentuated by striking costumes and evocative lighting that elevate the talents of the company to new heights. Dancers… Read More

4 reasons to get excited for ‘Frontiers: Choreographers of Canada’s at Sadler’s Wells

11/04/2024

By James Banham

This exceptional triple bill showcases the extraordinary talents of three distinguished Canadian choreographers: Crystal Pite, Emma Portner, and James Kudelka, promising an unforgettable journey through the world of contemporary ballet.