FOOD & DRINK

Four Pillars partner with LARK distillery to make whiskey barrel gin

27/04/2024

In a symphony of craft, collaboration, and sheer dedication, Four Pillars introduces its most exceptional creation to date – the Whisky Barrel Gin, a masterpiece born from a harmonious partnership with LARK Distillery and an unwavering commitment to innovation. Set to make its grand entrance on Tuesday 23 April, this limited-edition release of only 2000 bottles has been five years in the making, a testament to the meticulous artistry and passion that define Four Pillars’ gin-making legacy. Drawing upon a decade of gin expertise, Four Pillars embarked on a journey of exploration and experimentation, leveraging the rich complexities of whisky barrels to elevate their Rare Dry Gin to unprecedented heights. Co-Founder and Distiller of Four Pillars, Cameron Mackenzie, a visionary in barrel-aged gin, meticulously curated a selection of Sherry and Apera barrels, each brimming with the essence of excellence. The collaboration with LARK Distillery, a beacon of luxury single malt whisky craftsmanship in Australia, marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of Whisky Barrel Gin. With barrels handpicked from LARK’s renowned collection, the high-proof Rare Dry Gin underwent a transformative ageing process, acquiring intricate layers of flavour and character over the course of four years before being transferred to the illustrious LARK whisky barrels for a final maturation phase in 2023. The culmination of this intricate process resulted in a gin that captivates the senses with its dark spices, preserved citrus notes, and subtle malty undertones. Acclaimed by the discerning palates at the prestigious World Gin Masters 2023, where it earned the esteemed title of… Read More

Where to go for good seafood in Bondi

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Welcome to the future of seafood dining – welcome to Uncut Seafood Delicatessen. This isn’t just another fish shop; it’s a vibrant revolution brought to life by the dynamic Lucas siblings – Nic, Jack, and Kaitlin. Opening its doors on April 26th on bustling Bondi Road, this delicatessen is the culmination of a lifelong passion, a rich family legacy in fish mongering, and an ambitious dream turned reality. At Uncut Seafood Delicatessen, forget everything you thought you knew about traditional seafood joints. This is where the Lucas trio’s vision comes to life, offering a fresh, modern spin on seafood that’s as delightful to your health as it is to your taste buds. Gone are the days of heavy, fried fish dishes. Instead, prepare your palate for an elevated seafood experience that prioritises freshness, flavour, and nutritional value. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself enveloped in an atmosphere that blends the sophistication of a high-end designer boutique with the inviting warmth of a family-run establishment. Every detail, from the Taj Mahal quartzite countertops to the bespoke zellige tiled walls and refined brass accents, tells a story of meticulous design and an unwavering commitment to creating a memorable dining experience. But the real magic lies in the menu. Directly sourced from local Australian fishermen and the renowned Sydney fish markets, every dish served is a testament to the Lucas family’s rich heritage and unparalleled expertise in seafood. Whether you opt for dine-in or take-away, you’re in for a treat with their freshly cut sashimi, perfectly shucked oysters,… Read More

A place to eat in Coogee: Marra Bar & Grill

22/04/2024

By James Banham

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

Tag: Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge: An Experience of a Lifetime with BridgeClimb Sydney

by James Banham

Updated: 11/05/2023

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most exhilarating experiences in the world. Standing 134 meters high, the Harbour Bridge offers breathtaking views of Sydney harbour, including the iconic Opera House and the city skyline. If you’re considering taking on this adventure, there’s only one way to do it – with BridgeClimb Sydney. BridgeClimb Sydney has been offering guided tours of the Harbour Bridge since 1998 and has taken over 4 million climbers to the top of the landmark. The company provides a safe and thrilling experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Preparing for the Climb Before the climb, BridgeClimb Sydney provides climbers with a comprehensive briefing, which includes safety instructions, guidelines, and a rundown of the equipment used during the climb. The briefing takes about 20-30 minutes but provides crucial information to ensure a successful and enjoyable climb. After the briefing, climbers are given a jump-suit, a radio headset, and a safety harness. You’ll also be asked to take a breathalyser test to ensure everyone is safe during the climb. Don’t worry; the test is just a formality, and it’s not meant to be invasive. The Climb The climb is divided into different stages, each with its unique perspective of the city and historical information given by your guide. The first stage takes you to the base of the bridge, where you’ll be walking on catwalks beside the traffic on the bridge. The second stage involves walking up a set of stairs to the arch’s interior. The… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIA, CITIES, FEATURES, SYDNEY, TRAVEL

Tags: Australia travel, BridgeClimb, BridgeClimb Sydney Harbour Bridge, Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge, Climb the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney what to do, what to do in sydney

Where to get the best view of the city this VIVID Sydney light festival

by James Banham

Posted: 20/03/2023

VIVID Sydney is the city’s annual celebration of light, music and experience the city-wide, offering locals and visitors yet another reason to head into town – other than to eat at Sydney’s quality restaurants – to enjoy what the city can put on. And the best view for it all, of course, is from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, courtesy of BridgeClimb. Following the sell-out success of the Vivid Sydney Climb in 2022, BridgeClimb is excited to announce they are expanding their Vivid Sydney program with four extraordinary experiences on the iconic Harbour Bridge, such as: Vivid Sydney Climb This climb is the original Vivid Climb, available from 26 May to 17 June 2023. The Vivid Sydney Climb is an unforgettable experience that offers you the chance to ascend to the Summit of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge during the world’s largest festival of light, music, and ideas and immerse yourself as the city transforms into a mesmerising canvas of colour, light, and sound. Light Up Your Senses at the Pylon This climb is a Vivid Sydney first, offering a uniquely Vivid Sydney experience hosted by BridgeClimb within the iconic South-East Pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This hidden gem, which is a historic landmark, will be open to the public for the first time during the festival, providing guests with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to indulge in the unique views, local sounds, and flavours of New South Wales. Luke’s Vivid Table at the Pylon Lookout This year, with VIVID on and in partnership with chef Luke… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIA, CITIES, FEATURES, SYDNEY, TRAVEL

Tags: BridgeClimb, Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Vivid light festival, vivid sydney

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge this Valentine’s Day

Two men kissing atop Sydney Harbour Bridge

by James Banham

Updated: 11/02/2023

If you’re sharing your life with that special someone, take it to the next level – kind of literally! – this February with a climb up the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge! The Bridge has become known for great initiatives and special experiences for Sydney locals and visitors from all over the world and this is the latest. Prove how sky-high your love is! The opportunity to celebrate love at new heights with a Valentine’s Day picnic experience like no other will see you ascend the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and bask in the stunning views with your significant other. After your climb, enjoy a lavish picnic at a picturesque location while admiring the magnificent Bridge you just scaled. The luxury menu features a sumptuous graze board, beautifully decorated picnic table, and romantic music, among other delightful surprises. For every Climb, Graze & Gaze purchase, you’ll make a difference by providing 10 meals to those in need, through our partnership with OzHarvest. Starting from $846, this one-of-a-kind experience is the perfect way to make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable. Book now at the Bridge Climb website and make a difference while creating lasting memories.

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIA, CITIES, SYDNEY, TRAVEL

Tags: Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge, Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge this Valentine's Day, sydney, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Valentine's Day Sydney

Get your photo with Santa – on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge!

by James Banham

Updated: 08/11/2022

This is the month it almost begins to feel like Christmas! Even Santa’s feeling the merriment and has landed on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge where he’s cleared his schedule every Sunday morning from 6 November to 18 December 2022 for the ultimate Christmas photo: 134 metres above sea level and with the iconic Sydney Opera House as the backdrop. The man-in-red will be spreading his cheer for the Christmas must-do for all ages with one of the most breath-taking views in Australia – and the best thing is, with a sunny Christmas a sure thing every year, you know it’ll make for a great picture! As well as experiencing the best views of Sydney whilst scaling the iconic arches, Christmas cheer add-ons include a complimentary printed Santa photo with every purchased photo package, optional festive photo border on all photos, Santa hat to take home, and the chance to sing-along to your favourite Christmas carols on a stage like no other. For more info and to book – be quick! – head to the BridgeClimb website

Category: AUSTRALIA, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY, TRAVEL

Tags: Bridge Climb Sydney, Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge, Santa photos Sydney, Santa Sydney Harbour Bridge

ARTS & CULTURE

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Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

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 James Banham

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.