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: europe

UN Tourism Opens Calls for Best Tourism Villages 2024

by THE F

Posted: 26/01/2024

The fourth edition of the highly coveted UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages initiative is now accepting applications. Established under the new moniker “UN Tourism” (previously known as UNWTO), the initiative has grown significantly in the past three years, attracting nearly 600 applications from almost 100 countries. The initiative currently unites 186 members in a global network, including 129 Best Tourism Villages and 57 villages participating in the Upgrade Programme. These member villages span 55 countries across five different world regions, a testament to the initiative’s global reach and impact. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili states, “Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism recognises rural destinations that effectively incorporate tourism as a tool for sustainable growth, opportunity and preservation of unique cultural and natural heritage. We eagerly anticipate more examples of tourism being a force for good in the 2024 edition.” Applications are now open until 24 April 2024 for UN Tourism Member States to propose up to eight candidate villages through their National Tourism Administrations (NTAs). The chosen villages will be announced in the third quarter of the year. Applications will be assessed by an independent Advisory Board with expertise spanning various fields. They will evaluate villages based on nine key areas: Cultural and Natural Resources, Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources, Economic Sustainability, Social Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration, Governance and Prioritisation of Tourism, Infrastructure and Connectivity, and Health, Safety and Security. The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism initiative, introduced in 2021, is a pioneering program designed to transform tourism… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, EUROPE, TRAVEL

Tags: Best villages, europe, Tourism villages, travel guide

Travelling to Rome this Summer: tips for an unforgettable experience

by James Banham

Updated: 10/08/2023

Visiting Rome, the ‘Eternal City’, is always an enchanting experience, but summer brings a unique charm that promises unforgettable memories. Here are several tips to make your Roman holiday truly remarkable. 1. Travel Smart: Flying into Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, the major international gateway to Rome, is generally the quickest and most convenient option. Alternatively, Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport, though smaller, could be a cost-effective choice. 2. Stay Hydrated: Rome’s summer can be quite hot, so always carry a water bottle. Luckily, the city is strewn with ‘Nasoni’, or drinking fountains, dispensing cool, potable water – a real godsend in the sweltering heat. 3. Embrace Public Transport: Rome’s public transportation system can be a fantastic way to explore the city. The metro, buses, and trams cover most tourist destinations, and a Roma Pass allows unlimited travel for a certain period. 4. Early Bird Advantage: Famous sites like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums can get excessively crowded. Try visiting early in the morning or late afternoon for a comfortable exploration. 5. Dress Appropriately: Many religious sites require modest clothing – ensure shoulders and knees are covered. Also, comfy shoes are a must given Rome’s cobbled streets. This is a big one! Find out more on the Vatican’s website, for example 6. Night-Time Wandering: Summer evenings in Rome are magical. The city comes alive with outdoor concerts and al fresco dining. Be sure to wander around Trastevere, a vibrant neighborhood known for its nightlife. 7. Book in Advance: To save time and avoid lines, book tickets… Read More

Category: CITIES, EUROPE, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: europe, Travel tips Rome

First timer’s guide to European memory-making with the Nikon Z6

by James Banham

Updated: 17/03/2019

Europe’s massive and stuff to see is kind of endless, depending on what you’re into. From the Eiffel Tower, Alexanderplatz, the Berlin Wall, the Louvre, Buckingham Palace – it goes on and on, but it’s how you decide to tackle it and the memories you decide to make that really sets each trip apart. And there’s no easier way to learn that, than with a quality camera that makes those memories really work for you. Nothing is quite like a quality photo or video to really take you back to that place and moment in time and there’s nothing quite like the Nikon Z6 to help get you there. It’s a $4000 piece from the boss name in cameras that is easy to use for anyone who knows almost literally nothing about cameras. The camera comes with a lot of technical stuff that for most people, means absolutely sweet FA, but, if there’s one thing to know about it – it makes your iPhone or Android an absolute joke. Here are six things to know about the snapper before you consider using it on your next trip. It’ll catch more picture They say it has 273 focus points. It doesn’t mean much to the regular person but basically, boils down to the camera being able to cover over 90% of the imaging area both horizontally and vertically to ensure you achieve the highest level of coverage. Works for pics and videos. It does photos, sharply The Z6 is has got new EXPEED 6 image-processing engine… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, TECH & GADGETS, TRAVEL

Tags: best travel camera, europe, How to take travel photos, nikon, photo guide, THE F Europe, THE F Nikon, the f travel, Travel camera guide, travel guide

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.