FOOD & DRINK

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

16/04/2024

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.

A unique fusion of whiskey and art in Sydney

12/04/2024

By James Banham

The ‘Glenfiddich x Jordan Gogos Pop-Up Bar’, is an initiative set to enchant Sydneysiders from 17th April to 8th May, 2024.

Ruben’s Deli does good food in Melbourne’s Armadale

12/04/2024

By James Banham

What really sets this Melbourne gem apart isn’t just its delectable sandwiches; it’s the incredible catering service spearheaded by owner Amanda Ruben, that’s capturing the hearts of food lovers across the city.

Sweet Greek Delights in Melbourne

12/04/2024

By James Banham

Sweet Greek is offering the same beloved seasonal dishes with a fresh new look that promises to elevate your dining experience to new heights.

Tag: ford review

A technical look at the new Ford Everest Ambiente car

by James Banham

Updated: 26/05/2023

First things first; I am not a technical car person, BUT, the new release of the Ford Everest Ambiente in Australia is such an approachable drive, it deserved the time. So, without further ado, let’s get under the bonnet (sorry) of what’s actually up with the new Ford Everest Ambiente and discuss the real question: should you buy one? Technical Review of the Ford Everest Ambiente in Australia The Ford Everest Ambiente is a rugged and reliable SUV designed for the Australian market. Here’s our technical review of this impressive vehicle: Engine and Performance The Ford Everest Ambiente comes with either a 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder engine producing 154kW/500Nm or a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 in the Sport and Platinum model grades. The Ambiente also features an advanced Terrain Management System, allowing drivers to choose between several different driving modes to optimize performance on various road surfaces. On top of that, the new Ford Everest Ambiente has a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Safety Features Safety is a top priority for the Ford Everest Ambiente, and it comes with a range of advanced safety features. These include seven airbags, a rearview camera, parking sensors, electronic stability control, and hill descent control. In addition, the Ambiente features Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, which includes an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and voice-activated controls for added convenience and safety. Interior and Comfort The interior of the Ford Everest Ambiente is spacious and comfortable, with seating for up to seven passengers. The seats are upholstered in durable cloth… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CARS, FEATURES

Tags: ford australia, Ford Everest, ford review, Ford SUV

What you need to know about the new Ford Everest Ambiente in Australia

by James Banham

Updated: 20/04/2023

The 2023 Ford Everest Ambiente is one of the most hotly anticipated car releases in Australia. With its cutting edge technology, sleek design and impressive capabilities, this model has made a real splash in the Australian SUV market and it’s easy to see why: it’s just super nice to drive. Big, tall, safe, with all the mod cons that mean you’ll get from point-to-point in top-notch comfort, one of the key selling points of the Ford Everest Ambiente is its innovative features. This model boasts an advanced infotainment system that is designed to make your driving experience more enjoyable than ever before. With a large touch screen display, easy-to-use controls and seamless connectivity to your smartphone, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips. Another standout feature of the Ford Everest Ambiente is its impressive off-road capabilities. This SUV is built tough, with a robust body and a range of advanced driving technologies to help you navigate even the trickiest terrain. From steep inclines to rocky trails, the Everest Ambiente is designed to keep you safe and in control, no matter where your adventures take you. Under the hood, the Ford Everest Ambiente packs a powerful punch. 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine that delivers 154kW of power and 500Nm of torque (a lot), this model is able to tackle even the most demanding driving conditions with ease. And with a towing capacity of up to 3 tonnes, you’ll be able to take your boat, trailer or caravan on your next adventure. The 2023 Ford Everest Ambiente… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CARS, FEATURES

Tags: ford, Ford Everest Ambient, Ford Everest Ambient review, Ford Everest Ambient test drive, ford review, Fore Everest

Ford Ranger Wildtrak and XLT – Difference between wildtrak and xlt

by THE F

Updated: 19/11/2022

Luxury sports car meets tough off-roader in the new 2015 Ford Ranger. With Ford’s advanced technology and state-of-the-art design, delivers a utilitarian vehicle with the capability to perform. As their tagline suggests, the ‘smarter ranger is here’ and driving this car really makes you feel like you’re driving a car like no other. RELATED: We put the Mini Clubman through its paces and this is what happened… Ford have explained that the XLT has placed an emphasis on luxury, while the Wildtrak is more of a sport-luxury model. The top-end features don’t come as standard, with prices looking far upwards of $46,690 plus on-road costs, as well as most of the driver assistance technology as optional extras. However, after having a test drive in the high-end models, you won’t want to look anywhere else. The Ranger came to Sydney recently, as a stopover on its Ford Australia road trip. A beach to bush experience meant a way to showcase its high tech and durable capability, in a friendly and community based experience. MORE: The latest beast from Rolls Royce will make your knees weak Neil McDonald, product communications manager, places a strong emphasis on the tougher, smarter and more efficient Ford Ranger, with a modern and ‘beefy’ exterior and its jam-packed functional driver assist technology. The car was designed to serve two purposes. A reliable, family-friendly, everyday drive, with the most modern and innovative technology, aswell as a tough, functional off-roading vehicle, perfect for a weekend drive and the capability to handle anything it encounters…. Read More

Category: CARS, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Difference between Ford Wildtrak and XLT< Ford Wildtrak and XLT, ford review, ford test drive, Ford Wildtrak review, Ford Wildtrak test drive, Ford XLT review, Ford XLT test drive, Test Ford Wildtrak XLT, Wildtrak versus XLT, Wildtrak VS XLT

ARTS & CULTURE

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

The Resurrected Art of Silence: Shooshfest—Australia’s First Silent Film Festival In a bold leap for Australian cinema, the inaugural Shooshfest promises not only to showcase art in film but also to redefine what it means to tell a story without words. The brainchild of a trio of avid cinephiles, Rebecca Zemunik, Daniel New, and Maddison Costello, Shooshfest stakes its claim as Australia’s first-ever silent short film competition. Unlike traditional film festivals, this groundbreaking event invites creators from all walks of life—beyond just filmmakers— to weave cinematic magic without uttering a single word. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shoosh Fest (@shooshfest) The Silent Era Redefined Far from the silent film era of the past, where the medium was defined by technological limitations, Shooshfest asks participants to engage with silence as a narrative choice and a powerful tool for emotion. Through the absence of spoken words, this silent film festival beckons creators to rediscover the raw and visceral storytelling methods of the 1920s mavericks who defied the standards of their time. The festival’s vision is clear: to inspire and challenge modern filmmakers and non-filmmakers alike to innovate and connect on a deep, emotive level with audiences using the silent canvas. Innovation in the realm of storytelling is at the core of Shooshfest, with a clear goal to bridge past traditions with contemporary creativity. A Silent Revolution in Australia’s Film Scene Set in the heart of Sydney, Shooshfest aims to celebrate the very essence of cinematic storytelling. On the hallowed stage of the historic… 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.

New gallery in Sydney: A Secondary Eye opens

05/04/2024

By James Banham

Sydney, Australia is set to welcome a profound addition to its art scene as A Secondary Eye announces the launch of a new gallery space nestled in the arts district of Woollahra. Opening its doors on Friday, 3 May 2024, this new venture promises a fresh perspective on Australian Indigenous and contemporary art. Founded in 2020 by Jesse-Jack De Deyne, a seasoned specialist in the secondary market for Australian Indigenous art, and Boris Cornelissen, formerly of Sotheby’s London and Hong Kong, A Secondary Eye has quickly established itself as a key player in the art world. Their focus on developing the secondary market for art and collectibles in Australia has led to the exhibition and sale of works by prominent artists like Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Sidney Nolan, and Fred Williams, among others. The gallery’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, with several pieces entering the collections of Australia’s most prestigious art institutions. Strategically located in Queen Street, a spot historically linked with the crème de la crème of secondary market art dealers, the new gallery is poised to continue its tradition of excellence. The inaugural exhibition will shine a spotlight on Rover Thomas, a luminary and trailblazer in the Australian art landscape. Known for his significant influence on the East Kimberley school of painting, Thomas’s works are lauded for their modernist abstraction and profound connection to ancestral land and Indigenous life. The exhibition, titled “Rover: Master of the Kimberley”, marks the first solo presentation of Thomas’s work in Sydney in nearly two decades. It will showcase… Read More

Momentous moment in art at National Gallery London

05/04/2024

By James Banham

In 2025, the art world will witness a remarkable event at the National Gallery as “Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300?1350” opens its doors in spring, marking the 200th anniversary of the institution. This exhibition promises an unprecedented reunion of paintings by some of the most celebrated Italian artists of the 14th century, artworks that have been scattered across the globe for centuries. Highlighting this unique collection are masterpieces in gold ground, many originally part of larger compositions, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the innovative spirit of Western painting tradition from this era. The spotlight of the exhibition is the coming together of several panels from the revolutionary double-sided altarpiece, the Maestà, painted by Duccio di Buoninsegna for the cathedral in Siena. Recognized as the first double-sided altarpiece in Western art, this narrative shift in art will be showcased along with other significant pieces from the ensemble. Notably, the National Gallery’s panels from the Maestà will be reunited with works like “Christ and the Woman of Samaria” from the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid, and “The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew” from the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Another focal point is the reunion of the Orsini Polyptych by Simone Martini, a folding piece created for private devotion, likely for Cardinal Napoleone Orsini. Dispersed between prestigious institutions – the Louvre in Paris, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, and the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin – the exhibition will bring together all six panels for a rare presentation. Besides these reunifications, the exhibition… Read More

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Carmen is coming to Sadler’s Wells in London

04/04/2024

By James Banham

In an event that harmoniously blends tradition with contemporary flair, Sadler’s Wells Theatre unfolds its red carpet for Acosta Danza, as they present the UK premiere of Carlos Acosta’s version of Carmen from the 2nd to the 6th of July, 2024. This adaptation by the dance legend Carlos Acosta gives a new lease of life to Georges Bizet’s opera, stirring the soul nearly two centuries after Prosper Mérimée penned the original story. Carlos Acosta himself steps onto the stage, not just as a creator but as a performer, embodying ‘The Bull’ – a symbol of fate and destiny. This role, specially crafted by Acosta, emerges from his deep-seated desire to encapsulate the essence of the narrative while marking his departure from the Royal Ballet. His rendition of Carmen holds onto the timeless and universal appeal of the tale yet introduces a fresh perspective by minimising the setting to its core elements. Joining forces with Acosta Danza are Principal dancers Laura Rodriguez, Enrique Corrales, and Alejandro Silva, alongside guest stars from the Birmingham Royal Ballet – Yaoqian Shang, Javier Rojas, and Lachlan Monaghan, who will portray Carmen, Don José, and Escamillo, respectively. This cast embodies the spirit of the characters they portray, bringing to life the tragic tale of love, passion, and jealousy. Carmen’s story has always captivated the imagination of many, attracting a variety of choreographers such as Marius Petipa and Roland Petit to its fiery core. The opera’s enchanting melodies like the ‘Toreador Song’ and ‘Habanera’ continue to resonate, underscoring the opera’s enduring popularity… Read More