FOOD & DRINK

Coffee meets Nutella in the pairing you didn’t know you needed

28/04/2024

The world-renowned choc-hazelnut spread, Nutella, has teamed up with the leading premium coffee brand, Lavazza, for an exclusive limited-edition collaboration. This delightful partnership offers consumers the chance to WIN one of 250 $100 Woolworths Gift Cards – the perfect treat for coffee and biscuit enthusiasts. Coffee without biscuits? Biscuits without coffee? It’s like missing a vital piece of the puzzle! Together, they create a delightful experience that transcends time – whether it’s the crack of dawn, the afternoon lull, or the twilight hours. To inspire Australians to elevate their coffee break rituals, iconic Italian brands Nutella and Lavazza have united to present the ultimate pairing – Nutella Biscuits and Lavazza Espresso Barista coffee. Nutella Biscuits redefine the traditional biscuit experience by infusing a golden-baked crunchy exterior with a luscious Nutella-filled centre. Crafted with Nutella’s renowned recipe, these biscuits are adored by millions worldwide, every single day. Complementing this delectable treat is Lavazza’s Espresso Barista coffee range, sourced from top-quality beans across Central-South America, Africa, and Asia. Boasting aromatic hints of flowers, cocoa, and wood, each cup is tailored for the at-home barista seeking a premium coffee experience. Azzurra Puricelli, Head of Marketing and New Business at Nutella Australia, expressed, “Australians are indulging in snacking more frequently, with biscuits becoming a staple throughout the day. Understanding Aussies’ love for coffee, which transcends the morning routine into the afternoon break and post-dinner delight, we aimed to provide consumers with a complete and satisfying match.” As part of the ‘Perfect Match’ promotion by Nutella & Lavazza, shoppers have… Read More

Bar Lettera is new food & drink in North Sydney

28/04/2024

By James Banham

North Sydney is gearing up to embrace a new culinary gem with the grand opening of the chic Bar Lettera at Citadines Walker North Sydney on Saturday, 27th April. This contemporary Italo-Australian eatery and wine bar promises a one-of-a-kind all-day dining experience that harmoniously blends European tradition with local ingenuity in a thoughtfully curated setting, offering a glimpse into the artistic essence of North Sydney. Bar Lettera is a multisensory adventure that transcends mere dining. As a proud member of The Ascott Limited’s esteemed brand portfolio, Citadines embodies the essence of ‘City dwellers’, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the essence of urban living, both within their accommodation and beyond. The newest addition, a 90-seat haven, effortlessly straddles the line between restaurant and bar, reflecting Citadines’ core commitment to providing modern and adaptable lodging options in established and emerging urban enclaves. Leading the culinary brigade is Head Chef Ryan Perry, whose culinary vision centres on reinventing traditional Italian fare with a touch of Australian innovation and premium local produce. “Bar Lettera epitomizes a celebration of creativity. Our aim was to craft a communal space – a sanctuary where patrons could relish delightful moments, engaging conversations, and a culinary journey that pairs exquisitely with our wine selection,” remarked David Mansfield, Managing Director of The Ascott Limited Australia. “Our mission was to blend these elements seamlessly to curate a menu that caters to a diverse audience. At Bar Lettera, everyone is not just welcome but invited to partake in the experience.” Area General Manager of The Ascott… Read More

Cinco de Mayo in Sydney: The Lansdowne and The Happy Mexican Fiesta

28/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to spice up your Cinco de Mayo festivities, Sydney! This year, The Lansdowne, a beloved city staple since the roaring ’20s, is flipping the script from its usual brews to an explosion of margarita madness, blending its historic allure with a twist of fresh excitement. What’s more exhilarating is the arrival of Melbourne’s culinary sensation, The Happy Mexican, making its grand debut at the iconic Lansdowne Hotel to sprinkle some authentic Mexican fiesta into your celebrations. Launching the party vibes early in April, and leading into the Cinco de Mayo spirit, The Happy Mexican will be dishing out irresistible $2 tacos every evening from 5-6pm. Yes, you heard it right – it’s a taco fiesta, and everyone’s invited, no RSVPs required! Brace yourselves for a lineup of tantalizing flavors, from succulent roasted chicken breast and zesty marinated pork to crispy beer-battered fish and the show-stopping slow-cooked beef birria tacos. Vegetarian delights like Calabacitas and Nopales aren’t forgotten, ensuring a plate for every preference. Behind this culinary revolution is the genius, Julian Romero, and head chef Jesus Rios, a maestro of Mexican cuisine from Mexico City, bringing over twenty years of experience to dazzle Sydney’s adventurous palates. “We’re thrilled to serve up a spectrum of unique, authentic flavors right from the heart of Mexico to Chippendale,” says Rios. With legendary dishes like Quesabirrias and a diverse menu catering to all dietary needs, The Happy Mexican promises an unforgettable dining experience. But what’s a fiesta without drinks to toast? The Lansdowne’s drink menu is equally… Read More

Where to have a Mexican fiesta in Sydney

28/04/2024

By James Banham

It’s that time of the year again, where the flavours of Mexico descend upon us with an exuberance that can only be found at SoCal’s Taco & Tequila Fiesta! This year, we’re turning the heat up with a lineup of events that promise not just a taste, but a full immersion into the vibrant Mexican culture. From the toe-tapping tunes of a live Mariachi band to the adrenaline-pumping chilli eating contest, we’re serving excitement on a platter! Cinco De Mayo Launch Party – The Ultimate Sunday Session Mark your calendars for May 5th because we’re kicking off the festivities with a bang! Immerse yourself in the ultimate party atmosphere as we transform our space to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. Enjoy live music, $15 margaritas, and tacos that will have you coming back for more. The fun starts at 1 pm with an acoustic duo and ramps up with a DJ and a surprise Mariachi band performance. Trust us; you don’t want to miss this! Find out more about the Cinco De Mayo Party Taste of Mexico, Dinner & A Show – A Culinary Journey On Thursday 9th & Thursday 23rd May, join us for a special evening that whisks you away to the heart of Mexico. Prepare to be mesmerized by a live Mexican dancing show while indulging in a sumptuous feast curated by our Head Chef Joel Doyle. At $79 per person, including a starter, main, side, and dessert – plus a welcoming margarita – it’s an experience that marries flavor with culture. Book… Read More

Whiskey pop-up in Sydney with Glenfiddich

28/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to immerse yourself in a world where art meets whisky, colour meets taste, and every sip supports an incredible cause! Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, is thrilled to announce its latest collaboration with the dynamic Australian multidisciplinary artist Jordan Gogos. Introducing the ‘Glenfiddich x Jordan Gogos Pop-Up bar’, a spellbinding experience located in the heart of Sydney’s bustling CBD at 200 George Street. This pop-up bar, curated in partnership with the innovative ART AID, is where your love for whisky, art, and philanthropy collide. From April 17th to May 8th, 2024, Dean & Nancy on 22 will transform into a vibrant oasis of creativity. Imagine sipping on exquisite signature whisky cocktails as you’re surrounded by an eclectic mix of colourful textile art, sculptural furniture, and previously unseen art pieces by Jordan Gogos himself. This event isn’t just an exhibition; it’s an invitation to step into a realm where each element is meticulously designed to challenge the borders between gallery space and immersive sensory exploration. At the heart of this experience is the collection of unseen works from Jordan Gogos, spanning art, furniture, to fashion, all inspired by the distinct colourways of Glenfiddich’s iconic aged whisky expressions. Prepare to engage with art in a way you’ve never before, as Gogos’ installation invites you not just to observe, but to interact and become an integral part of the artistic narrative. It’s all about blurring the lines, creating moments, and inspiring conversations in an ambiance that’s entirely unique to this collaboration. Things… Read More

Tag: Spice Temple

Where to celebrate Chinese NY

by James Banham

Updated: 17/01/2024

Spice Temple is not just honouring, but wholly immersing itself in the Chinese tradition of welcoming propitious times with special feasts containing dishes of good omen, exclusively curated for the forthcoming Lunar New Year celebrations. The restaurant’s Executive Chef for Sydney and Melbourne locations, Andy Evans, along with Melbourne’s Head Chef Maggie Chan, have put together exceptional banquet menus in celebration of the Year of the Dragon, which begins on Saturday, 10th February, with traditional festivities continuing for up to 16 days. These specially crafted Lunar New Year banquet menus, priced at $149 per person, are on offer from Monday 5th February to Sunday 18th February, for both lunch and dinner services at Spice Temple in Sydney and Melbourne. As Chef Andy explains, “We have included some of our most special dishes reserved for celebratory occasions, and have also developed completely new dishes that feature ingredients known to bring prosperity, happiness, peace, love, and other aspects of good fortune.” In the Sydney location, the Chinese New Year banquet menu highlights purse-shaped pipis symbolising fortune, tea eggs for fertility, noodles for longevity, and red ingredients such as baby tomatoes for prosperity. The Melbourne menu, on the other hand, features golden bao buns and abalone representing wealth and power, along with classic dishes usually consumed during Lunar New Year feasts, such as the raw fish Yu Sheng salad, colloquially known as ‘Prosperity Toss’, which stands for good luck in the coming year. “Diners are encouraged to toss the shredded ingredients of the salad high into the air;… Read More

Category: CITIES, ASIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Chinese food, Feast, Spice Temple, Year of the DRagon

Why you need to go back to Spice Temple: Crabs!

by James Banham

Posted: 06/11/2023

Spice Temple, the much-loved regional Chinese restaurant in Melbourne and Sydney, is celebrating Mud Crab season in true style, offering a feast featuring Australia’s native crabs – affectionately known as ‘Muddies’. These sumptuous crustaceans are at their seasonal best, boasting luxurious, irresistibly sweet flesh. As a quintessential ingredient in Chinese cooking and a star of the banquet style of dining at Spice Temple, the live Mud Crabs, sourced directly from Queensland, are cooked to order and dressed in delicious authentic sauces. The spice of the season, until Sunday, 31st December, is the $99 price point on all Mud Crab dishes – a value-packed proposition for a flavour-packed dish that promises to be a show-stopper at any group gathering over the summer, holiday and festive celebrations. Under the expert guidance of Spice Temple’s Executive Chef Andy Evans, the Mud Crabs are steamed to perfection to ensure their sweet, delicate flesh remains tender and untainted. Diners can choose from a variety of five traditional sauces to accompany the delectable crab meat. As the Mud Crab season progresses and the summer heat intensifies, Spice Temple’s menu will also feature Blue Swimmer Crabs and Snow Crabs, each adding their own unique flavours to the mix. For Chef Andy, Mud Crabs and live seafood are the epitome of Chinese dining and offer a unique opportunity to present the regional Chinese flavours that Spice Temple is famous for. In his words, “Mud Crabs are often considered a luxury, but the real treat for our guests this season is the limited-time $99… Read More

Category: CITIES, ASIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE, SYDNEY

Tags: Best crabs restaurant, Spice Temple

ARTS & CULTURE

Sydney Film Festival’s World Premier of Midnight Oil

28/04/2024

By James Banham

The 71st Sydney Film Festival is set to kick off with a bang as it proudly presents the World Premiere of Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line at its Opening Night Gala on Wednesday, June 5, at the prestigious State Theatre. Following the screening, a vibrant post-screening celebration will light up the Sydney Town Hall, marking a milestone event in the festival’s history. The Hardest Line unravels the pioneering narrative of Midnight Oil like never before on the silver screen. Defiant. Passionate. Vocal. Over their illustrious 45-year journey, ‘The Oils’ have left an indelible mark on modern Australia with anthems such as US Forces, Beds Are Burning, Blue Sky Mine, and Redneck Wonderland. This groundbreaking documentary features exclusive interviews with every band member, unseen live performances and studio footage, and iconic moments like the outback tour with Warumpi Band, the Exxon protest gig in New York, and the unforgettable “Sorry” suits at the Sydney Olympics, encapsulating the extraordinary odyssey of Australia’s quintessential rock ensemble. Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley expressed his excitement, stating, “We are delighted to feature Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line as our opening film this year. This documentary not only charts the remarkable journey of one of Australia’s most influential bands but also encapsulates the ethos of an era that reshaped our cultural and political landscapes. It is a tribute to their enduring legacy and a poignant reflection on their enduring influence that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.” Writer, director, and executive producer Paul Clarke shared his sentiments, “There exists no… Read More

British Museum and Huw Locke explore legacies of Empire

28/04/2024

By James Banham

The British Museum has embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration with the esteemed Guyanese-British artist, Hew Locke, for a significant new exhibition delving into how the Museum’s collection reflects the enduring legacies of British imperial power from centuries past to the present day. This innovative exhibition, co-curated by Locke, will showcase iconic objects from the Museum’s vast collection alongside specially commissioned new works by the artist himself. Throughout his illustrious career, Locke has demonstrated a profound interest in objects and the narratives they harbor. His connection to the British Museum collection dates back to his formative years as a student in London, where he frequented the Museum of Mankind to draw inspiration from its ethnographic collections. This forthcoming exhibition marks a milestone as Locke’s first venture into artist-curated museum exhibitions, offering him a unique opportunity to delve deeply into a museum collection unlike ever before. The rich history and holdings of the British Museum intertwine closely with the narrative of the British Empire. This exhibition is poised to dissect these intertwined histories while engaging with the contemporary debates swirling around cultural heritage. By focusing on Britain’s historical interactions with Africa, India, and the Caribbean—regions that significantly influenced Guyana, Locke’s place of upbringing—the exhibition will serve as a personal exploration by utilizing interventionist techniques to reframe historical objects within the collection. Locke’s exploration aims to unravel the intricate ways in which museums are entangled in the legacies of Empire, embracing the complexities and ambiguities of these narratives. Rather than providing definitive answers, Locke seeks to provoke introspection… Read More

Michelangelo last decades exhibition at British Museum this spring

28/04/2024

By James Banham

Delving deep into the intricate tapestry of the Renaissance master’s late career, this immersive showcase promises a revelatory exploration of how art and faith intertwined in the twilight years of an iconic artist.

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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