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: sydney cocktails

The best of Sicily in Sydney this summer

by James Banham

Posted: 04/04/2024

Prepare for a taste adventure that whisks you away to Italy’s vibrant regions, all without leaving the heart of Sydney. From April 10th, Fratelli Fresh invites you on an unparalleled Italian Spritz Tour, a celebration of Italy’s rich culinary diversity across all 5 of our scenic locations in Sydney. Sip your way through Italy with ten uniquely crafted spritz cocktails, each a tribute to the distinct flavours and traditions of Italy’s regions. From the zest of Veneto’s Aperol Spritz to the tangy delights of Sicilia’s Blood Orange Spritz, your palate is in for a thrilling expedition. Dive into the effervescence of Italy for $21 per glass or opt for a shared experience with our $44 jugs—perfect for toasting to the art of Italian aperitivo with friends. Don’t miss your passport to Italy’s spritz culture. Make Fratelli Fresh your next destination for an Italian escapade that’s just a sip away! Reserve your spot on the Italian Spritz Tour and indulge in the sunny spirit of Italy at Fratelli Fresh. Saluti! Make a booking

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

Tags: Fratelli Sydney, Fratteli Fresh Sydney, sydney cocktails

National Margarita Day at El Camino Cantina

by THE F

Updated: 12/02/2024

Get ready for a legendary fiesta as El Camino Cantina and Bar Patrón, two iconic brands known for their passion for all things tequila and margarita, gear up to celebrate National Margarita Day on February 22nd. A Legendary Rita Lineup at El Camino Cantina El Camino Cantina’s love for margaritas goes beyond just one day, as they’re turning up the heat for National Margarita Day with an entire week of celebration from February 19th to 25th. Guests are invited to sip on a different turbocharged flavor every day of the week, showcasing an ever-rotating lineup of crave-worthy flavors. Each margarita is available on the rocks and frozen, or even as a Cadillac margarita adorned with their signature float of Grand Marnier. For the true tequila fanatics, tasting paddles are also available, serving up four lip-smacking Rita flavors at once. The ultimate margarita extravaganza experience is available across the 11 El Camino Cantina locations around the country, including in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. The Rocks (Sydney), Manly (Sydney), Southbank (Melbourne), and Surfers Paradise (Queensland) locations even have live DJs spinning, keeping the fiesta rocking all night long in the quintessential El Cam style. Margarita Specials All Day at Bar Patrón For those seeking an upscale and sophisticated National Margarita Day experience, Bar Patrón establishes itself once again as the irreplaceable destination. On February 22nd, Bar Patrón invites guests to embark on a tantalizing journey into the world of Patrón Tequila. Indulge in a highly exclusive and bespoke selection of margarita cocktails crafted by expert… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: el camino cantina sydney, El Camino Sydney, margaritas sydney, sydney cocktails, Sydney margarita

Sydney Spirits Festival makes debut

by THE F

Posted: 18/01/2024

Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey of taste and excitement at the inaugural Sydney Spirits Festival! From May 10th to 12th, 2024, the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney Cove will host the largest and most diverse gathering of its kind in Australia. With a remarkable array of 148 brands spanning whisk(e)y, gin, rum, vodka, tequila, and much more, this event is set to unleash your inner spirit and introduce you to a world of flavours. Indulge in Rare Finds and Exotic Tastes Prepare your taste buds for a tantalizing adventure as the festival brings together rare and award-winning spirits from around the globe. From German and Japanese gin to American peanut butter whisky, Greek vermouth, Brazilian cachaça, and Australian gold medal-winning negronis, there’s something to excite every palate. This is your chance to discover unique flavours and fall in love with new favorites that will leave a lasting impression. Meet the Stars of the Spirits World The Sydney Spirits Festival is not just about the drinks, but also about the incredible personalities behind them. Prepare to rub shoulders with renowned figures in the spirits industry who will be making special appearances throughout the event. Tasmanian Bill Lark, Australia’s “Godfather of Whisky,” will be offering samples and signing bottles at stand 7. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Gee David from Buffalo Trace Distillery, an American bourbon expert pouring samples of their world-famous bourbon. And make sure to visit Mikey Enright of Hickson House, who will showcase his award-winning gin and whisky. Ester Spirits,… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: Spirits, Sydney best cocktails, sydney cocktails, Sydney spirits festival

Mother’s Day drinks in Sydney: Spritz Bar and Gin Lane

by James Banham

Posted: 24/04/2019

Sure, having you as a child is probably great and all, but sometimes Mums just need to drown their sorrows, which is why some bars in Sydney and turning it up for them this Mother’s Day. In the lead up to it, master mixologist from Gin Lane & Spritz Bar in Chippendale, Grant Collins, has selected two of his wackiest cocktails to sell at happy hour prices all week. Spritz Bar will put on a cucumber and rose G&T, while Gin Lane has an indulgent champagne and strawberry martini on offer, both for $15 each. Gin Lane Inspired by the Gin Lane print by English artist William Hogarth, the bar is a little bit 1750s-cum-2019, albeit with a sophisticated edge. It’s set in a beautifully restored 18th century terraced town house and captures the building’s old-world charm, with rich jewel tones, warm lighting and timber features. It’s ideal for their Mum’s Day beverage that’s all about neo-classicism and pink, on her special day, working for its charismatic appeal that’re perfect for long evenings of conversation over delicious cocktails. Find Gin Lane on Kensington Street, Chippendale. Spritz Bar A cocktail signature of the Sydney summer, the spritz (Aperol) has won a spot in the hearts of all drinkers and the Spritz Bar, on a rooftop along Kensington Street, isn’t letting it go this autumn. Purposed to do good spritzes, often on Kensington Street, Spritz Bar is about the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing drink and nibbles both before and after dinner and now, Mother’s Day…. Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Aperol Spritz Sydney, gin lane, Mothers Day cocktails, Mothers Day drinks Cocktails, Mothers Day drinks Sydney, Spritz Bar Sydney, sydney cocktails, THE F Gin Lane, THE F Spritz Bar

ARTS & CULTURE

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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.

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