FOOD & DRINK

Where to go for good seafood in Bondi

24/04/2024

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

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.

Tag: sydney harbour

Highlights of SailGP in Sydney 2024

by James Banham

Updated: 17/01/2024

Get ready for heart-stopping action on the water as SailGP, the world’s most exciting race on-water, returns to Sydney for a record fifth time on the weekend of February 24th and 25th, 2024. Sydney Harbour, with its stunning backdrop, will set the stage for this exhilarating eighth event of the global championship. SailGP takes spectators on a thrilling journey as ten nations battle it out, showcasing their skills and speed on the water. The championship visits iconic cities worldwide, including San Francisco, New York, Auckland, and Los Angeles, making it a must-see event for sailing enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. But SailGP is not just about the racing; it offers an unforgettable experience for fans. With various ticketing options, you can choose from a range of on-water and on-land fan experiences. Here’s what you can look forward to: Last season, thousands of fans flocked to Sydney Harbour to witness the intensity and thrill of SailGP racing. This year, even more spectators from across Australia and around the world are expected to support Tom Slingsby’s green and gold team as they defend their title against nine rival nations. The Aussies are aiming for a fourth consecutive victory, and the home crowd’s support will undoubtedly provide an incredible boost for the team. Tom Slingsby, driver and CEO of the Australian team, expressed his excitement for the home event, highlighting the incredible experience of racing in front of a home crowd. He invites all Australians to rally behind the team and be part of this iconic event. It’s an… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FEATURES, SYDNEY

Tags: Sailing, sydney harbour, Sydney to Hobart, yacht

Share your Sydney Harbour Bridge story and celebrate its 90th birthday

Sydney Harbour Bridge complete whole ferry

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

The world renowned Sydney Harbour Bridge is turning 90 on 19 March 2022 and it’s time to celebrate. BridgeClimb Sydney – the company that operates and cares for the monument – is throwing open the doors to celebrate and wants to hear your untold stories of the bridge through it’s iconic life since 1932. Whether you or someone you know worked on the construction or maintenance of the Bridge, own a unique piece of Bridge memorabilia, or hold a special memory involving the Bridge, all submissions are welcome and can be submitted at their dedicated website. Nicknamed ‘the Coathanger’ because of its arched design, the 1,149m-long, 48.8m-wide structure is the world’s tallest steel arch bridge – measuring 134m from the top to the water below. It’s also the sixth longest spanning-arch bridge in the world. Get involved and help celebrate the milestone of one of our country’s most famous, beloved and practical icons! For more, head to the BridgeClimb website

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Harbour bridge, Share your Sydney Harbour Bridge story and celebrate its 90th birthday, sydney harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, NO, it’s the Red Bull Flugtag: in Sydney 10 November

by James Banham

Updated: 24/10/2018

The Red Bull Flugtag is on again in Sydney on 10 November, so look skywards (or a bit lower) to see the best minds in aviation really achieve their dreams. The Red Bull Flugtag challenges teams to design, pilot, and build their own unique flying machines off Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair on Sydney Harbour and the result is usually hilarious. And wet. It’s on this Saturday, 10 November after an eight-year hiatus. With over 35 teams complete with craft blueprints the competition will really take-off with Jamie Whincup as the official scrutineer and an aeronautical engineer who will be able to discern if the crafts will take flight or not. The contestants take flight off a 6-metre high platform in the hopes of soaring into the skies, or more often, plunging into the waters below. Red Bull Flugtag, which means Red Bull “flying day” in German, pushes the envelope of human-powered flight, but competitors need more than airtime to reach the podium. Teams are judged on three criteria: flight distance, creativity of the craft and showmanship. See more and plan your day there at the Red Bull Flugtag website.

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: bird man rally, flugtag sydney, flying man competition, red bull flugtag, red bull flugtag sydney, sydney harbour

Sydney is getting it’s own island dedicated to wine this summer

by James Banham

Posted: 27/09/2018

Wine Island is coming to Sydney, transforming Clark Island right in the middle of Sydney Harbour into a wine-sodden haven. For three days from Friday 2 November to Sunday 4 November 2018, the island will transform the stunning island into Australia’s most tropical and unique wine festival. What began as an event encouraging its ‘holiday-makers’ to discover a piece of paradise filled with good wine, food and music has evolved into a 3-day experience offering 3 exceptional packages. Complete with superyacht, serving-up satiable sustenance for the islanders, the delicious menu is jam packed with juicy burgers, loaded fries, Mediterranean pitas, fluffy boa buns by Chur Burger along with cheese platters and oysters galore. A tropical island destination heralding the arrival of our Aussie summer, it doesn’t get much better than that. See more at the Wine Island website.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: clark island, sydney harbour, sydney wine, sydney wine island, wine island

The boozy and bougie Sydney Brunch Club will serve up bottomless Moet on Sydney Harbour cruises

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

There’s a new brunch club in Sydney – and it comes with bottomless Moet. The Sydney Brunch Club is casting off for the first time from Woolloomooloo’s Finger Wharf at 10.00am on September 22 and 23, serving-up good times, sunny skies and endless food and champagne for its guests. From the moment you step aboard, you’re flute in-hand as you find a nook on board and be cruised around the Harbour ’til 1pm. After an onslaught of tunes on board by Dan Rowntree and food by The Blonde Butler, you then hop back on dry land for a yet-to-be-revealed party atop one beloved Woollomooloo rooftop nearby. Tickets are $150 a pop from the Sydney Brunch Club website.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: sydney brunch club, sydney cruises, sydney harbour, sydney harbour cruise, sydney summer boat cruise, tickets sydney brunch club, where to go cruise sydney

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.