Parisi is the hidden healthy lunch spot you need to visit in Barangaroo

Travelling abroad can sometimes be costly, prompting travellers to be more mindful of their expenses and look for activities that cost less or preferably are free of charge. Those planning a trip to the birthplace of blues, soul & rock’n’roll and the BBQ capital of the world, Memphis, will be thrilled to find a range of activities in the Tennessee city without spending a buck or at a discounted rate. Memphis was not only voted one of the Best Places to Go in 2023 by Conde Nast Traveller but was also the Number 1 U.S. Destination on a Budget in 2023 by USAToday. According to a study last year, Memphis hotel rates were 28% lower than the U.S. average. Seeing some of Memphis’ biggest attractions can mean spending a good chunk of the trip’s budget on tickets, but there’s a wide range of museums and attractions that offer free admissions so travellers can save money without missing out on the fun. There are also multiple walking tours and even a culinary trail to follow and save money during the trip. Free Admissions to Museums and Attractions Free and Affordable Music Experiences Free and Affordable Trails and Walking Tours Explore more of Memphis here.

Travelling for State of Origin? Try these

17/07/2024

As New South Wales and Queensland gear up for the final battle of the State of Origin, competition is ramping up both on and off the field. With both states boasting breathtaking landscapes, stunning coastlines, and iconic attractions, it’s no surprise that the states are head-to-head when it comes to the ultimate road-trip destinations. Budget Australia has rounded up the top road trip destinations so that travellers can hit the road and decide for themselves. Now it’s up to them to hit the road and be the judge of who comes out on top! For those planning their next trip, Budget Australia is currently offering free SUV upgrades to make sure your trip is match-ready for the whole team. Minnamurra Rainforest, NSW, vs. Mt Tamborine, QLD Just a few hours’ drive from both state’s respective capitals, both Minnamurra Rainforest and Mount Tamborine are home to stunning vistas, dense rainforest, and awe-inspiring waterfalls. Pack your swimmers and hiking boots to make the most of your visit. Hilltops Region, NSW vs. Granite Belt, QLD Less known on a global scale, the Hilltops Region and Granite Belt are two exciting emerging regions that should be on any wine lover’s bucket list. Explore Young’s surrounding Hilltops Region, four hours from Sydney, and sample their takes on Italian classics like Nebbiolo, Prosecco, or Sangiovese, or head to the Granite Belt for a robust Shiraz or Chardonnay. Broken Hill, NSW vs. Birdsville, QLD Head into Australia’s beating red heart and discover the unique appeal of Birdsville and Broken Hill. Be amazed… Read More

Crete in Greece: the Greek island you need to visit

12/07/2024

Are you one of those who can’t stop hearing about the allure of Crete but have yet to experience its magic firsthand? Well, let’s dive into why this magnificent island, as endorsed by the renowned Crete family holiday resort Fodele Beach, deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. Here is why Greeks are so good at hospitality 1. Coastal Bliss and Blue Flag Beaches Galore Crete, the majestic gem of the Greek islands, unfolds over 600 miles of breathtaking coastline, adorned with 139 Blue Flag beaches recognised for their pristine waters and eco-conscious management. Nestled in this coastal paradise is Fodele Beach Resort, offering direct access to a well-preserved beach, ideal for a spontaneous summer escape or a serene late summer retreat. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and immerse yourself in a plethora of water adventures, from exhilarating jet skiing and stand-up paddleboarding to tranquil canoeing and captivating scuba diving at premier dive sites just a stone’s throw away. Relax on the resort’s sunbeds, soaking up ample Vitamin D in between your aquatic escapades. Why Crete is a better option than Mykonos 2. Cultural and Natural Marvels for the Curious Souls For the adventurers at heart craving cultural immersions, the iconic Palace of Knossos, steeped in the legend of the Minotaur, beckons as a must-visit attraction for first-time Crete explorers. A mere 30-minute drive from Fodele Beach Resort, this archaeological marvel promises a riveting half-day journey through the remnants and intricate frescoes of the Minoan Civilisation, captivating both parents and children alike. Embark on… Read More

Tag: sydney

Parisi is the hidden healthy lunch spot you need to visit in Barangaroo

Updated: 08/05/2023

If you’re a city worker who falls into the Macca’s trap a little too often, you need to get yourself down to Barangaroo and discover the hidden gem that is Parisi. The cafe is located at the base of International Tower One right in the heart of Barangaroo, so if you’re not working in the building you could easily miss it. But look out for the sign, step inside and be transported into a world of healthy paninis, fresh salads, made to order juices and smoothies and delicious treats, all featuring originality and seasonality as key ingredients. This is healthy eating and lunch at it’s finest. When we say you won’t find fruit salads this diverse, or smoothies that inventive, we mean it! The reason for this focus on freshness and quality, is the team behind the cafe, Parisi Australia. Dating back to 1954, the team behind this fresh produce wholesaler service some of the best cafes (including their own) and restaurants in Australia. Their belief in offering quality products, ready to eat meals, gifting, catering and growing partnerships with local growers and farmers Australia wide, has been their bread and butter since the beginning. You can order groceries directly from them online, or visit their cafe in Barangaroo or Sydney Fish Market. Love the actual plates and dishes you see on the menu? Same. We found some similar!

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

Tags: barangaroo, city lunch, healthy meal, parisi, sydney

Meet Jane: Sydney’s place for the best happy hour

Updated: 22/04/2023

Foodies of Sydney, brace yourselves for the ultimate Happy Hour experience! Starting from May 1st, Jane founder and executive chef, Tristan Rosier, brings to you “Jane – Sydney’s Best Happy Hour” – a culinary and beverage experience unlike anything before. Running between 5pm and 6pm Monday to Friday, and with extended hours of 4pm to 6pm on weekends, Jane’s Happy Hour boasts an array of sensational snacks under $15.00 and drinks starting at just $6.00. And with the Covid-safe measures in place, you can enjoy all these delights in a beautiful, elegantly-lit atmosphere. One of the key selling points of Jane’s Happy Hour is the award-winning RHUBI Mistelle, a handcrafted rhubarb aperitif from Victoria that serves as the foundation of some of the most extraordinary cocktails on the menu. The signature drink, The Australiano, priced at just $6.00, is a popular favourite created with RHUBI Mistelle, Regal Rouge vermouth, bitter citrus, and mandarin. The drinks list also includes other imaginative cocktails, such as White Possum G&Ts, RHUBI and Soda, chilled red wine, VB, and the in-house special, Jane Martini. In addition to the remarkable drinks menu, Jane’s team of chefs serve up the perfect pairing of locally sourced, Australian inspired snacks or larger share dishes with highlights set to include Sydney Rock Oysters, Duck Croquettes, marinated Port Lincoln sardines with kingfish Nduja, Lamb Dumplings and the famously delicious Kangaroo Tartare. Priced between $2.00 and $15.00, the snacks have been curated to showcase a range of flavours from all over the region. For enthusiasts seeking the… Read More

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

Tags: Happy hour Sydney, sydney

Why you need to see La Boheme – we speak to lead male singer Atalla Ayan

Updated: 10/03/2023

Opera Australia is putting on La Boheme this season at the Sydney Opera House, as part of their year-long celebration of the world famous Sydney Opera House’s 50th birthday this year in 2023. Ahead of the show wrapping-up and to remind you that yes, you do need to see it before it leaves the stage, we had a chat to its lead tenor, Atalla Ayan, opera singing extraordinaire who is taking on the role of Rodolfo for Opera Australia in this production on at the Sydney Opera House until 11 March 2023. How exciting is it for you to be taking it on the role of Rodolfo with Opera Australia? Singing Rodolfo means a lot to me – it was the very first role I’ve sang on stage professionally and it is certainly very close to my heart. Singing Rodolfo means experiencing the joy of singing and the passion for living every moment as the last one. Are you excited to be singing in the Opera House? I just love singing in Sydney! People are the nicest, the House is great to sing in and colleagues are the best. It is a pleasure and a true gift for me singing in the magnificent Sydney Opera House! And an honour, really. Also, I’ve got to make a point: the audience is just amazing! H emotionally invested do you have to be in your character. How do you do it? Singing La Boheme taught me something beautiful about life: The passion and the joy of living every moment, every second as… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, OPERA, SYDNEY

Tags: Atalla Ayan, Best operas, la boheme sydney, Opera guide Sydney, Opera singer Atalla Ayan, sydney, sydney opera, sydney opera house, What opera to see in Sydney

Over 40 parties to get into this Sydney World Pride 2023

Updated: 17/02/2023

From 17 February – 5 March to celebrate Sydney WorldPride 2023, there are over 40 new parties and events to get your gay on. They’re saying there’s an event to suit everyone with drag brunches, long lunches, dog shows and rooftop parties, plus Merivale’s inaugural Pride Plane experience, so we’ve done some digging and pulled out some favourites, listed below – there are too many options, though to list them all! Rest assured, if you’re used to Sydney’s renowned Mardi Gras celebrations, the oldies will still be back, like Vic on the Pardi Gras (at Vic on the Park Hotel, Marrickville), The Beresford Dog Show and Drag Brunches taking place across The Beresford, Coogee Rooftop, Queen Chow Enmore, ivy Pool Club and The Paddington. DRAG GALA AT TARONGA ZOO This year, as part of WorldPride, the team have launched the inaugural Drag Gala performance, featuring performances from the one and only Karen from Finance alongside several best, iconic and most sought-after drag superstars: KITA MEAN, SPANKIE JACKZON & CARLA FROM BANKSTOWN Highlighting the diverse range of talent, disciplines and backgrounds that the Down Under drag scene offers, the Drag Gala will be a fresh new format, with group acts, duos and solos. The Drag Gala will be hosted by the queen of corporate herself, Karen From Finance, who recently placed as one of the top four finalists in season one of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, which took to international airways in May 2021. Get tickets here DRAG HAUS WORLD PRIDE 2023 With 15+ Queens in the mix, and 30+ performances, this supersized Drag Haus will be a true showing of drag excellence for… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, LGBTIQ, SYDNEY

Tags: gay sydney, merivale sydney, sydney, sydney gay, Where to celebrate World Pride, World Pride parties, World Pride Sydney

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge this Valentine’s Day

Two men kissing atop Sydney Harbour Bridge

Tags: Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge, Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge this Valentine's Day, sydney, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Valentine's Day Sydney

Updated: 11/02/2023

If you’re sharing your life with that special someone, take it to the next level – kind of literally! – this February with a climb up the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge! The Bridge has become known for great initiatives and special experiences for Sydney locals and visitors from all over the world and this is the latest. Prove how sky-high your love is! The opportunity to celebrate love at new heights with a Valentine’s Day picnic experience like no other will see you ascend the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and bask in the stunning views with your significant other. After your climb, enjoy a lavish picnic at a picturesque location while admiring the magnificent Bridge you just scaled. The luxury menu features a sumptuous graze board, beautifully decorated picnic table, and romantic music, among other delightful surprises. For every Climb, Graze & Gaze purchase, you’ll make a difference by providing 10 meals to those in need, through our partnership with OzHarvest. Starting from $846, this one-of-a-kind experience is the perfect way to make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable. Book now at the Bridge Climb website and make a difference while creating lasting memories.

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIA, CITIES, SYDNEY, TRAVEL

Where to go in Sydney for true blue Aussie food

Posted: 10/12/2022

Whether you’re hosting a guest from overseas or just feel like embracing Australiana style food, we’ve found the best spot to spend your time: The Australian Heritage Hotel. Situated in the heart of The Rocks, Sydney, this heritage listed site ticks all the boxes of modern Australian vibes. Pub? Tick. Endless choice of local craft beers? Tick. Rooftop? Tick. Unique menu of classic with a twist? Tick. Good vibes? Tick tick. The venue has indoor and outdoor seating and is the perfect place to spend a summer evening admiring the wonderful city that is Sydney. Their craft beer fridge is very well stocked with latest releases and over 130 stand out brews, they’re dog friendly at street level and they also host pub games during the week for a bit of fun. Perhaps the real stand out is the menu though. Their signature pizza, the Coat of Arms, boasts both emu and kangaroo and is topped with a tasty lemon myrtle mayo. If that’s not enough native animals for you, there is also a crocodile pizza! The kitchen strives to use native plants and peppers to flavour the food, while also staying true to the classic pub favourites (yes, there is a chicken schnitty). If you’re after something on the healthier side, the salmon fillet is divine and there are plenty of salads to choose from. There’s truly something for everyone, especially the dessert which features a lamington ice cream sandwich and smashed pavolva (shhh, don’t tell New Zealand). Open 7 days and 7 nights,… Read More

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

Tags: Australian food, australian heritage hotel, modern australian, sydney, the aussie, the rocks

World Pride exhibition in Sydney with The Huxleys and an installation by Paul Yore

Posted: 30/11/2022

Gay Sydney and The Huxleys are almost synonymous. Their glitter, their glam and their avant garde approach to drag, art and immersive exhibitionism is seconded by very few around the world. And this year, the Huxleys duo, artist Paul Yore and other contemporaries will put on a show worthy of World Pride in Sydney for the millions of punters from across the globe. MORE: Kylie Minogue will headline World Pride Sydney In 2024, Carriageworks in Eveleigh Sydney, one of Australia’s most significant contemporary multi-arts organisations, today announced a dynamic program spanning visual arts and live performance to be presented as part of Sydney Festival 2023. Presented from 5 January – 5 March 2023, a major new exhibition Bloodlines by Melbourne-based collaborative duo The Huxleys will honour legendary queer artists lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Utilising the artists’ skills in costume design, performance and photography, the exhibition will include large-scale photographic works, video art and an opening live art party on 4 January. The exhibition will also feature a durational collaborative installation that invites the community to contribute panels to be sewn together into a quilt, reminiscent of the AIDS Memorial Quilts created during the 80s and 90s. Bloodlines is a heartfelt tribute to LGBTQIA+ artists, including Leigh Bowery, Robert Mapplethorpe, Keith Haring and Sylvester, that continue to inspire the practices of The Huxleys and countless artists working today. Artist Paul Yore will present Paul Yore: WORD MADE FLESH, a major immersive installation, from 5 January – 26 February 2023. WORD MADE FLESH is a new… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DRAG, FEATURES, LGBTIQ, SYDNEY

Tags: Gay art Sydney. Sydney gays, gay sydney, sydney, What to see World Pride Sydney, What's On Sydney, World Pride, World Pride Sydney, World Pride what's on

Experience the heart of Surry Hills at this month long festival

Updated: 12/11/2022

Beloved Sydney suburb Surry Hills is showcasing the best it has to offer (which is a lot) over the month of November. From 1-30 November, the Heart of Surry Hills festival will bring together the area’s renowned and unique culinary flavours and experiences in one all-encompassing showcase. The month-long program of food and beverage, art, markets and music includes a community art project, signature cocktails and brews, bespoke dining menus, walking tours, and even a free showcase event in Shannon Reserve featuring live music, DJ’s, food and beverage all celebrating the local brewers and distillers of Surry Hills. City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said, “The City of Sydney is proud to support the month-long program. This activation for the month of November highlights the very best of our world-class hospitality venues, distilleries, and breweries as well as connecting communities through art and music.” A culinary adventure awaits those bold enough to sample the specialty dishes and cocktails being created across more than 40 Surry Hills participating venues. Dining Experience Ambassador Jimmy Wong said, “At the Heart of Surry Hills, come and discover the vibrant and often surprising food, dining and drinks scene, right here in my Surry Hills. From the early hours of breakfast right through to the night, there is always something exciting to be discovered. Try a special cocktail at Eileen’s bar at the Four Pillars Laboratory, dine with an enviable degustation at The Blue Door, revel in urban chic at Tokki and savour stunning Italian cuisine at Mille Vini.” On… Read More

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

Tags: Best cafes Surry Hills, Best restaurants Surry Hills, festival, Heart of Surry Hills, surry hills, Surry Hills Sydney, sydney

Italy meets Mexico at Giorgio de Maria’s wine takeover of Sonora

Posted: 19/10/2022

In case you missed it, Italian wine and delicious Mexican food have made a marriage at Sonora this month. Prominent wine connoisseur Giorgio de Maria is taking over the wine menu at Milpa Collective’s Potts Point venue, Sonora for the entire month of October. Highlighting the fusion between Italian wines and Mexican cuisine, de Maria has selected a curated range of tipples from bubbles, to whites, reds and even digestives, with by the glass available and full bottles ranging from $80-140. Key menu highlights include La Morella II Monte 2020 as a white wine option, Le Coste Litzorro Rosato 2020 as a Rosé option and Camigliano Nero del Gobbo 2020 as a red wine option. Our personal favourite (and acknowledged bougie choice) was the Alice Bonaccorsi Etna Rosso 2016, which paired up beautifully with Sonora’s signature BBQ Eggplant. The best part is that this collab goes both ways, with Milpa Collective lending its expertise in the world of mezcal and spirits to de Maria’s venue Paski Vineria Popolare, with The Messicano cocktail. The Messicano is a Culatta infused (cured ham from Parma) mezcal, with luli aperitivo, soda and Paski’s own fermented green sauce, and it’s exclusively available at Paski Vineria Popolare during October. We love to see hospitality thriving as life returns to normal, and we especially love seeing two iconic places team up to create fresh, innovative menu items together. Hurry! These collaborations are only available until the end of the month. Bookings are essential.

Category: FOOD & DRINK, MEXICAN FOOD

Tags: italian wine, mexican food, sonora, sydney

Sydney’s favourite chicken joint BUTTER teams up with Spotify A1 for limited edition eats

Updated: 22/06/2022

If you’ve ever been to BUTTER, Sydney’s hottest chicken shop, you’ll know it’s hard to go past the classics. However thanks to a new partnership with Spotify you will be quickly forgetting the famous Cheezus burger and opting for the new limited edition bites. BUTTER and Spotify have teamed up to launch the BUTTER x Spotify A1 menu. Inspired by local hip-hop artists A.Girl, ChillinIT and Day1, the uber popular A1 playlist and talent has lead to BUTTER feast for the ears and mouth with limited edition menu items from $25 such as: ChillinIT Canadian Sandwich Fried chicken burger with Chivas maple BBQ sauce, maple bacon, cheese, mayo and fries in the sandwich A.GIRL Nashville Sandwich Nashville spiced fried chicken sandwich with buttermilk ranch, fried runny egg and lettuce (note: excludes egg at Surry Hills store) Day 1 Fried Chicken Snack Pack 2 fried chicken tenders with mozzarella, house Spicy BBQ sauce and spicy mayo on a bed of fries Upgrades to include the divine cinnamon donuts and drinks, plus a family box also available if you want to go all out. “We’re so hyped to be working with Spotify’s A1 and some of our favourite and diverse local hip hop community artists to create our limited edition menu. We hope that Sydneysiders love the delicious A1 menu – we’ve had a great time working closely with ChillinIT, A.GIRL and Day1 to bring this to life.” – Julian Cincotta, Owner, Exec Chef and COO at BUTTER Sydney Get your mouths around it for two weeks… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, MUSIC, SYDNEY

Tags: butter, limited edition, spotify, sydney

ARTS & CULTURE

Good news for the London Museum revamp

06/09/2024

In a bold move to enrich London’s cultural landscape, the City of London Corporation and the Mayor of London have pledged an additional £50 million towards the creation of the new London Museum. So if history and the arts are your thing, then get excited! Nestled within the historic Smithfield markets, this ambitious project, designed by Stanton Williams and Asif Khan, is set to become one of Europe’s most significant cultural infrastructure projects, preserving the iconic market buildings for future generations. With a generous contribution of £25 million each from the City of London Corporation and the Mayor, the funding boosts the museum’s overall project budget to £437 million. Accompanying this, the museum is on a mission to raise an additional £30 million, with nearly half already secured through private donations and philanthropic efforts. The transformation of the Victorian General Market and Poultry Market into world-class spaces for art and learning is well underway. Slated to open in 2026, the General Market will showcase the museum’s permanent galleries, bringing to life more of its renowned collection than ever before. By 2028, the Poultry Market will house a cutting-edge learning centre, temporary exhibition spaces, and a publicly accessible collections store, inviting visitors to explore behind the scenes of the museum’s vast collection. Sharon Ament, Director of the London Museum, expressed her excitement about the project: “Thousands of Londoners are helping to shape this fantastic new museum which will not only explore our city’s rich history but the people and places that make it such a vibrant… Read More

Sydney Contemporary announces MA Art Prize winner as First Nations artist Alfred Lowe

05/09/2024

The eighth edition of Sydney Contemporary opens its doors today at Carriageworks, promising an exhilarating display of artistic prowess that spans the globe.

Sydney Dance Company brings ‘momenta’ dance to Melbourne

05/09/2024

Sydney Dance Company is set to captivate Melbourne audiences with the debut of Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela’s latest creation, ‘momenta’, at the Arts Centre Melbourne from 8-12 October. This full-length dance work, which has already garnered critical acclaim in Sydney, is a celebration of the profound beauty and fragility of shared humanity. Through the dynamic and evocative language of contemporary dance, ‘momenta’ delves into the ephemeral nature of human connections and encounters. Bonachela’s choreography is renowned for its intricate rhythmic patterns and inventive partnering, and ‘momenta’ is no exception. The 17 dancers of Sydney Dance Company transcend their physical boundaries, showcasing a breathtaking blend of grace, power, and vulnerability. Each movement is designed to resonate through space, creating a visceral experience for audiences as they are drawn into a world where raw emotion seamlessly blends with exquisite technique. The performance is elevated by the evocative electronic soundscapes of composer Nick Wales, who weaves in elements from P?teris Vasks, adding layers of depth to the narrative. Elizabeth Gadsby’s immersive set design and Damien Cooper’s striking lighting further enhance the atmosphere, capturing the essence of fleeting moments suspended between past and future. These elements converge to create a space where individual trajectories collide and intertwine, echoing the transient nature of life itself. Rafael Bonachela expressed his excitement about bringing ‘momenta’ to Melbourne, stating, “We’re thrilled to present momenta in Melbourne for the first time. momenta is a testament to the ephemeral yet profound connections that weave through all of our lives. From the most tender exchanges to… Read More

Listen to Beethoven live in Sydney

02/09/2024

In a celebration of musical revolution and historical milestones, the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall will play host to a landmark event on 26 October 2024—an extraordinary concert commemorating the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. This monumental piece, renowned for its powerful ‘Ode to Joy’ choral finale, redefined the symphonic form by integrating human voices, and has since become a resounding anthem for equality, freedom, and unity across the globe. Presented for one inspirational concert only, “Ode to Joy – Beethoven & Smyth” promises an evening steeped in musical brilliance and historical significance. Under the baton of the inimitable Elizabeth Scott, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ 400-strong Festival Chorus, alongside special guest soloists Bronwyn Douglass, Helen Sherman, Bradley Daley, and Michael Honeyman, will bring this masterpiece to life. Adding another layer of youthful exuberance to the performance, the Sydney Youth Orchestra will join forces in this magnificent collaboration. Not content with merely celebrating Beethoven’s legacy, the program also shines a spotlight on another trailblazing composer, Dame Ethel Smyth. Known for her fervent activism and defiance of societal norms, Smyth’s contributions to music and the suffragette movement remain inspiring. Her grand Mass in D, hailed as a masterpiece upon its premiere in 1893, will be performed, echoing the sentiments of George Bernard Shaw, who praised her work for dispelling the notion that women could not accomplish great feats in art. Smyth, a formidable figure in the male-dominated world of classical music, used her platform to champion equality. Her anthem, “The March of the Women,” composed during… Read More

Bridgerton candlelight concert comes to Sydney

02/09/2024