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: the f gay

Sydney will go rainbow for World Pride 2023

by James Banham

Posted: 16/10/2022

It’s official! Sydney is getting gayer. Organisations across Greater Sydney including the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, and the Scenic Skyway in Katoomba will be installing free, public artworks to celebrate the 17-day LGBTQIA+ festival that is World Pride 2023 – complete with Kylie Minogue – to welcome to world to Sydney. What can you expect? Here’s a run-down… The installations include a 50-metre-long abstract floral rainbow wall made up of around 18,000 colourful plants at The Calyx inside the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney – one of the largest living green walls in the Southern Hemisphere. The floral rainbow wall forms part of the Garden’s new Love Your Nature horticultural exhibition, which fittingly celebrates the diverse world of plant-love with a kaleidoscope of colour, plants and passion. The City of Sydney will install its own floral installations, including planter boxes and a floral wall, which will be created using hundreds of plants and foliage in the colours of the rainbow flag. Randwick Council will also update its famous 27-metre-long rainbow walkway at Coogee Beach to add the colours of the Progress Flag, a version of the traditional rainbow flag that includes additional stripes to represent people of colour and the trans community. In the Blue Mountains, Katoomba’s famous Scenic Skyway will be transformed into a giant progress flag, a dramatic vision set against the World Heritage landscapes of the Three Sisters and the Jamison Valley. Meanwhile, the University of Sydney will showcase a night-time rainbow mural throughout the festival at its Footbridge Gallery at the University’s… Read More

Category: CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Sydney World Pride, the f gay, the f sydney, THE F Sydney Pride, What to do Sydney World Pride, What's on World Pride Sydney

Gay and Loathing in Bris Vegas: The series starts

by James Banham

Posted: 22/03/2019

Australia’s own gay comedy series, Gay and Loathing in Bris Vegas is but days away from episode one, turning out the country’s first TV homage to the progress we’ve made, one one hand and the comedy behind being a gay man, on the other. Already a hit at festivals, the series recently opened the Brisbane Queer Film Festival and is in official selection at the Sicily Webfest and Web Series Festival Global in Los Angeles. The show was even selected to compete in the the semi-finals of the International Online Web Festival. The self-funded series was shot in Brisbane and the Gold Coast and was made with almost 40 local cast and crew. “It’s been the ‘Gone with the Wind’ of Australian web series”, say co-creator John Cahill. “But, if recent audience reaction to the three episodes that screened at the Brisbane Queer Film Festival is anything to go by, we’ve managed to create a great product that is funny and engaging. You can’t ask for more. Except maybe for an Emmy!” Set in Australia’s third largest city over a 2-day weekend, the series showcases the lives of 7 gay men as they traverse the cul-de-sacs of the sub-tropical suburbia (fondly referred to Barack Obama during the G20 Summit as Bris Vegas). The series is intentionally farcical, with the city a key character. “We wanted to tell an intrinsically Brisbane story because the city often takes a backseat to Melbourne and Sydney”, says John. While the title and the synopsis might suggest otherwise, the writers are quick… Read More

Category: BRISBANE, CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Australian gay, Brisvegas, gay australia, Gay TV shows, hiv, lgbtiq, PrEP, Queer as Folk, the f gay, THE F Gay Loathing Bris Vegas, THE F Gay TV Shows

Keep Mardi Gras going: A new type of anal play with Aneros

by James Banham

Posted: 05/03/2019

The glitter has settled – even though the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras didn’t endorse its use this year – guests have gone home and international visitors have boarded their planes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the party stops. And much like the Sydney Mardi Gras, which is one of the most socially accepting and creative events in the world on any calendar year that isn’t just for gay men and women, neither is what they practise outside of the public’s eye. Aneros knows this all too well. They’re one of the favourite producers and brand keepers of anal pleasure for men and women, to be honest, producing some of the finest tools on the market to get all kinds of jobs done. They’re the leaders in the world of men’s prostate massagers and have just launched a new one for their bands of customers, the Helix Syn Trident, which they say is the most advanced product of its kind on the market. It’s the second iteration of the first Helix Syn massager, which was all about ergonomics and health, as it provided relief from prostate complications and preventative measures for erectile dysfunction (ED). It was made with a lot of qualities, like a specially balanced body that provided a greater range of motion, increased responsiveness, and more focused internal stimulation. The latest version though, produces a spring-like action with a unique “cradling” sensation, for more external stimulation, with greater stability. This new arm configuration is more form-fitting, making the Helix Syn Trident comfortable for… Read More

Category: HEALTH & FITNESS, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Anal play, Aneros, Aneros Mardi Gras, Aneros prostate massagers, Best prostate massagers, mardi gras, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the f gay, ThE F Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras drinks: Parade views from the Pullman Hyde Park

by James Banham

Updated: 23/02/2019

There’s nothing quite as gay as Mardi Gras, so if glitter, rainbows, hot bods, banging music and drinks are your thing, then heading to the Pullman Hyde Park in Sydney is where you need to be. From beside the marshalling area of the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras down Oxford Street, the Pullman is serving drinks, food, rainbows and fabulosity like no other venue along the strip. The level 1 full length windows provide prime position to look down upon the parade’s rabble, in all their semi-nude, musically-fuelled, pro-LGBTIQ glory. Aptly named the Rainbow Room, it’s the place to be this 2 March 2019. Found at the top of College Street, just metres from Oxford Street’s official parade starting line, Pullman Hyde Park is serving up tickets for $149 per person that include exclusive entry to the bright and bold Rainbow Room, bottomless beverages from pop-up bars by event sponsors Gayle, Australia’s first equality conscious beer and cider. Top that off with Absolut – don’t miss their Absolut recovery brunch at the Beresford – canapés and fabulous entertainment from drag queen hosts Shebeast & Tora Hymen, with music by DJ Victoria Anthony. Following on after the fabulous pre-parade festivities, guests can make an exit, flashing their wrist bands to be given exclusive access to a College Street viewing area, allowing them to make their way through the glittering explosion that is the Mardi Gras Parade. Get your tickets at the Pullman’s website.

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

Tags: pullman hotel, Pullman Hotel Hyde Park, pullman mardi gras, pullman rainbow lounge, pullman sydney hyde park, Pullman Sydney Rainbow Lounge, sydney gay lesbian mardi gras, the f gay, ThE F Mardi Gras, THE F Pullman

Battle of the drag queens: The Winery hosts a rumble for mental health

by James Banham

Posted: 22/02/2019

Elizabeth, who? The real Queens of Sydney are about to turn up, do battle and do some good while they’re at it at Surry Hills’ The Winery, who’re putting on a gay royal rumble to donate dollars to the Black Dog Institute, for mental health. It’s all a part of the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Queens Minnie Cooper and Hanna Conda will battle it out to Lady Gaga and Freddie Mercury; Charisma Belle and Sia Tequila duelling Tina Turner, Cher and Dolly Parton on Wednesday and Sia Tequila and Jaquie St Hyde channelling Madonna and Kylie Minogue on Thursday, before the ultimate Battle of the Legends on Friday 1 March. It’s a full line-up that will donate 25% of ticket sales to Black Dog Institute, a research institute that works to reduce the incidence of mental illness and the stigma attached to it. Tickets for The Mardi Gras Tribute Nights are $20 with an Absolut cocktail on arrival and will run from Tuesday 26 February to Friday 1 March from 5pm. Tickets can be purchased from The Winery’s website.

Category: CITIES, DRAG, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Black Dog Institute, Drag queen battle, gay sydney, mardi gras, sydney gay lesbian mardi gras, the f gay, the winery, Winery Sydney Mardi Gras

Have brunch at the Beresford for Mardi Gras with Absolut

by James Banham

Updated: 18/02/2019

When the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras descends on Sydney, it means three things: more nudity, more drinking, less food, but better quality, at least. That’s why Absolut – who do those fabulous little gay bottles of vodka at this time of year – have again partnered with Sydney’s gay church Sunday session at the Beresford by Merivale, to put on a Mardi Gras brunch for the whole season. With brunch options for everyone (not just LGBTIQ people) on 17 and 24 February and 4 March, there’s enough of an excuse to get out and ‘be scene’, from 11-1 in February and 12-3 in March for the self titled “recovery brunch”. With standard brunch fare like eggs, bacon, hash roestis and such, it’s an all encompassing offering, but it’s the hero Absolut cocktails that really make it. Here’s the menu. Find the Beresford at 364 Bourke Street, Surry Hills.

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

Tags: absolut, beresford, Beresford Sydney, sydney gay lesbian mardi gras, sydney mardi gras, THE F Absolut, THE F Beresford, the f gay, ThE F Mardi Gras

Queer stand-up comedy series launches 17 January

by James Banham

Updated: 23/12/2018

There are a lot of comedy options out there, but none quite as gay as what’s coming in 2019. In association with Dekkoo Films, a bunch of gays will take to the stage for a stand-up comedy explosion that is OUT On Stage. It’s the latest instalment of the outrageously hilarious, diversely queer, stand-up comedy series hosted by Zach Noe Towers. It’ll be released on 17 January 2019. The gay comedy series features an eclectic lineup of renowned LGBTQ stand-up comedians, like Jonathan Rowell, Brendan Scannell, Casey Ley, Julian Michael, Irene Tu, JaredGoldstein, Raneir Pollard, Kyle Shire, Jordan Pease, Chris Bryant, Eric Hahn, DanielWebb, Joe Dosch, Gloria Bigelow, Anthony Desamito, Janine Brito, A.B. Cassidy and Zach Noe Towers. See more at their website.

Category: LIFESTYLE

Tags: dekkoo comedy, gay, gay blog, gay comedians, gay comedy, gay comedy out on stage, Gay news, lgbtiq comedy, out on stage, the f gay, the f gay blog

ARTS & CULTURE

breakdance head spin pexels pixabay 159273

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

film movie reel pexels daydream 20432081

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.