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: toyota

Unleash your inner daredevil with the all-new 2023 Toyota GR Corolla

by James Banham

Posted: 10/12/2023

While some cars simply weather the storm, the all-new 2023 Toyota GR Corolla embraces it with unrivaled excitement. This rip-roaring daredevil is the rowdiest member of the GR family, making it every gearhead’s dream come true. With its exclusively manual transmission and rally-built hot hatch design, this track-tested beast is ready to take on the road while still being suitable for running errands. Buckle up and get ready for the most thrilling ride of your life. Passion is what fuels innovation, and at Gazoo Racing (GR), Toyota’s global motorsports division, our passion for motorsports takes us to new heights. By challenging ourselves on the race track, we continuously learn and improve. It is this dedication to growth that led us to develop the GR Corolla, a rallying beast born to be driven. Toyota is absolutely ecstatic to welcome this genuine hot hatch to the rest of the unmistakable GR lineup, offering sports cars for the everyday driver. Engineered to compete in the World Rally Championship, the GR Corolla is designed to deliver peak motorsports performance. Developed at the same Motomachi plant as the GR Yaris, you can be certain that this car is built to help you redefine your limits. Its all-weather capable GR-FOUR AWD system distributes vigorous power to your front and rear wheels, ensuring ultimate traction. With three selectable power settings – Street Mode, Touring Mode, and Track Mode – you have the flexibility to transform your driving experience based on the thrills you seek. And if that’s not enough, the available dual… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CARS

Tags: toyota, Toyota Corolla, toyota review

Ultimate winter wonderland guide: top holiday destinations you can drive to in Australia

Razorback_Lookout,_Flinders_Ranges_-_South_Australia

by THE F

Posted: 19/04/2021

We’re allowed out, the weather’s getting chilly and the desire to see more of our own backyard’s never been stronger! Here’s where to go if you’re in the ‘throw everything in the boot – like the spacious option of Toyota’s SUVs, like C-HR city SUV – and go’-kind of mood. NSW – Capertee Valley Capertee Valley is home to the world’s second largest canyon! Make sure you spend a night (or two) in the cosy comfort Bubble Tent, looking up all the bright stars and falling asleep to the sounds of animals, wind and rain. Of course there’s a wood-fired tub and a fire pit (outside the tent!) to keep you warm and relaxed. VIC – High Country A region of diverse beauty and breathtaking views, yes especially during winter season! Whether you’re up for a ski over the Alps or a romantic snow-watching with your partner, High Country has it all! SA – Flinders Ranges and Outback Snow falls in some rare parts of the Flinders Ranges (if you’re lucky), they said! Driving through the Flinders Ranges and Outback, you’d probably think that you’re in another planet, as the surroundings might be something you had never seen before! Don’t forget to pay a visit to the beautiful nature spring, Coward Springs. How springs, cold weather, good times – what more could you ask for? ACT – Snowy Mountain Perfect destination for those who enjoy skiing and snowboarding! But don’t worry if you’re not a sport enthusiast, other fun experiences are also available in this region… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Australia travel guide, Driving holidays ideas, Holidays you can drive to, Top winter travel ideas, toyota, Ultimate winter wonderland guide top holiday destinations you can drive to in Australia, Where to travel Australia, Winter holiday ideas

The new Toyota Yaris test drive: compact in size but clean, green and huge on safety features

by Emi Berry

Updated: 16/11/2022

Good looks. Tick. Compact. Tick. Safety features. Tick. Hybrid option. Tick. The latest Toyota Yaris is hard to go past if you’re in the market for a compact-sized vehicle. There are three grades available in the new Yaris range – Ascent Sport, the SX, and the top of the range, ZR. If cleaner and greener are high on your list of priorities, the hybrid version (available in the SX and ZR) delivers outstanding performance and efficiency by combining the benefits of an electric motor with a petrol engine. We test drove the ZR and the verdict is out – the 1.5L Toyota Hybrid System with auto CVT is big on safety features, technology, and fuel efficiency. Providing a smooth and comfortable ride, the Yaris is perfect for city driving and squeezing into those tight, awkward parking spots with the assistance of front and rear parking sensors as well as a reversing camera (which is standard across the range). But with cutting edge safety technology such as the head-up display, blind-spot monitor, lane trace assist (steering assistance when you’re out of line), and pre-collision safety system, this is also the perfect ride for those long, out-of-town road trips. There’s no danger of cramping your style as there’s ample space to throw in your luggage, plus extra space designed underneath the floor of the boot. One of the first things you notice when you turn the engine on is how quiet the hybrid system is. You have to check twice to make sure the car is actually… Read More

Category: CARS, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Australian car test drive, Car blog, toyota, Toyota Australia, Toyota blog, toyota yaris, Toyota Yaris 2020 revies, Toyota Yaris test drive, Toyotas test drive review, Toyots 2020 test drive, Yaris

The return to recreation: The new Toyota RAV4 is the car for life

Toyota RAV4 2019 parked outside the d'Arenberg Cube in Adelaide

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

We’re in the age of the SUV! Literally every car manufacturer that matters is playing in the space and pumping out car-after-life-inspiring-car that makes you want to sell your current hunk, buy an SUV and a bike, throw it all in the boot and disappear for a while. That’s actually what Toyota is all about with its new RAV4, too. They’re all about turning up the ability for you to live life, away from the city BS we surround ourselves with all too much. What ever happened to weekend camping trips? Kayaking down the Murray River? A drive to the top of Mount Wellington in Hobart and riding the bike back down? The Toyota RAV4 is the type of car they’ve made to allow that to happen. It gives you the opportunity to check out of life for a little bit to actually go camping, actually try cruising up the coast to the beach and staying the night, or seriously giving that interstate road trip a go in style, comfort and practicality. It’s a car that is regarded as one of the original SUVs – back before everyone was doing ’em, 25 years ago – which has now reached its fifth generation and considered the safest, most capable, most refined and comfortable RAV4 ever. And what makes the new car that much more exciting is that Toyota is pumping them out in hybrid variants for the more ecologically and environmentally conscious. The hybrid type is best because it combines and ICE engine (internal combustion engine)… Read More

Category: CARS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Australian SUV, Best SUVs, Cars Guide Toyota RAV4, how much is Toyota RAV4, Hybrid SUV, Launching Toyota SUV, SUV, toyota, Toyota Australia, Toyota Australia RAV4, Toyota Hybrid SUV, Toyota RAV4

GAZOO Racing Australia: Toyota announces new GAZOO Racing rally team

by James Banham

Updated: 28/11/2022

Because Toyota Australia are awesome and all about supporting talent where it’s found, they’ve announced something new and exciting for drivers around the country. Toyota is significantly boosting its support for local motorsport, announcing the formation of a factory-backed Toyota GAZOO Racing Australia rally team to campaign two Yaris AP4 rally cars in the Australian Rally Championship. In case the excitement of the T86RS tour around Australia recently wasn’t enough to get you going, or reading about the hottest Toyota SUV, the C-HR 2WD Koba, doesn’t get you going, then perhaps this news will: The new rally team will make its debut with leading Australian driver Harry Bates behind the wheel of the Yaris at Rally Australia in Coffs Harbour from November 15-18. The philosophy that underpins Toyota GAZOO Racing is that it runs the global motorsports program including the leading World Rally Championship team, which in turn, feeds into its development of their new sports and performance cars. Harry Bates is a super talented driver who comes from Australian rallying royalty with his father, Neal, having won four Australian titles driving his legendary Celica GT-Four in the 1990s and then the Corolla S2000 in 2008. Find out more about the new venture at the Toyota Australia website.

Category: CARS, LIFESTYLE

Tags: gazoo cars, gazoo rally racing, toyota, toyota gazoo

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.