FOOD & DRINK

Discover the home of Australian whisky at Starward’s new distillery and bar precinct

16/04/2024

After winning 24 Double Gold medals in 2 years, Starward goes even bigger with its recent unveiling of a brand-new distillery tour and bar experience.

Adelaide Hills wineries worth a visit

12/04/2024

By James Banham

Renowned for its cool climate, this picturesque locale offers an ideal terroir for producing some of the most exquisite wines known to connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike.

A unique fusion of whiskey and art in Sydney

12/04/2024

By James Banham

The ‘Glenfiddich x Jordan Gogos Pop-Up Bar’, is an initiative set to enchant Sydneysiders from 17th April to 8th May, 2024.

Ruben’s Deli does good food in Melbourne’s Armadale

12/04/2024

By James Banham

What really sets this Melbourne gem apart isn’t just its delectable sandwiches; it’s the incredible catering service spearheaded by owner Amanda Ruben, that’s capturing the hearts of food lovers across the city.

Sweet Greek Delights in Melbourne

12/04/2024

By James Banham

Sweet Greek is offering the same beloved seasonal dishes with a fresh new look that promises to elevate your dining experience to new heights.

Tag: valentines day sydney

Where to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Sydney

Valentines food meal dinner plate table wine

by James Banham

Updated: 31/01/2024

Valentine’s Day is not just a day, it’s a celebration of love, a time when romance weaves itself into the tapestry of our daily lives with a touch more elegance and fervour. Allow us to be your culinary Cupid, guiding your taste buds on a love-infused journey through the most charming and delightful dining experiences our city has to offer. Whether it’s a candlelit dinner, a cosy bistro with ambient melodies, or a rooftop setting under the stars, our Valentine’s Day restaurant guide for Sydney is your gateway to creating unforgettable moments with your beloved. So, reserve your table, and let the magic unfold in a symphony of flavours and heartfelt conversations. NOMAD Sydney Indulge in a taste of the Mediterranean at NOMAD, set in a chic converted warehouse in Surry Hills. The share style set menus, inspired by travels through Spain, Morocco, and the Middle East, are sure to tantalise your taste buds, especially with a glass of champagne upon arrival. Book your experience here — $185pp Novotel Sydney Parramatta Spread the love with Novotel Sydney Parramatta’s Valentine’s Day Degustation Dinner at 350 Restaurant & Lounge. Featuring a 6-course degustation menu with mouth-watering flavours, Novotel Parramatta it promises a romantic, Australian fusion dining experience for you and your loved one. From tartare and succulent oysters, to snapper and ravioli, connect with your partner over some divine food this V-day. Inclusions 6-course degustation menu for $95pp. Add matching wines $45pp. All from 6pm. Book the 6-Course degustation menu Fratelli Fresh Enjoy some flirtatious feasting at Fratelli Fresh with a… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FEATURES, SYDNEY

Tags: valentine's day, valentines day sydney, Where to go Sydney Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day at NOMAD Sydney and Melbourne

by James Banham

Posted: 18/01/2024

NOMAD Group, renowned for its culinary excellence, is set to launch its biggest campaign to date, aptly named “Things We Love.” This month-long celebration will serve as a tribute to the exceptional produce and suppliers that NOMAD cherishes. With a focus on simplicity and authenticity, the campaign aims to showcase the true beauty of these beloved ingredients. Executive Chef Jacqui Challinor, the creative force behind NOMAD Group, expresses her passion for food as a love language. She shares, “We’re doing ‘Things We Love’ to celebrate all the beautiful produce and suppliers we cherish. Anchovies, figs, olive oil, ricotta, jamon… it’s a shopping list of all my favorite ingredients.” In line with NOMAD’s style, the team deliberately avoids overcomplicating dishes to allow the natural flavors to shine. This approach highlights the quality and integrity of the ingredients, crafting a dining experience that resonates with both food enthusiasts and connoisseurs. The campaign extends beyond gastronomy to the realm of mixology, with a thoughtfully curated cocktail menu designed to magnify and complement the love-themed atmosphere. Each week, four exclusive beverages will grace the menu, priced at $25. The first week introduces ‘The Don,’ a captivating cocktail featuring Gospel Straight Rye, Mac by Brookies, and Madeira Boal. Week two brings forth the beguiling ‘Rhubarb Bliss,’ artfully blending Rhubi Rhubarb Mistelle, Maidenii Sweet Vermouth, Peychaud Bitters, and Mount Majura Vineyard sparkling wine. Week three showcases the refreshing ‘Window Seat,’ a delightful fusion of Starward Twofold Whiskey, Autonomy Native Amaro, Saint Felix Bitter Citrus aperitivo, and citrus. Finally, the campaign culminates… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FEATURES, SYDNEY

Tags: Nomad, Nomad Sydney, Valentine's Day Nomad, valentines day sydney

ARTS & CULTURE

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

The Resurrected Art of Silence: Shooshfest—Australia’s First Silent Film Festival In a bold leap for Australian cinema, the inaugural Shooshfest promises not only to showcase art in film but also to redefine what it means to tell a story without words. The brainchild of a trio of avid cinephiles, Rebecca Zemunik, Daniel New, and Maddison Costello, Shooshfest stakes its claim as Australia’s first-ever silent short film competition. Unlike traditional film festivals, this groundbreaking event invites creators from all walks of life—beyond just filmmakers— to weave cinematic magic without uttering a single word. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shoosh Fest (@shooshfest) The Silent Era Redefined Far from the silent film era of the past, where the medium was defined by technological limitations, Shooshfest asks participants to engage with silence as a narrative choice and a powerful tool for emotion. Through the absence of spoken words, this silent film festival beckons creators to rediscover the raw and visceral storytelling methods of the 1920s mavericks who defied the standards of their time. The festival’s vision is clear: to inspire and challenge modern filmmakers and non-filmmakers alike to innovate and connect on a deep, emotive level with audiences using the silent canvas. Innovation in the realm of storytelling is at the core of Shooshfest, with a clear goal to bridge past traditions with contemporary creativity. A Silent Revolution in Australia’s Film Scene Set in the heart of Sydney, Shooshfest aims to celebrate the very essence of cinematic storytelling. On the hallowed stage of the historic… Read More

4 reasons to get excited for ‘Frontiers: Choreographers of Canada’s at Sadler’s Wells

11/04/2024

By James Banham

This exceptional triple bill showcases the extraordinary talents of three distinguished Canadian choreographers: Crystal Pite, Emma Portner, and James Kudelka, promising an unforgettable journey through the world of contemporary ballet.

New gallery in Sydney: A Secondary Eye opens

05/04/2024

By James Banham

Sydney, Australia is set to welcome a profound addition to its art scene as A Secondary Eye announces the launch of a new gallery space nestled in the arts district of Woollahra. Opening its doors on Friday, 3 May 2024, this new venture promises a fresh perspective on Australian Indigenous and contemporary art. Founded in 2020 by Jesse-Jack De Deyne, a seasoned specialist in the secondary market for Australian Indigenous art, and Boris Cornelissen, formerly of Sotheby’s London and Hong Kong, A Secondary Eye has quickly established itself as a key player in the art world. Their focus on developing the secondary market for art and collectibles in Australia has led to the exhibition and sale of works by prominent artists like Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Sidney Nolan, and Fred Williams, among others. The gallery’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, with several pieces entering the collections of Australia’s most prestigious art institutions. Strategically located in Queen Street, a spot historically linked with the crème de la crème of secondary market art dealers, the new gallery is poised to continue its tradition of excellence. The inaugural exhibition will shine a spotlight on Rover Thomas, a luminary and trailblazer in the Australian art landscape. Known for his significant influence on the East Kimberley school of painting, Thomas’s works are lauded for their modernist abstraction and profound connection to ancestral land and Indigenous life. The exhibition, titled “Rover: Master of the Kimberley”, marks the first solo presentation of Thomas’s work in Sydney in nearly two decades. It will showcase… Read More

Momentous moment in art at National Gallery London

05/04/2024

By James Banham

In 2025, the art world will witness a remarkable event at the National Gallery as “Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300?1350” opens its doors in spring, marking the 200th anniversary of the institution. This exhibition promises an unprecedented reunion of paintings by some of the most celebrated Italian artists of the 14th century, artworks that have been scattered across the globe for centuries. Highlighting this unique collection are masterpieces in gold ground, many originally part of larger compositions, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the innovative spirit of Western painting tradition from this era. The spotlight of the exhibition is the coming together of several panels from the revolutionary double-sided altarpiece, the Maestà, painted by Duccio di Buoninsegna for the cathedral in Siena. Recognized as the first double-sided altarpiece in Western art, this narrative shift in art will be showcased along with other significant pieces from the ensemble. Notably, the National Gallery’s panels from the Maestà will be reunited with works like “Christ and the Woman of Samaria” from the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid, and “The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew” from the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Another focal point is the reunion of the Orsini Polyptych by Simone Martini, a folding piece created for private devotion, likely for Cardinal Napoleone Orsini. Dispersed between prestigious institutions – the Louvre in Paris, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, and the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin – the exhibition will bring together all six panels for a rare presentation. Besides these reunifications, the exhibition… Read More

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Carmen is coming to Sadler’s Wells in London

04/04/2024

By James Banham

In an event that harmoniously blends tradition with contemporary flair, Sadler’s Wells Theatre unfolds its red carpet for Acosta Danza, as they present the UK premiere of Carlos Acosta’s version of Carmen from the 2nd to the 6th of July, 2024. This adaptation by the dance legend Carlos Acosta gives a new lease of life to Georges Bizet’s opera, stirring the soul nearly two centuries after Prosper Mérimée penned the original story. Carlos Acosta himself steps onto the stage, not just as a creator but as a performer, embodying ‘The Bull’ – a symbol of fate and destiny. This role, specially crafted by Acosta, emerges from his deep-seated desire to encapsulate the essence of the narrative while marking his departure from the Royal Ballet. His rendition of Carmen holds onto the timeless and universal appeal of the tale yet introduces a fresh perspective by minimising the setting to its core elements. Joining forces with Acosta Danza are Principal dancers Laura Rodriguez, Enrique Corrales, and Alejandro Silva, alongside guest stars from the Birmingham Royal Ballet – Yaoqian Shang, Javier Rojas, and Lachlan Monaghan, who will portray Carmen, Don José, and Escamillo, respectively. This cast embodies the spirit of the characters they portray, bringing to life the tragic tale of love, passion, and jealousy. Carmen’s story has always captivated the imagination of many, attracting a variety of choreographers such as Marius Petipa and Roland Petit to its fiery core. The opera’s enchanting melodies like the ‘Toreador Song’ and ‘Habanera’ continue to resonate, underscoring the opera’s enduring popularity… Read More