Author: Chris Singh

Chris Singh is an Editor-At-Large at the AU review, loves writing about travel and hospitality, and is partial to a perfectly textured octopus. You can reach him on Instagram: @chrisdsingh.

Video Games Review: Mario & Luigi Paper Jam Bros (Nintendo 3DS, 2015)

AlphaDream’s Mario & Luigi series has consistently been one of the best and brightest franchises on the Nintendo 3DS, pulling on the rich universe that the Mario brand has created for itself for an expansive, and inventive mix of nostalgia and progression. Nostalgia because most of the humour relies on our attachment to these characters…

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Guilty Simpson and Katalyst announce Australian tour for 2016

One of Detroit’s finest emcees Guilty Simpson is stepping back in the frame with Katalyst for a return Australian tour that will see the two artists team up again for four shows across the country. Kicking off late January in Canberra, Guilty and Katalyst will be showcasing their work to Australian fans with older material…

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Interview: Siobhan Reddy and Alex Moyet of Media Molecule discuss the company’s history, their approach to Dreams, and the importance of “play”

British game developer Media Molecule have proven to be one of the most valuable companies in contemporary video games, channeling that ever-growing trend and ever-growing demand for more creation-based gaming into award-winners like the LittleBigPlanet (LBP) series and the more recent Tearaway Unfolded. Progressive, mind-blowing (and often adorable, if not slightly creepy) design and engaging…

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Presto launches on Playstation 3 and Playstation 4

As Sony Playstation Australia celebrated 20 years of gaming this past week, the announcement was made that Australian SVOD service Presto has officially joined the all-encompassing entertainment offerings on both PS3 and PS4 systems. The announcement continues sony’s push to make the Playstation a one-stop-shop for entertainment, bringing in Presto’s curated collection on TV and…

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Dexter’s Michael C. Hall stands in for David Bowie to perform “Lazarus” on “Colbert”

Now this was a bit confusing; David Bowie has released a new song of his forthcoming ★ (pronounced “Blackstar”) album, and it’s the title track from his off-Broadway production “Lazarus”. It was performed live on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, but it wasn’t Bowie who was behind the microphone – of course – it…

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On the Shelf: Grand Ferrero Rocher

The nutty chocolate taste is perceptible almost immediately as soon as someone mentions the great Ferrero Rocher. One of the most distinctive and loved balls of chocolate has long been a big player on special occasions around the world. There’s something about those roasted hazelnuts embedded in a wafer-thin chocolate shell, filled with gooey hazelnut…

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On the Shelf: Hardys The Chronicles ‘The Sage’ Grenache Rosé 2015

The Hardys brand continue their ‘The Chronicles’ series with this newly released Grenache Rosé, designing it towards the vision and determination instilled in the brand by founder Thomas Hardy. As part of the fabric of Australian wine making, Thomas Hardy is enjoys a long-lasting legacy from this current series, which aims to capture the apparent…

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New Youtube series :DRYVRS has Macaulay Culkin playing a troubled adult version of his Home Alone role

We all know – and most of us love – Home Alone. It’s the classic story of Kevin McCallister Macaulay Culkin being neglected by his family and left alone to fend off two aggressive and relentless burglars with booby traps and all types of 8-year-old commando magic. If it was real, do you realise how…

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Live Review: Big Daddy Kane + Apollo Creed and Brethren + Mr Clean – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (13.12.15)

One cannot overstate the importance and influence that has been surrounding Big Daddy Kane ever since he stamped hip-hop with one of it’s most endearing styles back in the 80’s. The likes of Jay Z, Common and Black Thought regularly note the impact Kane has had on their understanding of the technical side of emceeing,…

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On the Shelf: Bundaberg Rum MDC Blenders Edition 2015

Instantly recognisable Australian brand Bundaberg have continued their well-received The Master Distillers’ Collective series this year with the release of the very shiny, very luscious looking MDC Blenders Edition 2015, sticking to a commitment for experimenting with some of the distillery’s richest and rarest rum reserves to see how far they can take the classic…

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Fine dining chef opens experimental ramen bar in Surry Hills (Sydney)

Chef Stephen Seckold of Flying Fish has just entered the world of ramen noodles, opening up a grungy, modern-day experimental noodle bar dubbed Salaryman in Surry Hills. The new restaurant seems to veer from the traditional bowl of ramen and offer up something a almost completely different, with a daily-changing menu that maintains a clear…

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On the Shelf: Chivas Regal 18 Ultimate Cask Collection – First Fill American Oak Finish

The instantly recognisable Chivas Regal have just launched their ‘Ultimate Cask Collection’ series, pushing it to travel retail and teaming up with a renowned experimental Chef to explore the affects of our environment on our Whisky experience. It gives us more than enough reason to re-visit the celebrated expression of Chivas 18, kick starting a…

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Details revealed for The Old Clare Hotel’s third restaurant Kensington Street Social (Sydney)

It’s already been one of the liveliest openings Sydney has seen this year. The Old Clare Hotel continues to take shape, preparing for the opening of it’s third restaurant following Automata and Silvereye, Jason Atherton’s Kensington Street Social. The recently re-opened boutique hotel has become quite the destination for food and drink lovers across the…

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Australian Programme for the 25th annual FLiCKERFEST includes 21 young female directors and 18 world premieres

Kicking off with a ten-day, beach-side event in Sydney’s Bondi next month, the 25th annual FLiCKEREST International Short Film Festival will be bringing a total of 53 selections into their Academy Accredited, BAFTA recognised Australian Competition for 2016. Over 2300 entries were received this time around, resulting in a curated schedule of 18 world premieres,…

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Merivale are set to unveil their ambitious Northern Beaches venue, The Newport, next month

When Merivale purchased the iconic Newport Arms earlier this year from long-running owners The Bayfield Family, interest was almost immediate. What would Justin Hemmes and his crew do the new venue? They had already showcased their ambition and knack for creating super-sized and extravagant hospitality hubs with the likes of ivy and Coogee Pavilion, so…

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Justin Lin fills Star Trek: Beyond trailer with action, Beastie Boys, and more

Justin Lin’s Star Trek: Beyond looks like a hell of a lot of fun in the first official trailer for the 2016 film. Lin, who is best known from the Fast & Furious series knows his way around cutting-edge, tense action and it looks like we’ll be getting a lot of that, hopefully working in…

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The first trailer for Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has arrived!

It sure has been a big month for film teasers. As studios rush to release first-look trailers before all the attention turns to Star Wars, we have been given some pretty exciting looks into films like the new X-Men, a new Independence Day, Tarzan, The BFG, and even Star Trek. Now it’s time to return…

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Tkay Maidza, The Preatures, Saskwatch, and more feature in Merivale’s new waterside live music series

Sydney hospitality juggernaut Merivale have teamed up with Corona Extra to bring in the new year with a packed program of live music featuring some of Australians best established and rising talent across three of the group’s waterside venues. A total of 39 Aussie (and some international guests) artists will be taking part in this…

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Music Video of the Day: The Tongue Feat. Ngaiire “Never Going Down” (2015)

The Tongue has just made history with the music video for his latest single “Never Going Down”, taken from his currently available fourth album Hard Feelings. The veteran Elefant Traks emcee has become the first ever Australian artist to make use of the technology necessary to produce a 360 degree video, joining the likes of…

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Mosman’s Cala Luna reopens following February fire (Sydney)

Mosman favourite Cala Luna was forced into closure earlier this year due to a devastating fire at Middle Harbour Yacht Club. Following extensive work, owner and Executive Chef Michel Rossetti has re-opened the adored venue, once again bringing a premium Italian, harbour-side dining experience to the area. Those heading to Cala Luna will be met…

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Noodle spinning competitions are being held in Sydney and Melbourne

Noodle spinning and stretching just may be that undiscovered talent you had hiding inside all along, and to bring it out of you loved hot pot brand Simmer Huang are hosting ‘noodle challenges’ are all of their venues, across Sydney and Melbourne. The restaurant has become known for unique and theatrical cooking methods, with a…

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Watch the official trailer for Independence Day: Resurgence

It is the sequel to one of the biggest blockbusters in history, and it’ll be released in cinemas two decades after the original; Independence Day: Resurgence is one step closer to release today, with our first full look at the apocalyptic epic in the form of one very ominous, action-heavy trailer. Liam Hemsworth will be…

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Sydney’s best ticketed New Year’s Eve parties 2015-16

Now that we’re in December, Sydneysiders are no doubt scrambling to lock in those perfect NYE plans, and with so many options available around the famed Harbour City, one is definitely going to need some help sorting through all that’s on offer. Pretty much every venue around Sydney will be trying to coax you through…

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Brigade Dining – Woollahra (Sydney)

Local Woollahra fav The Light Brigade Hotel has undergone quite the impressive transformation, joining the long list of contemporary pub makeovers that have been strung throughout Sydney this year. The venue’s spirit has been refined and re-imagined with a vibrant, modern approach from new owners The Bayfield family, who are most known for their long-running…

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The Beresford gets a new look, new menu, and announces summer program (Sydney)

Fresh off a successful, inaugural Dog Show, Sydney institution The Beresford has released their summer calendar for this season, bringing in weekly events to fully showcase their new menu and refreshed interiors. Most notably on the schedule is the return of The Monday Jam and Movie Night in The Beresford Courtyard. The Beresford has always…

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On the Shelf: Mortlach Rare Old, Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Single Malt Scotch Whisky Mortlach launched a new expression in Australia earlier this year, offering an entry level to add a bit of elasticity to their reputation as “The Beast of Dufftown”. Mortlach has always had that rich, powerful body that has made the Whisky ideal for use in blends, but this new expression, the…

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Sydney gets a new three-level establishment with Lot.1

2015 is ending with a burst of exciting new openings for Sydney and front and centre is Lot.1, a lush three-level establishment in the heart of the CBD that offers a premium dining experience, leaning towards classic Italian favourites and focused on local seasonal ingredients handled with a refined modern twist. The venue has a…

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Here’s the first full trailer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Out of the Shadows

Here is our first look at Michael Bay’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Out of the Shadows, the sequel to his 2014 reboot which went on the make a cool $493 million worldwide. It looks like Bay will continue to dip into the rich mythology that has been built since the mid-80s, bringing out new…

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On the Shelf: Jansz Tasmania Premium Cuvee NV + Vintage Rose 2011

Tasmanian sparkling is an MVP every time NYE comes around, due to the region’s famously cool climate, offering an alternative to French sparkling that is now widely known to be just as good – if not better – for big occasions. Two varietals have remained the brand’s most acclaimed, the classic Premium Cuvée NV, and…

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On the Shelf: Ben & Jerry’s “Save Our Swirled (SOS)”

Since 1978 Ben & Jerry’s has been a constant in discussions about good quality ice cream, and the brand has certainly delivered on that reputation time and time again. They remain once of the most loved ice creams brands in Australia, so whenever they introduce a new flavour to their ever-evolving Legendairy range it’s always…

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