Author: Chris Singh

Those already familiar with Dragon Quest XI S would be nodding, big grin on their face, when I write that this is not only one of the best JRPGs to arrive in years, but the single best entry in a legendary series that has spanned decades. That in itself is quite the feat, seeing as…

Next month Whistler Village will once again kick off one of the world’s greatest ski seasons, but in the lead up to that, it’ll transform into a veritable oasis of food and wine, highlighting the many fine restaurants and bars that make up British Columbia’s adventure capital in new and interesting ways. Each November, this…

Gnashing his teeth through guitar licks, Mikal Cronin is back with yet another stunningly gritty psych-grunge track named “I’ve Got Reason”. Following excellent singles “Show Me” and “Shelter”, he prefaces his forthcoming new album, Seeker, by violent clashing the urgent sounds of Nirvana with The Beatles and squeezing his own personality in between. The California…

The humble airline pillow is often an overlooked detail in the overall passenger experience. Too soft? Not soft enough? Not supportive enough? Too warm? Those who aren’t bringing their own rely on this amenity to get that necessary sleep in. Air New Zealand have acknowledged this by becoming the first airline in the world to…

It’s always exciting to re-visit one of your favourite restaurants on the Gold Coast, more so when it’s even better than you remembered. When Chase Kojima (of Sydney’s celebrated Sokyo, and the more recent Chuuka) first opened this slick modern Japanese restaurant at The Star back in 2015, reception was instantly, and understandably, enthusiastic. Sokyo…

The Maldives is in the midst of one the island’s most exciting changes to date, with the introduction and ongoing development of the country’s first and only integrated island resort, CROSSROADS. The lifestyle precinct has added some seriously lush hotels to go along with it, one of which is the upbeat, recently opened Hard Rock…

This may not be the first time Michael Stipe has released music post-R.E.M, but it’s the first time we’re getting an official solo single from him. “Your Capricious Soul” is a masterful return from one of music’s most endearing voices, representing a moment in time that Stipe clearly feels passionate about as the long time…

Queensland born burger chain Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co are opening up a new location on Mount Street, North Sydney next week, and to celebrate they’ve committed to give away 1,000 free burgers. As the fresh new venue transforms into “the ultimate beach party oasis” with DJs and a general party vibe, the kitchen plan…

Sydney’s iconic Bennelong have not only made a huge change to their beloved wine menu, but a big statement about the strength and vitality of the Australian wine industry. Switching from their wide-reaching wine program, to a menu that is completely Australian focused (except for the Champagne), the destination restaurant has committed itself to showcasing…

Melbourne’s legendary songwriter Grand Salvo is making his way around Japan this week, and is teaming up with Tokyo-based music promoter Vaughan as part of part of his ongoing campaign to introduce some of Australia’s greatest talents to his adopted home. With Vaughan a frequent presence in Japan’s music scene, the multi-disciplinarian, and music promoter…

As if Singapore Changi Airport couldn’t get any better, the frequent award-winner has built upon its reputation with the addition of the experiential Jewel lifestyle precinct. Opening up earlier this year in April, Jewel has already racked up over 300,000 visitors per day, and to acknowledge this the precinct has now kicked off free public…

Iconic luxury brand Raffles officially entered the island paradise of Maldives earlier this year, snuggling into the pristine waters of Gaafu Alifu Atoll with Raffles Maldives Meradhoo. The Accor property has now introduced 16 overwater villas to the private twin-island location, adding to the total of 21 villas and residences which make up this intimate…

Australia’s celebrated Art Series Hotel brand has officially graduated to 9 properties with the opening of Perth’s The Adnate. Standing adjacent to the city’s luxury and lifestyle destination of King Street, the colourful 250-room property promises a vibe big on soul and ‘the art of dreaming big’. An homage to big wall street artist Matt…

It was only a matter of time before millennial-focused Moxy brand landed a spot in New York City’s forever trendy East Village, making it the third Moxy in the Big Apple overall. As the neighbourhood of many movements, this was always a hub of American counter-culture which has given the design-driven hotel brand plenty of…

The folk behind Sydney’s beloved Devon Café sure are banking on the Japanese donburi with their new venue Dopa by Devon. And why shouldn’t they? The staple simmered bowl of rice and protein is a constant favourite for anyone who has ever been over to Japan (which should be everyone by now – flights are…

With a new album coming next month, Tei Shi has followed up singles “A Kiss Goodbye” and “Red Light” with a blissful pop track named “Even If It Hurts”. Worked up with Blood Orange mastermind Dev Hynes and producer Noah Breakfast, the springy groove chooses love over vulnerability, with the Colombian-Canadian singer stating that “the…

Microsoft’s successful Surface Laptop product line is finally ready to release the third iteration of their straight-forward laptop family, which will come in two different sizes when it launches later this month. Announced at a press event in New York, alongside a whole heap of other new gadgets (which we’ll get to in the coming…

The long-standing Sydney tradition of getting a group together and running around Hyde Park eating all kinds of Asian cuisine is coming to an end. Well, sort of. Good Food Month’s always anticipated Night Noodle Markets is once again getting ready to take over Sydney’s leafy central park, but for the very last time before…

One of the most iconic dining experience in the world, Bangkok’s perennially awarded nahm is back. Following a summer break which saw the fine dining Thai restaurant take a break, nahm is ready to relaunch with highly regarded Chef Pim Techamuanvivit at the helm. Techamuanvivit, who rose to fame at the head of San Francisco’s…

It’s hard for a resort to not look absolutely spectacular in the Maldives, but Hilton’s Curio Collection has taken the luxury aesthetics a bit further with SAii Lagoon, the company’s third property in the Maldives. The now-open resort, officially titled SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, is the first in South East Asia for…

The Chef behind Three Michelin starred Italian restaurant Reale is coming all the way from the mountains of Abruzzo, Central Italy to pop-up in Perth. Announced exclusively for the middle of October, award-winning Perth restaurant Wildflower will be hosting a very special event when they welcome Chef Niko Romito to the kitchen, from which the…

Aside from last year’s remote release “Shelter”, it’s been awhile since we’ve heard anything from Broken Bells, that magical team of The Shins’ James Mercer and mighty producer Danger Mouse. “Good Luck” is the hopeful change to all that, arriving along with the promise of new material for a follow-up to 2014’s After the Disco….

Action-ready GoPro has let loose details about two new cameras coming to Australia this month, with the long-awaited GoPro Hero 8 Black and the 360-degree GoPro MAX. For this generation, it seems like cutting out the need for a gimble has taken precedence. Tweaks to GoPro’s HyperSmooth technology, now in its 2.0 iteration, are able…

Ever-so-slick hotel brand W is no stranger to overlapping with the music world. They’ve already flipped the script of a typical music with their roaming Wake Up Call festival (you can check our recap of the Bali leg HERE), and many of their properties feature bespoke music studios for visiting artists (and guests). Now they’re…

The status-obsessed oasis of Las Vegas’ famous Strip may be the typical picture one would get of the unique desert city, but that would be akin to a polaroid that has been violently torn down the middle. Behind the wide stretch of modern casinos and celebrity-endorsed kitchens sits Downtown Las Vegas – the city’s “old…

Sleek and seductive QT Sydney have pounced onto spring with a new cocktail menu, refreshing their popular bar with a completely new list of concoctions across both their hideaway Gowings Bar and Gowings Bar & Grill. Milkwashings, infusions and house-made ingredients are re-taking centre stage for the new program. And it certainly reiterates QT’s playfulness…

It’s been awhile (probably a few weeks, who’s counting?) since we had such an ungodly food creation enter the Australian market, but three separate entities are determined to make us both wince and salivate over the latest franken-food. And it’s a big one, with 7-Eleven, Golden Gaytime and Krispy Kreme coming together to create two…

It’s complicated with Phuket. Much like Bali, the popular holiday destination has many different sides, with some suffering under the weight of overtourism while others shine with untouched pristine beauty. Kata Beach almost sits at a comfortable middle, although it’s much closer to the more relaxed side. Quiet and downbeat, the area boasts direct access…

Following the very welcome, exciting and just all-round amazing news that Samuel L Jackson will become the first celebrity voice rolled out for Amazon’s virtual assistant Alexa, the ginormous company has announced a trio of new Echo devices for later this year. The announcement comes with a range of new Alexa features which will be…

Aussies flying Economy class in Qatar can now expect to be eating a lot better, as the airline has moved to make substantial changes to their in-flight menu, which includes a 20 to 50 per cent increase in portions and a focus on fresh, local and seasonal produce. The menu change, which was first announced…