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.

Rage 2 ups the ante with new “Rise of the Ghosts” expansion

Bethesda have now released the first of two substantial expansions for shooter Rage 2, rolling out a brand new story, region and enemy faction tied into Rise of the Ghosts. Said to push up the game’s already bonkers narrative, this new stretch appears to play heavily on the more action-heavy parts of the game with…

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Long Chim, Sydney Review: a full-palate workout

David Thompson’s masterstroke Long Chim is all about depth. That much has been touted since the acclaimed chef opened this Sydney outpost in 2016, triumphantly returning home after swiftly building up a reputation as one of the world’s leading Thai food chefs. The shadowy industrial space just off Martin Place is lit like the pulsating…

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Five ways to celebrate Darling Harbour’s inaugural Sydney Oyster Week

Sydney Oyster Week (or rather Sydney Oyster 10-days) is upon us, currently running up until 30th September with just about everything a self-respecting oyster lover could want (ie, cheap-as-chips high quality oysters). It’s the first year for this briny celebration, so you can expect the ever-changing Darling Harbour to be showing off their best side,…

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A new Plaza Premium Lounge has opened up in Mactan Cebu International Airport

Independent airport lounge network Plaza Premium Lounge opened up its latest lounge offering at Domestic Arrivals, Terminal 1 of Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines earlier this month, upping their presence in the airport following their first lounge in Terminal 2 (International Departures). Seen as one of the smarter options for travellers on long…

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Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu Review: Fantastic value on the Bukit

It must be hard for a property to maintain its own identity in the ever-competitive market of luxury Bali resorts. Some lean heavily on comfort in the hopes for some distinction, while others are generous with dining options and amenities to set them apart. Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu need not try too hard with the…

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Does Fiji hold the key to the next big wellness trend?

Fiji has long been known as one of the happiest nations in the world – a title of no surprise to anyone who has ever landed on that eternally gorgeous archipelago of around 330 islands. Those who have been most definitely would’ve come across a foul-smelling, questionable-tasting, muddy-looking drink called Kava. Widely known for its…

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A kombi giving away free beer from Australia’s best brewers is arriving in Sydney

Beer fan? You’re going to want to head along to Sydney’s Central Park on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th because a kombi van will be rocking free beer tastings from the country’s best brewers. It’s part of the “The Four Points Road Trip” by hotel brand Four Points by Sheraton, taking a kitted up kombi…

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Exclusive Single Premiere: Okay Dane “God Complex” (2019)

Neck-twisting, toe-tapping alt-rockers Okay Dane have served up the first single from their new EP Alienation. Ambitiously titled “God Complex”, the brand new single wastes absolutely no time in dipping back in the hard and fast vibe of 90s rock, hot wheeling towards chaos and catharsis. “[the song] is all about being taken advantage of…

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Two Singapore restaurants have been awarded three Michelin stars each

With the release of the Michelin Guide Singapore 2019, one of the most visited destinations in the world has officially leaped forward in the global culinary race with not one but two restaurants awarded with a coveted three stars. This is the first time since the launch of the Singapore edition of the Michelin guide…

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Qantas and Virgin will compete for new services to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport

Those who have been to Tokyo before would know that the immense Japanese capital has two airports; one more convenient than the other. Narita, probably the best known and most frequented, is furthest from the city, while Haneda is highly sought by visitors as the most convenient of the two. This is largely due to…

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Matt Moran’s Aria Sydney announces 20th anniversary menu

Two decades since first opening its unrivalled harbourside location, Matt Moran’s acclaimed Aria is preparing a custom eight-course tasting menu reflecting on the fine dining restaurant’s legacy. Available all throughout October, the milestone-nodding menu will bring back some of the kitchen’s most beloved dishes from the past 20 years, including a modern interpretation of Moran’s…

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Saké The Rocks is bringing back a decade of favourite dishes for 10th anniversary

One of Sydney’s most referenced Japanese restaurants, Saké Restaurant & Bar in The Rocks, is turning 10 in October and has sights set on a milestone menu that will celebrate the kitchen’s strong legacy. Starting things all the way back in October 2009, the restaurant has been an endearing spot for modern Japanese food set…

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Exclusive Single Premiere: All The Colours “Why So Sorry?” (2019)

Melbourne outfit All the Colours have followed up the tough, full-bodied “Tear It Down”. from earlier this year, with another thundering testament to their collective talent in “Why So Sorry?” The track, premiering today on the AU, is taken from their forthcoming album Vol.3 and carves a distinctive soundscape while channelling classics form the likes…

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Sydney’s epic Burgapalooza is back, and we’ve got the menu

Sydney’s burger lords are once again about to join forces in Parramatta’s Prince Alfred Square Park for Burgapalooza. And if previous years are anything to go by, burger fiends can expect some of the best damn creations from both legendary burger chefs and some widely acclaimed newcomers. Festival all-stars Down n’ Out, BL Burgers, Burger…

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Track of the Day: TELL “De-Evolution” (2019)

Melbourne artists Mantra and Grey Ghost have come together to resurrect hip hop duo TELL, and if their first offering in almost a decade is anything to by, this is going to make some serious waves. “De-Evolution” is their new single, raining hell upon an urgent, apocalyptic beat as the two furiously lash modern society…

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Catherine: Full Body Review: Punishment has never felt so good

I’m not sure why I did this to myself. Glutton for punishment maybe? Whatever the reason, there are times I regret picking up Catherine: Full Body, which has caused painful flashbacks to almost 10 years ago when I almost reverted back to 9 year old me – the kid who was totally fine with smashing…

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Track of the Day: Lewis Coleman “Animal” (2019)

Freshly signed to Ivy League Records, Melbourne multi-instrumentalist Lewis Coleman has made a stunning debut with “Animal”. A shrieking, infectious and immersive offering from one of Australia’s most exciting new talents, the single sprouts from an acoustic guitar, spiralling into psychedelic territory as Coleman’s fascinating voice guides the transformation. Written, performed, recorded and produced in…

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Track of the Day: GL “Night Habit” (2019)

Melbourne based funk lords GL have turned in a squeaky after-hours jam with “Night Habit”. Their new single, a throwback to 70s disco-soul, follows singer Ella Thompson’s hazy performance with warbling synths and heavy percussion. It’s the perfect package of vintage pop, and a welcome return from a duo who have been sorely missed since…

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This speyside distillery is coming to Sydney to give 51 year old whisky away for free

Speyside distillery Craigllachie, known as “The Bad Boy of Speyside” for their famously rebellious nature, is about to make whisky history by doing something no distillery has done before. In short, they’re about to give away a recently uncovered, long forgotten 51 year old whisky (that’d be worth a fortune) for free. Specifically, the traditional…

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Track of the Day: Pusha T Feat. Kash Doll “Sociopath” (2019)

Hard-bodied Virginia emcee Pusha T popped up last week with two new releases, the stronger of which is “Sociopath”. The track, a Kanye West produced outtake from last year’s acclaimed DAYTONA, has King Push sketching a lover well-versed in the art of finessing rich fools. Over the kind of minimalist production best suited to his…

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The ultimate guide to Bangkok’s world famous street food

There are many reasons why Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities in Asia, but first and foremost would be the city’s spectacular street food culture. The bustling Thai city is often seen as a reference point for diverse and delicious street food, maintaining a reputation for no fuss curb-side dining that has endeared…

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Track of the Day: The Run “Missing Out On” (2019)

Melbourne outfit The Run hit on a mix of confidence and heartbreak with new single “Missing Out On”, zoning in one their endearing indie-soul with a beautifully written number that hopefully means an album is on the way. Connor Morel’s expressive and impactful vocals drive the track, grabbing onto vintage soul and giving it an…

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Young Henrys and Hartsyard are doing bottomless lunches in Newtown this month

Contemporary comfort food mecca Hartsyard and Newtown brewing legends Young Henrys are collaborating! That’s not really surprising though, seeing as Newtown’s many, many amazing businesses are known to cross roads regularly. What is surprising is that it’s resulted in the two forces coming together to host bottomless lunches. Every Saturday of this month, there will…

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Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney to host steak dinners of rare and exclusive cuts

Sydney’s acclaimed Rockpool Bar & Grill is about to launch what is being described as Australia’s most exclusive steak tasting dinner and masterclass series. Set for the last Tuesday of every month in the restaurant’s elegant private dining room, Head Chef Corey Costelloe will lead a session of rare and exclusive cuts of beef, none…

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It Chapter Two Review: Terrifying and touching – a masterful sequel

There is good reason Stephen King’s story of It has endured for decades. Amongst his best work, the famed horror author has always been strongest when he’s sketching elegant parallels between fight and flight. Sure, that’s been done to death in modern cinema, and the dynamic between the two states has been mined by horror…

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Track of the Day: EarthGang “Up” (2019)

Finally, Dreamville heavyhitters EarthGang have put out the official studio version of new track “Up”. The track, appropriately OutKast-like in its eccentricity, has been floating around in their live sets for months now, but now it has been officially served to build up hype for debut album MirrorLand. Although there is no set release date…

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Five tips for anyone looking to start their own podcast

Making a podcast should be simple, and it is for the most part. The increasingly popular artform has outstripped many other forms of media thanks to its sturdy platform of self-expression and creativity. It helps that there are some truly creative people out there starting their own podcast series and putting it out to the…

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Six things to do in Sydney over the next few weeks: September-October 2019

A bit of Santa Monica at one of Sydney’s best hotels, a brand new luxury buffet, a vintage Paris-inspired wine bar and an immersive dessert wonderland. These are just a few of things locals and visitors can expect in Sydney over the next few weeks, popping up as the weather (hopefully) warms up for spring….

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Cheateau Victoria Review: Supremely convenient for British Columbia’s stunning capital

Quaint, friendly and absolutely delicious. There are many ways to describe the historic British Columbian capital of Victoria, a small city with a very big heart. It’s often referred to as the highlight on any Canadian itinerary – it’s certainly one of mine – and anyone would surely agree once they walk the serene Ogden…

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Interview: Chef Xerxes Bodhanwala on authentic Peruvian food in Perth

Perth’s dining scene is full of surprises, especially when it comes to the city’s forever-booming scene of premium hotels popping up between all that increasingly present street art, old school nightclubs and refined cocktail bars. One such surprise is UMA Restaurant at Pan Pacific Perth. It’s Peruvian food making use of local produce and sustainably…

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