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.

5 last minute gift ideas for Valentine’s Day 2018

Going the classic route for Valentine’s Day doesn’t just mean a nice dinner out anymore. You’re going to have to get that special someone (assuming that’s how you’re spending the day) a gift for tradition’s sake, and you’re going to be flooded with ideas left, right and centre in the lead-up to one of the…

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Film Review: Michael Haneke punishes the self-indulgent in Happy End (France/Germany, 2017)

Fans of Michael Haneke and, in particular, his earlier works should take a swift and immediate liking to Happy End and stick with the patient-testing film throughout. It’s a cynical, pointed and rather sharp jab at the hypocrisy, selfishness and tragedy of droll middle-class life; well-made, beautifully acted and painstakingly (sometimes painfully) complex, although the…

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Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs announced as SXSW closing feature as full program revealed

As we approach the 2018 addition SXSW Film Festival over in Austin, Texas the full program for the festivals’ 25th anniversary is still taking shape. We already gave you a nice look at some of the highlights of the program in its initial stages, but that list may need a big update sometime soon because…

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Film Review: Insidious bows out of the modern supernatural horror genre with The Last Key (USA, 2018)

As inconsistent and creaky as the old floorboards of this film’s generic haunted house, Insidious: The Last Key is a tired though mildly inspired jolt to a franchise that could never quite match the far superior universe of The Conjuring. The fourth entry, and supposed swan song, for the Insidious series hinges itself firmly on…

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BWS are now stocking seven different wines in a can

With wine on a tap fast becoming a norm for modern bars across the country it was only a matter of time before we got some wine tinnies on the shelves, taking one of the most refined drinking experiences interpreted through ‘Strayan culture. BWS have now launched a huge variety of wine-in-a-can with the good…

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KitKat switch things up with two new flavours: Mint and Caramel Pretzel

KitKat fans rejoice! The team behind the beloved chocolate have announced “KitKat 2 Ways”, a new take on the chocolate finger with two new flavours which should see the recently released treats fly off the shelves around the country. What’s more is that each of the two new flavours features two versions of that flavour…

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Splendor on the Sea: Carnival Cruise Line announce enormous new ship for Australian market

In a huge nod to their increased presence down under, Carnival Cruise Line have today announced the addition of a new ship set to join its Australian fleet in Sydney next year, boasting a capacity for 3900 guests. Carnival Splendor (yep, no “u”) will be heading on down to the harbour city in December 2019,…

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Live Review: SWV bring 90’s R&B nostalgia to Australia for 25th Anniversary

A few years ago, no R&B fan would have expected a comeback so strong from SWV, but thanks to a hugely popular reality TV series and two strong albums – I Missed Us and Still – one of the best selling groups of the 90’s was welcomed back into the modern era with open arms….

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Luke Mangan moving MOJO out of Waterloo and replacing it with ‘Luke’s Kitchen’ (Sydney)

Luke Mangan is planning to bolster his already sizable portfolio with the addition of eponymous new brand Luke’s Kitchen, set to replace NYC-inspired veteran MOJO on Waterloo’s Danks Street as it moves out of it’s reshaped warehouse, where it has stood for many years, and moves to Sydney’s CBD later. Opening from 15th February, Luke’s…

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Japan’s real-life Mario Kart experience is coming to Sydney and Melbourne this year

Heading to both Sydney and Melbourne later this year, Mushroom Racing channels the renowned “Real Life Mario Kart” experience travellers have been enjoying for years over in Japan. For those who’ve always craved dressing up like Yoshi, Bowser, Mario, Luigi or Peach (or Toad – let’s not leave that lil’ guy out) and skirting around…

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Della Hyde thinks outside of the box for Valentine’s Day 2018 (Sydney)

Still haven’t locked in plans for Valentine’s Day? Look no further! In addition to our guide to the best events across Sydney and Melbourne we’ve teamed up with Applejack Hospitality to throw the spotlight on one particular outing that’s one of the more unique ones going around this year. Classic romance will be swirling around…

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A Mean Girls themed brunch is coming to Sydney and Melbourne in April

We already know that a Harry Potter-themed brunch is coming to Sydney in April, but apparently just one pop culture styled food and drink event isn’t near enough for fans. Now it has been revealed that a Mean Girls themed brunch will be taking place, across both Sydney and Melbourne during the same months (exact…

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Here’s where to find the best Valentine’s Day events in Melbourne and Sydney for 2018

Cynicism be gone! Valentine’s Day may not have the sentimental glow it once had thanks to excessive commercialisation, but no matter how you view the annual celebration of love you’re guaranteed to find some incredibly sweet and thoughtful events as restaurants, bars and hotels bring out their finest ideas. Because we’re a helpful bunch, we’ve…

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Major Lazer’s Jillionaire is bringing his unique flavour to Australia this April

Certified party starter Jillionaire, one of the most crucial elements of Major Lazer’s distinctive sound, is coming on down for a solo tour of Australia this April. Known widely for his ferocious and open-ended sound, fusing the Caribbean sounds of Soca and Reggae with influences borrowed from various styles of music, the worldly producer will…

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Superbowl in Sydney: Della Hyde plan huge party for this year’s biggest sporting event

One of the biggest sporting and entertainment events in the world is upon us; Super Bowl is kicking off on just a few days and you can be sure some of the best bars across the world will be switching their style into a massive celebration with all the celebratory drinks and moreish American food…

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Top hotels in Australia named as TripAdvisor reveal 2018 Travellers’ Choice Awards

Pinetrees Lodge on Lord Howe Island has been crowned the number one hotel in Australia at TripAdvisor’s recent 2018 Traveller’s Choice Awards. The six generation family-run property, with an average annual pricing from AU$986 per night, picks up top honours on the list for a second consecutive year while properties all across Australia round out…

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Twilight at Taronga step up their food and drink game for 2018 season

From Sydney City Limits to Laneway, some of the country’s largest music events are getting savvy about what food and drink they serve. The latest to switch things up to a more refined offering is the always popular Twilight at Taronga summer concert series, which has today announced a culinary line-up that’s just as tempting…

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Three cocktail trends we’ll start seeing more of in 2018 according to James Irvine

James Irvine won’t need an introduce to those deep in Sydney’s cocktail scene, but for the uninitiated: he’s the beverage director for the Swillhouse Group, which own and operate some of the city’s most well known restaurants and bars including Hubert and The Baxter Inn. Who better to ask about the ever-changing world of cocktails?…

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Gelato Messina release new Tim Tam flavours: Turkish Delight, Iced Coffee and Choc-Cherry Coconut

For the second time ever, iconic Aussie snack lords Arnott’s have teamed up with dessert gods Gelato Messina to create three new gelato-inspired flavours for the infinitely loved Tim Tam. The last time we this dream collaboration popped up, we got four new iterations of the legendary biscuit, the best being “Black Forest” and the…

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Top Sydney and Melbourne restaurants confirmed for Laneway Festival

It seems the organisers behind the forthcoming Laneway Festival have outdone themselves in terms of an enormous food and drink program for both Sydney and Melbourne. What is now one of the country’s most beloved music and cultural festivals has announced a line up of restaurant partners curated by the obviously very discerning and well-connected…

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The 27th annual Orange F.O.O.D Week announces 2018 program (NSW)

One of the state’s quintessential food and wine events, the annual Orange F.O.O.D Week, will return this April with a stacked program that includes delectable experiences such as a nine-course foraging degustation amongst the vineyards, a seasonal grazing feast under the stars, and a fresh produce-packed adventure by rail on the designated “F.O.O.D Train”. From…

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Deliveroo have dropped their minimum spend to $10

Food delivery service Deliveroo have made a pretty big change to the way they do things in some of their most popular service areas across Australia, dropping the usual – and often frustrating – $25 minimum spend to $10. That means singles ordering delivery won’t have to order excess food just to get their order…

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Kylie Kwong and over 60 stallholders to showcase native ingredients at the next Carriageworks Night Market (Sydney)

Renowned chef Kylie Kwong will return to Carriageworks in a few weeks time, curating their next Night Market with 60 stalls popped up by some of finest names in the Australian food and drink scene. Right alongside all that deliciousness will be specially commissioned artwork, cooking demonstrations by Indigenous food producers, and a small but…

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Merivale’s notorious party spot ‘ivy’ may be demolished and turned into a hotel (Sydney)

Big announcements from Merivale are nothing new. The juggernaut hospitality group has been dominating Sydney for very a long time, opening institution after institution from Enmore’s Queens Hotel to Coogee’s Coogee Pavilion. Though nothing has been anywhere near as successful and internationally renowned as ivy, Sydney’s most divisive party spot that remains highly sought after…

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The Yak Ales Barbecue Festival gears up for huge Melbourne and Gosford events

There’s now no shortage of celebration for Australia’s epic BBQ scene year-round, and the first event of that kind in 2018 will be The Yak Ales Barbecue Festival. For its fourth year running, the enormous program will be heading through Melbourne with some of the best barbecue in the country. Not only that, but 2018…

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Paul George reveals Sony PlayStation-themed Nike PG-2 sneakers

Paul George of Oklahoma City Thunder has found himself in the middle of a pretty unexpected fashion collabo, linking Nike Basketball and Sony PlayStation with the new all-new PG-2 “PlayStation” colourway. Designed after the gaming console’s DualShock 4 controller and signature PlayStation symbols, the shoe sports a futuristic look and has been heavily detailed by…

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Bulla release Cadbury Creme Egg ice cream tubs in the lead up to Easter

In what seems to be a never-ending race to take beloved Australian chocolates and turn them into buckets of ice cream, Bulla have announced that their latest flavour collaboration is with none other than the thick gooey goodness of a Cadbury Crème Egg. That’s right, the incredibly indulgent chocolate egg filled with rich caramel has…

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Sydney Fish Market announce very first late-night event for Chinese New Year

The iconic Sydney Fish Market will be hosting their very first Chinese New Year Night Market to welcome the Year of the Dog in February. Set for one night only, on Sunday 16th February, the entire site will be transformed into a bright, multi-coloured Night Market with red hanging lanterns illuminating the boardwalk and Chinese…

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Merivale reveal second phase for The Newport with European restaurant Bert’s (Sydney)

Opened this past weekend, vintage-inspired European restaurant Bert’s is the latest edition to The Newport, Merivale’s sprawling Northern Beaches destination. Taking design cues from the grand hotel rooms of the 1930s, the new addition is headed by Executive Chef Jordan Toft and Head Chef Sam Kane who lead a team from a centre kitchen, flanked…

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Nike to launch the new Air Max 270 in Australia this February

Nike will be highlighting the benefits of a lifestyle shoe that uses 100% Air technology when they launch the new Air Max 270 in Australia on the 1st of February. The latest innovation of Nike’s iconic Air Max series, the 270’s will be adapting a big part of their running shoes to their lifestyle brand,…

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