Author: Danica Sharma

Writer for the AU Review, a lover of books, poetry, good food, travel and adventure. Follow her personal instagram @danicaarasharma or her poetry instagram @danicasharmawrites

The Mayflower is Darlinghurst’s affordable luxury cafe-restaurant

Tucked away in a small corner within Darlinghurst, The Mayflower is a hidden gem that pays homage to a 90s Art Deco florist. Revamped as a high-end cafe-restaurant, the venue flourishes with stylish floral centerpieces and distinctive interior pieces. With onyx stone tables, elegant pendant lights, peach chairs and stunning backdrops of abstract floral murals,…

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The Arbory Afloat returns to the Yarra in time for spring

Melbourne’s renowned floating bar and restaurant, The Arbory Afloat resurfaces to the Yarra River. Spruced up with a fresh new look taking inspiration from Australian beach houses, the venue will showcase chic coastal interiors with an inner-city meets sea-side oasis. Although the two bars, upper pool deck and dining area have remained in place, expect…

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Misfits Bar celebrates turning three with free birthday shots and special offers

After three years as Redfern’s trendsetting bar, Misfits Bar and Dining celebrates its third birthday in style with live music, birthday booze and tasty treats this September. Following the theme of all good things coming in three, the bar is delivering all the goodies in trios. Expect a triad of oyster shooters with flavours of…

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Track of the Day: Elme “Somewhere” (2020)

Writing and recording music at age 15, Elme has prospered with success after releasing his first single, ‘The Missing Piece’ in 2018 and second single ‘Kids’ in 2019. Melbourne-based artist unveils his latest single “Somewhere” with the announcement of his debut EP, Departures, set to be released on September 25th. Although Elme wrote the song…

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Interview: MasterChef alumni Matt Sinclair shares his tips and techniques on all things beef

As warmer weather approaches, what better way to celebrate spring than a good old fashioned BBQ or cooking up a Sunday roast? The AU Review spoke with MasterChef finalist and restaurant owner of Sum Yung Guys, Matt Sinclair, who enlightened us with his knowledge of the best beef cuts and cooking techniques. From slow braising,…

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Track of the Day: CXLOE “One and Lonely” (2020)

After her recent single “12 Steps” streamed over half a million, the flourishing Australian artist CXLOE returns with her latest single “One and Lonely.” She has been featured on multiple airplays and coverage from the likes of triple j, all pop-leaning commercial radio stations across Australia and across global titles. Co-written with Trey Campbell, Jessica…

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The Bentley Group is opening an Australian inspired pizza joint

With four acclaimed restaurants in their pocket such as Bentley Restaurant + Bar, Monopole, Yellow and Cirrus, the Bentley Group have announced they are opening Ria Pizza + Wine. Whilst Monopole relocates to Sydney’s CBD, Australia square in October, the new casual pizza joint will be taking up residence in it’s previous dining space with…

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Interview: Julia Busuttil Nishimura releases second cookbook, A Year of Simple Family Food

Renowned for her culinary online platform, Ostro, Julia Busuttil Nishimura returns with her latest book, A Year of Simple Family Food. Her debut cookbook, Ostro, was released in 2017 and was short-listed for the 2018 ABIA ‘Illustrated Book of the Year’ and named in Gourmet Traveller’s ‘Best Food Books. Not only is she a celebrated…

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Barangaroo House reopens with new dining experiences

The iconic Barangaroo House is finally re-opening its doors and recommencing dine-in operations for their three venues, House Bar, BEA, and Smoke. In light of Coronavirus restrictions gradually easing, Matt Moran and Solotel Group have shifted their gears to cater towards smaller groups and will be consistent with government mandated health and safety regulations. “The…

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Vanto is Sydney’s hidden gem of Naples-style pizza

Whether it’s traditional Naples-style pizza, classic pasta dishes or their iconic wood-fired sandwiches, Vanto restaurant is the place to be when it comes to authentic Italian cuisine. Nestled on the first floor of the Queen Victoria Building, the hidden gem pays homage to traditional and modern Neapolitan cooking. Noted as Ospitalità Italiana certified (which is…

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The Greengate Hotel is doing up a tasty discount for National Burger Day

National Burger Day is this Thursday and to celebrate all things delicately stacked and impossibly cheesy, The Greengate Hotel is offering $12 for all their burgers and $8 pints of craft beer. Not only are they serving up their classic burgers, they’ve also announced three new additions to the menu. This includes menu special, the…

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Exclusive Video Premiere: Miss Lucy “Ocean” (2020)

After working on many projects with artists such as Eliza and The Delusionals and SAV, the Gold Coast based artist Miss Lucy also known as Blair Condon has made big moves this year by breaking out as a new solo artist. The multi-instrumentalist and producer has made headlines over debut single “All In A Day”…

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Track of the Day: Georgia Mae “Soul Like This” (2020)

Australian singer-songwriter Georgia Mae has skyrocketed with success this year and has released her latest track “Soul Like This” with Lemon Tree Records/Sony Music Entertainment Australia. “Soul Like This” is a graceful tune with an entanglement of acoustics and stunning emotive vocals from Mae. The track tells a powerful message of loving and finding yourself…

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Roll’d dishes out new traditional soup range and meal boxes

Whether it’s their innovative rice paper rolls, vermicelli noodle bowls or their classic soup phở that you love, Roll’d is dishing out their latest noodle soup range this winter. Extracted from Roll’d owner, Bao Hoang’s mum’s (Phien Hoang) secret recipes, the traditional Vietnamese soups include the Bún bò Huế, Bánh Canh Cua and Mì Tôm…

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Track of the Day: LIV LI “Silence” (2020)

Canberra’s flourishing electro-pop artist, LIV LI also known as Amber Nichols has released her latest single “Silence”. Her breakthrough single “Told You” reached over half a million streams and “Silence” is her final single before she endeavors into her upcoming EP, Who We Are, later this August. The track illustrates a dreamy and enchanting atmosphere…

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Applejack Group opens Hester’s Cafe and Bar this week

After the successful launch of restaurants in the Wynyard Precinct with Bopp & Tone and June’s Shoppe, the Applejack group is launching its third CBD venue, Hester’s Cafe and Bar. The cafe and bar will offer a dine-in and takeaway menu designed by Bopp & Tone Head Chef, Sa Va’afusuaga. Expect some classic breakfast dishes,…

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Track of the Day: James Bay “Chew On My Heart” (2020)

BRIT Award-winner and Grammy Award-nominated for Best Rock Song, with his universal track “Hold Back The River”, James Bay returns with his latest release this year, “Chew On My Heart.” The single is extracted from his forthcoming album which the UK singer is set to release. The artist shares the inspiration behind the track: ‘Chew…

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Album Review: Protomartyr return with sinister Ultimate Success Today (2020 LP)

Post-punk Protomartyr return with their anticipated fifth album, Ultimate Success Today. Whilst the band wrote and recorded their album last year, the Detroit band eerily foreshadowed the ongoing battles the world is currently facing. Gracing our ears with a flair for enigmatic and avant-garde chords, their new album doesn’t disappoint with important philanthropic messages. Their…

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Truffle dumplings anyone? New Shanghai celebrates fungi with winter menu

As truffle season is here, it’s no surprise that our favourite restaurants have begun showcasing the winter fungus on their menus. As New Shanghai returns with their new winter truffle menu, the AU Review caught up with New Shanghai’s Head Chef Sam Wu, who spoke about all things truffle and the inspiration behind the new…

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Track of the Day: Milq “Summer Again” (2020)

Although summer seems far away, Canadian indie-pop band, Milq’s latest single “Summer Again” gives us those nostalgic feels for warmer weather and young love. Extracted from their self-produced debut EP, tired. this track is the quintessential tune for reminiscing on our youth and past experiences of infatuation and lost love. The tone of the song…

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Matt Preston’s five best tips for hosting a winter dinner party

After many months of self-isolation and not being able to see friends and family, what better way to reconnect than a classic dinner party (in states that allow it, of course)?. And who better to help you plan the finest feast than food critic and former Masterchef judge Matt Preston? The AU Review spoke with…

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Exclusive Single Premiere: The Valla “Shut My Mouth” (2020)

Only earlier this year, The AU Review premiered their single, “Ice Cream” and now The Valla return with another smash hit called “Shut My Mouth”. After releasing their debut EP Just Chemicals in 2019, the notable newcomers have been pushing the boundaries and making themselves heard. Whether it’s rocking out in secret house concerts, hosting…

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Steak and roast tips from a Master Butcher to help you cook through iso

With so many beef options out in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect primal cut for the right occasion. Luckily for you, The AU Review consulted with expert butcher Doug Piper at Australian Beef, who has given us the lowdown on picking the best cut. From the most popular BBQ cuts,…

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Interview: MasterChef’s Khanh Ong talks debut cookbook A Gay Guy’s Guide to Life, Love and Food

Masterchef contestant and beloved fan favourite, Khanh Ong has released his debut cookbook, A Gay Guy’s Guide to Life, Love and Food. After competing in the 2018 series and returning a second time this year for ‘MasterChef Australia: Back To Win’, he is ecstatic to release an innovative cookbook that showcases his vibrant personality. Rather…

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Track of the Day: Trace Decay “Photobooth” (2020)

Earlier this year, Trace Decay’s single “Sad Dance” featured as our track of the day, and now the Melbourne-based duo return with another hit called “Photobooth”. The pair deliver an intoxicating and sombre tone whilst the lyrics display themes of loss and heartbreak. Melancholic vocals echo throughout the song, bringing forth an uplifting chord and…

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Track of the Day: Benji Lewis “Peaceful” (2020)

Melbourne-based singer and song writer, Benji Lewis graces our attention and tugs at our heart strings with his latest single, “Peaceful”. Lewis’ style of music is a beautiful unison of ambient and electro-pop elements with influences taken from Jeremy Zucker, Shallou and Emmit Fenn. His current EP “Here, Then And Now” was released earlier this…

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Exclusive Video Premiere: Tyrone Noonan “Black Dog” (2020)

One of the founding members of the ARIA-award winning band george, Tyrone Noonan has made a powerful return to music as a solo artist, releasing debut single, “Black Dog”. Lifted from his forthcoming album, Utopia?, which will be released later this year, the single is an upbeat and uplifting track that evokes an honest picture…

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Spice Temple reopens in Sydney with new menu

Rockpool Dining Group has slowly begun a phased reopening of their many restaurants across Sydney, which has now included the famed Spice Temple. The popular ode to to Chinese flavours and all levels of heat has now started welcoming dine-in guests. RECIPE: Spice Temple’s Kung Pao Chicken Executive Chef Andy Evans’ will be serving up…

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CicciaBella Trattoria is opening its second restaurant in Western Sydney

Restaurateur Maurice Terzini, best known for Icebergs and The Dolphin Hotel, is set to launch CicciaBella Trattoria + Bar’s second restaurant in the new Parramatta Square Precinct.  Following in the footsteps of Bondi’s venue, CicciaBella Parramatta will encapsulate the spirit of robust Italian cuisine and hospitality. The restaurant will focus on classic food inspired by traditional…

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Track of the Day: Keegan Calmes “Broken Heart” (2020)

Keegan Calmes’ latest single “Broken Heart” is still lingering in our ears. Known for for his work with Vinyl Theatre and signed by Fueled by Ramen, the talented singer and songwriter has made a comeback as a solo artist. Growing up with inspiration from John Mayer, The Killers, & Two Door Cinema Club, Calmes has…

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