Sydney has now left summer behind (I assume anyway – climate change) and we’re now getting to that point where hiding away in a restaurant or bar for an absurd amount of time is perfectly acceptable. Extended breakfasts, long lunches, endless dinners – all totally reasonable as the weather turns to shit. That’s why we’ve…
It’s always worth paying close attention when a Las Vegas production signs on for a substantial extension, even years after it has already been playing in the same spot. It means the show has become its own sizable piece in the endless jigsaw of culture, class and crass that is a typical night on the…
The “hotel within a hotel” concept has been done before in Las Vegas; it didn’t work out particularly well for Marriott’s famously funky W brand – although location had a lot to do with it – but the concept has proven viable before, particularly with long-standing favourite Nobu Hotel. It’s an interesting approach to redefining…
Every year at SXSW, US chef Rachael Ray puts on one of the best events – “Feedback” – which takes over Stubb’s BBQ on the Saturday, open to the public, and an invite only “Feedback House” that runs for a few days in accompaniment. Of course the food is amazing, but the music is even…
Kyushu, the southern island of Japan is an excellent destination for tourists who’ve had their fix of Honshu (mainland Japan) and are seeking something a bit more local. Oita is a prefecture within Kyushu that is rarely referenced by travellers outside those who chase onsens, and although that may be a selling point, there are…
Last year we were lucky enough to attend Luck Reunion festival in Texas; an event held during SXSW about an hour out of Austin on Willie Nelson’s ranch in Luck, Texas. Aussie artist Ruby Boots was among the impressive line-up this year, and now Australia’s own Angie McMahon will be joining the 2019 event –…
Tucked off Wickham Street in the Fortitude Valley is one of Brisbane’s finest and newest hotels, sitting comfortably alongside a slew of great dining and entertainment options in the city’s famously bustling district. The hotel in mention, Ovolo The Valley in many ways sits at the heart of this, surrounded by an area of Brisbane…
For all you jet-setting music fans out there, you’ll see plenty of Aussies hitting the stages of international festivals this year. From Coachella in California to Lollapalooza in Paris, you’ll be spotting Australian acts around the world. Here’s just a few of those destination festivals that you can expect to see some homegrown bands dominating…
There’s been a lot of changes to some of the world’s best airlines of late that have seen them change in flight offerings and add in charges for choosing seats ahead of check-in to their lower economy tickets. Singapore Airlines has been no stranger to the latter, but how does their service stack up for…
Carriageworks host an excellent farmers market every Saturday. They also feature chefs’ masterclasses which showcase the markets excellent and sustainable produce. Duncan Welgemoed of Adelaide’s Africola hosted the March edition with Shannon Martinez from Fitzroy’s vegan mecca, Smith & Daughters. They cooked up delicious dishes that were influenced by different cultural influences and fused together…
The team at Alexandria’s Textbook Boulangerie-Patisserie are known for making some of the most delicious croissants in the entire country, among many other treats. It’s why there’s queues out the door on most days, and that kind of buzz is only set to grow during Mardi Gras weekend with the introduction of the Golden Gaytime…
It’s that time again, where pride, diversity and strength take centre stage as the fabulous Mardi Gras rolls into town. Not just all about the parade itself anymore, the celebration has become about Sydney, it’s people, and it’s venues coming together to showcase and highlight the city’s effervescent LGBTQI community all week long. Right up…
Meet the Makers: Women in Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival is coming to Sydney to celebrate Australian and New Zealand’s female brewers, winemakers and distillers. CellarMasters has teamed up with BWS to launch Australia’s first ever drinks festival that has an exclusive all-female line-up. Taking place at Australian Technology Park in Sydney, the festival kicks off…
The Carriageworks Chef Series Masterclass returns again in 2019. The first person off of the rank is Duncan Welgemoed, the head chef and owner from the award-winning, Africola in Adelaide. Welgemoed’s techniques draw upon his rich cultural history including his chef dad, and Portuguese and Italian grandparents. We sat down with Duncan to learn more…
Dust off your favourite pineapple print button-up because café chain Jamaica Blue are slanging free drinks and meals to anyone who rocks up wearing their best pineapple patterned clothing or fashion accessory (pineapple tattoos count). It’s to celebrate their new “pineapple themed menu”, of course, with the freebie deal including jerk chicken tacos, breakfast bowls,…
There’s been a surprising amount happening at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast over the Summer; with the season set to come to an end with the launch of a brand new ride, Sky Voyager (which you can see being built to the left of the Dreamworld globe in the image above). Though the official opening…
You don’t have to look hard to find a picture-perfect villa in Bali. The shimmering private pool, the immaculate bathroom and the lofty bedroom – and we’re just talking about the small ones – is the now generic Villa recipe plastered all over social media (mostly Instagram) every single day by people living out their…
It’s no surprise when the nation raves about a restaurant in Tasmania, the island state best known for its impeccable produce and the quirky festivals like Dark Mofo and Mona Foma. Usually that hype is focused in on Hobart though, so it’s refreshing to hear that Australia’s official New Restaurant of the Year, as crowned…
Two of the World’s Best Bars are coming to Sydney for a “Singapore Social” party; Nespresso are wheeling people around in free rickshaws to show off their new sustainable boutique; and a bunch of the world’s hottest producers and contemporary hip hop artists are taking over Olympic Park. There is an incredible amount of reasons…
Recently opened luxury resort Riley has lifted the lid on Cairns’ first and only rooftop bar and restaurant, presenting locals and guests with Rocco which sits on the property’s 12th floor. Defined by its 270-degree views of the tropical city and the surrounding Coral Sea, Rocco is being pushed as a venue big on “atmosphere,…
Famed for their exclusive wagyu beef omakase menus, Tokyo’s Wagyumafia has officially begun expanding outside of Japan, with their first international location opening up in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Fitting into a modest 18-seat space on Oi Kwan Road, the members-only restaurant (non-members can still go, but they’ll get a pared down menu) has unsurprisingly…
Back when I lived in Vancouver, the only real option of getting between downtown Vancouver and Vancouver Island – home to British Columbia’s capital Victoria – was by way of a large, run-of-the-mill ferry operated by BC Ferries. It’s relatively affordable – at under $20 each way – takes about 90 minutes and has food…
One would reasonably expect that Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver is entirely worthy of the opulent luxury brand and its reliable reputation. It is, after all, Shangri-La’s North American flagship and – so far – only one of two on the continent, with the other being in Toronto. In 2008, it was the first to open; slightly…
Valentine’s Day is upon us, and as we rush towards the middle of February and into an overly commercialised bouquet of roses, chocolate and declarations of love (or, you know, single awareness), Sydney’s best are coming out to play. Let’s not get too cynical about it though, especially when venues across the city put their…
Bondi restaurant Rocker will host a 3-course offal showcase this February thanks to a transformation by The Kraken Black Spiced Rum. Titled ‘Eat Your Heart Out’, the menu has been developed by head chef Stuart Toon, as well as celebrity chef and restaurateur Darren Robertson who is co-owner of Three Blue Ducks, Rocker & Locura…
What is being described as an “exceptional and inimitable Japanese dining experience” is making its way to Sydney Harbour’s Campbell’s Stores, set to open later this year and set a new benchmark for the city. Titled Ura San, the ambitious restaurant is one of the first announced for The Rocks’ restored harbour-side precinct, an adaptive…
Way back in 2011, when I was flying home from my second SXSW, I jumped on a Southwest flight flying from Austin, Texas to Los Angeles. En route, I enjoyed a brief stop over in El Paso – a common stop with this airline (for whom El Paso is a hub) – an airport which…
Salt Meats Cheese has long been a stalwart of reliable Italian produce and dining in Australia. The group have been expanding rapidly over the past few years, so it was only a matter of time before Sydney’s Northern Beaches got their first taste of Edoardo Perlo and Stefano de Blasi’s lively concept. Following their most…
When I was a child learning to count and spell, I never thought I would visit Mississippi, the word used to measure time and to prove how good I was at spelling. But, I took a chance on Clarksdale. It’s a small town located in the north part of Mississippi, about an hour south of…
It was bound to happen some day, and there’s no surprise that Sydney’s Milky Lane, harbingers of ridiculously over-the-top and indulgent foods, were the ones to do it. The five-store chain (Parramatta, Cronulla, Gold Coast, Coogee and flagship Bondi) has decided to go full “broke millennial” and spray rounds of Mi-Goreng inspired goodness on top…
