Travel & Lifestyle

Luke Nguyen brought on board to refine Vietnam Airlines’ food offerings

Vietnam Airlines has signed a three year contract with celebrity chef Luke Nguyen aimed at reinvigorating their on-board food offering. The bestselling author and TV host will be working closely with the airline as Global Cuisine Ambassador, a collaboration designed to further promote Vietnamese culture and cuisine to the world. Nguyen has developed eight of…

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Aussies Abroad: Post-punk outfit RVG set to tour Europe with rising stars Shame

Following a successful run of shows in the US which included SXSW in Texas and showcases in LA and NYC, acclaimed Australian post-punk band RVG are set to embark on a 12-stop European tour alongside UK band Shame in May. Having their gig in SXSW described as embodying “pure self-expression the way the Muses intended”…

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Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival announces huge 2018 program (NSW)

15 new events will be added to the 2018 Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival this year, expanding the program of essential food and wine experiences held each year across the region during May and June. That’s more than 40 events this year, showcasing everything from breezy gourmet dinners curated by award-winning restaurants, wine and…

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Neil Perry to debut Burger Project Black Label with premium burgers in Sydney

Neil Perry and Rockpool Dining Group are taking a huge step for their beloved Burger Project with the launch of the very first Burger Project Black Label, an expression of the burger chain which is – as you can tell from the name – a much more premium version of the concept. To give you…

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Netflix’s Stranger Things is coming to Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights

It’s one of the biggest television series to hit Netflix, and now, after two killer seasons on the screen, Stranger Things is being brought to life at Universal Studios in Hollywood, Orlando and Singapore. Each park are launching interactive Stranger Things-themed mazes as part of their iconic Halloween Horror Nights events, that will be kicking off…

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Universal Studios Hollywood to host Jurassic Park 25th Anniversary Celebration

Calling all Jurassic Park fans! Universal Studios Hollywood will be hosting the first ever themed Jurassic Park Celebration that will roar to life from 11-12 May to coincide with the film’s 25th anniversary. This event was created in partnership with Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment as a separately ticketed event, in which space is limited and…

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Merivale will close Manly’s Papi Chulo to make way for a new Queen Chow (Sydney)

Merivale will say goodbye to Manly Wharf’s beloved Papi Chulo on Sunday 29 April, to make way for Queen Chow in the coming months. With Queen Chow’s Enmore location an undeniable hit for the hospitality group, the crew will be swapping those waterfront meat sweats for Cantonese cuisine. “We have had a lot of fun at…

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Paper Bird channels Korean, Japanese and Chinese flavours into a new weekend brunch menu (Sydney)

Rising Potts Point favourite Paper Bird has brought back their popular contemporary East-Asian weekend brunch menu this past weekend, launching a series of new dishes complemented by extended opening hours for locals and visitors who really want to sink their teeth into the modern interpretations of Korean, Chinese and Japanese flavours. From 10am to 3pm…

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Southern Comfort BLACK takes the beloved whiskey liqueur back to its roots

One of the world’s most beloved Whiskey liqueurs has launched a new expression to enhance all the classic notes of the original. Southern Comfort Black has officially made it’s way into the Australian market, bringing a robust whiskey-forward profile with subtle spice and fruity accents. Master Blender Drew Mayville has crafted the new release at…

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Holey Moley Golf Club to open their biggest venue to date in Kings Cross (Sydney)

Adding to their ever-expanding presence across the country, putt-putt party bar Holey Moley Golf Club will be opening their newest location under Sydney’s iconic Coca-Cola sign in Kings Cross. Set to launch on 10th May with what is being described as a “Gatsby-style” grand opening, the rapidly growing chain of venues will bring a two-storey…

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Revamped Ovolo Inchcolm brings 1930s charm to Brisbane

Ovolo Hotels have transformed Brisbane’s Incholm hotel into a unique 1930’s inspired design, after the international hotel group acquired the property last year. The rich architectural heritage of the hotel will transform guests back to the 1920’s and 30’s, with uniquely themed interiors and an oddball mix of books, objects and artefacts. The new Ovolo…

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Virgin Australia giving away trips to Hong Kong as they launch flights from Sydney

Virgin Australia have just confirmed the date of their first Sydney to Hong Kong return flights, and to celebrate they’re giving away free return Business class airfares and luxury accommodation in the airline’s #chopstickchallenge. To enter, post a picture of yourself conducting ordinary tasks using chopsticks through Instagram. The person with the most creative use…

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After the Games: How to spend 24 Hours in Queensland’s Surfers Paradise

Known for its beaches, theme parks and seafood, Australia’s second largest state Queensland remains a popular tourist destination all year-round. It’s a big place with an abundance of things to do and places to see. And at the moment its Southern most city is home to the 2018 Commonweath Games. However, if you don’t want…

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The Star Gold Coast has lifted the lid on their super luxe hotel ‘The Darling’

Just in time for the very anticipated Commonwealth Games, The Star Gold Coast has officially begun the launch of their new luxury suite hotel The Darling, kicking off with an unsurprisingly lavish launch night earlier this month. Located at the front of the long-standing Broadbeach Island property, The Darling is the crown jewel of a…

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Tour Diary: Hitting SXSW with Campbell Burns and Newcastle’s Vacations

Hi, hello. My name is Campbell Burns and I’m based in Newcastle, NSW. I lead Vacations, a music project I started about two years ago. I sent out an application to perform at SXSW towards the end of 2017, about two weeks before the closing date, completely on a whim. About a week later I…

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Five essential Byron Bay dining spots you need in your life

Less than an hour and a half south of the Gold Coast, where the Commonwealth Games are about to be held, and the home of Bluesfest, is a hotbed for innovative gastronomy and creative enterprises in and around Byron Bay. The landscape is constantly evolving and flourishing, yet within the much loved laid-back coastal and…

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Review: Los Angeles’ Mari Restaurant blends Californian and Japanese Flavours in the InterContinental Century City

Opened in 2016, the on site restaurant at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, Mari Restaurant blends together Japanese and Californian flavours for a truly original menu offering. They serve an evolving menu throughout the day, from breakfast, through to lunch and dinner – every menu getting slightly more Japanese flavoured than the…

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Review: DoubleTree by Hilton – still one of Melbourne’s best located hotels

The 180-room DoubleTree by Hilton, situated in the heart of Melbourne CBD, quickly became an institution for both locals and visitors shortly after it debuted in 2014. Reflecting design inspiration from its location opposite the historic Flinders Street Station, the boutique-minded property is a perfect example of soaking up the surrounds with subtle, charming flourishes…

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The super budget-conscious UberPOOL is launching in Sydney next week

Come April 3rd, Uber will be launching their super budget-conscious UberPOOL service in Australia, specifically the inner-city suburbs of Sydney ahead of a planned nationwide roll out. The service has proven to be incredibly popular in cities like L.A, Austin and New York, with savings of up to half the price of a usual UberX….

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Review: Unwind and unplug (literally) in the Renaissance Hotel Pittsburgh

It’s had an extensive history in only 100 years; from office building to WWII VA hospital to a nightclub, but now the Fulton Building in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is home to a hotel that not only allows guests to recharge in contemporary luxury but also detox and unplug from the digital world. Renaissance Hotel is located…

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Hotel Indigo set to deliver a brand new boutique hotel to Sydney’s CBD

Sydney’s Central station is currently undergoing a massive transformation, and soon the thriving Central precinct will welcome an IHG boutique hotel, Hotel Indigo. It’s a few years in the making with an opening date of 2021, but when the 168-room hotel does arrive, it will be adding a hint of contemporary style to Central’s rich…

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World’s Best Steak winners Jack’s Creek sign retail distribution venture with Harris Farm

Jack’s Creek are a big name on the steak scene right now. The New South Wales producer first rose to global recognition when they won the World’s Best Steak competition in 2015, following that up with another win in 2016 and a win for the World’s Best Fillet Steak in 2017. High demand was expected,…

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10-day food festival Tasting Australia is planning an epic Kangaroo Island event (Adelaide)

Returning with an extended program this year, Tasting Australia will once again thread through the majestic surrounds of Adelaide beyond with a culinary experience led various chefs, winemakers, distillers and producers. The unique multi-day gastronomic celebration, which highlights not only South Australia’s exceptional beauty but also tastes from around the country, will include various events…

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Review: McDonalds’ 100 per cent Australian Wagyu beef burger isn’t all that special

McDonald’s have moved on up from Angus to something a bit more expensive, introducing a burger that they say is made with 100% Australian-bred Wagyu, upping their already stacked “Gourmet Creations” range with the Wagyu Beef Burger. Though it sits at almost double the price of a Big Mac, offered from the menu for a…

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Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants announced for 2018: Gaggan tops list for fourth consecutive year

Gaggan Anand’s progressive Indian restaurant in Bangkok has once again topped the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants following a lively ceremony which celebrated and named the finest dining destinations across the continent. Although it was unsurprisingly Japan that emerged as the country with the most entries, including Tokyo’s highly awarded Den in the second…

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Vans hook up with A Tribe Called Quest for expansive sneaker collection

You on point Vans? The renowned sports and apparel brand have this week announced a special collaboration collection with none other than the legendary A Tribe Called Quest, hooking up with The Thread Shop – a merchandising company from ATCQ and Sony Music – for sneakers which celebrate, pay tribute and honour the style, art…

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Review: AVANI Metropolis Residences adapts premium hospitality to social media in Auckland, New Zealand

The newly opened Avani Metropolis Residences in Auckland’s CBD marks a significant debut for the hotel and resort brand in this part of the world. Along with an even newer Australian property on the Gold Coast, the reputable Avani name has officially stepped onto the Trans-Tasman scene, looking to bolster Minor Hotels’ steadily growing portfolio…

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Sunaana: Could this new festival in Portland, Maine be the U.S. answer to Iceland Airwaves?

Consider the size and scope of a “discovery” focused destination event like Iceland Airwaves. The reputable decades-old showcase festival has grown to such an extent that it now spreads not just through, but beyond Reykjavik and has become not only a platform for rising talent in live music, but also a way to highlight the…

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Warner Bros. bring back the classics in new studio tour and exhibition

Consider yourself a fan of classic films like Rebel Without a Cause, My Fair Lady and Casablanca? Well you’ll soon be able to get a deeper look into the creation and stories behind these great films, as Warner Bros. Studio in Hollywood are set to launch a exclusive classics themed tour. To celebrate 95 years…

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Review: FV by Peppers brings ultra modern apartment living to Fortitude Valley

A stunning U-shaped pool offering far-reaching views over Brisbane River and the city, a cosy private cinema, luxury private spa rooms for hire, and ultra-modern apartments in two of three thirty-storey towers that have been built across 5000 square metres. FV by Peppers is an enormous and incredibly impressive development from Australian real estate mogul…

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