Travel & Lifestyle

Sydney’s legendary Jackies launches a refreshed breakfast and lunch menu

The iconic Paddington courtyard cafe Jackies have debuted an updated breakfast and lunch menu. Jackies’ new owners Jono and Lucy Bowman purchased the business from the late Jackie Milijash’s mother Gina earlier this year and vow to continue the cool cafe scene of the 1990’s that Jackies notoriously had a part in creating. With new…

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Pier Farm opens along Williamstown beachfront (Melbourne)

Prominent Melbourne restauranteur, Roberto Schieriani, has opened up Pier Farm, a Mediterranean-inspired establishment at the former site of Anchorage along Williamstown’s seaside strip. Matteo Bartaletti who hails from North Bondi Italian Food and Movida has been appointed as head chef, designing a menu that features an array of seafood, pasta and salad dishes with ingredients sourced…

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New Walsh Bay restaurant Seventeen opens just in time for summer holidays (Sydney)

Inspired by the seventeen moorings floating along Sydney’s foreshore, Walsh Bay’s latest nautical themed dining venue Seventeen will be opening this week just in time for summer, boasting spectacular water views in a 100 seater cafe/deli/restaurant setting. Headed up by Clint Jaeger (Tetsuya’s, Banc, Bill’s and Hugo’s) Seventeen’s versatility is reflected in its menu which…

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David Moyle to curate extensive food line up – ‘Royal Moyle’ – for the St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival

Music festivals, these days, are as much about the experience off stage as they are about the ones to be had in front of them, with the ’boutique’ nature of these events drawing huge numbers of people out each year to spend money on the culinary delights that can be found at each site. The…

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Sydney’s legendary Mamak has opened in Seminyak (Bali)

Sydney’s beloved Award-winning Malaysian restaurant Mamak (known for it’s long queues and late opening hours) has opened their first international restaurant in Bali, bringing their bold traditional flavours to the island’s metropolitan Seminyak area. Located in the heart of Seminyak, Mamak Bali will showcase their beloved Malaysian Rotis, Curries and Satays to Bali locals and…

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Meatstock announces Melbourne return for April 2018

Meatstock will be returning to Melbourne on the 22nd to the 23rd April 2018 after a sell-out event this year. The carnival for carnivores will feature bands, barbecues, butchers and beer, as well as hosting two of the biggest names in barbecue, Big Moe Cason and Hilbilly Wes from Sydney’s Bovine & Swine. The Meatstock Melbourne…

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Tour Diary: AYLA takes us on the road and behind the scenes of her epic tour with Kim Churchill

The September-October tour supporting Kim is the longest run of shows I’ve done yet. I played thirteen of the shows with him across the country, getting to see some places I’d never seen before and meeting some amazing people. It was some of the most fun I’ve had with music. LEG ONE – VICTORIA SHOW…

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Hella Good, a dedicated souvlaki joint, has opened up in Melbourne’s CBD

Hella Good, the new sister of one of Melbourne’s longest Greek establishments, Stalactites, is bringing a fresh take on Greek favourites with an on-the-go souvlaki joint. Hella Good brings a fresh take on the flavours and fresh taste of Stalactites with juicy,marinated meat sliced straight from the spit and greek dips and desserts made fresh…

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Review: Classic French fare in the heart of Woollahra at Bistro Moncur (Sydney)

On the leafy Queen Street, Bistro Moncur is tucked away within Woollahra Hotel. With a meticulous eye for quality ingredients, the bistro has been dishing up classic French fare for the last 24 years. As expected, the French onion soufflé gratin ($24) to start is excellent. The airy French onion flavoured soufflé yields sweetness, while…

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PAFU is the next Japanese dessert to trend in Australia

The onslaught of Japanese desserts continue to hail down on Australia. From the team that brought you Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart, comes PAFU, a puff pastry store launching in Melbourne’s QV this December 16th. What exactly is PAFU? A puff or ‘パフ’ in the Japanese language, is the Japanese response to the traditional French apple turnover…

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Hartsyard 2.0 announced as Newtown favourite plans some big changes (Sydney)

Hardcore Sydney fans and Newtown locals may have to say goodbye to Hartsyard as they know it but the Newtown institution plans on reopening in early January 2018 with Hartsyard 2.0. After nearly six years, chef and owner, Gregory Llewellyn, decided it was time to head in a new direction and change things up. This includes…

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Lotus Group’s Fujisaki makes its debut at Barangaroo (Sydney)

A new refined modern Japanese dining restaurant just opened in Barangaroo and its name is Fujisaki. Heavy hitters in the dining scene that are part of Lotus Group’s new venture include executive chef Chui Lee Luk, formerly of Claude’s restaurant,  sushi chef Ryuichi Yoshii, formerly of Yoshii, and sommelier Annette Lacey. Yoshii pwns the raw…

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Ripponlea Food and Wine have reopened with a bold new look (Melbourne)

Taking on a motto of “kinda hood, kinda classy”, Ripponlea Food and Wine have finally reopened their venue, unveiling their expanded space after being closed for renovations since October 2. Expertly designed by Black Milk Interiors (Sash Japanese, Ms Collins), the new space features a glamourous new cocktail bar that seamlessly connects to the existing…

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Qantas and Rockpool to help you earn Frequent Flyer points while you dine

It seems Neil Perry has merged two of his closest relationships into one epic, industry-first partnership. The renowned chef has long had a close working relationship with Qantas, which he has now fused into the ever-growing Rockpool Dining Group – of which he is Culinary Director – with a special treat for point-lovers all across…

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Following its 13th consecutive Chef’s Hat, Wollongong’s Caveau is as focused as ever (NSW)

Having been awarded their thirteenth chef’s hat in a row and evolving under new management, Wollongong’s treasured Caveau is enjoying an eventful 2017. The award-winning fine dining institution is now being managed by chefs Simon Evans and Tom Chiumento, both whom have been running the kitchen since late 2015 and have a strong sense of…

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The best Christmas gift ideas in Australia for 2017

Gift guides popping up all over your feed is a good thing; it’s another sign that the holidays are finally here. 2017 is about to be done and dusted, but first you’ve got the Olympic sport that is gift-giving to get through. However you choose to celebrate the Christmas holidays, it’s going to be all…

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You can now earn Qantas Frequent Flyer Points at Rockpool Dining Group venues

It seems Neil Perry has merged two of his closest relationships into one epic, industry-first partnership. The renowned chef has long had a close working relationship with Qantas, which he has now fused into the ever-growing Rockpool Dining Group – of which he is Culinary Director – with a special treat for point-lovers all across…

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Din Tai Fung are bringing back their Dumpling Roulette for the holiday season

Beloved dumpling restaurant Din Tai Fung are bringing back their dumpling roulette sessions for a limited time across their Melbourne and Sydney restaurants. The temporary addition coincides with the launch of new and returning menus specials (did someone say fruit popsicles?) which will be available from 1st December up until 5th January. The popular dumpling…

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Review: Taqiza is an excellent addition to Bondi’s strong Mexican dining scene (Sydney)

It may be in the heart of Bondi Beach, but Taqiza is a journey to a small energetic restaurant hidden down a bustling street in Méjico. The restaurant size may be cosy, but the menu and taste isn’t slim in excitement. The word Taqiza, which literally translates to ‘taco party’ in Spanish, is the embodiment…

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Cadbury launches its first online gift shop in Australia ahead of Christmas

Ahead of the holiday season, Cadbury has launched its first Aussie online gift shop, Cadbury Joy Deliveries. The store features a collection of wrapped products, hampers, gift packs, limited edition Cadbury merchandise and tailor-made packages so chocolate lovers can order up some of their favourites and even curate their own hampers. The company will also…

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Review: A Girl Called Jayne has big shoes to fill in Elwood (Melbourne)

Yannick Beaucaine’s A Girl Called Jayne, has a lot to live up to as the replacement of Elwood’s beloved Turtle Café. Located on the bustling corner of Ormond and Glen Huntly Road, A Girl Called Jayne is a bright and spacious modern café with a minimalistic interior design. Inspired by Beaucaine’s years of experience working…

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Review: Neil Perry’s Jade Temple is now doing premium yum cha (Sydney)

Light and bright with a great deal of character, Jade Temple is a substantial move away from Eleven Bridge for Neil Perry. The famous chef’s short-lived “fine-casual” restaurant, which replaced Rockpool last year, was all dark and moody compared to this majestic makeover helped by two beautiful cast iron Chinese guardian lions which stand guard…

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There’s an exclusive Nike Australia and Foot Locker warehouse event in Melbourne this Sunday

For an Australian first, Nike are teaming up with Foot Locker and Melbourne Streetball Madness this weekend to put on a huge showcase of basketball, music, DJ’ing, art and sneakers in the world’s most liveable city. Dubbed Battle Force, the free-entry event will take over the sprawling Hangar 85 Essendon to give competition and creativity…

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Review: QT Melbourne is an impeccable boutique worthy of its reputation

Just over a year ago the now widely acclaimed designer hotel brand, QT Hotels & Resorts, opened QT Melbourne in the CBD; it has since become one of the most popular in the world’s most livable city, and for very good reason. Not only does this remain a top-choice for tourists heading to Melbourne, but…

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Review: The Guild Red River offers a unique hotel experience in Austin, Texas

The Guild has three locations in Austin, and I chose to stay at the one on Red River and 9th Street – right across from the iconic Stubb’s BBQ. It proved itself to offer something quite different to the usual hotel experience. Upon booking, I received a text asking me to send photos of my…

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Whisky Live Singapore offered some incredible firsts and had Australian bartenders along for the ride

Now in its eighth year, Whisky Live Singapore proved itself a truly unique experience over the weekend. The event brought in various brands of rum, whisky, gin and other spirits from near and far for attendees to savour and purchase. Taking place alongside the waters of Robertson Quay, rather than in a hotel ballroom like…

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Supafish: team behind Ponyfish Island to bring floating Mexican pop-up to Melbourne

Swimming up the Yarra to Southbank this summer is a 38-metre, 300-capacity Mexican dining barge set to bring Melbourne locals and visitors a unique summer haunt until the end of February 2018. Supafish is the latest collaboration between friends and business partners Andrew Mackinnon (The Taboo Group) and Grant Smillie (E.P & L.P, Melbourne City…

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Gold Coast’s new AVANI Broadbeach will connect guests to locals through their room keys

As the sun-soaked region continues to prepare for the big Commonwealth Games next year, Gold Coast is seeing some massive sweeping changes to its skyline. One of those latest changes is the addition of the enormous 219-key AVANI Broadbeach, the Australian debut from world renowned AVANI Hotels & Resorts set to open in just a…

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Sydney City Limits announces a huge food program curated by the team behind Mary’s

As the February 2018 debut of new festival Sydney City Limits edges closer, the experience in store for ticket-holders is beginning to take shape. We already know that the day will be stacked with quality live music from both international and local acts, spanning everyone from EDM wizards Justice and pop legend Grace Jones to…

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Barangaroo House announces details for middle-level restaurant Bea (Sydney)

In keeping their promise to reveal details for one level per week ahead of the big December opening, Solotel and Matt Moran have announced Bea as the latest layer of Barangaroo House. The highly anticipated project will house this 180+ seat restaurant on the middle level, below the already announced rooftop bar Smoke.. From 16th…

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