Competing in sport at any level requires a healthy dose of blood, sweat and tears. Getting yourself into competitive shape, then having to prove yourself at the highest level is by no means an easy feat, since you have several factors that dictate whether you win or lose. As Will Ferrell’s character Ricky Bobby says in the comedy film Talladega Nights, “if you ain’t first, you’re last.”Of course, for many of us, we only get to see athletes perform on the world stage at various global events, such as the Olympics or annual world championships. We rarely get to see how much training and commitment athletes have to undergo as they prepare for their events.In the case of Olympic bronze medalist and three time world champion Australian snowboarder Scotty James – who has recently been unveiled as an ambassador for Victorian winemaker St Huberts’ latest drop, The Stag – you may think it’s all fun and games, being able to perform death-defying tricks in the air. But while we may gasp and cheer at the sheer amazement of these tricks, Scotty has to make sure he’s mentally and physically fit before he even thinks about walking out on the snow.DMARGE recently spoke with Scotty to gain a closer insight into his training regimes, nutritional habits and how he keeps his mind focused on the task at hand.Scotty first admits that he constantly has to get himself “ready to compete at a higher level, preparing my body, myself, my mind, so I’m able to perform harder tricks as they evolve over time.”“Specifically with training, we focus a lot on my core and my legs, we do a lot of core strength, ensuring that we really improve the connectivity between my legs and my core. I also do a lot of work through my hip flexors, since I’m using those quite a lot with my training.”RELATED: World Champion Snowboarder Scotty James Shares Brutal Core Workout“We also do general strength work, such as squatting, some powerlifting, we also do a lot of plyometrics, lots of explosive jumping, and a lot of lateral movements. Pretty much all those things work my legs the full 360-degrees. In the halfpipe, there’s not necessarily one specific thing, or one specific movement I can do in the gym, that mimics exactly what I’m trying to do in the halfpipe.”“Aerobic fitness is also really important, we’re always training at high altitudes. At the moment, the glacier we’re training on is about 3000-3200 metres, so being fit is paramount. I cycle and run, and we actually also hike a lot in the halfpipe, just to practice. All these are really important details for making sure I’m in the best shape possible.”Naturally, Scotty isn’t always going to find himself having the luxury of endless access to a halfpipe to practice and perform tricks, so how does he navigate this to ensure he’s still able to perform at an elite level?“It is tough, we don’t always get to ride halfpipes, they’re very few and far between around the world. But really, we can only properly perform the tricks in the halfpipes. Fortunately nowadays there are tools and things we can use, like airbags, so they cut the end of the halfpipe off, you fly out the end and land on the airbag.”“Obviously this removes a lot of factors and the risk, and eventually you have to do it on the real thing, but you can get on the trampoline just to get yourself familiar and work on your air awareness. But in terms of actually doing the tricks and accomplishing them, it’s really just in the halfpipe.”You can view some of Scotty’s champion-level training in the video below

Nobody expects a world champion athlete to go it alone and devise their own workout plans, or figure out how to perform tricks by following YouTube videos, and fortunately for Scotty, he’s surrounded by some of the best.“I have my strength and conditioning coach Will Morgan, he’s part of the Australian Olympic team, he coaches a lot of other athletes too. Then I have my on-snow coach James Jackson, who I’ve been working with for seven years now. He really works on more of a technical point of ‘this is how you do the trick you want to do’, kind of thing.”“So, I guess in a way, Will sets me up to work with James, and James gets me to do the tricks, and everything I need to do in the halfpipe. Along with a lot of other people in my team who are incredibly supportive. But in terms of physical and mental prep, those two guys are the key contacts.”Speaking of mental prep, naturally, things aren’t always going to go Scotty’s way. Some tricks may not go as planned, or he may not finish in a position he would’ve wanted to in an event. We’ve previously discussed the ongoing issue regarding mental health in sport, with some industry figures basically expecting those who perform at the highest level to essentially suck it up and get on with the job they’re talented enough to do.RELATED: The Uncomfortable Truth About Sports’ Ongoing Mental Health Debate“It’s an everyday challenge. Naturally as human beings we want to run away from fear, it’s something we’re taught to be very mindful of. I think for me, I am fearful a lot. I think I’ve just taught myself really well how to challenge that.”“It’s really simple, sometimes I come up with these ideas in my head, or a run that I want to achieve, or an event I want to win, and I always say to myself ‘I want to give myself the best opportunity in my life and in my career to find out how far I can go.”

“And if I don’t allow myself to explore that, to its fullest, then I’ll never be completely content, and that really helps me overcome the challenges, because I’ll say ‘well, I’ve got to try this. I’ve got to know what this is going to feel like’. And then, of course, things don’t always work out, but that’s life.”

“I think if you can compartmentalise that, and move forward, that’s kind of my way of being able to do that. I’m definitely scared everyday, but I always say to myself, ‘the day I’m not scared, is probably the day I’ll stop’, because then you’re not as switched on, you’re not respecting the ticks, you’re not respecting the environment.”“So I shouldn’t really be jumping around and taking it for granted. You’ve got to be all in all the time, otherwise it can be very dangerous.”As for everything else that goes into Scotty’s routine to give himself the best chance of success? Well, for a start, he doesn’t bother with any of the latest fad diets.“I don’t follow a specific diet. I think for me, I would consider myself to be very healthy, I’m just very mindful of everything. I think it’s important to have everything in moderation. I’m not going down the keto or the vegan, or a plant-based diet or anything like that. There’s definitely traits within those diets that I love and that I can use to physically enhance me in certain ways.”

“I like to treat myself every now and then, as anyone does, and I like a glass of Stag occasionally. I kind of stay on top of all that stuff and make sure I’m ready to attack as much as possible, physically, as well as mentally.”

Scotty does have a slightly trickier route to success compared to some of his rivals, because he’s quite a bit taller than the rest of them. This can inhibit his ability to perform spins and flips in the air, but he takes this into account and works it into his training.“I’m very mindful of my weight, because I’m quite tall. I’m 6ft 2in and my competitors are 5ft 5in – 5ft 8in, so naturally they’re able to spin and flip a little bit more efficiently, whereas I’m taller so I’ve got a bit more to throw around. So if I’m mindful of my weight, the things I’m eating are obviously going to affect that, so it’s definitely something I think about.”Scotty also makes sure he gives himself plenty of rest, “There’s been a lot of new research coming out about sleep and how important it is. People are saying it’s more important than training and nutrition and everything like that. I would say they’re all equally as important as each other, but yeah, sleep is huge.”“Now I kind of go up on the mountain and train early for 4 – 5 hours, and if I can, I’ll try and have a little nap here and there, whereas before I kind of wasn’t inclined to. But now I’m looking at it more as a performance enhancer, so my perspective has definitely changed a lot on sleep.”

Read Next

• The Best Ab Workouts For Men To Get That Elusive Six-Pack
• The Best Snowboarding Clothing Brands You Need To Check Out This Winter

The post Australian Snowboarder Scotty James Reveals Mental Resilience Hack That Keeps Him At The Top appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

When you hear the word ‘hinterland,’ you probably envisage chasing waterfalls in Northern NSW (think: Byron Bay, Bellingen, etc.). But did you know Sydney has a luscious jungle substitute of its own?

After Sydney’s lockdown was finally lifted, I decided to test this theory for myself, stretching my car wheels for the first time in months. 

I found a cool little spot near Wollongong, which I’d been driving past in search of more Instagram-famous pastures for pretty much my entire life.

Enter: Clover Hill Trail. 

Just an hour and a half south of Sydney (and about a 20 minute drive inland from Shellharbour), Clover Hill Trail turned from a random Google recommendation for “hikes near Shellharbour” to a revelation. 

That revelation? You don’t need to fly to Kakadu, drive 6 hours up to Bellingen, or slog it 8 hours up to Byron to find a tropical-looking oasis. 

Also, being somewhat coastal, it makes for a trip with much more variety than the Blue Mountains, with the beaches of Bulli, Wollongong and Shellharbour just short drives away.

Watch my incredible find just over an hour south of Sydney in the video below

I drove down on a Friday afternoon, car camped in Shellharbour on Friday night (where I was subjected to a group of P-Platers doing burnouts in the carpark half the night), then, in the space of 24 hours swam at The Farm, walked the Clover Hill Trail, chased waterfalls and then surfed in Bulli (and went to a burger joint with live music).

This is everything we learned along the way.

You shouldn’t write off Greater Sydney as a holiday destination

Seriously. Many people just go to Jervis Bay because they don’t know of anywhere else. But there’s always fun to be found in just winging it. Go somewhere, then improvise. Having now seen this place, it’s simply astonishing I’ve never even considered stopping before.  

Car camping isn’t as idyllic as Instagram makes it out to be

Did I mention the P-Plating hoons?

RELATED: I Jumped Onboard 2021’s Most Cliche Travel Trend. It Was A Complete Disaster

Wombats are “kind of smelly”

Who knew? You don’t need to go hours away from Sydney to find wombats – there are a few of them on Clover Hill Trail. And yes: they are kind of smelly.

Canyoning and chasing waterfalls are not exclusive to the Blue Mountains

It’s at your own risk though, as various signs point out.

Good company makes a good trip

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by The Trax Tribe 》Travel♡Nature (@thetraxtribe)

Being on your own when you’re looking for some solace, or with a good group of friends when you’re looking for some fun, can make or break a trip. Spending a day in a second tier (or third tier) location few people even consider a tourism attraction, with the right people, can be way more fun than a week in the Maldives with the wrong people.

Instagram and TikTok can make anything look good

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Discovery Holiday Parks (@discoveryparks)

Chuck the right filter, clever caption, and a robotic “what I mean when I say…” voiceover on anything, and you can make it seem like a hidden gem. 

Chasing waterfalls is more fun when you’re not obsessed with sharing it with the world

Fortunatley I learned my lesson from the last time I tried chasing waterfalls…

There are (some) cooler restaurants and bars in Bulli than in Sydney’s inner city

Whether you like Broccoli burgers or dirty bird, your bases are covered. There’s overpriced Big Reds too, for those who want a taste of home. 

Not going so far means you get to spend way more time enjoying yourself

Seems obvious, but this trip drove it home. 

I’m not the only one cottoning onto this

Besides the people who live nearby obviously knowing about the various hikes and waterfalls in ‘Wollongong’s Hinterland’, there is a growing number of people visiting and then posting about their experience online. Clover Hill Trail has 572 Instagram hashtags to its name, and its geotag is full of images. Macquarie Pass (another waterfall walk nearby) has 4,510 Instagram posts to its name. 

Not to mention: even though Australians are now allowed to travel overseas, for the time being it looks like a red tape nightmare, and people are worried about cancellations and losing money thanks to pandemic related disruptions. So, for the time being, expect a whole lot more Sydneysiders to be trotting up and down the coast…

Read Next

• I Did Sydney’s Most Instagram Famous Walk & It Was A Complete Disaster
• I Tried Bali’s Instagram Famous Floating Breakfast & It Was A Total Disaster

The post A Hinterland Holiday Without Leaving Sydney: Travel Starved Tourists Flock To Wollongong appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Nusret Gökçe – better known as ‘Salt Bae‘ – might just be the most genius businessman on the planet.The 38-year-old Turkish butcher, restauranteur and social media star, who went viral in 2017 for his outrageous way of sprinkling salt, has leveraged his fame into a steakhouse empire, having opened ‘Nusr-Et’ restaurants on both coasts of the United States as well as across the Middle East and now Europe. He flies across the world eating kilos of red meat and visiting his different restaurants, attracting huge crowds in the process.But it’s not all sunshine and daisies. Gökçe has come under fire for the outrageous prices he charges for his meaty meals, with diners from LA to London voicing their displeasure about the often four-figure price tags his steak demands. I mean, a 2kg tomahawk covered in gold leaf was never going to be cheap… Many have said it’s a total gimmick, with one critic voicing his displeasure in outrageous fashion.Well-regarded British food writer Jay Rayner has made headlines around the globe for his scathing ‘review’ of Nusr-Et’s new London location. Well, it’s not really a review. Having decided that “[The Guardian] has better things to spend its money on,” he instead elected to buy a £8.50 kebab from a much-loved local takeaway and eat it outside Nusr-Et as a protest, eating it outside of the fancy restaurant in full view of staff and diners.

“It’s a ludicrous gesture, but then the Nusr-Et Steakhouse is a ludicrous restaurant, and one stupid turn deserves another. Still, I’m certain that I am eating better than all the customers through the huge wooden doors behind me, spaffing their sticky largesse over gold-leaf wrapped steaks,” Rayner writes in his hilarious takedown of the lavish spot.Indeed, his article is really a review singing the praises of Kebab Kid, the Parsons Green takeaway joint he bought his kebab at, writing about the greasy spoon in the same way you’d expect someone to talk about Nobu or The Fat Duck. It’s definitely worth a read in full.RELATED: Australian Man Tries To Sell Post Lockdown Restaurant Reservation For Outrageous SumRayner drew both praise and criticism last September when he announced that he would be pausing writing negative restaurant reviews during the COVID-19 pandemic, explaining that “in such dire economic circumstances, it just feels unnecessary… I do this job because I love restaurants. And now is definitely the time to show them a bit of that love.”This kebab stunt is a clever way to get around being directly critical of Nusr-Et and Salt Bae whilst still sharing his opinion on the joint – whilst also celebrating a local business that’s no doubt been one of the uncelebrated heroes of The Spicy Cough, like all takeaway places around the globe have been. Nicely done, mate.Take a sneak peek behind the curtains at Salt Bae’s private butcher’s in Istanbul below.

Read Next

• Not Even A Pandemic Can Stop Australians Eating This Luxury Food
• The Rude Shock Every Tourist Needs To Prepare For Before Dining In France

The post Salt Bae’s London Restaurant: Food Critic Stages Hilarious Kebab Stunt Outside appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Getting vaccinated is the key to society getting back to normal and ending this vicious cycle of lockdowns. 

But for some people that’s not convincing enough. 

Now, ethical and political views aside, some new research has since come out that men may pay to listen to, as it could be the difference between you being able to perform where it matters most. 

USA Today recently published a story, citing research from a team of Italian researchers, that found the Covid-19 virus could be a contributor towards erectile dysfunction.

The study took a sample of 2,000 sexually active Italian men, some who had contracted the Covid-19 virus and some who hadn’t, and ultimately found, “Logistic regression models confirmed a significant effect of COVID-19 on the development of ED, independently of other variables affecting erectile function, such as psychological status, age, and BMI.”

Logically, then, by getting yourself vaccinated, you’re far less likely to either contract the virus all together, or if you do, the symptoms you experience will be far lessened, both of which could mean you’re less likely to experience ED.

Dr Joseph Santos, a registered GP and medical director at Rosemary Health provided DMARGE with further explanation, with regards to how Covid-19 may impact ED and if getting vaccinated is the best course of action to prevent it from happening. 

“There are case reports documenting how Covid-19 survivors are experiencing sexual difficulties such as erectile dysfunction. Directly, it is believed that the virus can affect our vascular system through an inflammatory process which impacts blood flow to the penis.”

“Indirectly, ED occurs due to the widespread effect the virus has on a patient’s overall health which infected, but also the impact of a post viral syndrome being dubbed ‘long Covid’ has during a patient’s recovery. Let us not forget as well the psychological shock the pandemic has had on people’s mental health.”

However, Dr Santos is keen to stress the vaccination is by no means a cure (for ED directly), “There is no evidence to suggest that the Covid-19 vaccination should be used for the purpose of ED treatment. Vaccination reduces the chance a person will develop ED by minimising the impact the disease will have on their health.” 

For Dr Santos, treatment of ED is far more likely to be psychologically-based, although adds getting vaccinated could play a part within that:

“Mental health is important for good, strong erections and psychological conditions like anxiety and depression have been shown to be direct causes for ED. It is important to address symptoms of anxiety and depression with psychological support, counselling and medical review. While Covid-19 vaccination is not used to treat mental health conditions, its ability to protect and reduce health complications from infection will indirectly improve psychological recovery.”

Ultimately, Dr Santos says effective treatment for ED “involves addressing lifestyle and psychological issues, as well as the use of prescription medications like PDE-5 inhibitors (such as Sildenafil, Tadalafil and Avanafil) which improve blood flow to the penis.”

“Even though ED affects up to 40% of Australian men, it remains a sensitive issue. The first step is to ask for help, and before starting any treatment, it is important to be assessed by a healthcare profession to decide what would be the most appropriate treatment.”

Read Next

• I Broke My Penis. It Was Bad. ‘On Top Of Refrigerator’ Bad
• Bad News Men, Your Penis Can Actually Shrink In Size

The post Study Finds Yet Another Reason For Men To Get Vaccinated appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The media, and the characters it uses, have an indescribably huge influence on our very being. The figures we see in magazines, on TV, on social media, all portray what we now collectively (but perhaps begrudgingly) agree to be the ‘perfect’, or the ideal. For men, this is six-packs, huge biceps, a chiselled jaw and some form of facial hair (no longer is the 5 o’clock shadow considered the only facial hair a man can be seen with, since the rise of the fully-fledged beard). 

But, as we all also know, not everybody possesses these features. We’re literally not all built the same; biology and genetics make each and every one of us unique, so why are we always presented with similar images of what ‘real men’ should look like? 

Race, too, has to be brought into question, as for a time, men of colour weren’t well represented in the modelling industry either. Speaking to Teen Vogue, male model Broderick Hunter spoke of his experiences as an up and coming black male model: “At the age of 19, if I was to blast on social media, saying ‘Hey, yo, f*ck [this fashion brand], they replaced me with a white guy,’ I probably wouldn’t be here, because I didn’t have the backing behind me to continue my career,” he relates.

“I’m sure it’s still happening. No one knew it was happening to me, but if I say it now, other black male models will say: ‘That happened to me’ or ‘That happened to me yesterday.'”

We’ve certainly seen some changes in the media and modelling industry lately, with a more diverse array of individuals being represented. Yes, there is still a long way to go – the Oscars, for example, finally included two women in the Best Director category for the first time this year – but the ripple effect has most certainly begun. 

To gain a greater insight into the current state of the male model industry, and how easy or difficult it was to get into it, specifically for plus-size models, DMARGE spoke exclusively with Raul Samuel, a plus-size male model currently signed with Bridge Models in the UK and USA.

To get into the industry, Raul took some initiative, “I applied to Bridge and was then invited to a casting. I applied because I was looking for models that were my size and to see how they styled their clothes as inspiration, and that’s where I came across some article online. From there I thought there needs to be more representation, so why not give it a go.”

The media has, for years, been trying to consistently portray the message that six-packs and broad shoulders are what we should be aspiring too, which will naturally be a bit of a hindrance to plus-size models wanting to make an impact. That blanket message is now changing, of course, and to this, Raul says, “People thought it was only done for political correctness and that there’s not a need for it, so most brands didn’t have a lot to show.”

Not that there’s anything wrong with aspiring to have a six pack – but Raul encourages men to open their minds to different aspirations (or at least accepting that may be the case for other people). In other words: you shouldn’t be ashamed if that’s not your ambition and you have different priorities in life than simply looking buff as heck.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Raul Samuel (@raulsamuel_official)

“Now they’re seeing the demand is as great with the males as it is with females in the industry. There are still great strides needed to be made with regard to dedicated sections for most online stores, but I like how it’s going so far.”

As for whether he should be seen as an advocate for bringing awareness to various body shapes and sizes, Raul admits: “It was definitely not what I had in mind. I just know that there needed to be more representation for XXL men and attention to the clothes being made.”

“However, I have to say the team behind me, Bridge models, have been the greatest push for the industry, making sure we have the same right and are treated the same as any other models, even to the point of removing terms like plus size and just using the word models.”

However, it’s not necessarily all good news right now, as Raul relates, “I have had memes made of me a few times, even by big public figures, but it all draws attention to the industry. I expect to get hate, it’s only normal and people don’t like change.”

Speaking of change, some brands still seem unwilling to deviate from the ‘norm’. As for whether plus size models get the same opportunities as others, Raul openly states, “Not really no. There are still quite a few established brands who have thought about it but still haven’t used plus size models. But for example, the Rihanna campaign going viral – the popstar’s Savage x Fenty campaign for lingerie showcasing women of various sizes, shapes and colour – is definitely a wake-up call to the demand that needs to be met.”

That demand certainly should be met. After all, obtaining a Thor-like body is simply unachievable for some men, and for others, it’s simply not what they want. Raul is keen to promote body positive messages:

“People who don’t have a six pack can’t automatically be called unhealthy. If we look around the room we’re sitting in, at least 70% of people probably don’t have six packs, and that’s what we want to represent, it’s them. Just because they don’t look like the stereotypical gym body look, does not mean they are not beautiful.”

“To be healthy is to be a healthy age and lifestyle, it all plays a part. Of course, we want to encourage everyone to be healthy and knowing that you can look good, but you don’t need to drop to 5% body fat to look good.”

RELATED: David Goggins Fans Show Off Their Incredible Body Transformations

It’s also important to point out that an attitude of body acceptance, and of kindness, is far more likely to inspire overweight individuals to make positive steps in regards to improving their health and fitness, should they so desire, than criticism and shaming – feling depressed and anxious is not conducive to getting out and after it, after all. Feeling accepted and inspired – and happy – people are far more likely to make positive changes to their lives (as well as the occassional bit of tough talk from straight shooters like David Goggins). 

Read Next

• How To Dress For Your Body Type When You’re A Big Guy
• Stylish Clothing Brands That Are Perfect For Big & Tall Men

The post What Plus Sized Male Models Wished Every Man Knew appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Business class has had a weird couple of years. Not only are some airlines ripping out business class seats to make way for premium economy, but there have been some serious cutbacks in business class itself too.Since 2019 we’ve seen such incidents as Noodlegate (which involved some rather disgruntled business class passengers being served noodles) as well as more recently airlines ‘unbundling’ business class and removing automatic rights such as seat selection and lounge access for certain kinds of business class fares.RELATED: Business Class Passenger’s ‘Infuriating’ Demand Sparks Crucial New Normal DebateSome are huge fans of this, saying it offers greater flexibility, others not so much…Enter: Lufthansa, and their new regional business class catering concept, “heimat,” which means “homeland,” and which is a little too homely for some passengers’ liking.Speaking about a recent Lufthansa intra-European flight, Ben Schlappig of One Mile At A Time, compared the meal he recieved to an elementary school lunch.“The whole meal kind of felt like that kid in elementary school who would try to trade his food with others, because it just didn’t look very appealing (and I’m being polite — I think the other comparison might be to Fyre Festival).”What exactly did the meal look like then, that he was served? We’ll let him take it from here.“On the short 45 minute afternoon flight from Frankfurt to Paris, I was served a totally different meal than what I’m used to on Lufthansa. After takeoff, the crew presented all business class passengers with a wrapped sandwich on a plate,” he wrote on One Mile At A Time.He added: “Hmmm, this looked very different than what I’ve been offered in the past. I unwrapped it, and basically found (not particularly fresh-tasting) bread, cheese, and some sort of a spread.”“There were no accompaniments. That’s… it? Nope, worry not, that’s not it. Just before landing, after trays were cleared, a basket with apples was brought around.”“Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t particularly enjoy biting into apples when I haven’t washed my hands in a while, don’t have a knife, am not sure if the apple is clean, etc.”He is not the only one who is not super impressed with Lufthansa’s sandwitches, with Matthew Klint of Live & Let’s Fly writing (somewhat satirically) of the sandwitch he recieved in economy in 2020: “You need to bring your own food if you are traveling in Lufthansa economy class…or just embrace the ‘Lufthansa Diet’.”“Los Angeles to Frankfurt is 10.5 hours. I was quite hungry before landing. But this was served,” he wrote.

“You think it looks bad? You should have smelled it… Lukewarm egg salad on a plane with a slice of unidentified cheese and a soggy cucumber? No thanks…I’d rather not spend all day on the toilet. Seriously, no one ate it. No one my row, no one across from me, no one in front of me. It was pure waste,” (Live & Let’s Fly).Lufthansa is not not alone in (so it seems) spinning cost cutting as a positive, with airlines worldwide having lost an estimated 370 billion USD in 2020, and needing to run a tight ship at the moment.Though the cliche is it’s never a good look to complain about a premium product (becasue no matter how bad it is it’s still better than economy) there is an important discussion to be had about business class’ new normal and value for money – if airlines are still charging the same for business class, passengers have a right to ask for just as high quality an experience.

Read Next

• Hidden Benefits Of Flying First Class Business Class Passengers Have No Idea About
• The Biggest Business Class Myth People Still Believe

The post Is This The Worst Business Class Meal Ever? Or Are Our Standards Too High? appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

LeBron James is the king of the pre-game fashion show.NBA players these days are rather fashionable chaps. Over the last eighteen months, while most fashion shows and celebrity events have been shuttered thanks to The Spicy Cough, the NBA’s pre-game tunnel walk-on have become ersatz catwalks; a potent source of style inspiration for fashion-starved men across the globe.Some notable outfits in recent memory have included the Houston Rockets’ P.J. Tucker flexing full Issey Miyake, the Washington Wizards’ Russell Westbrook’s rockabilly steez or the Lakers’ Anthony Davis and his expert take on smart casual… But no-one loves this flexing opportunity more than LeBron James.Just take this exceptionally slick outfit he chose to flaunt ahead of the Lakers’ game against the Golden State Warriors yesterday. LeBron shared a photo of this all-black pre-game outfit while calling himself ‘Bron Wayne’, a reference to Batman’s alter-ego, billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne. Sure, his exploits on the court are pretty heroic, but calling yourself Batman? That’s not going to help the perception that you’ve got too big of an ego, LeBron…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LeBron James (@kingjames)

Specifically, the suit is from Thom Browne and the shoes are some Prada Cloudbust Thunder sneakers. We have to admit, the Pradas do look like something Batman (as opposed to Bruce Wayne) would wear… Batman punches hard (we’ve got 60s Batman onomatopoeia sounds ringing in our heads) but LeBron flexes hard.Also, like Batman (or more specifically, Bruce Wayne), LeBron is worth big money. The 36-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star has a net worth of around US$850 million and has easily passed over $1 billion in lifetime earnings, according to Forbes. ‘King James’ knows how to spend his cash, too: from splashing out on rare sports cars like his $2.2 million Porsche 918 Spyder to more philanthropic pursuits like establishing his own school or buying hundreds of bikes for underprivileged kids, the man isn’t afraid to put his money to good use when he’s not buying fancy clothes.Actually, there’s an interesting connection between basketball and some of Batman’s boots. In 1992’s Batman Returns, where Michael Keaton played the famous superhero, the boots that were part of his costume were actually a pair of modified Air Jordan VIs basketball sneakers. These were no mere costume department job, either: Nike was actually directly involved with their creation and designed the special ‘armoured’ upper, GQ USA relates.RELATED: James Bond’s Favourite Shoes Are A Perfect Smart Casual Style MoveOf course, Batman’s nothing without his gadgets, and LeBron’s got plenty of those… Namely, plenty of very nice watches. We’ve done some Batman-level sleuthing of our own in that department – check out James’ extravagant watch collection below.

Read Next

• Prince William Goes Full Bond Villain With ‘Evil’ Tuxedo
• Jared Leto’s New Favourite Gucci Shirt Feels Like Wearing Nothing At All

The post LeBron James Delivers A Knockout Blow In The Pre-Game Style Stakes appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

There’s nothing revheads love more than a ‘barn find‘: a forgotten-about vintage car that’s laid dormant and preserved for years. They’re the automotive equivalent of time capsules; time machines, even.Conversely, there’s nothing we hate more than seeing a valuable car that’s been totally trashed – whether that’s by vandalism, a traffic bingle or just letting them rot out in the elements. And it’s the latter that we want to talk about today. One crazy Californian car collector has done the unthinkable by letting a fleet of rare Porsche 928s simply waste away in a field – a huge missed opportunity.The story goes that a TV producer, out scouting locations for the popular HBO series Westworld, came across this bizarre collection of over a dozen of these fine German racing machines in Ventura County, northwest of Los Angeles. While he didn’t end up using this car graveyard for the show, the collection definitely gives off an apocalyptic vibe.“One of the [land]owner’s friends asked to store a couple of cars. And pretty much never came back… The guy is still around who owns them, but seems to have lost interest in fixing them… I was told he won’t sell them,” Rhodes told Carscoops.Imagine spending all that time and money collecting 928s, and then just letting them waste away – but also not even try to repair or sell them. That’s just foolishness. What, is he trying to plant them so that they grow more? A Porsche plantation?

Produced from 1978 to 1995 and originally intended to replace the iconic 911 as Porsche’s flagship offering, the 928 has always had a mixed reputation. Unlike the 911, which was rear-engined and air-cooled, the 928 was front-engined and water-cooled, as well as Porsche’s first-ever V8 production model. It won acclaim for its good looks and comfortable ride but its focus on luxury and deviation from the tried-and-true 911 formula led many purists to dimiss the 928.RELATED: Most Underrated Porsche Ever Might Be The Best Car Investment Of 2021However, in recent years, car nuts have grown to appreciate the 928, and prices for the grand tourer have started to steadily increase – with pristine examples demanding price tags as high as AU$100,000. This Californian collection contains everything from early spoiler-free 4.5L cars to later model 5.0L S4s: while the elements surely haven’t been kind to these 928’s paintwork, the dry Californian weather they’ve endured means they’re unlikely to be seriously affected by rust.In short, they’re perfect candidates for restoration… Which is why it’s so frustrating that this old bastard won’t sell the damn things.

Read Next

• Rappers Anger Car Fans Everywhere With Brutal Rolls-Royce Stunt
• World’s Most ‘Instagram-Famous’ Car Not What You Might Expect

The post ‘A Collector’s Dream’: Porsche Boneyard Discovered In American Desert appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Going to a restaurant in Melbourne might be great, but what if we told you that you could experience a completely new experience at one of the many private dining rooms dotted around the city?

These private dining rooms in Melbourne are the best way to elevate the fine dining experience while catering to your group bookings. A private dining room provides you with a unique restaurant experience: one that separates you from other diners, resulting in an experience that feels like an extension of your main entertaining space at home, a place where these worlds fashionably collide.

Whether you’re celebrating your birthday with your nearest and dearest or you’re setting up an important meeting with clients of the future leader of North Korea, these are the best private dining rooms in Melbourne you need to hit up. So raise your glasses and enjoy the view!

Eureka 89

Take your private dining activities to the next level – literally. Eureka 89, located on the 89th floor of Eureka Tower, features sensational scenery of the city’s skyline and CBD below, it’s truly one of the best private dining rooms in Melbourne. The private dining space can cater to up to a few hundred people, the perfect option if you’re looking to host large private celebrations to make for one hell of a gathering. Eureka 89 also offers ever-changing tasting menus curated by award-winning Executive Chef Renee Martillano.

Address: Level 89, Eureka Tower, 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006

Phone: 03 9693 8889

Book here

Attica

The pinnacle of private fine dining can be found at Attica – Australia’s best restaurant. The coveted establishment offers two private dining rooms, one seating up to eight people and the other up to 12. Attica’s private dining spaces also offers five and eight-course menus prepared by their powerhouse kitchen staff. 

If you’re serious about your wining and dining, be sure to check the minimum spend rates and room availabilities.

Address: 74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea VIC 3185

Phone: 03 9530 0111

Book here

Cutler & Co.

In its former life, the walls of Cutler & Co. were better known as bearings for a metal works factory. This private dining room is set against a stunning backdrop with glass archways and exposed brick walls, creating a soft and calm atmosphere, perfect if you’re after an effortless luxe for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. 

Business meetings, family gatherings and small events are all welcome at Cutler & Co.

Address: 55/57 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Phone: 03 9419 4888

Book here

Vue de Monde

Vue de Monde is joining the ranks as one of the best Melbourne private dining rooms, as it’s located in the heart of the Melbourne CBD with fancy skyscraper views to boot and offers a space where the exploration of ‘Gastronomy, art and luxury’ come together. The Dom Pérignon private dining room pays homage to Vue de Monde’s long time collaboration with the champagne company. Their incredible food has also cleaned up awarded hats from various organisations. 

If you want the food to be on par with the stunning private dining experience, then Vue de Monde is the place you want to be.

Address: 55 Rialto Towers, 525 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone: 03 9691 3888

Book here

Builder Arms Hotel

Part of this funky Fitzroy pub are two distinct private dining rooms perfect for hosting a range of celebrations. Builders Arms Hotel has two private dining rooms, The Bowery Room and the appropriately-named Private Dining Room, with flexible dining options to create your dream event. 

These private dining rooms are spacious and white, with lots of detailed windows and an extensive art collection. Set menus are curated by renowned Melbourne chef Andrew McConnell (Gimlet, Supernatural), who creates a contemporary Australian food menu showcasing seasonal fruits, vegetables and meats sourced by local butchers. Some of these plates consist of grilled trout and spicy chicken cooked over hot coals – We’re salivating just thinking about it.

Address: 211 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Phone: 03 9417 7700

Book here

Etta

This Brunswick East diner – formerly known as The Carlton Wine Bar – is now home to one of Melbourne’s best private dining rooms, transforming its lush, leafy courtyard into an elegant yet simple private dining room that can hold up to 80 of your closest friends, family, countrymen, whoever!

Also, if you’re after a night of fine wine, Etta may just be the best Melbourne has to offer, as they have an extensive list of wines emerging from Australia’s most flourishing regions. Also, their outstanding food is prepared by head chef and rising star Rosheen Kaul.

You can expect a selection of small plates with exquisite dishes drawing influence from Asian and Middle East cuisine.

Address: 60 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057

Phone: 03 9448 8233

Book here

Locanda

Locanda is located right in the heart of Melbourne’s iconic theatre distinct, on the corner of Little Bourke and Exhibition Street. Locanda has one of the best private dining rooms the city has to offer, which comes with two floor-to-ceiling glass wine cellars and a large marble table centred in the middle of the space. 

The menu champions locally sourced produce and is a nod to Italian street food cuisine. The dining team is also led by Executive Chef Bas Van Uyen, who has worked extensively in 5-star hotels and knows how to deliver top-notch service.

Address: Rydges, 186 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone: 03 9635 1246

Book here

Taxi Kitchen

If you’re looking for amazing city views of Melbourne’s spectacular skyline and Yarra River, you have to book a private dining room at Taxi Kitchen for your next event. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to this venue space, as you have three private dining rooms to choose from Taxi Kitchen Gallery, The Embassy Room and The Main Dining. 

Taxi Kitchen also provides a set menu specialising in locally sourced produce to deliver contemporary Australian dishes with a bit of Asian flair, created by Executive Chef Tony Twitchett.

Address: Flinders Street &, Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone: 03 9654 8808

Book here

Bar Lourinha

Inside this stunning tapas bar lies a private dining space designed by the great Pascale Gomes McNabb. This intimate room is the perfect private dining space for celebrations, corporate dinners or small wedding receptions, as it can hold up to 40 guests for a sit-down dinner and 60 guests for a standing cocktail party.

Also, Bar Lourinha provides fantastic Latino live music to help add a little spice to your event. 

Address: 37 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone: 03 9663 7890

Book here

Ludlow Bar & Dining Room

This gorgeous bar overlooking the Southbank offers many private dining options perfect for catering for your next event. If you’re looking for a semi-private space that’s not too removed from the bar’s lively atmosphere, may we suggest the Internal Dining Room?

The Bar Terrace has breathtaking views overlooking Yarra River; otherwise, the Private Dining Room is ideal if you want something a little more exclusive for a private dinner. Also, Ludlow Bar has a range of food and drink packages to choose including canapes, entrees, sit down meals and classic cocktail lists.

Address: 6 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006

Phone: 03 9699 1676

Book here

The Everleigh

The Everleigh, already one of Melbourne’s best cocktail bars, has two private dining rooms available seven days a week for private functions and events. Their Elk Room is an intimate space featuring civil war memorabilia and Chesterfield couches reminiscent of wartime in the officer’s club.

This room was built and designed by co-owner Michael Madrusan and his family to bring you an eclectic and timely function space. However, if you’re looking for something a little more refined for your private dining events, make sure you check out The Starling Room. This private holds 7-15 people, ideal for small gatherings and intimate cocktail parties.

Address: Level 1/150-156 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Phone: 03 9416 2229

Book here

The post 11 Cool Melbourne Private Dining Rooms To Try In 2022 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.