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Man of Many's Staff Favourites—5 July 2025

Man of Many's Staff Favourites—5 July 2025

Man of Many06-07-2025
By Dean Blake - News
Published: 5 Jul 2025
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Readtime: 7 min
Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here.
We're officially past the halfway mark and stepping into July, team, and it's time for another round of our weekly Staff Favourites! Each week, we try to show off some things that have brought us some joy in the hopes it'll help you find your own, and this week we're showcasing some delicious food – a lot of delicious food, actually. Turns out we all love a good meal – shocker!
So prep your taste buds (and smell receptors), and dive into this week's Staff Favourites.
Coach For Men Eau de Parfum | Image: Supplied
Coach For Men Eau de Parfum
Nick Hall – Editor-in-Chief
I've always been a fan of Coach fragrances, right from my very first EDT, so when the famed New York maison dropped a new Eau de Parfum, I was cautiously optimistic. Coach For Men doesn't disappoint. Crafted by perfumer Juliette Karagueuzoglou, the latest fragrance has all the elements of a perfect summer addition, bursting with citrus highlights and the captivating spice of cardamom. Coach describes this one as its 'boldest scent yet', and I have to agree. Where the brand's other releases, particularly those on the more masculine side, have favoured earthy tones, Coach For Men feels like a fresh hit of florals underpinned by a subtle, if not slightly traditional, cedarwood complexity. If you are looking for a fragrance that feels as fresh as a summer's day, Coach has you covered.
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Rabanne Invictus Victory Absolu Parfum Intense | Image: Rabanne
Rabanne Invictus Victory Absolu Parfum Intense
Scott Purcell – Co-Founder
I've not always been a huge fan of the Invictus fragrances, as they tend to be on the sweeter side for me and more suited to a younger generation, but this new 'Rabanne' release changed all of my preconceptions. It has a woody and clean scent to it with a hint of black pepper: it's meant to be inspired by the clash of fresh waves on a warm volcanic rock, but I've never been to a volcano so I can't confirm how close they got. I can say that the matte black of the bottle does give a basalt kinda vibe.
If you're on the look out for a new fragrance, I'd definitely recommend checking it out next time you're travelling or at Myer or DJ's.
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Argyle House, Camden
Argyle House, Camden
John Guanzon – Head of Creative & Production
As a proud local of Sydney's deep South-West, it's such a treat not having to trek into the CBD for a great dinner, and the newly-opened Argyle House nails it. I went just three weeks after it launched, and it was already buzzing yet felt intimate enough for a date night or a group celebration. Set inside the beautifully restored Whiteman's Arcade, the space combines heritage character with modern art-filled style.
The menu, crafted by ex-Quay chef Jason McQueen, leans modern Australian with Japanese touches, celebrating local produce and wood-fire flavours.
We over-ordered, deciding that two mains plus a side of a giant sashimi platter was perfectly reasonable (and honestly, no regrets). Every dish that came out was on point, with tender cuts from their own cattle farm and beautifully fresh seafood. Honestly, for anyone in the area looking for something genuinely special, Argyle House is well worth booking.
Favourite Article this Week: The Cinematic Seven: Superman, The Naked Gun, and Spinal Tap All Turn It Up To 11
Image: Bar 26
Bar 26 & OCD Distillery
Beatrix Boon – Social Content Producer
Tucked away off the beaten track, Bar 26 might seem low-key at first – but step inside, and you're quickly swept into a warm, welcoming space where the energy is as genuine as the people behind the bar.
We visited on a Friday evening and ended up staying for three hours. The place was buzzing with groups of colleagues after work, staff mingling with guests, and a clear sense of community. Co-owners Eduard and Julie gave us the full experience – a distillery tour next door (Otter Craft Distilling), personalised cocktail recommendations, and stories about the business of whiskey making, all in a completely unpretentious manner.
Speaking of cocktails, the drinks menu at Bar 26 is a cocktail lover's dream – imaginative, layered, and a perfect reflection of their in-house distillery.
Here's the cocktails we tried:
Truffle Porter Flip – A decadent blend of OCD Single Malt, truffle, walnut, whole egg, and barrel-aged imperial porter.
– A decadent blend of OCD Single Malt, truffle, walnut, whole egg, and barrel-aged imperial porter. Persian Ramos – It featured their Mary St Citrus Gin, pistachio cream liqueur, rose, saffron, curaçao, lemon, egg white and soda. Floral, sweet and citrusy.
– It featured their Mary St Citrus Gin, pistachio cream liqueur, rose, saffron, curaçao, lemon, egg white and soda. Floral, sweet and citrusy. Tiramisu Martini – The night ended on a high with this dessert-in-a-glass, blending Mary St Coffee Liqueur, OCD Cocoa Vodka, wattleseed, tonka bean and dulce de leche.
To eat, Eduard's handmade pizzas were standouts – the Garlic Prawn was a showstopper, and the Nduja, capsicum and goat's cheese brought a perfect heat. Bar 26 doesn't try too hard – and that's its charm. It's thoughtful, unpretentious, and built on real passion. A spot you'll want to stumble upon again and again.
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Image: Dinner Ladies
The Dinner Ladies
Alex Martinez – Media Sales and Brand Partnerships
My wife and I have recently welcomed our second child Jackson during the same period we are moving house. Safe to say, things are a little bit hectic right now. The great humans at Man of Many as well as a group of my close friends both gifted me vouchers to 'The Dinner Ladies' and it has just been such a huge help. It's not just about the delicious food that is super easy to prepare (normally just whack it in the microwave situation), it's about taking a mental load off whilst you are juggling two kids. It's one less task required and a metaphorical exhale amongst the chaos. If you know someone who could use a break for any reason at all, I'd highly recommend using this service.
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Lululemon × Saul Nash 'SLNSH' Collection
Frank Arthur – Co-Founder
Lululemon's new collection with London choreographer-designer Saul Nash is led by its 'Sensation of Air' brief. Every piece feels feather-light yet looks runway-ready. My top pick is the Mesh Full-Zip Track Jacket, where sheer mesh floats over sweat-wicking WovenAir to deliver airflow with structure. Unlined mesh sleeves dial up the breathability, while the relaxed cut, ribbed trims and two-way zip are perfectly detailed. Mostly recycled fibres keep the eco-credentials strong, and the all-black palette slides effortlessly from a morning coffee run to a quick workout.
Close behind is the Layered Mesh Linerless Short 8″. Nash's signature seam lines and contrast mesh panels give the shorts real visual depth, and the same WovenAir base keeps things cool, dry and comfortable in the nether regions. While the eight-inch inseam lands just on the knee for a stylish, relaxed fit, complemented by an inside-or-out drawcord and discreet pockets.Worn together or separately, these monochrome techwear staples move smoothly from intense training to laid-back living.
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Man of Many's Staff Favourites—19 July, 2025
Man of Many's Staff Favourites—19 July, 2025

Man of Many

time7 days ago

  • Man of Many

Man of Many's Staff Favourites—19 July, 2025

By Dean Blake - News Published: 19 Jul 2025 |Last Updated: 17 Jul 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 5 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. The week is over, July is halfway done, and wouldn't you know it—it's time for another round of our Staff Favourites! Each week, we try to show off some things that have brought us some joy in the hopes it'll help you find your own, and this week we're showcasing some delicious Tasmanian whiskey, a pint-sized collectable car, an ape wearing a tie, and some custom Adidas. Hot Wheels 1990 Acura NSX Brick Set | Image: Mattel Hot Wheels 1990 Acura NSX Brick Set John Guanzon – Head of Creative & Production When we posted about the news of Mattel dropping collector-focused brick sets on Man of Many's Instagram, the response was huge, so I took it as my sign to grab a set for myself. I told myself it was for the kids over the school holidays, but let's be real: I'll be the one building it while they watch (and honestly, I'm not mad about it). The build quality is surprisingly impressive. This one features 876 pieces and pays tribute to the iconic '90s ride with incredible attention to detail, from its scissor doors to the classic wedge profile. It's part of Mattel's new Brick Shop range, which also includes the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL and 1963 Corvette Grand Sport. All three are loaded with authentic touches and feel way more premium than you'd expect from a brick set. It's definitely got that collector energy, and now I'm tempted to grab the others and complete the set (or quietly drop hints between now and Father's Day wink). Favourite Article this Week: Our First Look at Link and Zelda in 2027's 'Legend of Zelda' Movie Donkey Kong Bonanza | Image: Nintendo Donkey Kong Goes Bananza Dean Blake – Entertainment & Tech Writer Donkey Kong has finally been let out of his cage, and he's literally tearing the scenery apart. In DK's big return to a starring role, he's diving deep into the bowels of the planet in Bananza, the first major single-player system-seller for Nintendo's new Switch 2 console. I got a chance to play a few hours of the game recently, and it was fantastic. DK feels great in the hands (which is no surprise if you've played this studio's prior game, Super Mario Odyssey), and has a number of new abilities in store: he can break the world apart around him, for one, but also climb most surfaces and, when the mood strikes just right, turn into an ostrich. No, I'm not kidding. He can also turn into a zebra and an even bigger ape with bananas in his hair, which is strange but you know, who cares? Doing so gives the big man access to some new abilities, like gliding, sprinting, and bashing things even harder. Oh, and he does it all with a human child on his shoulder. Confused yet? Well, that's just the beginning of where things get whacky with this one, but I don't think I want to spoil much else. Really, if you've already picked up a Switch 2 for Mario Kart you'd be doing yourself a disservice not to check out Bananza—and if you've been on the fence, this is a pretty damn good reason to make the jump to Nintendo's new system. Favourite Article this Week: Does the Nothing Phone (3) Justify its AUD$1,509 Price? Image: Scott Purcell / Man of Many Kicking It with the Three Stripes: Our Night with the adidas Superstar Scott Purcell – Co-Founder This week, Harry and I had the opportunity to head out to the adidas flagship store on Pitt St in Sydney to celebrate the return of a true icon: the adidas Superstar. The new 'Superstar: The Original' campaign is bringing back the legendary sneaker in two classic colourways, alongside the equally iconic Firebird Tracksuit. The global campaign features a star-studded cast including the likes of Missy Elliott, Jennie from BLACKPINK, and is narrated by the one and only Samuel L. Jackson. The event was a super fun getting to customise our own sneakers, and they even offered to embroider the back of our new jackets ahead of the night. In a moment of questionable genius, I opted for 'Man of Many' on mine, which made for some interesting conversations. Others were more clever, with one person getting 'It wasn't me' stitched on the back. While I'm not sure my attempt with a metallic scourer was a complete success as you can see in the photo, I can confirm these shoes are ridiculously comfortable. I've been wearing them all week since and this was my first proper foray into the world of adidas Superstars footwear. I think it's safe to say I'm a convert. Favourite Video this Week: DITL with the Dyson OnTrac Rosevears Tasmanian Three Grain Whiskey | Image: Rosevears Rosevears Tasmanian Three Grain Whiskey Alex Martinez – Media Sales & Brand Partnerships Tasmania's first crack at a bourbon-style whiskey is an ambitious and largely successful effort. Rosevears Batch 1 delivers a bold, grain-forward profile that proudly wears its local ingredients on its sleeve. The nose is rich with sweet corn and toasted cereal, backed by a punch of rye spice and oak. On the palate, it leans into classic bourbon notes – vanilla, caramel, and a touch of char. While it doesn't quite rival the depth of some seasoned Kentucky counterparts, Rosevears impresses with its authenticity and craftsmanship. As a debut, it sets a promising foundation for what's to come from this Tasmanian distillery. One for the curious bourbon enthusiast looking to explore Australian innovation – and why wouldn't you be? 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Feel-Good Friday: 18 July, 2025—Dim Sims, Speedruns, and Hottest 100 Parties
Feel-Good Friday: 18 July, 2025—Dim Sims, Speedruns, and Hottest 100 Parties

Man of Many

time18-07-2025

  • Man of Many

Feel-Good Friday: 18 July, 2025—Dim Sims, Speedruns, and Hottest 100 Parties

By Dean Blake - News Published: 18 Jul 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 3 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. It's the end of the week, and you know what that means: another instalment of Man of Many's Feel-Good Friday! Every week we look to bring some fun ideas for things you can do this weekend, as well as some easy opportunities for you to do some good in the world. This week, we're showing off some cheap meals, and an upcoming celebration of triple j's 2025 Hottest 100, as well as a chance for all the gamers out there to do some more good for cancer research. Without further ado, here's this week's Feel-Good Friday. Dimmies & Tinnies | Image: Supplied Dimmies & Tinnies Pop-Up at The Norfolk with $3 Dim Sims, $7 Tinnies If you're keen for a cheap feed this weekend, head on down to The Norfolk Hotel in Redfern for a delicious treat this Saturday, 19 July: A Dimmies & Tinnies pop-up, offering $3 dim sims, $7 Reschs Pilsners, and good vibes. The dimmies come in two flavours—a spicy pork with red chilli and cabbage, and chicken with sweetcorn and a bit of kombu. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also book your spot if you don't want to miss out. Dimmes & Tinnies is an odd offering, having been born out of the combination of TV personality Andy Lee, NYC-based hospitality duo Eddy Buckingham and Paul Donnelly, and ceramist Sam Gordon, with the chief goal of making dim sims even more fun. How do they achieve that? Well, add tinnies. While D&Ts will be at The Norfolk Hotel this Saturday, 19th from 12pm, this is actually the first stop on an east-coast tour of Australia. Where'll it be headed next? Keep an eye on the Dimmies & Tinnies Instagram for updates. Taphouse, Darlinghurst | Image: Supplied Taphouse Serving 'Hottest 100' Deliciousness With triple j celebrating 50 years on the air in 2025, this year's Hottest 100 is sure to be a big one: and Darlinghurst's Taphouse is preparing to deliver its own celebration. Next Saturday, 26 July, Taphouse will be playing the beloved music countdown throughout the venue, while offering patrons $14 Aperol Spritzes paired with a succulent Chinese meal. For those of us with a taste for beer, schooners of Mountain Culture's award winning Status Quo will be $10 — with $1 of every beer donated to youth mental health foundation Headspace. The Hottest 100 is a staple in Australia's music culture, so if you're not celebrating the countdown with a backyard barbecue, check out Taphouse. 'Mario Kart World' | Image: Nintendo Australian Speedrun Marathon is Running Now! If you're looking for something to do indoors this weekend, but still want to do some good, consider checking out the Australian Speedrun Marathon—an annual video-game speed-running event which raises money for cancer research live on Twitch. It'll be running until Sunday 20th, so you've got plenty of time to tune in. 'We are absolutely delighted to be working with the AusSpeedruns team, once again, for another Australian Speedrun Marathon,' said Alexandra Lynne, Gaming Campaign and Content Manager at Cure Cancer. 'Last year at ASM2024 the incredible AusSpeedruns community raised more than $30,000, and to date the team have raised more than $100,000 to support life-saving cancer research across a number of different events.' This year the event will feature a bunch of fantastic games to watch, from Pokemon Heart Gold, Mario Kart 64, Donkey Kong Country, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and The Simpsons: Ht & Run. Viewers can head to the AusSpeedruns Twitch channel to watch the event, and/or can donate to the cause via Tiltify.

Feel-Good Friday: SydneyMusic, Mental Health, and Magic Mushrooms
Feel-Good Friday: SydneyMusic, Mental Health, and Magic Mushrooms

Man of Many

time11-07-2025

  • Man of Many

Feel-Good Friday: SydneyMusic, Mental Health, and Magic Mushrooms

By Dean Blake - News Published: 11 Jul 2025 |Last Updated: 10 Jul 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 4 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Welcome to this week's Feel-Good Friday! Each week, we share a bunch of exciting and interesting stuff in the hopes that you can find something fun to do, or a new deal to get in on. But this week's a bit different. Instead, we're celebrating the revival of a Sydney institution, amplifying the efforts of the good people at Beyond Blue, as well as sharing some fun news about your favourite fungi. No, not shitake. SydneyMusic | Image: SydneyMusic SydneyMusic Saved From Closure The local music scene in Australia needs as much support as it can get, and this week we've seen a miracle. SydneyMusic—self proclaimed 'no-nonsense gig guide' that largely acts as a directory as to what acts are playing in Sydney each week—has been saved from the imminent closure by the legends at RØDE Microphones and Heaps Normal. The site was expected to close in June, but when it announced the closure would be happening it was inundated with one-off and recurring donations from its users. That secured the site another month or so of operations, but the end was still coming. Now, RØDE have pledged to fund a portion of the site's monthly budget for the next two years, and will act as a core sponsor for 'next era of SydneyMusic'. Plus, non-alc beer brand Heaps Normal—known for its support of the Aussie music scene—have also offered a 'significant contribution' to boost the team's resources and help them get the site up and running smoothly. Honestly, we love this. SydneyMusic is exactly the kind of local project Man of Many loves, and to see it given new life is awesome. 'We're so bloody excited by the thoughtfulness and energy we've heard from people wanting to solve the many challenges facing live music in Sydney,' said creator and co-founder Joe Hardy. 'Sydney's most comprehensive gig guide is back and firing on all cylinders.' Beyond Blue's #BeyondTheScreen | Image: Beyond Blue Beyond Blue Taps Gamers For 'Beyond The Sceen' Mental Health organisation Beyond Blue is preparing to launch its annual Beyond The Screen initiative, a national fundraising campaign working with Australia's gaming community to raise vital funds and awareness for mental health services. The campaign encourages participants to take on an individual challenge that somehow reflects their own personal wellness journey. It might be co-op gaming with your friends, finally starting that YouTube channel you've thought about for ages, or even just committing to daily walks. The goal is, of course, to raise money – but you can also win rewards from brands such as Logitech, RØDE (they're everywhere), Bandai Namco, Fujifilm, and more. Plus, every $66 raised gives individuals an entry into the big prize: a custom gaming PC, built by Sidekick PC. If you're interested in donating, or participating, the Beyond The Screen campaign will be running until July 31. Psilocybin | Image: Wikipedia Commons Magic Mushrooms are Even Better For You Then We Thought Speaking of mental health treatments, recent years have seen the humble psilocybin—or magic mushroom—pinpointed as particularly helpful in treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. It turns out, though, that the mushroom may also be good at slowing down the way our cells degrade with age. According to the authors of a new study, human fetal lung cells were given a dose of psilocin (the stuff magic mushrooms metabolise into in our guts) to test if it'd slow down the aging process, and the lung tissue's lifespan increased by as much as 57 per cent. When the experiment was repeated with adult tissue, it saw a 51 per cent extension. This is thought to be because of psilocybin's impact on telomeres, the bits at the end of each of our chromosomes that typically get shorter and shorter with age. Essentially, the presence of psilocin seems to correlate with healthier telomeres, and even it'll make a difference even when the telomeres have already started aging. While there's still a lot for scientists to hash out as far as how safe the treatment is for humans (so far its only been tested on mice), the idea that we might be a one-step closer to slowing down the most harmful effects of aging is a pretty exciting thing.

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