Man of Many’s Staff Favourites: 17 May 2025

We’re lucky enough at Man of Many to get a chance to test, use, and do a lot of cool stuff, and though it doesn’t always make sense to write a big, detailed review for everything, we do often want to talk about the things we like. In our Staff Favourites each week, we pick out a few choice experiences or things we’ve been toying with and tell you why we like them: hopefully, if you were on the fence on trying something out, we can help you make that decision! Check out our favourite stuff from the week that was, and look forward to the week ahead!

Kittyhawk New York

Nick Hall – Editor-in-Chief

I don’t necessarily see myself as an ageing millennial (though I do exhibit some pretty old man tendencies), but even now and then, something happens that thrusts you back in the firm grip of reality and reminds you that life is indeed fleeting. One such experience happened last weekend, when my wife and I made the trek to Circular Quay for a fancy dinner out. This being our anniversary, we made the decision to head back to Kittyhawk, the very same restaurant where we had our nuptials and made it official just three years ago. It turns out, it’s completely different.

The French wartime-inspired decor has been replaced by a strict New York aesthetic, complete with dim red lighting and an all-new Italian-American menu. The entire vibe has changed, dropping the formalities for a more relaxed and immersive experience that was in stark contrast to our rose-tinted recollection. It could have been shocking. It should have been shocking. It wasn’t, it was awesome. Probably better.

Channelling the spirit and culture of the Big Apple’s best underground cocktail bars, Kittyhawk New York brings a renewed sense of fun to the Sydney CBD. The decor is decidedly dark, and there is subtle luxury that flows through the entire space. As a vinyl junkie, I loved the records on the wall and the introduction of a new live music space in the lounge area is a nice touch. Above all else, however, the food was outrageous. We kicked it off with fresh oysters and stunning kingfish crudo, before making our way into the delicate pumpkin ravioli. If you are after something a little more hearty, make my words, the 100-layer lasagna is a beefy revelation.

The recently reopened Kittyhawk New York may look a little different than it used to, but it’s an evolution that makes perfect sense. Vinyl records, delicious cocktails and a tiramisu that was too much for one person? Sounds like a winner to me. You can find Kittyhawk New York at 16 Phillip Lane in Circular Quay

Favourite Article of the Week: ‘Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning’ Review: Igniting the Franchise Fuse for an Explosive Finale

Logitech MX Creative Suite

Ben McKimm – Journalist

I’ve been rocking the MX Creative Suite on my desk for a few weeks, after a recommendation from Scott earlier in the year, and I’m converted. It gives you program-based (app) shortcuts to editing tools and other actions with a customisable LCD display and wireless dial-pad.

I spend almost as much time editing photos for articles as I do writing them, so it’s become a game-changer when using Photoshop to do things like generative fill, cut, and edit. Then, when I switch to another app, like Apple Music, I have track-skip shortcuts and more displayed automatically.

The same goes for every app you use, and I love the way it works with your workflow. Scott recommended that I set up a one-touch morning routine that opens Google Chrome, Photoshop, and more at the press of a button, and it’s been a great way to simplify my routine. If you’re looking for a routine hack to make your work life simpler, check it out!

Favourite Article of the Week: 2025 Tesla Model Y Review: Still the Electric SUV to Beat?

Jolene’s Sydney

Harry Parsons – Head of Branded Content

A recent trip outside of my Northern Beaches bubble saw me venturing to the big smoke, and I think I’ve discovered one of my new favourite venues. Combining my love for country and western music with an impressive array of whiskies, Jolene’s had me hooked from the start.

As you descend the stairs into this underground western fever dream, you’re instantly transported to Nashville, with any sense of being in Sydney quickly vanishing. The whisky selection is excellent, ranging from familiar favourites like Buffalo Trace and Maker’s Mark, to niche expressions such as WhistlePig Rye and Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon. If you prefer your whisky mixed with other delicious components, their cocktail menu also stands out. Being a simple man, I opted for my go-to whiskey apple, which certainly didn’t disappoint.

With live music adding to the authenticity of the venue, it’s the kind of place where you find yourself unintentionally staying hours longer than planned. Sydney, you’ve done well here, and I’ll definitely be saddling up for a return visit soon.

CMF Buds 2 Plus

Dean Blake – Entertainment and Tech Journalist

I’m lucky enough to get the chance to test out a lot of cool tech, and my desk is literally overflowing with new gadgets at the moment, but there’s one thing I want to highlight today: CMF’s Buds 2 Plus earphones.

Now, if you haven’t heard of CMF, they’re a sub-brand of Nothing (the guys that make those cool-looking phones), and tend to be more focused on delivering quality goods at a more appropriate price than most tech brands. Well, I’ve been using the CMF Buds 2 Plus for the past few weeks and, honestly, they’re really, really good.

The buds have excellent sound quality compared to a lot of other options I’ve tried, and have probably the best ANC I’ve encountered in an in-ear bud so far—50db Hybrid ANC with a 5400hz ultra-wide frequency range. They last around 14 hours per charge, but using the included charging case takes the buds’ total playtime potential to over 60 hours.

And, to top it all off, the Buds 2 Plus are only AUD$109. That feels like a steal for how good these things have been. I’m not going to sit here and say they’re the best on the market, but for the price, they just might be. The one thing I think is missing here is that, compared to the CMF Buds Pro 2’s case, the dial on the Plus’ case doesn’t serve as a wireless volume knob for the buds. It’s a small gripe, but considering the Plus is now the more expensive offering it’s odd to lose a bit of functionality.

Favourite Article of the Week: $11,660 Aimé Leon Dore x La Marzocco Linea Micra Sells Out Instantly

EveryPlate Dinner Boxes

John Guanzon – Head of Creative & Production

This week’s MVP isn’t necessarily a new gadget or product find, it was EveryPlate dinner boxes. They’re pretty much the budget-friendly sibling of HelloFresh but with much simpler meal kits without the fuss (or the price tag).

The meals are dead easy, almost idiot-proof, many of them with 4-5 steps and barely any brain cells required. Their plans are roughly half the cost of HelloFresh for the same number of people and meals, thanks to its simpler ingredients, fewer packaging frills, and pared-back recipe options.

With three kids whose culinary range swings between toast and plain pasta, the classic, no-fuss recipes were actually a big hit. No dramatic “what is this?” and questionable dinner plate surgeries.

Sure, it’s not trying to reinvent the wheel or turn you into the next RecipeTin Eats, but that’s kind of the point. It’s dinner that doesn’t ask much of you either. Affordable, straightforward, and just reliable enough to restore a bit of midweek sanity. In this economy, finding a dinner that everyone eats and I don’t have to remortgage the house for? Elite.

Favourite Article of the Week: ‘Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning’ Review: Igniting the Franchise Fuse for an Explosive Finale