It's clear that more Londoners want to ride their bikes more often than ever before. In fact, between 2001 and 2011, the number of them cycle commuting to work doubled. The problem is, though, that the city's rabbit warren-like infrastructure doesn't always mean there’s enough room for two-wheelers, taxis and regular vehicles to share the road harmoniously. A $1.4 billion, 24-kilometre cycle super highway, initiated by Lord Mayor Boris Johnson, has made many a journey much smoother. But, to many bicycle-inclined minds, it’s just the beginning. Earlier this year, architect Lord Norman Foster put forward SkyCycle: an elevated, car-free bike path that would see cyclists cruising around above London, E.T.-style (kind of). And now, there’s a new proposal in the works: the Thames Deckway. It’s a 12-kilometre long cycle path that would float on the River Thames. Created by a group of engineers, architects and artists who’ve named themselves the River Cycleway Consortium Ltd, it would start at Battersea in the West and stretch all the way to Canary Wharf in the east, sitting quite close to the river’s south bank. So it would be well out of the way of the barges, ferries, rowers and paddlers who travel along the primary navigation channel. Cyclists would be able to hop on and off the route at various points via embankment ramps, where kiosks would offer refreshments in the way of snacks and beverages. The path would cater, not only to commuters, but also to those out for a leisurely recreational ride, and would be designed to rise and fall according to tidal changes. To minimise potential dangers, an elaborate system of sensors and satellites would alert the land-bound world to threats and hazards. "London needs to think outside the box of conventional solutions to solve its deep-seated traffic and pollution problems," a spokesperson said in a media statement. "The Thames offers vast, untapped potential to ease and improve London's infrastructure problems. What is needed is imagination to unleash it." The Consortium, which was established by London-based artist Anna Hill and architect David Nixon, and includes engineering company Arup and Hugh Broughton Architects, would need to raise 600 million GBP from private investors to put the plan into action. Cyclists would be charged 1.50 GBP per ride, to go towards maintenance. Via Dezeen.
Byron Bay's Stone & Wood and Three Blue Ducks are headed to Melbourne for one of Good Beer Week's hot-ticket items on Friday, May 18. The dinner will see head brewer Caolan Vaughan team up with Three Blue Ducks chef and co-owner Darren Robertson to showcase sustainable produce in a six-course beer degustation at Vue de Monde. The two interstate heavy-hitters are combining their passions for locally sourced and produced beer and food and are bringing it to a fine-dining restaurant that is known to do the same. Guests will sit at communal tables and eat course-after-course of ethical eats — with a vegetarian option available — paired with six craft brews from Vaughan's independently owned brewery. In between bites, you'll have the chance to chat with the award-winning brewer and renowned chef. It's certainly a pricey night, but one that's no doubt well worth it.
I don't know about you, but I usually don't associate Russia with summer homes. In fact, 'Russian summer home' seems a bit of an oxymoron. However, Moscow-based architect Peter Kostelov has created this all-white 'origami house' for Russia's reality show, Dachniy Otvet. His only guidelines were to create a summer home where the family could enjoy athletic activities outdoors and host gatherings for friends. The house has no doors or windows, allowing guests to get some of that Russian sunshine (catch it while you can) whilst still being protected from Russia's often unpredictable weather. Built with sustainably-sourced timber, the origami house also uses a solar battery to heat water. The design folds and wraps, representing an origami-like structure. Check out some photos of this unique contemporary design.
Rejoice, gin enthusiasts of Melbourne, as a series of juniper-fuelled cocktail classes is coming to town so you can take your mixology to the next level. Teaming up with German distillery Monkey 47, riverside bar Ocean 12 will host classes every Thursday from March to May on its terrace, which will be transformed into a lush forest with glowing mushrooms, wild vines and plenty of greenery. Running from 6.30–8.30pm, the classes include a free G&T on arrival, food and expert tips of the trade — all for $79. You'll be shaking and stirring cocktails, including a cucumber-infused gin martini that even a tux-wearing 007 would want to knock back, as well as other impressive tipples using Monkey 47 dry gin and Monkey 47 sloe gin. Afterwards, keep the good times going by taking advantage of the bar's happy hour from 8–10pm, where select beer, wines and spirits are a cheeky $8 while Monkey 47-based cocktails will be $12 a pop.
Think Apple gives the most visionary tech demos? The man whose 1968 'Mother of All Demos' showed us computer technology we'd still be using today passed away this week at the age of 88. Douglas Carl Engelbart was an inventor and engineer best known for creating the mouse. But he and his team at the Stanford Research Institute (now known as SRI International) actually showcased an eerie amount of still-familiar technology at their oN-Line System presentation in 1968. Video still exists of the entire 1 hour, 40-minute of it, but perhaps the coolest moment is this, in which he demonstrates the basics of word processing, copy-and-pasting, hypertext and something of a graphical user interface. In the next video, you can see the mouse in action. ("I don't know why we call it a mouse, I apologise. I started that way and we never did change it.") Theirs is a boxy thing with two wheels. In patent terms, an "X-Y position indicator control for movement of the hand to move a cursor over the display on a cathode-ray tube." Later, he demonstrates video conferencing. Seriously. It's like he made up the future, and then it all went ahead and happened. Engelbart's inventions never made him particularly rich — SRI didn't really realise the value of the mouse when they patented it — but he's regarded as a visionary in the industry.
In the coming years, works by Pablo Picasso, Francisco Goya, Brett Whiteley and Arthur Boyd will find a new home on the New South Wales south coast. The pieces will form part of an art gallery that's set to spring up on the Bundanon property at Riversdale in the Shoalhaven region, with the New South Wales government committing more than $8.5 million to revamp the site. A quarter of a century since the 1100-hectare property was gifted to the Australian public by artist Arthur Boyd and his wife Yvonne Boyd — becoming a haven for creativity, arts and education, as well as remaining a working farm — it'll welcome a new space to house the Boyds' other gift: over 3800 items, including with more than 1300 works by Arthur Boyd himself. At present, hundreds of pieces can be viewed in the existing Bundanon Homestead, as well as in Arthur Boyd's studio; however the forthcoming expansion will see the construction of a gallery and storage facility for the huge art collection, which is valued at $43 million. While the new plans centre around the gallery itself, which will built into the site's hillside and boast windows that frame the artwork with glimpses of the natural splendour outside, that's not the only addition as part of the project. A 140-metre-long by nine-metre-wide structure will branch out of the gallery, into a bridge spanning across the Bundanon bushland and parkland, and across to 34 bedrooms, a teaching and dining space, and a public cafe. Stepped terraces, an openair arrival hall and an outdoor learning space are also mooted. The NSW government's contribution has been allocated through the state's Regional Cultural Fund, with $28 million required in total to complete the project — and an opening date yet to be announced. "Arthur Boyd's extraordinary works live on as enduring inspiration for the many passionate and talented artists across regional NSW," commented NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin. "This new facility housed on this famous landscape will pave the way for the Bundanon Trust's revered $43 million collection to be housed and presented for all visitors to enjoy." Images: Kerstin Thompson Architects.
The nine to five can be tough. Sometimes there's just too much to do, and not enough time to do it — and sometimes you just struggle to put a sentence together without any typos. But before heading to the cafe next door for another short black, you might want to consider Silicon Valley's pick-me-up alternative: psychedelics. Yep, acid is the new caffeine. It's called 'microdosing' and apparently it's the new thing for overachieving, overworked Silicon Valley yo pros to partake in when they're having a bit of an off one. It involves taking about a tenth of the 'normal' dose of a psychedelic drug (usually LSD or mushrooms) which has an energising and insightful 'subperceptual' — rather than a tripping — effect on the body. And, according to this Rolling Stone article, it's helping them concentrate, and be more productive and creative at work. The concept itself isn't entirely new. Author of The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide James Fadiman introduced microdosing into the mainstream when speaking at a psychedelic research conference back in 2011. Since then, however, the practice has become more widespread, particularly with twenty-something professionals in the San Francisco area, according to Fadiman. Although the dose of the (illegal) drugs is minute, their effects are still hard to predict. So for now, perhaps stick to your single origin coffee beans and a selection of cat GIFs to get the creative juices flowing. Via Rolling Stone.
If the waning temperatures have got you feeling frosty about the cooler months to come, here's something that'll warm up your outlook: Naarm's (Melbourne's) major citywide arts festival RISING is back. As always, it promises to be the bright spark in Victoria's winter. From Wednesday, June 7 till Sunday, June 18, a blockbuster 185-event program is transforming the city streets — and it's set to be a monumental affair. More than 400 artists are assembling for almost two jam-packed weeks of art, culture, music, performance and culinary goodness. There are 35 works commissioned exclusively for the festival and an impressive 12 world premieres set to happen. Alongside the already-announced Euphoria, which will take over Melbourne Town Hall with an immersive multi-screen film installation starring Cate Blanchett (as a tiger on the hunt, no less), the program is filled with a hefty and diverse array of happenings. Large-scale events abound, not least of which is Shadow Spirit — a showcase of First Peoples-led projects across the realms of art, performance, music, food and more — which takes over abandoned rooms in Flinders Street Station. Another large-scale offering is The Rink, which fantastically will be sticking around for longer than RISING's residency. From Thursday, June 1 till Saturday, July 8, it's the place for carving icy laps in Birrarung Marr on the banks of the Yarra. There's warming snacks (like pizza courtesy of Fugazi) and even more bevs (like boozy Mörk hot choccies and mulled wine). The Rink's precinct is free to enter and is kept toasty by fireplaces, so even if you're not lacing your skates, it's a magical spot to hang. Then on Saturday, June 10, a mass participatory work by composer Ciaran Frame will hit Federation Square. The free experience will see 10,000 biodegradable kazoos played simultaneously by eager locals (like you). While Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde's SPARK takes the form of a wondrous floating light show, animating thousands of 'fireflies' crafted from biodegradable materials from Wednesday, June 7 till Saturday, June 10. On the music front, there's a bunch of shows with tickets still available (you're too late for Ethel Cain or Thundercat, sadly). Catch Flying Lotus on Saturday, June 17; Paul Kelly on Tuesday, June 6 and Wednesday, June 7; and many more. Gigs are hitting the Forum, Max Watt's and the Melbourne Recital Centre for the duration of the festival. RISING's free festival hub Night Trade is taking over the grounds of St Paul's Cathedral for the duration of the spectacular fest. It comes to life with super-sized surrealist art from Poncili Creción, live performances, hawker-style dining by Free to Feed, patio bars with bevs and sans-booze sips aplenty, and even a smattering of drag karaoke. Gather here with your group, get fed and plan the rest of your festival explorations. RISING will take over Melbourne from Wednesday, June 7 till Sunday, June 18. To plan your visit, head to the website.
The year was 2005. The album: Hold Your Colour. That's when Pendulum hit the big time, and also why. The Perth-born drum-and-bass group not only became a homegrown sensation with their debut record and its tracks 'Slam', 'Tarantula' and 'Fasten Your Seatbelts', but made it into the UK Top 40 Singles Chart as well. Now, the year is 2023. Almost two decades after that breakout album, the Perth-born electronic favourites have just announced their latest Down Under tour. Five stops, two countries, plenty of echoing arenas: that's what's in store when Pendulum play Australia and New Zealand in October. This'll be the first time that the band has performed across either country since 2021, with dates booked in Auckland, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney. At each show, Pendulum won't just be giving Hold Your Colour's tunes a whirl, but also songs from 2008's In Silico and 2010's Immersion. Expect to hear new single 'Halo' featuring Bullet for My Valentine singer Matt Tuck get a spin, too. Currently comprised of Rob Swire, Gareth McGrillien, Peredur ap Gwynedd and KJ Sawka, Pendulum heads home with experience playing huge overseas festivals such as Glastonbury, Creamfields, Coachella, Rock Am Ring, Reading and Leeds, and also recently headlining Ultra Miami. The band went on hiatus from early 2012, with Swire and McGrillien focusing on side project Knife Party, before starting to reunite in 2015. Joining Pendulum on their latest Aussie and Aotearoa tour: fellow Perth-bred drum and bass talent ShockOne, aka Karl Thomas. PENDULUM 2023 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR: Friday, October 6 — Spark Arena, Auckland Saturday, October 7 — John Cain Arena, Melbourne Sunday, October 8 — RAC Arena, Perth Thursday, October 12 — Riverstage, Brisbane Friday, October 13 — Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Pendulum is touring Australia and New Zealand in October 2023 — head to the tour website for pre-sale tickets from Friday, August 4 (at 11am local time for Australian shows and 1pm NZST for Auckland), or from 11am local time on Monday, August 7 for general sales. Images: Luke Dyson.
After headlining the post-parade party at the 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and then bringing her Future Nostalgia tour Down Under in 2022, Dua Lipa has announced her latest trip to Australia and New Zealand. The Grammy-winner's massive Radical Optimism tour just got bigger, adding more than 40 new dates worldwide. On the 2025 list: stops in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland. 2024 has been a huge year for the singer, with her third studio album Radical Optimism releasing in May and then the artist headlining Glastonbury. She also popped up in Argylle in cinemas. 2023 was no slouch, either, given that 'Dance the Night' graced the Barbie soundtrack and Dua Lipa featured in the film as a Barbie. But with her new tour, 2025 looks set to be even bigger. [caption id="attachment_972947" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tyrone Lebon[/caption] The Radical Optimism gigs kick off in November 2024 across Asia, with concerts in Singapore, Jakarta, Manila, Tokyo, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Seoul. Fans in Australia and Aotearoa get their turn to find the star under lights and turning the rhythm up in March and April 2025, thanks to shows at Rod Laver Arena, Qudos Bank Arena and Spark Arena. If you're located outside of Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland and you've noticed a lack of Down Under dates elsewhere, you'll need to travel to see the 'Don't Start Now', 'Physical', 'Break My Heart', 'Cold Heart' and 'Houdini' talent. The Aussie and NZ leg will restart the Radical Optimism tour in 2025, with dates also announced across Europe in May and June next year, and in North America in September and October afterwards. As well as Radical Optimism and Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa has tracks from her self-titled 2017 debut record to bust out, including 'Be the One', 'Hotter Than Hell', 'Lost in Your Light', 'New Rules', 'IDGAF' and 'Blow Your Mind'. Dua Lipa Radical Optimism Tour 2025 Australia and New Zealand Dates Thursday, March 20 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Wednesday, March 26 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Wednesday, April 2 — Spark Arena, Auckland Dua Lipa's Radical Optimism tour heads Down Under in March and April 2025, with Amex presale tickets from 11am local time on Wednesday, September 18, artist presales from 12pm local time on Thursday, September 19 and general sales from 1pm local time on Friday, September 20. Head to Dua Lipa's website for more details. Live images: Raph_PH via Flickr.
Forget flame-grilled, British company Bompas & Parr are taking the backyard barbecue to new, hardcore heights — using molten lava. Experts in curating spectacular culinary experiences that go beyond the wildest dreams of Willy Wonka himself, Bompas & Parr one-upped Sydney's last New Year's display with the world's first edible fireworks in London. This year, they're forecast to trump our favourite summer pastime, the age old Australian barbecue. We can't help but be impressed. The duo teamed up with lava expert Professor Robert Wysocki from New York's Syracuse University to learn how to transform billion-year-old basalt into magma that would cook a nice T-bone at 1350 degrees. Experiments like this one have ensured the pair have honed their charring technique to perfection. Now, Bompas & Parr are offering British diners the chance to host the ultimate summer barbecue. Apart from the five-tonne furnace for those lava-seared steaks, the company will provide designers to makeover the venue, invitations hand carved from volcanic rock and lava-heated hot tubs in which to enjoy cocktails. Plus, they promise a weird and wonderful soundscape fusing real-time volcanic frequencies from around the world with more conventional tunes. The catch to getting Bompas & Parr barbecuing in your own backyard? You'll need a minimum of 500 friends to join you. But come on, though that may seem a little high and possibly saddening, who wouldn’t want to go to this barbecue-to-end-all-barbecues?
Has it ever crossed your mind that this is a ridiculously impossible idea and that you might not actually be able to do it? Artist Willoh S Weiland is on the other end of Skype and laughs at the question. "What I love about this project is that it's about the audience — people love doing stuff that's impossible. I think it's our job as a project team to make it a reality." The project in question is Forever Now, an epic artistic and curatorial collaboration between MONAFOMA director Brian Ritchie (of Violent Femmes fame), Jeff Khan (director, Performance Space), Thea Baumann (artistic associate, Aphids) and jokingly self-titled 'Evil Overlord' Weiland (artistic director, Aphids). With the launch on June 15, the fantastic four will open the call out to anyone and everyone in the world to submit one-minute audiovisual artworks that represent humanity in the 21st-century. The team will select 44 applications to go on a digital golden record, which will then be launched into outer space at MONAFOMA 2014. "Forever Now is the third in a trilogy of art science works that I've been doing over the last four years, all of which have explored space and astrophysics," says Weiland. "I thought that the ultimate challenge to complete this trilogy would be for us to try and get contemporary art actually into the galaxy." Thirty-six years ago, NASA launched a Golden Record of its own into outer space on The Voyager spacecraft. Like the sci-fi version of the classic message in a bottle, there is hope that intelligent extraterrestrial life might discover the record, have the brains to correctly decipher the instructions, the fingers with which to operate them on a turntable and the sensory capacities to consume the record's contents and learn about our lonely planet. The Voyager is the furthest human thing from planet Earth, currently floating on the edge of our galaxy, about to enter interstellar space. Moreover, the Golden Record is made from gold-plated copper and uranium-238 that is designed to last over 4 billion years. Weiland describes the differences between NASA's 1977 Golden Record and what she hopes to achieve with Forever Now: "Firstly, [the Voyager Record] was created in six weeks in a totally closed curatorial process by a group of scientists and cultural experts." The Forever Now launch and open call for submissions is a direct reaction to that. "There was no digital democracy in 1977," says Weiland, "so the idea is that the curatorial process is completely transparent and able to be influenced by the public and that the record we compile will be an evolving process over six months." A second point of difference, as she sees it, is to the curatorial limitations that NASA worked within. "They deliberately didn't send anything that was about conflict or war or argument or famine or anything — it was a very shiny, upbeat representation of humanity. So we want to look more at the queer and the horrible.” On whether or not she believes in aliens, Weiland replies, "I think that one of the most exciting developments of the last thirty years compared to when the Voyager went out is the discovery of exoplanets (planets outside our Solar System) and also the absolute certainty that we will within my lifetime find biological life somewhere else." And how might an alien respond if it got its hands (or other limbs) on the Forever Now record? "If they weren't a gas, I can only say what I'd hope, which is that they'd be curious about us and be compelled to find us," she says. "I think we've been trying to understand our own aloneness for a long time and I think finding that out, that we weren't, would be such an intense, massive shift. It would be like when they worked out that the world wasn't flat." Plans for sending the physical record into outer space are yet to be confirmed, though Weiland declares, "We will do our valiant best to get it into space. We have a lot of possible plans ranging from gifting it to NASA, or to lesser known space programs like South Korea. The main issue in that is dealing with how much you have to compromise the content in order to participate in what is essentially a really militarised industry." There is also the possibility of launching Forever Now privately, "though this will carry implications for how far the work will be able to travel". More information about the project will come to light at the official unveiling ceremony on June 15 at the State Library of New South Wales. "The launch in June is also the launch of the research and implementation for both Susan Cohn, who's making the record, for Erin Milne, who's working out how to get it into space, and for the curators, who are going to be talking to the public and dealing with the submissions process." Forever Now is an Aphids project in association with Performance Space, MONAFOMA and Vitalstatistix. It launches as part of the Performance Space Switched On season, and the launch webcast can be watched on the their website.
Melbourne has no shortage of design markets (or good designers, to that end) so we were about due for another one to take place. Held three times a year, the Little Sparrow Market is back for its second and third 2016 instalments after a kicking things off back in June. The market will fill The Atrium at Federation Square with all manner of aesthetically pleasing things, from candles to couture sleepwear to cute homewares. Altogether there'll be over 65 stalls, including some of the gourmet food kind — because no market-goer should have to go hungry. The first market will be held on Sunday, September 25, with the following one happening a month later on Sunday, October 23.
Dark Mofo, the Museum of Old and New Art's Hobart winter arts festival, has done what everyone thought impossible — it's managed to lure people to one of the coldest places in Australia in the most freezing months of the year. (Which is no easy feat — that place is cold.) And as a big pat on the back for both bringing in a heap of extra cash to the Tassie economy (and just being downright incredible), the Tasmanian Government yesterday announced a new five-year funding agreement to support Mona and the festival. Dark Mofo will receive a whopping $10.5 million over five years to continue to grow and throw the festival until 2021. This cash splash doesn't come without some caveats though. As part of the funding, Dark Mofo will have to deliver a regional program each year and invest at least $250,000 of that money to support Tasmanian arts-based organisations. Plus, they obviously want them to increase the number of visitors to Tasmania over winter, grow festival attendance and up the media exposure too. Seems like a no-brainer for the Tassie Government. Because while it seems arts funding is sadly getting cut left, right and centre around the country, we can see why they want to invest in this program. Last year's Dark Mofo returned an estimated $46 million to the economy and created about 400 new permanent and short-term jobs. On top of the funding news, Dark Mofo also announced their 2017 dates: June 8-21. The festival, which started in 2013, is centred around celebrating the winter solstice — or the longest night of the year. Image: Rosie Hastie, courtesy Mona Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
With the recent celebrations of our Queen's Jubilee, we thought it would be relevant to showcase another country's celebration of their royal heritage. London correspondent Dan Maas (who gave us London, What Are You Listening To?) offers his insights into his recent bender at Queen's Day in Holland and why orange is the new black? Growing up with Dutch parents, but born in New Zealand, I guess you could say I am a Kiwi in clogs. Although I am an absolutely stoked New Zealander, it is nice to have a home away from home especially within an hour of London. Visiting Oma (Grandma) was a little more difficult growing up I have to say. Of course on these visits back, I have always had the fortune of being able to visit the Dam which is undoubtedly a great place. Of course it is known for the obvious stuff which has its place, but get past all of that and you will find a truly unique city that oozes urban culture. If you are into cool people, sweet kicks, unreal clubs, history, arts, screamers and croquets, then this is your town. At the center of Holland, Amsterdam is always going to be the place that positions itself in the front row for any big national event. If you have not heard of Queen's Day, their national celebration, then brace yourself to dial Flight Centre. The Dutch are one of the most passionate people for their country around, and this is the weekend they really let people know about it. I was so keen to show it off to you guys, that I made a little video to prove it. Enjoy.....
In an ironic makeover, a former Chicago meatpacking plant and slaughterhouse has found a new purpose as the city's first self-sustaining, vertical farm. Located in Chi-Town's Union Stock Yards, the 93,500 square foot brick building once specialised in mass-producing red meat - one of the least environmentally-friendly industries out there. Now, it is a sci-fi-like space dedicated to non-waste-producing urban farming. Projects inside 'The Plant' include a tilapia fish farm, beer and Kombucha tea breweries, aquaponic farms which harvest vegetables, and a mushroom garden. The Plant will also host to a group of bakers and caterers that will work together in a communal kitchen area. Upcoming projects include 'living' walls, and rooftop gardens. All of these endeavors have taken up a zero net waste policy, made possible by an interconnecting indoor ecosystem of sorts. The used grains from the beer brewery will be used as fish-food for the tilapia; the waste produced by the fish will nourish the mushroom garden and hydroponic plants; those plants will clean the water, which may be cycled back up to the fish tanks. Initially aided by a combined heat and power system, as well as an anaerobic digester, the Plant will be entirely self-sustaining. The project hopes to be taken off the power grid in just a few years. By the end of this year, the Plant hopes to have five rentable tenant spaces, and its renewable energy system up and running by next June. By 2016, the building is set to be fully functional, creating 125 neighbourhood jobs, and keeping over 10,000 tons of food waste out of landfills each year. Human waste is an obvious problem, says Melanie Hoeskstra, the Plant's director of operations. The renovations made to the Plant are workable in any old building: “It’s not a perfect system, but it’s really close," she says of the Plant. Sounds like city planners should take a note or two.
The inner west's ever-booming booze scene continues its charge, with the arrival of Kingsville newbie, Willow Wine Cafe. The charming 20-seater marks the first solo venture for local, Ellen Turner, whose hefty hospitality resume includes stints at Gin Palace, Collins Quarter, Seddon Wine Store and even Shanghai's Glamour Bar. Most recently home to a cricket shop, the Williamstown Road building now sports a comfy mix of recycled timbers and repurposed fittings, all warm, natural finishes and cheery glow. Open from 8am until 7pm, Tuesday through Sunday, it's a space that slips easily from morning coffees to those after-work wines. You'll find the early crowd tucking into Five Senses lattes, brekkie boards and crumpets, while loaded toasties and a range of milk bun rolls — perhaps filled with hot smoked trout, crème fraîche and dill — are the stars come lunchtime. Local produce is the focus and the glass cake cabinets filled with treats from the likes of Brasserie Bread, Candied Bakery and Söt by Mörk. The wine list also flies the flag for locality, with a solid crop of Victorian labels backed by a careful curation of drops from further afield. An ever-rotating by-the-glass selection is primed for post-work drop-ins, best enjoyed alongside some of the locally sourced cheese and charcuterie. You'll find a range of wines available to take away, too, while a program of seasonal dinners, tasting events and a Willow wine subscription service are also on the cards. Find Willow Wine Cafe at 126 Williamstown Road, Kingsville.
This article is part of our series on the diverse highlights of NZ's Canterbury region, from city to snow. To book your snow trip, visit the 100% Pure New Zealand website. As someone with little-to-no coordination and balance, the prospect of skiing for the first time in my life was pretty terrifying. I honestly couldn't think of a sport that’s scarier for beginners — and I tried, multiple times — or a situation where I wouldn't be hurtling down a vertical run into a tree and/or small child. That's why I’ve always thought it lucky that, for me and every other Adult Who Can't Ski, snow sports are generally pretty easy to avoid. But with the ski season ramping up — and snow weekends already being floated by my seasoned snow bunny friends — I thought it was time to see if I would sink or swim on snow. With myself as sacrifice, and some words of wisdom from Mt Hutt's media coordinator and resident snowboarder Georgie Boyd, we headed across to one of New Zealand's most renowned ski areas (and, as it turns out, biggest mountains) to find out how to slide down a slope without losing a limb — or your dignity. Don't forget your gloves Preparation is key when it comes to skiing, mostly because it involves a lot of stuff. This is no spontaneous sport. If you don't own any snow clothes and can't borrow any from a similarly sized friend (your boyfriend's oversized pants probably won’t make things any easier, just saying), you should look at hiring proper, waterproof clothing. Mt Hutt hire out snow pants and jackets as well as boots and helmets — all of which you'll probably need as a beginner. What they don't have, though, are gloves and goggles, so make sure you you've got that covered before you get up on the mountain. Freezing fingertips don’t make for fun times. Image thanks to arquera via photopin The things you think are the easiest are actually the hardest Here's the thing: no one tells you that walking in ski boots will feel like your shin is snapping in half (which it isn't, but I still have the bruises to say that it came pretty close). Those things are painful, but they say it gets better. Apparently getting on and off the lift gets less terrifying too, but maybe that comes later. And think you can sling your skis over your shoulder like they do in the movies? Think again, noob. There's a particular trick to carrying your skis out to the snow that involves sliding them together and holding onto one of the brakes, but I'll let the ski staff show you that one. Image thanks to Paxson Woelber via photopin Don't think you don't need a lesson Sure, head up to the top of the slope with your friends and be left side-stepping up the mountain while they pass you as they go up and down the run. It's enough to ruin friendships, so heed this: experienced skiers and beginners don't match. Don't underestimate the power of getting a lesson. "The action of skiing and snowboarding isn't always common sense," says Georgie. "Taking a lesson gets you on the right track straight away and will speed up the zero-to-hero process." Contrary to popular misconception, there are plenty of functioning adults who also don't know how to ski — you'll be in a class with them, not four-year-olds (who can probably ski better than you, anyway). Image thanks to Nick J Webb via photopin It's actually not that scary Only after you've strapped on your skis and are successfully standing on a flat lay of snow will you start to feel like maybe this skiing thing isn't so terrifying. Like Georgie says, the most intimidating part for learners is the fear of going too fast and the chairlifts. Once you've mastered slowing down in a lesson (it doesn't matter how long your lesson is, even an hour or two makes a difference), then you can tackle the chairlift. "There are always lifties at the top of the lift to ensure that everyone is getting off the lift safely,” Georgie says. And to make things even easier, Mt Hutt's beginner’s area even has a conveyor belt 'magic carpet', which is the pre-chairlift training to the real deal. Image thanks to Mt Hutt, NZSki Ltd. and Patrick Fallon. It's all about pizza Not the pizza pie kind (well, maybe it can be afterwards — hell, you will have deserved two pizzas by then), but the pizza slice made by the shape of your skis. That's how you stop. For snowboarders, Georgie recommends digging in your heel-side edge will slow you down and safely control an exit off a ski lift. Best you get that one down before you take off down the slopes. Image thanks to FredrikF via photopin What not to do Whatever you do, don't look down. Even though you'll want to look down and make sure your skis are doing what you want them to, it's important that you look at what’s in front of you. There are a lot of obstacles — they're called people. On the subject of people, don't use them as props. Seriously, you grab someone on the way down and no one will look at you the same again. Image thanks to radloff via photopin Any time's a good time The best thing about being a beginner is that you don’t need a lot of snow to have a good time. While all the pros are complaining about lack of snowfall, you'll have all the snow you need. So basically, any time's a good time to start skiing, so just do it already. Image thanks to laszlo-photo via photopin Remember, there is hot chocolate and/or a good story waiting at the end of it Like this one. Image thanks to PunkJr via photopin. Feature image courtesy of Mt Hutt, NZSki Ltd. and Miles Holden.
Actual rain might be a bit of a drag, but this new immersive rainfall-inspired installation is anything but. Random International's famed captivating artwork Rain Room first made the trip Down Under in 2019, hitting St Kilda — and, after a COVID-19-inspired delay, it's returning again for the summer of 2020–21. It's a downright impressive piece of interactive art, too. Imagine the magical feeling of walking through a 100-square-metre field of continuous rainfall, without getting the slightest bit wet. Rain Room's water droplets are guided by responsive technology, ceasing to fall wherever they sense movement. It's a physical, multi-sensory experience that sets out to explore ways in which technology transforms relationships between humans and nature. Off the back of recent stints at Shanghai's YUZ Foundation, the LACMA in Los Angeles and at the Sharjah Art Foundation, Rain Room has hit Australia as a permanent part of the Jackalope Art Collection, presented in collaboration with the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). The internationally acclaimed work has made its home in the Jackalope Pavilion, a pop-up purpose-built space on Acland Street designed by March Studio. A ticket will allow you to spend 20 minutes in the Rain Room. When it reopens on Saturday, December 5, you'll be able to head byWednesday–Sunday, with bookings required in advance. Only 12 people will be allowed inside at once, so you'll be socially distancing. You can also book a private session for you and 11 of your mates. First three images: Sharyn Cairns. Updated November 15, 2020.
Watching The Vow, you can be forgiven for wondering how the details and events that fill its frames all managed to actually happen. It tells a tale that seems like it should be a work of fiction, as many of the best true-crime docuseries do. But as the old adage goes, truth is stranger than fiction — and that definitely proves to be the case when there's a creepy self-improvement group involved. NXIVM dates back to the 90s, but it wasn't until the past few years that it started attracting newspaper headlines, with its leader Keith Raniere first arrested and indicted, and then convicted of a spate of crimes including sex trafficking. Across its first nine-episode season, The Vow chats with former members of the group about their unsurprisingly disturbing experiences, and also spends time with journalists who've dedicated a hefty chunk of their lives to exposing NXIVM. Yes, it's one helluva story.
If you're a wannabe wizard or witch looking for more Harry Potter magic in your life, there's no shortage of ways to accio up some enchanting fun. Harry Potter-themed potions bars have been popping up across Australia and New Zealand for a few years. Pokemon Go-style game Wizards Unite is available to play whenever you like. In London, the Fantastic Beasts films have even inspired a natural history exhibition. And Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is still casting its spell on Melbourne, a city that's also home to Australia's biggest Harry Potter store — and screenings, parties, escape rooms, scavenger hunts and other HP-centric events are extremely common everywhere, really. Soon, all of above might pale in comparison to the kind of space HP fans can really lose themselves in — and one that, hopefully, visitors would need a Marauder's Map to get around. That'd be a dedicated Harry Potter theme park, which could be coming to Tokyo soon, The Japan Times reports. It seems that the owners of the Toshimaen amusement park in Tokyo's Nerima ward are thinking about closing down, ending its 94-year run. And, at the same time, it seems that Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc is contemplating taking over the venue — waving a few magic wands about and turning it into a Harry Potter-theme park. [caption id="attachment_761496" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Toshimaen. Image: Rsa via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Few other details have been revealed as yet but, if it does happen, it's unlikely to open until at least 2023. Variety notes that it'll probably feature sets that patrons can tour, rather than rides — so if you were hoping to play quidditch, travel by portkey or ride the floo network, that doesn't seem to be on the agenda. Generally, it appears that the Tokyo park will be modelled after the existing Harry Potter attraction in London, which also spans costumes, props, exhibitions and special events. For Valentine's Day, it's hosting romantic feasts in the Great Hall, for example, while 'A Celebration of Slytherin' will also deck the place in shades of green and silver later this year. Japan is already home to a Harry Potter theme park zone at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka — so diehard devotees just might have to visit two of the country's cities. If it does come to fruition, add the dedicated Harry Potter theme park to Japan's hefty range of pop culture-themed attractions. A Super Nintendo amusement park zone is due to open at the aforementioned Universal Studios Japan in Osaka by mid-2020, a forthcoming Godzilla attraction will let you zipline into the monster's mouth, and a Studio Ghibli theme park is in the works — and Tokyo already boasts huge Godzilla and Gundam statues, as well as the Studio Ghibli Museum just outside the city. Via The Japan Times / Variety. Top images: Warner Bros Studio Tour London.
It might be a favourite for littlies, but Collingwood Children's Farm is far from a whippersnapper itself. In fact, the inner city institution is gearing up to turn the big 4-0 next month and to celebrate, it's throwing a rollicking birthday shindig to delight folks both young and old. Taking over the long-running farm on Sunday, November 3, the aptly named Party Animals will dish up a diverse program of entertainment, market stalls, workshops and more. And the best part? Profits will be heading right back into the farm, to help ensure it kicks on for another four decades. Firing up the stage will be the likes of punk rockers Cosmic Psychos, singer-songwriter Jess Ribeiro, 'BBQ punk' act The Burnt Sausages and The Ookerpookers, featuring a ukulele orchestra made up of Thornbury school students. A jam-packed series of workshops could see you becoming an expert in anything from sustainable living to ukulele jamming, while a program of Table Talks will share expertise from the likes of The Fertile Crescent, Barry The Beekeeper, specialty butcher Meatsmith and Broomfields Pies. There's a slew of culinary treats on offer, too, including a slow-cooked barbecue feast by the crew at Meatsmith. An array of food stalls will be serving up snacks like D'Lish Turkish Street Food's gozleme and giant paella from Western Port Mussel Supplies, or you can nip to the Producer's Paddock and browse a huge assortment of fresh Victorian fruit, veggies, charcuterie, baked goods, ferments, cheese and more. The drinks will also be flowing, with brews from Bodriggy Brewing Co and Mountain Goat, Innocent Bystander wines, and botanical concoctions from Melbourne Gin Co to help you kick on all day long. Party Animals runs from 10am–8pm. Images: Steve Costello
Cinephiles, picnic-lovers and everyone in between, rejoice — the annual combination of movies, outdoor eating and park hangouts that is Moonlight Cinema is back for another round. After locking in their dates back in September, Australia's biggest outdoor cinema this morning announced their full 2026-17 summer program — and it's a goodie. Kicking off on the first day of summer (how fitting) in Sydney and Adelaide before launching in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth just a few days later, this year's setup boasts all the regular features that make this one of the country's most popular summer events. Big screen shimmering beneath the stars? Check. Food trucks serving the ultimate movie munchies? Check. Letting super-organised patrons BYO their own snacks? Check. A huge lineup of new releases and cult classics? You betcha. Expect all the big summer releases, like sci-fi thriller Passengers, the much-anticipated La La Land with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, and Lion, based on the true story of Saroo Brierley who found his birth mother in India via Google Earth after 25 years of separation. Naturally, they'll also be playing Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (which was released today) as well as the yet-to-be-released Star Wars: Rogue One and game-turned-film Assassins Creed. As always, they'll also throw in a few cult favourites — this year it's Grease and Back to the Future — and some Doggie Nights, which will kick off with The Secret Life of Pets. Of course, heading to Moonlight isn't just about the movies shown, as fun as getting a sneak peek of upcoming flicks or sharing the joyous glow of watching iconic favourites on a big screen is. It's also about the experience, which is why you're allowed to start getting excited without knowing which films you'll be watching — and why you should be blocking out December through to April in your calendar. Tickets are on sale now. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2016-17 DATES: Sydney: December 1 – April 2 (Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Park) Melbourne: December 8 – April 2 (Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens) Brisbane: December 8 – March 5 (New Farm Park at Brisbane Powerhouse) Adelaide: December 1 – February 19 (Botanic Park) Perth: December 3 – April 2 (Kings Park and Botanic Garden) Moonlight Cinema's 2016-17 season starts screening around the country from December 1. For more information and to buy tickets, visit moonlight.com.au.
Every year, So Frenchy So Chic asks Melburnians a question: do you fancy prancing through a field laced with the charm of provincial France, but without needing to book a flight? If your answer is yes, which it should be, then you'll be pleased to know that that exact setup is just casual summer weekendery when the fest rolls in each January. The ever-popular French celebration will bring the can-can back to Melbourne's Werribee Park Mansion. The date: Sunday, January 14. For newcomers, expect an entire afternoon of French-inspired niceties, including (but not limited to) gourmet picnic hampers, très bon crepes and steak frites sandwiches, and supremely good wine — all set to a blissed-out French soundtrack. So Frenchy So Chic hinges on an eclectic lineup of artists, both taking cues from the classic sonic stylings of France and showcasing top-notch French talent. On the 2024 bill: La Femme, Marlon Magnée and Sacha Got's psych-punk rock group; Kill The Pain, aka Australian singer and songwriter Phoebe Killdeer with French vocalist Mélanie Pain; Laure Briard, fresh from releasing album Ne pas trop rester bleue; and the Serge Gainsbourg- and Angus and Julia Stone-loving Malo'. As always, the wine and food will flow just as easily as the tunes, headlined by an abundance of bubbly courtesy of Champagne Lanson, one of France's oldest champagne houses and a So Frenchy So Chic favourite. Expect oysters, croque monsieurs, duck liver parfait, mussels, chocolate eclairs, macarons and cheese upon cheese. Of course, there'll be plenty of French beer, cocktails, and rosé, red and white wines, too, no matter what you choose to snack on throughout the day. For groups of ten, this year's festival also includes a $199-per-person option that gets you your own prime spot with low-seated wooden tables decorated with flowers, rugs and cushions to make things comfy, two bottles of champers, a shady umbrella, and two charcuterie hampers and two cheese hampers. If you've got kids, you'll be happy to know that the whole thing is very family-friendly, with children's tickets starting from $25 (and entry free for kids under 12). Images: Liz Sunshine / Simon Schiff.
Imagine the movie Groundhog Day, except that instead of augmenting his knowledge and skill base with each nightly reset, Bill Murray's memory simply resets with it and he spends every day like it was the first: scared, confused and trying to figure out what's going on. Not as interesting, right? Well, therein lies the critical flaw in Before I Go To Sleep, a new 'thriller' starring Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Mark Strong. Kidman plays Christine, an amnesiac whose memory wipes itself clear every 24 hours, meaning with each new morning she must relearn who she is, what's happened to her and who that man lying next to her is — aka her husband, Ben (Firth). Helping her attempt to break the cycle is neuropsychiatrist Dr Nash (Strong), who compels Christine to leave a video message to herself each night so that she can slowly build upon her own memories the following day. Slowly, the memories begin to linger beyond the nightly reset and with them come growing suspicions that neither man in her life is being completely honest about the source of her condition. The film is based upon S.J. Watson's 2011 bestseller, but its slow-burn plot and predictable twists are far less forgiving on screen, where no amount of Kidman's trademark harrowed stares can engender the kind of tension it purports to have. The closest you come to frights in this film are courtesy of tactless incidental surprises like the sudden horn of a passing truck, and the lack of characters (with a suspects list of two) means the ultimate revelation is far from the scale a true climax deserves. Between the cast and the conceit, Before I Go To Sleep had the potential to explore some genuinely compelling ideas and offer a fresh spin on the Groundhog / Memento / Edge of Tomorrow premise, but instead it flounders in tawdry melodrama and leaves you largely unsatisfied. https://youtube.com/watch?v=L6ckwpaFbBM
Ever wondered what it'd be like to listen in on a chat between known besties Lena Dunham and Amy Schumer? Well, wonder no longer. The latest edition of Dunham's Lenny Letter features an interview between the two, touching upon everything from tramp stamps to body image to boundaries in comedy. Their discussion is timed to coincide with the release of Schumer's new memoir, The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo, which is currently rocketing to the top of best-seller lists. Because they're the power pals we all know and love, both prove frank and funny as they also compare experiences at this year's Met Gala ("I attempted to grind my ass on Michael B. Jordan," Dunham notes), and talk about Schumer's gun control campaign following the tragic shooting during a screening of her film Trainwreck last year ("You know, that is actually when I felt the closest to Jennifer Lawrence, because that day she texted me, 'It's your fault.' And in times like that only jokes make you feel a little better", Schumer shares). Plenty of other tidbits also come up during the piece, including something Girls fans might be particularly interested in. In the lengthy introduction, Dunham reveals that the two first met when Schumer auditioned for the role of Shoshanna. We'll give you a minute to imagine how that version of the show could've turned out. Yep, it's the kind of reading your weekend needs — and the next best thing to managing to become the third musketeer in their best friendship. And sure, it's the type of affectionate, amusing chat you'd expect from the two; but hey, if these two talented ladies want to share their banter with the world, you won't hear us complaining. Via Lenny Letter.
The second relatively prominent Aussie horror film of the year, Damien Power's Killing Ground sits alongside Hounds of Love in terms of brutality, bone-chills and its capacity to inspire feelings of nausea in its viewers. Where it doesn't match up, however, is in doing something new with the disturbing violence that it pedals. The film tells the story of a camping ground from three different perspectives. First up is a young couple, Ian and Sam (played by Ian Meadows and Harriet Dyer), who embark on a New Year's Eve jaunt away from the city, only to find there's already a tent set-up in the remote place they thought they'd have to themselves. Number two are the owners of said tent: a family of four complete with teenager and a toddler named Ollie. Three is a pair of reprehensible men, German and Chook (Aaron Pederson and Aaron Glenane). By the time the penny drops and Ian and Sam figure out that the tent is empty, the audience has already cottoned on: the three storylines aren't happening consecutively, and bad things have already occurred. It's a clever plot device, but the cleverness runs out there. The film succeeds, in part, in setting up an environment that for all its sun and lake views will make you feel bitterly cold inside. Aaron Pederson's German is a terrifying, unpredictable vision of unhinged male violence, and the sight of a distressed Ollie wandering around alone is both sickening and chilling. Once Sam and Ian have gauged that all is not well with Ollie's parents, the film quickly descends into a tale of violence, rape, and a whole lot of frustration on the part of the audience. The couple take a truly infuriating amount of time to realise they should just leave and call the police – Ian even willingly accompanying Chook on a search mission to the nearby falls which will "only take 15 minutes", even though there's a sign that says the falls are 4km away. I mean come on Ian, you're a doctor, you're supposed to be smart. But even more frustrating is that ultimately, it all feels as though it's for naught. For all its atmosphere, the film ends up being an unrelenting exercise in gratuitous violence with no apparent novelty or meaning. By the time the gruesome two hours are up, viewers will be left with not much more than a funny tummy and a reluctance to go camping for a while. Although if you do head out into the woods after this film, you'll be sure to check any neighbouring tents. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3ePiwb0NxQ
With Bannisters' duo of hotels at Mollymook now a firm fixture on New South Wales' south coast, the accommodation brand is turning its gaze to the north. Later this year, Port Stephens will be in for a good dose of swank, with the company taking over the Soldiers Point site previously occupied by Salamander Shores. As at Mollymook, you can expect luxury. Of the 80 four-and-a-half-star rooms, 50 will afford views straight across Karuah River, while the other 30 will look over bushland. If you've cash to splash about, book the penthouse or one of four extra-fancy suites. Wherever you sleep, you'll be welcome to make the most of the infinity pool, hang out in the high-ceilinged lobby and kick back at the onsite pub over a pizza — or indulge in a course or three at the Rick Stein signature restaurant. "The abundance of top-quality seafood is a massive attraction, as is the proximity to the Hunter Valley's wineries," said Stein. "I will be working closely with head chef Mitchell Turner, designing a menu featuring local king prawns, Yellowfin bream, flathead, calamari and school whiting, not to mention the fabulous oysters." Looking the part, all these spaces — and the rest — will be sorted out by Bannisters' stellar design team, made up of architect Tony Freeman, interior designer Romy Alwill and landscape designer Will Dangar. And as for bringing the Bannisters brand to the area, general manager Peter Bacon said "there is so much potential in Port Stephens, and it is a natural progression for us to take a formula that works and replicate it." Find Bannisters Port Stephens at 147 Soldiers Point Roadd, Soldiers Point from later in 2018.
The ongoing saga that is Daft Punk's new album Random Access Memories continues. Last week, the French duo had us shakin'-in-our boots with excitement over the release of a 1 minute teaser from their newest single "Get Lucky" featuring Pharrell Williams, and now, they've given us the whole thing. While we've become increasingly disenfranchised by the slow drip reveal of pop culture (I mean, do we really need a teaser and three separate trailers for The Great Gatsby?), somehow the Daft Punk fellas are getting it just right. With the leak of each new detail, Daft Punk have managed to get the internet drooling; drawing us in with each juicy new shred of information and leaving us hungering for more. Whether its their unexpectedness (I mean, Wee Waa, who saw that coming?), their enigmatic anonymity (those once annoyingly kitsch helmets have become something of a cultural phenomenon) or just how damn infectious their music and videos are, we're addicted. And what about the song itself? We absolutely love it! "Get Lucky" manages to sound both brand new and yet naggingly familiar all at the same time, immediately hooking the listener in with its funky-as-hell groove. It's kinda like the aural equivalent of meeting an old girlfriend who has got herself a sexy new haircut. It's comfortingly familiar, but somehow intoxicating in a whole new way. On top of this, the whole Earth, Wind and Fire vibe they've got going on means "Get Lucky" looks set to dominate every radio station and dancefloor for the rest of 2013. Keep doing exactly what you're doing you ridiculously talented Frenchmen! Update: On Saturday night, a limited number of tickets to Daft Punk's album launch party in Wee Waa were made available via The Crossing Theatre's website. To book, click here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=vxp0PFoIdmU
Covering no more than 6 square metres of space, Jay Shafer's Tumbleweed XS House encompasses all the domestic necessities of a home in adorable miniature. The world's smallest house, valued at AU$37,325, has recently gone up for eBay auction; all proceeds will go to help fund early art education at the Toledo Museum of Art. The current bid on the house is AU$24,300 with 20 days left to bid. Contained within this tiny home is a sleeping loft fit with a queen-size bed, a bathroom complete with a shower, a kitchenette and a living area. The house is fully furnished, right down to the space-saving mini-fridge. RV-style water and electricity hookups are featured too, so the only amenity the buyer would have to provide is an external sewage tank. As the art museum says, "The small house movement is about quality of space and design, not quantity." The Tumbleweed XS House was originally commissioned to be a part of Toronto's Museum of Art exhibition 'Small Worlds'. Building materials and a workspace were donated by a local mercantile, The Andersons. 'Pared down' may be an understatement for this little home and the lifestyle which accompanies it, but for those seeking a simplistic way of life these 6 square metres may be the perfect fit.
Hollywood's glitziest and most self-congratulatory night is just a few short sleeps away. While the rest of us are at work on Monday, the who's who of moviemaking will take their seats at the Dolby Theatre for the 89th Academy Awards. Leading the pack this year with a record-equaling 14 nominations is Damien Chazelle's musical throwback La La Land, which is either the greatest film ever made or completely overrated, depending on which person on the internet you ask. Still, despite the hype, the backlash and the backlash to the backlash, La La is no lock to take home the gold. Barry Jenkins' poignant Moonlight is hot on its heels, while the patriot in us can't help but root for the homegrown Lion. Speaking of which, it's nice to see some people of colour on the roster this year! Let's be honest, three straight years of #OscarsSoWhite would have been downright embarrassing. Below, you'll find our tips in the eight major categories, plus our personal faves and a few nods to the unlucky ones who missed out. Accept it: Zoolander 2 was robbed. BEST PICTURE THE NOMINEES Arrival, Fences, Hacksaw Ridge, Hell or High Water, Hidden Figures, La La Land, Lion, Manchester by the Sea, Moonlight. WHAT WILL WIN Look, we said La La Land wasn't a lock, and we stand by that. Still, there's no denying the LA-set musical is the favourite — movie people love movies about movies, and good grief Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are attractive. The fact that it went seven for seven, including Best Musical or Comedy, at last month's Golden Globe, doesn't exactly bode well for the competition. WHAT SHOULD WIN If you're after a good time at the movies then La La Land delivers. Still, for its raw emotional power and timely social message Moonlight seems like an even worthier winner. This devastating tale about a young gay black man coming to terms with who he is stands out as one of the best motion pictures of the past several years, and win or lose you should do everything you can to see it. THE SNUBS Nocturnal Animals divided critics, but the star power attached suggested it was in with a shot. Ditto Pablo Larrain's handsome biopic Jackie. Historical drama Birth of a Nation garnered plenty of buzz early in the year, but the controversy surrounding director Nate Parker has seen it all but disappear from the conversation. And hey, what about a nod for Rogue One, or maybe even Captain America: Civil War? BEST DIRECTOR THE NOMINEES Damien Chazelle (La La Land), Mel Gibson (Hacksaw Ridge), Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester by the Sea), Denis Villeneuve (Arrival). WHO WILL WIN In much the same way that La La Land leads the race for Best Picture, Damien Chazelle should be considered a favourite in this category for his flair behind the camera. And again, it'd be hard to call him undeserving should the chips fall that way on the night. Fun fact: if he does take home the gold, Chazelle will be the youngest Best Director winner in Oscar history. WHO SHOULD WIN Chazelle would be a worthy winner, but we've got to go with Moonlight's Barry Jenkins. Seriously, do yourself a favour and read our interview with him then go see the film. THE SNUBS Garth Davis for Lion (who we also interviewed here), David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water), Theodore Melfi (Hidden Figures) and Denzel Washington (Fences) could all be forgiven for feeling a little peeved about missing out given their films were nominated for Best Picture. Still, in our minds, the biggest omission is Martin Scorsese. Sure, Silence is a punishing watch, but seeing Mel Gibson nominated ahead of Marty just feels wrong. Also, would if kill them to nominate a woman? BEST ACTRESS THE NOMINEES Isabelle Huppert (Elle), Ruth Negga (Loving), Natalie Portman (Jackie), Emma Stone (La La Land), Meryl Streep (Florence Foster Jenkins). WHO WILL WIN While Natalie Portman led the pack early for her remarkable turn as former First Lady Jackie Kennedy, the conventional wisdom at this point is that this is Emma Stone's trophy to lose. Either woman would be a worthy winner, although neither is our number one choice. WHO SHOULD WIN A violent psychosexual thriller, Paul Verhoeven's French-language Elle isn't the easiest film to watch. But thanks to the fiery work of Isabelle Huppert, it's also impossible to look away. Given the content of the film, the fact that she's even nominated is fairly surprising. A win would be astounding, in the best possible way. THE SNUBS Amy Adams gave two of the year's best performances, in Arrival and Nocturnal Animals. It's possible she was punished by voters splitting their ballot, but whatever the reason it's safe to say she's unlucky to have missed out. BEST ACTOR THE NOMINEES Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea), Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge), Ryan Gosling (La La Land), Viggo Mortensen (Captain Fantastic) Denzel Washington (Fences). WHO WILL WIN This one is going to be close. Casey Affleck was the favourite for much of the race, but then Denzel went and snared himself a win at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. It's possible that the controversy around the younger Affleck is finally catching up with him. Our pick? Denzel by a nose...although maybe that's just wishful thinking. WHO SHOULD WIN Not Casey Affleck. It's a great performance, but that's just not the point. THE SNUBS Neither Sully nor The Founder left much of an impression, but Tom Hanks and Michael Keaton could easily have scored noms for their work as the real world figures at the centre of their respective films. And on a personal level, we'd have loved a nomination for Josh Brolin, for his delightfully deadpan work in the very underrated Hail, Caesar! BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS THE NOMINEES Viola Davis (Fences), Naomie Harris (Moonlight), Nicole Kidman (Lion), Octavia Spencer (Hidden Figures), Michelle Williams (Manchester by the Sea). WHO WIN WILL If there's a lock this year, it's Viola Davis, who appears to have this one in the bag. WHO SHOULD WIN Hey, sometimes they get it right. Davis' turn in Fences as a dutiful wife and mother is the best performance in a film packed to the brim with great performances. You'll be able to knock us over with a feather if she goes home empty handed. THE SNUBS Bit of a long shot, but Rachel Weisz absolutely crushed it in The Lobster, as did unknown actress Lily Gladstone in Kelly Reichardt's Certain Women. Make sure to check out both if and when you can. BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR THE NOMINEES Mahershala Ali (Moonlight), Jeff Bridges (Hell or High Water), Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea), Dev Patel (Lion), Michael Shannon (Nocturnal Animals). WHO WILL WIN Dev Patel might make a late push following his win at the BAFTAs, but right now the smart money is on Mahershala Ali. WHO SHOULD WIN Ali deserves to win on the strength of his performance alone, but we'd be lying if we said we weren't rooting for him at least in part because we're hoping he gives another speech similar to the one he gave at the SAG Awards. Good luck trying not to cry. THE SNUBS It's a bit of a surprise not to see Aaron Taylor-Johnson on this list, given that his dark and disturbing work in Nocturnal Animals won him a Golden Globe. We're also disappointed not to see Patrick Stewart get a nod; Green Room was presumably a bit too violent for Oscar voters, but Stewart's turn as a ruthless white supremacist was absolutely chilling. BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY THE NOMINEES Hell or High Water, La La Land, The Lobster, Manchester by the Sea, 20th Century Women. WHAT WILL WIN If La La Land wins this one early, you can just about guarantee the film is in for a clean sweep. That said, the Vegas odds are on Kenneth's Lonergan's masterful screenplay for Manchester by the Sea. WHAT SHOULD WIN There's no chance in hell that it wins, but The Lobster had one of the darkest, funniest, most original and esoteric screenplays in a long, long time. This is one of those "it's an honour just to be nominated" situations. THE SNUBS Hail, Caesar! was largely ignored by both the Academy and general audiences, but, in our opinion, it's one of the cleverest films in the entire Coen Brothers' canon. German comedy Toni Erdmann also deserved a nod, as did Jim Jarmusch's gentle Paterson. BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY THE NOMINEES Arrival, Fences, Hidden Figures, Lion, Moonlight. WHAT WILL WIN While it's possible that the Academy will show a little love to either Lion or Arrival, it's hard to imagine that this one doesn't end up going to Moonlight. WHAT SHOULD WIN Moonlight, although we'd be stoked if they gave it to Lion. 'Straya! THE SNUBS Maybe the biggest snub of the entire ceremony: where in the sweet hell is Deadpool? It was popular with critics and made a bucket-load of cash, but we guess Academy voters don't like naughty words. Way to remind everyone how out of touch you are, guys. Great job. The winners of the 89th Academy Awards will be revealed on February 27. Tom Clift is one of Concrete Playground's senior film writers. You can read his reviews here, here and here.
Melbourne's famed floating bar is back for another summer season on the Yarra, this time promising to be bigger and better than ever before. Arbory Afloat, which made its debut in 2015, is being reimagined this year as a sprawling, 500-square-metre floating pontoon, installed on the river in front of sister venue, Arbory Bar & Eatery. And it's a monster. Open to the public from Wednesday, November 15, the temporary bar and restaurant clocks in at a whopping 50 metres long, with room for 407 guests. Design-wise, this year's bar riffs on the beach clubs of The Mediterranean, accented in eye-catching Klein Blue and boasting a central bar, with a mix of day beds, banquette seating and restaurant dining. The breezy Mediterranean influence extends to the food and drink offering, with Chef Nick Bennett's laidback menu featuring seafood aplenty, house-made gelato and Neapolitan-style pizzas from the woodfire oven. Sun-drenched drinking sessions here will feature fruit-driven cocktails from an extensive, Euro-influenced lineup, and bespoke gin and tonic creations, crafted on a range of small-batch tonics and clever garnishes. Meanwhile, National Good Food Guide 2018 Sommelier of the Year Raul Moreno Yagüe has worked his magic on the wine list, to deliver an offering that's fresh, vibrant and geared perfectly to summer sipping by the water. Arbory Afloat will open 7am will 1am daily (including Christmas Day) from Wednesday, November 15 at Flinders Landing. For more info visit arbory.com.au.
El Jannah well and truly has cult-like status in Sydney. There are those who swear by the roasted bird, chippies and the renowned garlic sauce — and there are those who won't hear even a syllable towards the idea that the Lebanese-Australian joint doesn't reign supreme. And with locations now popping up in Melbourne, we're sure this mentality is going to cross state lines, too. But, fans are not only in love with the food, but the people behind the counter and pass, too. "[Our customers] treat us like an extension of their friends and family," Brett Houldin, CEO of El Jannah, shares. "They know people by name, they can tell you a lot about their first experience, and that seems to resonate." Together with Uber Eats, we cruised over to El Jannah's Earlwood venue and fired a few quick, fun questions at Houldin to catch his vibe (and to pursue that garlicky recipe). Have a watch below, and read on for the low down. https://vimeo.com/756998413 STICKING TO YOUR STRENGTHS We're all better placed if we stick to our strengths. Knowing when you're out of your depth is a key life skill — as Houldin learned. When was the last time he donned a hairnet and jumped in the El Jannah kitchen? "I'm only really effective on the chip station," he laughs. "That's all they'll let me do." He leaves the cooking to the pros, who smash out order after order (after order) for customers who are more than willing to stand in a lengthy line (or order via Uber Eats) to chow down. Houldin does still manage to get his fill of charcoal chicken, though. His weekly El Jannah count? Three or four times a week. "There's probably customers out there who eat it just as much, if not more, as I do," he laughs, well aware of the chicken shop's hype. THE BUSINESS OF BUSYNESS Given he's a busy man, you'd be forgiven if you think Houldin's El Jannah count is higher in actuality. So what was the last thing he cooked when he did have time? "Does it count as 'cooked' if I bought lasagne, put it in the oven and fed it to the kids?" he asks. THE SECRET IN THE SAUCE Sadly, Houldin kept mum on El Jannah's lauded garlic sauce recipe. We did press him on the issue — and have the unedited footage to prove it — but, through a big ol' smirk, he said, "I'll have to die with that one. That is only a family-known secret." All this chat put you in the mood for El Jannah chicken? Head to the website to find a location near you, or place your order via Uber Eats. Top image: Jarrad Shaw
Eight years since Netflix arrived Down Under, the streaming era has brought so many different platforms our way that switching between Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+ and the like is the new changing channels. But, however many different services you subscribe to, and why, only one platform hails from Australia's National Film and Sound Archive: the just-launched NFSA Player. As a bricks-and-mortar celebration of sound and vision, the Canberra-based NFSA fills its walls and halls with the country's screen history, a task that it has embraced since 1935. In fact, when it was first established, it became one of the first audiovisual archives in the world. Almost nine decades later, the institution features more than four million items, including scripts, props, costumes and promotional materials — a range that keeps growing in order to continue maintaining this pivotal record of Aussie creativity. In the online space, NFSA is now sharing its expertise digitally, which is where the on-demand NFSA Player comes in. As part of an aim to make the national audiovisual treasure trove more accessible — and all over Australia, too — viewers will now find everything from feature films and documentaries to TV shows and animation in the streaming platform's catalogue. Getting things started: its very first collection Buwindja. Spanning 17 titles, this debut selection of screen content is timed to celebrate NAIDOC Week, and showcases Indigenous trailblazers in the process. Both as part of the collection and in the future, NFSA Player features free and pay-per-view content — so you can rent Warwick Thornton's Samson & Delilah for $4.99, or opt for a half-hour biographical documentary about Bundjalung author and historian Ruby Langford Ginibi without paying a cent. Other highlights from Buwindja include Mabo, stunning Bangarra dance film Spear, drama series The Gods of Wheat Street and rock n' roll doco Wrong Side of the Road. Also included: more documentaries such as Black Divaz, The Song Keepers, Buried Country and My Survival as an Aboriginal. "Buwindja represents an opportunity for Australians to reflect on the part they play in ensuring that the voice that our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders have fought for in the past and present continues to be heard," said Gillian Moody, a Wodi Wodi woman, filmmaker and the NFSA's Senior Manager, Indigenous Connections. "I curated it with the hope of inspiring audiences to reflect, imagine and act when they listen to and watch these stories." To check out NFSA Player, head to the streaming platform's website.
The year has only just started, but you wouldn't be blamed for planning a city escape already. Your destination could be Little Valley Summerhouse – a charming 50-acre working alpaca farm rich in eco-conscious inspiration, off-grid adventures and contemporary design. Set amid the remote Wollombi Valley – aka the Hunter Valley's wild side – this spot offers boundless rest and an authentic encounter with nature. Guided by the design of architect Matt Elkan, owner-builder Euan Wilcox spent two years shaping Little Valley Summerhouse's spectacular space. Rich in modern details while celebrating the surrounding landscape, this enchanting home drew inspiration from the hand-milled timber huts you can stumble upon in the local hills. Centred around an open breezeway, it's easy to imagine lazing away the day on the deck overlooking the pond. Meanwhile, seamless design helps blend indoor and outdoor spaces to foster atmospheric settings where inhabitants can dine with friends or soak up the peaceful setting in veritable solitude. Here, floor-to-ceiling windows invite plentiful natural light, while an entirely off-grid design enhances the mindfulness of your visit. For example, solar power and passive solar principles keep the need for artificial heating and cooling to a minimum. "I have always wanted the challenge to make a beautiful building, and living out here has given me that chance. Over the last two years, I think we have crafted something quite special," says Wilcox. While leaving behind these cosy walls could be a challenge, Little Valley Summerhouse is immersed in rich native bushland primed for laid-back adventures. Bursting to life with golden hues for the upcoming autumn, guests can also expect to encounter myriad wildlife on the property, from wallaroos to alpacas and miniature donkeys. Of course, there's also an abundance of tuneful birdlife soaring the skies to provide a daybreak soundtrack. For days when the weather takes a chilly turn, a French cast-iron fireplace and 100% alpaca wool duvets are bound to keep guests warm. Just know that Little Valley Summerhouse is proud of its connection to the land, with an approach that deliberately sets itself apart from curated country estates and resorts. By inviting guests to take pleasure in the little things, this agrarian stay offers a chance to embrace nature and refresh your spirit. Little Valley Summerhouse is located in Wollombi Valley, NSW. Head to the website for more information.
Break out the sugar honeycombs, grab your bag of marbles, and get ready for a few more games of hopscotch and tug of war. Squid Game is coming back, as Netflix confirmed at the beginning of 2022 — and now the second season has its first teaser trailer. Well, it has an extremely short animated clip of the series' killer Red Light, Green Light doll, with the teaser short on details but big on mood. That said, the new video came with a statement by Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, who started chatting about season two in 2021, and confirms a few details. Hwang Dong-Hyuk writer, director, producer, and creator of @squidgame has a message for the fans: pic.twitter.com/DxF0AS5tMM — Netflix (@netflix) June 12, 2022 "It took 12 years to bring the first season of Squid Game to life last year. But it took 12 days for Squid Game to become the most popular Netflix series ever," Hwang shared. "And now, Gi-hun returns. The Front Man returns. Season 2 is coming," he continued. "The man in the suit with ddakji might be back. You'll also be introduced to Young-hee's boyfriend, Cheol-su. Join us once more for a whole new round." So, get ready to spend more time with more Lee Jung-jae (Deliver Us From Evil) as the show's protagonist. And, to learn more about its masked villain (Lee Byung-hun, The Magnificent Seven) as well. How the narrative will play out in season two hasn't yet been revealed, and neither has exactly when it will return. But if you want to live life like you're actually in Squid Game — with the puzzles, not the murders — you can start trying to piece together its clues now. The series was always bound to return for another round. Compulsively watchable from its opening moments, the South Korean show was one of the best new TV programs of 2021, and proved enormously popular for Netflix — becoming its most-watched show ever, in fact. And yes, Hwang also advised last year that lead actor Lee would be coming back, but now that detail is locked in. If you somehow missed all things Squid Game last year, even after it became bigger than everything from Stranger Things to Bridgerton, the Golden Globe-winning series serves up a puzzle-like storyline and unflinching savagery, which unsurprisingly makes quite the combination. It also steps into societal divides within South Korea, a topic that wasn't invented by Parasite, Bong Joon-ho's excellent Oscar-winning 2019 thriller, but has been given a boost after that stellar flick's success. Accordingly, it's easy to see thematic and narrative parallels between Parasite and Squid Game, although Netflix's highly addictive series goes with a Battle Royale and Hunger Games-style setup. Here, 456 competitors are selected to work their way through six seemingly easy children's games. They're all given numbers and green tracksuits, they're competing for 45.6 billion won, and it turns out that they've also all made their way to the contest after being singled out for having enormous debts. Squid Game's first season is available to stream via Netflix. We'll update you with a release date for season two when one is announced. Images: Noh Juhan/Netflix.
When you're whipping up a batch of cookies, do you spoon your creations onto the tray and pop them straight into the oven, or do you sneak a taste of the delicious, uncooked dough? We all know that we should say the former — and we all really do the latter. Eating the mushy morsels we'll call pre-bikkies is frowned upon thanks to that little thing called food safety; however New York's newest cafe has the solution. Dō makes their cookie dough from pasteurised eggs and heat-treated flour that ensures those gorging on their products won't get ill. After selling their wares online, they've branched out into the bricks-and-mortar space, setting up shop in Greenwich Village. https://www.instagram.com/p/BPfiYFHF0m4/?taken-by=cookiedonyc There, you'll find scoops of dough, served with or without ice cream, plus sundaes, ice cream sandwiches and cookie dough milkshakes. Pick from flavours such as sugar cookie, brownie batter, salty and sweet, cake batter and peanut butter snickerdoodle — from a range of five classic, eight signature and three seasonal varieties — then indulge in guilt-free gooeyness. Baked snacks such as actual cookies, cookie sandwiches, and cookie cakes are also available, but where's the fun in that? Or, try cookie dough fudge, cookie dough ice cream pie, cookie dough brownies or a cookie bomb — which looks like a cupcake, but is actually dough and frosting. Yum. Via Food and Wine.
Where bigger festivals rely mostly on a precise combo of big name international acts plus Pitchfork-approved indies, the Secret Garden sells out each year before its line-up is even announced. How you do that in today's musical climate is pretty astounding, until you look at what else the Secret Garden has to offer, at which point it becomes astoundingly obvious. Free booze, a magical farmland location revealed only to ticket-holders, and bands so close you can smell them all provide good reasons to get your unicorn onesie covered in glittery mud. And the food doesn't suck. "We are pretty different to what's out there," says festival director Clare Downes. "We are completely focussed, almost anal, about putting on a brilliant event. This includes lots of small creative areas, luxury camping facilities, great bars, brilliant music, award-winning food, interactive stuff and surprises. Gardeners love our surprises!" But that's not to say the music isn't a big draw card. This year the organisers have pulled together another excellent slew of bands and DJs that read like a cross-section of rising and risen local talent. PVT-approved Sydney duo Collarbones will make an appearance alongside Cub Scouts and The Griswolds, with The Preatures adding some artful gloom to the glitter. Rounding out the first line-up announcement are Alison Wonderland, DCUP, the Delta Riggs, Frames, Lancelot, Rufus, Spit Syndicate, Vance Joy, and Softwar and Slowball presenting Secret Garden After Hours. Secret Garden is also not a bratwurst in a bun sort of occasion. This year the festival is embracing Sydney's fleet of food trucks, with Eat Art Truck (headed by Stuart Magill of Tetsuya's and Brenton Balicki of Quay), Mexican masters Al Carbon, Tsuru's pan-Asian street food, and Jafe Jaffles confirmed to be in attendance, while Porch & Parlour takes care of breakfast. Knowing that the dinner table is the heart of the family and new dining experiences the soul of Sydney, organisers have also lined up a Secret Garden Banquet. Limited tickets are available for the feast, which will be held in heritage-listed stables in a secret area of the already secret location, and hosted, of course, by a secret group of foodies. The final component of today's announcement is no minor detail; it's the Friday theme, a greatly cherished part of the festivities. In 2013 Secret Garden is extending the hand of friendship to the scene perhaps best known for cosplay, the sci-fi convention, with Secret Garcon. For all those festivalgoers who'd feel outgeeked at Comic Con but have always wanted to dress up as their favourite Star Wars/Mass Effect/Ghostbusters character, this is for you. As Downes says, "Secret Garden is the kind of festival where you can dress as a pineapple, talk to the guy standing next to you, dabble in some karaoke, send a postcard to your mum and listen to some great bands. There are so many elements to it, beyond what happens on the stage and what we serve at the bars." It all comes together to create an immaculately tailored weekend away that you don't have to plan a thing for. Tickets for Secret Garden 2013 have sold out, but the festival is run entirely by volunteers, and it's not too late to become one of those. In exchange for four hours of work on the day, you can then run free at the venue. Secret Garden is run as a not-for-profit, with all proceeds going to the Sarah Hilt Foundation, which helps sufferers of meningococcal disease. Just another thing that separates this festival from the rest. By Hannah Ongley and Rima Sabina Aouf.
When streaming first infiltrated our viewing habits, paid online services such as Netflix boasted a hefty advantage over free-to-air television: no pesky advertisements interrupting while you watch. That wasn't the only drawcard by any means, but it wasn't a minor one, either. Now, however, the platform is betting that some folks won't mind commercials here and there in exchange for a cheaper subscription. This move has been in the works for a few months now, but Netflix's new 'basic with ads' package is about to become a reality in Australia — starting Friday, November 4. Sitting below its existing ad-free basic, standard and premium plans, the new subscription tier will cost $6.99 per month, and is being positioned as a budget-saving option. Here's how it works: firstly, you'll need to opt into the new plan. If you're already a Netflix subscriber without advertisements, that won't change. If you choose to switch to the ad option, you'll be served around four-to-five minutes of ads per hour. Those commercials will run for either 15 or 30 seconds in length, and play before and during films and shows. Also, there'll be fewer titles — and you won't be able to download them. Netflix advises that the smaller range will affect "a limited number of movies and TV shows" which "won't be available due to licensing restrictions", which the service is working on. And, video quality will only go up to 720p/HD, which is the same as Netflix's ad-free basic plan. Australia is part of a 12-country initial rollout, alongside Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain, the UK and the US. A bonus for your bank balance? An annoying distraction? You choose. Again, you have to actively opt in for the ad-supported plan, so it won't just pop up unexpectedly while you're deep in a Stranger Things or DAHMER — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story marathon. Netflix subscribers aren't new to the streaming service's tinkering, with the platform testing and rolling out plenty of new features over the years — including its 'play something' shuffle function for when you can't decide what to feast your eyeballs on next, and blocking password sharing. A huge motivation for this move: the plethora of competing services also competing for viewers, because there's never a shortage of things to watch. Netflix's 'basic with ads' package will be available for $6.99 per month from Friday, November 4.
The state of Colorado is a land of mind-blowing extremes. In one visit, you can climb rugged mountains, wander through arid desert landscapes, canoe down wild rivers and camp by serene lakes. Meanwhile, in the capital city of Denver, which rests a mile above sea level, you'll find gallons of craft beer, creative chefs, loads of indie artists and a buzzing music scene. Colorado-based singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov, who's currently in Australia, embodies the state's spirit: whenever he's not on the road, he's at home on his farm, growing produce and recording in his custom-built studio. To mark his tour around our homeland, we've come up with a tour for you around his homeland. Here, we take you through all the eats, drinks, sights and sounds for you to discover on a trip to Denver, CO. EAT BREKKIE AT SNOOZE Snooze is all about helping you start your day on a high and fully fuelled. Prepare for upbeat vibes, lots of energy and happy, happy people. Nearly every dish on the menu is made from scratch, according to what local farmers have on the go. So, you never know what to expect. That said, if the pineapple upside-down pancakes are on offer, look no further. Or, if sweet in the AM isn't your thing, opt for the Chili Verde Benedict — a spicy feast of tortillas with green chilli sauce, melted cheese, slow-cooked pulled pork, barbacoa-style beef, poached eggs, green chilli hollandaise, pico de gallo and cotija cheese. EAT FRENCH ONION SOUP DUMPLINGS AT CHOLON At ChoLon, a much-adored restaurant in Denver, two of the world's greatest comfort foods — french onion soup and dumplings — collide. Foodies travel far and wide to sample these delights, which are loaded with gruyere and sweet onion, then steamed to perfection. Their creator is head chef and owner Lon Symensma, who opened ChoLon after working at Buddakan in New York City. If you're still hungry post-dumplings, move onto an array of modern Asian flavours — from crunchy Thai shrimp rolls with umami mayo to diver scallops with fennel puree, wok hay grapes and candied pistachios. EAT POUTINE AT EUCLID HALL Have yourself a classic American tavern experience at Euclid Hall, set in a 19th-century building that formerly housed a bar by an infamous Wild West gangster, Soapy Smith. You'll find it in Denver's Larimer Square historical district. Get started with poutine — fries loaded with all kinds of deliciousness, like duck confit, cheddar curds and black pepper duck gravy or green chilli-braised pork with cheddar curds, cilantro, radish and crema. The house-made sausages are hard to pass by, too. Match your pick with a craft beer or signature cocktail, like the Salty Oboe (whiskey, lemon-ginger shrub, orange bitters and lemon). [caption id="attachment_711888" align="alignnone" width="1920"] RiNo Art District, Nick and Marissa Napoletano[/caption] B-CYCLE YOUR WAY AROUND DENVER'S CREATIVE NEIGHBOURHOODS With all the inspiring natural wonder surrounding the city, Denver is a magnet for artists, designers, makers, writers and musicians. To see their creations at a leisurely pace, grab yourself a Bcycle and go exploring beyond the city centre. Be sure to check out the Art District on Santa Fe, the Golden Triangle creative district near uptown and the Highlands neighbourhood. Meanwhile, in RiNo (River North), you'll find plenty of street art sharing the neighbourhood with independent boutiques, craft breweries and unique eateries. Plan for a full day of wandering and window shopping. DRINK LOCAL BREWS AT WYNKOOP BREWING COMPANY Since a man by the name of Governor Hickenlooper brewed the first pint here in 1988, this downtown pub has been a local favourite. It's also the first brewpub to have opened in Denver since Prohibition wound up way, way back in 1933. Set in a 100-year-old former bank with several bars, including one that used to be a vault,Wynkoop has 30 brews on tap — all of which have been made in Colorado. There's a drop for pretty much everyone here — from those who enjoy a lush, hop-heavy ale (opt for the Mile High pale ale) to those after something creamy and semi-sweet (look to the Cowtown milk stout). If you're keen to get behind the scenes, you can also join a tour Tuesday–Saturday at 3pm and 4pm. DRINK AN AVOCADO DAIQUIRI AT THE FAMILY JONES Opened in 2017, The Family Jones puts a bunch of Denver's best distillers, chefs, bartenders and restaurateurs under one (vaulted) roof. It's a paean to craft spirits, creative cocktails and small plates — splashed with copper, blue velvet and greenery. Watch a master distiller in action, while sipping an avocado daiquiri: a decadent concoction of the distillery's Mo Jones Rum, passionfruit, lime, arbor chilli and avocado. And if you're after even more, tours and tastings, which include a seven-strong flight of house-made spirits, take place every Saturday at midday and 1.30pm. Meanwhile, happy hour is 4pm–6pm daily. DRINK SOUR BEER AT CROOKED STAVE ARTISAN BEER PROJECT After sipping brews at the historic Wynkoop Brewing Company, head over to Crooked Stave a 'modern artisan brewery' that's been on the scene since 2010. Crafting a wide range of wild and sour drops, head brewer Chad Yakobson is all about combining art with science to create complex, boundary-pushing beers bursting with flavours. Two of his secrets are the use of brettanomyces yeast (which gives beers — and some wines — that funky textural taste) and barrel ageing. Visit the taproom in Denver to sample the results — from the American-style IPA, which contains five types of hops (Azacca, Galaxy, Amarillo, Motueka, and Citra) to the Nightmare on Brett Raspberry, a dark sour ale aged in Leopold Brothers whiskey barrels brewed with Washington raspberries. [caption id="attachment_708869" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Denver.[/caption] SEE A CONCERT UNDER THE STARS AT RED ROCKS If you're a live music junkie, chances are Red Rocks Amphitheatre is already on your bucket list. This extraordinary concert venue, which lies around 15 kilometres outside of Denver, is a naturally formed amphitheatre, framed by stunning rock formations. Some say you'll find no better acoustics anywhere in the world. Just a few of the acts to have played legendary concerts here under the stars include The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Depeche Mode and Dave Matthews. If you're not able to see a show, consider taking a guided tour or stopping by for a snack at Ship Rock Grille. HIKE, BIKE OR RIDE IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS Just a two hours' drive north of Denver lies the Rocky Mountain National Park. Its spectacular slopes have attracted hikers, mountaineers, adventurers and horse riders for hundreds of years. There are countless walking trails to conquer — from the short but steep and incredibly scenic Alpine Ridge Trail to the 12-kilometre long Timberline Falls Trial, which takes in Alberta Falls and several pristine mountain lakes. Alternatively, jump on horseback for a guided tour and see the scenery like you're from the Wild West. STROLL THROUGH THE GARDEN OF THE GODS Also within a two hours' drive from Denver is the magical Garden of the Gods. As the name suggests, this rather awe-inspiring place, dotted with 100-metre-high rock formations, looks like it was created by giants. If you're not keen to get too adventurous, soak up the views from the glass-walled cafe or, if the weather's warm, the outdoor terrace. Alternatively, take a hike or join a guided tour — be it by Segway, bike or jeep. Ready to go? Start planning your trip to Denver and wider adventures in the state of Colorado.
Winter might be all about staying in doors, rugging up and avoiding the frosty weather, but if you want to see a trio of meteor showers this week, you'll want to head outdoors. Not one, not two, but three celestial events will be visible in Australia's skies: the Southern Delta Aquariids, Alpha Capricornids and Piscis Austrinids. Arriving in the thick of winter, the Southern Delta Aquariids may not be quite as famous or frenetic as other meteor showers, but it's still considered a strong one, with around 15–25 meteors hurtling across the heavens per hour during its peak. In good news for those Down Under, it's also typically best seen in the Southern Hemisphere. Caused by the breakup of the Machholz comet, the shower is visible each year from around July 12–August 23 — so now. But the ideal time to catch it is between July 28–July 30, aka from Thursday–Saturday this week. And, like many astronomical shows, catching an eyeful around midnight is recommended — when the moon has set and its light will not interfere. [caption id="attachment_862773" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mike Lewinski via Flickr[/caption] Also soaring through the skies at the moment: the Alpha Capricornids, which tends to run from around July 7–August 15. Yes, that means that you can peer up at night and catch a glimpse now, too, but it tends to peak around July 30–31 — so Saturday and Sunday this week. This one comes from the comet 169P/NEAT, and was discovered in 1871. It's known for its bright meteors and even fireballs, although they're infrequent, at around two-to-nine per hour. Then there's the Piscis Austrinids, giving stargazers yet another reason to look up. It usually runs between July 15–August 10, and peaks around July 28 — so on Thursday this week. As for the speed of its meteors, they're even slower than the Alpha Capricornids. For your best chances of getting a glimpse at all three, the usual advice applies. Get as far away from bright lights as possible — this could be a good excuse to head out of the city to a clear-skied camping spot — and pray for no clouds. The Delta Aquariids' name comes from the constellation from which they appear to come, Aquarius. Accordingly, that's what you'll be looking for in the sky. For the Piscis Austrinids, you're looking for the Piscis Austrinus constellation. And for Alpha Capricornids, the Capricornus constellation. To locate them all, we recommend downloading the Sky Map app — it's the easiest way to navigate the night sky, and is also a lot of fun to use even on a non-meteor shower night. The Delta Aquariids, Piscis Austrinids and Alpha Capricornids meteor showers will peak between Thursday, July 28–Sunday, July 31. Top image: Mike Lewinski via Flickr.
It's been a year full of empty tables and creative pivots, but one of Australia's most celebrated restaurants is finally gearing up to open its doors to dine-in customers once more. Just don't go expecting the same Attica experience as those days of old. Fresh off the back of newly eased restrictions, Ben Shewry's acclaimed fine diner is getting a post-lockdown reboot, reborn as Attica In Between until the end of the year. As the team has announced, "it isn't Attica pre-COVID and it isn't necessarily what Attica will be in the future, but it is Attica now." It takes the form of a ten-person dining experience, showcasing ten brand-new dishes inspired by Shewry's last eight months of lockdown life. The menu speaks to the good, the bad and the many lessons learned, and it's yours to experience with up to nine of your favourite people. [caption id="attachment_789134" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chewy Carrots at Attica[/caption] On offer only from Friday, November 13 until Saturday, December 12, this temporary Attica offering doesn't come cheap, clocking in at $5000 for up to ten diners, with beverages as extra. But hey, there's a lot to be said for scoring such an intimate meal of never-before-seen dishes, cooked by Shewry himself. And of course, who knows when something like this might ever be available again. You can book your Attica In Between experience for Saturday lunch, or for dinner service Tuesdays through Saturdays. Just keep in mind that you'll need to pay for your table at the time of booking. Under current restrictions, the restaurant can fit two tables of ten at a time, so we suggest booking relatively fast if you want to head along. Find Attica In Between at 74 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea from Friday, November 13 until Saturday, December 12. Bookings are open now via the website.
Get Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Frances McDormand and more exceptional women in a room, point a camera their way, let the talk flow: Sarah Polley's Women Talking does just that, and the Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar-nominee is phenomenal. The actor-turned-filmmaker's fourth effort behind the lens after 2006's Away From Her, 2011's Take This Waltz and 2012's Stories We Tell does plenty more, but its basic setup is as straightforward as its title states. Adapted from Miriam Toews' 2018 novel of the same name, this isn't a simple or easy film, however. That book and this feature draw on events in a Bolivian Mennonite colony from 2005–9, where a spate of mass druggings and rapes of women and girls were reported at the hands of some of the group's men. In a patriarchal faith and society, women talking about their experiences is a rebellious, revolutionary act anyway — and talking about what comes next is just as charged. "The elders told us that it was the work of ghosts, or Satan, or that we were lying to get attention, or that it was an act of wild female imagination." That's teenage narrator Autje's (debutant Kate Hallett) explanation for how such assaults could occur and continue, as offered in Women Talking's sombre opening voiceover. Writing and helming, Polley declares her feature "an act of female imagination" as well, as Toews did on the page, but the truth in the movie's words is both lingering and haunting. While the film anchors its dramas in a specific year, 2010, it's purposefully vague on any details that could ground it in one place. Set within a community where modern technology is banned and horse-drawn buggies are the only form of transport, it's a work of fiction inspired by reality, rather than a recreation. Whether you're aware of the true tale behind the book going in or not, this deeply powerful and affecting picture speaks to how women have long been treated in a male-dominated world at large — and what's so often left unsaid, too. Stay and do nothing. Stay and fight. Leave the only home they've ever had behind, be excommunicated from their faith and forgo their spot in heaven. When the Mennonite women catch one of their attackers, he names more, arrests follow and the men are sent to the city — the culprits imprisoned, the rest there to bail them out — those three choices face the ladies of Women Talking. To decide which path to take, they hold a secret vote while the colony's males are away. When the results are tied, a cohort within the cohort chat it out in the barn. From elders to mothers and teens, everyone has a different perspective across three generations, or a different reason for their perspective, but the hurt, pain, dismay and distress simmering among the stern gazes, carefully braided hair and surrounding hay is shared. The women's religious beliefs dictate one solution only: absolution. That's the outcome demanded by the scarred Janz (The Tragedy of Macbeth's McDormand, also a co-producer here), so much so that she won't entertain alternatives. But her peers Agata (Judith Ivey, The Accidental Wolf) and Greta (Sheila McCarthy, The Broken Hearts Gallery) see shades of grey in their predicament — shades that Polley and her returning Away From Her and Take This Waltz cinematographer Luc Montpellier highlight in Women Talking's colour palette, even though their viewers will scream internally for the women to immediately leave. While dialogue-driven by necessity, the film also spies the country idyll that sits outside the barn doors, where the kids play contentedly in the crops. This isn't an aesthetically sunny movie — its tones are muted, as its women have long been required to be — but it still sees what departing means on multiple levels with clear eyes. As the debate rages against Hildur Guðnadóttir's (Tár) score of yearning — The Monkees' 'Daydream Believer' also gets a spin, surreally so — Agata's daughter Salome (Foy, The Electrical Life of Louis Wain) furiously advocates for battling. Her toddler daughter was among those attacked, which is understandably something she can't forgive, forget and keep living submissively beside the perpetrators, in a culture that allowed it to happen, afterwards. For Greta's just-as-irate daughter Mariche (Buckley, Men), who is abused by her husband openly aside from the widespread attacks, nothing good can come from running — including with their god. And for Salome's sister Ona (Mara, Nightmare Alley), who is pregnant from being raped, her ideals keep her going. As pros and cons about fighting or fleeing are thrown around, she speaks calmly but passionately about wanting a better community where the Mennonite women have agency and educations, as well as being safe and free. Indeed, because the group cannot read or write, formerly ex-communicated teacher August (Ben Whishaw, No Time to Die) is the lone male permitted to their meeting, taking minutes. More than a decade has passed between Polley's third film and Women Talking, and cinema has been all the poorer for it. How rich and resonant — how raw, sensitive and potent at the same time — her latest directorial effort proves. Compassionate and thoughtful in every frame, it scorches as a based-on-a-true-tale drama and as a state-of-the-world allegory, and says just as much beneath all the feverish utterances. Even with the Mennonite order's rules and conformity, costuming and hairstyles convey plenty about varying personalities. Letting colour seep into the movie's characters as the sun sets parallels the vibrant personalities these ladies are not expected to possess. And when Women Talking peers at the boys of the collective, it does so softly, asking what it takes to turn those innocent faces into men who'd subdue Salome, Mariche, Ona and company with cow tranquillisers to violate them. Such a complex and empathetic feature that's also intense, gripping and wide-ranging — pondering gender inequality, what community truly means and should stand for, religious devotion and the sins permitted in its name, unthinking compliance to any societal order and more — is unsurprisingly packed with performances to match. Women Talking's cast are deservedly up for the 2023 Screen Actors Guild Awards ensemble prize, while Buckley and Whishaw earned Gotham Awards nominations as well; there's no weak link in this troupe, including with all the rhythmic chatter. Each in their own way, Foy, Mara, McDormand and their co-stars radiate heartbreak, determination, vulnerability and anger. Whishaw is similarly excellent, but also never the film's focus. These portrayals are talking, too, in a movie that wouldn't fantasise about offering easy answers — but dreams of the possibilities spirited conversations and no longer staying silent can and do bring.
There's plenty to love about newly-opened, vegan snack bar, Follies. Along with a food and beverage menu that's entirely plant-based, Follies pays homage to the classic pintxos bars found in Barcelona and San Sebastian. Everything on the menu comes in a bite-sized ration, served on toothpicks as a nod to its Basque Country heritage. Follies is the lockdown brainchild of Melbourne-born and bred Olivia Franklin, a young but eager hospitality veteran. A nostalgic ode to the 70s, Follies' fit-out has been brought to life with the help of retro wallpaper prints, bright orange table tops and the fuzzy, original carpet from the 70s. "I have always been drawn to the contrasting colours of the late 70s and early 80s, so Follies is a natural tangible progression of my 70s dreams," Franklin says. Patrons will find a reliable everyday menu of hot, cold, sweet and savoury pintxos priced at $5.50 for a small stick and $7 for a large. The pintxos bar choices run to the likes of peach and goats cheese crostini done with a balsamic glaze, and cream cheese-stuffed peppers laden with walnuts. Extra soft and juicy Italian meatballs are served coated in a rich tomato and red wine sauce, while a Patatas Bravas with roast chickpeas is a must-try. Seasonal and event-themed specials are also promised to make appearances throughout the year. Drinks take the form of house cocktails, spritzes, local beers and an ever-evolving selection of vegan, low-intervention wines. The Frosty Fruit margarita contains a crowd-pleasing tequila, Cointreau, passionfruit and lime, while a Porny Pom mixes vodka, vanilla, pomegranate liquor, molasses and prosecco. Low-to-no alcohol drinks are given plenty of love too, with a range of iced teas, spritzes and pét-nat for guests looking for alternative bevvies. An enticing daily happy hour offers $18 cocktails, $10 spritzes, $9 wines and $7 schooners. Bottomless lunch comes in at an easy $75, including bottomless pintxos, spritz, beer and wine. Follies is now open at 34 Johnston Street, Fitzroy from 5pm–11pm Tuesday–Thursday, 12pm–11pm Friday–Sunday. Images: Genevieve Rankin
Content warning: sexual assault In the wake of revelations about rapper Riff Raff and a brave woman coming forward to tell her story, Richmond's Corner Hotel swiftly cancelled the rapper's show at its venue. The rapper's Australian tour was then also cancelled. The Richmond pub then scheduled a forum and fundraiser to replace it: a community-led discussion on sexual assault and predatory behaviour in the Australian music industry called Where To From Here? Music, Community and the "State of Play"'. The forum will be run by LISTEN, a group that aims to initiate change, inclusion and equality within the Australian music scene, and to promote visibility and experiences of marginalised people in the industry. Things will start at 6pm with a discussion with the sister of Eliza Stafford, the survivor who came forward against Riff Raff, then continue with a panel discussion, targeting the pervasiveness of sexual harassment and assault in the sphere of the live music environment. LISTEN will also provide a soundtrack for the night, with female, LGBTQI+ and gender non-conforming artists and DJs taking to the stage post-panel. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds (including $1 from each drink sold in the bandroom) will go directly to non-profit organisations. This event is designed to discuss and illuminate the unacceptable behaviour that occurs at live music events and within the industry, and will be dealing with subject matter that may be triggering – the organisers are working to create a separate space, as well as helpers, for those who may find it tough to hear and experience.
Now, a weekday trip to IDES might sound like pure madness to anyone who wants to pay their rent this month. You usually wouldn't get out the door without a hefty bill (fair payment for a very satisfied stomach), unless you're brave. The IDES sample tables are offered on Tuesday and Wednesday, and you'll get a four-course meal for only $70 a head. But there's a catch — the dishes on your menu aren't on the menu. It's a chef's selection of new dishes, so you'll effectively be the guinea pig for a very experimental (and ex-Attica) chef Peter Gunn and, frankly, we can't think of a more exciting way to spend a mid-week evening.
When it comes to cellaring alcohol, it's important to remember that wine isn't the only player in town. 'Aged like a fine beer' might not be a common expression, but it's a helluva true one, and with the 2017 edition of the Coopers Vintage Ale, you'd be hard pressed to find a finer, tastier or more exciting place to start. Coopers' iconic limited release ales are a unique and hotly anticipated annual fixture for beer enthusiasts, and this year (for the first time in a decade) they've revised their distinctive grist recipe to produce an extraordinary crimson-red ale with an enriched malt flavour. Even better, thanks to the seeding of live yeast, the longevity of this fine ale is not only assured, but recommended. The Coopers Vintage Ale 2017 is designed to mature with time and evolve with distinctly different flavours. This isn't about the creation of new tastes; it's about change — the gentle fade of the initially prominent flavours in favour of those that grow bolder over time. So when and how should you enjoy the many stages of the Coopers Vintage Ale 2017 journey? Let us count the ways... YEAR ZERO: BAR SNACKS We're always being told to live in the now, so the first rule of cellaring beer is that at least one bottle should be consumed immediately after purchase. Not only does this have the obvious benefit of enjoying a fresh brew, it also gives you a baseline against which all your future tastings can compare. For the Coopers Vintage Ale 2017, that initial taste is going to be a tantalising combination of the bitter, aromatic hop varieties Denali and Calypso, which deliver a delicate spectrum of fruity aromas in these early days. That's why the intensity of a bowl of hot chips, stacked nachos or, even better, a full plate of poutine with chips, cheese curd, bacon and the works are the perfect balancing points for the beer's initial strong and vibrant characteristics. Enjoy these in the comfort of home or head out to one of the pubs currently offering the vintage ale on tap. YEAR TWO: INDIAN FOOD Flavour isn't fixed; it's constantly evolving, which is why the cellaring experience is such a joy. Early in its life, the ale boasts distinct pineapple and pear characteristics, alongside pine and citrus notes that all finish with a respectable level of bitterness. But after two years in the vault, that bitterness will have eased off just enough to make an Indian dish the perfect meal with which to partner it. That's because hop flavours blend so seamlessly with Indian staple spices like tamarind and coriander, at first amplifying them, then helping to ease. YEAR FIVE: MEXICAN EATS Like a caterpillar in its chrysalis, by year five Coopers' 2017 vintage will be well and truly in a state of transformation. Its early, fruity, estery flavours and initial bitterness have at last begun to mellow, giving way to rich, sweet, caramel-like characters, and it's that very caramelisation of malts that works so perfectly with a hearty Mexican dish heavy on the meat. Why? Because Mexican dishes are basically the beer's food equivalent: they're a delicious blend of caramels and citrus that deliver light and dark flavours all at once. It's hard to go wrong with Mexican, but we'd suggest pairing your drink with pork or beef tacos with extra chilli, coriander and queso fresco, then drizzled with a little lime. YEAR EIGHT: CHOCOLATE AND CHEESE Sometimes pairing food with a drink is all about counterpoints and balance. Other times, it's about complimenting and amplifying. At the year eight stage of the vintage beer's maturation, there could be no better time to indulge in the rich malt, honey and dry nutty characteristics arising from its special blend of caramalt. From that blend, Coopers Vintage Ale 2017 not only gets its bold malty flavours, but also its fine and creamy head. Nothing could go better with flavours and feel like that than decadent desserts of toffee, chocolate and cheese. For starters, try pairing it with ginger-spiced chocolate truffles, allowing the malt to accentuate the caramel of the milk chocolate and the hops to intensify the spice. As for cheese, an aged Gouda will bring out the best of the beer's rich malt, dried dark fruit character and deep caramel flavours. YEAR TEN: RED, RED MEAT The time has come. The sands have emptied from the hourglass, and at long last the vintage ale you cellared in 2017 now celebrates its big tenth birthday. What began as a bitter, full-bodied hop profile now has a mature, enriched malt flavour running deep with notes of caramel and toffee. This is no time for snacks and finger food. The time has come for firing up the flames and getting your grill on, because now all that can match the glory of the ten-year-old Coopers Vintage Ale 2017 is a big, fat, juicy steak. The caramelised crust on the meat will accentuate the beer's matured taste, while the now diminished hop and bitterness will subtly complement the meal's savoury side. A limited number of the 2017 Coopers Vintage Ale cartons have been released, so get to stocking your cellar quickly. Otherwise, you can find the vintage available on tap at a few key venues in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and beyond. Find your closest pub serving the brew here.
When Disney revealed that it was moving into streaming, it also announced a slew of high-profile titles designed to keep everyone's eyes glued to the company's new platform. Naturally, that included Marvel, with a number of new Disney+ series commissioned to broaden out the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If you loved Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Sam Wilson/Falcon (Anthony Mackie), Vision (Paul Bettany) and Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) on the big screen, you'll now get to enjoy more of each in a variety of spinoff shows. So far, in typical Mouse House style, details have been kept close to Disney's chest. We know that The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and WandaVision are due to release later in 2020, with Loki set to follow in 2021. Thanks to their titles, we obviously also know who they're about. And, we know that they'll all star the familiar faces that brought the characters to big-screen fame — and that they'll each run for six episodes apiece. Broadly, we know the premise for each series, too. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will take place after the aforementioned huge blockbuster, following its eponymous characters as they team up in the aftermath. As for WandaVision, it's a sitcom-style series exploring the home lives of Wanda and Vision, although there's undoubtedly more to it. And when Loki hits next year, it'll see the God of Mischief return — and it'll be set after Endgame. Until now, however, we haven't seen any footage from any of the three shows — but, during this year's Super Bowl, Marvel dropped its first sneak peek. The company released a combined teaser for the trio of series, so there's still not much in the way of substantial detail. That said, if you've been hanging out to see what's in store post-Avengers: Endgame, a quick glimpse is better than nothing. Check out the teaser below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=62EB4JniuTc&feature=emb_logo The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and WandaVision will hit Disney+ sometime later in 2020, with Loki due to premiere in 2021 — we'll update you with release dates when they're announced.
They've been making ace threads for almost two decades, and now they're making a spot in Sydney their own. Jumping from the shelves of other stores to their bricks-and-mortar outlet, denim label Ksubi has set up shop in Paddington. While they've dabbled in their own retail outlets in the past, the new digs mark the brand's only current stand-alone store in the world. Opening its doors at 130 Oxford Street as part of the designer boutique-filled The Intersection shopping precinct, the new Ksubi store turns 250 square metres into a minimalist, monochromatic space for their full clothing collection, plus YSL frames and Henson jewellery. On the shelves, think distressed denim jeans, jackets, cut-off shorts and skirts aplenty, obviously. Interior design-wise, think industrial-esque touches that evoke Ksubi's unfussy style. Indeed, inside eager shoppers will find white neon lighting, flat black fixtures, raw concrete floors, and an array of very memorable magenta change rooms complete with defaced doors. Plus, Ksubi's new digs also feature a number of permanent installations by commissioned artists. Find Ksubi at 130 Oxford Street, Paddington, or head to their website for further information.
