It's always good to have a killer cocktail recipe up your sleeve. Whether you're hosting a Hottest 100 countdown party in your backyard, heading to a beachside Boxing Day barbecue or your mates stop by unexpectedly for a few cold ones before a night out — the drinks you serve can make or break the vibe. While the sun is shining and the days are long, you can't go past a fruity, tropical tipple with a generous splash of rum. We've teamed up with BATI and RATU by RUM Co of Fiji to craft three cocktail recipes to help you become the true hero of summer. They're fancier than goon punch in a laundry bucket and, to be honest, require about the same amount of effort. Your friends will be talking about these drinks all summer. FIJIAN DAIQUIRI Make like you're lying on a beach in Fiji and whip up a few of these bad boys next time you're entertaining poolside. — 45ml RATU Spiced Rum — 45ml coconut water — 15ml fresh lime juice — 15ml falernum syrup Add the rum, coconut water, lime juice and falernum syrup (which you should be able to find at any decent bottle shop) to a cocktail shaker with a good handful of ice and shake it like you mean it. If you're all out of fresh coconuts, strain into a chilled coupe or champagne glass. Garnish with a lime wheel or slice of coconut to make it a bit fancy. SPICED AND STORMY An absolute classic for a reason — there's just something heavenly about the combo of spiced rum, a spicy ginger beer and a tangy hint of lime. — 30ml BATI Spiced Rum — two dashes of aromatic bitters — ginger beer — lime wedges This one is super easy. Fill a highball glass with ice, throw in some spiced rum, two dashes of bitters and two lime wedges (after you've squeezed in their juice). Top with the ginger beer of your choice — make it the alcoholic variety for an extra kick or take it easy with non-alcoholic fizz. CORRETTO PACIFICO Coffee and liquor, they go together like peanut butter and chocolate, like wine and cheese — like, well, coffee and liquor. This one is a pacific twist on a classic corretto, which has been served in Italian bars and coffee shops for decades. It's like a simple (and easy) espresso martini. — 45ml RATU Signature Blend Rum — 30ml cold brew coffee — orange slices Pour the rum and cold brew coffee into a chilled rocks glass with some ice and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a slice of orange and let the compliments roll in. Feeling Adventurous? Learn more about BATI and RATU by RUM Co of Fiji here.
Bursting with baby lambs and blossoms in spring, draped in dreamy colours in autumn and perfect for pinot noir before crackling fires in winter, Central West NSW gives you reasons to visit in all seasons. Once you've conquered the Blue Mountains' misty, winding roads, you'll find yourself surrounded by rolling paddocks, lush vineyards and friendly country folk. Here's your guide to road tripping, from Bathurst's award-winning restaurants and art-influencing landscapes to Parkes' space tech and Elvis obsession, then onto truffle hunts and fine, fine wines in Orange. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. While regional holidays within NSW are now allowed, some of the places mentioned below may still be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check websites before making any plans. [caption id="attachment_774114" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Church Bar[/caption] STOP ONE: BATHURST Meet Australia's oldest inland town, Bathurst. It was here that the country's gold diggers first struck lucky. Before getting your pan out, stop for lunch at The Hub Espresso Bar and Eatery. Whether you're outside in the leafy courtyard, or inside, surrounded by art, you'll be feasting on generous, seasonal dishes and coffee from local roaster Fish River. Just 100 metres away is the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, where temporary exhibitions respond to local landscapes, including Hill End, home to a legendary artist's residency. Spend the rest of your afternoon wandering around Bathurst's wide streets and quirky shops, including Annie's, a decades-old ice cream parlour where the must-try scoop is Sofala Gold (honeycomb and caramel) — or the bright green lime if you dare — and Legall Patisserie for traditional French pastries. Crank up Hozier — you're heading to church for dinner. Well, it's not church, exactly, but a former church schoolhouse. Known as Church Bar, this candlelit hideaway serves woodfired pizzas. Try the Russel, with sautéed mushrooms, grilled asparagus, a poached egg and parmesan cheese, drizzled with white truffle oil. Stay alert for ghosts on the way out — ten members of the notorious Ribbon Gang were publicly hanged in the laneway in the 1830s. If that spooks you out too much, instead head to American-style diner Dogwood, BX for burgers, smoked rib croquettes and fried chicken or gastropub The George Hotel. For an after-dinner tipple, stop in at cosy small bar Webb & Co. When it's time for bed, you've got a few quirky options. Situated right in the town centre is The Ivy Lodge, a stunningly restored heritage cottage that sleeps four people. If you're up for a bit of an adventure, opt for an off-grid stay in Artisans Park, which is a 40-minute drive north of the town centre. Here, you'll have your choice between a restored WWII army communication tower and a pimped-out 1949 London double-decker bus. Both offer indoor fireplaces and outdoor fire pits, epic views across the region and access to private bush tracks. [caption id="attachment_771657" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] STOP TWO: PARKES Two hours' journey west from Bathurst lands you in the 12,000-strong town of Parkes, another gold rush settlement and home to the annual Elvis Festival. Before you ask, yes, the place is named after Federation's daddy, Henry Parkes, and, yes, you're going to the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, as seen in Rob Sitch's 2000 flick, The Dish. Drive 20 kilometres north through farmlands to see the 64-metre telescope that helped broadcast man's first moonwalk and has since found more than half of the known 2000 pulsars (spinning neutron stars). There's an onsite cafe, with glass walls, so you can keep looking for signs of alien life while you're eating. Back in Parkes, get your bearings at Memorial Hill Lookout before poring over the Indigenous artwork at Wiradjuri Amphitheatre. Next up, you're heading into the 50s — and beyond — at the Henry Parkes Centre. This museum specialises in four things: Elvis, Henry Parkes, old cars and old machines. At dinnertime, IKON will have you sorted. Take a seat next to the rockstar feature wall, order a bottle of Heifer Station pinot grigio from Orange and start with one of the tasting plates. The mains are all about dressed up quality meats — think grilled kangaroo fillet or char sui lamb rump. And, for a slick, four-star stay, check into connecting Hotel Gracelands. This 20-roomer is splashed in earthy tones, making it a cool retreat on hot days. [caption id="attachment_771658" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Printhie Wines via Destination NSW[/caption] STOP THREE: ORANGE It's time to start making tracks back to Sydney. Return the way you came or make a loop, taking in Forbes and the Mount Nangar Lookout, before getting to Orange. Over the past 20 or so years, this 40,000-person town has transformed into a major destination for foodies and winos. Before getting started, earn your right to gorge with a hike on Mount Canobolas (hot tip: if you've no interest in moving, then you can drive to the summit). Some locals will tell you this is the highest point between the Great Dividing Range and Africa, but, sadly, there's a couple of peaks getting in the way of that tall tale. There's no denying, however, the awe-inspiring, 360-degree panoramas. Along the Lake Canobolas Road towards Orange is Borrodell Estate. This expansive property boasts one of Australia's highest vineyards — specialising in cool-climate varieties — and an orchard growing apples, cherries, plums and more. It's also known for harvesting truffles, which are put to good use at the onsite restaurant, Sister's Rock. Other wineries worth a visit include the family-run Printhie Estate — lauded for its award-winning Swift sparkling range — and Philip Shaw. [caption id="attachment_771654" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nashdale Lane Wines via Destination NSW[/caption] Before the drowsy, post-feast afterglow wears off, check into De Russie Suites for a kip or a bath. Walking into the light, airy foyer dotted with sculptures and oversized planters, you'll feel like you've arrived at a Tuscan villa. Or, if you'd like to keep to the off-grid theme of your road trip, opt to sleep in one of the luxury glamping cabins overlooking Nashdale Lane vineyard. You're advised to reserve for dinner at The Union Bank, a heritage-listed building that formerly functioned as a stable for police horses and as an art school. There are impeccably composed grazing plates for sharing alongside a wine list that heroes local wineries. [caption id="attachment_771659" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Racine Bakery via Destination NSW[/caption] Come morning, head to Racine Bakery for top-notch almond croissants, sandwiches and cakes, or swing by The Agrestic Grocer for, well, anything that takes your fancy. This welcoming hub serves as a grocer specialising in local produce, including pedal-your-own rolled oats, as well as a cafe, bar, workshop space and live music venue. It's a collaboration between four people who share an extraordinarily well-developed sense of all things delicious, healthy and creative. On the way out, grab some supplies for the trip home. Hanging around? Get more tips from our Weekender's Guide To Orange. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Destination NSW FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Jessi Singh, the mind behind some of the country's best Indian restaurants, now has a home on York Street. Pinky-Ji is Singh's second Sydney outpost, launched with the help of former Chin Chin chef Johann Jay, who built a cult following throughout Australia with his unorthodox eateries in Melbourne, Byron Bay, Adelaide and Surry Hills. "Pinky-Ji is the younger, sassier, and more independent version of our much-loved Daughter In Law," says Singh. "The menu in our venue will bring all of the fun and unauthentic food that Daughter in Law is synonymous with — with a slightly more elevated twist." At Pinky-Ji, you can expect flamboyant decor, including images of Bollywood stars, neon lighting and red velvet furniture to create an extraordinary atmosphere of luxury. When exploring the menu, keep an eye out for the seven key sections — snacks, raw, street, grill, wok, tandoor and curry — plus bread, sides and drinks. Kick things off with a snack like a curry crab croqueta ($8). From there, dip your toes into the Mumbai Corn, accompanied by chilli lime yoghurt, paneer and curry popcorn ($16). If you're looking for a menu item that packs an extra punch, opt for the half-lobster covered in Sri Lankan coconut curry leaf sambal ($48). You'll find that many of the menu items can be shared around the table. From the wok section, you can order crab fried rice with chilli oil ($30), while the curry selection spans from unauthentic butter chicken ($32) and fragrant yellow vegan dahl ($22) to coconut prawns ($32) and lamb rogan josh ($32), all of which can be paired with aged basmati rice ($6), garlic or sesame naan ($5-$12), and roti ($5). There is no shortage of crowd-pleasers. Still feeling indecisive? Opt for the Chef's Selection. For $65 per person, this includes Balls of Happiness for entree, kingfish ceviche, cauliflower, shakarkandi chaat, tandoor chicken, alongside a variety of curries with rice and naan, plus a pistachio dessert. Finally, when the time comes to pair a drink with your curry, you can opt for a classic cocktail or peruse the help-yourself craft beer fridges for a hoppy treat. To top off all of the eccentric fun of Pinky-Ji, the private dining room features a karaoke machine loaded up with songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s. You'll find Pinky Ji in our list of the best degustations in Sydney. Check out the full list here.
There aren't many things that Sydney likes more than a rooftop bar. Sipping an ice-cold cocktail high above the city on a sunny day — does it get any better? Luckily, we've got plenty of options, including this colourful new watering hole on top of boutique Art Deco hotel, the Kimpton Margot. Harper Rooftop Bar fills out the hotel's quality dining options which include Luke Mangan's Luke's Kitchen and the lobby cocktail haven The Wilmot Bar. Harper joins in on the fun with a summer-ready drinks list and fit-out, a sky-high pool and a selection of eats once again courtesy of Mangan. Fast-paced bites include truffle fries, burrata and marinated olives, while more serious meals range from lobster rolls to veal cottoletta. As for the drinks menu, it's been injected with a whole lot of fun. Alongside classic cocktails and a robust wine selection, there are boozy slushies ready to cool you down on a warm December day. Kimpton claims that Harper is the CBD's biggest rooftop bar with the expansive L-shaped space set up to accommodate everything from intimate after-work drinks to large group events. Surrounded by Sydney's mass of inner-city high-rises, the new seventh-floor venue boasts plenty of greenery, bright pod seating and long dining tables for groups. Topping things off, you'll also find the hotel's swimming pool perched above the bar, calling out for hotel guests to enjoy a poolside martini during their stay. With a set up that good, why even bother leaving the premises?
Here at Concrete Playground, we're big proponents of the night-time economy. Cities that keep things moving after dark often offer the best in food, beverages and culture. And while Australians are notorious morning people (who love their 8am flat whites), data from Visa has shown that we still find a lot of value in getting out in the evening. The Visa Australia Night-time Economy Index 2025 is a new in-depth analysis measuring data such as spending, vibrancy, venues open and even the number of nightworkers who are boosting the economy after dark. According to the data, Melburnians are getting off the couch the most frequently and spending their hard-earned dollars on bars, restaurants, and late-night feeds. Sydney and its surrounding metro areas also nabbed 12 of the 20 top night-time hotspots, proving that the city is slowly bouncing back from its lockout laws. Of course, it's not exactly surprising that the two most populous East Coast cities are ruling the after-dark economy. However, there are also several regional areas, such as Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, that are tapping their cards once the sun sets. Canberra is also increasing its evening spending, thanks to tourists and the opening of more eateries. To learn more about the future of the night-time economy and what's trending after dark right now, Concrete Playground's Managing Editor, Eliza Campbell and Staff Writer Alec Jones shared their insights. CP: Melbourne was named the number one night-time hotspot in Australia according to data from Visa. Does this surprise you? Eliza: It doesn't surprise me at all. This city has an inherent underground nature that invites you to always be exploring and looking beyond the surface — particularly after dark. And nightlife isn't limited to weekends, either. Between gallery exhibitions, secret music gigs and speakeasy bars, there's something to get lost in at all hours, any day of the week. CP: 12 out of 20 of the night-time hotspots were in Sydney and its metro areas. What's your favourite thing about Sydney after dark? Alec: This began to pick up in late 2023 after we all shook off the last of lockdown fever, but it's that feeling of merriment in the air. It's like static electricity. Walking past busy bars and restaurants in suburbs like Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, and Newtown, hearing the chatter and seeing people share food and drinks with their friends and family, it never fails to make me smile. CP: What's one trend you're seeing emerge in the night-time economy that excites you? Eliza: The resurgence of secret gigs and DJ sets. I love the idea of last-minute announcements to see some of the world's best artists in intimate settings — first-come, first-served. There's less of a distinction between going to a live gig and going to a bar now. We want once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences that blend seamlessly into the fabric of our city's nightlife, and I'm so here for it. Alec: Venues in Sydney that are really performing are the ones with a loyal audience, but also a hook. Something you can't find anywhere else, whether it's on the menu or just in the space. People aren't going out just to get drunk or have a feed; they're doing it to go to these specific places. [caption id="attachment_885691" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Above Board[/caption] CP: What's your top tip for planning the perfect night out? Eliza: Have a rough outline of the kind of evening you want to have — but leave room for spontaneous adventures. There's nothing worse than not knowing where to go or what to do next, but equally, some of the best nights are all about the memories you make getting from point A to point B. CP: What's a venue or precinct that gets the night-time experience right? Alec: YCK Laneways in the Sydney CBD has actually done a great job of revitalising an area that doesn't really scream "nightlife." The bars in that area are some of the most interesting venues you'll find in the city and are all within walking distance of one another (and your bus or train home). Eliza: One of my favourite Melbourne venues that absolutely nails the night-time experience is Collingwood's Beermash — and its (somewhat secret) adjoining speakeasy bar, Above Board. Beermash spotlights independent craft beer and wine producers and lets you take-away or drink-in at bottleshop prices. Al fresco drinks on the Smith Street terrace can be followed by award-winning cocktails upstairs in what's, in my opinion, one of Melbourne's most unique hidden bars. From casual and fun to cosy and intimate — the perfect evening trajectory. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beermash (@beermash) [caption id="attachment_1025682" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Hyde Park[/caption] CP: How is nightlife intersecting with other parts of culture (like art, fashion, live music) in interesting ways right now? Eliza: What's interesting about the intersection of nightlife and culture right now is that there's less separation than ever before. With the rise of low- and no-alcohol trends, nightlife in 2025 isn't just about partying or bar-hopping anymore. People still want to experience their city after dark — but that now spans the full spectrum of the arts: galleries and museums staying open late, fashion infiltrating the food and drink scene, and live music spilling out from bandrooms into public (and often free-entry) spaces across the city. CP: Where's your favourite after-dark venue? Eliza: An after-dark venue needs good music, good drinks and just the right amount of grunge. For me, that's Heartbreaker in the CBD. Catch me screaming post-punk revival with a negroni in hand in the early hours of the morning. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Heartbreaker Bar 💔 (@heartbreakerbar) Alec: Crows Nest on the lower North Shore has exploded since the Metro station opened, Parramatta is packed with great venues, and love it or hate it, Bondi continues to be iconic without trying very hard. Ask a local who lives in a different part of Sydney from you and follow their advice. [caption id="attachment_994726" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Carriageworks[/caption] CP: What do you hope to see more of in our after-dark spaces from both venues and councils? Eliza: I'll always scream and shout about supporting the Arts. Free entertainment like live music, performance and exhibitions not only supports our incredible local arts community but also helps people stay connected to the endlessly inspiring, exciting and thought-provoking creative industries — especially in tough political and economic climates. The more we can bring people together, the better. Alec: Regular events like night markets consistently draw big crowds from locals, but what if instead of the same old gozleme and chips-on-a-stick stands, we got famous restaurants from around Sydney to get involved? That'd help connect communities with food and drink they can't usually find on their side of whatever the closest bridge is (we don't cross any of them enough). CP: For people who say, "There's nothing to do after 9pm anymore", what would you tell them? Alec: You're not trying very hard. You can find something really cool if you just look a little bit harder. Eliza: I'd say, "Where are you? Obviously not in Melbourne." Discover the vibe near you. Lead image: FG Trade Latin / Getty
Since the untimely passing of legend David Bowie in January, mourning fans have been creating respectful and fitting ways to remember him. They've held tributes all across the country (and the world) in the form of concerts, karaoke, screenings and dance parties. But fans looking to get closer to the life of the prolific artist now have another avenue to consider: a stay in Bowie's former holiday house in the Caribbean. The house, which is on the luxury Caribbean island of Mustique, has just gone up for rent — albeit for a whopping $52,000 AUD (or $78,000 AUD in high season) per week. That's cool, right? I mean, what you're paying for is priceless. Bowie had the villa built himself back in 1989, and a lot of the original design and fixtures still stand. Everywhere you stand, it's likely you'll be standing in the exact same spot that Bowie once stood (we're not sure how long it will take for that game to get old, but we're guessing a substantial amount of time). Of course, the house — named the Mandalay — comes with a lot of non-priceless things too, like an infinity pool, personal waterfalls, an epic outdoor dining pavilion, views of the Atlantic Ocean and a staff of 10 (including your own personal chef). It has five bedrooms (each with their own private verandah), sits on 6.2 acres and comes with neighbours like Kate Moss, Hugh Grant and royals Will and Kate. It's important to note that the home doesn't come straight from Bowie's hands — he sold the property back in the '90s to publisher Felix Dennis. Following Dennis' death, it was bought by English entrepreneur Simon Dolan, who has now put the house up for rent for the first time. But if you've got $50k to spare on a lavish Caribbean trip, you may as well go all out and holiday like Ziggy Stardust. Via Travel + Leisure.
Theatre lovers rejoice, because Sydney is about to bear witness to a Broadway debut: Waitress is coming to town. The long-awaited Australian debut of the production is confirmed for a premiere at Sydney Lyric Theatre in July 2026. Sara Bareilles, the creative force behind the musical's original score, expressed her excitement about the Australian premiere. "It's been a dream of mine to see Waitress (finally) find its way to Australia," she stated. "This story is about dreams, friendship and the courage needed to learn to love oneself, which feels so universal, and so timely." The musical, inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film, tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker trapped in a difficult marriage who dreams of escape. When a baking contest and unexpected romance present new opportunities, Jenna discovers that change might be closer than she imagined, supported by her fellow waitresses in a tale of resilience and self-discovery. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2N_svvx-uA[/embed] Producer John Frost from Crossroads Live highlighted the production's impressive credentials, noting its four Tony nominations and six Drama Desk nominations during its original Broadway run. Waitress became a huge hit on Broadway where it played for almost four years," Frost explained. The musical has since enjoyed successful runs in the West End, multiple US tours and international productions, establishing itself as a global phenomenon. The production holds particular significance in theatre history, having made Broadway history with women filling all four top creative positions. Alongside Bareilles' music and lyrics, the creative team features Jessie Nelson's book, Lorin Latarro's choreography and Tony winner Diane Paulus's direction. This groundbreaking achievement occurred when the musical opened at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on April 24, 2016, running until January 5, 2020. Original producer Barry Weissler acknowledged the lengthy journey to bring Waitress to Australian audiences, stating: "Collaborating with our longtime partner John Frost and his team at Crossroads Live, we are thrilled to finally have the chance to share this story 'baked from the heart' with audiences in Oz." Critics have consistently praised the musical's blend of humour, heart, and memorable music. The Times called it "5 Star musical pie," while New York Magazine described it as "sweet, sassy, passionate & delightful!" The Washington Post praised it as "simply delightful! A glorious reminder that life is messy and wondrous!" Tickets go on sale later this month. Join the waitlist to get yours as soon as they're available.
Maybe you've tried mixing flour, salt, a little red wine and a dollop of tomato sauce. Perhaps you can't look at the last month of the year on a calendar without hearing Paul Kelly crooning "it's the 21st of December" in your head. As a song, 'How to Make Gravy' has been an Australian classic since 1996. It's one of the tunes that the great Aussie singer-songwriter will forever be known for. As a movie, How to Make Gravy is the nation's latest festive film, after musician Meg Washington and writer/director Nick Waterman first revealed back in 2022 that they were adapting Kelly's track for the screen. The song does indeed tell listeners how to make gravy. It also unfurls a story that explores what that sauce, plus the act of sharing it with loved ones over the festive season, means to the tune's protagonist. Kelly crafts the track as a letter from Joe to Dan, reflecting on all of the things that he'll be missing that Christmas due to being in prison. "And give my love to Angus, and to Frank and Dolly — tell 'em all I'm sorry, I screwed up this time," the song advises. "And look after Rita, I'll be thinking of her early Christmas morning when I'm standing in line," it continues. "Tell 'em all I'm sorry, and kiss the sleepy children for me. You know one of these days, I'll be making gravy. I'll be making plenty, I'm gonna pay 'em all back," the tune concludes. How do you make a movie out of 'How to Make Gravy'? For the feature now streaming via Binge since Sunday, December 1, 2024, arriving wth perfect end-of-year timing, Washington and Waterman have spun a tale based around all of the folks that Kelly mentions. The brothers driving down from Queensland, Stella, Mary and Roger: they all pop up, too. The duo has also enlisted an impressive list of actors to bring those figures and new characters to life, such as Kate Mulvany (The Clearing), Damon Herriman (Better Man), Brenton Thwaites (Titans), Kieran Darcy-Smith (Mr Inbetween) and Kym Gyngell (The Artful Dodger), plus French actor Agathe Rousselle from Titane making her first English-language film. Two of its biggest names — and two of Australia's best screen talents — sit at the picture's centre. Daniel Henshall (RFDS) is Joe, author of the pivotal message. Hugo Weaving (Slow Horses) plays Noel, who isn't mentioned in the song. For Weaving, "the song 'How to Make Gravy' means someone wants to be making gravy with their family, so it means someone wants to be at home with their family and they're not," he tells Concrete Playground. "But the promise of the gravy is that when I am back at home with you, I will make lots and lots of gravy. So I'll make up for time lost, and I value my family, I value you and I want to gift you this thing that I can do. And I'm sorry that I've stuffed up so badly that I'm not with you. So that's what both the film and the song mean." Henshall agrees; to him, Kelly's track is about "wanting to be home and not being able to be to" and "missing the people that you love". More than four decades since his first-ever screen credit back in 1980, Weaving's career has taken him everywhere from touring the outback in drag in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (a sequel to which is on the way) to enforcing a robot-dominated world order in The Matrix franchise and playing a half-elven leader in The Lord of the Rings saga. He's starred in Marvel and Transformers movies, too, alongside a wealth of excellent homegrown fare (see: Proof, Babe, Little Fish, Mystery Road, Healing, The Dressmaker, Hearts and Bones, The Rooster and TV's Love Me). Henshall made a chilling imprint in Snowtown, then added fellow exceptional Australian flicks These Final Hours, The Babadook and Acute Misfortune to his resume. On TV, American efforts Turn and Defending Jacob are on his filmography, as are the Aussie likes of Bloom, Lambs of God, Mystery Road: Origin and Savage River. And then there's two Bong Joon-ho movies: Okja and 2025 release Mickey 17. [caption id="attachment_983111" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Symons[/caption] How to Make Gravy isn't Weaving and Henshall's first on-screen collaboration. In 2023, The Royal Hotel also brought them together. Before that, 2019's Measure for Measure did the same. With The Royal Hotel and their current team-up especially, they're spending their shared time exploring the complexities of masculinity — in Kitty Green's (The Assistant) film as two of the menacing men at an outback pub, and in How to Make Gravy as inmates. After perpetrating toxic attitudes the last time that they co-starred together, they're now attempting to break free of harmful behaviours. Joe is angry before he starts serving an 18-month sentence. That fury and pain has played a considerable part in sparking his incarceration, in fact. A veteran lifer, Noel has been in similar shoes, but now both oversees the prison kitchen and runs a men's group to help his fellow detainees get in touch with their emotions. The movie version of How to Make Gravy also hops between the events that led to Joe being behind bars and the aftermath the following Christmas — and also between his stint inside and how his family, including Rousselle as his wife Rita, Thwaites as his brother Dan, Mulvaney as his sister Stella, Herriman as her husband Roger, and Jonah Wren Phillips (Sweet Tooth) as Joe and Rita's son Angus, are coping. We also chatted with Weaving and Henshall about their first thoughts when they first heard about the project, its many layers, starring in a movie with such beloved source material, how their paths keep crossing on-screen and digging into the feature's themes. On the Reaction When a Movie Based on an Iconic Paul Kelly Song Comes Your Way Hugo: "Brilliant idea, really excited. Read the script — fantastic version, adaptation, realisation of the source material. And thrilling character for me. So I was all in straight away." Daniel: "Yeah, the idea of being a part of something that means so much to so many was very exciting. And then meeting Nick and Megan and reading their script just made it even more palpable. It was such a visceral script. And what they had done with that, how they moved away from the song, and how they had paid respect to the song and how they'd fleshed out these characters, and how they're dealing with a lot of issues underneath everything without explicitly saying that, I think it was incredibly clever. Much like Paul's music, it's so simple in its structure, but it's so effective. And every time you come to it, you see or feel a bit more. I hope that's what this film does for people as well. I think, for me, having seen it a couple of times now, every time I see a bit more and feel a bit more." Hugo: "The mark of a good film, actually, that. I thought 'oh, is this a different edit?' — and they go 'no, it's the same film that you saw like two months ago'. I said 'I'm sure, didn't you cut that out or put that in?'. 'No, it's the same thing.'" Daniel: "You get a different thing each time." Hugo: "I think it's one of those films where when you see it, you'll see a lot each time". On Whether There's a Sense of Responsibility When You're Starring in a Film That Stems From Such Treasured Source Material Daniel: "Absolutely. And I think that's the initial fear — are you going to ruin someone else's experience of this much-beloved property, this song? But this is an adaptation, and you cross over into understanding that this isn't an imitation, it's an adaptation. So they've taken it and run with it, and now we're focused on making this work from that. We're not going to disrespect the original, but we're going to make this different version inspired by this. So you can focus on that. So the responsibility is now on the film, not to not respect the song, but not being worried about changing someone else's opinion or experience of this song. We're now focused on the film, which is a different thing. It's a fully fleshed idea that's taken from a form in its origin, and now it's in a two-hour format on the screen in real life." Hugo: "Lovely for Paul, too, because he had such a great reaction to it." Daniel: "He did." Hugo: "And I think he feels like his original, didn't he say that 'where it's moved from when I wrote it to now is so great'? And for him that's a liberation, I think. So it's great to get seal of approval from Paul Kelly …" Daniel: "From the originator." Hugo: "… with regard this version of the song. Good to hear. Good to hear." Daniel: "He was very moved, which was really beautiful to see." [caption id="attachment_983112" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Symons[/caption] On Weaving and Henshall's Shared On-Screen History, and How That Helped While Collaborating on How to Make Gravy Daniel: "It's brilliant because, I mean, I'm very fond of Hugo, and so I've learned that that gives me a shorthand in communication, in familiarity, in trust, in friendship. So when we go to do something on the screen, I'm innately more open to it and I'm innately more free to play, and feel comfortable to play and not to fail. And so what a wonderful place to start off, even before we start talking about the work. If you're already coming from that, all of that work that you can only do through experiencing somebody. It's like becoming a friend with somebody. The deeper you go with them, the more the friendship grows. And that's true of the work, too. We become more familiar with each other." [caption id="attachment_983113" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Symons[/caption] Hugo: "It's nice, too, being excited by the prospect of working with Dan — having seen Acute Misfortune, for example, which was just such an extraordinary performance, and then getting the opportunity to work with that actor. So you go 'well, I really like what this guy does, and so I hope I'm going to enjoy working with him'. So it's been a really good journey, from Measure for Measure, tiny little scenes we had, to being in each other's orbit on The Royal Hotel — but again, prosecuting intensely toxic male psyches together and talking about that world, the world of The Royal Hotel, and then being able to progress from that toxic world into a another, a world about a more-balanced idea of what family is, and looking at how men can heal themselves. It's been a great journey, actually." Daniel: "Yeah, yeah, yeah, it has." Hugo: "A pleasure." On What Weaving and Henshall Drew Upon to Dig Into Masculinity's Complexities Hugo: "Well, the script initially, and then what that throws up for you, what work you need to do to understand that. So for me it was like 'well, if Noel's done all this work, what work have I done on myself? What sort of psychological pathways have I gone down to understand where I'm at? And what sort of work has this character done? What sort of men's-group work does he have to do?'. So there's all this prosecution of a character that you do before any film. And you can never do enough and then, of course, at some point you've got to just jump in and do it. But always do as much as you can to make that character as complex and as human as possible." Daniel: "For me, it starts with the conversation with the director, and their understanding of the character — and why the character does these things. And then through that conversation, I can state where I'm coming from or what it does for me, or how I respond to that. And I think there's always a thing where at least I try to connect something that's happened to me in my life to something that's happened to the character in their life. And once I understand what that kernel of emotional history is, then you can start to flesh out those very real responses and start to understand them without judgment. I think there's a lot to mine in this character. It's so richly written, so it does begin with the script, obviously. But there's so much more under the surface which, again, was explored through conversation and then personal experience." Hugo: "There's massive backstory …" Daniel: "For all the characters." Hugo: "… for all the characters, actually. And they're just touched on. You get a very strong sense of the father having suicided some years ago, when Joe is a kid. You get a sense of Red's [a fellow inmate] background. You get a sense of Noel's background. You get a sense of Agathe's character's background and mother." Daniel: "Just with that one conversation." Hugo: "So all of these characters, the lives are just hinted at. So you need to find the truth of all of that, and you need to create those stories." Daniel: "That's most of the work, isn't it?" Hugo: "Yeah, it is. And then that brings about 'well, this character thinks in a certain way' or there's an inner monologue happening for them which is very slow or very fast. Every character has an internal world that's significantly different from others, and it's slowly finding that, tapping into that. That's when it starts to get exciting, I think, when you start thinking like that person." Daniel: "Yes." Hugo: "And instinctively feeling like that person." How to Make Gravy streams via Binge. Film images: Jasin Boland.
If you've ever had a coffee at Cuckoo Callay, a Middle Eastern brunch at Nour or a charcoal chicken feast at Henrietta, you'll find Lilymu familiar. There's pink neon on the walls, hibiscus in the cocktails and friendly staff on the floor. But, it's also markedly different to any of Ibby Moubadder and Jorge Farah's other restaurants. To start: it's not on Crown Street. In fact, it's on the other side of the city, in Parramatta Square. And it's not Middle Eastern. This time, the duo is, with the help of ex-Mr Wong chef Brendan Fong, serving up contemporary takes on Chinese and Southeast Asian dishes. As you'd expect from Fong, the dumpling are great. So good, we suggest ordering a round of the tom yum prawn dumplings swimming in bright refreshing soy, lime and chilli dressing as soon as you sit down. While you're ordering entrees, the crispy fried quail. This crispy golden bite-sied bird is bursting with enough flavour to put your favourite fried chicken joint to shame. [caption id="attachment_792832" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Black garlic mie goreng[/caption] Larger dishes continue with pipis in XO sauce (market price), beef cheek massaman with the requisite kipfler potatoes and roasted duck with Laos sausage. But the dish you've likely heard the most about (and seen pop-up regularly on the 'gram) is the mie goreng. Coming loaded with black garlic and bean sprouts, and topped with an egg yolk, it's rich and indulgent. It'll also leave you almost too full for dessert — almost. You can round out your meal with mascarpone parfait, coconut sorbet or one of the liquid desserts, including a Lilymu espresso martini and an affogato martini with vanilla ice cream. Those who prefer their cocktails slightly more savoury — and earlier on in the meal — will find solace in the spiced margarita or the sour plum negroni, made with Four Pillars' always-popular Bloody Shiraz Gin. [caption id="attachment_787138" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] Images: Nikki To Updated Friday, March 31, 2023. Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Sydney The Best Degustations Under $100 in Sydney
Part of the family of venues that call the historic H. May building home (Continental Deli, Osteria Bucca and Mister Grotto), Flora is an all-day vegetarian restaurant with a sustainable edge. Guided by Head Chef Jude Hughes, who boasts a background working in eco-conscious venues like Byron Bay's Three Blue Ducks and The Summertown Aristologist, diners can expect inventive veggie dishes where local and seasonal ingredients are pushed to their flavoursome limits, along with culinary creations that hero fermentation, house-made vinegars and woodfired goodness on every plate. Start small with house pickles and woodfired tempeh, go heartier and tuck into grilled mushrooms with confit garlic and yolk, or venture into more exotic territory with the likes of Congo purple potato gnocchi with fioretto, lemon and lentil miso. Desserts are no different, and the hero treat is undoubtedly a Queen Garnet plum trifle with sweet corn custard and popcorn meringue. The drinks menu is an all-Australian affair, with a curated selection of wine, cocktails and coffee available from open until close. This new space is also wonderfully atmospheric, with modern vintage furnishings and charming accents creating a warm but refined ambience. Walk in from 8am to enjoy invigorating morning options, or book for dinner to indulge in elevated vegetarian cuisine.
There aren't many restaurants in Sydney quite like Catalina. A waterside institution of almost three decades, this award-winning destination from the McMahon family, led by Judy McMahon, offers diners a heady combination of peerless harbour views and some of the city's most impeccable service. While the pressed white table cloths, elegant service and well-heeled clientele reflect the upper level of hospitality, there's none of the stuffiness of some traditional dining institutions here. It runs with a perpetual buzz and lack of formality among the patrons — perhaps it's the proximity to the water and the sea breeze that naturally lends itself to the sense of being on summer holiday, regardless of the time of year you visit. The views bring in guests from all over Sydney and Australia (and beyond) but it is the food that brings people back for return visits. Executive Chef Mark Axisa and Head Chef Alan O'Keeffe execute beautifully rendered dishes that showcase the highest quality produce in a menu where contemporary meets classical and brings fresh Australian seafood very much to the foreground. Before you advance to the a la carte menu ($140 for three courses, $110 for two courses from Monday to Thursday), start with the freshest Sydney rock oysters, beautiful buckwheat crumpets topped with hand picked spanner crab, or go full luxury with the caviar service. For main courses, evergreen classics like the pan fried snapper, Glacier 51 toothfish and the roast suckling pig are permanently installed on the menu, unlikely to ever leave. The drinks program is ever impressive, consistently earning a Three Glass Wine Rating from Gourmet Traveller Wine and features some 50 pages of wines sourced from around the world. Connoisseurs will be thrilled, while non-experts can put their palates in the safe hands of Catalina's sommelier team. There's also a lengthy cocktail offering that includes martinis, an entire page of margaritas, and mocktails for the alcohol-free. With seaplanes bobbing gently or taking off in a flurry of noise and excitement to your right, the greens and blues of the harbour in front of you, it's impossible not to enjoy yourself. Image credit: Steven Woodburn
Within the walls of Buon Ricordo, as if in Italy, that constant flow of chatter removes the need for music. The huge painting on the wall also transports you to Europe, with giant unfurling flower petals that resemble radicchio leaves. The sun streaming through the curtains leaves only a silhouetted hint of the plants outside. It's easy to imagine a rolling Tuscan landscape extending beyond them dotted with Cypress pines. It's also where you'll find some of the best Italian food in Sydney — focusing on refining the classic dishes without trying to reinvent the cuisine. The ingredients are allowed to taste as they ought to, not disguised by complex pretentiousness. A thinly sliced Hiramasa kingfish refreshes the palate and is marinated in gin and vermouth with candied orange and Campari crystals. The dishes move from light and refreshing to oozing with oil. However, as it is home grown extra virgin olive oil that's nearly good enough to sip on, the quantity is of no concern. The penne with cuttlefish ink sauce and braised cuttlefish with lemon zest and pecorino is divine and one of the highlights on the menu. Wines are introduced as though new people, their histories and characters explained. As soon as a glass is empty it is whisked away, replaced with a clean, promptly filled new one. The waiters' silently glide through the room with elegance, showing off their old school European style of service. Next is the gnocchi all vaccinara, a fresh made gnocchi served with oxtail ragu and a hint of cinnamon. It is deliciously rich and is equalled only by the panfried swordfish with sautéed cheery tomatoes, olives and capers. Above the kitchen several Buon Ricordo Association plates line the wall. Visitors to the member restaurants of the Italian Association are given ornate ceramic dishes to take home after polishing off their 'plato del giorno'. Underneath the Buon Ricordo plates sits 'Reg', a semi-permanent fixture at his corner table almost every Friday and Saturday. The main of Braciolette Reginaldo is a toast to him. Spinach is rolled within a crumbed veal escalope. Each bite of it releases parmesan and nutmeg. It is paired with a Villa Antinori, from the Sangiovese grape. The wine is so light that is it barely distinguishable as a red until it lingers on the tongue. The meal is finished with tort a diplomatica, a puff pastry layering with rum-soaked sponge, stewed pear and caramel served with a healthy does of vanilla bean ice-cream. It is the perfect finish to cap of a deliciously succulent meal at Buon Ricordo Ristorante. Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
In 2022 and 2023, an omakase craze swept Sydney's CBD, and one of the most popular openings in that suite of Japanese restaurants is TOKO Restaurant. In its sleekly appointed digs on George Street (having closed the doors to its original Surry Hills location in April 2022), owner Matt Yazbek brought all the elements that made the former iteration of TOKO such a consistently good dining experience, with a few impressive new tricks thrown into the mix. Kick things off with the signature lychee blossom martini, a cloud-pink creation that has just the right melding of sweetness, acidity and a not-insignificant hit of booze. It pairs beautifully with the spicy edamame, served warm with extra heat provided by the big hitting chilli-garlic sauce. Menu favourites from the original Toko Restaurant venue remain — like the miso eggplant, delicate ponzu kingfish and incredibly moreish broccolini (yes, we're alerting your attention to robata-grilled greenery). However, the sashimi omakase starring a daily selection of the freshest raw seafood is a whole new kettle of, well, fish. Melts-on-the-tongue tuna, snapper and salmon are bound to make an appearance with whatever else is raw, in season and of the highest quality. The sushi menu also features some particularly luxurious nigiri. The scampi offering, for example, comes with foie gras, truffle and soy jelly with a generous piece of scampi on top. Not for the faint-hearted (or the light-walleted — a pair of these hedonistic mouthfuls will set you back over $30). [caption id="attachment_866232" align="alignnone" width="8280"] Image: Steven Woodburn[/caption] If a more substantial meal is what you seek, then the tempura Moreton Bay bug artfully served in the bug's tail or the excellent karaage with mayonnaise and TOKO's hot sauce will have you crunching away delightedly. But you don't want to miss the wagyu. The Tajima Wagyu striploin (with a 9+ marble score) is a joy to eat. Seared on the robata grill and served with minimal fuss, simply dip a slice in flaked salt or give it a light bathing in soy and close your eyes. Along with seating for 100 diners, the venue has a 16-person private dining room for special occasions. It also boasts a 2am license and a kitchen that remains open past 10pm — meaning more hours to take advantage of what remains a consistently good dining experience. Images by Steven Woodburn Appears in: The Best Japanese Restaurants in Sydney
The toughest bit about travelling is leaving behind your best friend — especially when that best friend is a loyal, loving, drooling ball of fluff that you have to trick into staying in a kennel. Sick of those impossibly sad eyes wedging an enormous, immoveable lump in your throat? Can't do it anymore? Say goodbye to saying goodbye and take your puppy pal with you. The best dog-friendly hotels in Sydney will roll out the red carpet for both of you — and give it a good scrub after you've checked out. Recommended reads: The 15 Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Australia Sydney's Best Dog-Friendly Bars, Restaurants and Cafes The Best Hotels in Sydney Dog-friendly Destinations in the Blue Mountains THE LANGHAM, MILLERS POINT If your critter's within earshot and you're reading this aloud, you'd better whisper — if they hear it, you won't get any peace till you agree to a staycation at The Langham Sydney. Four-legged loves staying here get a dedicated Pet Room Service Menu as well as plush beds, signature Langham bowls, gourmet goodies and a pet gift bag on arrival. Reckon you might need a break from your utterly indulged friend? No problem. Pet sitting and walking services are on-hand. It even serves afternoon tea for you can your pet (from $38 per pooch and $98 for yourself). And if that's not enough, The Langham team has got pet party planners on board to organise your little one's birthday party in one of the function rooms — this last addition is absolutely ridiculous, but we can see easily ourselves being invited to one of these pet parties and having a ball. PIER ONE, WALSH BAY Pooches checking into Pier One won't be quite as ridiculously spoiled as those at The Langham, but nonetheless, they'll be greeted with their very own bed, bowl and toy ... not to mention all the harbour views. What's more, the friendly pet-friendly hotel's staff are mad dog-lovers, so be prepared for enthusiastic showers of attention. Don't go getting jealous, now. Dog-friendly hotel rooms come with direct access to the pier, so, when walk-time craziness hits, you'll merely have to open the door. The Rocks and Circular Quay are a waddle away, and, should energy levels reach exploding point, there's always nearby Barangaroo. HUGHENDEN BOUTIQUE HOTEL, WOOLLAHRA Take your fur kid on a trip into the Victorian era among the marble fireplaces, high-ceilinged dining rooms, antique furniture and spectacular staircases of The Hughenden. Built in the 1870s by the son of philosopher Barzillai Quaife, this 36-room mansion started life as a residence and spent some time as a dance hall and ladies' college before falling into disuse. In the early 1990s, the Gervay family came along and transformed it into one of Sydney's best dog-friendly hotels. Here, your dog can sleep in your room and join you at breakfast in the courtyard or on your own little balcony. Centennial Park is just across the road, so there are running and walking opportunities aplenty. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SYDNEY, THE ROCKS The Four Seasons is the latest addition to the growing group of dog-friendly hotels in Sydney. Its Pet Paw-fection package includes putting you and your pooch up in rooms made specifically for your needs. Each fur-tunate pup gets its own plush bedding, dog toys, bath amenities, outdoor water bowls and specialty treats — Bone Appetit. The concierge is also brimming with knowledge about Sydney's best dog-friendly places and activities. They'll direct your pooch and you all around the city. You can check out the best dog-friendly parks, cafes and bars with your four-legged friend or choose to leave them behind with the dog minding team. 202 ELIZABETH, SURRY HILLS In early 2023, this sleek 38-room accommodation joined the likes of The Ace Hotel and Paramount House Hotel in Surry Hills. But unlike the other two Sydney hotels, 202 Elizabeth is dog-friendly — with General Manager Adam Males' french bulldog Sochi appointed the official Director of Pet Relations at the hotel. Puppy turn-down treats will be on hand for any four-legged guests, pet menus are available and Soci has ensured the staff know where all of the best dog-friendly cafes and restaurants are in the area. It's a new addition to the city's boutique accommodation scene, but is already one of Sydney's best pet-friendly hotels. INTERCONTINENTAL DOUBLE BAY, DOUBLE BAY This luxury hotel, located a stone's throw away from the water is yet another pet-friendly accommodation in Sydney. InterContinental Double Bay do give the usual package with specially designed dog bowls and beds, but it's their pet-friendly in-room dining menu which is most impressive. Expect the likes of angus beef with pumpkin, carrots and sweet potato; steamed salmon served with fresh peas and sweet potato; and mango ice cream made with 100% lactose free milk powder, organic mango powder and natural ingredients. Did your pooch get the runs from all your travelling? Fear not, these guys have even concocted a probiotic smoothie with goats milk powder, yoghurt and organic carobs. A whole lot of love has gone into this premium pet menu, making it one of the best dog-friendly hotels in Sydney. QT SYDNEY, CBD At all QT Hotels & Resorts across Australia and New Zealand, your dog can come for a luxurious sleepover with you. The chain's Pup Yeah! fur-friendly stays include a night's accommodation for you and your doggo, an in-room menu specifically made for woofers and a pooch-friendly mini bar offering and designer canine bedding. The doggy food range is overseen by the brand's head of treats, Nic Wood, and includes steak tartare with raw beef, mushrooms and egg yolk; bone marrow risotto with bone broth and crispy pigs ears; and chicken livers and pork necks on wholemeal toast with chicken gravy. Fancy a pupper dessert? There's also a bacon ice cream sandwich, made from bacon ice cream, dried liver and oat biscuits. The team will also help guide you to all the best pet-friendly cafes and bars in the local area. CRYSTALBROOK ALBION, SURRY HILLS The Crystalbrook Albion (formerly, Little Albion) team believe that our little fur babies deserve to enjoy life's luxuries just as much as we do. That's why it's designed the Urban rooms (located down on the ground floor with direct access to outside) to be pet-friendly. They mostly cater to cats and dogs with their special beds and pet treats but are open to other creatures – just make sure to call them up and enquire. We're assuming it's a no to your pet snake…? OLD CLARE HOTEL, CHIPPENDALE Having scored a complete revamp back in 2015, the heritage-listed Chippendale lodgings has now broadened its clientele to include those of the four-legged variety. Two of the hotel's suites in the Old Clare Castle — the Kent and Abercrombie — are completely dog-friendly. On request, they come decked out with extras like handmade pet bowls crafted by Motion Ceramics, plush toys and a miniature retro-style lounge for your pet's sleeping and relaxing. For guests on the go, there's a pet directory listing animal-friendly bars and eateries, and handy dog-walking and dog-sitting services available through the hotel. And your furry mate can even get in on the all-important room service action, with a complimentary menu of in-room pet dining options. They'll find treats like Yummi roo bites for cats and Savourlife beef-flavoured dog biscuits, and dry and wet food, all available 24/7. OVOLO, WOOLLOOMOOLOO Yet another five-star Sydney hotel has created a special set of dog-friendly offerings with all the puns. Ovolo's V.I.Pooch package comes with the paw-fect set of essentials — a cosy little bed, drinking and eating bowls and a special doggo gift bag with specially designed dog toys and treats. This Sydney dog-friendly hotel is also located near Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens, so you have the best spot for dog walking (just as long as you keep them on their leash). The Opera House and The Rocks aren't too far off either, if you feel like wandering further afield with your little one. KIMPTON MARGOT, SYDNEY Kimpton Margot Sydney may have only opened in 2022, but the Sydney hotel has some real old-world energy about it. Stacks of heritage-listed art deco architectural features have been paired with some contemporary Aussie style. The art deco vibe flows through to each of the 172 spacious rooms and suites, as well as the four restaurants and bars, and a sun-drenched rooftop pool overlooking the city. All these luxury offerings are also paired with a heap of complementary amenities. Grab a free bike for the day, do some yoga in your room with all the gear and online tutorials provided, and even bring your dog — at no extra charge. Top images: QT Sydney and Langham Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Tired of the classic movie and dinner date night combo? Us too. That's why we're always on the hunt for new things to do, scouring the city for more inventive Sydney activities — ones that are guaranteed to extend your dating repertoire beyond beers at the pub. Whether you're taking someone on a second date or doing the 100th with your significant other, we've got some stellar Sydney date ideas for this week, no matter your budget. Recommended reads: Romantic Sydney Bars and Restaurants What's On in Sydney This Weekend The Best Films and TV Shows to Stream This Month FREE Explore the Powerhouse Ultimate for One Last Time Before It Closes The Powerhouse Museum is closing for up to three years from Monday, February 5, for its long-awaited $250-million makeover. So, this is your last chance to squeeze in one more dose of free art, history and general oddities at the inner-city museum. The institution's current exhibitions — including 1001 Remarkable Objects and Absolutely Queer — are all great date ideas, providing you with a chance to wander around and chat as you occasionally remark: "Whoa, how cool's that?". If things are going well, there are plenty of spots to head after for a spot to eat or drink. If you're after something cheap and cheerful, head to Kafe Kooks or one of the many top spots at Darling Square; if you want to catch up over a bev, The Old Clare Rooftop and Flamin Galah are good options; and if you're looking to really impress, there are a few ultra-fancy spots you could hit up — namely, seafood and snack haven Longshore. Under $50 Catch a Flick at Sydney's BYO- and Dog-Friendly Moonlight Cinema Moonlight Cinema is back for another jam-packed year of flicks under the stars. Pack a picnic, your favourite snacks, and a bottle of chilled red, and head to Centennial Park to catch a new release or a cult classic as the sun sets. You can even bring your pups, so if you're looking for somewhere to introduce Fido and Spot, this could be your chance. This week, you can catch showings of Argylle, The Boys in the Boat, Next Goal Wins and the sequel to The Dry. Or, looking ahead to the rest of February, Saltburn, 10 Things I Hate About You, All of Us Strangers, The Iron Claw and The Princess Bride are all in line for showings. Tickets are $26 (just over $50 for the two of you), but if you're a Cinebuzz member, you can snag them for just $22 each. Under $100 Hit up the Huge Banksy Exhibition at Sydney Town Hall After a blockbuster season in Brisbane, The Art of Banksy: Without Limits has finally hit Sydney Town Hall with more than 160 works from the collection of the world's biggest street artist, Banksy. A massive collection of pieces by the art world's chief enigma — including the darkly satirical, overtly political work that has turned the stencil-loving artist into such an icon — the exhibition's hefty array of artworks include Banksy's certified art, prints on a heap of different materials, plus photos and sculptures as well. For an immersive experience, there are installations, physical and digital, alongside murals and mapping shows. The experience has already proven to be super popular in Sydney, so make sure to reserve your spot before heading into the city. Standard adult tickets are $41 per person, or you can opt for premium entry, which includes a t-shirt spray painting session, after which you get to keep the garment. Putt Your Way Around This Pizar-Themed Mini-Golf Course Sydney's sunny season is in full swing — and if you like celebrating warm weather, adorable animation and mini-golf all at once, the part-tee has arrived in Darling Harbour. Everyone's favourite Pixar characters are popping up in Sydney at a putt-putt course inspired by the Disney-owned studio's loveable films. Yes, Pixar Putt has returned, with the kidult-friendly course taking over the Pier St Underpass until this Sunday. Designed to challenge both eight-year-olds and adults, Pixar Putt features nine- and 18-hole courses that take you past childhood heroes like Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody and Elastigirl. Flicks such as Monsters Inc., Onward, Finding Nemo, Up, A Bug's Life, Wall-E, Inside Out, Soul, Turning Red and Lightyear all get some putting love, too. Clearly, there's no need for a trip to Disneyland — and this year's course features new holes inspired by Pixar's recent Elemental. If this all sounds up your alley, tickets are available for $29.90. Go All Out [caption id="attachment_923663" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maclay Heriot[/caption] Combine Live Music and Harbour Views at Twilight at Taronga Where can you see live tunes with a stunning view of Sydney Harbour, all while surrounded by adorable animals as well? Twilight at Taronga. Each summer, the after-hours live music series hosts outdoor gigs with an impressive lineup — a true date-night delight. Each year, the program serves up a mix of returning and new exciting local faves. For the first week, the lineup features Meg Mac on Saturday, February 3, and Bjorn Again on Sunday and Monday, as well as Emma Memma with one for the kids on Sunday afternoon. Later in the month and into March, you can catch Ball Park Music, The Whitlams, The Cat Empire and the Comedy Gala featuring Celia Pacquola and Dave Hughes. If your ideal Sydney date idea includes harbour vistas, live music, cute (but not cuddly) animals and some fresh air, this one's for you. You can BYO a picnic, but there'll also be gourmet hampers available on-site alongside a handful of food trucks. Ticketholders can also purchase discounted same-day entry into the zoo (so you can sneak in a visit to your favourite mammal, bird or reptile beforehand), and if you want to make a weekend of it, you can add on a night at Taronga's luxe eco-retreat. Top image: Charlie Hardie.
Things sure are looking up for Sydney's northern beaches these days, especially when it comes to wining and dining. Merivale opened its hugely popular venue, The Newport, and it also renovated and relaunched The Collaroy. Then, Mona Vale got a slice of the gastropub pie, with the Mona Vale Hotel reworked as a food and entertainment hot-spot Park House Food & Liquor. The main attraction is Park House Food Merchants, a multi-faceted venue, complete with restaurant, cocktail lounge and all-weather courtyard. The menu draws inspiration from Southern California's food scene, for a vibrant, share-focused menu peppered with Mexican, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours. On it, you'll find dishes like harissa spiced chicken with a buttermilk cos salad, five hour braised lamb shank with grilled brocollini, and a roasted salmon fillet with pistachio and tahini yoghurt. Meanwhile, the bar's slinging an eclectic, well-traveled wine list, alongside a solid range of craft beers and barrel-aged cocktails There are weekly specials and events for big occasions at Park House, while every Friday and Saturday night there's acoustic music in the garden bar. There are plenty of event and private dining spaces here, with the sun room capable of fitting 80 for a cocktail party, while the garden bar can be booked out exclusively for groups up to 200. If you're looking for something intimate and private, the fireplace area can be booked out for meals for up to twenty.
When it was first announced that the on-site restaurant at Paramount House Hotel, already home to Golden Age Cinema and Paramount Coffee Project, would be helmed by Ester's Mat Lindsay, it quickly became the most anticipated restaurant opening of 2017. Then, thanks to building delays, of 2018. The suspense was almost palpable when Poly suddenly threw open its doors to hoards of eager Sydneysiders. Poly — not an abbreviation of Polyester, we're told — is like its Chippendale counterpart in many ways. It's unpretentious, fire is the hero of the kitchen and its wine list is impressive. But, unlike its sibling, it says it's a wine bar first, and a restaurant second. Whether it's a bar, a restaurant, or a portmanteau of the two, is still out for debate, but it's well-equipped to cater to guests looking for either (or both). The wine list, chosen by sommelier and co-owner Julien Dromgool, is loaded with minimal-intervention, skin-contact drops, sorted under helpful, descriptive headings like 'mid-weight & complex' and 'light & juicy'. While it's not one of the city's cheaper lists, you'll find some great local labels — like Lucy Margaux, Momento Mori and Commune of Buttons — for under $80. At the back of the light-filled, subterranean restaurant — by Anthony Gill Architects, who also designed Ester — behind the communal wooden tables, long shiny bar top and wall-length wine rack is the open kitchen. Unlike Ester, the hero of it is not a woodfired, but a huge coal-powered grill. Like many Sydney restaurants, the menu is oft-changing, reflecting the season and showcasing limited produce. So, one night you might find sweet honey bugs topped with shellfish aioli, others tuna belly on toast. And, we recommend keeping an eye on Poly's Instagram for occasional off-menu dishes, too. Regardless of what Poly is — a synthetic resin, a bar, a restaurant — it's carved a niche for itself in a suburb already teaming with good restaurants. And it's a guaranteed good night out. [caption id="attachment_698810" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Poly by Kitti Smallbone[/caption] Images: Kitti Smallbone. Updated Friday, March 31, 2023 Appears in: The Best Bars in Sydney The Best Degustations Under $100 in Sydney
Lovers of quality vino, make Bibo Wine Bar in Double Bay your next stop. This beloved Sydney bar is brought to you by two Guillaume expats: head chef Jose Silva, who ran the kitchen at the previous incarnation of Bennelong, and restaurant manager Jonathan Mallet, formerly of Guillaume in Paddington. Pooling their years of fine dining experience, Silva and Mallet decided to focus on premium quality (yet not too pricey) Mediterranean dishes, with an emphasis on Portuguese food — which Silva grew up eating and cooking. "It reflects the way I like to eat," Silva says. "You can come in for a snack and a glass of wine or a full meal." "Every wine chosen is from a different region, with a different climate, soil type and tradition," says Mathews. "We are offering guests a selection from the best sites in Australia and around the world." In addition, Bibo Wine Bar has exclusive access to a very special private cellar, containing a selection of aged Australian Shiraz, Cabernet and Cabernet blends, including a small collection of Penfolds Grange vintages 1980, 1982, 1983 and 1984. "We have compiled a special museum release section in the wine list and have begun our own provenance program. This will allow us to list a wine at its ideal drinking age and ensures that guests are drinking wine that has been kept under optimal conditions," Mathews says. But the food at Bibo Wine Bar is equally impressive. Head chef Jose Silva has created a menu that honours his Portuguese roots with a modern Mediterranean twist. Be sure to order their iconic flambé chorizo with pimento if you are feeling fiery. Bibo's New York-inspired interior — layered with dark wood, marble and textiles — is the work of Paul Jones of PJ Architects. The main bar overlooks leafy Bay Street, but there's also a large outdoor terrace and an upstairs private room.
Jaaks has entered a new era. The breezy Kyle Bay venue, perched on the edge of the Georges River, has traded its fine-dining roots for something far more casual: a Greek mezedopolio that channels the relaxed rhythm of an evening by the Aegean. Gone are the white tablecloths and formal degustations — in their place: light timbers, linen sails draped from the ceiling and a decidedly laidback feel that invites you to linger over small plates and a cold ouzo. The menu has been completely reimagined under new Executive Chef Arman Uz (ex-Efendy Group), who first worked at Jaaks after arriving in Sydney in 2017. The rotating selection of around 20 mezedes and mini souvlakia — cooked over charcoal on a hibachi — is heavily rooted in homestyle Greek and Cypriot classics, but with clever twists that draw on flavours from across the Med. Octopus, for example, sits on a bed of gigantes and chermoula, butterflied king prawn is glazed with an ouzo bisque and brussels sprouts are given a lift with eggplant, tahini and molasses. Souvlakia, meanwhile, range from the traditional — chicken thigh is brushed with lemon and oregano — to the more inventive — salmon belly replaces the usual pork in the classic Cypriot sheftalies, which are topped with smoked salt, mustard mayo and dill. Lesser-known cuts, like a date syrup-glazed ox tongue, reflect the kitchen's nose-to-tail ethos, while vegetarian options, like cabbage finished with gochujang, walnut and molasses, also feature. Rounding out the offering are daily house-baked breads, served simply with sea salt and oregano or topped with rotating combinations such as tomato and garlic or haloumi and honey, plus a drinks list designed for kicking back. Greek wines and cocktails lead the charge — try the ouzo-spiked martini or the bright Lemonada, a mix of gin, cucumber and homemade lemonade. There's also an impressive collection of ouzo and tsipouro for slower sipping. Owners and siblings George Christodoulou and Diana Valsamis say the shift from Jaaks' more formal offer reflects how Sydney diners want to eat today: it's social and spontaneous rather than structured, with an approachable, ever-evolving menu and dedicated space for walk-ins next to the 40-seat dining room. The result is a spot that feels equal parts local hangout and summer escape — and just right for its prime riverside location.
"Touring is the only job in the world, I think, where you are a professional and you drink," James Vincent McMorrow muses from a phone somewhere in Dublin. "If you were an accountant or even if you were an actor and you drank at the levels that some touring bands do, you wouldn't be able to function." Two years ago, he decided to give the bottle the boot. Not because he had an uncontrollable drinking problem, but because he wanted to "see what would happen". "At that point in my career, everything was on a really intense upswing and I was playing big shows. It's not that I wasn't enjoying [drinking], it's just that I didn't feel that I was in control of what I was doing. I didn't think I was doing it justice in the way that I wanted to." In a January 2014 Guardian interview, McMorrow identified a packed-out show at London's Festival Hall as a turning point. "The biggest show I'd ever played in this country... I got off stage and thought — did that go well? I don't know," he told journo Tom Lamont. At first, the sobriety inspired a sizeable dose of performance nerves. "I became incredibly aware of my hands and started making mistakes again," he recalls. "I used to think that you needed to drink to get out of your own way mentally and create. But it actually made me think from a much clearer perspective." CREATING POST TROPICAL When work began on second album, Post Tropical, the music flew thick and fast. "I had better ideas than ever before... I was much more ambitious." Where 2011 debut Early in the Morning was folk-ish and harmony-fuelled, Post Tropical sees McMorrow delve into new territory – R&B influences, dashes of Rhodes, electronica and intricate layering. There's hardly an acoustic guitar to be heard. The songs were assembled over the course of eight months and recorded "on a pecan farm half a mile from the Mexican border" — where the likes of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Animal Collective, Beach House and At The Drive In have laid down tracks. "It's the perfect place to make music... I don't think I'll record anywhere else again. I came for the equipment and stayed for the view," he adds, laughing. McMorrow sees putting together a song is akin to solving a Rubik's Cube. "Every time I look at it, there's a couple less red squares. Then I keep going and I take a look at the other side. It might go the wrong way, or it might get better. And one day, it's just done. I'll listen to it and there'll be nothing in it that doesn't make me happy." https://youtube.com/watch?v=jgE3AengS0A ON BEING YOUNG AND MUCH MORE SERIOUS The songwriting process wasn't always so intuitive for the Irish native. McMorrow remembers a younger and much more serious version of himself. "I think I went from trying to be a musician to being a musician and that was a very big change. I don't examine music anymore; I follow it where it leads me. I used to question — you'd worry about whether you were good enough, or whether you could do the things that needed to be done. But I don't worry about that anymore. I still challenge myself every day and push myself infinitely harder than I ever did, but I do it with a sense of knowing what I'm doing and how to get there." Back in his worrying days, he spent hours reading some pretty meaty literature. "I became really obsessed with people like John Steinbeck, F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Faulkner and the American idea — between 1900 and the 1930s and '40s. It's quite funny, because if I examine the books I read and where I was at musically, I can connect the dots quite quickly. I read a lot of heavy books like The Sound and The Fury, and because I was writing music there was a certain element: 'if I read these serious things then I want to write about serious things.'" https://youtube.com/watch?v=j0DvjgagJko ON GAME OF THRONES These days, however, he'll "read anything that's put in front of [him]". Even if the writing isn't quite up to scratch. "I just read the entire Game of Thrones, everything up to the point where it finishes," he explains. "I read it because I started watching the series and I got annoyed because it was ending, so I thought I'd read the book. But then I realised the books were really, really long and kind of weirdly written. I don't know if you've read fantasy novels before but they're kind of... they're not the most amazing writing in the world, even though the story is obviously compelling. And when I started reading them I didn't realise that [George R. R. Martin] hadn't finished the series. So I got to the last book and found out he had two more to write still!" Fortunately, he's moved onto Hans Fallada's Alone in Berlin, which he describes as "really beautiful". And McMorrow has a plethora of tour dates to keep him busy between reads. JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW TOUR DATES: Wednesday 21 May — Astor Theatre, Perth Friday 23 May — Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane Tuesday 27 May — Forum, Melbourne Thursday 29 May — Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House (Vivid LIVE) Saturday 31 May — Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House (Vivid LIVE)
Drawing attention away from any one of Timothée Chalamet (Wonka), Zendaya (Euphoria), Javier Bardem (The Little Mermaid), Rebecca Ferguson (Silo) or Josh Brolin (Outer Range) isn't easy, let alone from all five in the same films. And yet, the desert expanse that's roamed across by the stars of Denis Villeneuve's Dune franchise demands notice above everyone and everything. The person guaranteeing that viewers not only spy the sand stretching as far as the eye can see, but feel its impact: Australian cinematographer Greig Fraser. On both Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two, his work for the Blade Runner 2049 director ensures that audiences spend ample time with Chalamet and company as well. The two movies are as intimate as they are epic. But these pictures couldn't exist without their namesake receiving such prominence. Sand isn't just sand in Dune, or to Fraser. With Dune: Part Two, Frank Herbert's books now reach cinemas for the third time — David Lynch's 80s adaptation came first — but they couldn't value golden grains more highly even when they were only playing out in readers' imaginations. In the Dune realm, all that siliceous substance is spice, also known as melange. It powers interstellar travel, extends lives and expands consciousness. It's only found on Arrakis, the planet that Chalamet's Paul Atreides is sent to live on in Dune: Part One when his father (Oscar Isaac, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse) is installed as its new ruler. It's hardly astonishing, then, that past overseer Baron Vladimir Harkonnens (Stellan Skarsgård, Andor) isn't thrilled about losing control of such a treasure trove. It's similarly unsurprising that the Fremen, Arrakis' Indigenous population, is determined to fight for their home and destiny. Spinning this story for cinema was always going to be a sandy endeavour, with Fraser's skills pivotal. For Dune: Part One, which stunned with its spectacular desert-swept visuals and set the bar stratospherically high for its sequel, he won the Best Cinematography Oscar. "You become an expert in the dunes," he tells Concrete Playground about not just making the first film, but also returning for Dune: Part Two. He didn't shoot the initial flick with its follow-up in mind, however — or even dream back when he lensed his first-ever feature, 2005's Jewboy, that this is where his career would take him, or to an Academy Award-nomination for Lion before his Dune win. Bright Star, Let Me In, Zero Dark Thirty, Foxcatcher, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, The Mandalorian, The Batman, The Creator: they're all also on Fraser's resume. "It's funny because, it's going to sound a little bit weird, but I just didn't think full stop," Fraser shares about his mindset when he was initially starting out. "Whenever I was doing a movie when I was younger, or even now, frankly, it's one foot in front of the other as opposed to a master plan. I wish I was smart enough to be in that Dune world of plans within plans, and manipulating events to my end. But really what I was just trying to do was just trying to do the best job of the thing that was sitting right in front of me." "So no, I can tell you that right now, when we were filming in Bondi for that movie, on a bus in Bondi" — for Jewboy, that is — "that I categorically was not ever thinking about the possibility of doing something like Dune. That was never on my radar. Obviously I knew what I liked, and I knew the films that I loved. And it just became a a race — or a game, I should say — of doing what I love doing. And then if I was doing what I love doing, and then doing the best job that I could, then hopefully that then leads to the next thing that I love doing. And that's kind of how the career's gone. It's a little bit of a simplistic way of describing it, but that's a genuine, honest take on it," Fraser continues. To say that his career is going well is an understatement. Now that Fraser has returned to Dune — including showing moviegoers what Arrakis and all of its sand looks like under an eclipse, and also bringing the planet of Giedi Prime, which dwells beneath a black sun, to the screen — he'll next shoot the Dark Knight again on The Batman Part II. We chatted with the cinematographer about his work on both Dune films to-date, his Oscars recognition, how daunting it is to try to back up his Dune: Part One accolades on Dune: Part Two, his new expertise on sand dunes, taking Arrakis and Giedi Prime from the page to the screen, and more. [caption id="attachment_774009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dune: Part One. Image: Chiabella James. Copyright: © 2020 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.[/caption] On Lensing Dune: Part One Without Presuming That Fraser would Be Returning on Dune: Part Two "You never take anything for granted, and doing a movie is a miracle. People talk about us as a species having evolved, that's kind of a miracle — because there's a million things that could have gone wrong with a film getting up and going, but then there's another million things that could have gone wrong with me being able to do it. I could have been committed on another project. Denis may have chosen to to use another cinematographer, as is his right and he should and could, to create something different. Because that's what he he does — he casts his crew like he cast his actors. And so there's a whole myriad of reasons why I may not have been able to do Part Two. So I wasn't necessarily doing Part One on the proviso that I do Part Two. I was trying to make — as Denis was — Part One as good as possible, and do the best job for my director as possible. Then, with Part Two — obviously, we knew there was more of the story, but it's not dissimilar to to something like Rogue One. You know there's more to the story because the Star Wars universe is bigger than just Rogue One, but you don't make Rogue One thinking there's going to be another one or a series. You make the best thing you can." On Winning an Oscar for Dune: Part One — and Receiving a Nomination for Lion Before That "I love Lion, as I know a lot of people do. There's a lot of love out in the world for Lion. So, to have done that — the recognition is interesting, because the recognition from my peers is really important, and particularly peers that I respect and know. There's been a few events in my life where I've been given a pat on the back by people that I respect, and that's what effectively the Oscars are. A nomination for that is that exact thing. It's a pat on the back by your peers. And the win itself is, of course, icing on the cake, but that's not the most important thing. The most important thing is the nomination, because it basically says that of the movies of that year, that your peers feel like you are in the top five — and that's a big deal. For a kid from Melbourne who used to shoot short films and music videos with his buddies, to have made the top five film of the year for two years, I guess, now — two nominations — that's a big deal to have kudos from your peers, that I think's quite, quite fantastic. And also as a pat on the back to not just me, but also my director. Because if you recall in that year, Garth Davis directed Lion and that's a pat on the back to him. And Denis in the year that Dune was nominated, it's a massive pat on the back to him." On Being Daunted on Dune: Part Two After the Accolades and Acclaim Earned by Dune: Part One "Suddenly there's hype behind it. If it'd just been people going 'yeah, good one, that's great', well Part Two, you've got nothing to lose. But going into Part Two for us meant that we had everything to lose. Suddenly the stakes where a thousand times higher because everybody was going 'well, that won all these awards, this has got to be better'. Now, I will say just on the record, there have been many, many movies that have not won Academy Awards that are incredibly deserving — and there are many, many that have that aren't. So winning an Academy Award, in my opinion, is not always for the best film, out of respect for other films that don't win. But there is an inbuilt kind of consensus that that becomes the best film of the year. So therefore we were like 'alright, well all of us basically won that year'. Myself, and Patrice [Vermette, Foe] the production designer, and Paul [Lambert, First Man] the effects supervisor, and Joe [Walker, The Creator] the editor — we all kind of went 'gulp, we've got to make this better'. We want to make it better for ourselves anyway, and for the director anyway. But we're now like 'okay, now we've got to make it better better better better better'. Again, regardless of what it does in the awards season, I feel like we've made it better. I think every department stepped up. I didn't think that was even possible, frankly — that the design could be any better than last time or the VFX could be better than last time. But it is. And it was. And we did. And it felt better." On Becoming an Expert in Sand Dunes "What happens that I've learned — so here is the the masterclass of the sand dunes, if anybody wants to go out and shoot sand dunes — is that the time of day is critical. So you might be scouting a place in the morning where the sun's coming from east and you might not love it. You might dismiss it as a location. But you're driving past there in the afternoon, and the way the sun works its way across the the tops of the sand dunes and backlights the wind, it can change the location massively. Often at the beginning of our journey, back in 2019–2020, we would scout at the wrong time of day — or we would scout at a time of day that we weren't shooting. And we soon came to realise that 'okay, when this is scheduled, let's scout when it's scheduled, and that's the afternoon'. Which, in hindsight, is logical, and I'm surprised it even took us the couple of days it took us to figure that out. But yeah, I've become a bit of an expert when it comes to what the sand dunes are going to look like with the right light." On Giving Arrakis a Different Colour Palette for Dune: Part Two "We didn't want to start the movie the same way that that Part One ended. And it was a very deliberate, very deliberate process. Denis obviously had a really long time to think about this film — because even though I had done The Batman between the two Dune films, he had not. He was finishing Dune: Part One and he was preparing Dune: Part Two. So he had a lot of time to think about it, and he came to me and said 'I don't feel like we should start this the same way we ended'. And he said 'should we consider doing this as a night scene?'. And you know, I read the script, and a night scene for that scene would have been technically really tough, in the desert with lights. It would have been not only tough — nothing was impossible, of course — but I don't think the end result would have been as good. So we looked at day for night options. We looked at other ways to film it, to make it look different. And I found a filter that that cuts out a lot of blue and green light — not all of it, just a part of it, so it changes the spectrum, and it felt a little bit reddy-orange, but it still had colour. And we went 'perfect, that's what this world looks like when there's an eclipse'. So we said 'okay, we have the ability to to make an eclipse whenever we want'. And so we went 'let's start the film with an eclipse'. The funny thing was, we didn't plan for this, but during our time filming that sequence there was actually an eclipse in Jordan. Not to that degree — but we did a shot, we had our splinter unit DP Christoph with the long lens filming the sun, and so he did film the eclipse. I think there might be shot of the actual eclipse that we filmed in the film." On the Striking Look of House Harkonnen's Giedi Prime "Again, it's conversation with Denis. So Denis said 'listen, there's a fight scene. Feyd-Rautha [played by Elvis' Austin Butler] is gladiator, and there's a fight scene, and it's outside in a gladiatorial environment — but it can't look like Arrakis'. You think about all the gladiator films you've seen, and they're all on sand, aren't they? And they're all under the sun. So you would be confused if it looked like Gladiator or something, because it would be too similar to Arrakis. I'm not sure if this is in the book or not, but Denis wanted to create a a black sun for that world. And I was like 'wow, okay, what does the black sun do? Does it suck light out? Well, if it does, then it's black. It's a black hole.' But we were like 'no, it sucks the colour out. It emits an infrared light, but it sucks all the colour'. All work that's outside — the sun, effectively anything that's hit by sun or the effects of sun — is an infrared type of light with no visible colour. There are some scenes where it's inside in Giedi Prime and it's muted colours, but it's not black and white. When anybody comes from the Baron's box, for example, when they're inside in artificial light, let's call it, it's colour. It has colour. But then when they get hit by the sun, they become just this white, almost-ghoulish kind of effect. The benefit of that was that it really helped us tell that story of why the Harkonnen look the way they do — why they look so pale, and why they have alopecia, and why they have such gaunt, pale, pasty skin. It's because they don't get any of the ultraviolet from from the real sun. That's a backstory that never gets discussed in the movie, but hopefully with an audience it starts to become logical that you go 'okay, I get why they're so white and they need protection in the desert, because they can't handle the UV'. On Balancing the Epic and the Intimate On-Screen "I love extremes. I love dramatic extremes. I'm visually quite dramatic, I would like to think. So there's nothing more fantastic to me than seeing a closeup, then cutting to an extreme wide [shot] and seeing scale and grandeur that we possibly can't even imagine. It's something that I love about the Star Wars series. These guys get on the Millennium Falcon, which is massive, and then the Millennium Falcon flies up close to the Death Star, which then the Millennium Falcon becomes tiny. It's all about scale. It's people that we know get into something big, and then that big thing flies into something even bigger, which is beyond belief. It's hard to imagine that scale. As humans, we rarely come across scale that that absolutely floors us. I know people start talking about things like the Grand Canyon, they start talking about massive structures — massive earth-mining machinery, about the scale of those things that just literally blow their mind. So with filmmaking, we have that ability to create this scale that's beyond beyond this world, but mindblowing. Like those worms, I mean, those worms are beyond massive." On Making a Third Dune Film If It Comes to Fruition "Absolutely. I love working with Denis, so anytime Denis asks me to do a movie, I'll be there if the stars align — I'd be absolutely there. How it would look is a different story. I can't tell you what that would be, and that's what's fun about the process of discovering what a film is. Because Part Three would not look like Part One and Part Two. It would look different, and I don't know how that would be different at this point, which is fun because it means you got to work it out — and we could be talking again in whenever it comes out, five, ten years, whatever. If I get the chance to shoot it, then I'd love to talk about how different we made it. But at the moment, I don't know. It's a funny thing. I would love to do it. And if it comes off for me and the timing's right, fantastic." Dune: Part Two opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Read our reviews of Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two.
A crusty white roll, lashings of smooth pâté, and a generous pile of fresh ingredients, pickled toppings and herbs — it's easy to see why Vietnam's gift to the sandwich world is well-appreciated here in Sydney. The humble banh mi is a lunchtime favourite that's both affordable enough and healthy enough to feel like you could scoff one — or two — every day of the week. All across the city, Vietnamese bakeries and other eateries are serving up top-notch iterations of the classic sandwich, ranging from the tried-and-true to more contemporary reworkings. Everyone has their own favourite banh mi spot in Sydney and, with so many great options tucked around the entire city, its hard to pin down the best of the best — so we've put together a list of some of our favourites to get you started. BANH MI BAY NGO, BANKSTOWN Family-owned and operated, Bay Ngo has been serving up packed-full rolls of tender pork and crisp salad to the residents of Bankstown for over thirty years. Here, the traditional banh mi thit reigns supreme, layering multiple types of pork on top of a thick spread of pate for just $6. If you're not one for red meat, you're in luck, as the fried egg banh mi is a hit with local vegetarians and a perfect breakfast sandwich if you're swinging by before work. While it may be missing the layers of pork, the fried egg sandwich still comes overflowing with all the salads, coriander and chilli needed for a truly great banh mi. Or, you can add the fried egg to a pork roll for the best of both worlds for $7.50. BOOTH STREET BAKERY, ANNANDALE The lemongrass pork banh mi at Booth Street Bakery is one of the juiciest, most satisfying meals a sandwich lover can have for under a tenner. The unassuming Vietnamese bakery does a selection of cakes, flaky throw-back desserts (think Neenish tarts and day-glow green meringue frogs) and very decent pies, but the banh mi reigns supreme here. You can go for the classic pork sausage, lemongrass pork or chicken, or really push the boat out and do roast pork with a slab of crackling. Like all of Sydney's best banh mi shops, Booth Street Bakery is a no-frills affair. But, it has spurned decor and detail for a focus on flavour. And when it comes to a meat-stuffed baguette, that's all you can really ask for. [caption id="attachment_800473" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Darlingharbour.com[/caption] MARRICKVILLE PORK ROLL, MARRICKVILLE A true Sydney stalwart, Marrickville Pork Roll has long been considered one of Sydney's best banh mi shops. It's well worth the wait in that inevitable queue, which often wraps around the block outside this hole-in-the-wall spot. Open daily from 7:30am, the shop bakes its baguettes fresh every morning. That fluffy-yet-crunchy baguette is smeared with pâté and mayo, then loaded with your choice of meat, fresh herbs, pickled veg, salad and chilli. While the traditional pork is the go-to, we rate the barbecue pork and crackling pork belly. Meatball, chicken, salad and veg varieties are also up for grabs — and all for just a few bucks ($6–8). For those closer to the CBD, Marrickville Pork Roll also has locations in Darling Square's Steam Mill Lane and along Pitt Street. TOP RYDE BAKER'S HOUSE, RYDE Make your way to Top Ryde City Shopping Centre and you'll find some of the best pork you can find stuffed into a soft white baguette in this city. Top Ryde Baker's House is known for its packed its banh mi full to the point of overflowing with an abundance of juicy pork and crispy pork crackling. Here, the banh mi is really taken to the next level, with the fresh mix of salad smothered by a mountain of meat. Despite the heaped serving sizes, the price of this Sydney banh mi remains low. The only catch? You may have to line up for a while, as the bakery is known to get busy around lunchtime. [caption id="attachment_825700" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jemsweb[/caption] HONG HA, MASCOT Hong Ha has managed to carve out a spot as one of Sydney's best banh mi joints, all thanks to the fresh and affordable rolls it's been serving up for over three decades. Situated on Botany Road in Mascot — so with multiple other Vietnamese bakeries close by — the pork roll specialist remains a go-to for locals and those travelling through the area. While a line snaking around the block isn't uncommon here, the wait is worth it for the barbecue pork variety which piles three types of pork into a crispy roll filled with plenty of fresh salad. The chicken and meatball rolls are both fan-favourites here as well but, whichever filling you end up going with, you're guaranteed a good time. VINATA'S HOT BREAD, CABRAMATTA Located in Cabramatta Plaza, Vinata's Hot Bread is one of the most beloved banh mi spots in southwest Sydney. Here, you'll pay just $5 for your classic pork variety, which comes packed into fresh-baked white bread rolls, smothered in pork pâté, and covered in salad, coriander and chill. If you feel like venturing from the tried-and-tested path, you can also opt for meatball, chicken or salad rolls — all for under $7. Plus, there's a range of bakery classics on hand such as meat pies, sausage rolls, and cheese and bacon rolls. Despite the hot competition in Cabramatta for the best banh mi, Vinata's has cemented itself as one of the area's standouts. ALEX 'N' ROLLS, MARRICKVILLE Challenging Marrickville Pork Roll for best banh mi in the inner west is Alex 'N' Rolls. This is an unassuming hole-in-the-wall sandwich spot on Illawarra Road — it operates from inside an inner west townhouse — but the rolls here pack a punch. You can choose between barbecue, caramelised or traditional slow-cooked pulled pork, each packed into a bun with chicken pâté, mayonnaise, picked carrot, radish and a heaping of salad. The rolls have a good amount of crunch, and the pork is packed with flavour. If you're feeling more like chicken, Alex 'N' Rolls has you covered as well. Plus, there are a heap of vegetarian banh mi on offer if you're tired of the tried-and-true salad roll. BOON TABLE, SYDNEY Hidden in a food court in the lower floor of The Galleries, next-level takeaway outpost Boon Table opened in 2019. The majority of its menu is made up of tasty and health-conscious bowls — think: miso salmon, kale and broccoli, plus karaage chicken, red cabbage and spicy mayo. The real big hitters on the menu, however, are the 'Boon Mi', Boon Table's take on the classic Vietnamese roll. While they're slightly pricier than your local pork roll joint at between $10.90–12.90, these banh mi are packed into a soft and sweet brown roll, providing a unique experience. There are four options here, including the classic pork, plus crispy pork belly, grilled chicken and tofu. And, they all come equipped with all the fresh salads and pickled vegetables you'd expect as well as mayo, pâté and seasoning sauce. KING'S HOT BREAD, HURSTVILLE Open 6am–6pm daily, King's Hot Bread has been a Hurstville mainstay since 1995. The Forrest Road spot specialises in banh mi, with a huge range of options to be found here. If you're in the mood for pork, you can choose between classic pork, pork crackling, roasted pork or sausage. Chicken, seafood and vegetarian rolls are all on offer too, with some of the more out-there options including stay prawn, chicken and dim sim, and egg salad rolls. All the banh mi sit between $7 and $10.50, price-wise, with crunchy chicken wings and spring rolls available if a heaped baguette isn't enough to satisfy your hunger. Swing by to pick up some lunch, or you can also order via UberEats and Menulog. SUNNY VI HUONG HOT BREAD, GLADESVILLE The unassuming Sunny Hot Bread sits next to a Persian rug store on Victoria Road, providing the perfect pit stop if you're driving between the west and inner city. It's easy to miss on the busy main road, but nab a park nearby and it'll be worth your while. The Gladesville bakery doesn't deviate too far from your classic selection of rolls, with the classic pork, chicken and salad rolls all on offer for between $4.50 and $7. The surprise highlight of the menu is the chicken schnitzel roll, which comes heaped with salad, crispy pieces of golden brown schnitzel and just the right amount of chilli. The typical range of bread, cakes and pastries are all on offer alongside the banh mi selection as well. GREAT AUNTY THREE, ENMORE When Michael Le was a child, his grandmother would often serve caramelised pork belly with rice on the family dinner table. Le now does a revised version of this dish in the form of a Vietnamese pork roll in his restaurant, Great Aunty Three. The caramelised pork roll captures the essence of what Le and his wife Mai are trying to achieve: fresh, authentic, quality Vietnamese street food. The pork, slow-cooked in coconut juice for up to five hours, is tender and juicy, combined with fresh vegetables in a crusty Vietnamese roll. The rolls are a bit different here, with apple pieces and big chucks of crunchy salty pork crackling stuffed inside. You can also venture into more adventurous territory with roast pork and duck rolls. Best of all, you don't even have to get up from your couch to order from Great Aunty Three, with the Enmore Road eatery available on UberEats and Menulog — although the takeaway menu does vary.
It's bloody hard to get anywhere from Australia, so we Aussies tend to take our holidays seriously. A new survey from travel consultancy Forward Travel has analysed data from the Department of Home Affairs' Overseas Arrivals and Departures to reveal where Australians have been travelling since 2021. The report ranks global destinations, clearly outlining the winners and losers in attracting Australian tourists. Unsurprisingly, the top spots remained consistent. As expected, Indonesia continues to dominate Australian travel trends. With Bali's beautiful landscapes, proximity, and affordability, Indonesia remains one of the top travel destinations for Australians. Likewise, New Zealand maintains its strong standing due to family ties and its proximity to Australia, it would be shocking to see it fall from favour. Singapore also features prominently, serving as both a central transit hub and a destination in its own right. The USA, UAE, Thailand, and Fiji remain solid contenders. These destinations have remained relatively stable in rankings, serving as "comfort corridors" for Australians, places we trust and return to, even as other destinations gain popularity. Surging up the rankings, Japan, Vietnam, and India have emerged as some of the most-travelled destinations since 2021. Driven by culture, food, ski tourism, safety, and a favourable exchange rate, Japan has experienced the most dramatic rise, jumping from 20th in 2021–22 to fourth in 2024–25, attracting over one million Australian visitors. Vietnam has also seen remarkable growth, positioning itself as an affordable alternative to Thailand. From roughly 6,000 Australian visitors in 2021–22, the number skyrocketed to over 200,000 in 2024–25. Although Malaysia briefly overtook Vietnam in 2022–24, Vietnam reclaimed its lead by 2024–25, reflecting a developing rivalry between the two destinations. India represents the most unpredictable trajectory, dipping in and out of the top 20 before returning in 2024–25. As traveller confidence increased, many Australians chose India for its profound cultural immersion and transformative travel experiences. Australians continue to favour destinations that are familiar, affordable, and easily accessible, while rewarding countries that actively invest in tourism marketing and infrastructure. At the bottom of the rankings are countries such as Samoa, Syria, Guinea, Montenegro, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe. Political instability, limited flight connectivity, and inadequate tourism promotion pushed these countries to the bottom of the rankings. However, Uruguay and Zimbabwe have shown some improvement in recent years, climbing out of the lowest tier, suggesting signs of stabilisation. Countries that once held mid-tier positions but have since fallen into obscurity include Mexico and Peru, likely due to increased competition and a decline in their appeal to Australian travellers. Other countries such as Oman, Dominica, and Malawi have remained consistently in the lower tiers, showing minimal movement. Oman's ranking has fluctuated, particularly appearing in the bottom tier in 2021–22, disappearing entirely, then re-emerging in 2024–25. Across regions, African nations struggle due to a lack of direct flights, higher travel costs, and political instability. Latin America and the Caribbean face the challenge of long travel times and distance. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific's lesser-known destinations and parts of Central Asia have yet to capitalise on their transit potential and translate it into tourism demand. As a result, these regions remain anchored toward the bottom of the rankings. Now that we've entered spring, it's not too early to start planning for the travel trends of 2026. So the question is: where will you be headed next? Ready for your next getaway? Dive into Forward Travel's expert report and see which destinations are topping travellers' lists. Images: Suratman Alimuddin, RuslanKaln, Drazen Zigic, Mikolajn, Igor Kovalev, Wiley Wilkins
Huge news: Darlinghurst is set to be home to Soho House Sydney, Australia's first outpost for the ultra-exclusive membership club. The much-hyped global brand which has locations across the world from Berlin to Miami, is now looking to transform a building on the corner of Crown and Foley Street above Shady Pines Saloon, with ambitious plans in the works to completely reshape the space. Plans for an estimated $24-million multi-storey mega-venue have been lodged, with the proposed building featuring a restaurant and bar, gym, cabaret facilities and a rooftop terrace and pool. The plans also reveal anticipated changes to the facade, replacing the building's fairly rundown exterior with a simple, sleek and modern cream and brown design in line with other Soho Houses around the world. The Darlinghurst building has a storied history, taking many forms over the years including Bolot's Embassy Dancing Academy between 1924–30, the Playbox Theatre and Stanley Twig's auction house in the 1930s and, most recently, housing several retail tenants throughout the 2000s including an espresso bar, convenience store and a nail salon. Fans of affordable drinks and Americana aesthetics, never fear: it looks like Shady Pines won't be disrupted by the opening of Soho House Sydney, with the floor plan revealing an allocated zone for "tenancy" on the basement floor where the bar currently resides. Concrete Playground reached out to the Swillhouse team for comment on the future of the site, but they didn't get back to us in time for publication. Australia's first ever Soho House was originally set to open on Domain Road in Melbourne's South Yarra, but developers were forced to ditch plans at the direction of VCAT in late October, after strong opposition from local councils and a residents' group. Now boasting over 40 houses across the globe, Soho House first opened in London in 1995 as a private members club for clientele in the creative sphere. It has since spread throughout Europe and North America, opening restaurants, cinemas, workspaces, spas and bedrooms alongside the traditional clubs. From New York to Istanbul, exclusivity is a common global denominator. If you want to apply for a membership, you can explore all of the options and lodge an application at the Soho House membership page. [caption id="attachment_653445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shady Pines[/caption] Soho House Sydney is set to open at 256 Crown Street, Darlinghurst.
After selling out of their homemade marshmallows at markets across NSW, Breah Mayer and Joel Twyman decided their sweet and squishy desserts needed a permanent home. So, they opened a bricks and mortar dessert bar in Wyong's historic Chapman Building on the Central Coast. As well as serving up more than 25 different flavours of their famed marshmallows, The Marshmallow Co, as the local couple's dessert bar has been named, also has OTT milkshakes, s'mores, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches made with churro buns, and skillets filled with the likes of cookie and ice cream. Almost all desserts come topped with a marshmallow or marshmallow fluff, too. On the marshmallow lineup, you'll find flavours such as lime and coconut, strawberry and cream, caramel swirl, lemon meringue, Nutella, Oreo, lamington and piña colada. You'll find limited-edition flavours for seasonal events, too, including hot cross bun and candy cane marshmallows. If you can't make it up to the Central Coast store, you can purchase some of the duo's funky flavours online. If you can make it up, you'll also be able to visit some of The Marshmallow Co's Chapman Building neighbours, such as Glee Coffee Roasters, gift shop Scout and Trader and House of Ellery, which sells art supplies and hosts macrame workshops. During the summer months, The Marshmallow Co stays open later and live music nights on Fridays from 5pm, so plan an after-work road trip to eat desserts and listen to tunes on the grass.
It's true every time the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras arrives: whether you're keen on the parade action, browsing stalls, partying in pools, hitting the dance floor, catching drag performances or plenty more, there's no shortage of options at the Harbour City's celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride and culture. For 2026, the lineup spans the return of Fair Day, the festival's usual beloved splash-filled soirees, as well as performance, talks, cinema and community gatherings — and that's just the beginning. In total, more than 80 LBGTQIA+ events will be taking place throughout Sydney between Friday, February 13 and Sunday, March 1, 2026. The overarching theme of Mardi Gras' 48th year is ECSTATICA, which celebrates joy as power, protest and connection — and feels especially vital in our current climate. The program once again kicks off with the Progress Pride Flag Raising at Sydney Town Hall on Friday, February 13, and sets the scene for a big opening weekend. That evening sees the return of Ultra Violet at City Recital Hall — a femme-driven, multi-sensory celebration from Sveta Gilerman and Jess Hill — while the following night, Black Cherry spotlights trans and gender-diverse artistry at the National Art School's historic Cell Block Theatre. Fair Day returns to Victoria Park on Sunday, February 15, filling the park with stalls, picnic rugs, performances, a doggy parade, the always lively Drag King Games, the Queer Fashion Runway and a full day of community connection under the summer sun. Other returning favourites include Kaftana Pool Party at Ivy Pool Club (Wednesday, February 18), Laugh Out Proud at the Enmore Theatre (Friday, February 20), Queer Art After Hours at the Art Gallery of NSW (Wedmesday, February 25), and the 33rd Mardi Gras Film Festival by Queer Screen, running in cinemas across the city (February 12–26). Among the new events for 2026 is Mardi Gala — a couture-meets-culinary spectacle at the Ivy Ballroom on Tuesday, February 24 — plus fresh theatrical additions including Perfect Arrangement at New Theatre and Sydney Theatre Company's revival of The Normal Heart at the Sydney Opera House. As always, the action culminates in the 48th Annual Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, February 28, when Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade transform into the beating heart of LGBTQIA+ pride. Expect thousands of marchers, floats awash with colour, and that unmistakably pulsating parade energy. And as ever, the party doesn't stop after the parade — that night brings the return of PARTY, reimagined for 2026, while the beloved Laneway returns to take over The Beresford and Hill Street on Sunday, March 1, to close the festival with a bang. Rounding out the program is Mardi Gras+, the open-access stream championing queer artists, storytellers and communities across Sydney — from Rainbow Beaches activations to cabaret, comedy, walking tours, markets and more. Images: Jordan Munns, Joseph Mayers, Ann-Marie Calilhanna, Ken Leanfore, Lexi Laphor, Jess Gleeson, Ash Penin,
If you go down to Barangaroo, you're in for a big surprise. Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt — the legends behind Bentley, Monopole and Yellow — opened the doors of Cirrus Dining back in 2016. Yes, it's named after a cloud and dishes up super-fresh, sustainable seafood. The menu is made for sharing. Among the offerings are raw bluefin tuna with marinated trout roe and smoked sour cream on a fried bun and the epic live lobster cooked over charcoal with scallop XO sauce. On top of all that fish, you'll find a good selection of meaty dishes and, as is always the case with the Bentley folk, no shortage of vegetarian deliciousness. "We've been working for almost a year on the menu, and it has changed and morphed along the way," said Savage, who has won SMH Good Food Guide Chef of the Year twice. "It is great for sharing, and I really want people to treat it this way, so they try all types of seafood in the one meal." He recommends kicking off with oysters and moving onto starters before tucking into shellfish and a whole fish main. Cirrus Dining sommelier Hildebrandt has assembled the wine list, which specialises in seafood-friendly whites, from sparkling and Chablis to Semillon and Chenin. Hildebrandt has his palate glued to a stream of new releases and left-of-field drops created by small producers, so you can always count on something interesting. On sunny days, you'll want to nab one of the 40 outdoor seats overlooking the harbour. There's another 100 inside, beautifully arranged by designer Pascale Gomes-McNabb, and surrounding timber tables dashed with marble and gold. She's also added a good polish to the concrete floor, brought in a 20-seater steel bar and built a spectacular wine wall. Look up and you'll see yet another Bentley signature ceiling, this time featuring hundreds of hanging rods and a flying vintage speed boat, Alvin.
There's no doubting that Death and Other Details loves whodunnits, or that it's made with a murderers' row of them in mind. Playing "spot the nod" is one of this ten-part Disney+ series' games. Sleuthing along with its plot is the other, obviously. So, as an odd couple with an age discrepancy team up to attempt to solve "a classic locked-room mystery" — the show even calls it such — among the preposterously wealthy on holiday, and on a boat at that, where everyone has a motive and a battle over who'll seize control of a family business is also taking place, gleaning what creators and writers Heidi Cole McAdams and Mike Weiss (who also worked together on Stumptown) have been reading and watching isn't a puzzle. Nudges and references are regularly part of the murder-mystery genre anyway; here, they sail into a tale that's also about what we remember and why. Recalling Agatha Christie's oeuvre, its movie adaptations — complete with Kenneth Branagh's recent spate — and especially Death on the Nile is as blatant as knowing that no one onboard Death and Other Details' SS Varuna will be exactly who they appear. Thinking about Only Murders in the Building, Knives Out, Poker Face and The White Lotus is also instantly easy. So is pondering Succession, with narratives about business empires passing down the reins bound to pop up as frequently as detective capers even now that the HBO hit is over. But when other films and shows earn a wink here, Death and Other Details also digs into the purpose behind the minutiae that sticks in our memories. It's a savvy yet risky gambit, getting viewers ruminating on how they spy patterns and filter their perspectives, too, while chancing coming off as derivative. Mostly the series bobs in the first direction; however, even when it sways in the second, it still intrigues its audience to keep watching. That seemingly mismatched pair: Imogene Scott (Violett Beane, God Friended Me) and the Hercule Poirot-esque Rufus Cotesworth (Mandy Patinkin, Homeland), with the second regularly dubbed "the world's greatest detective". Most folks might believe that label, but Imogene does not. The duo shares a history spanning two decades, from when she was a child (Sophia Reid-Gantzert, Popular Theory) mourning the shock killing of her mother that he couldn't solve. Back then, Rufus was on the case at the behest of the wealthy Colliers, who work in textiles, employed Imogene's mum as a personal assistant to patriarch Lawrence (David Marshall Grant, Spoiler Alert) and took the girl in when she had no one else. Now, both Rufus and Imogene are guests on a cruise chartered by them — she's there as basically a member of the family; he's accompanying the Chuns, with whom the Colliers are in the middle of a billion-dollar business deal. The entire decadent jaunt is in aid of getting crucial signatures, securing the Colliers' future and anointing Lawrence's daughter Anna (Lauren Patten, a Tony-winner for Jagged Little Pill) as the next CEO — she hopes. Death and Other Details doesn't lack in people taking to the seas, though, not only including the aforementioned characters. Chun matriarch Celia (Lisa Lu, American Born Chinese) and her granddaughter Eleanor (Karoline, Dead Ringers), Lawrence's dutiful spouse Katherine (Jayne Atkinson, Baby Ruby) and coked-up son Tripp (Jack Cutmore-Scott, Oppenheimer), Anna's paranoid former-journalist wife Leila (Pardis Saremi, Hell of a Summer) and the Colliers' slimy long-serving manager Llewellyn Mathers (Jere Burns, NCIS: Los Angeles) are all onboard. So is ship owner Sunil Ranja (Rahul Kohli, The Fall of the House of Usher). The unruly Keith Trubitsky (Michael Gladis, The Company You Keep) is also among the passengers, until he's found dead via a harpoon in his cabin. Everyone is eventually a suspect, from a pool that features Washington Governor Alexandra Hochenberg (Tamberla Perry, They Cloned Tyrone), the politically influential Father Toby (Danny Johnson, The Equalizer) and his social-media star son 'That' Derek (debutant Sincere Wilbert), Jules (Hugo Diego Garcia, Touchées) from the vessel's security outfit, and hospitality head Teddy Goh (Angela Zhou, Promising Young Woman) and her sister Winnie (Annie Q Riegel, Kung Fu) as well. But fingers initially point in Imogene's direction, after she's caught on camera in the victim's room not long before he met his end. Rufus, who she's furious to see but has been tasked with looking into the matter until Interpol arrives, can assist — and wants her help cracking the mystery in turn. No one needs to be badged "the world's greatest detective" to pick that their current situation and Imogene's mother's murder have connections. "Pay attention: details matter," advises Rufus early, with Death and Other Details endeavouring to fill its frames with tidbits that prove that notion. And there are tidbits; just like the lengthy list of folks associated with the show's two cases, there's no shortage of backstories, links, twists, detours, motives, secrets, lies, affairs, clues and other finer points. Although not everything convincingly earns its place, the non-stop flow gives Imogene and Rufus plenty to dive into, in the present, common past and much in-between. And while the extravagant ocean liner that the bulk of the current-day timeline is set upon doesn't seem to be in a hurry to get anywhere, the series' plot is pacy and bouncy, never letting a moment drag. Death and Other Details' jumps backwards are always tied to memories and, in another choice that could've sunk or swum — thankfully, it's the latter — often insert Imogene into the recollections. Accordingly, the act of scouring one's brain and scrutinising someone's story for aspects that've might've been overlooked receives a visual representation. The underlying idea isn't just a passing theme, either. That almost everything is subjective isn't a unique revelation, but examining the distortions of our minds, what we choose to see and to block, and what recurs again and again, is particularly potent in unpacking grief and trauma. Such is Imogene's tale, which Death and Other Details never forgets even as it luxuriates on an opulent ship, splashes around sunnily and glossily shot sights, and also steams into the eat-the-rich realm. As the investigators sifting through a motley crew of players with their own idiosyncrasies, Patinkin and Beane unsurprisingly leave the biggest imprint among the cast. Ever-reliably great, he's in classic gumshoe and Columbo-type mode, while she's shrewd and determined. The contrast — as familiar as it is — works a charm. Indeed, as the series coasts entertainingly along, wanting more of Rufus and Imogene sleuthing together, and more of them stepping beyond their present boat-bound scenario, is the main takeaway. For now, their maiden Death and Other Details' voyage boasts much to keep audiences wanting to continue breezing along with them. Check out the trailer for Death and Other Details below: Death and Other Details streams via Disney+ from Tuesday, January 16. Images: Hulu.
In The Guest Edit we hand the reins over to some of Sydney's most interesting, tasteful and entertaining people. For this instalment we have enlisted the guidance of Claire Perini, an interior architect who is founder and curator of the beautiful Avalon-based interiors studio and store Composition. Here, Claire divulges some of her favourite spots in her pocket of the Northern Beaches, a suburb once primarily known as a haven for surfers that is now home to a burgeoning creative community and growing food and drink scene. [caption id="attachment_812163" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bar Elvina interior, photographed by Steven Woodburn[/caption] Dining & Drinking Bar Elvina "Whether mid-week or mid-weekend, Elvina is always serving up good times. Specialising in Mediterranean food with seafood expertly cooked on charcoal and a focus on pasta and grains — my personal favourite being their vongole which I could eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also boast a beautiful outdoor terrace nestled in an edible kitchen garden that is available for hire and makes the perfect backdrop for any celebration. On the weekends Elvina also has a bottomless banquet, tantalising menu and includes open wine and Aperol spritz's (I'll have 3 please). Menu designed and beautifully executed by Andy Emerson (formerly of Acme)." Find it at: Level 1, 50 Old Barrenjoey Road Book here. Randy's "A casual street bar you'd expect to find hidden within the streets of New York. With a focus on delicious snacks designed to be shared and daily oyster happy hour (serving only the best Australian rock oysters) Randy's is a keeper. Weekends are lively and you're bound to find a local to dine with on a Friday afternoon. Chef Zac serves up a series of different pickled foods that I frequently request jars of to take home." Find it at: 50 Old Barrenjoey Road Text or call to book: +61474 945 431 Graze n' Cakes "Mine and most of Avalon's favourite hole-in-the-wall dining spot, this patisserie/Vietnamese haven is undoubtedly my favourite lunch spot. When you can get a banh mi and the best chocolate chip cookie in one spot, why would you go anywhere else? Sandy who runs it, is also one of the nicest people on earth which is an added bonus when visiting!" Find it at: 3/38 Burrawong Road Call: (02) 8919 0058 Other local dining spots that Claire recommends: Pocket Pizza, Oceana Traders and La Banette patisserie. [caption id="attachment_944544" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The collection at Composition, photographed by Sage Hammond[/caption] Shopping Composition Naturally this guide needs to include Claire Perini's own studio, showroom and store which we have previously described as "achingly tasteful". Her meticulously curated selection of Modern-period antiques and contemporary brands all fall within one of three categories: Artefact (unique vintage), Object (new product) and Print (design literature both vintage and new, and lithographic works). The latest collection dubbed 'La Dolce Villa' has a focus on smaller items and little moments to admire that bring sweetness and connection into interior spaces. Find it at: 45a Avalon Parade Browse the website here. Bassike "The prominent Australian brand that needs no introduction has their stunning flagship store (designed by Akin Atelier) within the heart of Avalon. With not only their stunning own range of designs, but I love the way the brand threads through beautiful Australian brands that compliment the company's ethos." Find it at: 41 Avalon Parade Browse the website here. Lee Matthews "A new addition to the offerings in Avalon is the introduction of Lee Mathews' beautiful showroom." Find it at: 4o Avalon Parade Browse the website here. Peggy Concept Store "Named after Peggy Guggenheim, this store does not disappoint. Offering a curated collection of Australian and international ready-to-wear brands including some of my favourites: Matteau, Silk Laundry, Oséree and Muma World." Find it at: 62 Old Barrenjoey Road Browse the website here. Lifestyle Sauna Amalfi "A new addition to Avalon is this modern take on a Swedish sauna, Sauna Amalfi. Services include state of the art clear light infrared saunas, a traditional sauna, and a UV-Filtered and temperature controlled cold plunge." Find it at: 62 Old Barrenjoey Road Browse the website here. Feels Pilates "When you're done eating and drinking your way through Avalon, nothing like a little reformer session to sweat away the guilt. The Feels Pilates instructors will leave you feeling like every muscle has been activated with their dynamic classes that focus on form." Find it at: Rear shop at 46 Old Barrenjoey Road Learn more here. [caption id="attachment_536619" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Avalon Beach[/caption] Nature "My absolute favourite part of living in the Northern Beaches, and specifically 'past the bends', is the nature. The proximity to the national park, the views of the Pittwater, the sounds of wildlife and the community constantly activating the different elements... A few of my favourite spots would be, Paradise Beach a little beach on the Pittwater side; Angophora Reserve a little hour's walk through the bushland but nestled just behind the village shops and for some more dramatic scenery; Bangalley Head walk which boasts views of the ocean and the natural sandstone cliffs." Discover more spots in and around Avalon Beach here.
Since 2019, IKEA shoppers have been able to offload their no-longer-needed furniture and do the environment a solid, all thanks to the Swedish retailer's buy-back service. And, if you've been keen to add some pre-loved wares to your home in return, you've been able to purchase other folks' unwanted goods in-person at the chain's As-Is sections. Been spending too much of the last couple of years at home, browsing online for new pieces to deck out your digs — because we've all filled plenty of time in our houses, staring at our same-old couches and rugs, during the pandemic? Still keen to opt for secondhand furniture, rather than new? From Monday, July 11, IKEA has launched its new As-Is Online Australian marketplace, letting you buy its discontinued, ex-display and pre-loved items from home. The platform has been trialled in Queensland since April, and now reaches stores nationwide. And yes, it's still linked to individual IKEA outposts, because that's where you'll need to head to collect whichever secondhand pieces you decide to buy. Here's how it works: shoppers hit up the As-Is Online platform, then scroll their way through the list of discontinued items, used wares, ex-showroom displays and products returned via IKEA's buy-back service. Once you've found something you like at a reduced amount — between 20–75 percent off the original product price — you can reserve it with a few clicks. After that, you just need to head to your selected store to complete the purchase, including picking up your new-to-you items from the brand's As-Is area. That's located just before the checkouts, which probably does mean you'll still wander the length of IKEA anyway — but at least the things you've made the trip for already have your name on them. IKEA is promoting the service as a way to save cash — which is rather handy right now thanks to inflation — and also as part of its efforts to become climate positive by 2030. Back when the buy-back regime was implemented, it was initially inspired by IKEA's findings that Aussies threw away up to 13.5 million pieces of furniture that could have been recycled, reused or repaired. To check out IKEA's new As-Is Online marketplace from Monday, July 11, head to the chain's website.
Originally opened for business in 1824, The Australian Heritage Hotel retains the honour of being the oldest continuously licensed pub in Sydney. Always pleasantly packed with bar-goers, it's best to arrive here early — especially if you're looking for a round of two-up on ANZAC Day. Cosy, with much of its old-fashioned décor intact, the Australian is wedged onto the end of Cumberland Street in the Rocks, practically next to the iconic Harbour Bridge. It's the perfect location to enjoy an after-work cold beer from the pub's long and varied list of options. With a lengthy tradition of premium drinks, plus a killer view, it doesn't get much better than the Australian. Image: Alana Dimou.
Whether you know that little spot behind the El Alamein Fountain as Potts Point or Elizabeth Bay, likelihood is you know Gazebo. You may also know that this Sunday drinks staple, tucked underneath apartments of the same name, has had quite the extensive refurb. The result: a sophisticated hotel-style restaurant and bar that locals of both suburbs will find it hard not to fall for. Owned by the large lifestyle group Keystone, the new and improved Gazebo has well and truly shaken its garishly colourful and quirky character other ‘stone establishments like the Winery in Surry Hills are renowned for. It’s now a chic and elegant, two-part venue divided into a casual outside bar and dining space channelling a touch of West Coast LA, and a curving, low-lit restaurant sporting a water-droplet inspired chandelier and a grand piano, to name just a couple of art deco vibes this once hotel for the ‘60s international in-crowd would be proud of. Manager Michael Gavaghan tells us Gazebo was “long overdue” some love, especially with the likes of The Apollo and Monopole upping the ante mere moments away, and with a menu designed to share created by ex-Est. head chef Jason Dean on offer, long gone are the days of oversized sausage rolls and double dipping. We began by crunching through some carrot crisps with Chantilly goat's curd and a delicious blast of balsamic ($6) before flipping textures with kingfish in smoked oyster dressing, cured with cucumber and freshened further with apple and lime ($19). For mains, we devoured the tiger prawns in green chilli, daikon and coconut ($21) before moving onto the spiced lamb ($27) — both cooked by wood oven, by the way — and the duck ($28). The lamb accompanied by butternut, roasted lettuce, black quinoa and parmesan was very nice, especially the black quinoa with its amazing nutty, almost popcorn flavour. The duck, however, clinched the title as best dish, cooked perfectly and dripping with all the flavours — including beetroot, smoked almond and salted honeycomb. As wine goes, there isn’t a huge selection, but the staff will still happily suggest something to complement your meal, so certainly shout for their recommendations if you want/need. When our bottle of Some Young Punks' Double Love Trouble Nebbiolo arrived ($53), we were glad we did. Cocktails-wise, pre-meal we tried the house special Chilcano de Pisco of lime, honey, ginger, soda, bitters and Campo de Encanto pisco ($13 and on tap), and the tequila-based Tommy’s Gazebo of Don Julio Blanco with pomegranate, coconut nectar, bitters and lime. Both are sweet and refreshing and just what you fancy if you’re looking to soak up some outside and feel a little fabulous. And to be honest, while personally I’m a little biased as a pianist myself, if you manage to score yourself a table on a Wednesday or Friday when the grand piano is being played (beautifully, may I add), it’s kinda tricky not to feel a little fabulous in here. The transformation is a success, the food is excellent and the service is genuinely friendly and knowledgeable. Nicely done, indeed.
So you've just finished your latest rewatch of Pulp Fiction, Gilmore Girls or any number of David Lynch classics and you've got a hankering to hit up an American-style diner. Look no further than Valentinas in Marrickville. But, don't fear, this isn't some cheap gimmick. The Livingston Road spot combines classic diner aesthetics and southern dishes with the best of Australian cafe culture to create one of the most-hyped brunch spots in the Inner West. Head past the pies and doughnuts resting in the front counter and take a seat in the throwback dining room decked out with green corduroy backrests, plenty of wood panelling and branded coffee mugs that give it the appearance of a local joint you'd find in the American Mid-West. For the traditional diner experience, you can order yourself bottomless filter coffee for $9. But, if you can't pass up your regular latte or cold brew, don't worry, Valentinas isn't committing to the bit that seriously. The selection of eats can be broken into three sections. There's the all-day breakfast menu, where breakfast sandwiches ($13.50–17), cheese omelettes ($20) and fluffy pancakes ($9–21) are the stars of the show. Further down you'll find the section of the menu simply titled 'Not Breakfast', where you can order a Whole Beast Butchery patty melt on toasted rye ($24) and a loaded fried chicken sandwich smothered in your choice of ranch, mustard or hot honey ($17.50). Rounding out the food is the aforementioned dessert cabinet, offering slices of pie ($9), snickerdoodle cookies ($7) and that day's delivery from Grumpy Donuts. If this all sounds up your alley, schedule a trip on a weekday or make sure to head over on a weekend when you have time to spare and plenty of patience. Valentinas doesn't take bookings and it's always a hot spot for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays so waiting in the sun for a seat is all part of the experience. Appears in: The Best Cafes in Sydney Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
Here's a cheap way to update your wardrobe, as long as you're so fond of ALDI that you're keen to show your love via your outfit. Already a go-to for budget-friendly groceries, snow gear and whatever other specials that it can rustle up, the supermarket chain started its own streetwear collection in 2024, and that move proved a hit. Accordingly, you can now get excited about decking yourself out in the company's 2025 range. Selling clothes wasn't new for the chain when the ALDImania collection initially debuted, as everyone who regularly trawls its middle aisles will be well-aware, but this was the first time that the brand released its own ALDI threads. Those pieces sold out, so 2025's collection is even bigger. Everything still comes cheap, though, clocking in at under $20. Available from ALDI stores from Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the new range features 29 pieces. ALDI-branded hoodies, track pants, sneakers, socks and beanies are back, as are sweatshirts, t-shirts, bucket hats and caps. You can also get ALDI clogs this time around. For some items, there's also multiple colours available, with grey, back and white the 2025 lineup's base hues. Both types of shoes come in two styles, as do the t-shirts. For little ALDI fans, kids' sweatshirts and track pants are also on offer. Again made from sustainably sourced or recycled materials, the collection starts at $4.99 cost-wise, which'll get you a pair of socks. The most you'll pay is $19.99 for the sneakers. In-between those maximums and minimums, hoodies will set you back $14.99, beanies and bucket hats $7.99 each, clogs are the same price, and tees $8.99. If you'd like a compact umbrella (in three designs) or a double-walled insulated mug (in four designs), they help round out the collection. ALDI's 2025 streetwear range will hit the chain's supermarkets around Australia from Wednesday, April 9. Visit the ALDI website for more details.
The dots are stunning. The pumpkins, too. Her use of bold colours and shapes is also dazzling. There's another reason that Yayoi Kusama's art is so beloved, however: whether via mirrored infinity rooms, oversized tentacles or getting exhibition attendees putting stickers everywhere, she wholeheartedly embraces immersing her audience. It's true of Dancing Pumpkin, one of her famous gourd sculptures, which is on display in Melbourne right now — and when NGV International's massive Yayoi Kusama exhibition opens in December, it'll prove true again and again, breaking a world record in the process. Since April, the NGV has ben promising that its summer blockbuster exhibition — an Australian-exclusive as well — will be big. Across Sunday, December 15, 2024–Monday, April 21, 2025, it will feature 180-plus works from the acclaimed Japanese artist, in the largest Kusama retrospective that the country has ever seen. Now, the gallery has also revealed that it'll boast ten of the talent's immersive installations, which is the most that has ever been assembled in a single location before. [caption id="attachment_950475" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of Yayoi Kusama's Chandelier of Grief 2016/18, Tate Modern, London. Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts and Victoria Miro. © YAYOI KUSAMA.[/caption] One is a brand-new piece that's world-premiering in Melbourne, so when visitors enter Infinity Mirrored Room–My Heart is Filled to the Brim with Sparkling Light, they'll be among the first people on the planet to experience the work. Inside, the space appears to open into an infinite celestial universe. Kusama's latest creation adds to her ongoing fascination with infinity mirror rooms, which she has been creating since the 60s. See also: 2016's Chandelier of Grief, which features baroque-style chandelier spinning within a hexagon of mirrors; 2013's Love Is Calling, where tentacles in different colours spring from both the floor and the ceiling; and 2017's The Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens, which gets viewers peering at glowing pumpkins as far as the eye can see through a small peephole. [caption id="attachment_981012" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of Yayoi Kusama's Dots Obsession 1996/2015 at Kusama's solo exhibition YAYOI KUSAMA: IN INFINITY, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Humlebaek, Denmark. YAYOI KUSAMA Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts © YAYOI KUSAMA.[/caption] Also relying upon mirrors heavily: the newest version of Dots Obsession, a room where the walls are reflective and biomorphic inflatables lurk. And yes, it's meant to inspire existential thoughts — and also feel as if the space goes on forever. Then, in Invisible Life, convex mirrors line a twisting and multi-hued corridor. With its six-metre-tall tendrils — which are covered in polka dots, naturally — the yellow-and-black The Hope of the Polka Dots Buried in Infinity Will Eternally Cover the Universe from 2019 is striking without using a looking glass (or several), and will make its Australian premiere. Prefer flowers instead? Set within a dotted space, All My Love for the Tulips, I Pray Forever from 2013 sees a trio of giant tulips loom over audiences. [caption id="attachment_950473" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama's The Obliteration Room 2002–present. Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art © YAYOI KUSAMA. Photo: N Harth, QAGOMA.[/caption] If you went to the comprehensive Kusama showcase at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art back in 2017–18, or to the same site when it has also hosted the artist's The Obliteration Room at other times, then you'll know all about this sticker-fuelled experience. Even if you haven't taken part before, you've likely seen photos of it on social media. In Melbourne as in the other places that it has popped up, this artwork gets you popping coloured dots everywhere — 'obliterating' it, as Kusama calls it — to cover an apartment interior that's completely white otherwise. The idea is to fill every single millimetre with stickers over time. It's an all-ages (and free) part of the exhibition, displaying in the NGV's children's gallery, but expect as many adults there as kids. Flower Obsession is another participatory piece, returning from the 2017 NGV Triennial. Again, you're asked to add to the work. This time, though, red flowers are applied to a domestic space — and again, obliterating it is the mission. [caption id="attachment_950474" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of Yayoi Kusama's Flower Obsession 2017 on display in NGV Triennial from 15 December 2017 – 15 April 2018 at NGV International Melbourne. © YAYOI KUSAMA Image courtesy of NGVImage courtesy of NGV.[/caption] Alongside the ten immersive installations — plus the five-metre-tall Dancing Pumpkin in NGV International's Federation Court — Yayoi Kusama will step through the 95-year-old artist's eight decades of making art via a thematic chronology. Some pieces hail from her childhood. Some are recent. Her output in her hometown of Matsumoto from the late 30s–50s; the results of relocating to America in 1957; archival materials covering her performances and activities in her studios, especially with a political charge, in the 60s and 70s: they'll all appear. Half of the exhibition is devoted to the past four decades — so, pumpkins galore, giant paintings and more. Again, this is a hefty exhibition overall, complete with a new version of Narcissus Garden made of 1400 30-centimetre-diameter stainless silver balls, a Kusama artwork specific to NGV's Waterwall, over 20 experimental fashion designs by the artist, Infinity Net paintings from the 50s and 60s, Accumulation sculptures and textiles from the 60s and 70s, and a recreation of her New York studio. It's one of the most-comprehensive Kusama retrospectives ever staged globally, in fact — and the closest that you'll get to experiencing her Tokyo museum without leaving Australia. [caption id="attachment_979066" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama's Dancing Pumpkin 2020 now on display for the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV International, Melbourne until 21 April 2025. © YAYOI KUSAMA. Photo: Sean Fennessy.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_950480" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama, 2022 © YAYOI KUSAMA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_979065" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama's Dancing Pumpkin 2020 now on display for the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV International, Melbourne until 21 April 2025. © YAYOI KUSAMA. Photo: Sean Fennessy.[/caption] Yayoi Kusama displays at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne from Sunday, December 15, 2024–Monday, April 21, 2025. Head to the NGV website for more details and tickets. Top image: Yayoi Kusama, The Hope of the Polka Dots Buried in Infinity Will Eternally Cover the Universe 2019 at Kusama's solo exhibition Yayoi Kusama: All About Love Speaks Forever at Fosun Foundation, Shanghai. Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts © YAYOI KUSAMA.
This is one of the most recognisable dumpling haunts in Haymarket. Many would attribute this to the plastic grapes drooling from the ceiling, but we reckon it's got something to do with this place's authenticity. As classic as you'll get, Chinese Noodle Restaurant serves up fast and almost unchallengeable pork and cabbage dumplings ($8.80 for 12), while the miniature maitre d' flits around giving commands to her staff. The handmade Xinjiang stir-fried noodles with beef ($9.50) are a definite must, too; the product of the noodle aficionado on display behind a glass window who slaps and wraps the fresh dough for your viewing pleasure.
Behind the Betta Meats butchery facade, you'll find a secret but beloved cocktail bar: Earl's Juke Joint. It has been around since 2013 and remained a firm Newtown favourite since then. Owner and ex-Shady Pines head honcho Pasan Wijesana has pulled off the seemingly impossible — soul without kitsch — and given King Street a grown-up bar with a New Orleans edge. On the spectrum of masculine broody, the Earl's decor comes in at about the 'thick with bourbon' mark — you could be forgiven for swearing there is a haze of cigarette smoke in the air. They have gone with a basic but effective design brief: dim yellow lighting, dark wood and corrugated iron, topped off by faces like Fats Waller and T-Bone Walker looking down at a comfortably eclectic crowd from the whitewash walls. The feature of the bar, is, well, the bar; a goliath amongst bar tops that coolly dominates the space and invites you to take a seat. If you're not so keen on bartender banter there are a few booths at the back of the room, and plenty of side tables if you're after a touch of privacy. Once you've secured a menu look over the house rules. Rule # 2: 'Don't be creepy' is a built-in conversation starter (or ender) for those on dates. Move on down the menu to the cocktail list, which rotates through eight options every two months and uses native ingredients like saltbush and kaffir lime. If cocktails aren't your port of call, there is plenty else to love about Earl's extensive beer list, which has taken a turn toward mainly Australian and New Zealand craft. Like the cocktail list, it too changes regularly but has an intriguing roster of local legends Wildflower, Yullis, and Philter as well as craft breweries further afield. Wines take a heavy natural and organic lean, with rare 'cult' drops making an appearance every month. The only disappointment here was that we didn't get to see Rule # 5: 'If Triumph by the Wu-Tang Clan plays there will momentarily be no bar service. At least for the first verse anyway.' Updated April 28, 2023.
A Sydney mainstay and enthusiast of all caloric affairs, Mary's, is expanding into a new AM enterprise with the launch of a weekend brunch menu exclusive to its North Sydney outpost. The new fixture fixates on the most important meal of the day after a wildly successful pop-up event in June, where the restaurant trialled an all-day breakfast menu for a week. The menu is available every Saturday and Sunday from 9am–2pm, beginning on Father's Day weekend. "We had such a great response to the pop-up and had so much fun creating this menu. Launching it in sync with Father's Day weekend is just perfect timing for all those hungry, thirsty dads," said Mary's co-founder Jake Smyth. There are a few ways to tuck into the menu. If you're partial to a bottomless brunch, $55 per head will set you up with Mary's brunch classics alongside free-flowing mimosas, bloody marys, house wine or beer, and Loggerhead filter coffee. Or, pace yourself and spare the belt notches with a step-by-step exploration of the à la carte collection. Get that bottomless filter coffee coming and settle into your TV-show-detective morning routine with doughnuts by the piece or in a half dozen. Seeking something savoury? Take your pick from egg and cheese muffins, bacon and sausage stacks, biscuits in gravy or a full brekkie burger — with a sausage patty, 'trashcan' bacon, fried egg, cheese, hash brown, smoked maple syrup and house HP. There's a vegetarian take too, with a stack of mushrooms, fried egg, hash browns and smoked ketchup. Keeping with big breakfast tradition, there are pancakes too, which come in stacks ranging from classic to chaotic. On one end of the spectrum is the Classic Stack adorned with whipped butter and maple syrup, and on the other end is The Widow Maker, topped with bacon, patties, eggs and hash browns. You'll want to skip dinner the night before for the latter. All that food got you extra thirsty? Mary's classic $10 margs are available just as you'd find them at other Mary's venues, and the weekend brunch offering also offers mimosas, palomas and Spicy Pickle Margaritas, if you need a little hair of the dog. Mary's North Sydney will launch the new weekend brunch menu on Saturday, September 5. Find it at T16/155-189 Miller Street, North Sydney, 2060. Open from Monday–Sunday, hours vary. Find out more and make a booking via the website.
When it comes to the development of Sydney's beachside suburbs, Cronulla has admittedly taken a bit of a backseat. But it's slowly making up for lost time. And a driving force behind this are Harry and Mario Kapoulas. The brothers, whose Greek-inspired cafe and deli HAM is somewhat of an institution for Shire residents, are keeping the wheels turning with their newest venture Rushi. The pair joined forces with another longtime Cronulla establishment, Chain Reaction Bicycles, to launch this small eatery inside the store earlier this year. While this type of hybrid may not be an altogether fresh idea for Sydney (see: Rising Sun Workshop, Deus Ex Machina), it is for Cronulla. For the new cafe, the Kapoulas duo brought in friend Lucy Brenton, from Paddington institution Jackie's. And with her, Brenton brought chef Derek McMullan, sous chef Yopi Tjandra and a collective passion for Japanese cuisine. The cafe's Japanese influence starts with the branding — "rushi" is the Japanese translation of "Lucy" and the logo, which kind of looks like a smiling emoji, is one of the Japanese characters from the name. You'll see the 'smile' straight away when you enter the cafe — it's on the floor tiles at the door — and it's a good sign of what to expect service-wise, too. Nestled into the front corner of the bike store, the cafe is compact, with the open kitchen and counter on one-side and a wall of jarred spices on the other. The approach to seating, we think, is to put them wherever there is space — including under the stairs that lead to an office above. The size of the kitchen calls for a succinct menu, but all the major Aussie brunch favourites are present, albeit with a Japanese twist. A standout is the egg yariman roll (we'll let you do that translation yourselves). It's a decadent combo of parmesan scrambled eggs, avocado, bacon and Sriracha mayo served on a soft milk bun. The ricotta hotcakes and Forbidden Rice — warm sticky black coconut rice pudding with seasonal fruit —are good choices for sweet tooths. For lunch, expect a tataki salmon poke-style salad, a yuzu steak sandwich and an almost-permanent special, the Phomen: a pho-ramen hybrid. The coffee is a custom blend from local roasters White Horse Coffee, but, if you're tempted to experiment, the range of 'alternative lattes' is fairly appetising — with raspberry cocoa, charcoal and mint slice options. In this new spot, the Kapoulas duo and Brenton have together created a beachside eatery that stands out from the rest — for more than one reason. And they're about to do it all again — the team is working on a new 'concept chicken shop', named CC Babcoq, which will join Salts Meats Cheese in Cronulla's new development The Banc in November. Stay tuned for details.
When someone spots a giant spider, they take notice, even when it's simply a tall metal piece of art. Seeing one of Louise Bourgeois' towering arachnids is indeed a stunning experience; however, so is watching people clock her lofty works. Her Maman sculptures demand attention. They're the type of public art that audiences just want to sit around, soak in and commune with. They're photo favourites, too, of course — and one has just arrived in Australia. This is the first time that Maman has displayed Down Under, with the world-famous piece arriving in Sydney as part of Sydney International Art Series. Bourgeois is one of three hero talents scoring a blockbuster exhibition during event, alongside Wassily Kandinsky and Tacita Dean. [caption id="attachment_927829" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of the Louise Bourgeois 'Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day?' exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Felicity Jenkins[/caption] The nine-metre-high, ten-metre-wide sculpture that Bourgeois is best known for is currently on display on the forecourt of the Art Gallery of NSW, towering over the historic South Building. The sculpture hails back to 1999, and boasts its name because it's a tribute to Bourgeois' mother. The artist described her mum as "deliberate, clever, patient, soothing... and [as] useful as a spider". If you're keen to see Maman on home soil, Louise Bourgeois: Has the Day Invaded the Night, or Has the Night Invaded the Day? is running at the gallery from Saturday, November 25, 2023–Sunday, April 28, 2024, boasting 120 different works — the most comprehensive exhibition of Bourgeois's work ever to grace a gallery in the Asia Pacific. [caption id="attachment_927824" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation of Louise Bourgeois 'Maman' at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Felicity Jenkins[/caption] "Bold artists inspire art museums towards new approaches," said Art Gallery of New South Wales director Michael Brand. "I am proud that Bourgeois' art has inspired an exhibition that is itself exploratory and fully exploits the dramatic potential of our expanded art museum to reveal the ceaseless exploration of life's extremes that characterised her work." "This ambitious exhibition is like none other presented at the Art Gallery, and we are very proud to bring this unique experience to Sydney this summer." The Bourgeois exhibition is on display 13 years after the Paris-born artist passed away in New York in 2010, and after she stamped her imprint upon the art of the 20th century. Visitors will see her Arch of Hysteria work down in the gallery's underground Tank, textile works of the 1990s and 2000s, and plenty in-between. [caption id="attachment_927827" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of the Louise Bourgeois 'Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day?' exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Felicity Jenkins[/caption] Other highlights include The Destruction of the Father, which is among the pieces that've never been displayed in Australia before; Clouds and Caverns, which is rarely seen in general; and the mirrored piece Has the Day Invaded the Night, or Has the Night Invaded the Day?, which shares the exhibition's moniker. Alongside the display of art, there will be a free film series curated by the AGNSW's Ruby Arrowsmith-Todd. A heap of Louise Bourgeois' favourite flicks will be screened at the gallery's cinema, including 1958's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, 1971's Harold and Maude, David Lynch's Eraserhead, John Waters' Pink Flamingos and The Wizard of Oz. [caption id="attachment_927832" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, courtesy of Roadshow PPL[/caption] [caption id="attachment_927830" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of the Louise Bourgeois 'Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day?' exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Felicity Jenkins[/caption] [caption id="attachment_927831" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of the Louise Bourgeois 'Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day?' exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Felicity Jenkins[/caption] [caption id="attachment_927826" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of the Louise Bourgeois 'Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day?' exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Felicity Jenkins[/caption] Louise Bourgeois: Has the Day Invaded the Night, or Has the Night Invaded the Day? runs from Saturday, November 25, 2023–Sunday, April 28, 2024 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney. Head to the gallery's website for more information and to purchase tickets. Top image: installation of Louise Bourgeois 'Maman' at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Felicity Jenkins.
If there's one place that trumps Australia in the brunch stakes, it's good ol' NYC. For the uninitiated, the city's take on the famed hybrid meal is, quite simply, on another level. It's decadent, lengthy and perhaps (note: definitely) a little boozy. As a self-confessed 'New York tragic', it's little surprise that Charles Cameron lists the city as a source of inspiration for his venture Matinee Coffee. This Marrickville eatery takes cues from NYC in a number of ways: it's open all-day, it serves booze — including neighbouring brew Grifter on tap — and it has an unabashedly bold fit-out. Noting that he feels both Scandi and industrial styles have been serviced in the cafe scene — and he would know as a former owner of industrial haven Brewtown — Cameron had very different intentions for Matinee. To create the space, he teamed up with interior masters Luchetti Krelle. A jewel-toned colour palette tracks through orange table-tops, a crimson-tiled communal table, green velvet chairs and a mural on the back wall. There are references to old-school milk bars in the blue marmoleum flooring and a neon-lit menu above the coffee machine. The venue takes full advantage of its corner location on Addison Road. An L-shaped counter provides Cameron a panoramic view of his domain, from the kitchen and timber banquette stage right to the large communal table and outdoor seating stage left. The theatre-speak is intentional: the eatery's moniker is one of several nods to show business, such as the red velvet-roped entrance and fringe chandeliers above the communal table. But it's not gaudy, it's considered — as is most of Matinee's make-up. There are two menus, one for drinks and treats, plus one for eats, to explore. For drinks, coffee is a custom in-house blend — which is available to purchase, plus there are vegan shakes and the aforementioned alcohol. The majority of sweets — including a delectable passionfruit tart and caramel slice — are vegan and gluten-free. In fact, tell-tale symbols for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free appear all over the menu, again signalling a well-thought out approach, rather than a tokenistic one. For the most part, the kitchen has avoided fads (à la cronuts) and instead does fresh takes on well-worn cafe favourites. The karaage chicken burger with shoestring fries is flavoursome and the sweet potato fritters are a winner, particularly when hacked with haloumi. As a bacon fiend, the menu staple thick cut bourbon bacon is a welcome addition to both dishes. On the sweeter side, you've got a perfectly balanced buckweet brekkie trifle with passionfruit curd and coconut yoghurt and the tiramisu waffle. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also ask for the current specials. All of these menu items, and more, are available all day. Modern attention spans mean that Sydney folk often get bored quickly with new cafes. Let's hope the curtain stays risen on Matinee. Images: Letícia Almeida Appears in: The Best Cafes in Sydney The Best Cafes for Working or Studying in Sydney
And just like that, Christmas gifting season is upon us. If your life is blessed with book lovers, you may want to focus your gifting attention on Sydney's best kept bookish secret. Kinokuniya is an inner city treasure trove with a packed Christmas catalog waiting to be explored. Their Sydney store is filled with what feels like an endless supply of books. That's why we've teamed up to curate a page-turning selection of the best books to gift this Christmas. Young or old, reader or not, this guide is guaranteed to delight the special people in your life. For The Foodies: Modern Australian Baking [caption id="attachment_1041478" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] If a foodie is on your Christmas list, they're most likely familiar with Christopher Thé. He's the mastermind behind the revered Black Star Pastry. And, most importantly, he's the brains that brought us the Strawberry Watermelon Cake. Thé has also won Kinokuniya's Cookbook of the Year 2025, which means you can pick it up with 20% off, plus you can even find signed copies in store. The book is filled with more than 80 sweet and savoury recipes that have been arranged by season. The ingredients focus on what's native to Australia. Modern Australian Baking is available online and in store for $48.00 (normally $60.00) with the Kinokuniya special discount. For The Cat People: Seishin Self-Watering Cultivation Kits [caption id="attachment_1045241" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] Browse the rows upon rows of books at Kinokuniya and you'll come across some fun trinkets—like, the Seishin Self-Watering Cultivation Kits. Not only are they shaped like tiny, adorable cats, but they are self-watering planters. The adorable kits are perfect for herbs in the kitchen or adding flecks of green to desks and windowsills. The kits even include seeds. Seishin Corocoro Cat Planter in store for $19.95 For Good Reads Challenge Participants: Chosen Family [caption id="attachment_1041476" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] Book worms in your circle will be delighted to be gifted one of this Summer's most anticipated releases. Madeline Gray's breakout debut, Green Dot, has earned her a legion of fans. Now, her latest release, Chosen Family is similarly breaking the internet with lovers of literary fiction. The book follows Nell and Eve, both brilliant, odd and friendless. We watch them grow into themselves and slowly love and destroy each other from school, to careers and motherhood. Expect humour, heartbreak, romance, and one of this year's best queer stories. If you're buying for a Green Dot super fan, you'll be pleased to know signed copies are also available. Chosen Family is available online and in store for $34.99 For Non-Fiction Readers: Ankami [caption id="attachment_1041473" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] Author Debra Dank had always wanted to learn more about her family. For a start, she knows her father had five siblings. Dank had lived life with an understanding that her family was one of the few who survived the Stolen Generation without having any children stolen. That is, until she uncovers her paternal grandmother gave birth to ten children, not five. What follows is a story unlike anything you've read before. It's blisteringly honest and unforgettable. The book is written from the perspective of those left behind. Ankami is available online and in store for $32.99 For Kids Who Hate Veggies: Dear Broccoli [caption id="attachment_1041472" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] If you're responsible for bedtime stories, or know someone who is, Dear Broccoli is an essential in your roster. This hilarious illustrated story is perfect for kids who don't like their greens. The story follows Frank who makes a polite request each night for broccoli to stop showing up in his dinner. But, night after night, there it is on his plate. The story is a laugh-filled read for little ones and may even make them like broccoli. Make the gift a little special with a signed copy. Dear Broccoli is available online and in store for $24.99 For Graphic Novel Fans: Cry Wolf Girl [caption id="attachment_1041477" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] Fans of graphic novels and manga will love Cry Wolf Girl. The Aussie-authored story follows Dawa. Dawa has lost her family to sickness and is now left alone and empty—that is, until she discovers that trickery keeps her rather fulfilled. The story is an artistic, colourful and cheeky retelling of The Boy Who Cried Wolf from the pen of Melbourne artist, Ariel Slamet Ries. Kinokuniya will be one of the few—if not the only—bookstores with local stock. Cry Wolf Girl is available online and in store for $38.77 For the Pop Culture Fluent: The Art of Kaylene Whiskey: Do You Believe in Love? For the friend in your life whose reference repertoire is unmatched, grab them a copy of The Art of Kaylene Whiskey: Do You Believe in Love? The book comes with praise from Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Hunt For The Wilderpeople), "Kayleyne Whiskey is an artistic Swiss Army knife," and Dolly Parton, "I was very excited that Kaylene honoured me through her art." In the book you'll find a collection of Whiskey's art, where she puts brightly coloured pop stars—painted with Indigenous style dots and hilarious speech bubbles—into her remote, Central Australian community. Alongside Dolly you'll find Tina Turner, Cat Woman, Cher and Wonder Woman telling the Kungkarangkalpa Tjukurpa (Seven Sisters) story. The Art of Kaylene Whiskey is available online and in store for $90.00. For more gifts you can find at Kinokuniya, look no further than their 2025 gift guide.
Balmain has a distinctly village-y feel despite its close proximity to the city. The pace is very much a stroll, not a sprint. Lumbering dalmatians attached to activewear-clad runners mix with young publicans and families amid a series of historic pubs, cheery brunch spots and specialty shops lining the footpaths. While you cruise the suburb's main pedestrian hub on Darling Street, you can unearth the perfect gift or discover your next favourite wine shop. In partnership with American Express, we've explored the area and found a destination to match your mood and needs — from prepping for your next party to indulging in some well-deserved pampering.
When you've been sipping on blue milk, how ready will you be to battle the Galactic Empire? Will tucking into green burgers and dessert space stations get you fuelled to rebel against oppression? There's only one way to find out the answers to these questions: by visiting the brand-new Star Wars Galactic Cafe, an Australian-first eatery that's now open at Melbourne Museum. After the Victorian venue became the top spot right now, in this very galaxy, to see Star Wars come to life via Lego courtesy of the world-premiering Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition — and the only place to check out life-sized recreations of the space saga's locations, characters, duels and moments as made out of eight-million-plus plastic bricks, in fact — the same site has welcomed another Aussie debut. As first announced back in May, never before has an official Star Wars cafe popped up Down Under. This one is only here for a limited season. Yes, blue milk is definitely on offer, because it wouldn't be a Star Wars-themed spot for a snack and a sip without it. You can enjoy it chilled or as part of a slushie. And the source of that all-important hue? Butterfly pea flower powder. The cafe's full food and drink range features other dishes and selections inspired by the franchise — and while there's no green milk or fish eggs, green-hued burgs and a Death Star by chocolate sweet treat are ready to tempt your tastebuds. Fittingly, the bites and drinks have names like Canto Bight Burger, Naboo Garden Vermicelli, Outer Rim Chicken Katsu and Tatooine Sunset. Also on offer: a Chewie gingerbread cookie that adorably resembles its namesake. A range of kids meal packs are available, too, with monikers such as Endo Explorer (featuring chicken nuggets) and Padawan Power (with a hummus and salad sandwich). Open since Saturday, June 7, 2025 and set to run until January 2026, the Star Wars Galactic Cafe is the result of Australian-first collaboration between Museums Victoria, Disney and Lucasfilm. The decor matches the menu, with the pop-up delivering an immersive eating and drinking experience beyond what you're consuming by taking you to a Corellian Star Cruiser to get feasting. If this sounds like the kind of spot that'll be popular, that's because it already is — so bookings are encouraged, with walk-in availability limited. Images: Carmen Zammit, courtesy of Museums Victoria.
If the Tomaree Head Summit is the best spot for epic views across the Port Stephens region, then Gan Gan Hill Lookout runs a close second. At 160 metres, it's the highest lookout in the region. And bonus: this one is accessible by car via Lily Hill Road if you're short on time or if there is a wheelchair user in your group. The car park is just 100 metres from the vantage point with a slight incline. It also makes it a great spot to head for stunning sunset vistas of the headlands, Tomaree National Park and up to Hawks Nest without the danger of walking back downhill in the dark. Yep, if you're after minimal effort with maximum reward, this is it. If you do want to walk though, it shouldn't take you more than 40 minutes each way. The hill was formerly known at Lilli Hill by the Maiangal People, a nod to the gymea lily plants that grow in abundance — and up to five metres high — at the top of the hill and flower prominently in spring. Image: Vishal Makwana via Flickr
