Love may not cost a thing, as many a pop song has told us, but a nice date often requires a little cash. The good news, of course, is that taking your significant other out for dinner needn't empty out your bank account. On the other hand, if you have some money to splash around, there's always a top-notch place to do so. Sydney's dining scene caters for both scenarios and everything in between at that. If you're all about quality time rather than dolling out the cash; if your wallet is feeling healthy, but not too stuffed; and if you're eager to go all out for a special occasion (or just because) — we've teamed up with Suncorp to find a tiptop date spot for any budget. Suncorp's Platinum Credit Card* works with your existing spending habits, earning you extra points for every dollar you spend on everyday essentials like groceries, that cheeky mid-week wine or this date you're now planning. Read on to discover five places for your next date night — whether you're looking to spend under $25 each or ready to make it rain. UNDER $25 EACH: BAR UME, SURRY HILLS Tucked away in the leafy backstreets of Surry Hills, Bar Ume is a relaxed Japanese-inspired burger joint-meets-wine bar. With a range of burgers with a distinctly Japanese twist, the menu has options for the vegetarian, pescatarian, fried chicken fiend and straight up carnivore. Try the fish katsu burger served with Japanese tartare sauce or the hand-crumbed chicken katsu burger with yuzu kosho mayo and tonkatsu sauce — and make sure to get a side of renkon chips and house-made Japanese pickles. Wash it all down with a glass or two of natural vino, a nip of shochu or a bottle of Asahi. The best bit? You'll wine and dine for under $25 per person. [caption id="attachment_623522" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To.[/caption] UNDER $60 EACH: DEAR SAINTE ELOISE, POTTS POINT As the week comes to a close, sometimes a plate of burrata and glass of pinot noir is all you need. If you're in the mood for a long, leisurely evening picking your way through share plates, this is the spot for you. Nestled in the heart of Potts Point, Dear Sainte Eloise delivers a wine-focused offering with a small but mighty set menu ($50 per person). The menu changes often, but you can usually expect to find the roe boats (crispy potato nests with salmon roe), a creamy pasta of sorts, fresh local fish, seasonal veg, plus a selection of cheeses or dessert to finish. Plus, with a 400-strong wine list that traverses the globe, you'll find a drop to suit your preferences whether that be a glass of something orange or oxidative, a bottle of something Georgian or, for something a bit more splashy, a magnum off the 'Big Bottles Are Best!!!' list. UNDER $80 EACH: STANBULI, ENMORE If Turkish cuisine spurs blurry memories of a late-night pide or kebab consumed curb-side, it's time to change that thinking. Perched proudly on Enmore Road, Stanbuli is an upscale Turkish eatery and meyhane (tapas bar). Its offering is made for cosy bar-side dining, with a selection of meze plates and charcoal meats designed to share. Dine on fried cauliflower, tahini and almonds and okra-braised in tomato and olive oil, paired with a serve of whole snapper or lamb and red capsicum kofte. Our tip? Let the chefs run wild and order the $75 per person set menu (baklava included, of course). UNDER $100 EACH: ESTER, CHIPPENDALE Fine dining tends to be stiff, formal and finished with a hefty bill. But, Ester doesn't like to live up to stereotypes. You won't find white table cloths or confusing sets of cutlery in this dining room. The 45-seat eatery is approachable, honest and the kind of spot where you'd likely find a group of top-notch chefs dining on their night off. Wood firing is front-and-centre on the menu, adding flavours of smokey goodness to plates of charred broccoli shoots, roasted carrots, hasselback dutch cream potatoes and slow-roasted snapper. There's plenty to sample and sip too with a hefty wine list to make your way through during the 12-item set menu ($92 per person). ONE BIG BLOWOUT: LUMI, PYRMONT Harbour-front dining and an eight-course dinner — the perfect ingredients for a truly memorable date night. At LuMi, they're pros at hosting unforgettable dining experiences, making it a must-try for those looking to spoil that special someone. As for the menu? It's a fusion of modern Italian and Japanese flavours, serving up refined seasonal produce over a series of spectacular courses that look almost too good to eat. The chef's menu ($185 per person) lets you explore it all, with the Italian-focused wine pairing highly recommended ($115 per person). Seize the day, make your everyday moments count and get rewarded all the while with Suncorp. Top image: Dear Saint Eloise by Nikki To. *Issued by Citigroup Pty Limited ABN 88 004 325 080 AFSL No. 238098 Australian credit licence 238098.
Western Australia is already home to Australia's best beach for 2022, the best beach in the South Pacific for this year as well, all that coastline and plenty of beloved sandy spots. But come the summer of 2024–25, it'll score a new reason to get splashing. That's when global surf park brand Aventuur is set to open a massive site in Perth, creating the southern hemisphere's largest venue of its type. Manmade waves have been having their moment Down Under of late. Urbnsurf opened Australia's first inland surf park near the Melbourne Airport in 2020, then revealed plans for Brisbane, Sydney and Perth sites. New South Wales' Hawkesbury region is also getting a giant wave pool and luxury resort, the Sunshine Coast is due to welcome Kelly Slater's second surf ranch, and the Gold Coast has been earmarked for an Endless Surf wave pool. But Aventuur is going as big as possible with its $100-million WA venture, which'll feature 25 different types of waves. Clearly, providing breaks and barrels that everyone can surf — no matter your skill level — is one of big aims of Aventuur's Perth Surf Park, which'll take over a 5.7–hectare site on Prinsep Road in Jandakot, adjacent to the Kwinana Freeway and the Cockburn Central train station. That'll include what it's calling a Wavegarden Cove, aka the huge 56-module surfing lagoon that'll be the key drawcard — and will constantly whip up perfect waves. Also set to feature: accommodation, which'll be handy for anyone making the trip west just for some manmade surf action; a beach club; bars and restaurants; and retail stores, all as part of a hefty surf sports, recreation, leisure and entertainment hub. There'll also be a health and wellness centre, co-working offices, and functions and event spaces. Get ready for provide personalised coaching, fitness and surf skate programs as well, and regular events such as outdoor surf movie nights and photography exhibitions. Yoga and meditation retreats will also make the most of the site, as will live music and cultural festivals — and, naturally, professional surfing competitions. Already an avid surfer? Know someone who might be the next Mick Fanning or Stephanie Gilmore? Then get excited about Perth Surf Park's high-performance surf academy. Whether you're a future superstar or just learning, there'll also be a hire store doing board, wetsuit and equipment rentals — so you won't have to bring your own gear with you. While surfers won't be able to live out their Point Break and Blue Crush dreams until the summer of 2024–25, Aventuur has just has signed a long-term ground lease with the Western Australian Planning Commission for its Perth Surf Park site. And if you're wondering why surf parks keep popping up — especially in a country girt by sea, and therefore surrounded by so many glorious beaches — they're able to provide controlled and reliable conditions, including waves that aren't daunting for newcomers. Perth Surf Park will feature knee-high whitewater for beginners, for instance, as well as ideal waves for experienced surfers. Aventuur's Perth Surf Park is due to open on Prinsep Road in Jandakot, Perth, Western Australia, in 2025. For more information, head to the venue's website. UPDATE, June 22, 2022: The headline for this article originally said that Aventuur's Perth Surf Park will open in 2024. Aventuur has since clarified that the park will be completed late in 2024, opening over the summer of 2024–25. The headline has been amended to reflect that change.
On the Quay end of George Street, at the base of the Four Seasons Hotel, the warm and inviting Mode Kitchen & Bar sits ready to welcome you. Striking a winning balance between casual bistro plates and finer dining, uncomplicated dishes of Australian ingredients with Italo influences are served with pristine attention to detail. As well as the bistro-style menu of refined bites, you'll find a relaxed atmosphere and a new winning weekday offering. If you're heading to a show at the Sydney Opera House, need to warm up before you venture into Vivid Sydney's bright lights, peckish after finishing work in the CBD or looking for a terrific spot to perch yourself before dinner, the Milanese-style aperitivo is for you. From 4–6pm, Monday to Friday, a bountiful spread of Italian antipasto awaits clued-in Sydneysiders for just $30 — with a drink alongside, too. It's a truly delicious bargain by anyone's standards. As a start, there are wheels of sharp cheese, cherry tomatoes ripe on their vines, plump salty olives and plates upon plates of salumi. House-made focaccia and woodfired pizzas are stars, too, though there'll be a rotating lineup of seasonal favourites in competition. For the accompanying aperitivo, you'll choose from a list of crafted Italian cocktails; think classics like negronis and Aperol Spritzes, and fun ones like Milano-Torino sours. There'll be a selection of vinos and beers, too. After your first, you'll pay $15 for a cocktail (or just $6 for a frothy brew). Perfectly placed to explore the Harbour City's waterside beauty, Mode Bar & Kitchen is a top spot to launch your night — make sure you nab a reservation. Aperitivo takes over Mode Bar & Kitchen from Monday–Friday, from 4–6pm. Bookings are recommended, so to plan your visit, head to the website.
When Stanbuli closed, many Sydneysiders waited with bated breath to learn what would take its place in its iconic Enmore Road digs behind the Marie-Louise salon facade. While a sense of cynicism would have been warranted with Sydney's track record of preserving beloved venues, you can officially breathe a sigh of relief with the Porteno crew maintaining its ownership of the building, opening a much-hyped Spanish tapas bar in the space. Named after the salon that occupied the building from the 50s through until the 90s, Bar Louise maintains the eye-catching pink and purple facade while giving the interior a makeover of warm yellow walls, rich wooden tones and fake leafy vines, all reminiscent of a southern Spain wine bar. "We just want to make it a fun place everyone can come and drink wine and eat great food — open seven days a week," Porteno Founder Elvis Abrahanowicz told Concrete Playground. The star of the drinks menu is sherry, with more than 15 varieties available by the glass ($12–32). The signature drop is an ideal start or end to your meal, accompanied by a cocktail, Estrella or minimal-intervention wine. The cocktails at Bar Louise include a coffee negroni ($22), manhattan on the rocks ($20) and Sangria de Maria Lousie ($15), while the wine list showcases tipples from Spain, Australia, Italy, Portugal, Argentina and France. Once you've ordered your opening glass of sherry, your attention will move to the food. The Pulpo a la Gallega octopus ($28) is an absolute highlight, served with potato, aioli and pimento chilli, but there's plenty here for vegetarians, pescatarians and meat-lovers to all discover. Kick things off with your choice of starters which range from gildas ($6) and paleta ibérico served with chips ($32) to mussel escabeche ($16). From there you can get a little heftier with your choices, with some of the exciting options available including charcoal-grilled eggplant and capsicum ($20), garlic and parsley mushrooms ($26), potato and prawn salad ($24), fried pork belly ($26) and thick-cut chorizo in a cider sauce ($26). The chorizo is made in-house, and a lot of the bar snacks are house-cured with the help of Continental Deli Co-Owner and Manager Michael 'Mikey' Nicolian. And, fans of Stanbuli, never fear — the former Head Chef Ibrahim Kasif is opening a manoush restaurant and wine bar with the renowned hospitality team behind NOMAD.
Two years ago, Pappa Rich gave tastebuds across Australia the culinary hybrid they didn't know they were craving: a nasi lemak burger. They were originally sneakily trialled in Sydney stores in 2018, then rolled out for a limited time in 2019. Now, they're back. The burger takes the typical accompaniments in this Malaysian rice dish and sandwiches them all between two toasted burger buns. There are layers of crispy Malay fried chicken, spicy sambal, peanuts and anchovies, all topped with cucumber, lettuce and a fried egg. As a side? Expect Pappa Rich's deep-fried chicken skin, of course. You can also opt for chips if you prefer. The Malaysian hawker chain is returning the nasi lemak burger to its menu — at all of its 31 stores countrywide, but only for two months. If you're instantly hungry, you'll want to pop into one of Pappa Rich's outlets between Monday, March 29–Sunday, May 30. Or, if you just can't wait to sink your teeth into a burg, you can score one between Friday, March 26–Sunday, March 28, but only via Door Dash. The delivery service is selling 1000 nasi lemak burgers for just $1 across the three days, so you'll want to get in quickly. You'll also need to enter the code 'MALAYSIANBURGER' while you're ordering. Otherwise, if you're happy to grab a burger from next week onwards, you'll still have a couple of months to enjoy as many as your stomach demands. If you're in Sydney, you can nab one in Bankstown, North Ryde, Chatswood or on your lunch break at the express outlet in Ultimo; in Melbourne, pop by Chadstone, Southern Cross or QV; and Pappa Rich in Wintergarden, Garden City, Indooroopilly and Coorparoo Square will be selling them in Brisbane. Perth residents can head to Cockburn and Joondalup, while folks in Adelaide will want to make a trip to Gouger Street in the CBD. There are a heap more locations though, so check the website if you're looking for one closer to you. The nasi lemak burger will be available Monday, March 29–Sunday, May 30 at Pappa Rich locations across the country. There are also 1000 up for grabs for $1 via Door Dash between Friday, March 26–Sunday, March 28 by entering the code 'MALAYSIANBURGER' while you're ordering.
A new and unique dining experience has arrived at Martin Place from the team behind some of Sydney's most renowned restaurants. Aalia is the new flagship restaurant from Esca, the hospitality group in charge of Nour, Lilymu, Henrietta and Cuckoo Callay. The group's latest and most extravagant offering, Aalia is opening in the new dining precinct in the former MLC Centre space. The 150-seat restaurant offers to take diners on a journey through the history of Middle Eastern food. The dishes have been created by the restaurant's Executive Chef Paul Farag of Nour to demonstrate the rich culinary diversity of the area. "Through food, we're trying to showcase a beautiful region of the world which almost everyone seems to forget has a luscious coastline, flanked by oceans, rivers, and seas," Farag says. "I want this menu to reflect a lighter way of shared eating — in the same way you assume a Mediterranean restaurant is going to be bright and fresh in flavour, this is truly the same principle for Middle Eastern cuisine." Diners will be presented with a wide array of raw and mezze options to begin their meal. Oysters, king salmon, potato and lentil tart, king prawn skewers and hand-stretched haloumi are all on offer for those looking to create an abundant table of shared dishes or ease into the meal before turning to the impressive selections of seafood and meat. As for the larger dishes, think Murray cod masgouf, almond-crusted john dory, lamb neck shawarma and mb5+ dry-aged wagyu rib. There's also Persian caviar service on offer, served with malawach, shallots, labneh, and a sprinkling of chives. The indecisive among us can leave the selections up to the chefs with the $125 per person banquet menu, curated by Farag himself. Designed to share, the degustation is available for parties of four or more and features the lamb shawarma, almond John Dory and haloumi, as well as eggplant mes 'a' aha, quail skewers, a spread of Middle Eastern sides and a decadent Valrhona chocolate kataifi for dessert. "The idea behind the menu itself is to start with a few raw dishes and mezze, followed by mains and sides, with each dish crafted to represent a particular region, or specific era of Arabic culture," Farag says. Highballs, spritzes and inventive cocktails are all on offer to accompany your one-of-a-kind feast. Start off easy with a peach vermouth and hopped grapefruit spritz, or opt for something a bit more stiff like the tobacco old fashioned made with raw cacao bourbon, date molasses and orange tobacco. Aalia is located at Shop Seven and Eight, 25 Martin Place, Sydney. It's open from Tuesday, March 1 for lunch and dinner Tuesday—Friday and dinner on Saturdays. Venue images: Christopher Pearce
Australia and New Zealand haven't been treated to Beyoncé's Renaissance tour, but we are getting the next best thing: RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ. The latest chance to worship the superstar on-screen was announced back in October and will hit cinemas worldwide in December. And, it will be arriving Down Under at the same time as the US: on Friday, December 1. What runs the movie world right now? Concert flicks, which are having a big-screen moment again. In the space of mere months, three huge examples of the genre are playing cinemas worldwide, much to the delight of folks who like getting their film and music fix in one go. First came Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour in October. In Australia, Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense, aka the best concert flick ever made, has returned to picture palaces since mid-November. Next, RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ will do the same — and it has dropped another trailer to celebrate. Beyoncé is no stranger to splashing her sets across a screen, after HOMECOMING: A Film By Beyoncé did exactly that on Netflix back in 2019. That movie covered the superstar singer's time on the Coachella stage, and came with a 40-track live album as well. This time, Bey is focusing on her 56-performance, 39-city world RENAISSANCE tour in support of the 2022 album of the same name. Now wrapped up after starting in Stockholm in Sweden in May and finishing in Kansas City, Missouri in the US on Sunday, October 1, the RENAISSANCE tour featured everything from 'Dangerously in Love 2', 'Cuff It', 'Formation' and 'Run the World (Girls)' to 'Crazy in Love', 'Love On Top', 'Drunk in Love' and 'America Has a Problem'. Given that audiences in Australia or New Zealand haven't experienced that setlist for themselves, with the tour skipping Down Under shows so far, RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ is the first chance for Bey fans in this part of the world to join in without heading overseas. "When I am performing, I am nothing but free," said Beyoncé in the concert film's initial trailer. "The goal for this tour was to create a place where everyone is free," the musician continued, in a sneak peek that includes behind-the-scenes glimpses, crowd shots and, of course, spectacular concert footage. In the latest trailer, Beyoncé expands upon her daily challenge. "In this world that is very male-dominated, I've had to be really tough to balance motherhood and being on the stage," shares the singer. RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ charts the tour from its first show until its last, as well as the hard work and technical mastery that went into it on- and off-stage, as 2.7-million-plus fans have seen in person. Check out the latest trailer for RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ below: RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ will release in cinemas Down Under from Friday, December 1 — head to the film's website for tickets and further details. Images: Julian Dakdouk / Mason Poole.
Hayao Miyazaki is back to spirit audiences away — again. Ten years ago, the Studio Ghibli great released The Wind Rises, which was expected to be his last film. The movie maestro even announced his retirement. Thankfully, however, he changed his mind quickly. Now, more than half a decade after that welcome news, his next film exists, has hit cinemas in Japan, is doing the rounds of the film festival circuit and just dropped its first trailer. Prepare to be enchanted: this sneak peek at The Boy and the Heron is pure Miyazaki magic. The My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle icon's latest was confirmed back in late 2022 for a 2023 release, at least overseas. Back then, it was known as How Do You Live, but has changed its title since. In what's described as "a semi-autobiographical fantasy about life, death and creation" in the official synopsis, The Boy and the Heron follows a boy called Mahito. Pining for his mother, he experiences the realm where the living and the dead converge — and yes, plenty of Miyazaki's trademarks already exist in that short synopsis. While The Boy and the Heron hit the big screen in July in Miyazaki's homeland, it did so without the usual promotional campaign, which is why a trailer is only dropping now. Indeed, the subtitled teaser is part of the movie's US release, which is slated for December. At the time of writing, the feature doesn't have a release date Down Under — but it'll obviously get one. There's nothing quite like a Miyazaki movie. While Studio Ghibli isn't short on gorgeous on-screen wonders hailing from a range of filmmakers, the Japanese animation house's best-known co-founder truly does make films like no one else. The Boy and the Heron already looks stunning — unsurprisingly — in its debut glimpse, complete with lush greenery, mysterious spaces and floating critters. And, of course, with Mahito and the picture's titular bird making appearances. The trailer opens with a city on fire, too, then includes beckoning frogs and a figure made of flames. A traditional Japanese home, a lit-up corridor, swords and arrows, a blazing sky: they all pop up as well. The Boy and the Heron marks Ghibli's fifth film since Miyazaki's last movie, following Isao Takahata's The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, page-to-screen treat When Marnie Was There, gorgeous French co-production The Red Turtle and the CGI-animated Earwig and the Witch. Check out the first trailer for The Boy and the Heron below: The Boy and the Heron is already open in Japan, and will release in the US on Friday, December 8, 2023. The film doesn't yet have a release date Down Under — we'll update you when one is announced. Images: © 2023 Studio Ghibli.
Swillhouse has added to its collection of moody underground venues with the opening of The Caterpillar Club, a new inner-city haunt specialising in sultry tunes. The team behind beloved subterranean standouts Frankie's (RIP), Restaurant Hubert and Shady Pines — as well as Le Foote and Alberto's Lounge — has just opened the doors to its latest venue, a walk-in-only record bar and live music den. Discover the venue's hidden entryway tucked away among office buildings and convenience stores on Pitt Street, then descend down the stairwell to find the expansive new cocktail bar and lounge in all of its glory. On entry, you'll find an ultra-long bar backed by shelves filled with more than 10,00 records. At the end of the bar, there's a DJ spinning vinyl from the team's personal collection, before the space opens up into a lounge area with conjoining booths and a stage for bands to perform. Live music will kick off at the venue from the week commencing Monday, December 18. Expect a genre-less list of performers to pop up on the stage, with an emphasis on jazzier sounds. Leading the kitchen is culinary superstar Isobel Little (ex-LP's Quality Meats), who's crafted a casual but sophisticated selection of eats, including next-level cheeseburgers, tuna melts and pies. The final element of The Caterpillar Club is the hidden speakeasy. Found through a discrete door out the back, The Bamboo Room serves as a secret cocktail den for those in the know, reviving memories of Frankie's famous Fun Room. The venue not only serves as another exciting place to get a drink and listen to good music in Sydney, but also adds to the growing number of venues reviving the city's status as a late-night destination. Licensed until 5am, The Caterpillar Club will be keeping the martinis flowing, vinyl spinning and kitchen open all the way until 3am Sunday–Thursday, and 4am Friday–Saturday. The Caterpillar Club is now open at 92 Pitt Street, Sydney. Follow the venue's Instagram to stay up to date with everything happening at the new opening. Images: Andrea Veltom.
The eye and the brain are incredibly powerful organs through which humans receive and process a large proportion of their sensory information. What we see every second of everyday helps shapes our understanding of almost every aspect of our lives. And our brains develop certain expectations about objects based on a long history of experience. However, sometimes optical illusions can challenge our pre-conceived ideas of structures and confound both our eyes and brains. Through clever deceptive techniques, artists and architects can create buildings that elude our basic understanding of how constructions are made and what they include. Here are nine bewildering optical illusions sure to confuse and amaze and challenge your conceptions of architecture. Warped Building This apartment building is your average apartment block...with a twist. A fairly large, warped twist. The unique structure is situated in the Czech Republic's capital city, Prague, and has picturesque views overlooking the River Vitara. El Grifo Magico Appearing to defy gravity and perform some magical feat, this 'floating tap' seems to be pouring an endless supply of water from its vantage point of mid-air suspension. Even though a magician should never reveal their secrets (and stop reading now if you would like the magic to remain), it has been revealed that a pipe hidden by the water actually holds the structure up. Upside Down House Spider-man? Gravity-defying shoes? Talented acrobats? No, it's another awe-inspiring architectural design that tricks and boggles the mind. This unorthodox house has everything upside down and back to front - literally. Trompe-l'eoil Ever after looking at this image several times, it is still impossible to fathom the appearance of this melting building, closer resembling a time warp than an apartment block. In actual fact, this image actually depicts a painting, but even then it succeeds in confounding the brain.The image uses the french art technique of tromp-l'eoil, which attempts to make 2D images appear like 3D optical illusions that really exist. One-walled House History has taught us to understand a house as a building comprising of at least four walls, a roof and a door. However, in Odessa, Ukraine, they have challenges this perception by creating a disconcerting house, which from the front appears orthodox, but when viewed from the side reveals only a single walled-building. Cafe Wall Illusion In 1979 a cafe was erected in Bristol, England, with a perplexing exterior that confused and bemused, and which continues to do so into the present day. A variant of the Münsterberg shifted chessboard illusion, this tessellating pattern uses light and alternating bricks of black and white to make the parallel and even lines appear to be sloped. All the line are actually horizontal and all the levels of the building perfectly equal in size. Bâtiment Another building which seems to flout all logical laws of gravity is the artist Leandro Ehrlich's mirrored art installation for the 'In Perceptions' exhibition in Paris. Whilst people appear to be casually hanging from 3-storey balconies or chilling whilst suspended horizontally to the wall, this trickery is actually a result of a mirrored painting of a building on the ground. 3D Lichtenstein House The top image gives the impression of a quaint and colourful little house that would be fitting within the setting of a fairytale story. The second picture, however, reveals its highly deceptive nature. Cleverly using only two walls placed at specific angles, when viewed at from a particular viewpoint, this house appears to be a complete 4-walled building. Sinking House Another sneaky illusion using angles, the top picture of this house depicts a building seemingly falling into the depths of the Earth. Yet when righted, the correct angle of the house demonstrates a perfectly average home located on the slope of a hill.
'Tis the season for home entertaining, which is the ideal excuse to elevate your kitchen space. Here to help is No. 22, a statement homewares brand based in Sydney. The team has just opened its first-ever pop-up store running until December 24. Head to the sun-soaked Darlinghurst space to explore a stunning range of tableware, including the brand's destination collections Capri and Mykonos. Both collections channel their namesake destinations with vibrant hues and beautifully crafted hand-painted pieces that bring big Med energy to any gathering. The collections — which also feature colourful glassware, placemats, tablecloths, napery and stationery — have been designed with mixing and matching in mind, making them perfect for setting the mood at your next summer affair. The store is open daily from 10am–4pm and will be open until December 24 — perfect for a last-minute Christmas gift for the entertainer in your life, or even yourself.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we go to Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne, the spot we're putting up guests who book one of our exclusive For The Love VIP packages. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? This central Melbourne hotel is all about luxury — from the heated pool looking out over the cityscape to the spacious rooms and glorious pan-Asian restaurant. Did somebody say it's time for a city staycation? THE ROOMS You get a king bed! You get a king bed! And you get a king bed! Everyone gets a king bed! Yup, all rooms and suites have large comfy king beds — the prime spot for stretching out and taking up all the space you'd like (whether you're sleeping alone or with someone else). But, that's not all: these luxe rooms have a bunch of other features too. Expect rain-showers, free wifi, blockout curtains, a 55-inch television and views across Melbourne's skyline. Plus, if you go for one of the suites, you're in for an even more glam stay, courtesy of ready-to-go coffee machine and fully stocked mini bar. FOOD AND DRINK Miss Mi is Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne's very own restaurant and bar, serving up pan-Asian food and drinks — that are set to take you from Bangkok to Borneo. Sit up at the benches overlooking the kitchen to watch the chefs at work or sink into one of the plush banquettes for a more intimate affair. At the bar, you'll uncover Asian-inspired cocktails that pair top-quality spirits with traditional Asian spices, fresh herbs and housemade syrups. You can opt for classic cocktails, but we recommend trying one of their own creations. [caption id="attachment_882225" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Macallan (Unsplash)[/caption] THE LOCAL AREA You're in the thick of it here. From the Spencer Street location, you can head west to Docklands for shopping and waterside dining or go east into the CBD to find some of Melbourne's best restaurants and entertainment venues. You're also within the free tram zone, so there's no need to do much walking. Take the free journey to sites like Queen Victoria Market, Federation Square and Melbourne's famous arts precinct. All of Melbourne is at your doorstep. THE EXTRAS One of the most fun and unique things to do at this luxury hotel is partake in their daily chocolate hour. From 4.30–5.30pm, the chefs transform the lobby into a chocaholic's paradise. All kinds of chocolatey creations are made just for you — it's always different so be sure to go each day of your stay. Mentioning Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne's gorgeous heated pool (with views over Spencer Street) is a necessity. Head to the water for a swim and sauna, escaping life and all its stresses for a few hours. You don't even need to swim — simply grab some fluffy slippers and a robe from your closet and sit on one of the poolside lounges reading a book for the day. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
Enjoying a glass of wine might come with plenty of medical benefits, but having a tipple isn't typically an exercise-heavy pastime. You sit. You drink. You get up, top up your beverage and repeat. You usually don't walk particularly far, let alone run. At a new series of wine-tasting fun runs about to take place around Australia, however, you'll put in the hard yards before you get the boozy rewards. The Grapest 5K run consists of two sections. First, you sprint, jog or set forth at whatever pace suits you best, making your way through scenic vineyard surroundings. Then, you walk another kilometre — yes, in addition to the first five, or ten if you're feeling extra energetic — while stopping at tasting stations along the way and sampling the good stuff. Don't worry, if you're not up to the first part and you're simply keen on wandering and sipping, that's an option (although it does defeat the idea of combining fitness with throwing back drinks). The first run takes place on February 11 at Balgownie Estate in Bendigo, with a second scheduled on March 4 at Coolangatta Estate in Shoalhaven, south of Woollongong. Further events are mooted in the Hunter Valley, Brisbane, Margaret River in Western Australia, Langhorne Creek in South Australia and Canberra throughout the rest of the year. For more information, visit the Grapest 5k run website.
A few months back, US TV network NBC announced news that definitely wasn't noice, tight or cool cool cool: that Brooklyn Nine-Nine would end after its next (and eighth) season. That revelation sparked plenty of questions, all of varying degrees of importance. How will it all wrap up? What does this last batch of ten episodes have in store for Brooklyn's fictional 99th police precinct? How many more times will Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg) say "title of your sex tape"? Will Gina Linetti (Chelsea Peretti) make a final appearance? And how much more yoghurt can Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews) eat? Come August in America, all those queries will be answered. Earlier this month, NBC announced that Brooklyn Nine-Nine's last season would launch following the Tokyo Olympics — and, via a just-dropped first teaser trailer, it has revealed that that'll start happening from August 12. Based on the past few seasons, it's hopeful that viewers Down Under will be able to watch the police-focused comedy come to an end at the same time. In Australia, SBS has fast-tracked recent seasons, so fingers crossed that that happens again. The first sneak peek at the new season doesn't reveal much else, though. It's more of a sizzle reel for the show's last hurrah — but it does remind us that there have been seven Halloween heists and 32 sex tape titles so far, information that every B99 devotee needs to know. Something that it doesn't tell us: how many times Die Hard will get a mention before the series says "yippee-ki-yay" for the last time. Whatever else Peralta, Jeffords (Terry Crews), Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero), Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz), Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio), Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher), and Hitchcock (Dirk Blocker) and Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller) get up to, we're guessing that the final season will direct even more love towards the 80s action flick that Peralta so openly adores. As the season seven finale revealed, the show's latest character is named after the Bruce Willis movie, after all. Check out the teaser trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRFDHqFiYoE&t=3s Brooklyn Nine-Nine's eighth and final season is set to start in the US on August 12. We'll update you when an air date Down Under is confirmed.
If you're the kind of restaurant-goer who picks their places to eat based on accolades, acclaim and applause, then you'll be familiar with France's Mirazur. The three Michelin-starred eatery sits in the French Riviera near the Italian border, calls an old 1930s villa home, and is the work of Argentinian-born chef and owner Mauro Colagreco, who takes culinary inspiration from his Italian grandparents. It's also a former winner of the World's Best 50 Restaurants' top spot, and it should be high on everyone's food bucket list. For three weeks in autumn, from Friday, March 10–Friday, March 31, Mirazur is also visiting Australia. Its destination: the hatted The Gantry at Pier One Sydney Harbour, where the coveted restaurant will put on its first-ever Harbour City residency. That'll make ticking off a visit a whole lot easier — no overseas plane ticket required. [caption id="attachment_728308" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mirazur, Nicolas Lobbestael[/caption] Swapping one waterfront locale for another, Colagreco is making the trip Down Under from Menton near Nice on the Cote D'Azur, accompanied by a sizeable portion of his team. That includes Mirazur's Chief Operating Officer Maria Tancredi and Executive Chef Luca Mattioli, as well as front-of-house and kitchen staff, plus sommeliers. Silvina Dayer, its agronome — aka garden scientist — will also head our way with the crew. Heroing Australian ingredients, the Mirazur cohort will serve up a multi-course tasting menu, plus snacks, which won't come cheap — $685 per person, in fact, with wine pairings starting from an extra $210. [caption id="attachment_888022" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matteo Carassale[/caption] The specific focus: using the best Aussie wares they can source, working with producers who are respectful and passionate about the land and sea, to whip up an original menu that showcases the restaurant's commitment to sustainability, nature and biodiversity. Taking inspiration from different cultures and cooking environments, and highlighting their ingredients and suppliers, is what the Mirazur Beyond Borders project is all about — which this residency slots into. "Mirazur Beyond Borders is the opportunity for us to enrich our knowledge, philosophy and commitment. I have visited Australia a few times and what excites me is that it is a country where there is a huge diversity of nature, landscapes, and species," said Colagreco, announcing the Sydney jaunt. "It's very important for me and my team to learn from and experiment with the ingredients we find in the country we visit, and to learn from all the people and products we encounter on the way. Although we are coming to Australia for a few weeks, I already know we will leave with something that lasts forever," he continued. "I am thrilled to cook in Sydney, as it's such a diverse Australian city, where many cultures and foods coexist. What I love about Australian gastronomy, and particularly Sydney's, is that it has been influenced by many different cultures, from Asian to European, and a large range of produce to create its own gastronomy, and reinvents itself constantly." [caption id="attachment_650654" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Gantry, Alana Dimou[/caption] Mirazur will temporarily take up residence in Sydney just a few months before three Michelin-starred English restaurant L'Enclume, from British chef Simon Rogan, does the same in July and August. Mirazur Beyond Borders at The Gantry, Pier One Sydney Harbour, will run from Friday, March 10–Friday, March 31 — operating for lunch and dinner Wednesday–Sunday. Head to the residency's website for bookings from 12pm AEST on Tuesday, February 13, and to register for the priority list in advance.
Honestly? I've never considered a cruise holiday before. So when an opportunity came up to see New Zealand by boat I jumped at the opportunity, but given that my only reference for travelling on water was a round trip on a Sydney ferry, I truly didn't know what to expect. In the end, it turned out to be the voyage of a lifetime — being greeted by bottlenose dolphins as we coasted by Milford Sound's soaring cliffs at sunrise, sipping Aperol Spritz while gazing at ocean sunsets from the ocean, and eating our weight's worth of meals on the ship's many restaurants. Here's an account of how the trip went down here. FIRST IMPRESSIONS When me and my partner boarded the ship, we made a beeline straight to our new home-away-from-home: a surprisingly spacious room with a luxurious king size bed, cosy living space, fully stocked mini bar and private verandah which served as home base for many room service breakfasts and sunset drinks. After settling in, we were ready to explore the labyrinth of amenities. If you're anything like me (a complete cruise novice), you probably hazard a guess that a cruise ship is akin to a large resort with a pool, some snazzy restaurants and a few shops. What you might not realise — and what I quickly discovered on board the Celebrity Eclipse (the vessel I traveled on, one of many from the Celebrity Cruises fleet) — is that the inside of a cruise ship is more comparable to a mini floating city. It had everything from a giant broadway theatre, spacious grass lawn, basketball court, and more pools, spas, restaurants, bars and shops than you could count on your fingers and toes. CRUISE CUISINE When it came to its dining options, the Eclipse really blew my expectations out of the water (pardon the pun). From immersive 3D concept dining at the Le Petit Chef, to ocean-fresh sashimi and caramelised gingerbread with wasabi gelato at Sushi on 5, to the fully stacked and ever-changing buffet that you'd anticipate on a cruise. The Le Petit Chef 3D projection dining experience was a strange highlight — watching a tiny 3D-animated chef prepare tomato tartine in front of you while you are 100km away from land was a surreal experience to say the least. Another culinary highlight was Murano, a restaurant where chefs masterfully prepared traditional recipes like lobster bisque in front of your very eyes. This is clearly a difficult thing to express in words and kind of just needs to be experienced. The all-inclusive dining options were also well worth writing home about. Between the crowd-pleasing menu at the chic Moonlight Sonata with well-executed retro classics like prawn cocktail, creme brulee and New York cheesecake, to the clean eating options at Blu, which boasted biodynamic wines and dishes like Beyond burgers, black truffle gnocchi and tuna tataki with spicy mango scallions. [caption id="attachment_900893" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Room service breakfast on the balcony of a Celebrity Cruise cabin[/caption] And when it came to drinks, you couldn't find a more picturesque place to sink back a beverage. From the breezy Sunset Bar with sweeping ocean views, to the cosmopolitan Martini Bar with top-notch bartenders, or the premium concoctions at Blu with names like Nightfall Elixir and Garden Breeze and tasting notes of fresh crushed strawberry, maple and Veuve Clicquot. (We had the classic drinks package which entitled us to unlimited drinks in the 'classic' category, which included everything from beers to bubblies). ENTERTAINMENT AT SEA (AND LAND) If you've ever wondered what one does on a 12 day cruise besides eating and drinking, I was surprised to discover it's a whole lot more than you might expect. Cruise guests are encouraged to download an app that surfaces a menu of entertainment and experiences for each day of the journey. The seemingly endless list of activities included everything from Broadway shows with acrobatics to rival Cirque Du Soleil, to an endless supply of luxury treatments and massages at the spa and salon. If you want to get your daily steps in, the Eclipse features a substantial running track, a premium gym and fitness centre and plenty of workout options from barre to boxing. Which brings me to my next point, which everything that happens onboard it's surprisingly easy to forget that you actually get to visit the incredible travel destination that is New Zealand. We had a whole host of New Zealand cities on our cruising agenda - from the staggeringly beautiful Milford Sound, to the cultural hub of Wellington - and each city we saw came with a curated list of Celebrity's shore excursions. Our most memorable excursion saw us hopping on board a WWI-era train through New Zealand's wine country, beginning in Picton and travelling through Marlborough's lush hills and valleys where 85% of New Zealand's wines are made. We enjoyed complimentary wine tasting, lunch and views that could only be described as cinematic. This was definitely one for the proverbial picture books, or Instagram Story highlights. [caption id="attachment_900843" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The view from on board the train during the shore excursion in Picton[/caption] WOULD I CONSIDER FUTURE CRUISES? Overall, going on a cruise was one of the most unique and memorable holidays I can recall. While being away from land was something I'd never experienced, the whole encounter made being away from home feel very homely indeed from the ultra lush rooms to the endless entertainment, and some of the kindest hospitality and staff I've encountered on any type of holiday. If you want to be the main character on your next trip, satisfy your wanderlust without having to pack and unpack your bags, and eat and drink to your heart's content a cruise holiday is an option I would definitely consider again. If you're curious about doing some cruise-based exploring of the Southern Hemisphere yourself, Celebrity Cruises has announced the arrival of one of its most luxurious ships yet: the Celebrity Edge which will debut Down Under in late 2023 or early 2024, allowing you to traverse the coastlines of Australia, New Zealand and the tropical South Pacific including Bali. Set to rival the world's most luxurious land-based resorts, the 2023/24 intake promises to reimagine cruise travel with some of the world's most indulgent on board amenities. Concrete Playground travelled as a guest of Celebrity Cruises. Main image: The view from Celebrity Eclipse near Dunedin on the South Island of New Zealand
Exuberant Aussie filmmaker (and unofficial King of Sparkles) Baz Lurhmann once said, "If Paris is the city of lights, Sydney is the city of fireworks." Touché, Baz. Our great harbour city is full of colour and sparkle, whimsy and excitement, especially in summer. It doesn't matter where you are — beach, bar, park or pub — Sydney always puts on a show. Buzzing new venues sit alongside age-old favourites, giving Sydneysiders endless locations to while away the sunny days. To make sure you're sipping and swirling in all the right places this season, we've partnered with the sparkling connoisseurs at Henkell to bring you five (not-so) hidden gems to discover and rediscover this summer. From a secret garden tucked away in Lavender Bay to a technicoloured art bar at the MCA, these eclectic spaces will add a bit of sparkle to your forthcoming adventure. VENTURE TO A SECRET GARDEN It's a secret spot that most of us Sydneysiders have uncovered, but still, there's something magical about this verdant wonderland, particularly in summer. Tucked away in Lavender Bay, the idyllic garden — complete with soaring Moreton Bay Figs, aromatic natives and harbour views — was brought to life by Wendy Whiteley, widow of renowned Australian artist Brett Whiteley. Following Whiteley's death in 1992, Wendy channelled her heartache into this landscaping project, slowly transforming the 100-year-old derelict railway yard in front of her home into an inviting public garden. This summer, take someone special to the secret garden for a picnic and BYO bottle of Henkell Trocken. Nab a spot on one of the benches and toast to heartbreak and renewal while taking in that sparkling Sydney skyline. UNCOVER REAL GEMS IN THE CENTRE OF SYDNEY To discover sparkling gems quite literally, make tracks to the Minerals Gallery at the Australian Museum. Here, you can spend the afternoon soaking in sparkles as you take a deep-dive into the world of crystallised minerals. Beyond sheer beauty, the collection also provides a unique insight into our country's cultural heritage — covering the full history of mining in Australia from the 1840s onwards — and demonstrates how minerals are used in modern life within mobile phones, watches, lipstick, talcum powder and, of course, your favourite jewels. Once you've finished marvelling at the glittering beauties, treat yourself to some sparkles in liquid form with a glass of Henkell Blanc de Blancs. CATCH SOME ART THEN A GLITTERING SUNSET It might've been a while since you popped into this contemporary art stalwart, but summer is the perfect time to get reacquainted with the paintings, sculptures and really good air-conditioning on offer. With a spate of new exhibitions taking place this season — including the MCA's annual exhibition of Australia's up-and-coming bright young things Primavera 2018 — the gallery is a perfect artistic haven for summer. Once you've had your arty fill, head to the Botanic Gardens, find a spot by the water and settle in for a classy sundowner picnic with one of the best views in town. FIND A GEM OF A SPOT AMONG THIS PARK'S 189 HECTARES Most Sydneysiders are familiar with this picturesque parkland — perhaps it's your go-to running spot or where you head to watch a movie by moonlight — but with its sheer size, you can surely discover a new gem of a spot to set up for the day. And the best way to enjoy the day is with a good old-fashioned barbie. Grab your crew, some snags and sparkling for the quintessential summertime hangout. There are eight free electric barbecues available for use in the expansive 189-hectare park — but on balmy days, they're snapped up rather quickly, so be sure to arrive early. Take a couple of lawn games like bocce, the addictive Scandinavian game Finksa or even frisbee to get everybody in the festive spirit. [caption id="attachment_644117" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Atlantis' at Belvoir St Theatre.[/caption] SEE SOME STARS SHINING ON STAGE See the brightest local and international stars sparkle centre stage at the Belvoir St Theatre. The company has a host of great plays taking place throughout summer, like The Wolves, which follows a team of teenage girls as they navigate adolescence — kind of like a stage version of Bend It Like Beckham — and Counting and Cracking, which explores contemporary Australian culture through the eyes of a Sri Lankan family. Once you've got your culture fix, grab a glass of Henkell Blanc de Blancs and debrief with your theatre buddy. Summer is here and it's time to pop the bubbly. Pick up a bottle of Henkell Blanc de Blancs or Henkell Trocken for your next sparkling occasion. Top image: Destination NSW.
Saying goodbye to 2025 at Lost Paradise means farewelling the year with a jam-packed lineup of tunes. Ben Böhmer, Chris Stussy, Confidence Man, Duke Dumont, I Hate Models, KETTAMA, Marc Rebillet, Maribou State, Underworld, X CLUB: they're all headlining the annual end-of-year music festival in Glenworth Valley on the New South Wales Central Coast this year. So, mark Sunday, December 28, 2025–Thursday, January 1, 2026 on your calendar — and prepare for a huge few days. Other acts on the bill include Anna Lunoe, BIG WETT, Channel Tres, Fcukers, DJ Heartstring, Hot Dub Time Machine, Omar+, VTSS and plenty more. Some people love last-minute New Year's Eve plans, going wherever the mood takes them. Others can't start planning early enough. If you fall into the latter category, this December is for you. For Lost Paradise newcomers, the multi-day event turns a slice of its setting — which is located an hour out of Sydney — into one helluva shindig, complete with live music and DJ sets spanning both international and Australian talents. This year, organisers are promising newly reimagined versions of the festival's Arcadia, Lost Disco and Paradise Club stages. Tunes are just one part of the Lost Paradise experience, though. Here, art, culture, wellness, and food and drink also get a look in. And, at Shambhala Fields, you can hear talks and take part in workshops — so that's where you'll find the likes of Dr Karl, Eric Avery, Deano Gladstone, Lara Zilibowitz, Kath Ebbs, Sez, Tom Carroll, Simon Borg-Olivier, Gwyn Williams and others. Since first unleashing its specific flavour of festival fun back in 2014, Lost Paradise has become a go-to way to wrap up one year and welcome in the next — including if you're keen to camp for its duration. Lost Paradise 2025 Lineup Ben Böhmer Chris Stussy Confidence Man Duke Dumont I Hate Models KETTAMA Marc Rebillet Maribou State Underworld X CLUB Anna Lunoe Baby J Bad Boombox & Mischluft Balu Brigada Bella Claxton BIG WETT Blusher Bullet Tooth Cassian Channel Tres Dameeeela DJ Heartstring Dombresky presents Disco Dom Dr Banana Fcukers Folamour Heidi Hot Dub Time Machine INJI Jazzy Josh Baker Juicy Romance Kilimanjaro Luke Alessi Merci, Mercy Narciss Notion Odd Mob Omar+ Pegassi Prospa Riria Ross From Friends presents Bubble Love Sex Mask Silva Bumpa Sim0ne Sumner Swim (live) Two Another VTSS Wolters Alex Dowsing Badassmutha Bella Backe Caleb Jackson Couch Mechanic Cricket Dayzzi B2B Daug Disco Dora Elijah Something GMOZ Grooveworks Kai Kawai Large Mirage LAYTX Lily FM Lost Soundsystem Madame Reve Maina Doe Mash Middle James Mina Tonic Oscill8 Pamela Penelope People's Party Roxy Lotz Salarymen Selve Siila Silly Lily Sim Select Tia Lacoste Tokyo Sexwale Tseba Waxlily Yasmina Sadiki Shambhala Fields: Benny Holloway Catriona Wallace Chanel Contos Deano Gladstone Dr Karl Eric Avery Gwyn Williams Kath Ebbs Lara Zilibowitz Plastic Free Mermaid Sez Simon Borg-Olivier Tom Carroll Lost Paradise mages: Jess Bowen, Jordan K Munns, Byravyna and Amar Gera.
In an era of hospitality chains and copy-paste websites, Sydney diners are beginning to crave venues with character. And what venues have more character — sticky floors and all — than dive bars? Rocking bar VASCO has been a cornerstone of the Sydney dive scene since 2012. At both the OG Surry Hills venue and the recently opened Newtown outpost, it's all about controlled chaos and striking the balance between grungy and overpolished. We sat down with VASCO's current owner, Sid Chand, to talk about the past, present and future of these beloved watering holes. How long has VASCO been in business and what's the secret to keeping a bar successfully running all these years? VASCO is a rock-and-roll cocktail bar and Italian restaurant...[that] has been running since 2012, and I've owned it for about six years now. Over time, we've developed into more than just a place to let your hair down; we overhauled the kitchen to create a dynamic and innovative menu that we see people travelling from all over Sydney to try. We kept going with providing good quality food, good quality service, and a vibrant atmosphere. The venue itself is so eclectic and aesthetically pleasing. Every now and then, I'll go there and just look at the [decor], and I still haven't seen everything. There's so much to look at. So you didn't really change the core fundamentals? If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Exactly right. How would you describe VASCO to someone who has never been before? From the beginning VASCO has always been about organised chaos. If these walls could talk, we'd be in some strife — it's got character, let's put it that way. We're a loud rock and roll bar with good quality Italian food. When you think of a dive bar, food isn't the first thing you think of, but we've tried to subvert peoples expectations by providing good quality food without compromising on the chaos that people love us for. Do you have a favourite item on the menu? One day, our head chef at Newtown came in and said to me, "I had this dream. It's a hash brown but it's a carbonara... the egg yolk is inside hash brown batter and guanciale. Can I make it for you?". I tried it and was like, "What the f***? This is so good", and now it's one of our best sellers. Not to mention, we have the best vodka rigatoni in Sydney. How does the gritty, carefree attitude of rock n' roll music carry over to VASCO? When VASCO was opened, the owner and his family loved rock and roll, and Vasco Rossi is a massive rock star in Italy. So music has always been at the forefront of the brand for us. We want to embody the vibe of throwing TVs out of hotel windows, trashing tour buses, and staying out all night. We want to bring back the wrongness that Sydney is missing. We're a little messy and a lot of fun. How do you encourage customers to stay a bit later and get loose? I want to turn VASCO Newtown into a live music venue. We had the Frankie's House Band play a couple of months ago, and it was an exceptional turnout. So my direction for [VASCO] Newtown is to bring more live music and work with the local music scene to showcase some up-and-coming bands. The walls are absolutely coated in memorabilia. Which piece is your favourite and what's the story behind it? That's a tough question. There was a guitar that Max (the original owner) had that was signed by Dave Grohl. And when he sold me the business, he said, "Sid, I'm gonna sell you everything except for this guitar". If you notice that spot, there's a sign that says, "Don't touch the f*****g guitar". Sydney is full of polished venues and brightly lit interiors. Is there still an appeal for places that are a bit more rough around the edges? I definitely think so. I think people like the independence. I think people like supporting smaller businesses instead of just throwing money at these large corporations that open three to four venues a month. Obviously small venues can't compete with that, but I think what we do have is character. And that's something money can't buy. VASCO Newtown and Surry Hills have launched new winter menus, including home-made confit garlic flatbread, spanner crab crostini and crumbed pork cotoletta at Newtown and the aforementioned hashbrown cacio e pepe, artichoke, spinach and ricotta ravioli and more at Surry Hills, so it's the perfect time to swing by for a visit. VASCO Newtown and Surry Hills are open Tuesday to Sunday until late. For more information or to make a booking, visit the website.
Over the past two years, we've already spent too much time burning through our streaming queues, so simply settling in for a stint of TV has lost a bit of its lustre. And, there's also the fact that our day-to-days are pretty well dominated by screens anyway. From waking up and checking the weather/news/Instagram to then packing our days with staring at a computer at our nine-to-fives, sitting on the loo watching TikToks and cooking the recipes we view on iPads, it's no wonder we've got screen fatigue. So, put that remote down and treat yourself to another way to kill time: a jigsaw puzzle. Yep, it's time to get analogue. For many of us, 2020 was the year of hobbies and home activities. So, no doubt you already have a jigsaw or two lying around — which means you're in need of fresh puzzle talent. Or, you might've resisted the recent trend, only to now realise that you missed out on some wholesome, puzzle-piecing times. Either way, we're here to help. Here are our eight puzzle picks for when boredom next hits like a tonne of bricks — whether you just have a few spare hours, you're spending time in isolation or you feel like you've watched every streaming series there is to watch. AUSTRALIA UNSEEN Bring the beach to your living room with these serene coastal scenes in puzzle form. Australia Unseen's Vincent Rommelaere takes photos of Australian beaches and rock pools, and usually sells them as prints on his website. But in 2020, as iso-life became the new normal, Rommelaere began transforming some of his snaps into jigsaw puzzles. At the moment, he offers seven different puzzles available as 1000-piece ($49) jigsaws. If you're into ocean pools, you can keep your fingers busy with a puzzle of Bondi's famed Icebergs. Otherwise, there's shots of the Coogee Beach rainbow path, the Bronte Baths and people sunbathing at Bondi. Or, if you'd prefer to look at Melbourne, you can opt for one of the city's CBD skyline. Delivery within Australia is $10 and international shipping is also available, with cost and delivery time dependent on region. All jigsaw puzzles in stock are shipped from Sydney and you'll score free shipping on orders over $100. Buy via Australia Unseen's website. OKAY LADY Chances are at least one of your housemates developed a penchant for puzzles over the past two years and, if that's the case, a pressie from online jigsaw puzzle company Okay Lady will be a winner. Think of it as the perfect 'thanks for putting up with me' gift that you benefit from, too. Okay Lady puzzles champion Aussie women illustrators and come in environmentally friendly packaging — no plastic in sight. The artists also receive royalties from every single sale, which we love to see. If you happen to live with your bestie, there's a super-cute 400-piece jigsaw by Queensland artist Sophie Beer that features two besties and some adorable pups. Or, nab the Night Dancer puzzle, designed by artist Alice Lindstrom, for a truly vibrant work of puzzle art. All Okay Lady jigsaws are $59 and each 400-piece design is aimed to be more of a mindful activity than a super challenging, days-long process. Shipping is free across Australia with orders shipped from the Melbourne office every weekday, so expect about five–seven business days for your package to arrive. Can't wait? Opt for express delivery for $15. Buy via Okay Lady's website. SMOOCHY POOCHEY Ever wanted to piece together a portrait of your adorable pooch? Of course you have — which is why Queensland-based company Smoochy Poochey exists. While the company allows you to pick whichever kind of personalised puzzle you like, getting a jigsaw puzzle emblazoned with your pet's cute little face is a clear winner. Think of it this way: you've already spent so long gazing at them because they're just so adorable, and you've well and truly committed their face to your memory in the process, so this should be the easiest jigsaw you've ever done. And if you'd like to provide more than one photo for a single puzzle — as uploaded via the company's website — you can. Just simply upload multiple pics of of Fido, Fluffy, Polly or Nemo and create a collage. A number of sizes are available, ranging from a simple, kid-friendly 30-piece jigsaw to challenging 1000-piece ones for when you have hours upon hours to kill. Prices range from $28.25 for the smallest puzzle and up to $59.95 for the largest. Delivery is via Australia Post, with a standard $12.95 flat rate across Australia, or you can opt for express delivery for $16. Buy via the Smoochy Poochey website. PUZZLE POST You've done it: you've reached peak puzzle madness. You can't get enough of the brain-tickling activity and you want a regular rotation of jigsaws landing on your doorstep. Enter: Puzzle Post — Australia's first jigsaw puzzle subscription. Puzzle Post delivers a new jigsaw to your doorstep every month, and factors in your tastes. Now that's a service. From the same minds behind book subscription service Bookabuy, the idea for this new venture spawned after owners Chris and Mel Tantchev noticed something of a jigsaw puzzle resurgence. Look around these pandemic days and you'll notice those little cardboard pieces have made quite the comeback. There are a bunch of themes from over 20 categories — including cats, nostalgia, flowers, Disney and food — ranging from easy (500 pieces) to harder, 1000-plus piece puzzles. By answering a few quick questions at checkout, you'll end up with a jigsaw haul personalised just for you. You can opt for a one-off puzzle delivery ($29) or organise a three-, six- or 12-month subscription, which'll set you back between $87–348 up front (or $29 per month). If every month is too frequent, you can choose to get a new puzzle delivered in two- or three- month intervals, too. Subscribe via the Puzzle Post website. JOURNEY OF SOMETHING Journey of Something is a female-founded and Australian-owned company dedicated to combining art with activities (read: beautiful puzzles, art kits and games). But, you're here for puzzles — not the other stuff — so we'll get right to it. It stocks a bunch of jigsaws, ranging from mini puzzles to 1000-piece beasts, which are all designed by local artists. Order yourself a puzzle decorated with iconic women such as Dolly Parton, Frida Khalo and Malala Yousafzai — or, there's a cute mini puzzle that'll have you doing your daily affirmations in no time. Puzzles range from $20–64, and Journey of Something also offers some duo packs and a 12-month subscription. Shipping costs depend on how much you're buying — starting at $10 for one puzzle. Buy via Journey of Something's website. [caption id="attachment_708992" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rone[/caption] RONE If you're bored of putting together rainforest scenes or that 500-piece Monet puzzle was just too easy, Melbourne street artist Rone has come up with the goods, releasing three of his large-scale artworks (Home Wrecker, The Dining Room and The Study) as jigsaw puzzles. For those not in the know, Rone normally creates large-scale artworks on the sides of nine-story buildings or in abandoned spaces throughout Melbourne. He's particularly known for his massive portraits that combine elements of beauty and ruin, alongside concepts of new and old. Since bursting onto the local scene in the early 2000s, his work has been shown in London, New York, San Francisco, Miami and Hong Kong. So, he's kind of a big deal — and you can now build a piece of his art in your living room. Rone's puzzles are priced at a reasonable $64, considering his art prints are selling upwards of $400. Each art-cum-puzzle is comprised of 1000 pieces and includes enough detail for a challenging afternoon of puzzling. Shipping to locations across Melbourne costs $10.95, while it's $14.89 for the rest of Australia. Hot tip: buy two puzzles and you save yourself the delivery fee, thanks to Rone offering free shipping on orders over $100. Buy via Rone's website. SALTY GALLERY Similar to the popular Australian Unseen puzzles, photographer Dharma Bendersky and his gallery Salty Gallery have turned his stunning shots of Sydney beaches into 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles. So, if you're missing sunny afternoons at the beach and simply can't get enough of creating intricate cardboard artworks, then add these beauties to your cart. There are currently four idyllic puzzles on offer, featuring a selection of spots. If you're more a fan of concrete-covered bays, Bedersky also plans to unveil more designs. Each puzzle is $59, includes free shipping Australia-wide, can be delivered internationally, and are shipped in eco-friendly compostable bags. Buy via the Salty Gallery website. [caption id="attachment_822202" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Charles Conder, 'Rainy Day', 1888. Art Gallery of NSW's online art puzzles range.[/caption] ONLINE ART PUZZLES We know, we know — we told you to lay off the screens. But these digital jigsaws come in handy if you're an absolute puzzle fiend who can't wait till your next one arrives in the post, or you're a try-before-you-buy kinda person. Either way, these art-filled gems are sure to fill many hours (and save you some cash). First up, the Art Gallery of NSW has some killer online puzzles — seven to be exact — so you can digitally put together masterpieces such as E Phillips Fox's Nasturtiums and Paul Cézanne's Banks of the Marne. Melbourne Museum also has digital jigsaws on its website, including ones of fur seals, the Royal Exhibition Building and Phar Lap. Or, check out the National Library of Australia website to complete puzzles using its collection, with everything from art by Ellis Rowan to Australian birds. Head to the AGNSW, Melbourne Museum and National Library of Australia websites for some free — and wait-free — puzzling adventures. Top image: Australia Unseen
Just like that, we're halfway through the year, and the winter school holidays are here. Wondering how you'll keep the minis busy while you're still working, cooking, shopping and the rest? We've come to your rescue — with eleven irresistible activities happening in and around Sydney in July. Head to Macquarie Centre to lead the kids through a Coachella-inspired wonderland featuring magic shows and bubble-canopied dance floors. Then, make tracks to Taronga Zoo to meet several cute new arrivals. Plus, there are workshops galore for kids who like to learn — covering art, craft, public speaking, sport and more. Your house is now officially a whine-free zone. FOR THE KID WHO LIKES A LITTLE MAGIC: MACQTOPIA These holidays, Macquarie Centre is taking inspiration from Coachella and transforming into a dreamscape for children. Treat them to a live gig by The Vegetable Plot, then head to a show with fantastical magicians Magic of Petar or Adam Mada. That'll give them inspiration to create a little magic of their own — be it a terrarium fairy garden or a kaleidoscope. Got a budding creative on your hands? Book a session at Paint 'n' Slurp or take them for a dance under a canopy of bubbles. Macqtopia is taking over Macquarie Centre at Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park, daily from Saturday, July 5–Saturday, July 19. [caption id="attachment_1011302" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul McMillan[/caption] FOR THE KID WHO GETS HANDS-ON: NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART FAIR LITTLE MOBS PROGRAM On the first weekend of the school holidays — Saturday, July 5–Sunday, July 6 — the National Indigenous Art Fair will take over the Overseas Passenger Terminal with artworks, jewellery, homewares, live performances, bush food, panel discussions and a communal weaving circle. While you check them out, the kids can get busy with the Little Mobs Program. Activities includes workshops in gum nut jewellery making, ochre painting and shell work. For kids who like to move, there are dance workshops with Buuja Buuja Butterfly, while green thumbs and budding chefs should join the native plants and bush food sessions with Indigigrow. Check out the whole schedule on the Art Fair website. FOR THE KID WHO'S PRETTY CRAFTY: WINTER WORKSHOPS AT DARLING SQUARE Are your little ones the types that need to keep their hands busy? Send them to Darling Square these school holidays. It's hosting a bunch of crafty, winter-inspired workshops for creative kids. From 11am–2pm on Friday, July 11, and Friday, July 18, snow globe making is on the agenda. For snowflake painting, head along from 11am–2pm on Thursday, July 10; Thursday, July 17; Saturday, July 19; or Sunday, July 20. To get your kids into the seasonal spirit, treat them to a free face painting session, where they'll get to choose their favourite wintry design — be it snowmen or snowflakes. You'll find the face painting station in front of The Exchange on Friday, July 11; Friday, July 18; Saturday, July 19; and Sunday, July 20, from 11am–2pm FOR THE KID WHO'S ALL ABOUT FUN: MINI-GOLF, BOWLING AND CHALLENGE ROOMS AT FUNLAB If your house is full of fun-lovers, then here's your school holiday solution. Funlab — which runs Holey Moley, Strike Bowling, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq and Hijinx Hotel — is offering a bunch of family-friendly discounts and deals this July. Pay just $14 per kid for a game of mini-golf, a round of bowling, or a session in a challenge room. Double your dollars at Archie Brothers — spend $35 on game cards for $70 credit, or spend $100 and get $200 in value. Plus, there's a $20 food and drink bundle at all venues, which buys you a potato tornado, a panda keep cup and unlimited soft drinks. FOR THE KID WHO GOES WILD: NEW ARRIVALS, SHOWS AND SLEEPOVERS AT TARONGA ZOO If you haven't met Taronga Zoo's youngest residents yet, these school holidays could be the perfect time. They include Bair, an endangered sea lion pup; Eve, a long-nosed fur seal pup; and three koala joeys named Eugene, Busta and Yanada. Swing by anytime to watch them learning to swim, climb, and enjoy the sea, sun and sky. Meanwhile, for kids obsessed with things that slide and slither, there's the Crawly Critters Alive Show, which is on twice daily at 11.45am and 2.30pm. Or, to learn more about Australia's native creatures, follow the No Place Like Home Trail. Is one day not enough? You and the kids can always spend the night in a safari-style tent at Roar and Snore, or in even more comfort at the Wildlife Retreat. [caption id="attachment_858445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maja Baska (NIDA)[/caption] FOR THE KID WHO LOVES THE SPOTLIGHT: NIDA HOLIDAY CLASSES Kids as young as five and as old as eighteen can get involved in NIDA's massive school holiday program this winter. Classes for both primary and high schoolers take place at various spots across Sydney, from Kensington to Chatswood, and cover a range of skills. Send your budding singer to a workshop for mini pop stars, or your future film star to a screen acting session for heroes, villains and spies. Then, for kids with a deeper commitment, there are five-day drama school courses or five-day musical theatre courses for those who aspire to act, sing and dance. Whichever they choose, your stage-loving cubs will explore the limits of their creativity and imagination in a fun and supportive environment. FOR THE KID WITH A COMPETITIVE STREAK: SPORTS SESSIONS AT SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK Got kids who are keen to stay active these school holidays? Make a beeline to Sydney Olympic Park, which will host an array of sporty activities from Monday, July 7–Saturday, July 18. Whether your mini wants to run, kick, bounce, swim, or even shoot a bow and arrow, there's an activity with their name on it. Throw them into the deep end at an intensive swimming program, train their hand-eye coordination at a sharp shooters session, or give them a chance to try it all at a day-long multi-sports camp. Classes are led by professional instructors and cater to all levels of experience — whether your little one is looking for something new or hoping to develop existing skills. [caption id="attachment_858493" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Penrith Regional Gallery[/caption] FOR THE KID WHO'S A DAYDREAMER: ART WORKSHOPS If this world is but a canvas, it is better that the canvas is an actual canvas rather than, say, your walls. If the kids are channelling their creativity these holidays, sign them up for an art workshop. At Bankstown Arts Centre, they can take their pick of activities — from building a ceramic bear to getting an introduction to Chinese calligraphy or making a traditional Indonesian mask. Penrith Regional Gallery has an equally impressive program. Keep them busy making shadow puppets, sculpting animals from clay, putting together their own artist book or, for three- to five-year-olds, learning the basics of art. Closer to the city, head to the Art Gallery of NSW for creative cityscape workshops, pet portrait sessions and native bee classes. FOR THE KID WHO CAN TALK THEIR WAY OUT OF ANYTHING: COMMUNICATIONS WORKSHOPS Give your little one the gift of life skills these school holidays by enrolling them in an interactive communications workshop with Speaks Craft Australia. The two-day, four-in-one sessions cover public speaking, debating, creative writing and drama, and are held all over Sydney, as well as online. Kids of all grades — from kindergarten to year 9 — can attend. In years one and two, the focus is on building confidence through games and storytelling, while the year three to five sessions aim to develop skills in persuasive speaking and writing. For years six to nine, the workshops cover debating, impromptu speaking and leadership. FOR THE KID WHO'S ALWAYS ASKING QUESTIONS: PERFORMANCES, WORKSHOPS AND TOURS AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE A host of experiences awaits at the Sydney Opera House this winter. Roald Dahl's much-loved The Twits is a big part of the school holiday lineup for yet another year, with a fun and chaotic production by Shake & Stir Theatre Co. Also on the bill is The Princess, The Pea (and The Brave Escapee), presented by the Australian Chamber Orchestra. It tells the unknown story of why the princess was out on a stormy night in the first place, soundtracked by live classical music. Another headliner is the timely BullyBully, which pits two world leaders against one another in no man's land. Through laughter, dance and movement, the duo fights it out for their spot as top dog. Meanwhile, at City of Wonder, children aged four and above can use creativity, problem-solving and collaborative skills to help build an urbanscape for the future. FOR THE KID WHO'S ALREADY A FILM BUFF: THE CHILDREN'S INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Does your ankle-biter wander around the house quoting Finding Nemo? Or maybe sharing their opinion of Paddington in Peru like a mini David or Margaret? Fuel their future as a film buff these school holidays at the Children's International Film Festival. Having started in early June, it'll keep rolling until Sunday, July 20. The massive program includes the Australian premieres of A Tooth Fairy Tale (US), Bartali's Bicycle (Italy) and Norbert (Spain) — among many others. Plus, there are special screenings of Smurfs (with Funday Natural Sweets included with every ticket), and Friday, July 11, has been declared pyjama day.
Iberica takes inspiration from small Spanish towns along the stunning Balearic Islands, like Ibiza and Mallorca, so it's no wonder the restaurant chose Sydney's most iconic beach as its home. The venue is helmed by Managing Director Joaquin Saez (previously at Cho Cho San, Fratelli Paradiso, Alberto's Lounge and Ikaria Bondi). Joining him is Executive Chef Ivan Sanchez, who brings 15 years of experience in Mediterranean cuisine, including stints at Porteño and Bastardo. Head of Bar, Carlo Valdivia, who formerly worked at Porteño, Continental Deli, Bar & Bistro and Sokyo, is in charge of curating the Spanish-heavy wine list and creative cocktail menu. The menu focuses on supporting local suppliers and showcasing their produce. Start off with house-made bread served with a truffle butter candle, jamon Iberico, seared scallops and grilled octopus with Jerusalem artichoke and ajo blanco. Bigger plates include seafood paella, charcoal-grilled sirloin with a Pedro Ximenez reduction and a charcoal-grilled spatchcock with mojo rojo. Finish off with a caramel flan with manchego cheese, Basque cheesecake or a refreshing grape sorbet.
On the evening of August 22, 24 hours after the publication of The Sydney Morning Herald and Good Food's bombshell report on historical cases of sexual abuse, drug taking, mismanagement and widespread misogyny at Swillhouse venues, the embattled hospitality group — whose businesses include Restaurant Hubert, Le Foote and The Caterpillar Club — issued an apology via its social media channels. Now, a fortnight on from the horrifying revelations of The SMH investigation, Swillhouse CEO Anton Forte has revealed a suite of changes to his business to ensure Swillhouse venues are safe places to work. In a video posted to the Swillhouse Hospitality Instagram account, Forte once again apologised for his company's failures to its former staff. "People were and are the heart of our business. Every success we've had, we owe to them," Forte said. "We wanted to create a culture of generosity and openness, but along the way, we messed up." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Swillhouse (@swillhouse.hospitality) In a statement sent to Swillhouse's e-news subscribers, the company said it was building on improvements it had made to workplace culture and its HR practices in recent years, announcing the appointment of new senior roles within the company, albeit without identifying by name three of the four individuals filling those positions. Described in the statement as "one of the most respected female leaders in the industry," a new Strategic Advisor will be assisting Swillhouse to "build a new-look, much-improved" company. "As the former CEO of a leading hospitality company and a renowned champion of women in hospitality, she will bring her extensive experience — plus independence and honesty — to review our entire operations and guide us on how and where we need to change," the statement continues. Two independent expert consultants — one in culture and transformation and a second advising on workplace health and safety — have also been recruited to help overhaul internal processes. Swillhouse also announced the promotion of Hope Dawson, its Group Human Resources Manager, to the executive leadership team. The statement added that the company is fully cooperating with the Safe Work NSW inquiry into its historical failures. [caption id="attachment_673758" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cole Bennetts[/caption] Another major Australian hospitality group, Merivale, has also faced allegations of downplayed sexual abuse, toxic workplace practices, drug use among staff and a culture of misogyny at its venues, revealed in a major investigation published by the ABC on Tuesday, September 4. A second ABC report, published on Thursday, September 5, also revealed that CCTV footage of "hundreds" of patrons having sex, exposing themselves, falling down and urinating in public spaces within Merivale venues was shown at its annual awards night, The Merivales, in 2017. In response to the most recent allegations by the ABC, a statement from Merivale responded saying: "Merivale venues are comprehensively monitored by CCTV, a matter which is notified to patrons and staff with clear signage… It is lawful for Merivale to capture this footage and there can be no reasonable expectation of privacy for any patron attending." If you need to speak to someone about an experience you have had or are seeking information, please contact 1800Respect on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au. Top image: Kristoffer Paulsen
Inland from Port Stephens, away from the beaches and coastal tracks and closer to Newcastle Airport, you'll find the two towns of Raymond Terrace and Medowie. They're separated by the Grahamstown Dam, which boasts a cycleway along its southern shoreline. It's an easy 11-kilometre ride that is entirely off-road, so you can take your time and make multiple stops whenever you need. The path starts at the Lakeside Leisure Centre and passes by the Finnan Park Picnic Area, which has toilet facilities and a barbecue if you need a rest — or you can keep pedalling onward to the Grahamstown Aquatic Centre, which has a couple of outdoor picnic tables. Finally, you'll arrive in the small town of Medowie, home to Medowie Macadamias farm.
British culinary figure Rick Stein has had a years-long love affair with the Australian coast. In 2009, he opened Rick Stein at Bannisters by the Sea in the breezy south NSW coastal town of Mollymook, and followed it up a decade later with Rick Stein at Bannisters Port Stephens, which debuted in 2018. Now, the legendary chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and television presenter will bringing be his signature brand of "fresh fish, simply cooked" to Sydney for the very first time, with Stein and his Australian wife Sarah set to open their Australian flagship in one of the city's most iconic beachside destinations. Rick Stein at Coogee Beach — which comes 50 years after he opened his very first restaurant, The Seafood Restaurant, in a Cornwall fishing port — will be an expansive 224-seater set in the upcoming InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, offering the refined beachside dining experience for which Stein is known. For his third Australian restaurant, Stein will be showcasing premium Australian regional and local produce across three distinct, yet quietly elegant, spaces: a signature dining room, a more casual bar area and a sun-washed courtyard terrace. "Coogee Beach is yet another stunning coastal location for our Australian restaurant portfolio — perched by the sea and full of the laidback charm we've come to love so much here," says Stein. "It's especially meaningful for me as my wife Sas grew up in Sydney, so opening a restaurant in her hometown makes this venture all the more special for us both." The menu will hero some of NSW's very best seafood, including mahi mahi from Nelson Bay, Stockton pipis from Port Stephens and line-caught mackerel from Ulladulla, while Stein's show-stopping Singapore chilli crab will feature blue swimmer from Nelson Bay. Naturally, Stein's beloved British-style fish and chips — complete with hand-cut chips and mushy peas — will also make the cut. "There's an abundance of top-quality seafood in Australia and we'll be championing local, seasonal produce with the benefit of accessing the biggest fish market in the southern hemisphere," says Stein. "We'll continue to utilise the relationships we've built in our regional locations to source that same produce in Sydney. It's the best of both worlds." On the ops side, Sarah Stein, Rick's wife and long-time collaborator, will bring her touch to the restaurant's interiors and ambience. For their Coogee dining room, the couple are working in partnership with Salter Brothers, who acquired the Bannisters Group in 2024 and will also operate the InterContinental Coogee. Rick Stein at Coogee Beach is slated to open in November, 2025 at InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, 242 Arden Street, Coogee. For more information, head to the restaurant's website.
Tailgating. Not just driving up the arse of the car in front of you, it's a long-held American tradition that makes your regular sporting match into an epic escapade of Peter Jackson proportions. Everyone gets together in the stadium carpark, you throw back crispy bevs, you grill Various Meats, you partake in furious debates laden with snarky stats and high volume rants. It's a bonafide buzz-inducer, with some serious enthusiasts behind it. Until now, its a tradition Sydneysiders have only partaken in on trips to the States or vicariously through watching Varsity Blues (absolutely still relevant). But now Sydney is taking a crack at 'gating. Kicked off in Moore Park last Saturday, June 14 for the Swans vs Port Adelaide and Roosters vs Knights games on the weekend, two Australian entrepreneurs have brought the so-called Tailgate Experience to Sydney — during and after every game at either the Sydney Cricket Ground or Sydney Football Stadium (Allianz Stadium). Setting up shop in front of Kippax Lake opposite the SFS and SCG, this no-fee organised tailgate party is a fully-licensed, fenced-off area with noms, bevs, live tunes and ring toss. Having won the right to bags the space in Moore Park, Sydney duo Richard Colvin and Patrick Yeoland are aiming to bolster the social buzz around Australian sport. "Tailgate events in the US are such a hugely successful way of building momentum before major sporting events and bring a whole new level of social interaction to the games," says Colvin, managing director of hospitality group That’s Mint. "We’re hoping our idea can emulate the fun of a real tailgate and we think this is a natural evolution for Aussie sport. We hope that Australia’s sport codes and the public embrace it as an additional incentive to get out to games." Scheduled to get the pre-game party started four hours ahead of the live kick off, the Tailgate Experience raves on after the game — the perfect post-victory throwdown or commiseration wake. Whether Sydneysiders pick up on the tailgating thing (and whether the po-po/council shut it down) remains to be seen, with the next party scheduled for the Australia vs France rugby showdown, this Saturday 21 June. The Tailgate Experience current schedule: 21 June 2014 – Australia vs France (Rugby Union International) 28 June 2014 – Swans vs GWS 5 July 2014 – Roosters vs Sharks 6 July 2014 – Waratahs vs Highlanders 12 July 2014 – Swans vs Carlton
The 90s were great. That shouldn't be a controversial opinion. Whether you lived through them or have spent the last couple of decades wishing you did — aka binging on 90s pop culture — Oxford Art Factory's New Year's Eve shindig will indulge both your retro and your festive urges. Drinks, tunes, fashion: expect all of the above at the No Scrubs: 90s and Early 00s party from 9pm on NYE. Of course, it's up to you to make sure the clothing side of thing is covered, and to get into the spirit of the season. If you want to use Mariah Carey as a style icon, it'd be fitting. Expect to unleash your inner Spice Girl and Backstreet Boy too. TLC, Destiny's Child, Savage Garden, Usher, Blink-182, No Doubt — we'd keep listing artists, but you all know what you're getting yourselves into. Entry costs $23.36 in advance, with the fun running through until 3am. Image: Destination NSW.
Many Australians spent a childhood birthday or two under one of Pizza Hut's iconic red roofs, digging into endless cheesy slices and soft serve at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Fast forward to 2020 and not a whole heap of Pizza Hut buffets exist — with only 14 dine-in outposts across the country — but the chain is still going strong with its hundreds of takeaway shops. And it's celebrating its 50th anniversary in Australia by giving away a whopping 50,000 takeaway pizzas. Pizza Hut is giving away 10,000 pizzas each day from Monday, August 3 to Friday, August 7. You just need to head over to the website between 4–6pm on one of those days, submit your details and select your closest Pizza Hut store. You can choose from five different toppings, too — the brand's five most popular flavours, in fact: Pepperoni Lovers, BBQ Meatlovers, Super Supreme, Cheese Lovers or Hawaiian. You then have until 11.59pm on Monday, August 31 to redeem your free pizza. To coincide with the giveaway, and the anniversary, Pizza Hut is releasing some fun facts about each decade every day, such as where its first Aussie restaurant was located (Belfield, NSW) and when stuffed crust was launched (25 years ago). Pizza Hut is giving away 10,000 free pizzas from 4–6pm each night between Monday, August 3 and Friday, August 7 via the website. Top images: Warrawong and Canley Heights Pizza Huts.
Not everyone is a sports fan, but if you like live tunes, the Australian Open should still be on your radar even if you care little about on-the-court action. Only one music event in the world takes place as part of a Grand Slam, and that's AO Live. On the lineup for 2025's iteration: none other than Kesha, Armand Van Helden, Kaytranada and Benson Boone. Game, set, match, music: that's what's on offer when the Australian Open returns in January 2025 with two jam-packed weeks of tennis, plus a few aces for music lovers in the form of its three-day festival. It was back in 2023 that the annual Melbourne sports event launched the AO Finals Festival, getting a heap of talents taking to the stage. Unsurprisingly proving a hit, the fest returned in 2024, and will now be back again in 2025 under a new name. The venue: John Cain Arena, where AO Live will run from Thursday, January 23–Saturday, January 25. 2025's version features the event's biggest lineup so far — complete with Bag Raiders, Bella Amor, Channel Tres, Dijok, Kah-Lo and Jade Zoe. The fest kicks off with Boone on the Thursday, followed by Kaytranada on the Friday. Both days will span 5–9pm. Come Saturday, coinciding with the women's finals, Kesha will make her first visit to Australia in seven years, joined by Van Helden. Wrapping up AO Live, the day will kick off at 2pm and finish at 7pm. Expect plenty of company, with the 2023 fest selling out, then 2024's moving venues to John Cain Arena to take advantage of its 10,000-person capacity. AO Live ticketholders will also get a ground pass to the Australian Open, so you can watch the tennis as well as catching live tunes. As always, there'll be scores of food and drink pop-ups scattered throughout Melbourne Park, as well as big screens showing all the on-court action. [caption id="attachment_975223" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brendan Walter[/caption] AO Live 2024 Lineup Thursday, January 23: Benson Boone Bella Amor Friday, January 24: Kaytranada Channel Tres Dijok Saturday, January 25: Kesha Armand Van Helden Bag Raiders Kah-Lo Jade Zoe AO Finals Festival images: Ashlea Caygill.
If you've ever wanted to dive face-first into an inflatable doughnut sitting atop a giant beach made of 1.1 million white balls snuggled inside a human-cut cave in Sydney, this is your lucky day. Sydney Festival's cornerstone art installation The Beach is a giant ball pit for art-loving kidults created by Brooklyn design studio Snarkitecture. It officially opens on Saturday, January 7 with the rest of the festival, it's free and it's going to be the only thing on your Instagram feed for the next two weeks. We originally came across The Beach back in 2015, when it took over the foyer of the National Building Museum in DC. Like most high-fiveable things, the project was crowdfunded by the people of Washington DC, who combined their ball-yearning powers and raised $12,155 in a month. Then, the work had 750,000 recyclable (thank god) plastic balls, which, with additional funding has been upped to 1.1 million for the Sydney instalment. Once you eventually find your way along the peninsula to The Cutaway at Barangaroo, you'll find Sydney Festival's signature corner store streamer door. Head on through and you'll find surf live savers who'll direct you to ditch your shoes and make your way along an epic, stark white corridor to the 'beach'. Grab an inflatable pelican and elegantly push off into the sea of white balls, or just do what we did and cannonball it. Buggered from too much awkward wading? Slump into a white deck chair on the artificial shore and gaze longingly into the mirrored wall at the back of the space. making Snarkitecture's beach seem to go on forever and ever and ever. Guests are allowed 20-30 minutes per session and the capacity will sit at around 350. Be warned, once you find a comfortable spot, it's very, very hard to get out. Remember, don't leave anything in your pockets before you jump in — you won't get lost property back until the end of the festival. So, see you there guys, both in the balls and on your Instagram feeds. CANNONBAAAAAALLLL! BALL PIT BEACH DAY WHAT. 🍉 @sydney_festival @snarkitecture #sydfest #sydneyfestival #beach A video posted by Shannon Connellan (@shanconnellan) on Jan 5, 2017 at 6:39pm PST Find out more about the session times of The Beach here. By Shannon Connellan with Imogen Baker.
Did you know Penrith is home to one of the finest pro-standard wakeboarding facilities in Australia? It's Cables Wake Park and the facilities are state of the art. Here, riders of all ages are pulled along at high speed by the cables high above, carving swift shapes in the water, taking jumps and — if they're daring — even doing tricks from the ramps. There's no prior experience needed (though you can book a lesson if you want some pointers), and your wakeboard and/or kneeboard, life jacket and helmet are all included in the session. All you have to do is strap that board on, hang tight and go. Choose from a one- or two-hour pass, or make it a full day. If you need a break, the onsite cafe offers drinks, toasties, wraps, pies and even protein shakes (it is a proper workout, after all). There's barbecue facilities and a staggering inflatable aqua park, as well as a playground and basketball and volleyball courts. There's a lodge with rooms that sleep up to 24, plus a stay and ride package too. So if you're looking for a fun-fuelled thrilling activity, it's time to grab your gang and make a day (and night) of it. Images: Destination NSW.
Gone are the days when showing your pop culture love meant being glued to a screen. That's still on the cards, of course, but there's an ever-growing list of ways that you can interact with your favourite movies and shows beyond simply watching them. Disney does cruises, balls inspired by Bridgerton have been popping up around the country, The Simpsons got the adults-only burlesque and drag treatment, and Shrek raves involve copious amounts of dancing and the colour green — to name just a few examples. So of course an interactive IRL game based on Beauty and the Beast that has fans running around the streets was going to materialise at some point. It's a tale as old as time, again, but in an escape room-meets-scavenger hunt way. This new game hails from CluedUpp, which has already busted out CSI, Jack the Ripper, and witchcraft and wizarding-themed activities around Australia — plus Alice in Wonderland games, too, with another based on The Smurfs also still to come. In a year that's set to deliver the Beauty and the Beast musical Down Under as well — in Sydney from June — CluedUpp wants you to be its guest to get sleuthing. Also arriving from the first month of winter onwards, its Beauty and the Beast game involves roaming around outdoors on an adventure that takes its cues from the classic 18th-century fairy tale that's earned such a folllowing, as combined with a whodunnit-style mystery. Beloved story? Tick. Inserting fans into said narrative? Tick again. Working in the ever-popular genre that is the whodunnit? Tick once more. Throw in the whole escape room and scavenger hunt elements, and it does sound like something that an algorithm would come up with — and a lot of fun. Hitting Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide on various dates, this spin on Beauty and the Beast starts with the latter getting cursed again. Forget love — this time, there's challenges to complete, clues to crack and fairy tale characters for you and your mates to interrogate. Participants get involved in teams of up to six, roaming around outdoors with their phones to help. And yes, if you want to dress up to fit the theme, you can. "We're committed to creating unique, outdoor experiences that bring people together and encourage them to have fun with family and friends," said Tref Griffiths, founder of CluedUpp Games. "With Beauty and the Beast, I'm confident people of all ages will love this magical mystery-solving adventure." CluedUpp's game isn't officially connected to Disney's movies, but if you want some costume inspiration, check out the trailer for the Emma Watson-starring version below: CluedUpp's Beauty and the Beast game will start taking over Australia's streets from June 2023 — head to the company's website for further details.
The original Sel et Poivre are coming for Good Vibrations! They have been pulled from the hip hop attic, dusted off and polished up, as have Naughty By Nature. Not exactly sure how they will 'kick it' now they are pushing 50, but there is no denying their place in the hip hop hall of fame, as they made consistently good music, with massive massive hits that I will rattle off but I'm sure you know- What A Man, Let's Talk About Sex, Push It, Shoop, None Of Your Business. They won grammies, pushed the envelope for social issues and were just generally staunch until they broke up in the late 90's. They have since embarked on reality TV shows, some solo releases, and Pepa even wrote an autobiography Let's Talk About Pep, continuing the line of such great puns (see Salt Of The Earth - Salt's solo album, Very Necessary, their 4th album). They are putting on a ladies night sideshow at The Metro with all female supports Killa Queenz and Hoops. https://youtube.com/watch?v=UKaVBVikysw
Taking quality of beard and beardiness of lyrics as the two main factors, South Australian folk rock foursome The Beards are definitely at least one of the beardiest bands in music today. But they’re not the only band with facial hair that says a lot about their music. In anticipation of The Beards The First World Tour, which is currently making its way around the US before wrapping up on our eastern states in June, learn to know your EDM from your alt country by facial hair alone with this list of eight genre-defining beards. 1. THE INDIE FOLK BEARD Like the warm sounds of a guitar and a country-tinged melody, the indie folk beard is rural, familiar and comforting. It is comprised of a mid-density beard with rugged chops and a clearly defined moustache section. Often those two parts will merge slightly, but if so there will normally be some form of styling gel involved so the moustache retains definition. See Justin Vernon and Iron & Wine’s Samuel Beam, and closer to home, Angus Stone’s is a bristly contender. 2. THE CLASSIC ROCK BEARD In the same family is the classic rock beard, a more rugged and manly development that suggests life on the road and an inoffensively boisterous attitude. It can be seen on the faces of Clutch’s Neil Fallon, The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach and most bands signed to Sub Pop in Seattle. The main feature of the rock beard is its thickness, while length can vary. It is also, despite its bushiness and proximity to the mouth, not a very dirty beard. 3. THE RAP BEARD Rappers don’t get the ladies because of their smooth rhymes, they get them because of their smooth mutton chops and well-groomed chin curtains. See: Ice Cube, 50 Cent, Flo Rida and P. Diddy. 4. THE METAL BEARD A fun thing to do is imagine the guys from metal bands plaiting their beards and fastening them with those little beads. They do this frequently, and it is maybe one of the reasons so many metal bands originate from Scandinavia, where hair is usually long and silky and lends itself well to styling. 5. COUNTRY Pioneering this style were Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson in the Highwaymen era. After a brief fling with the pornstache, country beards seem to be reverting back to that unkempt style, which is increasingly evident in light of the popularity of modern and alternative country. Zac Brown and Alabama Shakes’ Zac Cockrell in particular suggest both genre and beard and only betting bigger from here. 6. THE MOTLEY COLLECTION A discrepancy between styles of facial hair often goes hand in hand with a discrepancy between styles of music. This is particularly true concerning two of the worst reasons to have been born in the late ‘80s: System of a Down and Linkin Park. Part Swedish hardcore and part magician rock with a weak attempt at 'urban' thrown in, it’s just a recipe for confusion. 7. THE ELECTROBEARD Have you ever noticed that electronic artists appear to have good levels of personal hygiene? This is seems to be echoed in their facial hair, which is normally non-existent or well groomed and not excessive in length. Al Doyle of Hot Chip and our own Oliver Tank both have excellent beards, and it’s pretty much impossible to imagine Flume with a wild face mane. 8. THE GANDALF Some older rock bands make attempts to stay relevant, while others give youth the proverbial finger by growing massively daggy beards. The most famous example of this would be ZZ Top, made up of two fiercely bearded Texans and one beardless (and unfittingly named) Frank Beard. See also Benny and the Jets, a Detroit rock band formed several years before Elton John’s hit of the same name.
If you need proof that a lot can change in a decade, look no further than DMA's. From writing indie tunes in a rundown Newtown flat to conquering the world's biggest stages, the band is officially returning home for a nostalgic one-off Sydney show. Held at The Metro Theatre on Friday, March 27, this special 10th anniversary performance celebrates where bandmates Johnny Took, Matt Mason and Tommy O'Dell's journey really began — the release of their debut album, Hills End. Performing the album in full, DMA's are also making this show an unforgettable experience for diehard fans. That means you can expect tracks they've never previously played live, alongside a selection of fan favourites from across their acclaimed catalogue. Coinciding with the release of the Hills End 10th Anniversary Edition, featuring previously unreleased original demos, you have the perfect excuse to jam to 'Delete', 'Lay Down' and 'Step Up The Morphine' while reminiscing about where you were and what you were doing ten years ago. Pre-sale tickets are available from 10am on Wednesday, February 4 to 9am on Thursday, February 5, or until allocation is exhausted. If you miss out, general public tickets are on sale from 10am on Thursday, February 5. Head to the website for more information. Top image: Mclean Stephenson.
Maybe you danced all night in the backroom. Maybe you saw King Gizzard or your mate's brother's friend's band play. Maybe you — like the rest of Sydney — celebrated your 18th birthday at the bar. Or maybe it was so long ago that you don't really remember the specifics. Point is, The World Bar is where so many Sydneysiders spent their weekends (and money on cocktails in teapots) back when the Cross was pumping. So it's with sad news that we report that the Kings Cross institution will close forever tomorrow, Wednesday, November 28. Owner Steve Ward has naturally described the closure as "heartbreaking stuff". World Bar has been operating for 18 years and, in that time, has hosted over countless party fiends and music lovers, as well as over 4000 DJs and 1000 bands, including Flume, DZ Deathrays and Gang of Youths. In a statement released today, Ward say it was "undeniable" that the lockout laws have had a "huge impact" on his business and Sydney's live music scene. In February last year, the venue was granted a half-hour extension on its lockout and last drinks on the basis that it provided legitimate live entertainment and that it had a good police record and liquor law compliance history. Unfortunately, despite doing things right, it doesn't seem this was enough to keep the bar afloat. Even so, with recent pressure mounting to remove the lockout laws, Ward is going out with hope. He's encouraging anyone who love nightlife to go out and get amongst it. "There are great venues and incredible music alive in the Cross and surrounding areas," he said in a statement. "So please get out there and support all our incredible friends...still battling away for their love of live music." The bar will go out with one last party tomorrow night. Wednesday night party crew The Wall has pulled together a lineup of artists and DJs for once last boogie, and teapots will be going all night. Just remember: lockout is 2am and last drinks are at 3.30am. The World Bar's final show will kick off form 10pm on Wednesday, November 28 at 24 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross.
What do Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night and Sunflowers, Katsushika Hokusai's The Great Wave off Kanagawa and Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa all have in common? Yes, they're all masterpieces. Yes, they all hail from iconic talents. And yes, they're all works that art lovers need to see in-person with their own eyes. Here's something else that they each share: they've all received the Lego treatment, letting you build them yourself, then hang them on your own wall. Lego has announced that Sunflowers is the latest great work to get turned into plastic bricks — and the latest reason that your own home can hold its own with the world's greatest galleries. The company's art range not only lets you display stunning art in your own house, but gets you recreating these masterpieces, too. To construct van Gogh's rendering of golden flowers, you'll be using 2615 blocks. Releasing on Saturday, March 1, 2025, but available to preorder already (for AU$299.99 and NZ$349.99), the new kit is a collaboration between Lego and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Together, they've designed a set that reimagines Sunflowers with 3D bricks, using the blocks to help convey brushstrokes, plus light and shade — and they've also fashioned a Lego creation that isn't small. The finished piece measures 54 centimetres in height and 41 centimetres in width, so you really will want to find the right space to display it. As you construct Sunflowers, you'll be putting together the painting's 16 sunflowers, all with adjustable petals, as well as a removable frame. The kit comes with a hanger, too, alongside a tile with the artist's signature. Lego and the Van Gogh Museum are also dropping a podcast via LEGO.com, YouTube and Spotify on Saturday, March 1, which'll chat through both the artwork's history and the Lego set's design — and is recommended listening while you build. "Working on one of the world's most-famous paintings can be quite daunting, but recreating Sunflowers has been a dream come true. We collaborated closely with the Van Gogh Museum and its experts, delving into the details to meticulously craft a 3D version of the original artwork," said LEGO Designer Stijn Oom. " One of the most challenging yet crucial aspects was translating the impasto effect into Lego bricks while preserving the painting's asymmetrical yet balanced composition. We are incredibly proud of the result and hope our fans enjoy building it as much as we enjoyed bringing Van Gogh's masterpiece to life." For more information about Lego's new Sunflowers kit, which goes on sale on Down Under on Saturday, March 1, 2025 — but is available to preorder already — head to the company's website.
Chasing the sounds of summer? Ocean Alley is one of the first Aussie names that come to mind, beloved for their brand of sun-soaked psychedelic surf rock, tinged with funky basslines and buttery-smooth lyrics. Now the band is embarking on a massive national tour, taking their sound on a jam-packed road trip that spans beachy regional towns and capital cities. The upcoming tour comes on the back of Ocean Alley's landmark 2025. The band played to a huge crowd at London's Alexandra Palace, while performing their first dates to fans in Brazil, Chile and Mexico. At the same time, their tracks rocketed up the charts, with breakthrough hit 'Confidence' landing at 65 on triple j's Hottest 100 of Australian Songs. The band has also been busy serving up surprise releases, such as Live in Melbourne '23 — a live album and concert film recorded at John Cain Arena during their last Australian tour. Meanwhile, Ocean Alley just released a brand-new music video for their much-loved tune, 'First Blush'. Shot in Hawaii, it captures the many shades of love reflected in the song. As for the 2026 tour, Ocean Alley is kicking things off in Melbourne on Saturday, January 24, in Catani Gardens before hitting Brisbane Showgrounds on Friday, January 30. Dates in Sydney, Tasmania, Perth and beyond follow soon after, with the tour wrapping up at Glenelg Beach in South Australia on Saturday, March 21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRZYOPRLh2Q Of course, the band isn't taking to the stage alone. For those catching Ocean Alley on the East Coast, support acts include Nothing But Thieves, Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Ruby Fields. For those in the West, expect Skegss, Ruby Fields and Smol Fish, with the likes of Allah-Las, Babe Raindow, The Grogans, Mid-Drift, Le Shiv and Seaside also appearing at various dates. Ocean Alley National Tour 2026 Dates Saturday, January 24 — Catani Gardens, Melbourne Friday, January 30 — Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane Saturday, January 31 — The Domain, Sydney Friday, February 6 — Party In The Paddock, Carrick Saturday, February 21 — Freo Esplanade, Fremantle Sunday, February 22 — 3 Oceans Winery, Margaret River Saturday, March 7 — Exhibition Park, Canberra Sunday, March 8 — Torquay Common, Torquay Saturday, March 14 — Speers Point Park, Lake Macquarie Sunday, March 15 — Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast Saturday, March 21 — Glenelg Beach, Adelaide Ocean Alley's national tour kicks off in Melbourne at the Catani Gardens on Saturday, January 24. Head to the tour website for further details.
Easter is just around the corner, which means chocolate, chocolate and then more chocolate. But if you're in the vicinity of Westfield Chatswood on Saturday, April 13, it means free chocolate first. Ferrero Rocher has unleashed its new Easter chocolate into the world, and it's celebrating in everyone's favourite way: with giveaways, obviously. Head along between 9am–6pm and look for the three-metre-tall golden hazelnut tree — which won't be hard to spot. As well as nabbing a free taste of the new choccie, you'll also be able to swing on the golden swing. Why? Why not, we guess. As for the sweet treat itself, it's called the Golden Squirrel — hence the huge, shiny tree — and it's squirrel-shaped, and made from Ferrero Rocher's blend of milk chocolate and hazelnut. Yes, if you're allergic to nuts, this means this freebie isn't for you. If you're not, scamper along and get munching.
Missed out on a Euro summer trip this year? Don't drown your sorrows in sangria just yet — Spanish car brand CUPRA is bringing Barcelona to Sydney with the fiery Obsession event series — inspired by the brand's ethos of style, performance and passion — which will see creative collaborators take over the CUPRA Sydney City Garage in the CBD to showcase their "obsessions." The first event in CUPRA's Obsession series will see Barcelona-native Frank Camorra (the mind behind Melbourne-based culinary group MoVida) return to Sydney to host a one-night-only culinary experience that explores his gastronomic expertise in Spanish cuisine on Thursday, October 31. The menu of this free, ticketed event is still under wraps, but if it's anything like his Melbourne institution, you can expect Frank to use only the freshest and finest ingredients, plus innovative twists on aperitivo snacks, tapas and raciones that highlight his obsessions with fresh seafood, seasonal produce and Mediterranean flavours. Keep an eye out for more details on the second event on Thursday, November 28, where famed Queensland beatboxer Tom Thum will rouse the crowd in with an interactive audio experience. Want to win a double pass to attend? You can head to the CUPRA website and share your obsession in 25 words or less to claim a ticket. The CUPRA Sydney City Garage is located at 68 Pitt Street, Sydney. For more information about CUPRA or to get behind the wheel on a test drive, visit the website.
Wasting food can often just come down to aesthetics: a bruised apple, a twisted carrot, a dinted onion. So Harris Farm Markets is launching Imperfect Picks, a range of would-go-unloved fruit and vegetables that may not look perfect, but are just as delicious and nutritious as their counterparts who made the 'good looks' cut. Good thing is, the uglies are now available for up to 50% cheaper. Inspired by the success of the 'Inglorious Fruits and Vegetables' campaign by French supermarket chain Intermarche earlier this year, Harris Farm aims to raise awareness of the Australian supermarket industry's overly strict standards of perfection regarding the appearance of fresh fruit and veg. "It is our hope that through this campaign, we encourage Australians and the big supermarkets to rethink what's important when buying fruit and vegetables," says Harris Farm CEO Tristan Harris. "Our commitment to freshness and taste won't ever change, [but] we've come to realise that when it comes to fresh produce, we shouldn't always judge a product by how it looks." https://youtube.com/watch?v=-U23XgEkZf0 But who doesn't search for the roundest orange or the straightest carrot in the bunch when on their weekly grocery run? The startling fact is that our pickiness as customers, coupled with unnecessarily high industry standards, has lead to about 25% of fresh food wasted each year. With the stats being this high, there's no doubt we're facing a food waste crisis. "It's such a crime and everyone needs to get involved. Sustainability is everybody's responsibility," says Rockpool's Neil Perry. "I'm really hoping that the… campaign grows and that it forces the other supermarkets and Australian consumers to realise that there is such great food being wasted," he says. Perry is just one example of chefs taking part in a sustainable table movement spreading across the country, showing us that today's funnily-shaped fruit and veg can be tomorrow's gourmet offering — and proving our pickiness unwarranted. So next time you drop in to your local Harris Farm, why not choose that two-headed potato or that wonky zucchini? Not only will you be helping to reduce environmental waste, but you'll also be supporting Aussie farmers and saving hugely on your grocery bill to boot. On offer in the first range of Imperfect Picks will be Packham pears, Navel oranges, Pink Lady apples, plus bananas, carrots, potatoes, swedes and zucchinis — all deliciously imperfect and in need of some lovin'.
Backing up a new album with a tour worked well for G Flip in 2023. In fact, they won an ARIA Award for Best Australian Live Act for their efforts. For 2025's new record Dream Ride, the drummer, singer and songwriter is doing the same in 2026 — kicking off their next run of homegrown dates eight years to the month since Georgia Flipo first uploaded 'About You' to Triple J Unearthed and sparked a helluva career so far. In Sydney, G Flip is playing Hordern Pavilion on Tuesday, March 3. The last time that the ARIA Award-winning drummer, singer and songwriter took a solo tour around the country, it was to sellout crowds. [caption id="attachment_1013156" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matt Jelonek/Getty Images[/caption] For company in 2026, G Flip will have Toronto's The Beaches and Heartbreak High star Ayesha Madon in support at all gigs. Dream Ride, the album, features singles 'Disco Cowgirl', 'Big Ol' Hammer' and 'In Another Life' — and an 80s-inspired sound, as well as G Flip playing almost every instrument on the record. [caption id="attachment_1013154" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anne Sophie Bine[/caption] Top image: Amy Martin Photography via Wikimedia Commons.
Joining the ranks of North Sydney's flourishing food and beverage scene is Bar Lettera, a lavish new venue sporting a modern Australian and Italian fusion menu. As of this month, North Sydney has officially established itself as a new dining precinct with the launch of UpTown — the CBD's up-and-coming district set to revitalise the area — and restaurant launches like Bar Lettera to expand the district's dining options. Opening its doors on Saturday, April 27, the North Sydney newcomer will boast an all-day food and drink offering from inside the lavish Citadines Walker North Sydney hotel. Led by Head Chef Ryan Perry (ex-The Bridge Room and Momofuku Seiobo), the aim is to celebrate the best of Australian produce. "North Sydney is a brilliant place to do an opening as there's a real opportunity to elevate the local dining scene," said Perry. "Bar Lettera is all about honest ingredients, there's no hiding." The concept behind Bar Lettera's menu is to revamp Italian classics, curating inventive dishes where local produce shines. Perry's take on a caprese salad features heirloom tomato with kombu oil and Geraldton wax, while the fritto misto is a deep-fried bay bug paired with a semolina crust and XO sauce. The Head Chef's personal favourite is a Wollemi duck rag rigatoni accompanied by a Davidson plum gin sauce. The drinks selection offers sips that also reimagine the classics using native Australian ingredients and art-fuelled inspiration, while the wine list consists of local drops honouring their European heritage. Expect the likes of a Granjoux Chardonnay from Beechworth and a Joshua Cooper Cabernet Sauvignon. As for the fitout, Sophie Jordan, the director of Jordan Design Studio, has brought the chic 90-seat space to life. Also drawing from North Sydney's local artistic heritage, the restaurant takes inspiration from Australia's first female sculpturist, Theodora Cowan, and the apartment of a modern-day artist. Bar Lettera dons an inviting light pink hue, taking reference from the Aussie landscape, paired with smooth marble, raw hardwood and ceramic sculptures. "We use pendants within the canopy to throw a welcoming warm glow in tandem with inviting table lamps," said Jordan. "Intricate lighting fixtures illuminate the travertine stone bar to infuse a sense of warmth, inviting guests to linger and savour every moment." You'll find Bar Lettera on the mezzanine floor (level 5) of the Citadines Walker North Sydney at 88 Walker Street, open daily from 7–10.30am for breakfast, 12–2.30pm for lunch and 5–8.30pm for dinner. Image credit: Born Social.
With house prices constantly on the rise, the Great Australian Dream of owning your own home feels pretty distant to most of us, but a group of architects and industrial designers in Beijing have an answer: the Tricycle House, a collapsible house that fits on the back of a tricycle. The house was a collaboration between the People's Architecture Office and the People's Industrial Design Office as part of the Get It Louder exhibition in Beijing. According to the designers, "Through this design, single family homes can be affordable and sustainable, parking lots are not wasted at night and traffic jams are acceptable. The Tricycle House is man-powered allowing off-the-grid living." The house is about 30-35 square feet, depending on how far out you expand it, and can be used as a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining room and workspace, with space for storage. There is no electricity in the house, but the translucent shell allows light to pass through. It's an inspiring idea from a housing and sustainability perspective, but it also carries a message about the land ownership situation in China, where government 'land grabs' and rapidly rising real estate prices are the norm. Via LifeEdited and Treehugger.
Mode is an oasis in the sweeping Four Seasons hotel atrium. Designed by Luchetti Krelle (ACME, Banksii), the restaurant's design aims for a muted, tasteful take on jazz-age glamour. There are fluted glass screens curling around tables, decadent touches of velvet, brass and marble and curves as far as the eye can see. There's a classical cocktail list to go with the classical space, too. Including a Mode and Gin Tonic ($15), which makes good use of StrangeLove's dirty tonic, a boutique bitter that draws on raw cinchona bark to impart a distinctive taste. Other cocktails are twists on favourites, like old fashioneds and mojitos. Or you could try something off the wine list — a 2016 See Saw Pinot Noir ($16), for example, is earthy and rich red with plum and cherry notes. The menu, by Italian-born chef Francesco Mannelli (ex-.est, Balla), embraces simplicity, emphasising quality ingredients in a refined, upmarket bistro style. A starter of kingfish sashimi ($23) shows his visual flair; twists of raw meat are entwined with wine-coloured sweet-and-sour onions, halved macadamias and flecks of green from lettuce leaves. For mains, dishes come charred, smoked and roasted from the grill and woodfire oven, such as the whole fish of the day ($38). This may be an immaculately cooked John Dory, with crackling skin giving way to plenty of succulent white flesh, served with a small jug of thick, flavoursome tarragon butter sauce. Similarly stripped back are the tenderloin medallions ($43). Two velvety soft pieces of meat come with florets of woody, char-roasted pieces of cauliflower hidden underneath. The time-honoured chocolate delice ($15) will help you round out the meal. A dense, glossy disc of rich chocolate comes paired with fresh strawberry gelato. As a perfectly simple old-school dish, it's a good snapshot of Mode's approach. But if you'd rather not end on a sweet note, look to the cheese boards (1 for $12, 2 for $18). You might have a milky white, sheep's milk Ossau-Iraty with a splash of chilli jam, or a creamy La Luna goat's milk cheese from an organic farm in Sutton Grange, Victoria. Hotel restaurants (particularly in Australia) don't have the best reputation, but Mode has broken that mould. With a sleek design, classic drinks list and refined, tasty food, it ticks all the boxes.
