Since the first Iron Man film in 2008, Marvel has trained superhero fans well. Notching up 33 movies in its enormous cinematic universe with 2023's The Marvels and showing zero signs of stopping, the comic book company has basically taken over the big screen, with this year delivering Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, too — and, as always, there's plenty more flicks on the way. Marvel hasn't just taken over picture palaces. Via Disney+, the small screen is also home to many a MCU story, including Secret Invasion and season two of Loki in 2023. Keen to see your favourite spandex-clad crime-fighters try to save the world in person as well? Along with splashing Marvel's heroes and villains across every screen it can find, that's also coming — and soon. Marvel Universe LIVE! is exactly what it seems — and if it sounds familiar, that's because it was meant to head Down Under in 2020, but then the pandemic hit. So, when it makes the trip to Australia in April 2024, it'll be unveiling its show to Aussie audiences for the first time. Sydney's season takes place from Friday, April 19–Monday, April 22 at Qudos Bank Arena. The production takes more than 20 characters such as Spider-Man, The Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy, teaming them up on stage and letting audiences marvel (pun intended) at their exploits. Featuring everyone from Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther and the Hulk to Captain America, Doctor Strange and Black Widow, it tasks the beloved superheroes with facing off against some of Marvel's infamous villains, including Nebula, Loki and Green Goblin. And, it packages their antics with video projections, special effects, pyrotechnics, martial arts, and both aerial and motorcycle stunts. The performance is aimed at all ages and, in news that's about as unsurprising as most wisecracks that Tony Stark ever uttered, the show has proven a massive success in the United States, Latin America and Europe. As a result, it was only a matter of time until it hit Australia after its pandemic delay. Obviously, attendees won't be watching Robert Downey Jr (Oppenheimer), Chris Hemsworth (Extraction II), Benedict Cumberbatch (The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar), Scarlett Johansson (Asteroid City) and Tom Hiddleston (The Essex Serpent) — or any of the many, many other high-profile stars who feature in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, because that list truly seems endless. But, if you're happy to get your Marvel fix however you can, add this to your 2024 calendar.
President Obama just appeared on Zach Galifianakis's cult web series Between Two Ferns and it was everything you want it to be and so much more. If the slow jams, the college 'fro, and the fact he's best friends with Jay-Z didn't already seal the deal, Barack Obama officially just took out the title of Coolest President in History (and someone in his media department is quite clearly a genius). The five-minute clip which is currently exploding on Funny or Die naturally starts with Zach on the back foot. “When I heard that people actually watch the show, I was pretty surprised," says Obama. He then goes on to land the obligatory Galifianakis fat joke: "[In 2014] we’ll probably pardon another turkey. Was that depressing to you? Seeing a turkey taken out of circulation that you couldn't eat?" Up against past guests like Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Justin Bieber, President Obama stood his ground well. After all, the show works best when the guest is famous enough for the outrage to seem novel, but good-humoured enough to take it in stride; and Obama is well-known for being a good sport. Because of this, Galifianakis may be the only man to ever 'shh' the President or call him a nerd. Other favourite bits include Zach asking what the president was going to do about "North Ikea" and Obama taking a jab at The Hangover: "If I ran [for president] a third time, that'd kind of be like doing a third Hangover movie. That didn't work out very well, did it?" Obama's appearance was actually in an effort to plug his latest healthcare initiative to young Americans and, while it's a good cause, we don't mind either way. Anything that brings out this beautiful sassy face is well worth the time and effort.
Nestled into the sleepy suburb of south Sydney's Grays Point, Jack Gray is a cafe by day and a wine bar by night. Open for coffee seven days a week and drinks on Fridays and Sundays, the venue is an exciting opening for The Shire, with top-notch eats, an exciting wine list and live music all in one place. Jack Gray is the passion project of owner Ben Coombes who wanted to turn his neighbourhood cafe into a community hub for Grays Point. "Our focus is to bring people together, whether it be with coffee or wine," says Coombes. Located on the edge of the Royal National Park, the cafe is an ideal stop for breakfast for anyone heading towards local parks, hikes or the nearby Pork Hacking River, as well as a reliable pitstop for locals on the hunt for their morning coffee. The all-day menu features breakfast classics done well. There are scrambled eggs with caramelised leek, vintage cheddar and sourdough; bacon and egg rolls made with Ironbark bacon and house-made apple and tomato relish; or banana crepes with vanilla bean ricotta, maple toasted almonds and dulce de leche. There's also a selection of loaded deli rolls that won't set you back CBD prices. Pick up a takeaway ricotta, caramelised onion, manchego cheese and mushroom breaky roll or a smoked salmon bagel. Come wine bar afternoons every Friday and Sunday, the baristas transform into bartenders and the focus becomes cocktails. There's, of course, a wine list that balances crowd-pleasers and interesting varieties including regional NSW pét-nats and "funky" South Australian reds. Accompanying the drinks are share plates of bar snacks like hummus or a peach and burrata salad, and soft-shell tacos. Crafted on locally made corn torillas, the tacos feature toppings like barbecue chorizo with tomatillo chimi churi, and irresistible vegetarian option that combines roast pumpkin, spiced cauliflower, avocado, salsa and pickles. Appears in: The Best Cafes in Sydney
Oh happy day. All things creative that formerly posed technical challenges to the layman are coming closer and closer to the layman's eager hands — from Instagram to 3D printing to Canva, the democratisation of creative industries is exploding all over your face. But for the more luddite individuals among Gen-Y nerds and Nintendo nostalgists, the really hot ticket will be Pixel Press. Forget lines of code; now all that's needed to create a fully interactive digital world is a humble 2B and a gridded sketch sheet. Much like the Lego Architecture Studio, which helps budding architects concretise their lofty imaginings, Pixel Press could be the perfect starter for anyone who fancies getting into the game design industry. In their backstory, the platform's creators describe using pencil and paper to track treasure locations in '80s video games. Such nerdery could only be destined for greatness. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Pixel Press is currently in development with a beta release slated for later in the year, for mobile, desktop and web. What's the process? Simply print out the sketch sheet template, create your unique, five-level pixel world with tortured Picasso-esque etchings in pencil, then photograph it using the Pixel Press app on your iPad. This original version can then be manipulated with more complex design features — like which perilous pillar moves up and down when you jump on it — and shared with your friends, who will probably soon be trying to outdo your design. Though quite basic at present, as the app undergoes further development and users contribute and share their own designs, it's likely this tool will lead to ever-more innovative games for everyone to enjoy. Sign up with your email address here to be part of the A team. You will be richly rewarded by a Chuck Norris gif, throwing you a thumbs up for subscribing to updates on this cool initiative. Check out the team's Kickstarter video explaining the app below. Via PSFK.
The bustling interior of Love Supreme brings together a comfortable rustic feel with a dash of modern industrialism, giving it a laidback, effortless appeal to long-time customers — and fresh faces. Famous for using largely organic ingredients to create some slightly left-of-centre pizzas, this is a great spot for a casual date night or a dinner with friends. Grab a serve of stuffed zucchini flowers to start, then perhaps a pumpkin vegan pizza with leek and olive tapenade. If you aren't actually keen on a slice (or several), there's a great selection of salads and pastas including a particularly tasty pappardelle with lamb ragu. Love Supreme also boasts an impressive wine list, and also serves locally brewed beers from Batch, Yulli's and (for the more adventurous) Wildflower. Images: Kitti Smallbone
Sydneysiders, it's finally time to drop it like it's hot again — because Snoop Dogg is coming back to our fair city. For the first time since 2014, the rapper is hitting stages Down Under as part of this new 'I Wanna Thank Me' tour, which'll be playing Qudos Bank Arena at 7pm on Wednesday, March 1–Thursday, March 2. If this sounds familiar, that's because this tour was initially due to happen in 2022, only to be postponed. Now, Snoop Dogg has locked in the rescheduled dates, complete with an extra show in Sydney. Clearly, fans of the musician/actor/cook book author/wrestling MC/wine brand owner will be breaking out the gin and juice. Snoop will also be inspiring hip hop aficionados to be the life of the party and, if you can remember his time as Snoop Doggy Dog and Snoop Lion across his career, to ask about his name as well. Yes, you can expect to hear singles such as 'What's My Name?', 'Gin and Juice', 'Drop It Like It's Hot' and 'Snoop's Upside Ya Head', as well as tracks from his last few albums — with his 17th record from 2019, I Wanna Thank Me, sharing its moniker with the tour. Since then, he's also dropped two more albums: From tha Streets 2 tha Suites in 2021 and BODR in 2022, with another, Missionary, also in the works.
You would be forgiven if you didn't know that October 4 is World Taco Day. It would be a serious fiasco, though, if you didn't make a fiesta out of the contrived (but, admittedly, delicious) occasion. Luckily, The Royal in Paddington is celebrating with all-you-can-eat tacos. For $30 each, you and your mates can expect a bottomless supply of Mexican fare from 5pm. Choose from three tacos: chicken with green tomatillo salsa, smoky barbecue pork with slaw and pickled onions, and grilled barramundi with red pepper salsa. When you're done, you can hand over an extra $9 for a marshmallowy s'more-inspired dessert taco to truly send you into a food-induced siesta. Now this might sound like mariachi to your ears already, but the team behind the bar will also be quenching your thirst with $10 margaritas all night long.
"I'm a muddler freak," laughs mixologist Tomas Vikario. He's talking, of course, about the bartenders' tool which is used to muddle or mash ingredients together at the bottom of a cocktail glass. (Tomas has an unhealthy collection of 20 muddlers; one is even custom-made). Concrete Playground's favourite cheeky mixologist is showing us how to make a simple summer cocktail that's easy to recreate in the comfort of your very own herb garden. (Or kitchen. We just couldn't resist making ours in the sunshine.) For Tomas, a muddler is an essential tool for a good mojito. Tomas has been a mixologist ever since a graphic design course drove him to drink*, over eighteen years ago. Born in Croatia and now living in Sydney, he first shared his passion and experience with CP for our first DIY cocktail recipe 'A Perrier Tea Break'. Today, Tomas shows us his fresh, fruity twist on the classic Cuban mojito. "I like to put a twist on every classic drink," Tomas tells us. "The Perrier Summer Berry Mojito actually improves with every sip – the mint, rum, berry and lime flavours become more intense as the ingredients have time to mingle together." And mingling at home with friends and Ernest Hemingway's tipple of choice is exactly what we fancy doing this summer. Here's how you can too. *Half true. Tomas assures us that the end of his graphics design career and the beginning of his passion for mixology has no correlation. Ingredients: 30ml lime juiceWhite cane sugarBlueberriesStrawberriesMint50ml Havana Club rumPerrier sparkling mineral water STEP 1 It's just not a mojito without that fine balance between sweet and sour. So to start, add two spoons of white cane sugar to a tall glass; Tomas suggests using a highball or Collins glass. (Too many friends, not enough highballs? Tomas has the answer for that one too: old jam jars or tin cans. Be sure to clean them out first, obviously. Take a look at the final image for an example.) STEP 2 Add 30ml of freshly-squeezed lime juice (that's the juice of approximately one lime). STEP 3 Add two chopped strawberries and six blueberries, before gently pressing the sugar, berries and lime together using a muddler. This extracts the juice and aromas of the fruit. STEP 4 Now add two stalks of fresh mint (approximately 10-15 mint leaves). Tomas recommends tapping or scrunching the mint before adding it to the glass, this helps to release the flavour and aroma of the herb. Muddle the ingredients together and try not to break the leaves – 0r the glass! STEP 5 Add 50ml of rum. Tomas uses Havana Club rum for that authentic Cuban taste. STEP 6 Using a long-handled spoon, stir in a few cubes of ice. STEP 7 Top up with more ice and add chilled Perrier sparkling mineral water for 100% natural, long-lasting bubbles. STEP 8 Decorate with a sprig of mint. Place a straw next to the mint for extra minty aroma as you drink. MIX IT UP: FLAVOUR VARIATIONS "People have so many childhood memories of eating mangoes – so it's a great alternative flavour instead of the berries," says Tomas. If you like the sound of a Perrier Mango Mojito or a Perrier Watermelon Mojito, simply replace strawberries and blueberries with half a small mango, or four cubes of watermelon. Or, try all three. ¡Qué rico!
Getting excited about 2025's Melt Festival has been easy for a few months now. First, the Brisbane LGBTQIA+ event announced that Broadway icon Bernadette Peters was making the River City her only Australian stop just for the fest. Then, it also confirmed that the River Pride Parade would float its boats for another year. After that came news of 1000 Voices, uniting singers from queer and pride choirs en masse. Need more? Melt is still over four months away, but it just unveiled its initial big program drop. Reuben Kaye, the Miss First Nation drag contest, a queer wrestle party, Femme Follies Burlesque: they're all on the lineup so far as well. Whether you're a Brisbanite or keen to hit the Sunshine State for the spring queer fling, pop Wednesday, October 22–Sunday, November 9 in your diary and get ready to be spoilt for choice. [caption id="attachment_1007544" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Claudio Raschella[/caption] Kaye is heading to the fest to give his cabaret show enGORGEd, which'll feature Camerata — Queensland's Chamber Orchestra, its Sunshine State premiere. Shining the spotlight on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander drag queens, Miss First Nation is also making a date with Brisbane for the first time, bringing the finale to the city after putting on state heats around the nation in the lead-up. The Tivoli is your go-to for Melt's high-energy queer wrestle-party, while Femme Follies Burlesque will bring its sapphic moves to The Wickham. Or, you can catch The Lucky Country, a new musical about what it means to be Australian — and the myths and contradictions that come with it — in 2025. Malacañang Made Us and Whitefella Yella Tree are also treading the boards, the first about the Filipino Australian experience and the second telling a love story. [caption id="attachment_1007548" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Kelly[/caption] There's also a queer boat party on floating venue Oasis; the return of Queer PowerPoint; and a drag Scream Queen shindig with Naomi Smalls and Yvie Oddly, plus Drag Race UK's Kyran Thrax. Or, check out a heap of instruments and performers suspended by rope to pay tribute to Brisbane's punk history, Gerwyn Davies' series of portraits in collaboration with Open Doors Youth Service's trans and gender-diverse young people, and Instagram imagery given a new life in Micah Rustichelli's Demon Rhythm. Melt has more program news on the way, because this fringe-style celebration of queer arts and culture goes huge as it fills Brisbane Powerhouse and spreads further across the city. In 2024, more than 120 events popped up in 70-plus venues across southeast Queensland, complete with a Wicked-themed Halloween ball, a pool party and plenty more. [caption id="attachment_1007543" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Hickey[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1007545" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Ravik[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1007547" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gregory Lorenzutti[/caption] Melt Festival 2025 runs from Wednesday, October 22–Sunday, November 9. Head to the festival website for more details.
If you adore a hidden bar, you'll love Clarence Street watering hole Old Love's. The venue from the team behind Old Mate's Place is located down an unmarked corridor and behind a nondescript security door in the basement level of the building. You truly don't know whether you're about to find a bustling CBD venue or an empty fire escape — but luckily, a welcoming cocktail bar awaits you. Once inside, you'll find a loving homage to the world of rum. You're handed the Book of Rum upon entry, a passion project that Old Mate's Dre Walters worked tirelessly on in the lead-up to the opening. The book is a guide to all things rum, and the back bar is set up in the order the different regions and distilleries appear in the book. Flick through the pages to the middle of the guide, and you'll discover a list of fun and inventive cocktails — many of which are based on long-forgotten Pacific Island and Caribbean combinations that Walters and the team dug up from historic tiki recipe books. The Old Mate's Place owner says they've "dropped some power steering" into these drinks of yesteryear with the help of contemporary spirits and modern mixology. The Pet Dragon will delight, combining a house-made rum-based drambuie, dried plum extract, a burst of citrus and egg whites for fluffiness. The Cuban Payphone takes white rum and brightens it with sherry, citrus, sugar and orange bitters. A favourite from the Ginny's and Old Mate's menus, the pickled jalapeño Tommy's margarita is also available here — a good option for the rum-averse. There are also seasonal daiquiris made with whatever fruit is available from the markets that week. If you want to dip your toes in the world of rum, chat with the bartender and pick out a rum to combine with freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. It's the beginner's version of a rum on the rocks. Rounding out Old Love's offerings are a few memorable bar snacks. The mini Cubano and the jerk chicken roll are packed with flavour — a true delight when paired with a top-notch cocktail.
Tasmania's sinister winter music and arts festival Dark Mofo has announced its return to Hobart this June. The festival was one of the first events to cancel its 2020 festivities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, citing a potential $5 million dollar loss that could jeopardise the future of the festival had it run and then been called off. Luckily, the organisers' foresight has paid off, with the festival preparing for a grand return in 2021. Dark Mofo is set to run a condensed five-night festival from Wednesday, June 16–Tuesday, June 22. The reduced scope of the festival comes as a result of the Hobart City Council withdrawing its financial support, the cutting of sponsors and trepidation surrounding the potential for another cancellation. It's also the last year of the festival's five-year funding agreement with the State Government. The festival decided to drop sponsors this year as organisers believed they were having a negative impact. "While we've appreciated the support from many high profile brands, we want to be able to pursue our own cultural agenda free from restraint and with a renewed commitment to the art," Creative Director Leigh Carmichael said in a statement. While in previous years the festival has run over several weeks, Carmichael promises the "smaller and more intense" 2021 run to be "a typically grim and gloomy affair". The full program is due to be announced in early April. [caption id="attachment_800593" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Hunniford[/caption] Previous years' lineups have seen a fantastical combination of musical performances, performance art and large-scale installations come together. In 2019, the program featured the likes of artists Ai Weiwei and Mike Parr, American musician Sharon Van Etten and one of the world's largest glockenspiels. 2021's program can be expected too stay true to the Dark Mofo ethos with a likely increased concentration of local Australian artists due to current border closures. Dark Mofo will run from Wednesday, June 16–Tuesday, June 22 in Hobart, Tasmania. The 2021 program is expected to be announced in early April. Top Image: Lusy Productions
This autumn, the sweet fiends behind Victoria's hot chocolate and ice cream festivals launched a virtual month-long sugar extravaganza dedicated to sweet, nutty, marshmallowy rocky road. In place of its usual Yarra Valley Rocky Road Festival, the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery hosted online tasting sessions and giant boxes filled with 31 different flavours of rocky road. As metropolitan Melbourne reenters lockdown this July, it has brought back the latter. Until the end of lockdown (expected to be August 20), you can get the mammoth Ultimate Rocky Road Box delivered to your door for $110. Flavours include Golden Gaytime, Tim Tam, salted caramel macadamia, salty pretzel, Sour Patch, rum and raisin and many, many more. You can check out all of them here. Elsewhere on the shop's delivery menu, you'll find one-kilogram slabs of rocky road, a chocolate breakfast box and high tea sets. The boxes can be delivered anywhere within Australia for a flat rate of $15.
Marrickville may be renowned for its culture, brimming with music venues, theatres, restaurants and bars, but a few of its residents are not on-board with one of the suburb's beloved concert halls. Livingstone Road's The Great Club is under fire from a handful of its neighbours, who have been filing repeated noise complaints which the venue says have put it under immense financial pressure. The Great Club opened in 2021, taking over a building that previously housed a longstanding Greek club for decades. Since adopting the space, the venue has hosted a diverse genre-spanning program of gigs and carpark parties — and has also opened a Greek-inspired front bar and restaurant serving up pub classics and Greek staples under the name Yia Yai's Dive Bar. According to The Great Club's Event Boss Cassie Benco, following the aforementioned carpark parties — a community music festival run in collaboration with non-alcoholic beer brand Heaps Normal, plus a Hottest 100 day party — the small group of neighbours really started to kick up a fuss. While they had previously lodged complaints, the issues became more significant following these outdoor gatherings. "Basically, we have three neighbours that have been filing complaints against us about the noise," says Benco. "We have a lot of neighbours that are very supportive of us, obviously, but these ones have just been causing a lot of problems — complaining to Council and to Liquor and Gaming." [caption id="attachment_886011" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dexter Kim[/caption] Despite continuous contact with the Inner West City Council about the events the venue had planned, as well as a continued commitment to conclude all live music events by 11pm, Benco says the council has now intervened — leading to The Great Club reducing capacity on gigs, working with sound engineers to manage sound levels, cancelling plans for any future outdoor events and hiring lawyers to deal with the complaints. "[Not running outdoor events] really sucks 'cause it's such a good space and most of the community love it. And the Hottest 100 was such a good day. We had kids here and everyone with their dogs." The Inner West City Council has organised mediation with the neighbours in order to hopefully resolve the issues but, during an already tough time for live music, these added financial costs have put the venue under pressure of closing. In response, The Great Club has launched a fundraising campaign via the website Chuffed in the hope of raising $50,000 to keep the venue alive and vibrant. "[The Great Club's Owner] Ali did a callout to get people to send in letters of support, and a lot of people suggested 'you should do crowdfunding'." The campaign has already raised over $10,000 at the time of writing, with perks on offer to those that donate. On top of knowing you're helping save the bar, those who donate $50 will be sent a Great Club tote bag — or if you donate $100, you'll get your name on the door of an upcoming gig of your choice with a plus one. If you want to really go big with your donation, there are even heftier prizes like your name on the guest list for a full year, or a Great Club party for you and nine mates with free food and drinks. "We just feel very lucky to be so loved by so many, even though a very small ratio are causing issues. It's still so great to see so much support," says Benco. Following The Great Club's public campaign about the noise complaints, the Inner West Council released a statement. "The Inner West is working actively to resolve the issues between The Great Club and its neighbours. Following a couple of events held at the club in late 2022 that were not compliant with the club's license, complaints were received by neighbours. All events since have been compliant," reads the statement. "Our Good Neighbour policy was developed specifically to find solutions to issues like this through mediation not litigation, and we're hopeful that we can work with both parties to find a solution that works for The Great Club and its neighbours." If you want to head in and check out the venue, The Great Club has the likes of Urthboy, The Terrys, Candy and a massive Ireland Rocks showcase on its upcoming program, while Yia Yia's is open 6pm–late Wednesday–Saturday. The Great Club is located at 160–164 Livingstone Road, Marrickville. Find out more about its issues with noise complaints and its fundraising project via Chuffed. Top image: Georgia Griffiths.
In 2019, just one Australian bar made it into the World's 50 Best Bars list: Maybe Sammy. This year, not only has the innovative bar in The Rocks made the list again, it has jumped 32 places to number 11 — and it's joined by two more Sydney spots. Laneway mezcal bar — and one of Concrete Playground's favourite openings of 2019 — Cantina OK! came in at number 28, while Bulletin Place, which has made the list many times during its eight-year life, came in 39. If you've been looking for an excuse to spend a night drinking cocktails in the city, this is it. With many Sydneysiders WFH during the pandemic, CBD bars have done it tough, with some venues reporting drops in revenue of 40 percent and more. Now, it's more important than ever to go out and support them (in a COVID-safe way, of course). For those yet to be acquainted with Maybe Sammy, its luxurious styling nods to old-school Vegas glamour, all blush pink velvet banquettes and lush indoor greenery, while the list of theatrical signature drinks pays homage to the classics. Cocktails are served with the likes of scent-filled pillows, hand cream and rosemary bubbles. The latter, comes atop the much-Instagrammed Dunes cocktail, pictured below, which is a delicate balance of gin, fino sherry, watermelon and agave. [caption id="attachment_788842" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dunes cocktail at Maybe Sammy by DS Oficina[/caption] While Sydney cleaned up in the top 50, only Melbourne venues (from Australia) featured in the 51–100 list, which was announced late last week. Fitzroy bar The Everleigh snagged the 73 spot, while newer CBD haunt Byrdi came in at 80. Petite Collingwood bar Above Board followed not too far behind at number 84 and the long-running Black Pearl — which has scooped a spot in the Top 50 list numerous times throughout the award's 12-year history — was voted in at 98. The annual World's 50 Best Bars awards are voted on by over 540 bar industry experts from around the world, including bartenders, consultants, drinks writers and cocktail specialists. You can check out the full lineup of the World's 50 Best Bars 2020 here, and see 51–100 here. Top image: Cantina OK! by Kimberley Low
Just in case you needed a timely reminder that girls can, and indeed do, run the world, the Sydney Opera House's All About Women festival has announced a pretty inspirational lineup for its 2017 program. Set to return to the House on March 5 next year in the lead up to International Women's Day, the annual event both explores and celebrates what it means to identify as a woman in today's changing world. And, following on from a record-breaking attendance in 2016 — which saw the likes of Miranda July, Carrie Brownstein and Mallory Ortberg share their wisdom with the crowd — next year's festival is shaping up to be a doozy, as legendary ladies from across the globe descend on Sydney for a jam-packed day of talks, panel discussions, performances and female-centred fun. With 22 events, there's something in this lineup that'll speak to just about every woman out there. Academy Award-winner and advocate Geena Davis will be diving into the latest research on entertainment stereotyping and on-screen gender diversity, while Janine di Giovanni, Newsweek's Middle East editor, will discuss her own work on violence and the human cost of war. Elsewhere in the program, you'll find Jess Thom's eye-opening performance about life with Tourette's, Seattle-based writer and fat acceptance activist Lindy West talking about her memoir, comedian Zoe Norton Lodge's side-splitting storytelling session, and an insightful glimpse into some of writer and activist Clementine Ford's wildest hate mail. All About Women 2017 will take place on Sunday, March 5 as part of the Sydney Opera House's Talks and Ideas program. Tickets start from $27, with multipacks on sale from December 9. Jump on the All About Women website for a peek at the full program. Image: Prudence Upton.
Move over croquembouche, there's a new dessert tower in Adriano Zumbo's life. The popular dessert wizard has come together with boutique hotel chain QT to launch a next-level QTea experience at the boutique chain's Sydney CBD outpost. The weekly dose of indulgence will be centred around a tower of Zumbo-specialty sweet treats paired with high tea classics like scones and champagne. So, what's on the menu? Macarons (or Zumborons as Zumbo has named them)? Of course. Croquembouche? Maybe not, but there are plenty of classic Zumbo desserts to snack your way through. There's the chef's famous passionfruit tart alongside new creations like a heart-shaped chocolate mouse, raspberry and pistachio cake, a reinvented scone and a white chocolate and yuzu vanilla cake. Plus, lobster rolls topped with coconut, chilli and lime mayo alongside caesar sliders and goats cheese tarts. Zumbo also has plans to change things up as the team working on the high tea finds its feet. He told Concrete Playground he wants to incorporate more plant-based options, more classics from his back catalogue and large share plates. "The first change will probably be to put that little miniature V8 cake onto the stand," he said. "I would like to bring a couple of my favourite Zumbo's Just Desserts dishes." Accompanying the food in the lobby of the hotel and QT Sydney's Studio Q is a memorable array of beverages and a side of fun and theatrics. DJs will be on hand, as will be a collection of roaming champagne trollies. Perrier Jouet Champagne will be paired with the desserts and lobster rolls, or diners can choose from QT's collection of 60 different champagnes. Plus, a limited-edition burnt blueberry tea. QTea is available on Saturdays and Sundays starting from Saturday, May 29 and will set you back $95pp. QT Sydney is located at 49 Market Street, Sydney.
Famed South Australian wine region the Barossa is about to move even higher up on your post-COVID-19 travel list, with Seppeltsfield winery announcing a new six-star hotel to open in early 2022. Named after innovative winemaker Oscar Benno Seppelt, the proposed Oscar Seppeltsfield will bring super-luxe accomodation to the area, which will make it more than just an epicurean's dream destination — so start planning your lavish out-of-iso trip now (just don't pack your bags yet). The $50-million development will be surrounded by century-old vines and feature 70 rooms — including penthouses and suites, each with a private balcony — as well as a fine dining restaurant, private dining room, boardroom, fitness studio, day spa and infinity pool. To top it off, there'll be a sky bar with sweeping 360-degree views over the Barossa. In short, this opulent hotel will take your next trip to new heights (literally). Just think, after hitting up a bunch of cellar doors, sipping local vinos and eating lots of cheese, you can come back and have a dip in the pool, sip more wine at the rooftop bar then sit down to a white-tablecloth dinner. If you're looking for indulgence, this is it. Designed by Adelaide-based firm Intro Architecture, the towering 12-storey design was inspired by wine barrels and is set to bring a modern edge to Seppeltstfield, which is one of Australia's oldest wineries and was lauded as one of the top 50 vineyards in the world in 2019. The new hotel also looks a lot like La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux, also one of the world's most prestigious wine destinations. Oscar Seppeltsfield is slated to open at Seppeltsfield Winery's Great Terraced Vineyard, Barossa Valley, SA, in early 2020.
Mama's Buoi Crows Nest is no more. In its place is a new Southeast Asian eatery by the brand's former chef Dennis Tan and his wife Serene. And they've enlisted PS40's Peter Seabrook to design the cocktails. The hawker-style eats combine flavours from Tan's Malaysian heritage with the Vietnamese influence of Mama's Buoi. The share menu spans small plates, curries and wok dishes, along with a dedicated vegetarian menu. Signatures include the prawn and wonton 'tacos' topped with a mango chill sauce ($12); crepes with char siu pork, prawns and coconut cream ($22); and the tiger prawn sambal with eggplant and tomato ($24). If you're not a keen decision maker, you can order the very reasonable $49 banquet, which includes eight of chef's favourite dishes. The 12-dish strong vego menu goes beyond the wok-tossed Chinese broccoli and stir fried mushrooms ($18–20) to include the likes of cauliflower with burnt butter and eggplant jam ($19) and XO pumpkin with shiitake, tofu, sun dried tomato and black bean paste ($18). At the bar, the focus is on the well-priced, Asian-inspired cocktail list by PS40. On it, you'll find the Thai Basil Smash for $15 (basil-infused gin, lime and PS40 bush tonic), the Quandong Spritz for $16 (dry vermouth, native Australian peach, wattleseed, cardamom and citrus) and the Pandan Painkiller for $13 (pandan-infused vodka, lemongrass and Coco Lopez). It's supported by a list of local and international beers — Beer Saigon and Young Henrys both appear — and 14 wines available by both the glass and bottle. Local designer Julie Lien (Jin Studio) has brightly re-imagined the space with teal and red neon accents, blended with beige timber finishes and polished concrete floors. The fit-out and concept certainly take hints from its Mama's Buoi past life, but Luho is sure to be a welcome newcomer to the lower north shore.
Bagels are a contentious food. When Cynthia Nixon ran for Governor of New York in 2018, the internet reeled when she revealed her breakfast of choice was smoked salmon and cream cheese on a cinnamon and raisin bagel. In Sydney, a city far less obsessed with bagels, Nixon's faux pas barely registered. Bagels landed here a long time ago, but have really picked up steam in the past half-decade. So what earns something the title of Sydney's best bagel? A bagel always needs to be chewy. The gluten developed by boiling a bagel in poaching liquid before whacking it in a blistering oven is the secret to its distinctive texture and taste. At a minimum, you're looking for something with a little more chew than a bread roll. From there, bagel bliss is achieved by layering toppings and striking a harmonious balance. Each bite should be texturally interesting, with a smack of salt, sugar and tang. This is why lox (smoked salmon), cream cheese, onions, and capers is such a classic choice. You can find them in places old and new all over our city. Here are Sydney's best bagel shops to please everyone from beginners to die-hard fanatics. Recommended reads: The Best Cafes in Sydney The Best Coffee Shops in Sydney's CBD The Best Bakeries in Sydney
From beloved institutions like Ciaro to fresh new digs Famelia, Enmore's got a lot going on. It was even made Sydney's first Special Entertainment Precinct, granting it special licensing designed to encourage nightlife. As a result, new neighbourhood spots setting up in the area is not uncommon — and the latest to hit the streets of Enmore is a charming new bar called Teddy's. After operating much-loved Sydney stalwarts for 15 years, the Damianakis family have ventured into fresh territory with Teddy's, the new addition to their beloved corner pub The Warren View Hotel. Located at the top level of the pub, the Stanmore Road newcomer maintains the rustic appeal of its ground-floor sibling with a modern fit-out reminiscent of a classic cocktail bar. The newly refurbished space features red velvet seats, camel-coloured leather couches, a luxe wall-to-wall bar and a cosy fireplace perfect for braving those cold winter nights. "[It's] generous, warm and unconceited — a space where everyone is invited to join us for an unforgettable experience that combines old fashioned charm with modern hospitality," said Tanya Damianakis. The venue also features a stellar lineup of beverages, all of which are sourced from independent local distilleries within Australia. Supporting local producers is at the forefront of the new arrival's ethos, with all-Australian beer and wine lists celebrating craft brewers and small-batch producers. "We want our customers to feel content, satisfied, well-catered to, recognised and welcomed when they leave our venue. We believe in generosity, warmth and authenticity, and these principles shine through in every aspect of Teddy's," said Venue Manager Sarah Scharfenberg. Head in for a drink and you'll be met with cocktails featuring a fresh, fruity twist alongside a list of top-notch local wines, an array of spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. Plus, you'll be able to pair your sips of choice with elevated share plates including Aussie pub classics like calamari and sausage rolls, as well as charred octopus and coconut pannacotta for dessert. Teddy's is open above The Warren View Hotel at 2 Stanmore Road, Enmore. It's open 5pm–midnight Wednesday–Saturday and 5pm–10pm Sunday.
The Big Green Idea is an initiative of the British Council, and it's all about treasuring Australia's creative people and and people who want to make the world a better place. The project is aiming to attract and encourage local entrepreneurs to develop new sustainable projects which will help people adapt to the effects of climate change in cities. It's all a part of a region-wide initiative begun by the British Council to encourage environmental sustainability across East Asia and the Pacific. And they have some very attractive grants up for grabs. This year up to six grants will be awarded to environmentally conscious kids which have the potential to make a dramatic impact on the country's environmental future. You can apply for either a $10, 000 or $20, 000 cash grant. The successful applicants will also get project mentoring by business and sustainability leaders, as well as the British Council, to help the projects have the greatest and widest positive impact they can. Applications are open now. They can address issues such as resource efficiency, travel, water, sustainable design, communications campaigns and the effects of climate change on disadvantaged communities. So if you've been inspired by the upcoming Earth Hour, get your idea submitted for a chance to make a real change.
Birds chirp, rainbows form and the sun shines a little brighter when the Sydney Dog Lovers Show comes around. And in 2021, it's returning for another year of pats, licks and parades on the weekend of Saturday, August 7–Sunday, August 8. Once again, it'll take place at the Sydney Showgrounds — and yes, the dedicated puppy cuddle zone is returning. The Sydney Dog Lovers Show will see thousands of dedicated pooch fans celebrating the noble four-legged monarch of human companionship. There'll be dozens of furry friends available for adoption from dozens rescue groups across NSW in the adoption zone, where you can learn up on what's actually involved with the process. Plus, DockDogs will be back, featuring a competitive long jump and high jump for talented dogs who want to flop into a pool of water. Dogs, amiright? But hold up — you came here to cuddle pooches. We're getting there. Punters can make their way to the Pat-a-Pooch zone to cuddle up to a wide range of Australia's most loveable and popular breeds from puppy to adult dogs — we're talking uppity dachshunds to fluffball samoyeds. This has undeniably been the main attraction of previous year's events, and gives kitten cafes a run for their money. There's plenty more happening over the two days of furry friended fun. Not sure which type of pooch is perfect for you? Sign up for a Pawfect Match session where you'll be paired with your ultimate dog breed. Already found your tail-waggin' soulmate? Get some expert tips on training, behaviour, first-aid and nutrition in seminars by some of Australia's big name vets.
Port Macquarie's Festival of the Sun has been running for nearly two decades, and the boutique summer music festival is still bringing the goods. The lineup for May has just been released and it looks like it'll be another doozy. Hermitude, Skeggs, Middle Kids and San Cisco lead the three-day fest's bill, with Ruby Fields, A Swayze and The Ghosts, The Buoys, Caitlin Harnett and the Pony Boys, Concrete Surfers and First Beige lending their voices too. The list goes on, so get ready for a big couple of days of music. Running between Thursday, May 19—Saturday, May 21, the camping festival is also — excitingly — BYO, so you don't need to spend your hard-earned cash on overpriced UDLs. Alongside the lineup of live music, there will also be a heap of food trucks (serving everything from burgers to vegan fare), silent discos and silent comedy. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Thursday, April 15. FESTIVAL OF THE SUN 2022 LINEUP Hermitude Skeggs San Cisco Ruby Fields Middle Kids A Swayze and The Ghosts The Buoys Caitlin Harnett and the Pony Boys Concrete Surfers First Beige Hayley Mary Jelly Oshen Kim Churchill Lazywax Liyah Knight The Rions Romero Pink Matter The Oogars Saint Lane Radolescent Boycott Fungas Palomino Updated Tuesday, May 3.
For everyone who has ever had a cringeworthy boss, annoying co-worker or soul-crushing office job, one sitcom franchise has understood for more than two decades now. It was back in 2001 that the original UK version of The Office arrived, introducing the world to the literally paper-pushing David Brent. And, in 2005, an American series featuring the also-awkward Michael Scott hit the small screen as well. More international takes on the show have followed, including an in-the-works Australian series that'll mark the 13th iteration beyond Britain to-date. Next, so might a big return, with the US version reportedly set to score a reboot. Might, could, apparently, rumoured, possibly, hopefully: they all fit this news, which Puck dropped in the wake of Hollywood's current writers' strike looking like it is nearing its end. "Greg Daniels is set to do a reboot of The Office," the publication noted in its wrap-up of where things stand now that the Writers Guild of America has reached a provisional deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. That sentence, naming the US version of The Office's creator (who has also been behind Space Force and Upload), is all there is to go on for now; however, it hails from an outlet that's all about insider conversation in Hollywood, Silicon Valley, Wall Street and Washington. As for how a restocked take on the Dunder Mifflin-set The Office might work, who'd star, if any of the OG cast will return, if it'll still feature Scranton in Pennsylvania, how many desk supplies might get put in jelly and all the other burning questions that everyone has right now, there's no answers as yet. On its first go-around, the American The Office proved one of the rare instances where a TV remake is better than the original. It was also immensely easy to just keep rewatching, as fans have known since the 2005–13 show finished its run. Of course, that's what you get when you round up Steve Carell (Asteroid City), John Krasinski (Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan), Jenna Fischer (Splitting Up Together), Rainn Wilson (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story), Mindy Kaling (Velma), Ed Helms (Rutherford Falls), Ellie Kemper (Happiness for Beginners), Craig Robinson (Killing It) and more in the same show, and let all of them break out their comedic best. As for The Office Australia — which comes after everywhere from Canada, France and Germany to Israel, India and Poland have similarly given the idea a go — it's on its way in 2024 thanks to Prime Video. In the Aussie series, it will be Hannah Howard's turn to become the manager that no one wants but everyone has worked for. Played by actor and comedian Felicity Ward (Wakefield), she'll oversee a packaging company called Flinley Craddick. And, when she receives news that head office is shutting down her branch — with everyone working from home instead — she's determined to keep her team together. Obviously that won't go smoothly, or there'd be no sitcom antics to be had in The Office Australia. Joining Ward is a hefty cast spanning Edith Poor (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Steen Raskopoulos (The Duchess), Shari Sebbens (Preppers), Josh Thomson (Young Rock), Jonny Brugh (What We Do in the Shadows), Pallavi Sharda (The Twelve), Susan Ling Young (Barons), Raj Labade (Back of the Net), Lucy Schmit and Firass Dirani (House Husbands). There's no sneak peek yet at whatever the US reboot of The Office pans out to be, and no trailer yet for The Office Australia, either. But, in the interim, you can check out a couple clips from the US version below: The rumoured reboot of the US version of The Office doesn't have a release date yet — we'll update you with more information when it is announced. The Office Australia will stream via Prime Video sometime in 2024 — we'll update you with an exact launch date when one is announced.
MONA's summer festival Mona Foma is returning to Launceston this summer — and so is its airline, Air Mofo. After its debut last year, the 'private airline' will once again be on standby to usher guests from the mainland to Tasmania for the 2020 event in serious style — for free. The catch? You don't just get a seat on the purple and yellow Boeing 737 — you get the whole plane. So you'll have 149 seats to fill with your nearest and dearest, and basically anyone else who's free on the main festival weekend of January 17–19. The plane will leave from either Melbourne or Sydney, and everyone on board will be get free return airfares and a three-day festival pass. It goes without saying, you can expect more than just your average in-flight entertainment on-board. Your flight down south will be filled with all sorts of performances and is promising to be 'suitably lit'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmcAp570GRs&feature=youtu.be To enter, you'll have to do some detective work and pinpoint the Air Mofo plane on this map of Tassie. While clues will start going up on the Mona Foma website from today, you'll have to wait until next Thursday, October 10 to enter. First person to find it wins the trip. Then, they'll have just a month to organise their 149 guests. Air Mofo is once again a collaboration between Mona Foma and Tourism Tasmania, and the prize is valued at a whopping $99,000. The summer arts and music fest will take over Launceston from January 11–19. At the moment, the lineup has DJ and producer Flying Lotus coming in to Launnie from LA and a performance from classical musician Ludovico Einaudi — but the full thing will be announced on Friday, October 18. Three-day festival passes are also on sale now — this year priced at $129 for the weekend. And, if you're looking for other ways to enjoy the festival's new surrounds, check out our weekender's guide to Launceston during Mona Foma. Mona Foma 2020 will take over Launceston, Tasmania from January 11–19. Enter the competition over here.
Splendour in the Grass is back this July, but not as we know it. The blockbuster Byron Bay music festival is packing its bags and road tripping down to Sydney to launch a new nine-day festival at the city's Overseas Passenger Terminal. Splendour in the City will run from Saturday, July 10–Sunday, July 18 in the lead up to Splendour's virtual festival Splendour XR, which will kick off the following week. Across the lineup, music fans will find an array of beloved Australian artists — plus two stacked nights of stand-up comedy and a whole heap of extras that are aiming to recreate as much of the OG Splendour in the Grass experience as possible. While you won't get caught knee-deep in mud or have to climb North Byron Parklands' heartbreak hill to reach the main stage, you'll still find art installations, a range of dining options and food trucks, specialty bars from the likes of The Winery and The Strummer Bar, markets, a Little Splendour kids program and a VR pop-up at Splendour in the City. Taking over the 900-person Customs Hall and 400-person Cargo Hall, the lineup ranges from Splendour in the Grass mainstays such as Violent Soho, Illy, Vera Blue, Dune Rats and Tash Sultana to fresher faces like Spacey Jane, Masked Wolf, Ziggy Ramo and Triple One. Some local Sydney and Wollongong artists will also be popping up including Big Twisty, A.Girl and The Lazy Eyes — with the latter launching their second EP at the festival. Then, across at the Comedy Club, you'll find the likes of Nazeem Hussein, Nikki Britton, Tom Ballard, Nath Valvo and Triple J's Michael Hing and Lewis Hobba. 2021 will be the second year in a row that Splendour in the Grass won't welcome patrons come July. The full-sized Byron Bay edition of the music festival is currently scheduled for November with headliners Tyler the Creator, The Strokes and Gorillaz; however, that's reliant upon COVID-19 restrictions allowing the event to take place. [caption id="attachment_788985" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ocean Alley[/caption] SPLENDOUR IN THE CITY Customs Hall Saturday, July 10 — Spacey Jane Sunday, July 11 — Tash Sultana Wednesday, July 14 — Ocean Alley and Clews Thursday, July 15 — Illy, Masked Wolf and A.Girl Friday, July 16 — Running Touch Saturday, July 17 — Vera Blue and Cxloe Sunday, July 18 — Violent Soho Cargo Hall Saturday, July 10 — Nikki Britton, Tom Ballard, Michael Hing and more Sunday, July 11 — Nazeem Hussein, Nath Valvo, Lewis Hobba and more Monday, July 12 — Big Twisty and the Funknasty Wednesday, July 14 — The Southern River Band and Vast Hill Thursday, July 15 — Ziggy Ramo and Alice Skye Friday, July 16 — Triple One Saturday, July 17 (Early) — The Lazy Eyes Saturday, July 17 (Late) — Ebony Boadu Presents Sunday, July 18 — Dune Rats and Totty Splendour in the City will run from Saturday, July 10–Sunday, July 18 at Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, June 18.
If you've been making an effort to be kinder to the planet, chances are your daily coffee habits have had a bit of a shakeup of late. Maybe you've said farewell to your last takeaway coffee cup, switched to drinking only fair-trade beans, ditched environmentally harmful coffee pods, or all of the above. Well, now local company Pod & Parcel could just see you change up your coffee game once again. The start-up is the brainchild of three Melbourne business consultants, Ben Goodman, Elliott Haralambous and Jai Felinksi, who wanted to combine the ease of a coffee pod with the quality of specialty coffee — without leaving a nasty impact on the planet. The trio developed a special plant-based pod that is fully biodegradable and compostable, taking just six months to break down, as opposed to the 500 years of its competitors. With an estimated two-to-three million coffee pods consumed daily in Australia alone, that's a whole lot of reasons to switch. Another is the coffee itself. Far from skimping on quality, the trio has collaborated with local coffee roasters to develop its product, so you can enjoy that cafe-level cuppa from the comfort of your home. Choose from a single-origin Guatemalan — with notes of creamy vanilla and blood orange — or a toffee-noted blend of Colombian and Tanzanian beans, among many others. Because it's specialty-grade arabica coffee, it has a back-story, too. Consumers can find out where it came from, how it travelled and exactly when it was roasted. Consider this a budget-friendly alternative to those exxy brews from your local specialty coffee shop, that also challenges big name pod manufacturers like Nespresso. Pod & Parcel's creations come in a swag of different flavours and intensities, available online from around 86 cents per pod. If you fancy saving even more, you can sign up to its Coffee Club, which delivers pods straight to your door.
With the New South Wales State Budget set to be announced on Tuesday, June 22, some details on where funding will land have begun to trickle through. One such tidbit should see more blockbuster art and cultural exhibitions arrive on Australian shores, with $40 million being invested in the state's cultural institutions to help fund major exhibitions throughout NSW. NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding will aim to "establish Sydney as the nation's cultural capital by securing world-class exhibitions that will attract tens of thousands of people through the doors of our iconic museums and galleries." Perrottet also said that he hoped the funding would help attract interstate visitors — and eventually entice international travellers to Sydney when borders reopen. [caption id="attachment_789425" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of the 'Streeton' exhibition at Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney. Photo: Jenni Carter, AGNSW[/caption] Alongside this $40 million investment, an additional $220 million will be invested in Sydney's cultural institutions so that they can undertake necessary upgrades and other capital works, with total operational funding to cultural institutions set to come in at $361.6 million. Two venues that will receive a significant portion of the funding: the Art Gallery of NSW and Australian Museum. Both are currently undergoing upgrades, and will nab receive government funding to help expand their operations. Thanks in part to the new funding over the next four years, Sydneysiders can look forward to new Egyptian exhibition Ramses The Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs, as well as a huge showcase that'll focus on sharks — both at the Australian Museum. Ramses will premiere in the summer of 2023 with more than 180 rare artefacts, while Sharks will debut at the museum from winter 2022 until summer 2023, before touring across the globe. Minister for the Arts Don Harwin also said we can expect the funding to help "bring Alexander McQueen's designs to NSW and take Catherine Martin's collections around the world". The final element of the government's arts funding is financial support to provide free general admission to galleries and cultural institutions in and around Macquarie Street such as the Australian Museum, Sydney Living Museums and Hyde Park Barracks. That's set to kick in for the next 12 months, although the exact dates haven't yet been revealed. [caption id="attachment_800817" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] For more information about NSW's newly announced cultural funding, head to the NSW Treasury website. The NSW State Budget will be handed down on Tuesday, June 22. Top images: Jenni Carter, AGNSW; Anna Kucera, MCA; Australian Museum.
You don't need an excuse to visit Bali — the endless sun, world-class beaches and enchanting cuisine are easily enough reasons to head straight to the airport. Yet add one more to the list as Lyvin Melasti, a new boutique collection of villas and suites, has opened its doors. Sure, there's no shortage of luxury stays on the island, but this refined take on barefoot luxury is more thoughtful — and plush — than most. Perched on three lush acres above the white sands of Melasti Beach, think minimalist architecture, sweeping ocean views and non-stop relaxation. Tucked into the limestone hills of Bali's Bukit Peninsula, 18 ocean-facing villas with private pools dot four cliffside levels drenched in greenery. Designed to integrate with the landscape, each villa's green roof is a terrace for the accom above, while pathways through the stay flow with the coast's contours. Inside each villa, the finishes combine Scandinavian and Balinese design philosophies. Chosen for their inherent calmness and textural quality, you'll find locally sourced Sulawesi marble floors, custom teak furniture, soft neutral tones and floor-to-ceiling windows inviting stellar Indian Ocean views. "We designed Lyvin Melasti to feel both grounding and expansive — a space that invites rest, reflection, and reconnection," says Lyvin Properities Co-Founder and Product Director Victoria Sokovykh. "Everything is intentional, but never overdone. It's a place to breathe." While already appealing, this luxe addition to Bali's accommodation scene is set to get even better. The stay will launch 20 ocean-view suites in December, with plans for a signature restaurant and wellness spa to open in the near future. Lyvin Melasti is now open in the Uluwatu region of Bali. Head to Instagram for more information.
The 'Share a Coke' campaign has succeeded tremendously in Australia by allowing consumers to search for a can of Coca-Cola with their name on it. However, American company UFlavor has not only allowed customers to design their own soft drink labels with whatever name they choose, but also determine the taste of the beverage by choosing from 42 different ingredients, including everything from blueberry to pure sugar cane. Online users change the percentages of whatever ingredients they choose to go into the drink, and can further determine the drink's colour, name and label. It is then shipped to them directly. Other users can then purchase and rate the flavour combination, with a slice of the profits going to the drink's creator. Therefore UFlavor have not only given you the opportunity to make your dream soft drink, but you also might make some spare coin if you hit the right recipe. With this much discretion left in your hands, the possibilities are literally endless. UFlavor users have already begun adding their own unique touches to their creations, as the website shows that drinks have already been named 'Juicy Love Soda' and 'Cerebral Asylum'. Sounds refreshing. There are plans to expand their ingredients in the near future, as well as install UFlavor vending machines where drinks can be made and delivered on the spot. Get creative and make your own ideal soft drink. If you don't fancy yourself as a mixing connoisseur, you might just want to stick with a solid can of Mountain Dew. https://youtube.com/watch?v=d9U9VUfgkPc [via PSFK]
Schmoopy woopy and bubba bear, lil' puffy wuffy, honey pie or spicy chilly philly. Maybe just the classic: babe. Regardless of whether you're coupled up or flying solo, pet names for partners can be divisive at the best of times. Whether you love them or loathe them, we've joined forces with Melbourne-based Grinders Coffee Roasters to make a case for sharing yours with the world. In anticipation of Valentine's Day, let's delight in (or cringe at) the pet names we use to refer to our nearest and dearest — and then send 40 of you honey pies on an all-out date. Simply tell us the delightfully soppy (or saucy) nickname you use on your lover (or bestie, cos we're into that platonic love too), and you and snookums could be scoring a $500 Mastercard e-gift card from Grinders Coffee — the grounds for a very good date. Maybe you wear your alter ego on your sleeve, having your barista prepare a double-shot cap for Sergeant Snuggles. Or maybe you save it for home time, downloading after a long day while bae strokes your forehead and calls you boo boo. Whatever your preference, we wanna know about it — and reward you for your honesty. From Monday, January 16 until Tuesday, February 14, someone will score the prize each and every day. And on that day of days? Ten extra winners will be selected. That's 40 stand-out dates with the bill taken care of. Red hot. To go in the draw, enter your details below. Top image: LanaStock
When you lick a scoop of gelato, do you take a moment to let the flavour settle onto your tastebuds? Do you stop to contemplate the creaminess, and ponder how it feels on your tongue? Perhaps you spend too long thinking not only about how your dessert tastes, but how it smells — or maybe you're obsessed with how it looks, because a good ice cream is a truly glorious sight. If we've just described your usual thought processes every time you step inside a gelato joint, then you might want to throw your name in the ring for Gelatissimo's newest gig. As part of a four-hour, once-off deal, the dessert chain will pay one ice cream-loving person $500 to taste-test its newest gelato flavours. Over the past year, Gelatissimo has been responsible for frosé sorbet, ginger beer gelato and even a gelato for dogs, so you won't be tasting your way through plain ol' vanilla or the usual mint choc-chip combination (not that there's anything wrong with those two stone cold classics). Just what flavours you'll be munching on hasn't yet been revealed, but you'll play a crucial part in evaluating them. As well as being delicious, this is serious business, requiring the utmost focus on the task at hand. That means first assessing the gelato's appearance, then enjoying a couple of scoops to get a feel for the flavour and texture. Then, after cleansing your palate with water, you'll do it all over again (and then again). If you're keen, as most people with tastebuds will be, just head to Airtasker to explain why you're the ideal candidate for the job. While the competition is open nationally, the winner will be required to get themselves to Gelatissimo's Sydney office in Rydalmere on Friday, September 27. For more information, or to apply for the Gelatissimo gelato-tasting gig, visit the Airtasker listing.
You've found it! The perfect gift. You go to hit 'add to cart' and then you see it — a Christmas shipping deadline date that has long since sailed past you, leaving only that sinking feeling of losing something that was never yours. But there's an easy way to avoid that mini tragedy: shop local, and shop good old-fashioned bricks and mortar. The unique gifts right here at home are sure to please even the most difficult, seen-it-all giftees. For more great Sydney stores, check out our shops directory. STERLING BY GAFFA GALLERY Focusing a bunch of contemporary Australian and New Zealand artists and designers into one space, Sterling, the Gaffa Gallery retail store, offers unique jewellery pieces and objets d’art as well as giving you a bit of insight into how they were made. Each piece is handcrafted and gives your loved one a chance to wear a little piece of art everyday. Or, if you’re more interested in giving experiences rather than objects, why not invest in a seven-week jewellery-making course for that special someone? Pop next door and you’ll find Kakawa, the mouth-watering chocolate boutique, for chocolate Christmas decorations. Can’t lose. 281 Clarence St, Sydney PUBLISHED ART BOOKSHOPS Basically the hub of all coffee table books, Published Art stocks everything and more on art, design, photography and architecture. You’re unlikely to just stumble into this stuff anywhere else. Every book on the shelf goes through a careful screening process, each being hand-picked and directly sourced by the store manager, Rebekah Lawson. Expect to find titles such as Henri Cartier-Bresson: Here and Now housed alongside children’s books of full-colour Pinocchio illustrations. Prices won’t break the bank either; most items can be bought for under $100. Level 1, 52 Reservoir St, Surry Hills MITCHELL ROAD ANTIQUE AND DESIGN CENTRE This graffiti-clad emporium is what you’d if you crammed together a year of Saturday garage sales, binned the dud items, and arranged the gems in one enormous warehouse in Alexandria. There are over 60 different stalls within the Centre’s walls, stocking all the vintage, industrial and retro furniture, knick-knackery and ephemera you’ve ever fantasised about, with a range from Victoriana through to 20th-century design. Searching for something specific? Use their ‘wish list’ feature to have the Centre’s dealers try to hunt it down for you. 17 Bourke Rd, Alexandria KAKAWA CHOCOLATES You can’t go wrong with chocolate. You just can’t. Kakawa, the gluten-free chocolatiers, make chocolate masterpieces with only natural ingredients and have a whole heap of goodies just for Christmas. Get your hands on a Christmas tree decoration, a chocolate Bambi along with a forest of chocolate Christmas trees for him to frolic in, or go all out and splurge on a ‘ginger breadless house’ made entirely out of chocolate (hold the gingerbread). And for the especially cool character in your family, a chocolate cigar is all they’ll need at the end of a big Christmas lunch. 5/147 William St, Darlinghurst BERKELOUW BOOKS There are a few Berkelouw stores and we like them all, but if we had to pick our favourite it would have to be the landmark Berkelouw Books on Oxford Street. Three storeys of new, second-hand and rare books complete with a cosy cafe and wine bar. The super helpful staff will only bother you if they have a better recommendation than what you’ve got open, and the selection of knick-knacks, stationery and vaguely literary novelties is as good as at any gift shop. 19 Oxford St, Paddington REPRESSED RECORDS If you’ve got a loved one who’s losing all their funds supporting the local Sydney music scene and buying the latest LP from the newest punk/alt act, why not help them out this Christmas by getting something they actually want — a gift or voucher from Repressed Records. The guys at Repressed are champions of Australian independent music and always have something amazing in stock they can’t wait to get you listening to. Introduce your mate to their new favourite band or get them a voucher and help feed the habit. DINOSAUR DESIGNS Instantly recognisable in their freeform design and luminescent colours, Dinosaur Designs has become somewhat of a household name when it comes to homewares and jewellery. So when it’s time for Christmas gift shopping, they’re always the kind of place you can rely upon. Each of their items – necklaces, bangles, bowls, jars, vases – are meticulously handcrafted from coloured resin so not one object is ever the same as another. 339 Oxford Street, Paddington SORRY THANKS I LOVE YOU Sorry Thanks I Love You is a deftly curated online stores of handmade accessories, homewares, gourmet foods, fresh flowers from boutique florists and craft beverages sourced from around the world. And now you can see and try out all these goodies for yourself at Sorry Thanks I Love You’s pop-up store in Martin Place, open right up until Christmas. The store will feature tons of products, including knives carved from Scandinavian reindeer antler, hand-woven Kashmiri scarves, wheels of Bruny Island cheese and premium single malt whisky distilled in highland Tasmania, which you can taste test in the store. Sorry Thanks I Love You Pop-Up, Shop 2, Ground Floor, GPO Building, 1 Martin Place, Sydney THE SOCIAL OUTFIT Make the gift you give really mean something by buying it from The Social Outfit, where each purchase means you're supporting hyperlocal industry (the main product line is made right there in the store) and helping welcome new migrants into the community (through training and employment in the organisation). This isn't the Oxfam Shop, though we love them too; the fashion and accessories here have a contemporary Australian aesthetic that would be at home in any Paddington boutique. Check out the donated prints from the likes of Ken Done and Dragstar. 353 King St, Newtown THE GROUNDS OF ALEXANDRIA The Grounds of Alexandria is not strictly a shop, but it's also so many things that it's not not a shop. And there's only one gift you need from the massive cafe and mini city farm this year: their Santa Sack, aka the hamper to end all hampers. Filled with goodies like homemade jam in paint tubes, tins of 'Farm Friends' cookies, Egyptian ice tea and indulgent black truffle salt, they're priced at a very reasonable $120. If you need yet more foodie gifts after that, just head next door to Salt Meats Cheese. Building 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria Find more unique gifts by browsing our shops directory. By the Concrete Playground team.
Across the Central Coast, venues have been hand-picked for a free outdoor screening of Disney family classic Lilo & Stitch. Catch a screening between Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 20, at Memorial Park in The Entrance, The Village Green in Toukley, Kibble Park in Gosford and The Chapman Lawn in Wyong to enjoy an evening of family fun and watch a beloved movie in picturesque surrounds. It's not just a film screening, though—two hours before the main event, there will be lawn games, circus fun and face painting to get the kids in the mood for an animated adventure. A limited number of chairs and picnic blankets are available, so it's recommended that you bring your own. There is also a wide range of food options close to each of the four sites. Gosford, Wyong, The Entrance and Toukley have their share of foodie havens (Wyong even has a Foodie Day Tour you can embark upon), so there's no excuse not to make an outing of it and experience an evening under the stars. Outdoor Movie Nights will take place at Memorial Park in The Entrance on Friday, April 12, The Village Green in Toukley on Saturday, April 13, Kibble Park in Gosford on Friday, April 19 and The Chapman Lawn in Wyong on Saturday, April 20. For more information or to get tickets, visit the website.
When the COVID-19 pandemic first started spreading across Australia and the country went into lockdown, New South Wales did not close its borders to domestic travellers. But when cases started rising again in Victoria, it first banned Melburnians from hot zone" suburbs, and then closed its border to the entire southern state — for the first time in more than 100 years, since 1919 during the Spanish Flu. With both Victoria in general and the metropolitan Melbourne area specifically now easing out of the most recent stay-at-home restrictions, and with case numbers low throughout the state, NSW has announced today, Wednesday November 4, that it'll be reopening its border to its southern neighbour. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian advised that "we need to keep moving forward as we live with COVID-19. I have confidence that everyone will continue to work hard to keep everyone safe". https://twitter.com/GladysB/status/1323777523293933568 The change will come into effect at 12.01am on Monday, November 23, meaning that Victorians can enter NSW and vice versa from that point onwards (and just in time for both summer holidays and Christmas, too). NSW residents were already permitted to visit Victoria, as Victoria didn't shut its border during its lockdowns; however, NSW's border rules meant that residents were then required to quarantine upon their return — unless they had a special permit, or lived in the strict border zone that also required permits. Announcing the border reopening, Premier Berejiklian said that the move was based on NSW Health advice — and noted that Victoria "may have, because of the lockdown, actually gone down a path of having eliminated it [COVID-19] at this point in time". Victoria has reported zero new coronavirus cases for the past five days, while NSW has reported 27 over the same period. Also today, Premier Berejiklian announced that all NSW hospitality venues will be required to use QR codes to track patrons from November 23. "We believe the dual strategy — of opening up our borders to all Australian citizens, all New Zealand citizens, in addition to making use of QR codes compulsory for hospitality businesses — is an important step forward," she advised. You can find out more about the status of COVID-19 at the NSW Health and Victorian Department of Health and Human Services websites. Top image: Mulwala Bridge by Yun Huang Yong via Flickr.
Who said we were running out of space in our urban centres? Berlin has found enough room for a farm in the heart of the city, large enough to supply its inhabitants with tons of fresh produce each month. What better place for a vegetable garden than the roof of an abandoned malt factory, or a fish farm in the factory's empty cylinders once used to dry barley? The 'Fresh From The Roof' project aims to plant 7,000 square metres of crops in this haven above the urban sprawl, fertilised entirely by the excrement of the city-slicking fish below. In return, the plants work to purify the fish tank water, making it the ideal venture for regions suffering water shortages. If only all apartment dwellers could work out how to reside in such utter harmony with their neighbours. The three German entrepreneurs behind Fresh From The Roof have already seen small-scale success, producing lettuce and tomatoes from their prototype for the urban farm built out of a recycled shipping container. But while the large-scale project won't be guzzling too much energy, there's no promise that it won't guzzle plenty of cash. The running cost of the rooftop farm is estimated at a whopping $6.7 million. But with an increasing consumer demand for organic, home-grown produce, and of course that pressing need to get creative in the way we use our space, hopefully this little farm will produce a positive return on investment.
When global media giant Condé Nast Traveler releases its annual Readers' Choice Awards lineup, it's usually guaranteed to instantly have you dreaming of far-flung holiday destinations. But one of this year's award winners might just foster a newfound appreciation for what's in your own backyard, with Sydney ranking among the world's top ten in the Best Cities in the World list for the third year in a row. The awards are significant as they always pull a high number of votes — this year, more than 600,000 readers participated. As happened last year, they scored so much feedback that the Best Cities list was once again split into two, separating the the top ten small cities, as well as their top ten 'big city' counterparts. Unlike the 2018 result, Sydney chalked up a win in the indulgent age-old battle with Melbourne, with the New South Wales capital earning a spot on the list over Victoria's capital. Moving up from tenth place last year, and sixth the year before that, Sydney ranked fourth in 2020. The Condé Nast team once again described the city as "an ideal getaway no matter the season", praising its al fresco dining, outdoor lifestyle and cultural calendar. The magazine specifically suggests visiting Redleaf, dining out in Paddington and catching a ferry over to Manly, which it calls "Australia's answer to Montauk". [caption id="attachment_702755" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Manly Beach by Paros Huckstepp[/caption] While Melbourne came in third in 2018 — three spots above Sydney — it hasn't made the 2020 list at all. Topped by Kyoto, Lyon (France) and Singapore — coming first, second and third, respectively — this year's selection also includes Vienna, Tokyo, Porto, Helsinki, Copenhagen and Lisbon in the bottom six. If, rather than basking in Sydney's glory, you're looking for holiday suggestions around Australia, the Top Trains list includes The Ghan (which travels between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin) and The Best Islands in the World list stars Kangaroo Island and Tasmania. Want to start dreaming of holidays even further afield? While overseas travel may be off the cards for a little while, there's nothing stopping you dreaming of international sojourns. The Top 20 Country list might help as well. Italy came in first, followed by Sri Lanka, Portugal and Japan. You can check out all the winners of Condé Nast's 2020 Readers' Choice Awards over here.
The trio behind Sydney's Wild Sage cafes and Alegre Bar and Dining have brought a huge new 104-seat Japanese Peruvian restaurant to Barangaroo, with Callao opening on Barangaroo Avenue right by longstanding favourites like NOLA Smokehouse and Bar, Shirt Bar and Lovefish. Nikkei cuisine is having a bit of a moment in Sydney thanks to openings like Callao and Lima. The collision of regional flavours and cooking techniques has a long history, thanks to the two nations' diplomatic ties dating back to the 1800s. "Callao is the name of the port in Peru where the first 790 Japanese immigrants docked," says Head Chef Jihwan Choi. "For us, this destination was such a beautiful representation of the merging of these two cultures and their respective cuisines." The menu's three biggest sections consist of crudo, wood-fired meats and seafood, and steaks. It's a real share-style affair, with suggested must-trys including the scampi tartare and seared bonito tiradito, plus the wood-fired prawns, which are prepared on a custom-built parrilla grill and accompanied by aji panca bisque, sea urchin butter and tobiko mayo. If you're going all out, the banquet menu will set you back $119, and runs through the aforementioned bonito tiradito and prawns, as well as oysters, wagyu tri-tip, lamb skewers, Murray cod and queso fresco-topped potatoes, all paired with a variety of accoutrements from blood plum sauce to ponzu leche de tigre. Make sure to leave room for dessert — the selection of sweets at Callao isn't something you want to miss out on. There's a pineapple paddle pop inspired by the nostalgic Peruvian summertime treat helado de piña, and featuring fresh grilled pineapple, sorbet and rum caramel; cheesecake topped with toasted corn, finger lime, milk skin and avocado sorbet; and a trio of chocolate truffles. The combination of Japanese and Peruvian sensibilities continues through the drinks list, where you'll find a hefty saké collection alongside signature cocktails like the Bellavista, a mix of Pisco Quebranta, Midori Japanese melon liqueur, coconut husk rum, lemon and pineapple juice. All of this is housed in an impressive space designed by Kathryn Ashley Studio. The moody dining room draws you in with a luminous feature wall reminiscent of the mountains of Peru. The neutral palette and its splashes of red will set you up for supreme date-night vibes — while also accommodating Barangaroo client lunches and more casual catch-ups. Callao is located at 2/100 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo. It's open 12–3pm and 5–10pm Monday–Saturday. Browse the menu and make a booking at the restaurant's website. Images: Dexter Kim.
One of Japan's most visionary mixologists is making a rare appearance in Sydney. For one night only on Wednesday, October 8, Shuzo Nagumo will be crafting cocktails during a special appearance at Suntory Bar. Shuzo Nagumo is the founder of the acclaimed Folklore, the Tokyo bar that defines what Japanese cocktails are on a cultural level. The name is inspired not just by traditional Japanese stories but also by the inheritance of customs, beliefs, and techniques. This ethos drives the bar's mission: to define what a Japanese cocktail truly means. [caption id="attachment_1026022" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Folklore Bar[/caption] Renowned for his futuristic cocktail techniques, Shuzo is heading to Suntory Bar's takeover of Whisky Thief in Sydney's Prefecture 48. Shuzo will unveil his bespoke menu, which reimagines the highball and other iconic beverages into avant-garde cocktails. The menu represents Shuzo's signature blend of precision, creativity, and artistry as well as Folklore's fresh vision for the future of Japanese mixology. Expect creations like the Marble Lactic Highball, which layers caramelised yoghurt-washed Suntory Toki Whisky with Chablis, pimento dram and elderflower. Or the Genmai and Eucalyptus Shandy, a refreshing fusion of genma tea-infused Roku Gin, eucalyptus and pale ale, plus many more. Shuzo's cocktails blend centuries-old Japanese ingredients with cutting-edge technique to create a boundary-pushing menu. All cocktails on the menu are $28. [caption id="attachment_1017291" align="alignleft" width="1800"] Suntory Bar[/caption] It's one of Suntory Bar's takeovers you won't want to miss. Shuzo's career spans time at Tokyo's most cutting-edge bars, Nobu London, and across Europe, making him a truly global influence on the bartending industry. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or are looking to try something new for your midweek date night, Shuzo Nagumo's one-night-only takeover at Suntory Bar is one to add to your diary. Walk-ins are available; however, this one is expected to be busy, so make a booking now to experience one of Japan's most influential bartenders in the flesh. Suntory Bar runs from Friday, August 8–Saturday, November 8 at Whisky Thief in Prefecture 48, 230 Sussex Street, Sydney. Shuzo Nagumo's takeover is on Wednesday, October 8. For more details and bookings head to the website.
Even vegetarians and vegans need a filthy food option sometimes — and Lord of the Fries is one of few fast food joints that really gets this. Now, Australia's homegrown vegetarian chain is expanding their offering to include all-day vegan breakfast. The photos may look like Maccas knock-offs, but the brekkie options — like the rest of the Lord of the Fries menu — are 100 percent vegan. Think BLTs, sausage and hash brown muffins, and a fried chicken and waffle bun with bacon, butter and maple syrup. Plus, there's also an English muffin stuffed with the holy trinity of 'bacon', 'egg' and 'cheese'. All made without any animal products, of course. The idea of vegan eggs might make some people squirm, but the mere fact that vegan fast food breakfast options are readily available is roof-raising news for those who like to keep their hangover cures cruelty-free. The all-day breakfast is now available nationwide and in all stores. Check out the full menu here.
Yes, we do like to poke fun at our younger brother Newcastle now and then. He's quieter than us, he thinks he has better beaches... Plus, he smells funny. But next week we have to admit he's winning big time. We were already a little bit jealous of This Is Not Art, but now he plays host to not one but two full blown festivals over the October long weekend. This Is Not Art Despite an intense lead-up, including an unexpected funding crisis, the show must go on. And what a show it is! Five days of performances, workshops, parties, panels and much much more. Our picks include the Word-Hurl Anti-Slam, an epic battle of Novocastrian poets, the Human Drum Machine, including a take-home starter pack, and Cy*Bent*Ity, which promises to be the latest Facebook-spread party gone wrong (or right). Haven't really prepared? Never fret, we've got you covered. Accommodation is a breeze in Aunty Jenny's Tent City, and thanks to Newcastle's geography, it's easy to ride your way around town on a bicycle hired from the Community Bike Library (for a refundable deposit). Almost all events are free, so a limited budget is no problem. For preview and full details, click here. Sound Summit So, you haunt record stores and like to buy cassettes? You prefer your music a little more noisy than most? Some of it might even be classed as a little experimental? You're not a hipster but, really, they probably wouldn't have heard of this band before? If you haven't been already, I'd say Sound Summit is the festival for you. Held annually in Newcastle over the October long weekend, it's an innovative music extravaganza of epic proportions. This marks the first year that Sound Summit breaks away from the umbrella festival TiNA, big enough to stand on its own two feet. Luckily, the two still run at the same time so, if you're quick, you can catch events from both. For preview and full details, click here.
The secrets trade is booming. Julian Assange and WikiLeaks have proved the incredible consequences of when confidential information shows up where it's not supposed to, as well as the accompanying newspaper sales spikes. Rupert Murdoch no longer wants to rely on the whims of a third party and last week introduced the Wall Street Journal's SafeHouse. SafeHouse is News Corporation's online attempt at replicating the success of WikiLeaks. The website aims to increase whistle-blowing on wrongdoing, whether that be individual, corporate or governmental. The site encrypts your personal information so that your leaking of documents doesn't get back to you (anonymity is offered but not preferred as oftentimes information without a background is useless from a journalistic standpoint). If your information is juicy enough it will get coverage in the Wall Street Journal. So what's the catch? Questions over the motives of establishing such a site have been raised. Rupert Murdoch and his broadcasters have traditionally treated WikiLeaks and Assange with incredible disdain, with Fox News broadcaster Bill O'Reilly saying Assange "is a sleazeball...bent on damaging America". Why the sudden turnaround? Is the Wall Street Journal slighted over the New York Times traditionally getting the better (read: more scandalous and destructive) information from WikiLeaks? Or, as security analysts and conspiracy theorists alike think, is it all a trap? Security analyst, Jacob Appelbaum, was quoted as saying that the site had a "laundry list of amatuerish security flaws", with no guarantee your personal details or anonymity are safe. The website also holds the dubious disclaimer that your identity as a source is anonymous except under "extraordinary circumstances". With no definition of "extraodinary circumstances" provided, what does it entail? Does it include getting asked by the government to give up the information? Does it include selling the source's details to the highest bidder? The absense of such fine print flexibility is what made WikiLeaks what it is - a safe haven for the tell tale and leaker. If not a deliberate trap, the security concerns and disclaimers could make SafeHouse a fruitful hunting ground for a US government who's had enough of people knowing their confidential goings-on. Either way, if Murdoch wants more secrets, he might have to start being a bit nicer to Assange. [via Fast Company]
Whether you love the olive garnish that comes with a classic martini, or opt for the dirty variety where brine goes straight in the drink, there's no doubt that olives play a big role in this enduring tipple's sharp, herbaceous appeal. To celebrate one of the world's most iconic cocktails, Four Pillars is bringing back its Martini Collective for the next month or so, teaming up with much-loved bars and restaurants across Sydney and Melbourne for an aperitif-style sip and snack pairing. Running until Sunday, June 22, at a host of stellar venues, the drink at each venue is the same wherever you decide to visit — a mini martini made with Four Pillars' bright and savoury Olive Leaf Gin. However, the snack that adorns your beverage changes up from place to place, ensuring you can explore the full spectrum of pairings to see which leaves the biggest impression on your palate. In Sydney, there are ten venues taking part in the third edition of the Martini Collective, with several returning favourites to explore. For instance, Shell House is serving up a cruller topped with whipped fish roe and white anchovy; The Charles is offering a white anchovy gilda; Le Foote is plating a tartine featuring smoked peppers, sheep's yogurt and sauce vert; and NOMAD is presenting a green olive and pumpkin seed tartlet. As for the Melbourne lineup, the series is back in town for its second year, with newcomers like Hazel, Society, Grill Americano and Bar Liberty joining previous hosts, including Bar Bellamy, LUI Bar and Reine. Head to Flinders Lane to see how Hazel's fish cake complements your mini martini, or wander up to Society on Collins Street to experience its smoked tomato sourdough crostini. Who knows — maybe this carefully balanced umami bomb will provide the dream pairing with your aperitif. With this first-class selection of venues getting in the mood for Four Pillars Martini Collective over the next month, there's plenty of time to sample each and every pairing. Plus, with the Martini Collective running through World Martini Day on Saturday, June 21, it's the perfect way to celebrate your love of this timeless cocktail. The Four Pillars Martini Collective is running now until Sunday, June 22 at various venues across Sydney and Melbourne. Head to the website for more information. Images: Declan Blackall / Chege Mbuthi.
When it comes to the rollercoaster that is the Sydney property and housing experience, there are a few categories people belong to. They are either people who can afford to buy, who can afford to buy but would rather invest outside the property market, renters who love to rent, and renters who are unsettled by the sense that they're constantly living in a state of flux. If you're in that latter category — where renting is your best financial option but yearn for more stability in your living situation — there's an alternative model that's just being introduced to Sydneysiders. LIV Indigo in Sydney Olympic Park is Australia's first renters-only apartment building, providing residents with more freedom to live how they want compared to a standard rental. A key feature at this apartment complex is its focus on creating community. And while a lot of apartment blocks have shared outdoor spaces and a communal feel, LIV Indigo takes it a step further by organising events and workshops to foster relationships among residents. One perk that caught the attention of LIV Indigo residents Vanessa and Rebecca, is that it's a new apartment complex that is pet-friendly. With two French bulldogs and a fluffy cat to take care of, the pet-friendliness was a big drawcard for the couple. "Most rental places will tear our application [due to our pets] up even though we are both high income earners, extremely clean and value our home," they said. They were also impressed by the extra amenities — particularly the deck —and said these features "were all part of the excitement, as well as [us] wanting to be part of this community." The apartment block has an on-site gym, workshop space, cinema room, and communal kitchen, dining and lounge space which all help to streamline day-to-day life. There's even a dedicated space in the common area for remote working to make it easier for residents who work form home to set a boundary between office and home life (and to free up the kitchen table from work clutter). For seasoned renters, a big drawcard will be the fact you can make adjustments to your apartment to make it feel more like yours. Want to hang up your artwork? Sure. Feel like painting a feature wall? No problem. In fact, the on-site maintenance team will even organise it all for you before you move in. In terms of the design, the floor-to-ceiling windows flood the apartments with natural light which gives each home a warm and luxe feel. Each unit also has an internal laundry complete with appliances so you won't have to rush out and find something that fits the space. There's ample storage space, modern finishes and each apartment has its own outdoor area (either a courtyard or a balcony), too. You won't have to spend weeks chasing a real estate agent or a landlord to get stuff done, either. General maintenance is a streamlined and pain-free experience. "It's an extremely easy process," Vanessa and Rebecca told us. "You log a ticket through the app and it gets sorted within a matter of weeks, sometimes days." There's also an on-site team offering help, seven days a week. Got a leaky tap? Need help with your oven? Left your windows open? That's no longer a problem, according to Vanessa and Rebecca. "The staff are amazing and they are extremely helpful — to the point [that] we can call them to close our windows that we left open when it's raining. You can't get this service anywhere else," they said. For more information about LIV Indigo, visit the website.
Think of live music and you invariably think of one of our rich and diverse capital cities — but there's plenty going on beyond the big metropolises. From renowned multi-day festivals to the regional town that turns itself over to celebrate an enduring cultural icon once a year, there's something to tempt every music lover away from the city this autumn. Ready to reconnect with your love of music, dance under the stars in the outback and experience those heart-swelling, foot-stomping, feel-good moments that live tunes provide so well? We've teamed up with Destination NSW to pick a half-dozen events that'll satisfy your cravings for a live gig and a road trip in one go.
Summer is over for now and spring is still almost half a year away. But if you want to start thinking ahead, Surfers Paradise is set to welcome a brand new attraction that'll keep you busy when the warm weather hits. Do you like hanging out by the beach? Splashing around in several pools? Enjoying a few games of volleyball on the sand? Watching a movie under the stars? If you answered yes to all of these questions — and you also like to spend your sunny days and starry nights kicking back in a cabana, hopping between multiple restaurants and bars, dancing to DJs and gathering the gang on a rooftop with a view — then you'll want to add Cali Beach Club to your must-visit list. First announced late in 2020 and originally scheduled to open this past summer, Cali Beach Club will feature all of the aforementioned facilities and activities in the one spot. Yes, it's going to be more than a little jam-packed with things to do when it launches just in time for spring this year. Although an exact opening date hasn't yet been revealed, the new precinct will officially open on the corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Elkhorn Avenue sometime in August — perched four levels about the street, sprawling across more than 5000 square metres, and boasting vantages over both the ocean and the Surfers' skyline. The Gold Coast might be known for its theme parks, but this is shaping up to be the boozy adult alternative, as run by Australian hospitality group Artesian Hospitality. Whether you're a Brisbanite heading down the highway, a Sydney or Melbourne resident enjoying the lack of border restrictions, or hail from elsewhere in the country, you'll find quite the spread awaiting once you step inside. That includes four pools to swim in, and plenty of daybeds, sun lounges and cabanas where you can while away the hours. There'll also be exercise areas and sports facilities, such as the aforementioned beach volleyball court, and a dance floor as well. In terms of food and drink, you'll have options, thanks to two restaurants and four bars. Exact details of what they'll be serving, and what'll make them different from each other, haven't yet been revealed — but one eatery will sit right by the ocean. Come evening, a moonlit cinema will screen flicks by the water — again, though, no other details have been revealed. Showing Jaws and Point Break seems like a must, however, because everyone likes catching movies about the sea while they're literally right next to it. [caption id="attachment_793063" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Map of Cali Beach Club[/caption] All the other questions you're currently pondering — such as opening hours, cost, capacity and social distancing measures — haven't been answered yet either. But, while it looks perfect for spring and summer shenanigans, Cali Beach Club plans to operate year-round. The Gold Coast does have the weather for it, after all. And, although the precinct will officially welcome in the general public in August, it'll actually be completed sometime in June. Over that two-month gap, it'll let a few exclusive corporate functions and events — and even weddings — have the run of the place. If you or someone you know are currently looking for a space for a up to 150 guest for a special occasion, take note. Cali Beach Club will open on the corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise, sometime in August 2021 — we'll update you when an exact date is announced.
Thought you’d be eating vacuum packed meals in space? Think again. Fruit and veges could now be part of everyday space cuisine as part of EDEN’s (Evolution and Design of Environmentally-Closed Nutrition Sources) latest research initiative to grow fruit and veges in outer space with LED lights. The German Aerospace Centre (DRL) has picked up new Heliospectra LED lighting technology which the company has developed to help researchers explore conditions that can be used to grow fruit and veges in outer space. These space greenhouses could potentially function and feed a crew millions of miles above the clouds and prove particularly useful in harsh environments like a greenhouse module on Mars, or on slightly closer turf at the Neumayer Station III in Antarctica. One of the current projects at the German institute investigates testing the greenhouse module in the hostile Antarctica environment where a team lives in total isolation for nine months straight. Researchers hope to discover the ways whereby food could be produced for the crew and investigate how plants influence humans in isolation. [via inhabitat]
The last time that Black Mirror released new episodes, no one had ever heard the terms COVID-19 and ChatGPT, the world hadn't been through a huge lockdown due to a pandemic, Succession was only one season in and Twitter had a far less chaotic owner. They're just a few ways to answer the show's new question, with Charlie Brooker's dystopian sci-fi hit getting tweeting for the first time since 2019 to start teasing its upcoming sixth season. That social-media query: the very apt "what have we missed?". Obviously there are plenty of ways to respond, which Black Mirror creator quickly Charlie Brooker did. 🤔 — Charlie Brooker (@charltonbrooker) April 25, 2023 Those four words from the official Black Mirror Twitter and that one emoji from Brooker is all that's been pumped out into the ether about the show's return, but it's enough to get excited about given that it breaks the series' four-year silence. Wondering when you might be staring at your own black mirror again to watch Black Mirror? That still hasn't been announced. News about Black Mirror's next go-around isn't new, of course, and has been doing the rounds since 2022. Last year, Variety also named a heap of cast members, including Zazie Beetz (Atlanta), Paapa Essiedu (Men), Josh Hartnett (Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre), Aaron Paul (Westworld), Kate Mara (Call Jane), Danny Ramirez (Stars at Noon), Clara Rugaard (I Am Mother), Auden Thornton (This Is Us) and Anjana Vasan (Killing Eve). Back when the sixth season was confirmed, how many more grim dystopian tales were on their way hadn't been revealed, however, and that's still the case now. That said, it's expected that the new season will run for more than season five's mere three episodes — and apparently each new instalment is being treated as an individual film. Black Mirror fans will know that the series has also released a direct-to-streaming movie, aka the choose-your-own-adventure-style Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, back in 2018 between seasons four and five. How exactly will the series manage to be even more dispiriting than reality over the past few years? That's increasingly been one of its dilemmas — and noting that something IRL feels just like Black Mirror has become one of the cliches of our times — but this'll be the mind-bending effort's first round of episodes following the pandemic. No one has ever watched the Brooker-created series for a pick-me-up, though. Since first hitting the small screen in 2011, Black Mirror has spun warped visions of where technology may lead us — and, no matter what tale the show has told so far across its 22 instalments (including that interactive movie), the picture has usually been unnerving. So, imagine what the program will cook up after what we've all been living through since it last aired. Brooker has already riffed on COVID-19 in two Netflix specials, actually: Death to 2020 and Death to 2021, which offer satirical and star-studded wraps of both years with mixed success. For something completely different, he also jumped back into choose-your-own-adventure content with animated short Cat Burglar, which hit Netflix back in 2022, has viewers play through it as a thieving feline called Rowdy and gets you to answer trivia questions to advance the story. While you're waiting for Black Mirror's sixth season to arrive — and a release date for it — check out a trailer for season three episode San Junipero below: Exactly when Black Mirror season six might hit Netflix is yet to be revealed. We'll update you when further details are announced.
In great news for cat-loving cinephiles, 2019 is shaping up to be a huge year for felines on film. Photorealistic big cats are currently prowling around the new remake of The Lion King, and they'll soon be joined by a bunch of singing, scurrying street mousers in the silver-screen adaptation of stage musical Cats. For nearly four decades, Andrew Lloyd Webber's acclaimed production has pranced across stages everywhere, turning a tale inspired by poems from T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats into an award-winning theatre hit. But, while plenty of other popular musicals have made the leap to cinemas, this one hasn't until now. The first trailer for the new flick might just explain why. Ever wanted to see Taylor Swift as a preening, purring cat? Keen to soothe your disappointment over the fact that Idris Elba isn't James Bond by spotting him with whiskers, fur and a tail? Perhaps you've always dreamed of watching accomplished actors such as Judi Dench and Ian McKellen channel their inner feline? Have you ever hoped for all of the above, and for the actors to all play cat-sized cats? That's what's on offer in the just-dropped first clip, as well as a heap of dancing and singing set to the musical's famous melancholic tune 'Memory'. In terms of story, Cats zaps Swift, Elba and company down to feline height to spin a narrative about the Jellicle cat tribe, who spend a night deciding just which four-legged moggy will get to leave their group, ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life. The movie comes with a significant pedigree, with Les Miserables' Tom Hooper in the director's chair, Webber on music duties, Hamilton's Andy Blankenbuehler doing the choreography, and the cast also spanning James Cordon, Jennifer Hudson, Jason Derulo, Ray Winstone and Rebel Wilson. And yet, it all looks a little odd. Perhaps it doesn't help that Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt featured a fantastic Cats parody, or perhaps it's just the film's cats-with-human-faces concept. Check out the first Cats trailer below: https://youtu.be/FtSd844cI7U Cats opens in Australian cinemas on December 26.
If you missed out on the last Sydney Contemporary — or last year's The Other Art Fair — fret not. While the latter most recently happened in October, it's back again in March. Art lovers, you know what this means: you'll have another opportunity to snatch up an artwork from emerging and unrepresented artists from March 22 to 25. Presented by Saatchi Art, the fair showcases more than 100 artists (selected by a formidable committee of contemporary art experts), typically drawing in about 10,000 people over four days. Celebrating the vibrancy and innovation of Sydney's emerging art scene, it's a rare chance to buy work directly from artists rather than through a gallery. Thinking of buying? Fair organisers advise you to obey your taste, buy what you like, take a risk and most of all, make the most of having the artist on hand to chat to. Alongside the art will be workshops, large-scale installations, talks and events, plus drinks to refresh your palette between perusals. Make a party out of it by attending on opening night ($25), or stop by for a general browse between Friday to Sunday, with general entry tickets costing between $12 and $15. Head along to catch a rising star at the beginning of their career — or just to soak up all that creativity and get inspired.
