When you have the golden beaches of Avoca, the famed pelicans of Woy Woy, lakes, waterfalls and historic landmarks all in one easy drive from Sydney, it's easy to see the appeal of spending the weekend in the Central Coast. Only an hour's drive, or a 90-minute train ride away, the Central Coast is renowned for its natural beauty — and with an ever developing food and drink scene, too, the area has all the escapism you could ask for in a brief getaway without having to forgo the comforts of a city lifestyle. Though you shouldn't pass up the opportunity to dive into the surf at Tallow Beach, picnic at Lobster Beach, or trek through Bouddi National Park, we think there are some unexpected gems you should add to your weekend hit list next time you cruise up the Pacific Highway. Take a look at these seven lesser known things to do on the Central Coast, from cruising for pearls to devouring epic s'mores. While regional holidays within NSW are now allowed, some of the places mentioned below may be operating differently due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check websites before making any plans.
More than four years in the making, Central Station's $955-million transformation is set to partially open later this year. To mark the first stages of the new station and platforms opening in late-2022, the NSW Government has provided some insight into what we can expect, including the installation of the Southern Hemisphere's largest escalators. There are a total of 42 sets of escalators currently being installed, amounting to 955-metres of new automated walkways for tired workers. Each set is made up of three 45-metre-long escalators forming 135-metre long structures. While three sets of escalators have been built inside the new Metro stations, the majority will be incorporated into the new Central Walk underground concourse. 19-metres wide and 80-metres long, the new Central Walk runs below platforms 16 to 23 of the station, connecting the new metro lines to existing train and light rail platforms. Other elements of the station's transformation include the aforementioned Metro platforms that will be incorporated into the new Sydney Metro City and Southwest Metro lines, and the bright 330-tonne Northern Concourse canopy which you can currently see if you make a trip to the inner-city transport hub. "This city-shaping work is an extraordinary engineering and construction accomplishment," NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said. "We're delivering this Metro rail station below the surface at Central while existing train services continue above." Unlike the NSW Government's last major public transport project, the Light Rail, Central Station's revamp is on track to open in line with the 2022 date proposed when construction began back in 2018. Following the opening of the first section, the Sydney Metro City and Southwest metro lines are on track to be operational in 2024. From 2024, the new train lines are expected to shorten travel time between Central and Martin Place to 4 minutes, Victoria Cross Station to 9 minutes and Chatswood Station to 15 minutes. Head to the NSW Government website to stay up-to-date with the Sydney Metro and Central Station renovations.
Who said cocktails were just for drinking? Grain Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is throwing out the rule book with its latest cocktail menu, which has been designed to ignite all five senses. Crafted by Grain Bar's in-house mix master Sarath Nair, the Epic Sensory Cocktails menu is a five-drink lineup designed to tickle your taste buds, gnaw at your nose, mess with your vision, and even get your hands in on the action. Each creation has been inspired by one of the five senses — sight, sound, smell, taste and touch — and they drinks are made to be felt just as much as they're made to be sipped. The most theatrical of the bunch? That'd be Shattered, a rosemary-smoked, rye whisky-based cocktail encased in a globe of ice that takes Nair 14 hours to handcraft, but will likely take you 0.14 seconds to smash open with the tiny hammer with which it's served. It's not every day that you can get away with playing with your food — especially not at a five-star hotel — so be sure to enjoy it. If you're looking to light up your olfactory senses, go for The Perfumed Bloom, a delicate jasmine and sparkling wine number served with a house-made cherry blossom perfume to spritz and sniff before sipping. Other standouts include the visually stunning Heart of the Garden, served under a glass cloche which is lifted tableside to reveal clouds of lemongrass and ginger smoke. Under the cloche, the elegant citrus and floral drink is presented on a miniature garden and topped with an edible jelly heart. Additionally, the Pina Fizz is a playful, tropical, rum-based sipper featuring pineapple and coconut soda, and served with fairy floss for a soft, tactile surprise. And if you really want your tastebuds to dance, the mushroom-infused vodka in the Palette Pop will take your palate on a ride through each of the five flavour notes — sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami. It's also fully customisable according to your tastes, so feel free to turn up the dial on your preferred flavour. "I've worked in cocktail bars across the world with the Four Seasons," says Nair. "With the launch of Epic Sensory Cocktails, I wanted to create something that pushes the boundaries. These aren't just drinks, they're stories brought to life through the senses. From the smash of ice to a spritz of cherry blossom perfume, each detail is designed to awaken and surprise." The Epic Sensory Cocktails menu is now available at Grain Bar Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, 199 George Street, The Rocks. For more information, head to the venue's website.
Game, set, match, music: the 2024 Australian Open might be jam-packed with Grand Slam tennis action, but it's also serving up a few aces for fans of live tunes. In 2023, the annual Melbourne sports event launched the AO Finals Festival, which gets a heap of talents taking to the stage. Unsurprisingly proving a hit, the fest returns this year. Attendees will be treated to a program of live acts on three of the event's final four days, all in John Cain Arena. 2024's AO Finals Fest will start on Thursday, January 25, on AO Pride Day. Then, it's back for both the women's final on Saturday, January 27 and the men's equivalent on Sunday, January 28. A stellar lineup awaits, including Tash Sultana, Peach PRC and Yaeji on the Thursday; DMA's, Ruel and The Jungle Giants on the Saturday; and Groove Armada, Rudimental and Sunshine & Disco Faith Choir on the Sunday. Just like in 2023, the stacked bill doesn't come as too much of a surprise, given that it has again been curated with help from the respected music heads at Untitled Group — the brains behind Pitch Music & Arts, For The Love, Grapevine Gathering and more. Expect plenty of company, with the 2023 event selling out. Accordingly, 2024's AO Finals Festival has moved venues, shifting to John Cain Arena to take advantage of its 10,000-person capacity. Tickets can be bought individually per day, or matchgoers can upgrade their tennis tickets to head to the festival. As always, there'll be scores of food and drink pop-ups scattered throughout Melbourne Park, as well as big screens showing all the on-court action. AO FINALS FESTIVAL 2024 LINEUP: Thursday, January 25: AO Pride Day Tash Sultana Peach PRC Yaeji Anesu Djanaba DJ Luv You Saturday, January 27: Women's final DMA's Ruel The Jungle Giants Tia Gostelow Mell Hall Sunday, January 28: Men's final Groove Armada Rudimental Sunshine & Disco Faith Choir Latifa Tee Cooper Smith Images: Ash Caygill.
Sydney sneakerheads, get ready to geek out over some of the rarest sneakers, streetwear pieces and apparel on the market — because Australia's largest sneaker convention, Sneakerland, is coming to town. The event creates a huge space for all collectors, resellers, content creators and anyone who just loves sneakers, to get together with likeminded kicks freaks to buy, sell, trade and just breathe in the heady fragrance of all that leather, Nubuck and canvas. On Saturday, December 2, Carriageworks will be filled with thousands of sneakers from over 50 different vendors and brands. Across the past two events in Melbourne and Perth, more than 13,000 footwear enthusiasts have congregated with more than $1.2 million of wares being traded on the convention floor. A horde of hardcore sneaker lovers will be at Sneakerland Sydney and, if you count yourself among them, come ready to fight over ultra exclusive shoes and apparel. But this event isn't only for cashed-up collectors. First off, there are stacks of more affordable sneakers available from both local and international sellers. And, the sneaker museum will be a huge drawcard no matter your budget. Sneakerland will also feature a heap of entertainment, setting the vibe as you peruse — and maybe purchase — all that footwear. As well as live sneaker auctions, a sneaker verification station and sneaker cleaning services, attendees will be able to get around basketball comps, try to win their share in $35,000 worth of prizes, hit up the tattoo station, nab a free haircut, fuel up at the food trucks, go head-to-head at the gaming station, and listen to DJs and a live podcast recording. While general tickets cost $30, if you nab a VIP ticket for $100 you're in for some extra swag. You'll score early access to the event, food and drinks, and a private lounge to relax in. There'll also be special live auctions featuring the most sought-after items — so if you're looking to beat all others on the trading floor, this is for you. Sneakerland Sydney takes place on Saturday, December 2 at Carriageworks. For more information, head to the event's website. Early bird tickets are on sale on Friday, June 30 via Ticketmaster.
Now in its 34th year, Primavera 2025: Young Australian Artists at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia spotlights early-career Australian artists aged 35 and under whose works rethink production, labour and transformation in a rapidly changing era. Curated by the MCA's assistant curator Tim Riley Walsh, the exhibition invites visitors to consider what it means to continue making art in a digital and post-industrial world. The five selected artists — Francis Carmody, Alexandra Peters, Augusta Vinall Richardson, Keemon Williams and Emmaline Zanelli — work across a wide palette of mediums, from boomerangs and birdcages to bronze, corten steel, video and enamel paint. The artworks engage with the fraught relationship between human creativity and machine manufacturing, exploring the pressures on the role of artists in a rapidly changing world. [caption id="attachment_1045266" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Francis Carmody, 'Canine Trap I', 2025, installation view, image courtesy the artist and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia © the artist, Photograph: Hamish McIntosh[/caption] Among the works: Carmody's narrative-laden installations that marry digital processes like 3D modelling with experimental materials that explore histories of ensnarement and trap-making as metaphors for capitalism; Zanelli's two-channel video and immersive installation that reimagine the subterranean spaces of mines as fantastical realms home to strange beasts; and Williams' sharp critique of cultural labour, featuring 999 outsourced aluminium boomerangs stacked into teetering towers that echo corporate skylines and the unsustainable pressures placed on artists. Running through to Sunday, March 8, 2026, Primavera continues its annual legacy of providing an early-stage platform for emerging Australian artists and curators. With more than 250 artists and 30 curators among its alumni, the series has helped launch numerous artists onto national and international stages. For art lovers, this is an opportunity to engage with the cutting edge of contemporary art — whether you're already plugged into the local creative ecosystem, or looking for new points of entry. [caption id="attachment_1045267" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hamish McIntosh[/caption] Top image: Emmaline Zanelli, Magic Cave, 2024-2025, installation view, image courtesy the artist and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia © the artist. Photograph by Hamish McIntosh.
Blessed be the TV screens — because on April 26, The Handmaid's Tale is back. After becoming 2017's number one must-watch show with its compelling first season, everyone's favourite dystopian drama returns for a new 13-episode round of bleakness. Yes, that means more time trawling through the oppressive society of Gilead and watching women forced into child-bearing servitude, thanks to this grim but gripping adaptation of Margaret Atwood's iconic 1985 novel. It also means once again trying to shake the feeling that this fictional future really isn't all that hard to imagine. Elisabeth Moss putting in another fierce performance, Alexis Bledel stealing every scene she's in, the all-round stacked cast showing why the series won eight Emmys and two Golden Globes: yep, that's all on the agenda as well. It's enough to make you cancel your plans every Thursday night for the next 12 weeks, with this season airing weekly on SBS and SBS On Demand after the two-part premiere. Sure, that means that you can't binge it all in one sitting — but, it also means that your time with Offred and company will last even longer. If you're eager to extend the experience further still, then get a jump start by working through our five pieces of Handmaid's homework. Praise be, obviously. RE-BINGE THE FIRST SEASON It's an easy starting point, we know, but the best way to prepare for the new season is by rewatching the first. Also, it's something else for you to watch if you've already replayed the season two trailer over and over and over again. Scour for clues about what might come next, and come up with theories about Offred's fate; given that the show left audiences with a cliffhanger, there's plenty of questions to ponder. Or, see if there's anything you missed the first time around (like Atwood's early cameo), or introduce all things Handmaid's to your friends that were clearly hiding under a rock last year and somehow haven't seen the show. They're all great reasons to dive back in again, not that you need them when a program is as engrossing as this. As it was last year, the full first season is currently available on SBS On Demand. READ (OR RE-READ) THE NOVEL Maybe you were already a fan of Atwood's 33-year-old book long before the TV version was announced. Maybe you segued from watching the first season of The Handmaid's Tale to devouring the novel. Maybe you meant to get around to pouring over the text (you really, truly did mean to), but life just got in the way. Whichever category you fall into, now is the perfect time to read or re-read the piece of fiction that started it all — and, to set the scene for what might happen in the television program's second outing. As thorough as the first series was, it doesn't include everything that Atwood initially dreamed up. We won't spoil the details, but if you don't have time to stick your nose in the printed tome, here's a rundown. There's also an audiobook version too, if you'd rather listen, as read by Claire Danes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTnhx_N7nro WATCH A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT TAKE ON THE TALE The Handmaid's Tale that we know and love isn't the only screen version of the story. In fact, if the timeliness, insightfulness and hugely enthralling nature of the show got you thinking "why hasn't the book been adapted before?", well, the short answer is: it has. Back in 1990, German filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff joined forces with poet and Nobel laureate Harold Pinter on an American film based on the novel, starring Natasha Richardson at Offred, Faye Dunaway as Serena Joy and Robert Duvall as Fred. Saying that it's completely different to the current take is quite the understatement, right up there with saying that Gilead isn't the best place to live if you're female. If you're keen to seek it out, it's available to watch on Stan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-fofQ9VpPQ SEEK OUT LAST YEAR'S OTHER GREAT ATWOOD ADAPTATION 2017 didn't just deliver one adaptation of Atwood's work, but two. Yep, when it rains, it pours, as the saying goes. While Alias Grace didn't attract anywhere near as much attention as The Handmaid's Tale, the Netflix miniseries is definitely well worth your time. Directed by American Psycho's Mary Harron and starring Sarah Gadon (11.22.63), Zachary Levi (Chuck), Anna Paquin (True Blood) and legendary The Fly filmmaker David Cronenberg, the six-part show takes inspiration from famous 19th-century murders. Gadon plays the real-life figure of Grace Marks in this somewhat fictionalised version of true events, with the series exploring a question that has been pondered for nearly two centuries: what was Marks' actual involvement in the crime? GET COOKING Food has special significance in The Handmaid's Tale. No, we're not talking about the "blessed be the fruit" greetings exchanged by handmaids — it refers to the children they're supposed to be bearing, rather than the goods they're often seen shopping for — but, rather, the way it's used to denote status. Handmaids buy it for the household, Marthas prepare meals and the Gilead elite eat fancy spreads while everyone else tucks into something much less appetising. In one first-season episode, for example, a macaron is used to signify the divisive role that food plays, with Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski) offering Offred a rare treat. There are plenty more instances where that came from, and it's enough to make you both horrified and hungry. Unsurprisingly, there's no shortage of Handmaid's-themed party menus floating around, but if you whip up something crimson red (cupcakes with red icing are a favourite), then you're on the right track. Or, you could turn your hand to something particularly elaborate. When season two started filming, Elisabeth Moss received a cookie shaped like a music box — something else of significance within the series.
If you don’t enjoy Lego and Ikea, there’s something wrong with you. Having ransacked a Scandinavian storeroom, Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro are back to meditate on our materialist existence. Venereal Architecture at Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery is a collection of bright and beautiful sculptures. But while everything is glossy and geometrically precise, there’s also a twinge of something a little menacing. Healy and Cordeiro are sculptors of the readymade. They dig up found objects and mix them into new formations. You may recall some of their playful reinventions, such as the colourful wall of Ikea furniture propping up a dinosaur skeleton. This was featured at the MCA in 2012. Indeed, the Swedish mega-brand has been a long-held source of inspiration. There’s also an instinct to catalogue that runs throughout their practice. It’s as if they are attempting to archive the present, creating an orderly arrangement of excess. The sculptures featured in this exhibition are Lego-built animals combined with Ikea furniture. There’s a tortoise wedged under a glass coffee table, a lion guarding a baby’s changing table, and — my favourite — a speckled black octopus coiled around a yellow chair. It’s as if these rainbow-coloured creatures have been tamed and slotted into a showroom. In fact, some unions look to be a bit sinister. For example, there’s a deer violently pierced by an Ikea trestle. The animal is quite literally bolted down, forcibly domesticated. A big theme for these artists is the way in which we manipulate our surroundings. They shatter words like ‘custom’ and ‘unique,’ satirising society’s veneration of banal objects and trendy furnishings. In fact, the sculptures are decorated with perfectly manicured pot plants, some with little blankets of brown Lego soil. While this is super cute, it also highlights our preference to imitate nature, to aestheticise it and pair it with a matching decor. Although the connection Healy and Cordeiro draw between Ikea and sex may feel a little whimsical at first, it’s interesting to think about the link between carnal desire and consumerism. Their Lego portraits are vaguely discernable sex acts — physically pixelated and named after Ikea products. The fact that they are made of cheap, hard and mass produced plastic may parallel the sad state of sex industry, rife with exploitation. In sifting through the junk of everyday life, Healy and Cordeiro critique the ins and outs of first world living, from the oversupply of flat-packed dream homes to the porn industry. In many ways, Venereal Architecture pulls towards something a little more disturbing than is first expected. By scratching beneath the surface, these artists engage with globalisation in thought-provoking ways. Serious stuff aside, I love the simple parallel between crafting a fantasy home as a child with Lego and graduating to an adult level of assemblage through Ikea. Goes to show, this exhibition ain’t just bogged down in weighty issues; it’s good fun too.
Our favourite new Sydney bars of 2020 brought us inventive cocktails, natural wines and retrofuturistic interiors. The city's latest wine stop, however, is stripping things back with a sleek look, an extensive wine list and simple, Mediterranean-focused menu. Vini Divini, Italian for 'divine wines', is situated on Carrington Street, just behind Wynyard Station. Out front, you'll find a relaxed alfresco dining area, while inside you'll be greeted by a 1000-bottle strong wine wall, curated by Rockpool Dining Group's former head sommelier Raphael Mulligan. The inner city bar contains one of the city's largest by-the-glass wine lists, with selections from ten wine regions including France, Spain, Greece, Armenia and, of course, Italy. By the glass, the wine ranges from $12–45, while bottles can set you back anywhere from $47–480. Mulligan's continually updated wine list comes courtesy of his relationship with independent winemakers and distributors. Accompanying the wine is the bar's array of Mediterranean nibbles, share plates and heartier meals, from a kitchen overseen by Anason alum Seda Güç. You can ease into the night with the likes of whipped ricotta with black olives and lemon thyme ($9), Pioik rosemary focaccia with olive oil ($9), or Güç's signature baba ganoush ($9). More filling dishes include beef carpaccio ($25), kingfish crudo ($26) and beetroot-marinated artichokes with toasted almonds ($18). There's also a selection of salumi and cheese available to complement your wine, including wagyu bresaola ($13) and gorgonzola picante with fresh honeycomb ($13), while desserts like Ciccione & Sons lime sorbet served with Ketel One vodka ($13), are on offer to provide the perfect nightcap — although a glass of red would serve just as well.
Nothing makes a nice meal fall apart quite like pairing it with the wrong wine — and nothing reveals how little you know about wine like trying to defend your wine choices. Imagine if you knew how to sniff, swirl and speak eloquently to what makes a wine perfect for the delicious feast you have prepared. As MasterChef Australia's official wine of choice for the second year running, Jacob's Creek is here to help home kitchen chefs create an evening worthy of a master. It's bringing back last year's sell-out Kitchen Collective pop-up, where ticketholders can learn skills from previous MasterChef Australia guest judge (and the man behind Huxtaburger) Daniel Wilson and Rocker chef Stuart Toon, a former MasterChef UK contestant. From a pop-up on Bennelong Lawn, you'll take part in a cook-off against your mates and enjoy a three-course dining experience, as wine experts Kristy Farrell and Katherine Candy let you in on the secrets of food and wine pairing. Jacob's Creek has let us have a sneak peek at the menu, and we have the recipes for an entree and dessert to share with you. Test your skills before the big day, and sharpen your wine talk with tasting notes for the Jacob's Creek wines they pair with from Jacob Creek's chief winemaker Dan Swincer. ENTREE When you pop down to the market to gather fresh ingredients for this confit vanilla king salmon, make sure to pick up a bottle of Jacob's Creek Barossa signature chardonnay. The creaminess of the wine works with the fat deposits of the fish (often called the wagyu of the sea), while the drop's citrus notes and the finger lime in the dish refresh the palate. Obviously, the ultimate pairing is putting wine in your food, so a splash of that chardonnay makes the fennel puree even creamier. Be sure to comment on the nutty, cashew notes in the wine, and how they interplay with the macadamia pesto. CONFIT VANILLA KING SALMON Ingredients 5 portions (about 400gm) of New Zealand king salmon, boneless, skinless and bloodline removed Half a vanilla bean 1 bunch of watercress, picked 1 finger lime 70ml of extra virgin olive oil FENNEL PUREE Ingredients 1 large fennel, diced 1 tablespoon of butter 50ml of Jacob's Creek Barossa signature chardonnay 40ml of cream Sea salt and ground white pepper MACADAMIA, THAI BASIL AND FINGER LIME PESTO Ingredients Half a bunch of Thai basil, picked 100gm of roasted and salted macadamia nuts 5gm of freeze dried finger lime powder Pinch of citric acid 125ml of extra virgin olive oil Method Switch your oven on to 90 degrees celsius, then get started on the vanilla oil. Cut the vanilla bean in half, scrape the seeds out and into a small bowl with 20ml of the olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and mix. Place the salmon fillets, evenly spaced, onto a baking paper-lined tray and rub the salmon on all sides with the vanilla oil. Pop that to the side (keep at room temperature). For the fennel puree, heat a saucepan over medium heat and add butter. Once melted, add fennel and sweat for five minutes stirring often. Add the chardonnay, then cover with a lid and turn down to low. Give it a stir every four to five minutes and cook until soft with no colour. Once the wine has evaporated and the fennel is soft, add cream. Puree with a stick blender, season with sea salt and ground white pepper and pass mixture through a fine sieve. Put the puree to the side and cover. In a bowl, mix up 50ml of the olive oil and the flesh of finger lime, making sure to remove any seeds. Set this aside for later. Pop the tray of salmon into the oven and cook for about 10 minutes or until just cooked. While that's in the oven, toss the basil leaves, macadamia nuts, finger lime powder and citric acid into a food processor until finely chopped. Add olive oil and blitz until it is the consistency of pesto and season with salt and pepper. Hey, presto, you've got pesto. To plate up like a real masterchef, warm the fennel puree and put a nice circle slightly to the left of centre on the plate. Carefully place the salmon half on the puree. Top with a quenelle (fancy way of saying an oval-shaped scoop) of the pesto and four pieces of watercress. Finally, whimsically drizzle that bad boy with finger lime oil, and enjoy with a glass of Jacob's Creek Barossa signature chardonnay. DESSERT Decadent is the only way to describe this dark chocolate and plum mousse, served with chocolate, coconut and shiraz soil and raspberry coulis. It's best enjoyed with a glass of Jacob's Creek Barossa Signature shiraz tempranillo. Each flavour in the dish mirrors the flavours of the wine: plum from the tempranillo, chocolate from the shiraz and coconut from the American oak. Plus, the fruity sweetness of the tempranillo matches the tart and slightly sour coulis. So fancy. Just make sure you correctly pronounce "tem-pra-ni-yo", so you sound sophisticated. DARK CHOCOLATE AND DAVIDSON PLUM MOUSSE Ingredients 200 grams of coconut milk 200 grams of dark chocolate 3 grams of Davidson plum powder 2 egg whites, room temperature Pinch of salt 20 grams of castor sugar 5 dark chocolate cylinders Method In a small saucepan, bring coconut milk to the boil, making sure not to scorch the bottom. While that's heating up, place the chocolate and Davidson plum powder into a stainless steel bowl. When the coconut milk is lightly simmering, pour it over the chocolate. Stir once with a rubber spatula and let sit for two minutes to melt, then stir well until it is all combined. Next, whisk two egg whites on high. Once it starts to froth up, gently add the sugar bit by bit until it's all mixed together. Continue to whip until glossy, stiff peaks have formed, but do not over whip. Grab the rubber spatula again and quickly fold one-third of the meringue into the chocolate mixture, making sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl. Fold in the rest of the meringue, mixing gently until it's all combined. Transfer the mousse into a piping bag and pipe into the chocolate cylinders, making sure not to leave any air gaps. Cover with baking paper and pop in the fridge to set. CHOCOLATE AND SHIRAZ SOIL Ingredients 40ml of cold water 100 grams of caster sugar 75 grams of dark chocolate 10 grams of shiraz powder 30 grams of desiccated coconut, lightly toasted 10 grams of raw cacao powder Method Place the water in a small saucepan and gently pour the sugar into the middle of the water, careful not to get any sugar crystals on the side of the pan. Do not stir or mix. Prepare a pastry brush in a small bowl of cold water to brush down the sides if the syrup starts to crystalise around the edge of the pan. Put the chocolate in a medium-sized stainless steel bowl and set aside until the syrup is ready. Pop the saucepan on a high heat and wait until it dissolves and starts to bubble. Don't stir the sugar. Continue to cook until you start to see golden brown edges. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk into the chocolate; don't forget to whisk around the edges. Keep whisking until all the chocolate has crumbled and looks like soil, which should only take a couple of minutes. Mix in the shiraz powder, toasted coconut and raw cacao, and transfer onto a baking paper-lined tray to cool. RASPBERRY AND ROSELLA COULIS Ingredients 150 grams of frozen raspberries 20 grams of caster sugar Juice of half a lemon 2 grams of dried rosella powder Method Over medium heat, mix up raspberries, sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan, using a wooden spoon to break up the berries as they start to soften. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for two minutes. Pour the raspberry mix into a sieve over a bowl, pushing through with a spatula. Add the rosella powder and mix well. If you have one handy, transfer the sauce to a small squeeze bottle for next-level presentation. Pop this in the fridge until you are ready to plate up. On the plate, place a few puddles of the raspberry coulis and a couple of spoons of chocolate soil. Top with a chocolate cylinder of mousse and use a sieve to dust with plum powder. Pop open a bottle of Jacob's Creek Barossa Signature tempranillo shiraz and pour yourself a glass to enjoy with your indulgent dessert. Jacob's Creek Kitchen Collective will take place between Tuesday, July 16 and Sunday, August 4. Daytime sessions will run from 12pm–4pm every Thursday to Sunday, and the nighttime experience will run from 6pm–10pm every Tuesday to Sunday. Only 16 seats are available for each session, so move quickly and get tickets here.
The first sip of an oat flat white from your local cafe tells you everything you need to know. On a good day, it's smooth, balanced and creamy — on a bad day, it's flat, split or watery. So what makes the difference between a great (or not so great) dairy-free coffee? According to Anthony Douglas, World Barista Champion, long-time team member at Melbourne's Axil Coffee Roasters, and MILKLAB Global Brand Ambassador, it all comes down to the milk. Anthony knows a thing or two about making great coffee. And he's spent more hours than most perfecting the relationship between espresso and milk. "When I first touched a coffee machine I had no idea there were even competitions let alone that I would be up there myself on stage," he tells Concrete Playground, when asked how he became one of the world's best baristas. "About five years into my career, that was my first exposure to competition. I decided to give it a go, and realised how much I could learn and grow through competition. That's what kept me going until I finally won." Now, his approach is all about the fundamentals. In fact, he believes a great cup of coffee should be simple. "I've always found the best results by keeping the process simple, focusing on the basics and executing them well," he says. For Anthony, a good coffee using plant-based MILKLAB comes down to three things: temperature, texture and integration. "[It's about] being really present as you're steaming the milk and breaking down those bubbles. [Also] being conscious of how you're integrating the milk with the espresso so you preserve the flavour, while still ensuring it's integrated properly from top to bottom," he says. It's something most people have tried at home, but it seems easier said than done. That is, until you've got a few of Anthony's go-to techniques up your sleeve to help achieve the perfect jug of silky milk. "I think it's important to achieve an even whirlpool and really maximise the power of the steam wand," he recommends. "Tilting the wand to the side enough so it spins, but not too close to the side, and ensuring it's angled low enough to really break down any bubbles on top." If you really want to level up your milk game, he suggests introducing the air quickly so you have more time to texturise the bubbles into that delicious, creamy microfoam. And his final tip is temperature. "Too hot and the quality of the milk degrades, is more dilute (due to the extra time spent introducing steam). Too cool and the milk can overpower the flavour of the coffee due to the lack of dilution." "Drinking temperature also has a massive impact on the types of flavours we experience and is one of the first things most customers notice when drinking a milk-based coffee." [caption id="attachment_1014856" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anthony Douglas, World Barista Champion[/caption] When it comes to plant-based options, Anthony has a clear favourite — but rates them all. "Each milk does have its own unique flavour and texture based on the ingredient it's centred around," he says. "I think my favourite would be MILKLAB Oat as it is the most versatile and works well to showcase any coffee it's paired with. MILKLAB Almond has a beautiful natural sweetness from the almond and is quite easy drinking. MILKLAB Soy I find has a great rich sweetness and body. MILKLAB Macadamia has this beautiful lush texture. And MILKLAB coconut once again has an amazing texture and tropical flavour that really works well with coffee." It turns out, not every milk behaves the same way with every coffee and there's quite a bit of science behind making sure things go smoothly. "The key is understanding how they interact with different coffee. Coffee that is highly acidic, very fresh, or roasted darker often doesn't integrate as smoothly and can cause separation or curdling," he says. If you're running into this issue, Anthony has one simple trick. "[You can] add a small splash of cold plant-based milk to the espresso before steaming and pouring. Cold milk has a higher tolerance for acidity and heat, and this step can help neutralise the compounds in the coffee that might otherwise cause a negative reaction." So, there you have it. To get a plant-based coffee worthy of a world champion, go back to basics, perfect your steam wand technique and don't forget the power of temperature. With a little intention and the right milk, you can get cafe-level results at home. Discover the full barista-approved MILKLAB range on the website.
Shadow Baking, the Darlinghurst bakery headed by three Messina chefs, and Messina's sprawling Wonka-esque headquarters came into this world in sync in late 2023, so perhaps the decision to combine them was always going to be the natural progression. Don't worry Darlinghurst locals, Shadow's specialty baked goods aren't passing into memory, as the original store will continue to run out of its Victoria Street digs. But now, you can go to Marrickville to get these treats, too. Messina HQ is always worth the trip. It's home to 40+ flavours of their viral gelato, plus cakes, cookie dough, merchandise and pretty much anything a member of Messina's culinary or marketing teams ever dreamed up. Including a creative degustation space, which has also been swept up in the HQ upgrades, now existing as the new home of Erin, Messina's very own wine bar. Let's break down these changes one by one. First, Shadow Baking. The bakery isn't losing any of the trimmings, and it's bringing some much-needed new touches to Messina HQ with its arrival. Chief among them is air conditioning. Say goodbye to sweltering in the parking lot; now, you can park up on a comfy chair and get out of the heat on any summer (or unseasonably hot autumn) day. Once you're sat, enjoy fresh-baked pastries, exclusive gelato collabs, coffee and even affogatos made with Messina gelato — be sure to try the exclusive pistachio praline or fudge flavours. Coffee and affogato will be available during Messina's opening hours, and as of Thursday, March 20, a new afternoon and evening offering comes in the form of Erin. Named for Messina's country Victorian farm in Erindale, this new space will continue to serve all of the degustation favourites in slightly expanded digs, as well as the come-and-go pre-existing snack bar offering. Erin also holds the self-claimed title of Australia's only restaurant inside a gelato store, and we've yet to hear from anyone who says they did it first. The intention is a creative but relaxed experience, with set menus and à la carte bookings available nightly. The produce, seasonally sourced from the aforementioned farm with a paddock-to-plate ethos, ends up in some appropriately delicious-sounding menu items, often including creative spins on gelato. Think gnocco fritto with jamón serrano and parmesan gelato; Messina jersey beef tartare with parsley, buckwheat and horseradish snow or kaffir lime gelato with dessert lime, lovage snow and garden herbs. On the drinks front, we'll give you a moment to guess. If you guessed gelato cocktails, your prayers have indeed been answered. The starting lineup is strong, including a spicy watermelon margarita, the Nicky Glasses martini (with salted caramel and coffee), a salted coconut and mango daiquiri and even a pepperoni negroni. Beyond cocktails, there's a healthy offering of local wine and beers and a wine launched in collaboration with Doom Juice — a Gewürztraminer and Vermentino blend named Moo-Tang. All in all, an already scrumptious space has reached new, tastier heights, and who knows where Sydney's undisputed lords of gelato will go next. Find Messina HQ at 1 Rich Street, Marrickville – open from 12pm-10.30pm Monday to Wednesday, 8am-10.30pm Thursday, 8am-11pm Friday to Saturday and 8am-10.30pm Sunday. Head to the website for more details.
Our fair city is home to some cracking pubs, restaurants, cafes and stores — we'd even go as far to say they are some of the best in the country. But, as we saw much too pointedly last year, many of our faves are only as strong as our support. With many hospitality joints and retailers shut for some time last year, we saw a rise in amazing merch as an alternative way for small businesses to make ends meet. Thankfully, the trend continues, so we can hit up our favourite local spots to wine, dine and shop and go on reppin' them. Yep, we want you to wear your love of food, coffee, drinks and more on your sleeve. Not only will you look fresh as can be, but you'll be supporting local loud 'n' proud — just the way it should be. Together with American Express, we've rounded up some of the top branded wares around town, from cosy hoodies and easy breezy tees to kitchen equipment and sleek calico totes.
Were you aware that as well as hopping on Pop and putting the Cat in the Hat, Theodor Seuss Geisel made over 400 political cartoons about World War II and Nazis? There’s a lot to know about Dr Seuss. As a sideline to the Graphic Festival, the Opera House is putting on the retrospective Art of Dr Seuss exhibition in its western foyers. Check out Seuss’ Secret Art, Unorthodox Taxidermy and more grown-up art for children.
Sydneysiders don't let a little cold or rain stop them from heading to the pub to catch up with mates. If you ask us, the biggest factor that'll make or break a drinking sesh is the food — whether it's a pre-game feast or some cheeky snacks to keep the good vibes going. From locally sourced produce to Mediterranean-inspired bites and juicy burgers, the menus at these beloved pubs cater to all palates. With the help of Solotel, we've rounded up five Inner West mainstays that offer impressive dishes to pair with your drinks, so your next get-together can continue well into the night.
If you've read much of Stephen King's work, then you'll agree with some of the first words spoken in the just-dropped debut teaser trailer for HBO's new IT prequel series: "anywhere but Derry". That's a great motto if you're keen to avoid unnerving and supernatural events, which have frequented the fictional town's streets in the author's pages for decades — and in their screen adaptations, too, including the hit 2017 IT movie and its 2019 sequel IT: Chapter Two. HBO and its streaming service HBO Max are in franchise mode of late, adding The Penguin to the world of The Batman, expanding the Game of Thrones realm with not only House of the Dragon but also the upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, announcing a new drama series set in The Conjuring universe and locking in a Harry Potter series that readapts the books. As first revealed in 2023, IT: Welcome to Derry falls into the same camp. It'll arrive in your streaming queue sometime in spring 2025. If you're not fond of clowns, find yourself scurrying past sewers and simply can't stand red balloons, there's probably one big reason for your phobias. Maybe you read King's horror tome IT, which first made its way to bookshelves back in 1986. Perhaps you saw the 1990 miniseries, which turned Tim Curry from The Rocky Horror Picture Show's Frank N Furter into the transdimensional evil entity known as Pennywise. Or, you might've caught the recent two IT flicks. Whichever fits, your fears are about to get another workout. King's go-to Maine town is clearly the setting, with the series stepping through the locale's scares before the terror that viewers have already seen and experienced. And yes, Pennywise does indeed feature. So does a spate of missing children, more kids seeking answers, a new family moving in, uncaring police, eerie smiles and cackles, voices in the pipes and a crimson balloon. Returning to oversee the show is filmmaker Andy Muschietti, who helmed the most-recent two IT movies and last directed DC Extended Universe flick The Flash. He's also behind the camera here on multiple episodes, expanding his Derry-set vision from his two features. "As teenagers, we took turns reading chapters of Stephen King's IT until the thick paperback fell to pieces," said Muschietti and his sister Barbara Muschietti, who is also working on IT: Welcome to Derry, back when the show was first revealed. "IT is an epic story that contains multitudes, far beyond what we could explore in our IT movies. We can't wait to share the depths of Steve's novel, in all its heart, humour, humanity and horror." "I'm excited that the story of Derry, Maine's most haunted city, is continuing, and I'm glad Andy Muschietti is going to be overseeing the frightening festivities, along with a brain trust including his talented sister, Barbara. Red balloons all around!" added King at the time. If you've somehow missed all things IT so far, it follows the exploits of maniacal clown Pennywise, as well as the folks he's rather fond of terrorising. In the 2017 and 2019 movies, Bill Skarsgård (Nosferatu) put on the demonic makeup. In the first of those films, his targets were all kids. In the second, those teens — the Losers Club — were all grown up and still getting spooked. Skarsgård is back as Pennywise in IT: Welcome to Derry, with Taylour Paige (Brothers), Jovan Adepo (3 Body Problem), Chris Chalk (Feud), James Remar (Megalopolis), Stephen Rider (What Lies Under the Tree), Madeleine Stowe (Soundtrack) and Rudy Mancuso (The Flash) as his co-stars. Watch the initial IT: Welcome to Derry teaser trailer below: IT: Welcome to Derry is set to stream via Max in Australia and Neon in New Zealand sometime in spring 2025 — we'll update you with an exact release date when it is announced. Images: HBO.
The former location of the urban myth-famous Murder Mall has undergone quite a transformation over the past four years. The mammoth Surry Hills Village development has added hundreds of stylish apartments, a retail and dining hub — Wunderlich Lane — and a luxury boutique hotel to the site, located on the border of Waterloo, Surry Hills and Redfern on Cleveland Street. Operated by TFE, the same hotel group who operate the multi-award-winning The Calile in Brisbane, The Eve will be tropical resort-style stay with 102 guestrooms and suites, and a sun-dappled rooftop swimming pool framed by palms and cabanas. The team behind popular Sydney restaurants The Gidley, Bistecca and The Rover has been tapped to deliver the hotel's hospitality offering, which will eventually include a rooftop bar and diner. The first of The Eve's venues to be revealed by Liquid & Larder, however, is an all-day diner and cocktail lounge, Bar Julius, located in the hotel's lobby. While Liquid & Larder's other ventures have typically leaned on a more traditional aesthetic, Bar Julius will be a departure, sporting a vibrant, airy look — including a mural-covered ceiling by Dinosaur Designs co-founder Louise Olsen — that chimes with the rest of the hotel's bright and breezy design language. Bar Julius will be a versatile space where hotel guests can start their day with a spot of breakfast or end their evening with a nightcap. The menu will stick to crowd-pleasing classics — think filled bagels and omelettes to order in the morning, and hearty dressed salads and gourmet burgers later in the day — and given that the burger at Liquid & Larder's CBD steakhouse The Gidley was recently ranked as Australia's best (and the 9th best in the world), it's likely to be a highlight of Bar Julius' food offering. The drinks offering is also broadly appealing yet underpinned by some creative flare. Notable riffs include the All Day Mary — a mingle of horseradish vodka, Melbourne Sake Co. sake, a house-made gazpacho blend combining tomato, cucumber and parsley oil and a blend of spices for a fiery reviver that can be enjoyed morning, noon or night. There's also the Crystal Mimosa – a clarified cocktail with all the flavours of the popular brunch tipple, poured tableside from a champagne bottle. "Bar Julius is inspired by European-style bistros of New York city where all day dining is prominent amongst a melting pot of guests from local residents, nearby workers and travellers," Liquid & Larder co-founder and director, James Bradey says. We are creating a space for people to gather, an atmosphere that is lively and warm, that channels European nostalgia with modern sophistication." The Eve and Bar Julius will welcome their first guests in January 2025. For more details visit The Eve's website.
There are few Sydney bars with the same cult status — or, indeed, square meterage — as Cantina OK!. Tucked down a nondescript, blink-and-you'll-miss-it CBD laneway, the six-seater sliver of a bar is famous for its world-class mezcal program, hand-shaved ice and one of the most celebrated margaritas on the planet. It's also just unveiled a brand-new menu, which, in keeping with the rest of the cocktail list, is as conceptual as it is delicious. Themed around rituals, the menu taps into familiar everyday and universal acts, from the ancient — like ceremonial wood burning or cooking with hyperlocal ingredients — to the more contemporary — like logging off and touching grass. The menu reimagines these small, grounding acts as sensory experiences delivered in cocktail form, with ingredients like wood-washed tequila, burnt chilli sorbet and grass jelly. The new menu — named Ritual — consists of three headline cocktails, each drawing on an element of symbolic or cultural significance. Opening proceedings is the the Nevada OK!, a bright, fragrant yet earthy mix of tequila, vetiver soda and lemongrass over pandan ice and grass jelly. Inspired by the modern ritual of reconnecting with the ground after a day online, this drink is described by group Creative Director Jeremy Blackmore as "a silly, serious and very delicious combination". Next up, the Sour OK! is inspired by the cross-cultural practice of wood burning, from Day of the Dead offerings to tea ceremony incense. This silky, aromatic sipper stars a cherry wood- and palo santo-infused tequila, with solid support roles from coconut, egg white, tapioca pearls and nata de coco for a delicate hit of texture and depth. [caption id="attachment_1005251" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dexter Kim[/caption] Rounding out the set is the Whip OK!, a smoky, spicy and sweet riff on recado — the rich spice paste made from blackened chillies that anchors much Yucatecan cuisine. Here, tequila and mezcal are layered with burnt chilli, lime and an intriguingly bright blackberry sorbet. It's finished with a shimmering spray of silver-coloured olive oil, itself a nod to the ancient superstition of blessing liquids with silver and moonlight. "We are celebrating some of life's little rituals," says Blackmore about the new menu. "Cantina OK! is built on them — from the way we greet every guest to the hand-drawing of each weekly special. It's about celebrating the 'right now', and being part of the bigger ritual of a night out in a garage down a dimly lit alley." [caption id="attachment_1005287" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dexter Kim[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1005288" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dexter Kim[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1005290" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dexter Kim[/caption] Cantina OK!'s new Ritual menu is available now. Find it at the end of Council Place, Sydney CBD. F0r more information, head to the Cantina OK! website. Top image: Dexter Kim.
Bluesfest has officially cancelled its 2026 event. In a statement on Friday, organisers attributed the decision to "rising production, logistics, insurance and touring costs, combined with softer ticket demand and international uncertainties." "For more than three decades, Bluesfest has brought extraordinary artists and audiences together in Byron Bay while also driving significant tourism and economic activity for the Northern Rivers and New South Wales," Festival Director Peter Noble said. "This makes the decision incredibly difficult. After careful consideration, we concluded we could not proceed in a way that would meet the standard our audiences, artists and partners expect." The festival had a stacked lineup planned for 2026. Headliners included Parkway Drive, Erykah Badu, The Wailers, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sublime, Counting Crows, The Black Crowes, Buddy Guy, and more. Bluesfest director Peter Noble announced last year that 2025 would be the final year, however, shortly after, he said that declaration was as much a call to action as a resignation to fate. "Do we have to say it's the last Bluesfest to get people to focus on us?" he asked at the time. Confirmation of Bluesfest 2026 then came on the same day that the Australian Greens unveiled a $20 million-a-year rescue plan to keep the country's festival scene alive and kicking. With 109,000 punters through its gates in 2025, the announcement comes as a major shock to the music community. Head to the website for more information. This article first appeared in Rolling Stone Australia. Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get more stories straight to your inbox.
If you've committed yourself to extending the holiday indulgence and enjoying a January stuffed with good food, the legends at Nomad are here to help you reach your goals. This weekend, Executive Chef Jacqui Challinor is bringing back a much-loved lockdown project — her next-level bomboloni, aka Italian doughnuts. After achieving cult status as a lockdown special served up by the Surry Hills restaurant last year, the bomboloni are back for a one-weekend-only appearance. On offer from 10am this Saturday, January 15, and Sunday, January 16, you'll find two dreamy varieties of the treat: a savoury version comes loaded with sujuk, haloumi and a fried egg, and a fairy bread-inspired creation, starring burnt butter cream, strawberry glaze and a coating of 100's & 1000's, that sweet-toothed bombolone fans will be all about. Both are available for takeaway only, with the sweet bombolone going for $10 a pop and the savoury one priced at $16. If last year's are anything to go by, however, they won't be hanging around for long — you'd better get in as early as you can.
Dress in your best 60s get-up and step back in time at the only permanent drive-in left in Sydney. With a Happy Days-esque diner offering classic snacks like hot chips, choc tops and burgers, you better not do anything more than hold hands with your sweetheart otherwise you'll ruin the schmaltz of the experience. There are two opposing screens which show double features nightly. As well as all the latest hits, the drive-in cinema screens retro favourites and seasonal specials. So, expect lots of slasher flicks around October, The Grinch in December and The Notebook on February 14. Like most drive-in cinemas, you'll pay by the car load here, which includes up to six people for $35 a pop. Some special events may set you back a little more.
Plenty of movies have hit cinemas and streaming in 2022, including ace and terrible flicks alike, but few films have sparked as much chatter as Don't Worry Darling. First up, it earned attention thanks to its director and cast, with the twisty thriller marking actor-turned-filmmaker Olivia Wilde's second stint behind the lens after Booksmart, and starring Florence Pugh (The Wonder) and Harry Styles (My Policeman). Then, the picture started causing talk due to a whole heap of off-screen chaos, such as awkward press conferences, possible spit and other rumoured scandals among its main figures. So, by now, everyone has heard about Don't Worry Darling. If you haven't yet seen it since it released in Australian cinemas at the beginning of October — and it is worth seeing — you can now do that at home, too. Like everything from Dune, The Matrix Resurrections, Spencer and West Side Story through to Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Elvis and Nope this year, the film has joined the list of fast-tracked flicks making their way to digital while still brightening up the big screen. Here, Pugh plays Alice, who gets stranded in the worst kind of 1950s-style ordeal despite all initial appearances to the contrary. Victory, the community where she lives with her husband Jack (Styles), appears picture-perfect; however, we all know how that can be deceiving. Indeed, the dreamy facade unravels quickly. The town is home to the men who work for the top-secret Victory Project — such as Jack — and their families, and it's where Don't Worry Darling's central duo are meant to enjoy nothing but bliss. They're given two rules to abide to, though: exercising the utmost discretion and committing 100-percent to Victory's vision, even if the town's wives don't actually know what their husbands get up to all day. That's all well and good — and terrific, in fact for most of Victory's residents — but it stops being the case for Alice. Despite a pervasive mood of optimism around the place, as well as overt reassurances by company CEO Frank (Chris Pine, All the Old Knives) and his wife Shelley (Gemma Chan, Eternals), Alice is certain that all isn't quite what it seems — or that she can or should trust what the company is so determined to impress upon the town's inhabitants. Yes, as immaculate as Don't Worry Darling looks, it's 100-percent a psychological thriller. It gives off huge The Truman Show vibes, too, as Alice refuses to acquiesce. The film also co-stars Wilde herself, playing another Victory employee's spouse, as well as Nick Kroll (Our Flag Means Death), KiKi Layne (The Old Guard), Sydney Chandler (The Golden Rut), Kate Berlant (A League of Their Own), Asif Ali (WandaVision), Douglas Smith (Big Little Lies), Timothy Simons (Station Eleven) and Ari'el Stachel (Zola). Check out the trailer for Don't Worry Darling below: Don't Worry Darling is currently screening in Australian cinemas, and is also available to stream online via video on demand from Monday, November 7 — including via Google Play, YouTube Movies and Prime Video in Australia. The film is also still showing in NZ theatres as well, and can be streamed in Aotearoa via Neon, Google Play and iTunes. Read our full review.
UPDATE, April 24, 2021: Parasite is available to stream via Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. When writer-director Bong Joon-ho lets two families roam around and unleash their best and worst in an opulent South Korean mansion, he couldn't have placed them in a better spot. The kind of house that anyone would dream of living in, Parasite's main setting is a multi-storey playground filled with wide-open spaces, gleaming surfaces and modernist decor, all opening out onto a grassy, leafy backyard. A real estate agent's fantasy as well, this not-so-humble abode is the bricks-and-mortar pinnacle of success and wealth. As created by production designer Lee Ha-jun to meet Bong's specific vision (a real house that matched the filmmaker's needs simply didn't exist), the labyrinthine structure is a puzzle box, too. Within its walls, mysteries linger. Here, anything and everything could happen. Parasite proves exceptional in every single frame and detail that it flicks onto the screen — but the way that this sprawling central home encapsulates the movie's very essence is a towering feat. Already lauded and applauded, not to mention awarded the top prizes at both the Cannes and Sydney film festivals, Parasite isn't short on achievements. Internationally renowned and beloved as the auteur behind The Host, Snowpiercer and Okja, Bong has crafted a bleak, twisty blend of black tragi-comedy, pulsating thrills and socially relevant horror — a movie that's such a phenomenal example of all that cinema can and should be that you'll want to high-five the filmmaker after watching it. Parasite possesses a pitch-perfect cast of both veteran and up-and-coming actors, all playing their parts with devastating precision. It's scripted, with Okja assistant director turned first-time co-writer Han Jin-won, to tease, mesmerise, infuriate, satirise and amuse in equal measures. And its look and pace, courtesy of the finessed work of cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo (Bong's Mother) and editor Yang Jin-mo (Bong's Okja), is as polished and probing as its all-important setting. When viewers first meet Ki-taek (Song Kang-ho), his wife Chung-sook (Chang Hyae-jin), and their young but grown-up children Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik) and Ki-jung (Park So-dam), they're dwelling in a damp, cockroach-infested basement apartment. They're also all out of work. Piggybacking whichever unlocked wi-fi network they can find keeps them going — and, when the streets outside are being fumigated, the family isn't opposed to keeping the windows open to take advantage of the free pest control (health consequences be damned). Combined, their only regular source of income comes from folding pizza boxes, with zero other prospects on the horizon. Then Ki-woo's former classmate Min (Park Seo-joon) asks if he'll fill in at a lucrative private tutoring gig. While Ki-woo doesn't have the requisite university degree such a position usually needs, it's easy to manufacture thanks to Ki-jung's impressive photoshop skills. Taking plenty of cues from this early bit of subterfuge, Parasite could be dubbed the ultimate 'fake it till you make it' movie. Stepping foot inside the film's main setting, Ki-Woo wows not only his new, quickly love-struck teenage pupil Da-hye (Jung Ziso), but her flighty mother Yeon-kyo (Cho Yeo-jeong) too. He's soon part of the household, which also includes tech entrepreneur patriarch Park (Lee Sun-kyun), pre-adolescent son Da-song (Jung Hyeon-jun) and their housekeeper (Lee Jeong-eun). With Ki-woo eager to bring his own family into this rich, luxurious orbit, an underhanded plan emerges. Without spoiling any specifics from this narrative juncture onwards, Bong was inspired to write Parasite after spotting a smudge on his pants. This intriguing tidbit gives very little away, although corrupting an otherwise pristine environment — and pondering whether a splatter of disarray makes supposed perfection and privilege better or worse — is the film's thematic stomping ground. The movie's lush locale draws viewers in, all so that it can shatter the allure. Slippery performances, with seemingly clear-cut characters becoming anything but, do the same. So too does Bong and his crew's exacting craftsmanship, which keeps audiences both immersed and guessing. Add shifting tones and changing genres to the fold as well, because evolution and elusiveness are among the movie's most crucial tools. Indeed, from sets and actors to framing and mood, every element of Parasite is weaponised. More than that, it's all calibrated and wielded for maximum impact. This isn't just a killer picture on all of the standard levels, however. Contemplating society's growing class collisions and inequities, Parasite also makes a killer statement. It shouldn't escape attention that three of the past year's absolute best and most astute works, all from South Korean or Japanese filmmakers, have taken aim at the increasing gap between the haves and the have nots. Or, looking to America as well, that one of 2019's great horror releases plays in the same terrain while also bringing race into the equation. Parasite shares its grifting, struggling family with Hirokazu Kore-eda's Shoplifters, its tonal flips and wiliness with Lee Chang-dong's Burning, and its malevolent tone with Jordan Peele's Us, adding to a blossoming field of urgent, intense and diverse cinema that interrogates the societal status quo with a rightfully scathing eye. That said, there's no mistaking Bong's dark, devious and delightful thriller for any other film — or for anything but a hands-down masterpiece. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_0KJAzyUJc
Feeling bold to start 2023? Brave? Fearless? Ready to take on a new year, embrace life and show your spirit? That's the standard January vibe, but this year has a colour to match: Viva Magenta, aka the hue of the year according to the Pantone Colour Institute. Each year, Pantone's colour experts pick a tone for the 12 months ahead. As announced back in December 2022 but supremely relevant now that 2023 is actually here, its latest selection is Pantone 18-1750. This hue from the red family — a colour that Pantone says "vibrates with vim and vigour" — is meant to both set the trend for and sum up the year ahead. Pantone is never short on words for its picks of the year, and has also dubbed this tone as "a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative". Viva Magenta is meant to be powerful and empowering, too, and a colour that "revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint — an electrifying and a boundaryless shade that is manifesting as a standout statement". View this post on Instagram A post shared by PANTONE (@pantone) "Viva Magenta welcomes anyone and everyone with the same verve for life and rebellious spirit. It is a colour that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all," Pantone's announcement continues. Explaining the decision, Pantone Colour Institute Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman said that the tone has a natural, primordial, galvanising feel to it. "Viva Magenta descends from the red family, and is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known." Expect to see all things Viva Magenta popping up around the place throughout 2023, with Pantone suggesting how it can be used in fashion and accessories, home decor, design and beauty, too. The new shade takes over from 2022's Very Peri, and 2021's Ultimate Gray and vibrant yellow Illuminating before that. In 2020, Pantone went with Classic Blue, while 2019's colour was Living Coral, 2018's was Ultra Violet and 2017's was Greenery. To find out more about Viva Magenta — and to check out all the previous Colours of the Year — head to the Pantone website.
Imagine if you could get a sneak peek of your next holiday destination before you arrived. No, looking at photos online and scrolling through Instagram doesn't count. Taking the concept of trying before you buy to the travel industry, a company called Navitaire has unveiled what they're calling "the world's first virtual reality travel search and booking experience". Their VR system places would-be jetsetters in a room with a globe, lets them spin away, pick a place somewhere on the planet and then dive right in. After wandering through their chosen location in a virtual sense — spying tourist attractions and seeing the general sights — users can then search for flights, walk through the plane to pick their seat, give a few rental cars a try and purchase their trip, all within the virtual reality realm. Down the track, Navitaire, which is owned by travel technology company Amadeus, hopes that touring and booking hotels, and sharing searching experiences via social media, will also be able to be incorporated into their VR platform. At the moment the project is still in development, with a patent pending. Plenty of other places have combined virtual reality with scoping out ace spots — Qantas has an app that lets you take a virtual tour of Australia, and the Sydney Opera House has their own that peers behind the scenes at the iconic venue — but doing all of that and then locking in a trip straight away might be the future.
If there's one thing that puts Australia head and shoulders above the rest of the world when it comes to tourism, it's that you can enjoy every type of climate in one place. Enjoy shredding it on the ski slopes? You're sorted. Love sojourning balmy beaches in your speedos? No worries. Over 18-percent of the country is made up of desert, which also makes Australia one of the best places for the ultimate desert experience. From red sand dunes and dramatic sheer cliffs to wallabies around watering holes and ancient rock formations, the desert could not look any better than in Central Australia. So, we've teamed up with Tourism Central Australia to give you the ultimate desert itinerary in the Red Centre. Want to plan your very own adventure to the Red Centre? Take a look at our handy trip builder to start building your custom itinerary now.
Sunsets are at their finest in the summertime. They come later in the day, the air is warmer, and the vibes are nothing short of divine. Pair that with a bit of music, and you're set. That's the basis of Sydney Observatory's Sunset Variations — the annual outdoor concert series that sets up local artists for intimate three-hour sets in golden hour. Every Friday evening from January 30 to February 27, 2026, guests are invited to arrive at sunset and settle onto a spot on the Observatory lawn, where you can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired food from Aplenty and drinks by Lo-Fi Wines while that week's performance soundtracks the change from day to night. The music series, organised by Powerhouse Museum, returns for its second year with an opening performance of Afrofuturist jazz and R&B by Ethiopian Australian artist Nū. The following week, visitors can return to the lawn for layered percussive and synth works from e fishpool, then in week three come the cinematic compositions of electronics and vocals from the Aarti Jadu Ensemble. On February 20, Luritja singer-songwriter and artist Keanu Nelson will perform an ode to his home of Papunya – a remote community northwest of Alice Springs. Then, closing the series is underground Sydney DJ Josh Panakera-Molony with Setwun: Celestial Bodies, a soulful showcase that blends jazz, dance and groove with the help of collaborators GLO, POOKIE, INQ., Meklit, Yasmina Sadiki and Hugh B. Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah says "At the highest natural point in the city, Sydney Observatory opens onto an unmatched view of golden hour over Sydney Harbour. The dynamic lineup of bold, experimental artists performing each week will transform the site for a month unmissable sunsets." Sunset Variations will run weekly on Friday's from January 30 to February 27. Tickets are $10. For more information or to book tickets, visit the website.
You might picture gold when the prospect of exploring the Bendigo region comes up, but you'll quickly discover that the city and its surrounding townships are full of contemporary cultural landmarks and unique places to visit. Whether you plan on taking a stroll along the Bendigo Artists Walk or want to pay a visit to the Buda Historic Home and Garden, you'll be happy to know that a host of incredible stays are waiting for you to rest your weary head at the end of the day. From the cutest country cottages to converted halls and glamping homesteads, we've teamed up with Bendigo Regional Tourism to bring you a list of the most distinctive places to stay and use as a launchpad to explore the best cultural hotspots of Bendigo, Castlemaine and beyond. [caption id="attachment_746467" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mackenzie Quarters.[/caption] VISIT BENDIGO ART GALLERY AND STAY IN A 140-YEAR-OLD BENDIGO ICON Since undergoing a stellar facelift in 2014, the Bendigo Art Gallery has emerged as one of Australia's top regional art institutions. Having hosted some world-class contemporary art exhibitions throughout its esteemed history, the gallery's modern design draws in visitors from across Australia. In recent months, they've been coming in droves to gaze upon the showcase of influential fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. After the exhibition closes on November 10, the gallery will welcome works from Gunditjmara/Yorta Yorta artist Joshua Muir — What's on your mind? will run from November 31–March 1, 2020. You can't stay much closer to the Bendigo Gallery than The Residence at Mackenzie Quarters. Mackenzie Quarters was built in 1877 as the deanery for the neighbouring school hall and was referred to as 'The Master's Residence'. It's located in the heart of the arts precinct, and cuts a striking figure, right across the road from the gallery. The residence has been lovingly restored to offer guests modern conveniences across five bedrooms, two bathrooms and multiple entertaining spaces. Come February 2020, there'll also be a sophisticated wine bar in the premise's basement. [caption id="attachment_746487" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sandhurst Ridge Winery Bed & Breakfast.[/caption] EXPLORE THE GREAT STUPA AND FINISH THE DAY WITH WINE STRAIGHT FROM THE VINEYARD An absolute must-visit when in the region is the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, an enormous Buddhist pagoda. Symbolising the path to enlightenment and providing a calm place to meditate, this (almost) 50-metre tall structure is the largest example of a stupa in the Western world. To continue the calming vibes, head to Sandhurst Ridge Vineyard for a relaxing bed and breakfast experience amid the greenery, or treat yourself to a luxurious stay at Balgownie Estate Winery Retreat. Choose from a self-contained cottage with views of Sandhurst's tranquil pond, vineyard and bushland, or one of 15 glamping tents dotted across the Balgownie Estate grounds. There's even a personal outdoor soaker tub on the deck of the safari-style tents on offer. [caption id="attachment_746947" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Scout Hall, Harcourt.[/caption] WANDER AROUND CASTLEMAINE ART MUSEUM AND SPEND THE NIGHT IN THE OLD SCOUT HALL Founded in 1913, the Castlemaine Art Museum is one of regional Victoria's most striking cultural landmarks. The museum boasts a delightful art deco design with purpose-built galleries showing everything from historical artefacts to contemporary art, including the 2019 Experimental Print Prize exhibition, which opens December 7 and runs until May 2020. The leafy township of Castlemaine is located within the heart of the Victorian goldfields. It's little wonder this area is a hub for creative types — it's surrounded by quaint little towns and stunning bushland waiting to be explored for inspiration. Earn your explorers badge with a stay in nearby Harcourt at the old Scout Hall, which is complete with a stage for forcing your friends and family to watch you perform. The luxury self-contained apartment retains plenty of its original charm — including soaring ceilings, exposed arch beams and shiny wood floorboards — but has been upgraded so you get all the modern things you need like a nice kitchen and wifi. [caption id="attachment_746297" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Big4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park.[/caption] CHECK OUT THE BUDA HISTORIC HOME AND SLEEP IN A LUXURY BELL TENT Once the legendary property of prominent Hungarian silversmith Ernest Leviny, today the Buda Historic Home and Garden provides a fully intact glimpse into the past with furniture, artwork and personal belongings remaining much the same as the home's heyday back in the 19th century. A visit to the property is a day well spent, with three acres of heritage garden to explore as well as a gift shop and plant nursery so you can take home a piece of the history. Continue the garden vibes of your getaway at the nearby Big 4 Holiday Park. Stay with us — this isn't your typical caravan park. Set on the edge of the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, you can get yourself a luxury bell tent complete with a queen-size bed and exceptionally comfortable linen. You'll be glamping in style on a timber deck, perfect for kicking back with a bottle of vino, looking out to the greenery. [caption id="attachment_746549" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fairbank House.[/caption] SPEND THE NIGHT IN A COTTAGE SURROUNDED BY GREENERY AND STOP BY CASCADE ART Set inside a former Gothic Revival church, Cascade Art is a stunning regional cultural landmark that any big city would be grateful to have. Led by long-term Maldon residents Kareen Anchen and Jeff Gardner, the place is more than just an art gallery — it also hosts regular creative launches, artist talks, workshops and pop-up events. It also supports emerging printmakers from across the region. Just across town, you'll find a cute Victorian cottage that's perfect for a weekend getaway. The stylish Fairbank House has plenty of entertaining spaces and lovely country garden vibes but is also conveniently located to explore the rest of Maldon, a picturesque town that has maintained much of its 19th-century architecture in tribute to rich gold rush-era history. [caption id="attachment_746305" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pretty Cottage.[/caption] EXPLORE THE CENTRAL GOLDFIELDS FROM HISTORICAL TALBOT Presenting artwork inspired by the wonders of the Central Goldfields, Maryborough's Central Goldfields Art Gallery offers visitors a frequently changing lineup of exhibitions that draw from its vast permanent collection and a range of local creative talent. Home to works by seminal Australian artists such as Dean Bowen, Arthur Boyd and Ray Crooke, the space has everything from landscapes to textile art on display. While in the area, you can also visit Possum Gully Fine Arts Gallery. This bush gallery exhibits a unique collection of works from established Australian artists, covering disciplines including printmaking, painting, drawing, art glass and ceramics. If it's local history and creativity that interests you, the neighbouring town of Talbot is the perfect spot to make your home for the weekend. We found a particularly Pretty Cottage, which was built way back in the 1880s. The fully restored home and its quaint country garden will be all yours during your stay. [caption id="attachment_747414" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Learmonths Place[/caption] STEP INTO HISTORY AT WEDDERBURN'S COACH HOUSE GALLERY THEN ESCAPE TO A FARM For a brief moment in the 1850s, Wedderburn had a significant role in the Victorian gold rush. It only lasted a few years, but the tight-knit community continues to present travellers with a glimpse into the past. The Coach House Gallery and Museum is where to head to see the best work from local artists, while there's also a replica general store that harks back to a time more than a hundred years ago. If you're after a real getaway from city life, there's a 22-acre property on the Loddon River ready to act as your home away from home after a day of exploring Wedderburn and surrounds. Learmonths Place is a fully renovated family farmhouse, where you can breathe fresh country air and enjoy taking in the river views and starry nights. [caption id="attachment_747412" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rostrata Country House[/caption] ANTIQUE SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP AND THEN RELAX IN NATURE If you're a lover of knick-knacks and collectables, you may have already known that Inglewood is a must-visit when it comes to searching for antique goods. Wander down Brooke Street and you'll soon discover everything from art, books and French furniture being sold in stores such as Fusspots at Inglewood, Sharps Bazaar and Inglewood Emporium. After all that shopping, you'll need somewhere to rest and rejuvenate, so why not escape to Rostrata Country House. Just a short drive from Inglewood through Tarnagulla (the town of churches), the farm stay lets you enjoy the quiet country life for as long as you like. The fully contained home has space for six, plenty of seating in the gardens, and bikes you can use to explore. To start planning your trip to Bendigo and to discover more cultural happenings in the region (and beyond), head to the Bendigo Regional Tourism website. Top image: Rostrata Country House.
A sad fact about cozzie livs going up and up is that the amount of cash people have to spend on their family and friends shrinks and shrinks. Fortunately, Afterpay is bringing back its Pay It Forward Mystery Market from 8am on Thursday, August 14, to address what it's calling the 'generosity gap'. Centred around a standout activation tucked into Pitt Street Mall, the first 1000 Afterpay customers will score themselves a mystery box, taking home the prize inside and receiving an identical one to present to a loved one. Just don't think you'll be walking away with socks and undies. Featuring a total prize pool valued at over $200,000, there's no shortage of incredible gifts perfect for spreading the good times. Up for grabs are a $5,000 Webjet voucher, a Dyson Airwrap, or even a Nintendo Switch 2 — just imagine non-stop multiplayer fun with your best pal. Meanwhile, other much-loved brands like Ninja, CROCS, Petbarn, Red Balloon and Prezzee are getting in on the action. With Afterpay Day happening from Thursday, August 14–Sunday, August 17, the Pay It Forward Mystery Market signals the start of this bi-annual shopping event.
Sydney's summer of sport is officially in full swing, and this season's lineup includes everything from blockbuster cricket and harbour-skimming catamarans to world-class football and top-rate tennis showdowns. And with action taking place throughout the city, each event offers the perfect jumping-off point to explore more of the city. Rather than racing in and out for a match, consider this your playbook for turning four of Sydney's biggest summer sports events into proper mini-escapes, with our picks of nearby restaurants, bars and hotels to help you make the most of your experience. Here's how to make the most of Sydney's summer of sport. [caption id="attachment_1043313" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tennis Australia/Steven Markham[/caption] United Cup Why it's unmissable The Australian summer tennis swing kicks off in Sydney on Saturday, January 3 with the return of the United Cup. This fan-favourite tournament sees national sides battle it out in men's singles, women's singles and mixed doubles, bringing a lively, festival-like vibe to Ken Rosewall Arena. The 2026 edition serves up plenty of reasons to get courtside, with local hero Alex de Minaur, Iga Świątek and Emma Raducanu among the headline names leading a stacked field. Find out more here. Eat here first If you're heading to a day session, kick things off at Happyfield, the enduringly popular American-style diner in Haberfield serving pancake stacks with 100-percent Canadian maple syrup, hefty breakfast burgers and top-notch single-origin coffee. Later in the day, Olympic Meats delivers hearty charcoal-grilled meat plates and other Greek favourites, while Sippenham is a cool, quietly confident neighbourhood hangout known for its seasonal plates and punchy wine list. [caption id="attachment_898451" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Happyfield[/caption] Celebrate here after Post-match, follow the fan flow back into the Inner West and drop into Deadwax, the late-night bar and listening room home to wagyu sandos, a massive vinyl collection and Enmore's only karaoke room. Make a weekend out of it Turn matchday into a mini-escape with a stay at Australia Street Suites, a boutique Newtown address offering stylish accommodation just steps in the thick of one of Sydney's most vibrant neighbourhoods. With easy transport links to Sydney Olympic Park, it's a relaxed, design-led base for a full weekend of tennis and inner-west exploring. Women's T20I Series v India — 1st T20I Why it's unmissable Women's cricket returns to the SCG this February, as the Aussies take on India under the lights in a primetime T20 showdown. The growing rivalry between these two powerhouses is one of modern cricket's most thrilling storylines, with both sides playing at the top of their game right now. Can Alyssa Healy and her side reclaim bragging rights in front of a home crowd after India knocked them out of November's ODI World Cup, or will the Women in Blue spoil the party? Find out more here. Eat here first The SCG's location in the thick of the eastern suburbs means it's within easy reach of some of Sydney's favourite restaurants. Enjoy a spread of Greek mezedes paired with ouzo coladas at vibey Redfern taverna Olympus, fuel up at Surry Hills' Argentinian steakhouse Porteño, or soak up the scene at Neil Perry's big-swinging Italian dining room Gran Torino. If it's water views you're after, Rick Stein at Coogee Beach plates up the legendary British chef's produce-driven seafood dishes, as well as sweeping views of one of the city's most beloved stretches of sand. Celebrate here after When stumps are called, wander up to sleek Darlinghurst neighbourhood bar Vin-Cenzo's (pictured above) for a pick from the impressive wine list and traditional Italian biscuits served in vintage tins, or settle in nearby at The Waratah, home to a cocktail menu that heroes native ingredients. Make a weekend out of it Extend your stay at The EVE — just steps from the SCG, you'll feel like you're a world away thanks to its tropical resort vibes. AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 Why it's unmissable For the first time in two decades, Australasia's biggest celebration of women's football returns to Australia, bringing some of the region's best national squads (and biggest names) to Western Sydney Stadium and Sydney Olympic Park's Stadium Australia. And with spots in the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup — and, for the first time, the AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament — up for grabs, you can expect teams to leave it all out on the pitch. Find out more here. Eat here first Kick off your matchday at Misc. This breezy 300-seater in Parramatta Park does it all, from cheeky breakfast items like the Lebs Benedict, featuring grilled sujuk, smoked butter hollandaise and pickled chillies on thick-cut milk toast, to all-day sharing dishes like daily market fish with a preserved lemon vinaigrette and a fall-off-the-bone lamb shoulder with minted labneh, zhoug and flatbread to mop it all up. [caption id="attachment_879092" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] Celebrate here after Keep the energy high after the final whistle at Lady Banks, Western Sydney's sky-high rooftop perched above Bankstown. Head up for sweeping views and summer-ready cocktails — the perfect perch to debrief every goal, near-miss and heart-stopping moment from the game. Make a weekend out of it Stay close to the action at the Crowne Plaza Sydney Macquarie Park. With brand-new rooms, sleek modern interiors and easy access to both Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park, it's a smart base for turning matchday into a full Sydney escape. KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix Why it's unmissable SailGP brings the world's most exciting race on water back to Sydney Harbour this summer, turning the city's most iconic waterway into a high-octane racecourse. From tight duels and fierce national rivalries to near-flying boat speeds of over 100 kilometres per hour, every race unfolds just metres from shore, with Shark Island perfectly positioned as your front-row seat to the action. This year's event comes with a twist: racing kicks off at 5.30pm, delivering the first-ever twilight showdown in the event's local history. Find out more here. Eat here first Make a day of it on the harbour's edge. Start your pre-race wander at Flaminia, the polished new Italian restaurant bringing big coastal flavours to a prime harbourfront location. For something more laidback, Watermans — tucked along the Barangaroo boardwalk — serves Levantine-inspired plates backed by seasonal local produce. If you fancy a stroll into the city, Rockpool's steak-frites restaurant 24 York serves up MB2+ scotch fillet cooked to your liking for $48. Celebrate here after Take the post-race festivities skyward at Smoke Bar, Barangaroo House's sleek rooftop perch with panoramic views, sharp cocktails and a near-constant buzz. If you'd prefer something more intimate (but no less lively), slip into Maybe Sammy, the award-winning cocktail bar pouring playful, theatre-driven drinks in an elegant, pared-back setting. Make a weekend out of it Cap off your raceday with a stay at the Park Hyatt Sydney (pictured above), where balconies overlook the Sydney Opera House and morning swims on the rooftop pool come with postcard views. It's the ultimate base for a weekend built around the harbour. Ready to feel the Sydney side of summer? Discover the full calendar of what's on across the city at sydney.com.
What microwaves did for heating, UK company Enviro-Cool is promising to do for cooling. They've created a drink cooler that takes bottles and cans from room temperature to 5 degrees celsius in just 45 seconds. There's every possibility that the invention, which uses 80 percent less energy than commercial refrigeration, could soon become commonplace in homes, shops and eateries all over the world. Envriro-Cool created the technology, which they've patented 'V-Tex', back in 2007. It's based on a sophisticated application of the 'Rankine Vortex'. A European Commission grant of 930,000 Euros enabled its development into a commercial product. According to the promo video, the EC "recognised that the energy used to constantly chill pre-packed beverages was enormous and an unsustainable strain on our depleting energy resources." Three types of coolers have been developed. There's one suitable to commercial use, powerful enough to replace high-energy use equipment, such as multi-deck open refrigerator, and two domestic-friendly units — one stand-alone and one that can be added to existing refrigerators. It's estimated that, for every fridge replaced, over $1000 in electricity will be saved annually. Trials begin in Holland next month. Via PSFK.
First there was Shirt Bar. Then came champagne and sneaker bar Butter. Now, to complete the outfit, Surry Hills has welcomed Soultrap, Sydney's first hat bar. Taking over the old Play Bar space on Campbell Street, new underground venue Soultrap combines mistelle and millinery, or more specifically, fortified wines and feathered fedoras. The hybrid venue was established by small bar specialist Christophe Lehoux who co-founded House of Pocket group, which includes much-loved drinking dens Pocket Bar, Stitch Bar and Button Bar. Lehoux is passionate about small bars and hat making, and rather than choose between his two loves, he thought, "to hell with that, I'm doing both". When he isn't taking orders or pouring drinks behind the bar, you can find him at the back of Soultrap working away in his dedicated hat workshop. His handiwork is displayed throughout the venue and all hats are available for purchase. Headgear aside, the venue functions primarily as an underground small bar and live music venue. The bar is run by Josh Craker (ex-QT Sydney) and the house specialty is mistille, a traditional French drink made from fermented grape juice and eau de vie (fruit brandy). Each region in France has its own variation and Soultrap offers a fair few, either as mistille melanges (mixed mistilles) or mistille-spiked cocktails. For an introduction into the mysterious world of mistille, we recommend the Pinocchio ($17), a simple aperitif combining Pineau des Charente and bitter Campari. The taste is sweet, light and floral, similar to Pimm's or sherry. Alongside mistelle, Soultrap serves a selection of seasonal cocktails, craft beers and organic and biodynamic wines. The cocktails are the real deal, too — strong, subtle and not too sweet. Top tipples include the Australian Fare ($22) a Manhattan made from Australian amaro and a native botanical vermouth, and the Spouses' Sour ($18) a cherry marzipan concoction, made from Aperol, gin, almond syrup and orange blossom. Soultrap's food menu is just as sophisticated as its drinks, with a selection of small French and Italian morsels, which can be combined to create a charcuterie or cheese plate. Options include the jamón serrano ($7), Brillat-Savarin ($8) squid in its ink ($8), peppered fig paste ($4) and baked camembert ($13). For something more substantial, there's also the pissaldiere ($14) a flaky French pastry topped with caramelised onions, anchovies and olives, and a smoked ocean trout dip with crisp endives dippers ($13). The tradition of live music continues with Soultrap hosting a jazz, soul and funk night every Thursday and vinyl-only DJ sessions on Saturday. And for bringing great drinks and live music back to Surry Hills — we take our hats off to them. Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
Waverley's Wholegreen Bakery is the only place in Sydney that you can get gluten-free croissants, fruit danishes, eclairs and sausage rolls alongside gluten-free baguettes and loaves of olive and rosemary sourdough. The bakery's goods can be tracked down outside of the eastern suburbs, too — at some cafes, and at Carriageworks Farmers Market and the North Sydney Produce Market — but most gluten-free Sydneysiders make the journey to Waverley to pick up a haul. However, soon they might be able to load up on their lunch break, when Wholegreen opens a second gluten-free cafe in the CBD. The venue — which is due to open on Clarence Street in early March — will, like its Waverley counterpart, be 100 percent gluten-free. This is important because those that suffer from coeliac disease have a sensitive reaction to even a small trace of gluten and, this way, there is no chance for cross-contamination. But, unlike the original cafe, this one will be way bigger with room for 60 diners. While it's all gluten-free, Wholegreen will be catering to all city workers as a place to grab a coffee and something to eat. It'll be baking all of its bread and pastries each morning, meaning that you'll be able to get your hands on one of its golden croissants, pain au chocolats or even a loaf of sourdough to take home. The bakery also does a wide range of cakes and sweets, including lemon tarts, banana bread and frangipane tarts. Plus, there will be some dairy-free, vegan and sugar-free options. It'll also pump out some lunch items worthy of walking a few blocks for, including spinach and feta pasties, sausage rolls, toasties and fresh rolls stuffed with ham and salad. It'll also be licensed, so wines and gluten-free beer will be on the menu if you're eating in. Cherie Lyden, Wholegreen's owner, got into gluten-free when her daughter was diagnosed as coeliac and needed to eliminate gluten from her diet. She quickly found she was "disappointed with what was available on the market" and, in an effort to lift the — sometime dismal — standards of gluten-free products, she started doing what no one else was doing at the time: making actually good gluten-free bread. She's operated the wholesale side of the business for six years now, and the Waverley cafe for four. Both cafes are 100 percent gluten-free, and are currently in the process of getting accreditation from Coeliac Australia. Wholegreen Bakery's new CBD venue is set to open on Clarence Street in early March, 2020, and will be open Monday to Saturday. We'll keep you updated when we know more details.
The Cambridge Markets team behind the Ryde Wharf Markets and the Entertainment Quarter Markets is introducing a newcomer to their happy family of fresh produce providers – in the CBD, no less. Just a stone's throw from the Circular Quay ferry terminal and train station, the Quay Quarter Lanes will be adding this new Market to their already expansive dining precinct (of two city blocks and a 49-storey tower), opening for the first time on Wednesday, November 9. You might be familiar with the Customs House/Quay Quarter precinct as a food festival venue (the Bastille day market in particular), but this is the debut of a fresh produce market in Sydney's CBD. The recently-renovated Loftus Lane creates a buzzy enclosed setting where you can get up close and personal with the markets' 40 stalls and vendors. Speaking of vendors, look for Quay Quarter locals like Zini Gelato, Adora Chocolates, Grana and Bubble Nini Teas; joined by market mainstays such as Farmer and Son produce, Berliner Bakery, Stephen Hodges Fish, Savannah Estate Winery, Brother Mountain Macadamias, Le Saucier pasta sauces and Bacca cured meats. Plus, calorie-intensive delights from Jeery's Tacos and Thicc Cookies. Starting on Wednesday, November 9, the Quay Quarter Lanes Market will take place outside Customs House and stretch out and back to Loftus Lane on the second Wednesday of every month. See the website for more information.
Each winter Vivid draws Sydney out of hibernation with a festival of light installations, talks, workshops and performances. Now in its tenth year, the festival is bigger and brighter than ever. From the illumination of major city landmarks to international acts and challenging ideas, there's a lot to pack into the 23 nights. With the help of our friends at YHA Australia, we've put together a rundown to help you navigate the festival. From what to see and do and to where best to eat and drink. [caption id="attachment_670002" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sydney Harbour YHA rooftop[/caption] STAY With so much to see and do during Vivid, you'll want to be close to the action. Sydney Harbour YHA in The Rocks is the perfect home base; it's just a stone's throw away from the installations in The Rocks and walking distance to Circular Quay and the Botanic Gardens. It's also right in the thick of some of the most historic pubs in Sydney. The building combines modern comfort with the heritage of the area — it's set above archaeological remains of colonial Sydney. Choose from private or dorm rooms and head to the rooftop balcony to treat yourself to one of the best views in Sydney. From this bird's eye vantage point, you'll have an uninterrupted view stretching from the Harbour Bridge to the Sydney Opera House, Customs House and city buildings, all lit up for the festival. Grab a drink and settle in to soak it all up. If you'd prefer to stay a touch further away from the heaving Circular Quay, YHA also has locations in Sydney Central and Railway Square. Here, you'll be in walking distance of Haymarket (and its many dumplings, noodles and 30c cream puffs), Spice Alley and Darling Harbour's stunning light installations. All three YHAs are offering 20-percent-off during Vivid, too. [caption id="attachment_625341" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bodhi Liggett.[/caption] EAT You'll need to keep your energy levels up in order to fit in everything in during the festival. Luckily, there are heaps of great food options around. Start the day with quality coffee and a beautiful, picturesque breakfast at The Grounds of the City. If you're short on time, though, you can grab a cup of joe and a brekkie burger, bowl or muffin from the takeaway window. For lunchtime refuelling, head to La Renaissance Patisserie for house-made pies, baguette sandwiches and pastries. The tree covered courtyard is a sweet little place to retreat from the crowds for a little while. In The Rocks Centre behind Kendall Lane, you'll also find the Fine Food Store serving up sandwiches, salads and winter warmers like soups and stews. When the sun goes down, check out the new Bar Patrón by Rockpool for authentic Mexican eats, margaritas and views of the Vivid lights. Alternatively, head to The Morrison, located between The Rocks and Wynyard, for a mean sirloin steak or the $1 oyster happy hour from 6–7pm each Wednesday. And if you've really got cash to splash and a burning desire for views with some top eats, head to Cafe Sydney. Found above Customs House (which will be covered in a Snugglepot and Cuddlepie light show), this place serves up Australian haute-cuisine with a killer view. The restaurant also has a dedicated vegan menu for those looking for some fine dining that considers their dietaries. For another prime spot with more casual eats, head next door to Gateway — home to Neil Perry's Burger Project, Din Tai Fung, Four Frogs Creperie and Gelato Messina. DRINK The Rocks area is heaving with pubs — in fact, two of them, The Lord Nelson and The Fortune of War, lay claim to being Sydney's oldest. The best way to fit them all in is to head on a pub crawl — starting at The Lord Nelson, making tracks to the potentially haunted Hero of Waterloo, heading up to The Glenmore rooftop for excellent harbour views, passing by The Fortune of War and finishing up at the newly refurbished Orient. If you're after something more sedate and refined, hit Henry Deane, the rooftop bar at Hotel Palisade which boasts incredible views of the harbour and the lights of Vivid. Otherwise, check out Bulletin Place for intricately crafted cocktails, or cosy up at The Doss House, a new underground whisky bar set in an incredible heritage building in The Rocks. [caption id="attachment_624496" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Horan.[/caption] SEE The projections onto the Sydney Opera House have been the crowning glory of the Vivid light display since the festival's inception. This year the sails will feature the work of artist Jonathan Zawada, blending everyday objects with the pictures inspired by the Australian environment. Meanwhile, Skylark makes use of the high rises around Circular Quay, featuring a custom-built laser atop the Harbour Bridge projecting onto buildings in a stunning light show every half hour. The Southern Pylon of the bridge will be lit with Bangarra Dance Company's Dark Emu, melding dance and art and paying homage to the agricultural knowledge of Indigenous Australians. [caption id="attachment_623212" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Horan.[/caption] See bacteria writ large at Beautiful and Dangerous in The Rocks. The work takes you under a neon microscope to explore some of the deadliest diseases facing mankind and what's being done to curb them. While you're in the area, look skyward and see A Little Birdie Told Me — a work depicting the threat to many of our native bird species. The festival of light also makes full use of the glorious Botanic Gardens, with installations dotted throughout. Impressions shows a time-lapse of flora captured from the garden throughout the day, displayed across five huge canvases. Check out The Bloom, a giant metallic flower covered in LED pixels. And hanging in a canopy of trees is Hyperweb, a giant web combining light and soundscape. DO With so many artists and thinkers in town, you might want to extend your stay to fit more in. Top of the ticket is Solange, performing at the Sydney Opera House. Her shows are sold out, but festival organisers recommend checking the website daily for last-minute releases. Also in town are Grammy award-winning singer St Vincent and legendary rapper Ice Cube. There are heaps of local acts to check out too, including No Mono, Middle Kids and Stonefield. For one night only Heaps Gay will host a fabulous, not-to-be-missed fancy dress party, Qweens Ball, at Town Hall. Plus for a change of pace, this year's festival also includes a jazz series for the first time. [caption id="attachment_574541" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Bodhi Liggett.[/caption] Vivid Ideas will get your mind bubbling about the big issues. There are talks on everything from building a sustainable future and the threat to democracy to the art of creativity and understanding consciousness. For podcast nerds, the Audiocraft Podcast Festival features a line-up of industry heavyweights in a series of talks and workshops. If you're headed to Vivid this year, YHA is offering 20% off stays for Concrete Playground readers during the festival. The offer applies to all rooms (private and multi-share) at Sydney Harbour YHA, Sydney Central YHA and Railway Square YHA. Use the code VIVID to claim the discount when you book online, valid Sunday to Thursday between Sunday, May 27 and Friday, June 15. More info about the offer and other weekend discounts here. Image: Destination NSW.
Some of the world's very best cocktail bars and makers will be in Sydney this month, as the Maybe Cocktail Festival returns for its third edition. Taking place from April 7–13, the event will see 20 of the world's best bars, including seven bars ranked in The World's 50 Best Bars 2024 list, taking over some of Sydney's very best bars for Australia's biggest international cocktail event. With these noteworthy cocktail shakers hosting 25 events over the festival's seven days, you won't have to look far to discover signature cocktails, exclusive collabs and world-class hospitality. So, who's on the lineup this year? Landing at #9 on The World's 50 Best Bars 2024 (and #2 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024), Seoul's Zest will take over Prefecture 48 for a headline event, while Barcelona's Paradiso (#10) will get down to El Primo Sanchez to showcase its creative libations. Also in attendance are a host of high-profile names from around the globe, including Connaught Bar (#13) and Satan's Whiskers (#29) from London, Buenos Aires' CoChinChina (#22) and Florería Atlántico (#46) and Milan's Moebius (#38). They'll be landing at world-class Sydney venues including Little Cooler, Dean & Nancy on 22, Whisky Thief and more. This edition of the Maybe Cocktail Festival boasts the event's most gender-balanced lineup to date. Among the acclaimed bartenders making the trip, there's Sarah Dawn Mitchell from Teresa Bar (Napier, New Zealand), Gan Kwok Yee from Cosmo Pony (Jakarta), and Daniela Negrete Leal and Gina Barbachano from Brujas (Mexico City). "In its third year, Maybe Cocktail Festival has become a must-attend event for cocktail lovers, and I'm incredibly proud that so many of the world's best bars are eager to be part of it," says festival director Stefano Catino. "These bartenders aren't just flying in to make drinks — they're showcasing their expertise, creativity, and the unique hospitality that has made their bars world-renowned." Whether you're a Sydney local or just visiting, the festival is a stellar opportunity to experience the best of international cocktail culture. You can sip agave-centred cocktails from Mexico City's top bars, discover what makes New York hospitality so special and experience the bold flavours driving Singapore's bar scene from strength to strength. You can RSVP to any guest shift, workshop or party of your choosing via the event's website, and you can buy two tokens at the door of each venue — $50 will get you two cocktails from visiting bartenders. The Maybe Cocktail Festival is happening from Monday, April 7–Sunday, April 13, 2025, at various venues across Sydney. Head to the festival's website for more information.
Since first appearing on-screen back in 1997, Borat Sagdiyev has always stood out. In 2006 mockumentary Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, which sees Sacha Baron Cohen's fictional Kazakh journalist head to the "US and A" and chat with ordinary Americans across the country, that's a big part of the point. And in surprise 14-years-later sequel Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, that also remains the case — even if he has to don over-the-top disguises because he's now quite famous in the US. Before Borat Subsequent Moviefilm starts streaming globally from Friday, October 23 via Amazon Prime Video, Borat is standing out in another way, too: via a towering statue of the character that has been helicoptered into Bondi Beach for 24 hours. As Borat would say, "very excite!". It's a promotional move for the film, obviously, but if you've ever wanted to stare up at a giant version of the moustachioed figure — who is scantily dressed, even in sculpture form — then here is your chance. Sydneysiders can find the six-metre statue at Marks Park until 11am tomorrow, Friday, October 23, featuring a reclining Borat clad only in an American flag. The very nice sculpture was unveiled today as part of a press conference which featured a streamed appearance by the character, a big display of Kazakh flags and a parade of Borat look-alikes wearing nothing but maskinis — yes, they're face masks turned into mankinis, because of course they are. As for the movie itself, it's exactly what you'd expect of Borat's return visit to the US — especially during an election year, as American politics seems more polarised than ever, and as COVID-19 affects the country. While last time he travelled across the nation after falling in love with Pamela Anderson, now he's trying to gift his daughter to Vice President Mike Pence (or "vice pussy grabber", as Borat calls him). His aim: to get Kazakhstan's own leader into President Donald Trump's good graces, and specifically his "strong man club", which refers to Trump's penchant for promoting his ties with the likes of Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un. Along the way, Borat tries to kill the coronavirus by hitting it with a frying pan, dresses up like Trump to infiltrate a conservative conference and struggles with the daughter he previously didn't even know he had. As he always does, Baron Cohen also uses his time back in the character's grey suit to expose plenty of engrained, overt and unpleasant viewpoints and prejudice among those he meets. And, he also has a run-in with Rudy Giuliani that's been garnering plenty of news headlines over the past day. Check out the Borat Subsequent Moviefilm trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Rsa4U8mqkw&feature=youtu.be The Borat sculpture is on display at Marks Park, Bondi Beach until 11am tomorrow, Friday, October 23. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan will be available to stream via Amazon Prime Video from Friday, October 23.
There is no wrong time of day for devouring Italian food — leftover pasta makes as good a breakfast as dinner, after all. If you agree (which we're sure you do), here's some red-hot intel: Darlinghurst's new bright spot Fortuna has added a bottomless feast to their offering. The diner arrived on Victoria Street from two hospo mainstays, George Nahas and Egon Marzaioli, in late 2021. When it's not treating Sydneysiders to Italian feasts and endless mimosas, it's a breezy all-day eatery pulling from Marzaioli's early years in Naples. And now, from 12pm till 8.30pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy a share-style table of treats and 90 minutes of endless Aperol spritzes, negronis, Peronis, mimosas and a selection of vinos for $89. On arrival, expect a slice of warm, housemade focaccia and an array of truly delish antipasti (think Sicilian olives, Princi soppressa mortadella, salami, marinated tomatoes and burrata dressed in a vivid-green herby oil). Then, porchetta with crisp and golden potatoes as a main. All that plus stand-out bevs to wash it down? A delicious bargain. If you want to bolster the meal with some heartier dishes, you can add an additional $10 per person and the table will be treated to two pastas from the menu. Uniquely, and in a move that's sure to keep the vibes merry, staff will present the Wheel of Fortuna for guests to spin. Hope you're feeling lucky, cos you can win or lose. Maybe you'll score a round of shots for the table, or you might be left gifting a round of shots to the staff. Fortuna's bottomless feast is offered from 12–8.30pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Head to the website to make a booking.
Sydneysiders love a market — especially one that specialises in top-notch pre-loved clothing. There's nothing like finding a quality item at a clothing market. There's the thrill of searching through the racks to stumble upon the piece, plus shopping secondhand and upcycled clothing is more sustainable than buying your clothes new. If this all sounds entirely relatable, Second Life Markets are a must-visit for you. Usually, this hub of independent designers and secondhand clothing stalls pops up in Sydney once a season; however, with its autumn edition scheduled in May, it has just announced a one-off sundowner market on King Street in collaboration with Newtown favourite So Familia. Known for its 2000s-style pre-loved and deadstock clothing and accessories, So Familia is a go-to in the Inner West for those looking towards naughties-era Paris Hilton and Nicole Scherzinger for fashion inspo. Over 30 stalls are lined up to take place as part of the mini market which, will run from 3–8pm on Sunday, April 2 at 426 King Street. There will also be pizza, drinks and tunes, ensuring the markets are a vibrant Sunday afternoon experience. Plus, it's dog-friendly, so make sure to bring along your fluffiest companions so they can stretch their legs before you head back to work for the week. Entry is $5 and, in the sustainable spirit of the market, you're asked to bring your own reusable shopping bag(s) with you on the day. The Second Life Markets run successful quarterly events across Sydney, Perth and, as of October, Melbourne. The seasonal events bring together local sellers and independent designers, as well as a heavy dose of good vibes. You can stay up to date with when each new city's next market is arriving at the Second Life Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Second Life Markets (@secondlifemarkets)
Light and bright is the best way to describe Shutters, a restaurant and bar inside the Crowne Plaza hotel on Coogee Beach. Sunlight streams through the venue's white shutters, keeping with the vibe of a poolside Miami lounge bar — and it's name. Inside, you'll find marble tables, velvet chairs and booths in pale pastels, white and gold art deco fixtures, and pops of green from the big leafy plants dotted around the space. On the menu, the influences of Corsica and Sardinia are evident, from starters like stracciatella with roasted tomato oil, basil and olives ($16) to the flaky limoncello mille feuille ($14) being served for dessert. It's all about a leisurely afternoon meal at Shutters, beginning with fresh oysters with mignonette, horseradish granita or lemon and sea foam ($24 for six; $46 for 12). You'll also find some charcuterie and a warm octopus salad complete with kipfler potato, chorizo and orange ($18). Next, you can move on to pasta — try the king prawn and goats curd ravioli ($26), or a twist on lasagne with confit chicken, sofrito, cashews and avocado ($24). There's also a handful of main dishes (covering steak, spatchcock, fish and vego options), all of which are served with unlimited fries (yes) and salad. You can round off the meal with an after dinner mint granita, dark chocolate sorbet and sponge cake ($16). The drinks list complements the food offering, covering a few classic cocktails, five spritz varieties (including a strawberry and basil mix that is almost too tempting, $18), a smattering of tap and bottled beers, plus juice and kombucha. Wine is the main event, with drops coming from Italy, France and around Australia in equal numbers. Shutters is the first of four "micro" venues to open in Coogee Beach's Crowne Plaza. Soon to follow will be Estate: a bar, restaurant, taco joint and hidden karaoke spot. We'll let you know more about those when they open.
Now in its 13th year of operation, Woolahra's beautiful garden restaurant Chiswick has welcomed a new head chef. Samuel Rozsnyoi is now at the pass of Matt Moran's elegantly casual eastern suburbs spot, and his first menu showcases seasonal produce prepared with clever restraint, with an increased focus on approachability. Sydney-born Rozsnyoi has built quite a CV — he's worked at restaurants in Sydney, Denmark, Paris and Berlin. Here, he's trained under the likes of Josh Niland, Danielle Alvarez, Pasi Petanen and Mitch Orr, and he completed his apprenticeship at Ultimo TAFE while working under Nic Wong at Cho Cho San. More recently, he led the kitchens at Potts Point wine bar Dear Saint Éloise and buzzy Coogee neighbourhood restaurant Louie. "In heading up the kitchen at Chiswick, I'm looking forward to reinterpreting the vision of the kitchens that have shaped me over the course of my career," says Rozsnyoi. "Paci taught me all about layers and presentation, whereas Josh taught me the ins and outs of breaking down whole fish and making the most of the incredible produce that comes your way. Danielle Alvarez showed me the importance of cooking from the heart." This know-how diverges nicely with Chiswick's produce-driven, hyper-seasonal ethos. Rozsnyoi's debut menu makes full use of the restaurant's kitchen garden, and showcases the chef's creativity while sticking to Chiswick's fundamentals. That means that alongside Chiswick's much-loved slow-roasted lamb and beer-battered fish with hand-cut chips and labneh tartare, you'll also find dishes like baked lumache, mushroom, mozzarella, chilli, and a new grill section that features prime cuts from farmers including Ramarro Farms, Altair, Chris Bolton, as well as, on occasion, the Moran Family Farm. New desserts include a bay leaf custard tart and a salted caramel semifreddo served with seasonal fruit and honeycomb. "Matt Moran is someone who has shaped the culinary landscape of Australia, and the opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to all that Chiswick has established over the last 12 years is an incredible honour," says Rozsnyoi. In addition to a new chef leading the charge, Chiswick has also unveiled a new bar area, which welcomes guests looking for a more casual dining experience or those popping in for a drink and a snack. Rozsnyoi has also tweaked the bar menu, with new dishes like wood-roasted prawns with curry butter and pomelo, beef tartare with pumpkin panisse and comté sitting alongside the likes of Chiswick's crowd-favourite 'barra-masalata'. "Chiswick has been a mainstay of Sydney's dining scene for over ten years, and it's Samuel's passion for produce-driven cooking and his talent for creating dishes that are both refined and approachable that make him the perfect fit for our philosophy," says Matt Moran, Chiswick's co-owner. "I've actually had my eye on Sam for a while…he's one of the brightest young talents in the Sydney food scene right now. I can't wait for our guests to experience his cooking." Chiswick is located at 65 Ocean Street, Woollahra. For more information, head to the venue's website. Images: Zi Chen Photography.
In the late nineteenth century, a young Henry Lawson had moved to the city and was on his way to becoming perhaps the era's defining writer, as well as a prolific drinker and fixture in many of the city's pubs. The Edinburgh Castle, which dates back to 1885, was apparently a favoured spot for him to hole up for a beer-fuelled writing session — and the recent refurbishment to the Hotel pays tribute to this legacy with an Australiana theme. In the upstairs bar — a surprisingly sedate oasis in a busy corner of the city — the walls have been painted a deep shade of bottle green and the room studded with vases of bottlebrush and other colourful native flora. Beautiful leadlight windows keep the space relatively light while maintaining its Georgian architecture. However, it's not just the design that is warmly nostalgic; one of the best things food can achieve is reminding you of your childhood and an unfussy, delicious plate of grilled lamb cutlets ($20) with a generous dollop of mint jelly are a memory-starting carbon copy of how my grandmother made them. A floury, scone-like ball of damper ($8) is another nod to the Australiana theme. Head chef Daniel Lanza was previously sous chef at North Bondi Fish, so you'd expect the seafood to be on point — and, as it turn out, the simply-presented but delicious roast snapper ($25) doesn't disappoint. Scattered with capers and sitting alongside a green and gold zucchini, herb and squash salad, it's the kind of dish that always returns to the kitchen as a clean plate. Their take on the schnitty — the saltbush chicken schnitzel ($22) — is well-seasoned and one of the heartier options, sitting alongside crispy potatoes and chunky tomato sauce. It's a menu that embraces the truly old-school, with upmarket sausage rolls, devon and cheese toasties and daggy-but-delicious sides like a basket of fat, golden house-made potato scallops ($8). They come sprinkled with chicken salt and will remind you of afternoons getting takeaway on the way home from school. A small bowl of plump, juicy glazed Chantenay carrots ($9) is another example of the honest, unpretentious fare on offer. A couple of true blue desserts would be a nice addition, but there is an all-Australian wine list with the likes of a 2015 'The Whip' Riesling from Canberra's Capital Wines, which offers floral notes. Cocktails (all $18) are sound from the sweet Lawson's Cup which benefits from the berry-like flavour of hibiscus-infused gin. City Slick — a nicely balanced gin and citrus combination — is probably the pick though. Then there's the Old Spiced Pal, which makes the inspired addition of cinnamon to a classic cocktail (people love cinnamon). Overall, the refurbishment has given the Edinburgh Castle a real sense of identity, and looks to the hotel's past to provide a vibrant future for the venue.
Shake up your next get-together with mates by going full send at Send It! Social Club, a revamped sports-meets-cocktail hub. Formally known as SportsPlus, this spot was previously a go-to destination for those testing their skills through state-of-the-art simulators, from golf to cricket and F1-inspired racing. While the simulators haven't gone anywhere, Send It! Social Club has refocused around a new-look social experience primed for unique nights out with friends and corporate shindigs that take team-building to greater heights. So, if you're tired of dinner and drinks, this might just be the ideal alternative. Think competing against your pals on the simulators, then heading to the bar for a top-notch cocktail and an all-in share plate feed. "Send It! Social Club is about giving people permission to let loose, spark connections and make memories. Whether it's with friends, colleagues or clients, we want every moment to feel premium, playful and unashamedly unhinged," says Jacques Bergh, Chief Commercial Officer of Send It! Social Club. Spanning two locations at Canterbury Leagues Club and The Doylo, you're invited to step into multi-sport batting cages, where you can showcase your talent with baseball bats, tennis racquets and more. There are also Trackman-powered golf bays so the crew can see who's got the best swing of the bunch, whether that's driving or putting. Next, AR-augmented darts go above and beyond the well-worn oche at your local. Instead, Send It! Social Club has auto-scoring, live video playback and six chaotic game modes bound to level up your experience. Meanwhile, those with the need for speed can strap into fully-fledged racing sims to tackle the world's most iconic tracks at high velocity. Serving up an action-packed combination of tech-driven games and quality hospitality, this comprehensive rebrand shifts the experience away from simply sports, bringing the fun of low-pressure social connection to nights out. Yet after a cocktail or two, don't expect to keep your competitiveness under wraps for long. Send It! Social Club is open at Canterbury Leagues Club, 26 Bridge Road, Belmore and The Doylo, 80 Pacific Hwy, Doyalson. Head to the website for more information.
This lavish Japanese restaurant situated in the Heritage Lounge precinct on Church Street is pushing the envelope of elevated dining in Parramatta. Oribu blends modern techniques with a fusion of Korean and Japanese cuisine on a sophisticated menu. Head Chef Harry Cho (ex-Nobu) has crafted a menu of precisely constructed and beautifully presented dishes that aim to challenge preconceived notions of Japanese cuisine in the suburb. For starters, opt for the popcorn prawns paired with creamy, spicy sauce and a splash of yuzu juice, the variety of Japanese-style tacos or the deluxe sashimi selection. When deciding on mains, you're spoilt for choice. From nigiri to lamb cutlets with saikyo miso, custard crumbs and grilled cherry tomatoes, and succulent tenderloin brochettes that pair beautifully with pan-fried garlic broccolini or the saiko miso- and onion-topped crispy eggplant. It's all very well-considered from a flavour and texture perspective, and it's all very good. Round out your dining experience with a sweet treat. For a citrus hit, opt for the zingy yuzu sorbet with vanilla fairy floss or basil and lime tart, while the butterscotch bar offers a more indulgent cap to your meal. There's also the chef's tasting menu if you're feeling indecisive or just want to give the best of the menu a spin. Oribu has a moody ambience that sets the stage for an intimate date night or a lavish group celebration. The elegant fit-out features black interiors with flashes of greenery and a growing tree at the centre of its dining area.
There’s a rumbling in the north. The swift opening whoosh of shiny new doors, followed by a frantic cavalcade of foot traffic, as ravenous battalions of Sydneysiders clamber to taste test the newest offerings of the northern suburbs. From Cammeray to Cremorne, Mosman to Manly, there’s been a serious influx of contenders for the culinary crown of late — establishments somewhat under-appreciated by the more east-, west-, and southern-dwelling Sydneysiders. But winter is coming, and you’re going to want to know where to hole up. From Scandinavian-style eateries to quirky art bars, revamped bowling clubs to Italian jetty restaurants (and not to mention whatever Merivale is plotting in Newport), north Sydney's newest are staking their claim for the city's patronage — regardless of their crow-measured proximity from the CBD. Rally your troops and get amongst it. Correction: Mona Vale's La De Da bar was originally on this list. Unfortunately, we've since learned it's closed due to "operational costs proving too great". Better luck next time, Mona Vale.
Finally, here's a place to direct your writing skills, firsthand research on Sydney's small bar scene and excessive feelpinions on that latest play or movie. Concrete Playground is looking for interns. You'll be able to put your knowledge to use while learning the real ins and outs of producing arts, culture, food and lifestyle editorial in a fun and fast-paced online environment. Interns will work within our Redfern office one day per week for a set period of time. Working with the editorial team, you will be exposed to tasks such as writing, subediting, content production, photography and using social media. To apply for the role, you will need to demonstrate excellent writing skills as well as a love of and engagement with Sydney's cultural life. Expressions of interest should be addressed to editor Rima Sabina Aouf at contribute@concreteplayground.com.au. Include a short bio, CV and 2-3 samples of your written work. Image from Girls. Does not resemble real life, where you won't be kept in limbo for two years but will probably go on to a life of freelancing for us and radness.
In October of 2025, Sydney welcomed its newest boutique hotel in the form of The Olympia, the first Australian opening for 25hour Hotels in the building that was once the West Olympia Theatre and the Grand Pacific Blue Room. Now, it's a modern hotel that brings four standout eateries and 109 guest rooms to the Oxford Street address. The Olympia pays tribute to the site's early days with a commitment to a cinematic theme in its guest rooms, with design choices and room identities harkening to cinematic archetypes of 'Dreamers' and 'Renegades' alongside artwork from local creatives, including artist Kubi Vasak. [caption id="attachment_1069491" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Justin Nicholas[/caption] At the hotel's heart are the four food and drink venues, organised by Culinary Director Mitch Orr, alongside Food and Beverage Director Raj Vanniasinkam, Venue Manager Lillia McCabe, Head Sommelier Eleonore Wulf and Head of Beverage Roean Patawaran. Each of the venues was designed by London's Studio Paskin, while The Monica was created by food and beverage studio Carte Blanche. The headliner of the on-site offering is The Palomar, a London-native restaurant that brings a menu of flavours from Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Levant made with Australian ingredients. There's also The Mulwray, a wine bar dealing in biodynamic and classic wines; rooftop bar The Monica, which pairs share plates and cocktails with a skyline view and a 1960s Hollywood theme; and finally Jacob the Angel, a London-style cafe that serves specialty coffee and pastries by Lune on the ground floor. [caption id="attachment_1069492" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Describing the vision for the hotel's hospitality offering, Mitch Orr said, "For me, it's always about the people: putting together a team who are passionate, collaborative, and driven enough to make every service feel electric. That's what makes hospitality exciting. The talent of the team here is really second to none. Working with Chloe [Sharp] again — she's an incredible chef who really sets the tone in the kitchen — and Luke [Davenport], who brings the depth of his head chef experience and time at The Palomar in London, I'm proud of the team we've pulled together and what we're about to share with Sydney." The rooms range in size from solo traveller-friendly queen-bed rooms with courtyard views, scaling up to king-size beds with views of Oxford Street, private terraces, and eventually suites that range between 29, 44 and 69 square metres of floor space, with suitably chic amenities to match. [caption id="attachment_1069490" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Justin Nicholas[/caption] "Bringing 25hours to Sydney is a very special moment for us. From the beginning, our vision has been to create hotels that are tied to their settings and are rich in character," said Christoph Hoffmann, Founder of 25hours Hotels. "The Olympia is a perfect match for that philosophy: a historic theatre with a colourful past, at the intersection of some of Sydney's most vibrant neighbourhoods." The Olympia can be found at 1 Oxford Street, Paddington. For more information or to make a booking, visit the 25hours Hotels website.
Visit the Chau Chak Wing Museum for an expedition back to one of the world's oldest civilisations. The Egyptian Galleries brings ancient Egypt to life with two imaginative (and free) exhibits that explore the culture's lasting legacy. The Mummy Room weaves together archaeological artefacts and modern science to showcase the lives of four different Egyptians. The exhibit features the coffins and mummified bodies of Meruah, Padiashaikhet, Horus and Mer-Neith-it-es, who lived in Egypt between 1200 BCE and 100 CE, and uses innovative CT technology to uncover previously indiscernible details about their health and lifestyles. Accompanying the captivating exhibit is Pharaonic Obsessions, which highlights the Egyptomania that swept Australia in the 19th century. On display are a range of ancient Egyptian artefacts collected by different Australians, such as ornate funerary objects and decorative tiles and columns. While you're there, check out the museum's other art, science and history exhibits — all of which you can explore for free. Get more details on The Egyptian Galleries and other exhibits at the Chau Chak Wing Museum's website.
