How does chicken salt work? What's the deal with cereal puffing guns? What is the future of meat? If you're into your food and drink in a nerdier way than most, you'd better book yourself a ticket to New York this Halloween. The Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) is about to open in Brooklyn on October 28 — with exhibits you can eat. Food's had its fair share of pop-up museums and major exhibitions worldwide. There's even museums dedicated to individual foods like cheese, chocolate and Spam (yep, The Museum of Spam is opening in 2016). But after furiously fundraising for years, New York's first museum focused on food will find a permanent bricks and mortar space in Brooklyn this year. "Our mission is to change the way people think about food and inspire day-to-day curiosity about what we eat and why," says the MOFAD website. With a series of rotating exhibitions, visitors will be able to see, touch, smell and taste food, while learning about the culture, history, science, production, and commerce of food and drink. Think tastings, live demos, hands-on activities, talks, debates, heated roundtables. It's a whole multisensory, interactive museum experience to get to the bottom of noshing. How did the search for spices drive the age of exploration? What is the socioeconomic role of street food in cities? Where does soil come from, and why does it matter? How is breakfast cereal made? What is the impact of coffee on world trade? The idea is to enable people to make better, more informed food choices for themselves, their communities, and the environment, through kickass museum interactivity, like this cereal puff installation MOFAD did last year. "Why isn't there a museum devoted to food at the same level of something that's like the Natural History Museum or the Smithsonian?" MOFAD president and founder Dave Arnold asked CNN. "If I want to learn about you, I'm going to go to your house and we'll break bread. We'll have dinner. Then I feel like I'll know who you are. And it's that idea that we can experience cultures through what we eat and how we eat and the history of how we eat. That (idea) needs a museum because you can't eat on TV. You can't read about food and have tasted it." MOFAD's first exhibition, according to NPR, will focus on the flavour industry and the modern quest to manufacture smell and taste. You can probably assume it'll touch on ol' wafty Subway. The Museum of Food and Drink will open its permanent site on October 28 in Brooklyn, site yet to be revealed. For more info, check out the website. Via NPR. Images: MOFAD, Dollar Photo Club.
It’s been 22 years since the first Jurassic Park movie aired, which — incidentally — is also how long it’s been since the last good Jurassic Park movie aired. Now, though, we’ve reason to be cautiously optimistic. Earlier today the second full trailer for Jurassic World landed in our news feeds and, after several repeat viewings, we see plenty to be hopeful about. CHRIS PRATT IS THE VELOCIWHISPERER When the first trailer dropped back in November of last year, the internet went into Dennis Nedry-like digital chaos over what looked like Chris Pratt’s character taming some velociraptors. It seemed like a pretty hokey idea, but Trailer #2 seems to have settled that concern somewhat, with his character, Owen Grady, explaining: “It’s not about control, it’s a relationship based on respect,” while he stands eye-to-eye with three of them. That, or he’s doing some extreme tai-chi. Either way, ‘respect’ is the key word here, because it means the raptors haven’t been reduced to domesticated turkeys; they could still kill him at any moment. THE NEW DINO IS A BLOCKBUSTERSAURUS We already knew the ‘villain' in Jurassic World was to be a genetically engineered dino of such scale it would make the T-Rex look like a pug, and now it has a face. Sporting the name ‘Indominus Rex’, it’s got the head of a dragon and the jaw span of a Steven Tyler. Our relief here stems from the fact that it looks entirely plausible. It’s a hybrid dinosaur in the sense that it’s got spliced DNA with other animals, not spliced DNA with lasers or a BMW for some tier 1 brand placement. INDOMINUS HAS A VERY PARTICULAR SET OF SKILLS Let’s start with the smarts. Indominus is crafty. Really crafty. If Jurassic Park’s gamekeeper Robert Muldoon saw Indominus, he'd say, well, nothing, because raptors tore his stomach open and ate him alive back in 1993. But he’d want us to say “clever girl”, because this manmade man-eater tore out his own subcutaneous electronic tracker so that the humans wouldn’t know where it was (aside from being able to spot a giant lizard in the middle of a theme park). The reason we like this is because it takes the franchise to a new place rather than sticking with ‘dinosaur big, dinosaur scary’. Bourne Legacy did the same thing three years ago, realising the only way to stay fresh was to find someone better than Bourne, not just different. NATURAL BORN KILLERS First there’s the smarts, then there’s the disposition, because it seems Indominus isn’t like other dinosaurs. As Grady explains in the trailer, other dinosaurs are thinking: “I’ve got to eat. I’ve got to hunt,” but Indominus, “she's killing for sport”. First the franchise ups the stakes, then it changes the game. What makes both Jaws and The Ghost and the Darkness such compelling tales isn't the ‘killer beast’ plot; it’s the fact that they’re creatures baring the uncomfortable human quality of killing for reasons other than survival. Killing for sport isn’t just unnatural, it’s evil. We can only presume Ricky Gervais is tracking down Indominus’s Twitter handle as we speak. LEMME HEAR YOU SAY GRRRRNNNNNRRRROOOOARRRRR Indominus, aka ‘the D-Rex’ can talk to the animals. Not in a 'Dr Doolittle meets Aaron Sorkin witty repartee' kind of way, but enough to get Pteranodons to help it out in killing tourists. We like this because it adds an alliance feel to the plot, almost as though sides are forming in a prehistoric battle. With the introduction of each new dinosaur, you’ll find yourself wondering: “And whose side are you on?" Jurassic World hits Australian cinemas on June 11, so get ready to hold onto your butts.
They say home is where the heart is. If that's the case then we need to get our heart into one of these places as soon as physically possible. Houses Magazine has just revealed the winners of the 2015 Houses Awards, singling out some of the most innovative and extravagant homesteads in the country. The top prize, Australian House of the Year, went to Planchonella House in far north Queensland; the extravagant tropical abode that bears at least a passing resemblance to a villain's lair in a Bond film also won the gong for New House over 200m². The prize for New House under 200m² went to Sawmill House in regional Victoria, which combines more than 250 one ton concrete blocks with a timber screen and a nine metre long sliding glass wall. Best Apartment or Unit went to The Darlinghurst Apartment, a one-bedroom dwelling in inner-Sydney just 27m² in size. The competition also hands out awards for Outdoor and Sustainable residences, which this year went to the partially roofless (and bafflingly named) Cut Paw Paw in Seddon, Victoria and the QV8 apartments in the Melbourne CBD, respectively. The Houses Awards are decided by a panel of esteemed designers and architects. You can find the full list of this year's winners below. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE OF THE YEAR – Planchonella House by Jesse Bennet Architecture. NEW HOUSE UNDER 200M² – Sawmill House by Archier Studio. NEW HOUSE OVER 200M² – Planchonella House by Jesse Bennet Architecture. HOUSE ALTERATION & ADDITION UNDER 200M² – West End Cottage by Vokes and Peters. HOUSE ALTERATION & ADDITION OVER 200M² – Tower House by Andrew Maynard Architects. APARTMENT OR UNIT – Darlinghurst Apartment by Brad Swartz Architect. OUTDOOR – Cut Paw Paw by Andrew Maynard Architects. SUSTAINABLE – QV8 by Breathe Architecture. HOUSE IN A HERITAGE CONTEXT – House in House by Steffen Welsch Architects.
Sydney, we have the beaches. And we have excellent things to eat. Beach days are what we do best: refreshing the body, restarting the soul. So where to go when you flick your bathers out of your bum and go to grab some lunch? You want fresh, uncomplicated food. You want big flavours that sing with sea salt. Here, in celebration of the Good, the Bold and the Sandy, is a guide to your best beach eats around town. PALM BEACH + CRANKY FINS Nearly not Sydney and bustling with Home and Away fans and Sydney's weekending wealthy, a visit to Palm Beach takes a little dedication through traffic. But this is a beach worth getting up early for. The peninsula feels almost end-of-the-worldly, so cares wash away with the first dip. To avoid crowds, throw your towel down at the Pittwater side. Alongside Barrenjoey Road the strip hosts calm water, extraordinary views and Cranky Fins Holidae Inn (1 Beach Road). From the boys serving up The Bucket List at another beach yonder, this splendidly bright beach shack is styled like a Byron backpackers. Fish and chips; soft, spiced tacos; and well-priced margaritas — it's a yummy, noisy, friendly place. MONA VALE + THE ARMCHAIR COLLECTIVE Mona Vale and its surrounds are notably surfers' beaches, not gluttons' ones. But make the tricky trek to this beach and kick back in front of the sparkling sea. For lunch, you can't beat The Armchair Collective (9A Darley Street East). The Collective Beef burger is all manner of good things (caramelised onion, beetroot, aioli) after a day in the sun. If you can bear to accompany it with a hit of dairy, get the ultimate fat/sugar/salt coma — the holy trinity of beach days past — with the salted caramel and peanut butter smoothie. Yes, it is exactly what you're imagining, and then some. Wander on back to the beach, fingers licked and belly bursting, to collectively kick back and do nothing else besides. LITTLE MANLY BEACH + PAPI CHULO "Seven miles from Sydney and a thousand miles from care." So said the 1940s ferry slogan, and really, arrive in Manly and you could almost be in south California. The peninsula offers gorgeous beach — both surfing strips and quiet coves — and great food, from healthy to decadent. For lapping (not slapping) waves, head to the small, secluded patch at Little Manly Beach. With its clear water and wreath of waterfront homes, it's an oh so Med riviera just 15 minutes walk from the ferry wharf. Still, it's tempting to walk straight off the F1 and into Papi Chulo (22-23 E Esplanade), forgoing whatever you'd originally planned. If you, like us, could eat a whole smoked rack of pork after a day in the surf, Papi's is a good choice before taking the ferry, bursting and blissed-out, back to the city. Frankly, we'd go even having done nothing more than read a book on a towel. (Actually, we'd make the trip to Manly especially.) BALMORAL BEACH + SABBIA DE BERTONI This posh harbourside beach, poshly named after the royals' holiday home, teems with locals and visitors alike, but with good reason: the sheltered bay is good swimming and the 1930s esplanade exudes seaside charm. Military Road is not known for its charms, but plug through knowing that this mini mecca in Mosman awaits. Gentle water means surfers need not apply, but few could resist lunch at Sabbia da Bertoni (11 The Esplanade), opposite the bay. Local lovers of Balmain's Bertoni institution will appreciate the familiar southern Italian sweets, giving the cafe that little bit of Mediterranean atmosfera. Good pizza, fish and chips that isn't flashy, just lovely. Take a pistachio gelato to go as you stroll the promenade, Sicilian-style. Image: Anton Leddin. BRONTE BEACH + IGGY'S BREAD + FAVOLOSO'S DELI The occasionally overlooked little sister of more famous strips, Bronte Beach is kind of like the Emily Bronte to Bondi's Charlotte. A trip to Bronte's ocean pool is a must for lap-swimmers and shallow splashers alike, but we know the real reason for the visit is Iggy's Bread (145d Macpherson Street and 49 Belgrave Street), and the bagels, the best this side of lower Manhattan. On your way to the shore, put together a picnic that would make those Bronte girls beam. Grab a ficelle stick, a couple of ciabatti, some patisserie, whatever — you'll find it hard to not tear bits of bread off with your teeth before you leave the store. Next, pop past Favoloso deli (Shops 1 & 2, 43-45 Belgrave Street). Some prosciutto, smoked salmon or a tub of Nonna's meatballs with a chunk of cheese, happy memories make. The moody cliffs and the clumps of seaweed make this beach particularly whimsical. Image: Journey Jot. BONDI BEACH + NORTH BONDI FISH Yes, she's gorgeous, and don't she know it. Overcrowded with tourists, surfers, families and bared breasts, old blue eyes is popular for a reason: glorious swimming, good breaks and the added adventure of the occasional shark sighting. There is a plentitude of dining places in Bondi and you can't go wrong with most of them. But it somehow seems right, in this enclave of sculpted bodies and burnished skin, to perch on the deck of North Bondi Fish (120 Ramsgate Avenue) with a stemless glass of wine in hand and some seriously good seafood to graze on. It's a good walk up the northern hill, so enjoy the pretty view and people-watching. And if you're going to get wet, you might as well go swimming: feast on the pot of pipis, wood-roasted prawns or the Moreton Bay bugs. J'adore. COOGEE BEACH + COOGEE PAVILION A day at pretty Coogee is best begun via the coastal walk from Bondi. The 6 kilometre walk takes in the extraordinary cliffs and the awesomely positioned Waverley cemetery. And with that appetite you've worked up, there's another good reason to visit Coogee. Say what you want about the Merivaling of our metropolis, the Coogee Pavilion (169 Dolphin Street) is a fine, fitting addition to a glorious beach. The various food stations, the enormous toys, the great coffee and even better gelato all make for a perfect day on the sand. It's playful, social and satiating, just like a day on the beach should be. Grab a smoothie en route to Wylies Baths for some post-run laps. If you bask and bathe here long enough, you'll be ready for a post-sun drink on the Pavilion's rooftop bar by late afternoon. NARRABEEN + TERRAZZA BEACH KIOSK If you know your cutties from your carves, you don't need us to encourage a visit to Narrabeen. This glittering ribbon of coast, immortalised in the Beach Boys' song, is one of Sydney's top spots for surfing. But the question of setting up camp at north Narra or south Narra is the 2.5 kilometre question. For gluttonous purposes, consider the south, if only for the Terrazza Beach Kiosk (1200 Pittwater Road). It sits right on the beach and has that million-dollar view, a laidback local vibe and nosh worth undertaking Pittwater Road for. Luscious burgers and smoky barbecue set the scene at this South Narrabeen institution; the aroma of which lures surfers and splash-abouters from the water. There is usually happy hour on Fridays and Saturdays, so consider that $5 beer your reward after your Sydney North Surf School lesson. Top image: Coogee Pavilion Rooftop.
Summer's not the only time of year Sydneysiders can wander through night markets brimming with freshly cooked local nosh. Carriageworks plans to continue this insanely popular Sydney pastime into the colder months, announcing a brand new winter night market for Vivid today. It's (somewhat straightforwardly) called The Night Market, with over 50 stallholders taking over Carriageworks on two winter evenings: June 4 and June 18. Expect to sample goods from NSW's top tier of restaurants, winemakers, spiritmakers, breweries and providores, including Archie Rose, Cornersmith, Porteno, Billy Kwong, Icebergs, Efendy, Thievery, Young Henrys, Cake Wines, Single Origin Roasters, Pepe Saya and more. Curated by Sydney chef (of the just-opened No. 1 Bent Street) and Carriageworks Farmers Market creative director Mike McEnearney, The Night Market is inspired by the theme 'Cooking with Fire' — and the chefs involved will be doing just that, cooking live over open flames. Each stallholder will be able to clue you into the regional source of their produce — a requirement that could only come from the paddock-to-plate-focused McEnearney. The Night Market marks the second Vivid food-focused project for Carriageworks this year, following the sold-out Sydney Table series announcement. Both ride the success of the recent Carriageworks Christmas Twilight Market, which saw a casual 8000 visitors/late present buyers. THE NIGHT MARKET STALLHOLDER LINEUP: A&W Muscat Archie Rose Ashtons Australian Coffee Billy Kwong Blini Bar Brilliant Food Burrawong Gaian Cake Wines Ce Ce Liqueur Chrissy's Cuts Sausages Cornersmith Country Valley Dairy Dessertmakers Ding the Recipe Efendy Freeman Vineyards Gumnut Chocolates and Biscuits Hand N Hoe Organic Macadamias Icebergs Jollie Gourmet Jonima Flowers Juicing by Colours Kemps Creek Farms Kitchen Green Kurrawong Organics La Bastide Linga Longa Farm Melanda Park Pasture Raised Pork Millamolong Australia Moobi Valley Mountain Goat Naturally Falafel Neo Organic Tea Pasta Emilia Pepe Saya Porteno Prickle Hill Produce Pukara Estate Salads Direct Shepherd's Artisan Bakehouse Single Origin Roasters Slow Wine Co. Sweetness the Patisserie The Herb Store The Pines Kiama Thievery Thirlmere Poultry Vale Creek Wines Watkins Family Farm Willowbrae Chevre Cheese Yalla Foods Young Henrys Brewing Company The Night Market is coming to Carriageworks on June 4 and 18. Entry is free. Image: Andrew Quilty.
“People wrongly assume the council or the government pays for Wendy’s Secret Garden and wrongly assume it is permanent and secure,” says journalist Janet Hawley. “But Wendy has paid for everything, and, alongside her four gardeners, done all the work from day one. And now that she’s 74, she’s worried about the garden’s future.” Thousands of people spend time strolling, picnicking and organising wedding shoots among the sinuous valley and terraced slopes of Wendy’s Secret Garden, on the harbourfront in Lavender Bay. But few realise that it is a guerrilla garden occupying land belonging to NSW RailCorp. Its existence depends on a temporary beautification lease. So, as reported on Australian Story this week, campaigners are calling for the garden to be turned into a public park. “Wendy and those who love the garden fear the lease could be revoked at any time, the land sold off to a developer and the garden bulldozed, to be replaced by high rise buildings,” says Hawley, who spent thirty years as a senior feature writer at Good Weekend. Over the past two years, Hawley has been documenting the garden for her book, Wendy Whiteley and the Secret Garden, published by Penguin and to be launched on September 23. “Wendy's garden has never been properly documented. The book tells the full story of Wendy's 23 years transforming a bleak rubbish dump, covered in noxious weeds, into a unique and magical sanctuary, designed like a living painting. It’s a huge philanthropic gift and provides a wonderful cultural heritage, to join Brett’s legacy.” Richly illustrated with photographs, artworks and maps, Whiteley and the Secret Garden argues that the garden should be “preserved in perpetuity”. “It’s a no-brainer that we should treasure it and keep it forever more. People need to escape from air-conditioned blocks and screens, immerse themselves in nature and fresh air, reset their brains, feel connected with grass, trees, flowers, birds and be reminded of nature's wonders every day.” ????? So beautiful like a painting ? and then you read "please clean up after yourself and your dog" ? #wendyssecretgarden #sydneyharbourbridge #lavenderbay #sydney #australia #travelwithlori A photo posted by @lorilychu on Aug 26, 2015 at 7:14am PDT Janet Hawley and Wendy Whiteley will appear in conversation at venues all over Sydney and further afield during the next few months: September 26 – Kinokuniya Bookshop, 2pm, free bubbles and sweet treats, RSVP essential (promotions-aus@kinokuniya.com) October 7 – Art After Hours, 5.30pm, The Balcony 2, free October 8 – Stanton Library, 12.30pm free October 14 – Centennial Vineyards, Bowral, 10am, $25 with morning tea (organised by Bowral Bookshop) October 20 — MUSE Food, Wine and Books, 7.30pm, East Hotel, Kingston, ACT October 23 — Avalon Community Hall, (organised by Bookoccino Bookshop) November 11 — The Queens Club, Sydney, 10.30am, members and guests of members only November 12 — Member’s Talk, AGNSW Domain Theatre, 10.30am, $15 /$25 , includes refreshments November 24 — Berkelouw Books, 6.30pm, $10, includes $5 credit December 7, 9.30am – Kirribilli Club, includes tour of Wendy’s Garden, organised by Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens, for members and guests of members only
In the most mathematical news since boffins discovered a pattern in prime numbers, the cast and crew behind of Adventure Time, the show that straddles generational gaps like it ain't no thing, are coming to town next March. It's going to be live, it's going to be loud and it's gonna be so flippin' awesome. Making quick trips to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, Adventure Time Live will be an interactive, audio-visual festival that includes Q&As with cast and crew, cosplay competitions, live reads of classic episodes and much more to be announced. It's not a show, it's an experience, man. The event hits Australia between March 10 and March 12 next year, which will probably coincide with the largest gathering of adults pretending to be children pretending to be adults that this country has ever seen. Tickets go on sale on December 12, with more deets available here.
Your workday is about to get a whole lot more bearable, courtesy of the marketing department at Uber. Starting from midday today, the ridesharing service is teaming up with Purina's Pets at Work mission to deliver puppies to offices around Australia. We'll give you a minute to process that information. UberPUPPIES will be available in the Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast CBDs. All you need to do is log into the Uber app at noon, hit the 'puppies' button (squee!), and a four-legged friend will be whisked to your place of work for 15 minutes of quality cuddle time. It'll run you up a bill of $40, so you might want to go in with a few of your co-workers. Either that, or try and convince your boss it'll be good for employee morale. Which, to be fair, it most definitely will be. Money raised will be used to support local animal shelters. Each puppy will also be accompanied by a shelter representative, who'll be all too happy to accept any additional cash donations. And in case you form an extra special connection, all UberPUPPIES are available for permanent adoption. UberPUPPIES is the latest in a string of awesome Uber promotions, with the company having previously delivered everything from kittens to ice cream to backyard cricket umpires. Fair warning though: these things tend to generate a lot of demand, so make sure you're hovering over the Uber app come 11.59am. The puppies will be cruising around town until 4pm.
What’s that in the sky? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, you dunces, this is actually a 26-metre-high aerial playground that’s opening in Adelaide next month. The aptly named Mega Adventure Park (for, you know, mega adventures) is currently being finished on the West Beach foreshore, and while it looks like an alien spacecraft come earthward to take all our women for breeding, it’s actually an extreme jungle gym for adults. So what's on the maxtreme menu for kidults? Scramble nets, rope bridges, beams, swings, log steps, mega bungee trampoline, aerial surfboards and Adelaide wine barrel steps. Boom. There’ll be 54 activity stations for those who want to push themselves to the extremes, viewing platforms for the resters, and a Mega Adventure Kiosk for those who want to kick back with a vino and watch the madness unfold. It’s basically American Ninja Warrior but for people who lack upper arm strength and need to be securely fastened at all times. And if you're way too chill to be jumpin' off of crazy stuff, you can instead head straight to the top and take in some pretty breathtaking views of Adelaide. Find Mega Adventure Park at 4 Hamra Avenue, Adelaide Shores, West Beach. For more info, give 1300 634 269 a buzz. Images: Mega Adventure Park/Facebook.
Hospitality legend Ben Sweeten — the man behind Surry Hills' Joe Black — has embarked on his seventh project. And this time, he’s bringing a mammoth dose of deliciousness to The Rocks. Occupying the former Cadbury Factory on Gloucester Street, Kansas City Shuffle is a meeting place for two unlikely companions: superfoods and American diner-style classics. Yep, it’s hard to imagine tofu and waffles shacking up in the same kitchen, but that’s exactly what’s happening. And the beautiful thing about it is that health nuts and gourmands who throw cholesterol to the wind can now dine together without argument. Kayne Papworth is the head chef responsible for breaking down culinary convention. He earned his stripes at the likes of Melbourne’s Proud Mary (where Sweeten was once head barista) and Dr Morse. At Kansas City Shuffle, he’s whipping up imaginative creations like fried chicken on a housemade doughnut bun with slaw, pickles and jalapeno aioli, beef brisket and waffles with smoked chilli butter and poached egg, and toasted pumpkin bread with avocado, whipped feta, heirloom tomato and toasted seeds. If you don’t have time to sit, a neat little takeaway window allows you to nab coffee or nosh on the run. There, you’ll find tasty yet healthy concoctions like chia pudding with fresh fruit, coconut and puffed grains, and gluten-free bowls with tofu, smoked chicken or salmon, as well as coffee from Single Origin. Sweeten is from one talented family. His twin brother, Jimmy, helped out with the interior, by handmaking the furniture from recycled oak, including a stunning, tiered light fitting. Get comfy in moon-shaped booths or get social on the powder-blue tiled communal table. Kansas City Shuffle can be found at 195 Gloucester Street, The Rocks, open Monday to Friday, 7am-4pm and Saturday to Sunday, 8am-3pm.
Fancy yourself a citizen of the world? An ambitious new startup could help you make it so. Roam is a co-living service that gives you access to communal living spaces in countries around the globe. With spaces currently available in Bali and Miami, and with further locations in Madrid, Buenos Aires and London set to open soon, Roam isn't designed for holidaymakers, but rather "location-independent people" looking for a way to combine work and travel, and to find a community in a city that's not their own. You can book for a week (US $500) or a month (US $1800), although residents are encouraged to stay longer in order to promote "better friendships and a stronger community". Once you've signed up, you're free to come and go as you please, and can book into different locations through their online system. "With new opportunities for location-independent work, we can now mix careers and travel in ways that haven't been seen before," reads a statement on the Roam website. "Over time, we want to have our spaces mix and integrate newcomers with the surrounding community and its longstanding local institutions and culture." The properties are large, with 38 rooms available in Miami and 24 in Bali, respectively. Each room is fully furnished, with its own private bathroom along with a queen or king size bed, while residents share communal spaces like living areas and kitchens. [caption id="attachment_571002" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Roam Ubud, Bali[/caption] The whole premise is built around giving people the freedom to live a nomadic lifestyle but still maintain their careers at the same time. Each property has high-speed internet and a co-working space for optimal productivity. Certainly sounds better than working from a hostel bunk bed, battling shitty Wi-Fi just to send an email. For more information about Roam, visit roam.co. Via Co.Exist.
The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival is back for its 26th year and with 49 feature films to be screened at cinemas across eight cities, you'd best prepare yourself for everything from the flirting, whimsy, mishaps and misunderstandings that come with French comedy to the passion, ennui, coming-of-age rebellion, thrilling crime and non-conformist romance that come with French drama. Highlights include: gala opening night feature Gemma Bovery, an endearing comedy starring Gemma Arterton that drops the characters of Gustave Flaubert's Madame Bovary into a small Normandy town; the Saint Laurent biopic exploring the inspirations and struggles of the acclaimed designer Yves Saint Laurent at the height of his career; and Samba, starring Charlotte Gainsbourg and star of The Intouchables Omar Sy in a cross-cultural romance that looks at the hardships faced by French immigrants. See more of our highlights in this list of top five films to see at the French Film Festival. Read our top five picks of the French Film Festival here.
Brisbane's a constantly changing city, with new rooftop bars, music festivals and outdoor food markets springing up every season. Famous for its bright, warm summery weather, blooming jacaranda trees and endless sports activities, Australia's river city truly thrives in the warmer seasons. Brisbane's weather is downright balmy, with no outdoor escapade off-limits. There's rooftop bars, openair swimming pools and outdoor cinemas aplenty and the crisp, blue days mean a uniform of sunnies, thongs and a t-shirt are commonplace, as are icy beers, night markets and seafood feasts. To help you get the most out of your Brissy getaway, here's a guide to experiencing Brisbane like the locals do — and every single entry has been tried, tested and very much approved. To experience these for yourself, head to the Visit Brisbane website and get planning. BREAKFAST AT DAVIES PARK MARKETS Start your weekend strong with a wander around the Davies Park markets in West End. While you’re there, grab a langos or two (a traditional Hungarian dish made of deep fried bread dough topped with cheese, garlic and sour cream), a cinnamon-spiced coffee and make your way to the adjacent park to watch the band and do some quality dog spotting. If you can still walk after all that indulgence, wander down the river to Orleigh Park, catch the CityCat to a sunny spot and just take in the morning. GET BACK TO NATURE AT CEDAR CREEK You don’t have to go too far out of Brisbane to be transported to completely new worlds. Cedar Creek Falls is a 45 minute drive north-west of the city and is a favourite day trip location for anyone who doesn’t have a swimming pool. After you’ve had a paddle, head to one of the hiking trails and get lost (though not literally) in the quietness of nature. To get to the creek, turn left onto Cedar Creek Road which is about 5.7km north of Samford if you’re driving along Mt Samson Road. CHECK OUT THE GALLERY OF MODERN ART It goes without saying, GOMA's got a solid local and international rep. Every reviewer and local and stranger on the street is constantly banging on about how amazing the gallery is, how balanced the architecture, how resplendent the views. Well we’re sorry to be repetitive but it’s all true and you really must join the cult of people who strongly believe GOMA should be on everyone’s bucket list. And while you’re there, head to the State Library next door and take a quiet time-out in one of the window boxes overlooking the river, grab a CityCycle and take off along the river or head around the corner to the newest entertainment precinct on Montague Road and grab a bite at The Milk Factory. GRAB AN AUTHENTIC MEXICAN DINNER AT PEPE'S Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or not, it’s hard not to love Pepe’s Mexican in Newmarket. Their menu is huge, varied and always fresh; and no matter what night of the week you go, always expect a crowd. The décor is thematic and homely but not tacky (no fake moustaches or sombreros here). You can’t really go past the chicken chipotle empanadas, unless it’s to run with open arms into a steamy chimichanga. And if you really want to indulge (and we know you do), order the chocolate fudge nachos from the desert menu and whisper “Hashtag YOLO” as they’re placed in front of you. BREAKFAST AT A WEST END ICON The Gunshop Cafe is a long-running West End standard who do a mean breakfast (the weekend lines around the block are a testament to this fact). We recommend the potato and feta hash cake with herbed sour cream, baby spinach and truss cherry tomatoes; or for those with a sweet tooth, try the brioche French toast with roasted rhubarbs, pistachio mascarpone, fresh berries and toasted flake almonds (do we even have to explain why? Pistachio mascarpone, that’s why). After you’ve filled up on tasty treats, take a wander around West End, a suburb that shines on the weekend. Stop in at SWOP second hand clothing shop next door to Gunshop Cafe and famed bookshop Avid Reader on Boundary Street. TRY BRISBANE'S BEST SUSHI Words can’t describe the bounty of delight that is Sushi Kotobuki. Words like “tastiest”, “cheapest”, “moreish” and “cream cheese” all float in the aether when you take that first bite of aburi salmon. Until recently, Kotobuki only had one location on Lytton Road in East Brisbane, where lines ran out the door and tables were scarce. Luckily, they’ve recently opened a shiny new venue in the CBD. We urge you to embark on a journey via plane, train, bus or dog sled to get there and order as much fresh sushi as your stomach can handle. Our particular favourites include the cream cheese chicken fusion roll, the tofu agesdashi and their speciality ‘Crunch Chicken’. ABSEIL OFF KANGAROO CLIFFS We know this seems bananas. Why would anyone ruin a relaxing weekend getaway by plunging feet first and backwards off a sheer cliff? But hear us out. Think of the breathtaking view out over the Brisbane river, the rush of adrenalin as you turn your back to it and the feeling of invincibility when you finally get to the bottom. Not to mention that the experience is totally safe, fully harnessed and kids as young as eight can do it. Every day the cliffs are littered with adrenalin junkies chasing adventure, so you know it’s legit. EAT STREET MARKETS The Eat Street Markets are a local commodity that wouldn’t work in any other city in Australia. But they thrive in Brisbane, where the nights are balmy and the food is steaming. The market boasts dishes from around the world: Brazilian steaks alongside Greek honey puffs and Korean BBQ; Japanese Takoyaki alongside Coffin Bay oysters and Filipino street food. It’s multiculturalism at its best. After the smorgasbord has died down, take a wander through the market and check out the ware on sale from local craftsmen, fashion designers and fudge artisans (yeah for real – check out their cute, Instagram-worthy watermelon fudge). LIMES ROOFTOP CINEMA There’s nothing more invigorating than drinking a cocktail at a rooftop bar. Why? We don’t know. Maybe it’s the rush of looking out over the city and yelling “I’m the king of the world!” or pretending that the beautifully decorated Limes bar is actually the deck of your penthouse apartment. But whatever it is, the elation pairs well with a trashy movie, cocktail and reclining in a plush chair. Catch an array of questionable titles, like Adam Sandler’s 50 First Dates, which should only be viewed while buzzed and in good company. GO BAR HOPPING THROUGH THE CBD AND FORTITUDE VALLEY A fantastic quirk of the Brisbane nightlife scene is that most of the good bars and clubs are located in the CBD or Fortitude Valley, the most happening and hedonistic quarter of Brisbane. For an appropriately paced night, start with a few classy cocktails at Super Whatnot bar in Burnett Lane in the CBD. Pick at their light and vaguely Spanish bar menu until you’re feeling jolly, then take a quick Uber or bus up the road to the Brunswick Street Mall and prepare to get silly. Start off slowly at Kerbside on Constance Street and eventually make your way over to Cloudland on Ann Street for dancing or Laruche to vibe off the resident soul and funk DJs. And just so you know, there is a New York Slice on Brunswick Street for your post-club, pre-cab midnight snack (no judgement). Top Image: Cloudland
Camping season is about to kick off hard but, as the folks at Simple Pleasures Camping Co. are happy to show, that needn't necessarily mean sandy sleeping bags and dusty bush treks. The luxury camping pros are set to take over Sydney Harbour's North Head, with a seven-week pop-up glampsite that'll see happy campers enjoying the great outdoors in style. Running from December 14 to January 31, the Bedouin on the Beaches pop-up will feature ten plush furnished tents overlooking Manly Beach. These luxe lodgings are about as far from roughing it as you can get, each one tricked out with Persian rugs, cloud-like Hugo Sleep mattresses and linen by IN BED. And, with some local favourites on board, the food situation is also a far cry from that of your childhood camping trips. Each booking includes a lavish breakfast at The Boathouse Shelly Beach (which is just a stroll away), and nearby Papi Chulo has created a special set menu for guests wanting lunch or dinner. There's also the option of arriving at your tent to a chilled bottle of Laurent Perrier and one of the Artisan Cheese Room's tasting boards. Bedouin on the Beaches is just one of Sydney's glamping options — Cockatoo Island has been doing glamping for a while now, and a glamping hotel is set to pop up next year on Clark Island. And if you want to rough it is, take a look at our best camping spots around Sydney and guide to camping along the east coast. Find Bedouin on the Beaches on the grounds of the International College of Management at North Head, Manly from December 14 to January 31. Tent bookings are open now.
Tired of stale old superhero stories with their predictable Hollywood plotlines? Wouldn't you rather watch a movie about a half-man, half-fish instead? If your answer to either one of those questions is yes, then it's time to dive into the program at KOFFIA, aka the Korean Film Festival in Australia. Merman comedies aside, the lineup at this year's festival is packed full of highlights. Genre fans can scream through exorcism flick The Priests, and be pushed to the edge of their seats by supernatural thriller The Wailing. We're also extremely keen for zombie apocalypse tale Train to Busan, although unfortunately for cinephiles in Brisbane and Melbourne the film is only screening in Sydney. Viewers after something a little less on the gruesome side won't be disappointed either. This year's program boasts a number of Korean rom-coms, headlined by Cho Sung-kyu's disarming relationship farce Two Rooms, Two Nights. Check out our list of the five must-see films of KOFFIA 2016 below. COLLECTIVE INVENTION Is he a man? Is he a fish? Whatever he is, he causes quite a stir in this very strange offering from first-time filmmaker Kwon Oh-kwang. Combining playful social satire with a healthy touch of the absurd, the film tracks a wannabe journalist who discovers a man online who, after a series of misguided medical experiments, has been transformed into a gigantic mutant fish. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, Collective Invention skewers big pharma, tabloid media and the public's unhealthy obsession with the grotesque. Calling it now: this will be better than DC's upcoming Aquaman movie. A CRYBABY BOXING CLUB Students at a Korean high school in Tokyo make plans for life after graduation, even as members of a right wing extremist group yell xenophobic slogans just outside. A documentary that doubles as a non-fiction coming-of-age tale, A Crybaby Boxing Club follows a group of boys on the school's boxing team as they prepare not just for an upcoming tournament but for the realities of adult life. Screening in Australia for the very first time, the film shapes up as an inspiring tale about hope in the face of adversity. ALICE IN EARNESTLAND A black comedy/revenge tale soaked in grisly violence, Alice in Earnestland is the startling feature debut of director Ahn Gook-jin. K-pop sensation Lee Jung-hyun stars as the increasingly unstable Soo-nam, who finds herself struggling with spiralling debt after a suicide attempt lands her husband in a very expensive coma. Things take a turn for the nasty after a local politician gets involved, although the truly vicious places the movie ends up going really need to be seen to be believed. Alice split critics on the international circuit, and we fully expect a similar reaction from audiences in Australia. TWO ROOMS, TWO NIGHTS A philandering filmmaker tries to keep his deceptions in check after a chance encounter between his current girlfriend and the ex he wants desperately to win back. Directed by Cho Sung-kyu, Two Rooms, Two Nights has all the makings of a classic romantic farce, but the real selling point is the comparison that several critics have made to the gentle, heartwarming masterworks of Cho's compatriot Hong Sang-soo. Incidentally, Hong's latest film Right Now, Wrong Then screens in Sydney (but not Melbourne or Brisbane) as part of the KOFFIA program, and is definitely worth checking out too. THE WAILING If anything, we might have saved the best for last. The Wailing is the new film from acclaimed director Na Hong-jin, whose previous picture The Yellow Sea is one of the most visceral, compelling crime thrillers of the past ten years. His follow-up focuses on a string of deaths in a small town and a police officer who begins to fear that the cause may be somehow supernatural. The reviews for the film have been absolutely stellar (think 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes), with critics praising its blend of suspense and stomach-churning violence. Not for the faint of heart. Otherwise, don't miss it. KOFFIA takes place in Sydney from August 10-18, in Brisbane from August 23-29, and in Melbourne from September 1-8 . For more information visit koffia.com.au.
Each September, as the weather warms up and spring begins to truly blossom, music fiends head to Brisbane and spend some time in, well, dark rooms. Over a few days, the Queensland capital becomes the centre of the Australian music universe, with artists and industry practitioners doing what they do best — rocking out, discovering new talent, partying and discussing the future of Australian music. First appearing in 2002, BIGSOUND is a conference, festival and celebration of Australia's best musical talent. Each year, it takes over the inner city Fortitude Valley area, attracting 1300 delegates and more than 6000 music fans. The festival's previous lineups read like a dream: Flume, Rufus, Courtney Barnett, Megan Washington, The Temper Trap, A.B. Original, REMI and Gang of Youths have all graced its stages, while Nick Cave, Neil Finn, Kim Gordon, Billy Bragg and Amanda Palmer have shared their knowledge, experience and wisdom. The event itself isn't the only source of fun, however. At this time of year, the sun is shining, the vibe is buzzing and Brisbane is truly jumping. In fact, with a vibrant cultural scene and an array of delicious dining options on offer, it's the perfect time to discover just why Australia's third-largest city is one of the country's gems. Some Australian events (like this one) are worthy of a road trip, and aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing BIGSOUND into your schedule. We've teamed up with Mazda3 to help you plan your out-of-the-city trips ahead of time, so you can detour from your regular routine and inject a little adventure into your life. Here's how to spend your days before, during and after your trip to Brisbane — where to stay, what to do, and what to eat and drink from September 5 to 8. [caption id="attachment_498758" align="alignnone" width="1127"] Limes Hotel Rooftop.[/caption] STAY Over the past decade, Brisbane has become a boutique hotel wonderland — the Fortitude Valley area in particular. If you have some cash to spare, the Emporium leads the pack with their rock star-like indulgence — think dark interiors, a rooftop pool and a killer view of the Valley. Still staying central, the nearby Limes Hotel remains a favourite for its plush rooms and rooftop bar, as well as its proximity to beloved local haunts like Alfredo's Pizzeria and Alfred and Constance. Looking for something a little bit different (or cheaper)? For the artistically inclined, TRYP Fortitude Valley wears its love of street art on its walls — once a warehouse, it's now an affordable option that's appealing to both the eyes and the wallet. Or, look to resident budget option, the Snooze Inn, to save as many pennies as possible for having fun rather than hitting the hay. It's cosy rather than fancy, and is located literally just down the road from the Valley — meaning you'll remain close to everything BIGSOUND, as well as neighbourhood arcade-game bar, Netherworld. [caption id="attachment_622127" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tkay Maizda at BIGSOUND.[/caption] DO This year at BIGSOUND, Aussie icons Archie Roach and Tina Arena will lead the speaker program, as well as Quentin Tarantino's regular music supervisor Mary Ramos, aka the woman responsible for all of those ace tunes on the Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown and Kill Bill soundtracks. As far as the band schedule is concerned, prepare to hop around faster than a rabbit on Easter, with every bar, space, nook and cranny around Fortitude Valley boasting a gig or party. The official program will include over 150 acts at more than 15 venues, and the unofficial parties — which have included backyard blowouts and ping pong showdowns in previous years — will likely double that number. When you're not experiencing sonic wonders, you should spend your time wandering around Australia's only designated special entertainment precinct, and venturing further afield. In the Valley, keep indulging your love of music with a record store crawl — starting at Foundry Records and ending at Tym's Guitars, where you can scope out a hefty range of instruments. And while you're strolling and perusing, drop by some of the many galleries in the area — Artisan, the Institute of Modern Art and Heiser Gallery are all worth a visit (keep your eyes peeled for street art as well). [caption id="attachment_622138" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Institute of Modern Art.[/caption] If spending time inside during BIGSOUND has you hankering for some fresh air, sneak a trip to New Farm Park. Enjoy a picnic by the river, laze around on the grass, or just go for a walk through one of the city's best nature-filled spots. You could also stop by the neighbouring Brisbane Powerhouse — more often than not, there'll be an event on that's worth checking out. If the itch to keep exploring hits, jump on a CityCat and see the sights from the river. Go one way, and you can continue soaking in parklands at Northshore Riverside Park. Go the other, and you'll cruise right through the city. Disembark for a walk through South Bank, and go for a dip in the free, beach-like pools, before moseying around the Gallery of Modern Art. [caption id="attachment_581014" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Gerard's Bistro.[/caption] EAT Spending four days listening to chatter about music is enough to work up an appetite. Thankfully, you're in the right spot. Heading down to Chinatown, which runs adjacent to the Brunswick Street Mall, is the best way to get the classic Fortitude Valley experience. You can easily pick a place at random, or opt for one of the mainstays. For Chinese and yum cha, that's King of Kings, and for Vietnamese, the appropriately-named The Vietnamese Restaurant will treat your tastebuds to an explosion of flavour. Try the salt and pepper quail, and thank us later. In the opposite direction, you'll find a few Brisbane faves. If you like burgers — and this is a burger town, believe us — then Ben's Burgers on Winn Lane will satisfy your cravings with their simple, delicious menu. Or, leap over the road to Bakery Lane, where newcomer Johnny's Pizzeria combines Italian staples with a disco theme, and I Heart Brownies will have you doing just that with their jaffa, salted caramel and cherry-coconut baked goods. Sticking with the area's laneways, wander down to New Farm and off James Street to Gerard's Bistro for a relaxed, award-winning sit-down lunch or dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. Expect a blend of modern Australian and Middle Eastern dishes, including the adventurous likes of lamb's tongue toast, the meaty goodness of slow-roasted wagyu brisket for two, and sheep's yoghurt sorbet with honeycomb, milk and orange blossom for dessert. [caption id="attachment_619623" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Newstead Brewing Co.[/caption] DRINK Think beer in Queensland, and everyone immediately thinks XXXX. Think breweries, though, and it's a trip to the inner north that's recently started topping booze-loving Brisbane visitors' wish lists. Newstead Brewing have spread their wings and opened a new Milton headquarters, but their original Doggett Street birthplace is always pouring something yeasty from their 12 taps. Green Beacon's multi-award-winning 3 Bolt Pale will ensure you know exactly where you are thanks to notes of fresh mango — and other fruits — in its fresh, golden ale. And a post-gig hang out over a few beverages in The Triffid's beer garden, owned by Powderfinger bassist John Collins, will do you well. Fans of spirits can get their fix at tequila bar Alquimia and whisky haven Nant, and if you like the bubbly stuff, even champagne gets its time to sparkle at Baedeker. As for every other bar in the area, you'll probably end up at most of them anyway, thanks to BIGSOUND's huge gig lineup. BIGSOUND 2017 takes place in various venues across Brisbane and Fortitude Valley from September 5 to 8. Personalise your next adventure via The Playmaker, driven by Mazda3.
In 1980s Berlin, a boundary-breaking group of amateurs, known as the Geniale Dilletanten — or Brilliant Dilletantes — plunged into art-making, without much concern for rules, tradition or The Establishment. Whether painting, sculpting, designing, filmmaking or playing music, the members fearlessly developed their own voices, expressing unique interpretations of the world. For one month, from March 10 till April 13, their creations are making Sydney's aMBUSH Gallery, Central Park. Expect films, photographs, magazines, posters, audio and video. Pop along on opening night — Thursday, March 10 from 6-9pm — to catch an exclusive performance by Gudrun Gut, a Berlin-based electronic music artist and original Geniale Dilletante. Check out the other scheduled events on aMBUSH's website.
Sydney is getting its very own version of New York City's High Line. Opening this weekend along a 500 metre stretch of disused rail line that runs parallel to Harris Street through Ultimo, the $15 million Goods Line is a pedestrian walkway connecting Central Station to Darling Harbour. But there's a lot more to it than that. Boasting full Wi-Fi connectivity, public entertainment spaces, table tennis tables and study pods, this is Sydney's newest urban playground. "It's a public campus for the area of Ultimo and all the people and buildings around it," said Sacha Cole, director of ASPECT studios, which handled the design of the Goods Line along with architecture firm CHROFI at the direction of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. "It really is going to be a catalyst for people to come down from Central Station to Darling Harbour, which is undergoing a massive, once in a generation transformation." Like Manhattan's lauded 2 kilometre stretch of elevated public park, Sydney's newest urban renewal project was once a piece of rail corridor, one that transported meat, wheat and wool to and from the city for well over a century. But Cole sees the Goods Line as a much more active destination than its tranquil NYC equivalent. "They're both transformations of heritage rail lines, so in that they're very similar," he says. "But in terms of what the public will see, and how the public will use it, they're very different. The High Line is quite a quiet, passive destination. The Goods Line is all about engaging people." Additional features of the Goods Line include an amphitheatre, a bike path and a children's water playground, as well as grassed areas and elevated platforms designed for public performances and events. Cole also points to nearby arts, education and cultural entities, such as the Powerhouse Museum and UTS. "A core principal for us was that we were really respectful of the history of the place," explains Cole. We talk about it as a conduit for exchange. It used to be the old rail line that brought in all of the primary industry from the West ... so we had to think about the 21st century version of that kind of industry. And in this area here, it's all about ideas, and it's all about innovation." The corridor's history also provided inspiration for the physical design of the space, with Cole and his team making use of industrial material in its construction. "We tried to use really robust materials, rail materials, in a very elegant way," he explains. "The concrete has all been pre-fabricated; the materials have all been laser cut. It's really quite a refined version of rail infrastructure."
Ours is a generation for whom concept hotels are a wildly popular and sometimes baffling reality but hey, just lean into it. Here's a good'un that's caught our eye in central Spain: the Hotel Aire de Bardenas. The concept, executed with see-through bubble rooms, lets you sleep in the desert without roughing it — although the question of 'Do you trust the Spanish desert is not littered with creeps who want to watch you sleeping?' lingers in the air. The Hotel Aire de Bardenas is comprised of a series of bubble rooms connected by bubble tunnels and serviced by Michelin-tyre-man style bubble butlers (alright, so we made up the last one but theming provokes imagination). The bubbles don't offer much privacy but they certainly are Instagrammable (which is the whole point right?) and the views are predictably amazing. Architects Emiliano Lopez and Monica Rivera say the design is more than a gimmick and responds to the context of the site; it allows guests to take in the desert's stunning landscape but protects them from the harsh sun, wind, dust and heat that characterise a desert. #BalloonRooms #airedebardenas #hotel #luxury #balloon #sky #life #peace A photo posted by Serhat özdek (@serhatozdek) on May 25, 2015 at 9:32am PDT Amazingly enough, this isn't the world's only bubble hotel — France's version Attrap'Rêves lies outside Marseilles. While we dig the bubble life, we can't help but think windows offer the same protection — FYI the hotel also has beautiful rooms with traditional walls, ceilings and said windows. So if you're looking for a weird and wacky activity to do while cruising through the deserts of central Spain, consider dropping $200 a night to stay in a bubble under the stars. Wandering the desert has never been so luxurious. Keen to put yourself in a Spanish desert bubble? Check out the Hotel Aire de Bardenas for more info. Via The Creators Project. Images: Hotel Aire de Bardenas, Instagram.
Melbourne-based artist Adnate was just a kid when his obsession with graffiti took over. "I had my first tag when I was eight years old," he says. "So, it's something I've always been into." Since then, his obsession has grown into a full-time occupation. He spends his days on the road, painting mural after mural around Australia and overseas, and has become famous for his enormous, realistic portraits, which are influenced by the great Renaissance artists, like Caravaggio. Just outside Sydney's Chinese Gardens, on Harbour and Goulburn Streets, you'll find his epic impression of Jenny Munro, who founded Redfern's Aboriginal Tent Embassy. In partnership with Sonos, we visited Adnate's colourful North Melbourne studio to find out a little more about his work. Explore the multi-room space where he finds inspiration and gets in the zone by playing his music loud and clear. GRAFFITI, STREET ART, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? "Once I was a teenager and started visiting friend's houses, I saw the huge amount of amazing work being done on Melbourne's train lines, especially the Hurstbridge line. I discovered people like WCA [Wild Child Artists]," he said. Ten years of feverish graffiti art followed, until Adnate reached a point where "he wasn't feeling stimulated anymore". So, he thought he'd try his hand at portraiture. As it turned out, it wasn't as far removed from graffiti as you might think. "With lettering, you try and put a lot of expression, style and subconscious emotions into what you do. It wasn't too hard to transition to portraiture because, in some ways, it's easier to put expression into a face than into letters." In 2012, he painted his first Indigenous portrait in Fitzroy. And the public reaction was a "big turning point". "I wasn't sure about it, but as soon as I painted it, it created a massive dialogue," Adnate says. "I started seeing it on the Internet, people were coming down and taking photos, and it was creating excitement and pride in Indigenous communities in Victoria. It was then I realised I'd done something really powerful." ON PAINTING INDIGENOUS CULTURE RESPECTFULLY Today, you'll find Adnate's portraits as far afield as the Frog Hollow in the East Kimberley, Singapore and New York City. Among his subjects have been Adam Goodes and the 14th Dalai Lama. "Every year, I have more incredible experiences, make stronger connections and travel to more amazing places. Half the fun of my work is getting to meet the people I paint … It has been a really powerful journey and I feel very much inspired by it." Along the way, Adnate is learning more and more about Indigenous history and culture. "You don't learn much at school, so when I started out, I didn't have much knowledge … I met a cultural advisor in Melbourne, Kimba Thompson, and she quickly and strongly told me what was right and wrong … It's important to be culturally sensitive, follow protocols and be respectful to local communities. Many people think that Indigenous culture is very similar – from Melbourne to the Top End – but it's massively different. We're talking about a distance that's as far as from Spain to Germany." THE MUSIC THAT INSPIRES HIM Right now, Adnate is in Dubbo, working on a 15-metre by 8-metre high mural. Even though he works both outdoors and indoors, he has long favoured painting in the streets, with the sun on his back and music blaring in his ears. "I can't paint without music," he says. "It puts me in the zone — in a meditative state — and helps me block out everything else. My music tastes are very eclectic. I grew up listening to all forms of electronic music and hip hop." At the moment, he's listening to Kiasmos, a minimal, experimental techno duo based in Iceland. When he's at home in his studio, music is even more important. His Sonos speakers tune themselves to the environment of his spacious studio, so whether he's painting in his garage or sitting at his desk doing admin, the sound is loud and clear. He plays his music loudly for inspiration — it's integral to his artistic work. WHEN HE'S OUTSIDE THE STUDIO Adnate's next stop is Townsville and then Tahiti. Even though he occasionally misses having "his own space", having spent just three weeks in Melbourne since June, he is living the dream. He said, "It's always been a great dream of mine, to travel and paint." And for anyone who aspires to the same, here's his advice. "Don't stop. Keep painting. Everything's worth doing – whether you're painting a chicken for a chicken shop or graffiti letters for yourself. Everything teaches you something different. Nothing's not going to benefit you, as long as you have a pencil or paint brush in your hand … Eventually, it all starts making sense, though, at the same time, it doesn't always make sense to me. I'm still learning." Get studio-level sound in your home with multi-room speakers by Sonos. You can walk from one room to another and hear the same song in perfect quality. Powered by wifi, easy to tune, controlled by the Sonos app — in two steps you're ready to go. Images: Olga Rozenbajgier.
Sydney chef Mike McEnearney, of Rosebery's beloved and now-closed Kitchen by Mike, finally opened the doors of his much anticipated new fine-dining restaurant No.1 Bent Street by Mike today. A huge departure from McEnearney's beloved canteen style dining, No. 1 embodies classy eating with a casual air. The location, adjacent to the CBD's Wintergarden, may not resemble KBM in style — except for a few old favourites — but the food is very reminiscent of the canteen's simple, generous food ethos. Mike's got a good team helping him steer the ship at No. 1 Bent Street, with longtime collaborator and general manager Greg Frazer (who has worked alongside Mike for around 25 years, including at Rockpool and Kitchen By Mike). He's also worked with David Lowe from Lowe Family wines to create the restaurant's house white, WHITE by Mike, and the house red (you guessed it) RED by Mike is a collaboration with Rose Kentish of Ulithorne wines SA. The market driven menu will change constantly — nearly daily — and focus on fresh, local and seasonal produce, much the way KBM did. Ethical eaters will be glad to hear that all meat served at No. 1 is sustainably farmed, grass fed, hand reared, hormone and chemical free. That's one big mouthful of moral eating right there that we're happy to get behind. Designed to share, the dishes just wouldn't work in a canteen style restaurant and deserve the fine-dining atmosphere they're given at No. 1 — KMB's beloved watermelon, haloumi and mint salad ($16) has made the journey, alongside blood orange cured mackerel ($19) and beef cheek, tail and suet pot pie ($36). The current menu includes a cup mushroom and chestnut soup ($15) that begs for Mike's homemade sourdough, back as an accompaniment ($4) served with Pepe Saya salted butter. The gorgeous desserts are on another level as well, like the woodfired quince, saffron custard and pistachio brittle ($17) that we hope claims a semi-regular spot on the menu, and the simple but delightful rice pudding with honeycomb and jam. Mike's signature nosh comes paired with the aforementioned RED and WHITE by Mike, alongside a generous wine list from around 50 options from small producers worldwide — with a strong Australian focus, of course. While McEnearney clearly has his hands full with this new opening and as the creative director for Carriageworks Farmers Markets, he hasn't given up on KBM either and is still looking for a new location in which to reopen his much loved canteen. "Kitchen By Mike will always be my love and passion, however there are dishes I am unable to execute within a canteen format. The more traditional style of No.1 Bent St provides me with the opportunity to offer a wider choice of more composed dishes," says Mike. "As a chef, and as someone who loves to take care of people, I still want guests to feel comfortable and welcome, as though they are eating at my house." No. 1 Bent St by Mike is now open at 1-7 Bent Street, Sydney. The restaurant will be open for lunch Monday through Friday and for dinner Monday through Saturday. Reservations are available here.
A woman and her young daughter, alone in their apartment, begin to worry that something is amiss. Personal items start disappearing, there's a feeling of tension in the air, and a shadowy figure seems to lurk just out of sight. On its face, Under the Shadow sounds like a fairly standard haunted house movie, but Iranian-born, London-based filmmaker Babak Anvari has delivered anything but. Setting his film in Tehran during the late 1980s, a time when the city was being bombed by neighbouring Iraq, Anvari uses horror movie trappings to explore the various social issues that have affected his native country for so long — from the rights of women under a religiously conservative regime, to the traumas of war creeping into everyday civilian life. After a rapturous premiere at Sundance back in January, Under the Shadow screened at the Sydney and Melbourne International Film Festivals, ahead of a planned theatrical release on October 7 (you can read our review of the film here). It was in Melbourne that Concrete Playground managed to catch up with the talented young writer-director, for a chat on everything from growing up during wartime to the challenges of funding a Farsi-language horror film in the West. A CLASSIC HORROR STORY IN AN UNFAMILIAR SETTING When talking about Under the Shadow, the most obvious comparison for critics is A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night – if only because it's the only other Farsi-language horror movie people have heard of. But where that film draws on vampire tales, Westerns and ultra-cool American indie flicks, Anvari's movie feels closer to classic psychological thrillers. Think The Haunting, Rosemary's Baby or even the recent Australian spooker The Babadook. "I love smart horror films," stresses Anvari. "I'm not one of those genre fanatics who watches every B-movie and grindhouse film. But I do love smart horror. With Under the Shadow, it just made sense to me, because I'm setting it in such a dark period... I just found it was a great setting for horror." In addition to his various filmic inspirations, he also drew on his own experiences growing up in Tehran. "Obviously it's not autobiographical, but a lot of it comes from a very personal place, tapping in to my memories from childhood," says Anvari. "I was born right in the middle of the Iran-Iraq war. [I took] stories I heard from relatives and family friends, combined them and added the genre beats, and [the film] became what you have now." CAN'T WE JUST MAKE IT IN ENGLISH? Of course it's one thing to write a horror movie in Farsi, and something very different to actually get it funded. "I met producers who were like, 'Great script, but is there any way we can shoot it in English?'" recalls Anvari. "I just thought it would look so fake and unbelievable if it was set in period Iran and people were walking around speaking English with a weird accent. Even for an international audience I think it would have been strange." While the language hurdle was eventually overcome thanks to the support of production company Wigwam Films, shooting the film in Tehran was never really an option. "I don't think there's anything offensive in the film, but [there are] limitations one has when making film in Iran," says Anvari, who ended up shooting in nearby Jordan instead. "Even very minor things like, in Iran, if you're shooting a female character, they have to cover their hair. But a majority of this film is a woman in her own personal space, and even the most religious person wouldn't go to bed wearing a head scarf." "There are fantastic filmmakers in Iran who are still working there, and they always find a way to go around these limitations and censorships," he adds. "But having worked in England, and having been so spoiled, I just wanted to tell my story the way I wanted." OPENING A WINDOW While the comparison to A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night can be a little misleading, one thing that both films definitely have in common is that they've sparked renewed interest in films about the Middle East that depict the region in ways that Western audiences may not be used to. "That was one of the reasons I was so interested in this story," says Anvari. "Not many people know about the Iran-Iraq war. So I just thought it would be great to use genre tropes as a hook to keep people interested, and open a window to that period and that region." Whatever the draw, Anvari just wants people to go and see the film — and preferably in a cinema. Recounting a story from Sundance where audience members were so frightened that they had to leave the cinema, the filmmaker stresses the importance of the atmosphere you get with a crowd. "It's great to watch such films in a cinema," he says. "The fear is contagious." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_ATX4C8Pmw Under the Shadow is currently screening at Cinema Nova in Melbourne.
David Capra really loves his dachshund. Earlier this year, the Sydney-based artist was commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia to create an art project for the Jackson Bella Room – an interactive art space for students with special learning requirements. The result was Teena's Bathtime, a video installation piece in which members of the public were invited to give Capra's pet pooch Teena a wash. Now Capra, Teena and the team at Gallery 9 in Darlinghurst are launching a spinoff that may well turn up a few people's noses. Developed by Capra along with Jonathon Midgley at Damask Perfumery, Eau de Wet Dogge is a fragrance which combines the aromas of "moist fur, soap suds and soil" for a "uniquely musky charm," while "sour top notes of slobber and dog breath add alluring nuance." Riiiiiiight. The perfume can be sampled at Gallery 9 starting November 11. If for some inexplicable reason you like what you smell, you can pick up a 100mL bottle for $89.99, or an embossed cardboard car refresher for $15. Searching for that perfect Christmas gift? Because you should probably keep on looking. This year isn't the first time that Capra has incorporated Teena into his artwork. In 2013 he hosted a public dance inspired by the Wizard of Oz in which his sausage dog featured heavily. Man's best friend indeed. Image by Anna Kucera.
Mere days after Keep Sydney Open launched their commemorative plaques for live music venues campaign, Sydney's loudest anti-lockout lobby group have an even bigger surprise for Sydney, with fresh news that Flume has called in from the old US of A to release a brand new jam especially for KSO's new video today. Have a peep, below. Plaques organiser and KSO activist Jonno Seidler says: "This is such incredible news to receive at the 11th hour. Harley is currently on tour in North America, playing sold out theatres across the country. But he is proud of where he's from and really backs the Sydney scene, and this just shows how dedicated he really is to the future of local music." The track, called 'Heater' will presumably form part of Flume's next release, which is anyone's guess but could be an EP, coming off the international success of Skin, which dropped earlier this year. "The plaque for Harley was the easiest one to make, because I was there!" says Seidler. "It was a double header with him and Chet Faker [now Nick Murphy] at Goodgod Small Club, my favourite venue for years. Ask anyone who was in the audience, you could tell something was cooking even way back then. I've seen Flume play to tiny rooms in New York city and huge stages at Byron, and he's been world class the whole way." The video, prepared by Keep Sydney Open, features interviews with Gang of Youths Dave Leaupepe in Kings Cross and Jim Finn and Dan McNamee of Art Vs Science, who showed up at Oxford Street to play a trio of songs dedicated to NSW premier Mike Baird, including 'I Love The Nightlife', 'All Night Long' and 'Blame It On The Boogie.' "I met Jim and Dan seven years ago, and it was pretty much a mutual love fest from then on in," says Seidler. "I think they're largely seen as a festival band, but they have amazing musical chops. I've been lucky enough to jam with them a few times and they are the real deal. You have no idea how fast they learned all of those songs." The response to the plaques has been immediate, picked up by media across the country. Seidler says he that while he, Tyson Koh and the rest of Keep Sydney Open are beyond thrilled, they're not surprised at how quickly it took off. "The reason we went with this method is that everyone relates to music. We have so much incredible talent that started right here in small to medium venues that are now literally world-class talent, from Anna Lunoe and Alison Wonderland to The Preatures. When you see those names and you put the two things together, the lockouts starts to become a much bigger problem than just where you can have a drink late at night." More on Keep Sydney Open's plaque campaign over here.
There's no shortage of bright lights in Tokyo, but one particular patch of grass is currently shining more vividly than most. Indeed, located next to an inner-city mall until November 5, a pop-up plastic greenhouse is positively glowing — all in the name of combining agriculture, technology and design in a fun and immersive fashion, and with a swelling soundtrack to match. The interactive installation might be called Digital Vegetables, but no one in its vicinity will feel like they're being forced to consume something they don't want. Rather, trying to avoid The Garden Square outside Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi is futile — the lure of technicolour illumination paired with symphonic music is something you can't ignore. A project by creative firm PARTY, Digital Vegetables combines its greenery-filled structure with plenty of incandescent bulbs, and asks visitors to not only watch, but touch, play, wander, listen and drop their jaws in awe. As attendees walk through the free-to-enter space, they're encouraged to gently roam their hands over the cherry tomatoes, eggplants, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, radishes, carrots and cabbages blossoming in the soil inside. With patrons getting hands-on with the growing plants with each touch — and taking in not only their texture, but their scent — the LEDs and sounds respond. [caption id="attachment_644147" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sarah Ward[/caption] While the bright lights part of the piece may seem straightforward, the display includes animated projections of fresh produce twinkling up and down the greenhouse's ceiling. On the music side of things, sound designer Ray Kunimoto actually recorded real plants (that is, the sounds that emanate from rubbing their seeds, touching their leaves and eating their fruit). He then mixed them with orchestra instruments such as the violin, trumpet, oboe, flute, piano, harp and clarinet, and created a melody. Basically, if you've ever wanted to control your own multi-sensory, multi-coloured light show — and you happen to be in Japan at present — this is your chance. If you've ever wanted to use a veggie garden as a musical instrument, here's your opportunity as well. Unsurprisingly, the results are overwhelmingly gorgeous. Seeing folks audibly exclaiming in wonder (when they're not staring up and taking a constant stream of snaps, that is) is all part and parcel of the experience. https://vimeo.com/238703497 If you're in Tokyo, Digital Vegetables is now open outside Tokyo Midtown until November 5. For more info visit digivege.jp. Images: Sarah Ward and Kenta Hasegawa.
FOMO — Australia's clash-free, one-day summer festival — is back for a third year. After a Brisbane debut in 2016, this time, the event is hitting Melbourne for the first time too, with a new evening edition called FOMO by Night, as well as making a return to Sydney and Adelaide. Leading the program is California's RL Grime, who's been headlining festivals all over the world with his experimental, high energy mash-ups of sound, colour and texture. Hot on his heels is Montreal's Kaytranada, who was here last year and bass lines have had him topping hip hop and dance charts (that is, when he's not collaborating with Alicia Keys or Chance the Rapper). Meanwhile, New Jersey-based neo-soul singer SZA is making her Australian debut on the back of debut album CTRL, and Texan rapper-singer Post Malone is coming back, after winning a lot of love during his Australian tour earlier this year. Also on the schedule is Grammy nominee ZHU with a brand new show and a live band, performing tunes from his dark and mesmerising EP Stardustexhalemarrakechdreams, along with London-based Grammy winner Tourist, and LA's Drezo, whose underground house has won admiration from Diplo, Destructo and Porter Robinson, among others. As always, FOMO is lining up homegrown talent up next to international stars. Representing Australia are The Kite String Triangle, Nina Las Vegas and Sweat It Out signee Dena Amy. Plus, there's an Australia-wide competition on the boil, which will see four emerging local artists join the bill. FOMO will kick off on Brisbane's Riverstage on Saturday, January 6, before moving to Parramatta Park in Sydney, on Saturday, January 13. Melbourne will get a slightly smaller lineup at their FOMO by Night, which will take place at Festival Hall on Thursday, January 11. Pre-sales start at 10am on Tuesday, September 5 and general sales on Wednesday, September 6. $1 from every sale is going to music charity Heaps Decent and, if you can't afford your ticket in one fell swoop, you can opt for a payment plan, which lets you pay it off via monthly instalments. Here's the full lineup. FOMO 2018 LINEUP RL Grime Kaytranada ZHU Post Malone SZA Tourist The Kite String Tangle Drezo Stööki Sound Nina Las Vegas Dena Amy FOMO BY NIGHT 2018 LINEUP Kaytranada Post Malone SZA The Kite String Tangle Dena Amy Mimi FOMO 2018 DATES Saturday, January 6 — Riverstage, Brisbane Sunday, January 7 — Elder Park, Adelaide Thursday, January 11 — Festival Hall, Melbourne Saturday, January 13 — Parramatta Park, Sydney FOMO will take place in January 2018. Tickets go on sale this week. For more info, visit fomofestival.com.au. Image: Mitch Lowe.
Two Birds Brewing is celebrating five years of making stellar, award-winning beers. Australia's first female owned and operated brewery is celebrating in fashion with an Australia-wide, week long birthday bash. As a big thank you to patrons around the country, co-owners Danielle Allen and Jayne Lewis are offering up their Golden Ale and Sunset Ale flagship brews for just five bucks a schooner — in a whopping 25 venues across Queensland, Victoria, NSW, ACT and Tasmania. Lewis and Allen have also each brewed a birthday beer — the Two Birds G&T IPA and Two Birds PX Belgian Dubbel — which will be tapped at each venue on Thursday, June 16. This is one killer way to celebrate and we'll be raising a glass to these two badass birds throughout the week. The Two Birds $5 birthday schooners will be available from Monday, June 13 – Sunday, June 19, with the Birthday beer tapped on Thursday, June 16. Their beers will be tapped at the following bars and pubs. VICTORIA The Nest - Two Birds Brewery and Tasting Room, Spotswood The Valley Cellar Door - Wine Bar, Moonee Ponds Stray Neighbour, Preston Junction Beer Hall & Wine Room, Newport Freddie Wimpoles, St Kilda The Park, Werribee Beer Deluxe, Hawthorn Cookie, Melbourne CBD Terminus Hotel, Fitzroy North Cambrian Hotel, Bendigo NEW SOUTH WALES Hotel Sweeney's, Sydney CBD Royal Albert Hotel, Surry Hills The Welcome Hotel - Ajò Restaurant, Rozelle The Public, Cammeray Grain Store, Newcastle East QUEENSLAND The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba Flux Restaurant & Lounge, Noosaville Lester and Earl, Palm Beach Death Valley Bar & Records, Morningside Woolly Mammoth, Fortitude Valley
The lockout laws may have temporarily slowed down Sydney's club scene, but you can't keep a good city down. We've seen protests and social media activism a-plenty and now a bunch of fun-lovers are putting together their own, late-night shindig at a BYO Warehouse. Dubbed Refractory 001 and happening on Saturday 26 March, the evening will rock on till 3am, with sets from Cliques, DJ Kiti, Cop Envy and Natalja making sure there's no lull in the action. "Thanks to the lockouts, we've had to make our own fun and Refractory is doing just that," reads the Resident Advisor event page. "We're about creating an inviting, carefree space for good, local music outside of Baird's bleak cultural wasteland. Sydney culture cannot be managed and this first party is our little attempt to resist." Image: Dollar Photo Club.
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is set to double in size, with the NSW Government confirming a $224 million investment in the ambitious Sydney Modern expansion project. First proposed in 2013, the plan is to extend the historic gallery to the north east. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2019, and is expected to be completed in time for the gallery's 150 year anniversary celebrations in 2021. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the extension will include eight low lying pavilions that will come to rest on two decommissioned oil tanks, that will themselves be turned into exhibition spaces. The additional floor space will allow the gallery to display more of its $1.3 billion collection, including a large amount of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, the bulk of which is currently in storage. It will also include areas for education programs, film screenings and live performances. "Our expanded gallery will deliver an iconic building that combines art, architecture and landscape in an extraordinary way, and in one of the most breathtaking locations in the world," said gallery director Dr. Michael Brand. It is estimated that the expanded gallery will attract around two million visitors a year, and is more likely to snag touring international exhibitions. In addition to the $224 million from taxpayers, the gallery will seek a further $100 million in private donations, $70 million of which has already been pledged. The plan is to launch a fundraising campaign to make up the remaining $30 million later this year.
Like mole people and the residents of Coober Pedy before them, New Yorkers are heading underground. Although New York City is traditionally famous for raised Chelsea-dwelling walkway The High Line, a space-hungry and innovative team headed by James Ramsay of Raad Studio have put together a Kickstarter campaign to fund a brand new underground park. Far more ambitious than anything imagined by Parks and Rec legend Leslie Knope (albeit with less miniature horses), the goal is set at $200,000. The money, earmarked to develop and test the solar, landscape and social components of such an ambitious scheme, is just halfway there. With the team's July 8 campaign deadline looming, there's never been a better time to throw some dosh at genuinely inspired urban development. While the team are still working towards New York City council approval, the project has been in development for five years, aiming to convert the unused Williamsburg Bridge Trolley Terminal into a fully functional, naturally-lit park. Natural light will be channeled into the subterranean space using some sort of bizarre, above-ground flower system (we clearly don’t understand the science but the Kickstarter video will explain it better). The park itself looks like a combination of the Temple of the Chachapoyan Warriors in Raiders of the Lost Ark and the citadel from Mass Effect; in essence it looks amazing and we want to stroll through it immediately. In the modern context of urban density and population crises erupting across the globe, alongside the generally fast-paced craziness of street-level New York, it’s no surprise that the city is leading the way in environmentally and socially friendly solutions to complex space problems. You go, NYC. Watch Lena Dunham in the Lowline promo video here, because of course Lena Dunham's in it: You can contribute to The Lowline Kickstarter here. Via dezeen. Images: The Lowline.
What would you do if you were a little less freaked out by consequences? Would you talk to more new people, fear a bit less, dance a little more like FKA Twigs, quit your desk job and start that no-guarantees creative career you've always had in the back of your mind? Some sparkling young Australians are already flinging their inhibitions into a ziplock bag and seizing this little ol' life with both hands. Concrete Playground has teamed up with the Jameson crew to give you a sneak peek into the lives of bold characters who took a big chance on themselves. They've gone out on a limb and rewritten their path, encapsulating 'Sine Metu', the Jameson family motto which translates to 'without fear' — getting outside your comfort zone and trying something new. After all, we only get one shot at this. Take notes. Who doesn't want to watch movies all day, and get paid for the privilege? That's not all Kate Jinx does as the director of programming at Sydney's Golden Age Cinema and Bar; however finding challenging features you wouldn't see elsewhere and championing under-appreciated classics really is how she has made a living since the boutique theatrette opened in September 2013. You can read the interview over here. Want to experience a little bit of 'Sine Metu' yourself? Kate's being a total legend and helping us give away a late night private screening party for you and up to 50 of your friends, so you can see for yourself what happens when bold humans take big creative chances with big payoffs. Pick a film from the current program, on a Friday of your choosing, invite your friends, complimentary popcorn and a Jameson for all! Enter here to win. And enjoy Jameson responsibly, folks.
It has been nearly two years since Bruce Munro's spectacular Field of Light started illuminating Uluru, with more than 200,000 people flocking to the Red Centre to see its ocean of colour. In fantastic news for anyone who hasn't made the trek yet, or anyone keen to view its beautiful, multi-hued splendour again, the eye-catching installation's season has been extended. The gorgeous piece will now keep shining all the way through until December 31, 2020. This is the second time that Field of Light's run has been lengthened. Initially set to remain in place until March 2017, it was first expanded until March this year. In total, the artwork's 50,000 glass lights will twinkle across an area of 49,000 square metres — the size of nine football fields — for just shy of five years. As well as casting Australia's sacred rock in a whole new light, the Uluru display marks the latest (and largest) incarnation of artist Bruce Munro's project, which previously illuminated the grounds at the likes of London's Victoria & Albert Museum and the Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Run on solar power, and named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku — which translates to 'looking at lots of beautiful lights' in local Pitjantjatjara — for its Northern Territory stint, the installation took 40 people six weeks to set up. The British-born Munro, who first came up with the idea for Field of Light while visiting Uluru back in 1992, said he is "greatly moved and humbled by the enormous response to the artwork." He continued, "it's obvious the combination of the exhibition and a canvas as visceral as this — flourishing from red dirt and tufts of spinifex, in the shadows of nature's biggest shape-shifter, Uluru — is immensely powerful to people." Keen on making the trip? Check out out Weekender's Guide to the Red Centre During Field of Light. By Tom Clift and Sarah Ward. Image: Field of Light: Bruce Munro. Photo by Mark Pickthall.
Australian farmers put out some seriously delicious cheese, but, if you live in the city, the best stuff isn't necessarily easy to find. Most are made on country farms, several hours' drive away, and don't often make it to major supermarkets. The good news is that a cheese lover by the name of Anna Perejma wants to change all that. She's the founder of The Cheese Riot, a brand new service that will soon bring boutique Aussie cheeses to your doorstep. "I love Australian cheeses," says Perejma. "Our products are just as good as anything you'll find internationally, but don't get enough recognition." Before you start wondering about Perejma's credentials, her resume includes events officer at the Australian Specialist Cheesemakers' Association — yes, the ASCA really exists — where she recently organised the & Cheese event series that included a Young Henrys beer and cheese pairing and a Four Pillars gin cocktails and cheese pairing at Moya's Juniper Lounge. We're pretty confident you can trust her palate. If that isn't enough, right now Perejma is travelling the length and breadth of the country, sampling all the cheese she can get her hands on. Once she has made her picks, she'll be popping them into boxes and sending them to subscribers all over Australia. Each delivery will also include a bunch of Aussie-made accompaniments, such as chutney, pastes, honey and matching teas. "It's like the Dollar Shave Club, but for cheese," says Perejma. "Every month, you'll get a selection of cheeses delivered to your house, most made by small producers who live in the middle of nowhere. The idea is to unlock products people want but can't get." On top of that, Perejma wants to "take the wank out of cheese" and encourage a sense of community around sharing it. "You can enjoy cheese any way you like, be that on your own with Netflix and a glass of wine or with a bunch of friends at a picnic in the park." The Cheese Riot hasn't launched quite yet, but, to keep an eye on developments and go into a draw to win a free cheese box, head over here.
Knock three times on the brass pineapple and wait. Then head through the door, down a staircase and along a dark corridor. Enter the bar and drink. For those who were able to experience the Scandinavian affair that was Norsk Dor, you'll know what we're talking about. Unfortunately, Norsk Dor is no more — well, the concept, anyway. In its place is Door Knock, a similarly hard-to-find cocktail bar that has a distinctly different feel to its predecessor. The current project of Natalie Ng (Mojo Records) and Justin Best, the new cocktail joint offers a different pace to the outside world. "We think of it as a hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the CBD," Ng says. "If you're after a quick bite to eat and a beer — or just have some fun over a cocktail — Door Knock will be able to cater to all." Jonno Carr is the bar manager, and you're in good hands here; he's worked at Archie Rose and Kittyhawk, and came runner-up in the 2016 Australian Bartender Awards. The fortified wine and sherry-heavy drinks list includes seasonal cocktails, such as the zero-waste Hey Macadamia, a refreshing kiwi spritz, and the Finogroni, a concoction for two served in a coconut. In sync with Sydney's current taste, there's also a wide selection of natural wines. And just because this venue is more of a bar doesn't mean the team is flaking out on the food. Voltaire Silva (ex-Fratelli Fresh) serves up lightly smoked beef tartare with egg yolk confit and crispy onion, barbecued pork belly burnt ends with cauliflower puree and watercress, and fried chicken with salted daikon. Door Knock is located at 70 Pitt Street. It's open Monday to Saturday, from 4pm midnight. For more information, doorknock.com.au.
To hear the latest new tunes by Flume, you'll need to make a date with the Art Gallery of New South Wales' Volume music series when it returns for 2024. The Australian talent won't be performing at the event. There's no word of him popping up with Tkay Maidza, who is also on the festival's bill, following their 2023 single 'Silent Assassin'. But he has composed the soundtrack for a world-premiere installation in AGNSW's old Second World War oil tank that's been turned into a performance and art space. Featuring sound, projections, lighting and lasers, Every dull moment (EDM) hails from Flume and multidisciplinary artist Jonathan Zawada, and shows its inspiration right there in its name — EDM festivals, specifically. It has been designed for the unique site in Naala Badu, AGNSW's $344-million extension that opened in late 2022. Comprised of sequences spanning between ten and 90 seconds, the piece goes on continuously and randomly without repeating, paired with Flume's new compositions. It's also on the free portion of Volume's lineup. Not just Zimbabwean Australian singer-songwriter Maidza, but also André 3000's Australian-exclusive shows with his experimental jazz project André 3000 New Blue Sun LIVE, Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon and Ghanaian Australian talent Genesis Owusu are the event's headliners — all at ticketed gigs. As for the rundown of events that won't cost you a cent to enjoy between Friday, July 5–Sunday, July 21, Every dull moment (EDM) has company from a heap of excuses to see live tunes for free, featuring more than 30 local and international artists in total. [caption id="attachment_954052" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sven Mandel via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Another huge highlight: Blak Country, a celebration of Aboriginal country music which will take place during 2024's NAIDOC Week. On the bill: Roger Knox, Kyla-Belle Roberts, Loren Ryan, Frank Yamma, Jarrod Hickling and Kathryn Kelly, as well as a playlist from musical talents from incarcerated First Nations communities as part of the Songbirds project. Volume is devoting another night, dubbed Extasis, to experimental sounds curated by Lawrence English, with Jim O'Rourke, Eiko Ishibashi and Hand to Earth among the artists featured. And, at Future Tilt, it'll spend an afternoon getting creative with salllvage, Lydian Dunbar, DeepFaith and more in experimental pop and electronic drone. Fennesz, amby downs, Jules Reidy, Seaworthy and Matt Rösner will be world-premiering new compositions across both AGNSW buildings — the new north building Naala Badu and the OG south building Naala Nura — in a program called Threshold, while Play on, play again, play forever will see musicians from Asylum Seeker Centre play tunes in response to the site's artworks each weekend. [caption id="attachment_880684" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Aerial view of the Art Gallery of New South Wales' new SANAA-designed building, 2022, photo © Iwan Baan[/caption] Top image: The Tank space in the Art Gallery of New South Wales' new SANAA-designed building, 2022, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter,
Made a New Year's resolution to learn new skills, then noticed that the year is practically evaporating? We've all been there, watching lofty intentions fall by the wayside and retreating to the comfort of old habits. Of course, there's never a bad time to pick up something new, whether January 1 just ticked by or your new calendar started months ago. To help you stick to your plans to learn something new — or rediscover an old hobby — we've rounded up ten of the best short courses in Sydney. From woodwork to creative writing, you're sure to find something that piques your interest. Happy learning. LEARN HOW TO WORK WOOD AT MAKERSPACE & CO Imagine being able to tell your mates that the bench they're admiring in your living room was handmade. By you. In three hours. Marrickville's Makerspace & Co. is always running a few introductory woodwork courses, where you can learn how to make everything from a wooden bench to a picture frame. Even better? You'll be able to use the skills you learn to make whatever else you need, too. Before you know it, you'll be filling your home with handmade wooden furniture. When: Dates vary. Where: Makerspace & Co, 1/17 Barclay Street, Marrickville. Cost: $120–445. [caption id="attachment_658300" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] LEARN HOW TO MAKE LASAGNE FROM SCRATCH AT BARBETTA Paddington's newest Italian eatery Barbetta wears many hats, including daytime cafe, gourmet smallgoods store and workshop space. The Elizabeth Street space is hosting workshops on how to make gnocchi, lasagne and pasta in general on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Classes include a hands-on cooking demo with antipasti and BYO wine, followed by dinner/lunch and the pasta you made to take home. When: Thursday nights and Saturday mornings. Where: Barbetta, 2 Elizabeth Street, Paddington. Cost: $120–445. GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER WITH THE INDIGO PROJECT It's not easy being a creative and having to deal with the challenges of performance anxiety, creative blocks and procrastination on a regular basis. Luckily, the folks over at The Indigo Project are experts at helping people learn how to nourish a headspace where calmness and creativity flourish. In their eight-week 'Get Your Shit Together' course tailored especially for creatives, you'll learn how to use mindfulness to develop positive creative habits and gain skills to deal with common creative challenges. When: Dates vary. Where: The Indigo Project, 33 Foster Street, Surry Hills. Cost: $795 for the eight-week term. START CREATIVE WRITING AT THE AUSTRALIAN WRITERS' CENTRE If you fancy yourself a bit of a writer, sharpen your skills with the Australian Writers' Centre's Intro to Creative Writing five-week evening course. This class — taught by professional authors — will equip you with the tools to develop story ideas, create compelling characters, and structure your plots. You'll be penning an epic work of fiction in no time. When: Dates vary, but the next course starts on June 5. Where: Australian Writers' Centre, 55 Lavender Street, Milsons Point. Cost: $450. MAKE YOUR OWN ORGANIC SKINCARE AT SEW MAKE CREATE Self-confessed beauty product junkie? Save money (and the planet) by learning how to make your own organic skincare products at home. In this two-hour class at Sew Make Create, you'll learn how to prepare balms, body scrubs, and toners using things like tea leaves, citrus peels, and homemade essential oils. When: Dates vary, but the next one's on August 4. Where: Suite 4, 38 City Road, Chippendale. Cost: $80. START YOUR SOMMELIER PATH WITH SYDNEY WINE CENTRE If you still can't tell the difference between a Merlot and a Shiraz, get yourself enrolled in the Sydney Wine Centre's Intro to Wine course ASAP. This two-evening class will cover the basics of wine tasting, wine pairing, and how to choose the right bottle for an occasion. You'll get to try 25 wines in two two-hour sessions, so come thirsty. When: Dates vary, but the next one's on June 20 and 27. Where: Sydney Wine Centre, 119 Harris Street, Pyrmont. Cost: $200 for the two-week course. LEARN THE ART OF SWEET PRESERVING AT CORNERSMITH If you love jams and marmalades, you'll go gaga for this Cornersmith class that teaches you how to make your own at home. You'll learn all about the craft of sweet preserving, covering topics like acidity, sterilisation, and the difference between modern and traditional preparation. The class includes plenty of tastings and they'll also send you home with a bunch of sweet treats for your pantry. When: Dates vary, but the next one's on July 8. Where: Cornersmith Picklery, 441 Illawarra Road, Marrickville. Cost: $170. GET INTO CERAMICS AT KIL-N-IT If you've always been keen to give pottery a go, now's your chance with Kil-n-it's eight-week Training Wheels course. You'll learn how to make bowls and vases, as well as key techniques like centring, turning, and joining. Plus, you'll get your own pottery kit so you can keep practicing in the comfort of your own home. When: Dates vary, but the next course starts on August 1. Where: The Classroom at Glebe Town Hall, 160 St Johns Road. Cost: $395 for the eight-week term. BREW YOUR OWN BEER AT THE HOP AND GRAIN You really can't call yourself a beer aficionado until you've brewed your own beer. For a great starter course, head over to The Hop and Grain. Their intro class covers all the basics of preparing a homemade brew. You'll learn about brewing techniques, different beer types, how to care for your equipment, and heaps more. If you've already got the basics under your belt, enrol in one of their intermediate or advanced classes instead. When: Dates vary. Where: The Hop and Grain Brew Store, 50 Sydney Street, Marrickville. Cost: $35. [caption id="attachment_613334" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gaffa.[/caption] MAKE YOUR OWN JEWELLERY AT GAFFA Refresh your jewellery box by learning how to make your own rings and earrings in this short course at Gaffa. This seven-week class covers all the basics of jewellery making — including piercing, riveting, and soldering — and is tailored to complete novices. When: Dates vary, but the next course starts on June 13. Where: Gaffa, 281 Clarence Street, CBD. Cost: $330 for a seven-week term. By Yelena Bide and Sarah Ward. Have you done a killer short course in Sydney? Let us know about it, comment below.
When Kevin Bacon stood up in Footloose and said, “This is our time to dance. It is our way of celebrating life,” what he didn’t say was “but only for skinny people”. And yet, that seems to be what we mean these days. 'Fat' dancers and performers aren’t often seen, and so many people seem to have so many opinions on fatness and how fat people move through our society. We look at fat people and assume things — that the person is lazy, slovenly, unhappy and definitely, definitely ungraceful and unconnected to their bodily wellbeing. Now fat activist and artist Kelli Jean Drinkwater and resigning Force Majeure artistic director Kate Champion are working together to broaden our outlook on the body and the act of dancing. Playing as part of the Sydney Festival, Nothing to Lose is highly topical, audacious and — coming from dance-theatre masters Force Majeure (Never Did Me Any Harm, Food) — sure to be a powerful watch. Challenging as it is to our prejudices, it might even be the most important work you see at the festival. We spoke to Drinkwater and Champion about the thinking behind the provocative project. What troubles and interests you about the way our society views fatness? Kelli-Jean Drinkwater: As an artist and a fat woman, what I find fascinating and intensely frustrating is the one-dimensional view of fat people and the lives we lead. Fat is usually seen as something to be deeply ashamed of and avoided at all costs. The mainstream culture here in Australia still has an incredibly narrow view of fat people, our capabilities, our health, our relationships. There is so much more to our lives as individuals that is rarely given a platform to be explored. I think we need to engage in critical thinking about our relationships to our own bodies and why most people, regardless of their size, are unhappy with how they are physically. Let’s also investigate how this impacts our view of other people and their bodies. Hopefully then we can start to be more accepting and, dare I say, even celebratory of the many ways there are to have a body. What are we missing if we only see athletically built people dance? Kate Champion: Well it seems to me we’re missing out on about 95 percent of the population being represented on stage as dancers! Obviously there’s a certain athleticism that lends itself to achieving technically difficult physical feats and certain styles of choreography. I can certainly appreciate that for what it is, but there is so much more to dance and what dance can be than that. It can be quirky, soulful, intriguing, captivating and intoxicating when performed by a person with a less ‘typical’ dancer’s body who really owns their movement. What is it like to be a fat person in an un-fat-friendly world? KJD: I can only speak from my experience, but being a person of size in our relentlessly body-shaming culture is tough. We are constantly judged, mocked, berated, pathologised, patronised and silenced in really obvious but also often insidious and subtle ways. The flip side of that is you have to learn to have a thick skin and a strong sense of your self-worth to hold your head up. I just try and use any negativity that comes my way to fuel the fat activist fire. It feels like fat activists are making some positive strides, particularly on the internet through memes such as #fatkini. Do you agree? KJD: I do believe that there is a noticeable groundswell in body positivity and fat activism here in Australia, much more than there was ten or even five years ago, and it's long overdue! And for sure social media is playing a huge part in that by creating access to communities that encourage each other to critique dominant cultural ideas around fatness. It’s like this collective tipping point and I think people regardless of their size are sick of feeling pressured by a prescribed standard of 'physical perfection', whatever that means. I believe audiences are eager to see a broader scope of bodies on stage. That’s what is so refreshing about Nothing to Lose. It’s a really timely work. What aspects of fatness do you explore through Nothing to Lose? KJD: [We're aiming] to explore the often overlooked aspects of the fat experience as well as give a fresh perspective on the more obvious ones. We explore the strength, capability and complexity, both physically and intellectually, that our cast live every day. We are also not shying away from the controversial issues but are instead seeing this as an opportunity to present a different side of the story. Our fearless cast are as interested in going to the more unexplored places in this work, as Kate and I are. Nothing to Lose has been in development from an open call-out. What surprised you or went differently than you thought it would over the course of this development? KC: Through both the auditions and ... the relatively brief periods of development so far — two weeks in 2013 and the same this year — we have focused on developing our level of trust with each other in order to see just how far we can go with material both physically and psychologically. This is sensitive subject matter but we need to make sure we’re not tiptoeing around any important issues. If we can’t approach the work with a no-holds-barred attitude amongst ourselves, then we’ll miss out on the full extent of the cast’s movement capacity and the full impact and levels of complexity that the subject matter contains. It’s been refreshingly honest and extremely illuminating so far! I'm amazed by the range these performers possess. They have filled us with inspiration to create a truly original, thought-provoking performance. Why should people watch this show? KC: People should watch this show to broaden their appreciation of who should dance on stage and what dance can be. To my mind all good shows have elements that are unexpected, confronting, joyful, insightful, confusing and liberating. This show aims to realign conditioned response in order to see and value the dancing body afresh.
Taste of Sydney isn't just a case of 18 of the city's best restaurants setting up persnickety stalls in Centennial Park (though that's a pretty good start for any festival). It's 18 of the city's best restaurants setting up stalls and serving their latest and greatest culinary experimentations. Think chipotle tuna carpaccio, duck and burnt cinnamon burek and whatever happens when you combine "carrot, yoghurt and liquorice" (this last one's from Cafe Paci, so the scary-sounding result is almost certainly great). They're tasting-sized portions, so design-it-yourself degustations are the name of the game as you wander through the park. This year, the lineup features Bentley Restaurant and Bay, the aforementioned Cafe Paci, Monopole, Pei Modern, Porteno, Sake Restaurant and Bar, MoVida, 4fourteen, Ananas, Biota Dining, Bloodwood, Cafe Paci, Efendy, Jonah's, Otto Ristorante, Popolo, The Cut and Yellow. Each participating venue will serve up some classics, but there'll also be festival exclusives and one particularly innovative "icon dish" per station. The latter is available on a first come first served basis, so get scarfing. Here are 15 of the most impressive dishes we're making room for already. Glacier 51 Toothfish from Sake — Fishers travel a week to get to the habitat of the highly prized Glacier 51 (aka Patagonian) toothfish, so it's not your average barra on the barbie. This is almost certainly the most casual opportunity you'll have to try the fish, which as a protected species is supplied in very controlled circumstances. Tiramisu ice cream with marsala jelly, coffee soaked Savoiardi biscuits and cocoa nib tuile from Otto Ristorante — With the Italian translation of 'tirami-su' meaning "pick-me-up", this dish will leave dessert lovers euphoric. Dipped lamb caramel buns by Biota Dining — Save yourself the two-hour trip to Bowral; Biota Dining is coming to us, and bringing mouthwatering buns filled with soft lamb belly and hot lamb glaze. Excuse us while we wipe the drool off our keyboards. Ordek (duck, almond, fig and burnt cinnamon burek) from Efendy — Filled with ingredients that mesh together even better than avo on toast, these bite-sized burek will easily leave you reaching for more and more. And then a little more. Carrot, yoghurt and liquorice from Cafe Paci — Sounds improbable, but Cafe Paci have been impressing diners with this clean-flavoured dessert of liquorice cake, carrot sorbet and yoghurt mousse for many moons. Just do it. Organic vegetarian celery gratin, pickled black walnuts and Granny Smith apples by Ananas — Vegetarians are not forgotten at Taste. For this Sure to leave those crazy vegetarians scrambling like there's no tomorrow, this dish features various cooking techniques and methods. Chipotle tuna carpaccio with chutney and plantain chips from Bloodwood — Combining the smooth melt of a fish sliced needle thin, the crunch of a banana chip and the smoky whack of chipotle, Bloodwood's light dish provides a pairing in textures like no other. Leche merengada (citrus and cinnamon soft serve ice cream with fennel and olive oil pastry) from MoVida — It might sound like a crazy new combination of flavours, but this dish is old-school Spanish. Or at least, MoVida's rebellious take on old-school Spanish. French dip grain fed beef standing rib roast slider from The Cut Bar and Grill — This is 'French' only in the American sense of the word 'French'. It's hot, sliced roast meat in a bun generously slathered in the beef juice from the cooking process. The bread is traditionally baguette. Spanner crab salad with cos, papaya, avocado, ginger and lime from Jonah's — Centennial Park feels by the beach when you're munching on this summer salad. Purple potato gnocchi with mixed mushrooms, chilli, pine nuts, and salted dried ricotta by Popolo — Another dish featuring the diversity of Italian cuisine. With it's purple colour, it will certainly be eye catching. Roasted prawns with sea blight and buttermilk from Bentley Restaurant and Bar - Never thought you'd eat anything described as 'blight'? This dish, a twist on a Bentley regular, will change that. Thinly sliced wagyu beef with confit tuna, lemon, caper and date dressing by Porteno — Like surf 'n' turf, but fancy. And with its surprise friend, dates. Honey roasted paneer cheese with caramelised eschallots and peas from Bang — This new restaurant's contemporary Bangladeshi flavours are not what you expect, and this honey-touched cheese dish should be no exception. White chocolate and caramel popsicle with dark chocolate crumbs — Milk chocolate goes unloved in this otherwise all-in ultimate ice cream dessert. Perfect for licking while you stroll. Taste of Sydney is on from March 12 - 15 at Centennial Park. See the full program and buy tickets at the festival website.
Brunswick Street Mall boasts a plethora of bars, markets on weekends and a once-a-year festival, but it doesn't have a permanent indoor space where thousands of people can watch a band or show. Come mid-2019, that will change, with the folks behind The Tivoli, The Triffid and Splendour in the Grass teaming up to build a brand new live entertainment venue. 312 Brunswick Street is the address that'll be undergoing quite the revamp, in what'll be a massive $40 million project bound to change both Fortitude Valley's and Brisbane's live music scenes. The 2500-square-metre site next door to McWhirters will be repurposed to become a mid-sized venue for concerts, events and productions, with a capacity of 3300. By comparison, The Tivoli holds 1500 and The Triffid only 800. In addition to theatre and functions facilities, the space — which was first built as a Coles in 1957 and most recently known as The Optus Centre — will include retail stores, restaurants, cafes and bars. Inside, the live venue will be designed by the same acoustic and service team responsible for The Triffid. Outside, the exterior will feature a modernised '50s-style exterior that nods to the place's history. Given the city's lack of comparable places since Festival Hall was turned into apartments over a decade ago, there's certainly room for it — and if anyone would know Brissie's needs in this area, it'd be Scott Hutchinson of Hutchinson Builders, who helped rescue The Tivoli when it was slated to become units; former Powderfinger bassist John Collins; and Paul Piticco from Secret Sounds, the group behind Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival and more. Together, they own and operate The Triffid at Newstead — so they've all already played a part in adding a new live music venue and hangout to Brissie's cultural scene. "We've learned a lot since the early days of The Triffid," explains Collins. "I guess our hunch about the potential growth of the live music scene back then has paid off in spades… I think that venues created for music by musicians add something extra to the whole experience for both audiences and performers." Image: The Triffid.
Tired of only having sugary, soulless mixers to pick from in Sydney bars? PS40 opens in Sydney's CBD this week as the newest bar concept by the creators of PS Soda, an all-natural soda line. "Instead of an open cellar door, we have an open soda door," says co-founder Michael Chiem (ex-Sokyo, Bulletin Place and the Star's Black by Ezard). Along with business partner Thor Bergquist (ex-Experimental Cocktail Club (ECC) and Der Raum) and creative director Livia Lima (ex-Maud), it's an all-star crew behind this factory's curtain. This warehouse gem is well-hidden down Skittle Lane and designed with a modern and bright fitout. "It's a soda factory, so we want it to be super playful," says Lima. "Everything is handmade and hand-designed." The homemade motif extends to the bar, with all PS sodas sourced from local, native produce and made with community input at that; Archie Rose Distillery helped to develop the tonic that would complement their gin and LP's Quality Meats' Luke Powell helped create the lemonade. An eight-tap bar will include soda taps, with one tap left open for experimental releases, like their collaboration soda made from leftover pomace supplied by Hunter Valley's Thomas Wines. "Collaboration is a big thing for us" says Chiem. "We have close relationships with our suppliers and want suppliers that care about what they're doing." The local love doesn't stop there, with the wine list curated by Lo-Fi Wines and taps from Sydney brewers Wayward and Young Henrys. All PS Soda will be made and bottled in-house and used for the line of signature cocktails available at PS40. "A mixed drink is the sum of its parts and making our own sodas gives us 100 percent control over the final flavour," says Chiem. The cocktail menu is as unusual as the sodas, each with its own story. The Stockholm Syndrome ($18) is inspired by Bergquist's time in Sweden. "I wanted to pack all of the flavours of Sweden into this drink — from the gravlax to the pickled things," says Bergquist. We gave it a whirl, and the drink does taste of fresh sea air with a mixture of cumin and dill infused vodka, Aquavit, lemon and pink Himalayan salt. Double the Funk ($19) is another crazy concoction that just works — bourbon mixed with passionfruit husk, fermented pineapple and pickled raspberry. "This drink is a bit of a tropical kitsch," says Bergquist. Many of the ingredients found in the cocktails will be reflected in the food menu, which is focused on "preserves and reserves" made in-house along with a selection of Banh Mi inspired by Chiem's mum. You won't find PS Sodas in the corner store, but for a taste outside of PS40 check out partner venues including Bennelong, The Old Clare Hotel, Firedoor and Archie Rose. PS40 is located at 40 King Street, Sydney. Open Monday – Saturday, 4pm - midnight (closed Sundays). Images: Marissa Ciampi.
When Pinbone, Woollahra's then favourite cafe, closed in August last year, brunch aficionados all over the Eastern Suburbs went into mourning. Time to try to those eyes. Ready? Pinbone chefs Jemma Whiteman and Mike Eggert are moving into 10 William Street for a five-month residency. Taking over from Luke Burgess (former co-owner of Hobart's Garagistes) on Feburary 8, the duo will be hanging about until June. Whiteman and Eggert are already familiar with 10 William Street's kitchen. Over the past few months, they've been working under Burgess. Their intention is to keep the venue's Italian-inspired ethos, but add some of their own ideas and creations. "It's definitely Italian, but with a bit of the Chinese and Japanese we're interested in," Eggert told Gourmet Traveller. "We basically want to keep it really fun and have a lot of snacky things. Jem's really excited about making a lot of different pasta, too." He described the position as a "real honour" and the restaurant as "probably the best in Sydney". Reaching for the phone to reserve yourself a brunch spot? Woah there. If it's a bacon-maple tart you've got your mind on, you'd better book for 'brinner'. The Pinbone team won't be bringing in a morning menu, but they are planning on cooking up night-time brunches. Find 10 William St at 10 William Street (der), Paddington. Via Gourmet Traveller.
Tramsheds Harold Park has announced another new tasty tenant ahead of its launch date on September 22. Sir Chapel Bistro and Brewery is the latest providore to join the menu at Sydney's highly anticipated new food precinct, with restaurateur Tom Chidiac set to serve up hearty bistro-style food alongside a selection of Australian craft beers — including one brew made right there on site. Sir Chapel will join the likes of Belle's Hot Chicken, Gelato Messina and a new restaurant from the team behind Tokyo Bird in the much-hyped new food hall at the heritage-listed Rozelle Tram Depot. "We are excited to launch our new concept at Tramsheds, side by side with some of the most exciting and revolutionary food providores around," said Chidiac, who also operates The Naked Duck in Darling Quarter and Sourdough Bakery & Co. in Westfield Hornsby, among a number of other culinary ventures. "We believe that the table is where memories are made – food is there to be shared, to be enjoyed amongst friends and family," he added. "Developing the concept and menu for Sir Chapel has been a really exciting process." What exactly that menu will include is being kept under wraps for the time being, although word is pizzas and roast dinners are a strong possibility. What we do know for sure is that there'll be a strong focus on locally made craft beer. And when we say local, we mean really local, thanks to an onsite brew team producing a homemade pint in a traditional copper brew house. Team members will even be on hand to offer tailored recommendations based on a drinkers' personal palate. Visit Tramsheds Harold Park at 1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge from September 22. For more information head to www.tramshedsharoldpark.com.au.
Fans of stunning audio design and generally beautiful things, listen up. There's a father/son duo in Seattle who want to take your money and turn it into a stunning, stunning wood turntable. You've never played 'Norwegian Wood' like this. Silvan Audio Workshop is one of Kickstarter's latest gems, unearthed by Stoney Roads and seemingly worth every last cent in your piggy bank. Created from individual slices of wood, and audio components from English turntable specialists Rega — including a glass platter for your record, one beautiful tonearm and a low vibration, low noise belt drive — these Silvan turntables are all constructed by hand by the Walters. The Silvan comes in three different models: the Archer, the Champion and the Sampo (increasing in quality of parts as you spend more, obviously) and they'll even align the cartridge and set the counterweight so you can plug in and play. The turntables range from $750 up to $2250, so they're pretty exxy. But hey, handcrafted walnut decks were never going to come cheap. "Our vision is to make one-of-a-kind objects of art that will be the centrepiece of any home entertainment system," says the Kickstarter schpiel. "We believe that if your music is unique, if it has soul and life and beauty, the things you use to play it should have all the same character. Mass-produced just isn’t good enough." Silvan are looking for $14,000 to fund their workshop, so they can crank out more turntables in an more efficient space with less sawdust in every crevice — and get a little publicity while they're at it. Plus, they don't live in the same town, so schleppin' back and forth to your dad's house gets pricey. At the time of writing, they've raised $6,152 so far, from just 44 backers. Perks range from stickers and posters for teeny donations, and whole turntables in the $2250 realms. UPDATE 25/2: It's been brought to our attention that a company called Audiowood has been doing an undeniably similar design since 2009. Maker Joel Scilley told us, "The copy's concept is the same down to the same parts used, glass platter, spike feet, etc. My original design is the 'Audiowood Barky Turntable'. Silvan Audio knew the design already existed and are presenting it as their design... I've asked them to stop stealing my intellectual property, and to remove their Kickstarter, and so far they have refused. " Silvan Audio issued this statement yesterday on Facebook: "It's been a very big day, with coverage from a bunch of places (Hello, Boing Boing, Alternative Press, and Engadget! Thanks for the coverage!) and a good conversation with a great guy named Joel Scilley. Joel has a company called Audiowood, and he makes incredible things. One of them is a turntable very much like what we're making, so he's a bit put out that we'd be making what we're making. "It might cost us some support (this whole thing could rub some of you the wrong way, and we completely respect that), but regardless of the impact, we owe you the respect of being completely open and transparent. We added an FAQ to the page today with this info, but we want to be even more proactively honest with you: we're doing something very similar to what Audiowood has been doing for a while. We were pointed to Joel's work during the build of our first turntable, and we still think it's absolutely awesome. Our initial idea was "original" in that we weren't copying anything we knew of when we set out, but of course it's no more of an Original Idea to us than it was to Audiowood or anyone else who's brainstormed or made something similar at some point. (Google the back cover of Jethro Tull's "Songs from the Wood" at some point.) "Ultimately, what we're jumping into is the market of using factory parts in custom plinths. (Rega parts, specifically, because they're radically easy to work with, the quality is great, and the construction is very straightforward.) Audiowood is in that market, and others — hobbyists as well as resellers — are as well, making cool things from all kinds of materials. Our hope is that the world is big enough that all of us can continue to do a thing that we've really enjoyed so far without getting in each other's way. "We don't have a corner on or a legal claim to Rega's parts, and we certainly don't have a claim to trees either, so our intent is honest and completely friendly competition in an area we arrived at sincerely and really believe we're completely free to work in. "Some of you might be disappointed, or you'd rather support the guy who actually got into the shop and mass produced this idea first, and that's completely fine. The last thing we want is to damage Joel Scilley's business — he seems like a really good guy doing good, honest work. For those who want to enable us to go after an idea we also came by honestly, we appreciate the support." Check out the Silvan Audio Workshop Kickstarter page here. Check out Audiowood over here. Via Stoney Roads.
With the beginning of Art Month coming up on March 1, the program of one of Sydney's foremost art festivals is one of the more impressive in its history. The program includes a wild array of exhibitions, talks, tours and experiences that celebrate the vibrant art scene in Sydney, from the artists to the galleries and creative spaces. The 2017 program includes the return of Art at Night (presented by your friends Concrete Playground), a series of after-hours parties and gallery takeovers in the creative spaces in Paddington/Woolahra, East Sydney, and Chippendale/Redfern. Some of Sydney's best galleries will open their doors after closing time to wanderers of the Art Map trail — a journey that culminates in a trip to the Cake Wines Art Bar. Inner west renegades The Bad Bitch Choir (BBC) will be performing. Architect Tao Gofers will give a special tour of the contentious Brutalist Sirius building in The Rocks. Artist Chris Fox will be attached to a large steel drawing machine in Redfern. Sri Lankan-born, Sydney-based artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran will take over Paddington with his large scale sculptures. Intellectual disability-supporting Studio A will be creating a colourful courtyard site-specific work in Chippendale. And Nothing to Lose creator Kelli Jean Drinkwater is commissioning a new work that explores trends in representations of women's bodies. Sticky beaks will get their nosey fix at Art Month as usual, as private collections and home studios open up to the public. The private collection of the legendary Margaret Woodward will be on display inside the home of Wagner Contemporary director Nadine Wagner. The works will be for sale, so if you're in the market, this would be the time to snap up something that'll be priceless one day, if not already. Plus, Guy Maestri, Laura Jones, Julian Meager and Louis Pratt will open their impressive Marrickville studios to the public. Or pop into the Collectors Space, where the personal collections of Archibald winning artists Del Kathryn Barton and Nicholas Harding, among others, will be on display. Want to hear directly from an artist? Sam Holt will be on hand at the Artereal Gallery in Rozelle, where he'll be delivering a talk on his latest exhibition, The space between… The artworks on display are comments on the life of the individual versus the need of society, reflections on the choices that we all make along our very unique paths. There'll be forums surrounding Myuran Sukumaran's posthumous exhibition, Another Day in Paradise, and two members of the boundary-pushing Ikeyan group, Aoki and Yokoyama, will discuss contemporary Japanese ceramics at the Japan Foundation. Tours throughout living creative spaces are on offer, too. Art walking tour crew Culture Scouts will take groups on artistic adventures through Sydney's suburbs, including a saunter through the bohemian borough of Redfern. Those in attendance will be treated to the tales of local artist Randal Arvilla, as well as an expert on Indigenous art and culture. That's just a snippet of the Art Month program. Check the website for the whole month-long lineup. Art Month runs throughout March across Sydney.
Do you like Italian food? Then let us introduce you to the happiest place on earth. Due to open in Bologna, Italy in the middle of next year, Eataly World will be the world's first Italian food theme park, featuring nearly 20 acres of restaurants, kitchens, grocery stores, classrooms, farms, laboratories and more. The park is the latest venture from Oscar Farinetti, the founder of Italian food and grocery chain Eataly. It was first announced a few years back, with an opening set for last November. Fingers crossed they stick to their revised schedule, because we're already looking into flights to Europe. Speaking to Eater, Eataly vice-president and Eataly World CEO Tiziana Primori said the park would mix entertainment with education. "We call it from the farm to the fork because you can see all the steps of the chain, from the animals to the raw materials and workshops and restaurants." The hope is that the park will attract as many as 10 million visitors each year, providing a boost to Bologna tourism in the process. The city already boasts a number of gastronomic attractions, including a medieval marketplace and the world's only gelato university. Via Eater. Header image via Dollar Photo Club
Imagine that you could spend an entire week or so at an overseas film festival. If time and money wasn't a concern, and you could put your everyday life on hold, which movie bonanza would you go to? Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Toronto: they're all good choices. If you're after new indie flicks, you're probably already thinking about packing your bags for Sundance. Of course, Robert Redford's annual Utah event isn't the only early-in-the-year American film festival worth dreaming about. Come March in Texas, there's another fest making movie buffs envious. Since 1987, South by Southwest has proven a launching pad for music and technology — and, from 1994, for indie flicks, too. On the film front, SXSW's 2016 program keeps the good stuff coming with 137 features, including 89 world premieres and 52 efforts by first-time filmmakers. Alas, here at Concrete Playground we're watching from afar between March 11 to 20, rather than hopping on a plane to Austin. To soothe our jealousy, we've put together a list of the ten films from SXSW we're hoping will come to Australia. If we can't go to them, fingers crossed that they can come to us. DON'T THINK TWICE If you saw Sleepwalk With Me back in 2012, you're probably a fan of Mike Birbiglia. The comedian's first directorial effort, based on his one-man off-Broadway show and accompanying book of the same name, offered a breezy but insightful look at the problems of relationships, careers and planning for the future. His next film effort sounds just as subtly charming, with an improv troupe at its centre. Birbiglia stars again, joined by Keegan-Michael Key and Gillian Jacobs, should you need any more reasons to get excited. COLLECTIVE:UNCONSCIOUS Five filmmakers. Five dreams. Five attempts by the former to make movies out of the latter. Cinema is often called dreamlike, but collective:unconscious takes that description to another level. In stories involving the Grim Reaper hosting a television show and a sports class taking place inside of a volcano, among others, the group of indie directors doesn't just bring their own nocturnal imaginings to their screen. Instead, Lily Baldwin, Frances Bodomo, Daniel Patrick Carbone, Josephine Decker and Lauren Wolkstein attempt to make movies out of each other's unconscious musings. BEWARE THE SLENDERMAN You might've heard of the Slenderman. The very thin, very tall creature started popping up online in 2009, and was rumoured to stalk, abduct and generally terrorise and terrify people, particularly children. Slenderman was actually the creation of an online forum user, who created the figure as part of a Photoshop contest. That didn't stop two 12-year-old girls from killing their best friend in the hopes of meeting the faceless man, with documentarian Irene Taylor Brodsky dissecting their story, the impact of the darker side of cyber space, and how an internet meme inspired a murder. UNDER THE SHADOW We might've left Under the Shadow off of our Sundance list, but we won't make the same mistake twice. There's a reason that the Farsi-language film from Jordan, Qatar and the United Kingdom is playing a US festival again so soon after its world premiere in January, after all. Compared to The Babadook, Babak Anvari’s feature debut tells of a mother and daughter who begin to suspect that they’ve been targeted by evil spirits. Netflix has the rights to the frightening flick, but this sounds like something that really needs to be seen on the big screen. MY BLIND BROTHER Admit it: even the most serious film fans out there can't resist the lure of an impressive cast. Getting a group of great actors together doesn't always pay off, but when it does, it's magic. Here's hoping that's the end result for My Blind Brother, which stars Adam Scott, Nick Kroll and Jenny Slate. Yes, the fact that they've all either starred or popped up on TV sitcom Parks and Recreation is part of their appeal, but they're not the movie's only drawcards. Director Sophie Goodhart might be a first-time feature filmmaker; however she's adapting her own short film of the same name, which screened in competition at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival. TOWER Sadly, mass shootings in US schools are a much-too-common occurrence — but it wasn't always this way. In 1966, when an ex-Marine sniper turned University of Texas engineering student started gunning down people from a tower looming over the tertiary institution's campus, no one had ever contemplated the possibility of such horrors occurring at a place dedicated to learning and education. Keith Maitland's documentary explores this bleak chapter in American history, albeit in an unusual fashion. Telling the previously untold stories of the witnesses, heroes and survivors, he not only delves into archival footage, but combines it with surreal, animated recreations. THE TRUST Two words: Nicolas Cage. We have more words to share about The Trust than that, of course — but we'd be lying if we didn't confess that the man who can be either the world's best or worst actor, depending on the film, wasn't the main attraction. With Elijah Wood, he plays a cop who stumbles upon a mysterious bank vault. If the combination of Cage and the storyline doesn't pique your curiosity, this might: writer/directors Alex and Ben Brewer are better known for their music video work, including winning an MTV Video Music Award for working with Justin Bieber. Yes, really. KARAOKE CRAZIES Karaoke and cinema go hand in hand. Plenty of movies feature everyone's favourite form of amateur singing; however surprisingly few make it their main focus (and yes, we're ignoring Gwyneth Paltrow vehicle Duets for a reason). In Karaoke Crazies, Korean filmmaker Kim Sang-Chan sets his feature in a karaoke bar, lets a serial killer loose, and makes the latter obsessed with the former. If that's not an ingenious idea for a movie, well, we don't know what is. IN A VALLEY OF VIOLENCE Ti West has played with satanic panic in The House of the Devil, and toyed with found footage and religious fanaticism in The Sacrament. He also charmed Aussie audiences in person when he visited the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2011 to present his haunted hotel effort, The Innkeepers. In his next film, In A Valley of Violence, West swaps scares for revenge and horror for the western genre. Ethan Hawke and John Travolta tag along for the ride, stalking through a small town in the 1890s, and playing a drifter and marshal, respectively. EVERYBODY WANTS SOME Okay, okay, so Richard Linklater's latest film — and his first after the awarded and applauded Boyhood — is one of the titles we know for certain will grace Australian cinema screens. That doesn't make us any less enthused about Everybody Wants Some, which has the honour of opening SXSW's film lineup, and has been called a spiritual sequel to his 1996 effort Dazed and Confused. Don't expect a sleazy Matthew McConaughey trying to hit on high school girls, this time around. Do expect another wild series of events, this time set over a weekend in college in the '80s.
It's great that rum is no longer only associated with pirates and over the top tiki bars. In the past few years we've seen a resurgence of this spirit that's born from sugarcane — it now doesn't just appear in the mojito, but is a staple of the bar menu. Bartenders regularly use rum to spice up classic cocktails and create over the top drinks. Sydney has many specialty rum bars in which knowledgeable bartenders (who know the difference between light and dark rum) perfectly mix up rum cocktails and know exactly what to mix with each type. In partnership with Baron Samedi Spiced, we asked our friends at The Lobo Plantation in Sydney for a few ways to use rum — so we can reignite our love for this tropical spirit and shake up our at-home cocktail routine. TASTE THE FLAVOURS IN AN OLD FASHIONED An old fashioned is a classic cocktail, often enjoyed with whisky, but best enjoyed with rum. It's a simple combination of rum, bitters and orange peel — easy to make, and a great way to take time to taste the flavours in your rum (rather than having it mixed into a tropical cocktail where the other flavours will overwhelm it). To make the The Lobo Plantation old fashioned, simply fill an old fashioned glass (the same size as a Negroni glass) with ice, add a shot of Baron Samedi Spiced (4oml), a splash of bitters and sugar syrup and stir it all together gently for 30 seconds. Top with an orange peel for a little citrus twist. TRY SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE TROPICAL Another classic way to enjoy rum is to mix it into a tropical, colourful cocktail and pretend you're on holiday. This type of drink should preferably be served in an extravagant glass, or served with a creative garnish (The Lobo Plantation serve theirs with a mini pineapple on top). To make The Lobo Plantation's Carribean-inspired Bajan Julep, build crushed ice into a tall glass and add a shot (40ml) of Baron Samedi Spiced. Mix in a dash of blackberry liqueur and a dash of fresh lemon juice, then add a teaspoon of passionfruit, a teaspoon of sugar and top it all off with ginger beer. ENJOY ON ITS OWN If you've decided that you really like rum, an easy, delicious way to enjoy it is to drink it on its own, stirred with a little ice. Rum was manufactured, distilled and made long before any other spirit was, and each brand has developed its own particular flavours and methods of distillation. Baron Samedi Spiced is infused with vanilla, cocoa, cinnamon that give off rich flavours of butterscotch, coffee and vanilla. Like whisky, when you sip rum the flavours are much more apparent. Although rum is made by distilling the byproducts of sugarcane — that long grass that's prevalent in countries like the Carribean and the Philippines, it tastes much more complex than that. It's delicious. Images: Kimberley Low at The Lobo Plantation.
Sydney's got plenty of good sports bars, but how many are flanked with leather Chesterfield booths and bespoke poker tables? Darlinghurst's East Village Hotel has reopened, with one of the slickest sports bars we've seen in an age — sorry, Athletic Club. After much anticipation, the folks at Goodtime Hospitality Group have reopened two of three newly revamped sections of the much-adored, 100-year-old drinking spot, the East Village. Among the pub's four levels, you can now check out the Public Bar and Athletic Club, a slick, minimalist wine bar and a vintage-inspired sports bar, respectively. Unfamiliar with the name Goodtime? Co-owned by young entrepreneurs James Bodel and Locky Paech, Goodtime rocked onto the Sydney hospitality scene in November 2015, with their purchase of Petersham's White Cockatoo Pub. Renaming it the West Village, they installed a fresh, organic menu and, within weeks, were attracting the local hungry hordes. But back to the East Village, which will keep its current name. The pub's been redesigned by the likes of Alexander and Co. (Busby, The Village Inn, Surly's, Daniel San, The Morrison, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel), who've attempted to keep those 100-year-old bones intact but with a modern finish. Let's start with the real star of the show sports bar, or Athletic Club, up two flights of stairs. Inspired by old-school 'gentleman's sports clubs' (or y'know, exclusive sports clubs that ladies could have thoroughly enjoyed back in the day too but weren't privy to because women, right?), this bar sees worn leather Chesterfield seats, private bottle lockers, a bespoke poker table, vintage sporting memorabilia and probably smells of rich mahogany. You'll be able to watch the game (every game!) on TV screens wrapping the room. Toast your wins or drown your losses with dark spirit cocktails and boilermakers, because a Cold Buttered (whisky, Pepe Saya syrup, walnut bitters, sesame) is the only thing that'll soothe a Grand Final obliteration. Want to book a private room for game day? There's the Red Room, a private 10-seater space with table service and a wall-length TV. Plus, they'll be offering 'club memberships' in the future. Downstairs, there's the Public Bar or 'Wine Pub' on the ground floor. While the Athletic Club is dark and broody, this bar is light, minimalist and airy with 20th century Serge Mouille wall lights, smoky walls and blackboard wine menus. The wine list and cocktail menu are in bloody good hands, with general manager Lee Potter Cavanagh (2015 Australian Bartender of the Year, Australian Bartender) and bar manager Reece Griffiths behind the wheel — they've even developed a string of wine-based cocktails. Food-wise, you're in good stead too, with head chef Graham Johns (Quay) and executive chef Tom Kime (Ceru, Fish & Co.) reimagining classic counter meals for the East Village — think half roast chicken with sweetcorn, shallots, roasted heirloom tomato, basil and crispy bread ($24), or roast hake fillet with spicy green lentils and pickled cucumber salad ($26). The East Village's Public Bar and Athletic Club are now open, but the third and final space, Terrace, will open in November. We've been waiting to see what the Goodtime crew do with this underrated rooftop space — it's got one heck of a CBD skyline view. Find the East Village at 234 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst. The Public Bar is open Monday to Saturday, 11am - midnight, Sunday, 11am – 10pm, while the Athletic Club is open Wednesday to Friday, 5pm – midnight, Saturday, 11am – midnight, Sunday, 11am – 10pm. By Shannon Connellan and Jasmine Crittenden. Images: Brett Stevens.
