The Newport's executive chef, Sebastien Lutaud, has fried escargot alongside France's Oliver Elzer, prepared sashimi with Tetsuya Wakuda and headed up Felix Bar and Bistro. Now, he's bringing his 25 years of gun hospitality experience to Sydney's northern beaches. "From the minute The Newport was described to me, I thought it was going to be an amazing project," says Lutaud. "It's a one-of-a-kind in Sydney, if not Australia — an amazing venue in an amazing spot." One of the most anticipated openings of the year so far (and last year), the freshly revamped Newport has a strong focus on food. But don't expect a single service counter or a straightforward menu at this renovated pub. Instead, expect to feel a bit like you're walking through a permanent food festival. Lutaud designed the menu with input from some of Merivale's other key chefs, so you'll notice some familiar imports — and a similar stall-type layout to the Coogee Pavilion's foreshore fest. "There are little stalls and outlets, selling different types of food," says Lutaud. "So, for example, we've got Vinnie's pizzas, from Coogee [Pavilion]. We've got a burger shack, where we do six different burgers and five different salads." Given The Newport's Pittwater location, there's also a spot dedicated to fish and chips. "But I wouldn't call it your classic fish and chips, where everything's deep-fried," says Lutaud. "We do have the classic version, but we've also dishes like grilled Clarence River octopus and pan-fried snapper with simple salad." If you're travelling with mates or family and want to share, you'll be heading to The Kiosk, for small and large platters. "We have a French rotisserie, where we're doing chicken and Rangers Valley brisket and hot-smoked whole salmon, which we'll serve with rolls, salads and nice sauces. There's also a seafood section, with fresh oysters, cooked prawns and a crab omelette, with Vietnamese herbs and dressing." As for ordering, you'll have two options. The first is the old-fashioned method of heading to the stall, putting in your request and grabbing a buzzer. The second is downloading an app and doing it all from the comfort of your bar stool. The only catch is that the app is still in development – at this stage, it's good for pizzas, and other stalls will be added with time. The Newport opens on Friday, March 25. Learn a little more about the rest of the revamp here.
Giving two cents to your younger, wide-eyed, keen-for-life-lessons self is a luxury only those with Time Turners or Deloreans can afford. So the next best thing is asking those (a little) older and (a lot) wiser for their mad tips on how to be a bonafide boss. From directing one of Australia's best festivals to producing next-level electronica, from shooting Arcade Fire to handpicking and delivering the best music in Australia and the world right to your eardrums, these five Aussie folks have already kicked major goals in their respective creative industries. So we tugged their ears, made 'em give up the goods and lay some sweet advice on us. Disclaimer: This editor knows these five humans and is lucky to, hence why they dished out such excellent advice. [caption id="attachment_564974" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Tim Da Rin.[/caption] CLARE DOWNES, SECRET GARDEN FESTIVAL DIRECTOR Some people plod on through this little ol' life of ours settling for mundane thrills and spills. But folks like Clare Downes, festival director for NSW's Secret Garden Festival, are different. They've managed to find some unfathomable way to create a career out of unpretentious, unbridled, balls-to-the-wall fun. Founding Secret Garden and running it for eight glorious years on her family's property just outside Sydney, Clare's successfully created a made-by-mates-for-mates event that gets bigger — but not a skerrick less genuine — every year. Did you go to uni/TAFE? If you did, what did you study? I did. I went to uni and studied communications journalism. What's the most random job you've had? I helped organise an elephant polo tournament in Sri Lanka. What are your top three tunes for getting shit done? I can't listen to music when I really, really need to focus. I put on my noise cancelling headphones and don't come up for air for hours. If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what'd be your alter ego job? Unicorn wrangler counts. Ha. I would love to advise on sustainable tourism, particularly in Asia. I might still do that ya know? I have many more years of living to go I hope. What advice would you give your 21-year-old-self? You're here for a good time, not a long time. So don't let fear drive any decision. Grit and kindness goes a long way in the workforce. So don't worry so much if you're not the top of the class. Don't feel like you have to wear heels, just 'cause everyone else is. RICH LUCANO, PHONDUPE Bit of a night owl with a love for crisp, atmospheric, hip hop-infused, Nicholas Jaar-meets-TV on the Radio-like electronica? You're in good company with Rich Lucano. NYC and Sydney-based, Rich is one half of Phondupe with Nathan Chan. The pair produce pretty damn unpindownable beats — check out the duo's Greenhouse EP and The Ecstasy Of single series to know what we're talking about. What's the most random job you've had? One time... I was hired to dress up in a penguin costume and cruise around the city in a hummer with four fellow penguins, cranking hip hop and drawing attention by any means possible. What are your top three tunes for getting shit done? Right now... Al Dobson Jr — 'Malful (Nebetia)' Alex Seidel — 'Quinn' OKE — 'Sundews' But I'm a big believer in a good disco breakfast. If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what'd be your alter ego job? I'd be a pizza chef that yelled at anyone who asked for a chicken topping. What advice would you give your 21-year-old-self? - Quit your band and pick up a drum machine - Learn how to DJ asap. - If you have an empty wallet and a bunch of ticket stubs, you're doing the right thing. - Listen to as much international radio as you can. - This fluoro phase will be over soon, don't worry. - Please stop wearing Rabens. Your poor feet. - Get a photo of you shaking Kanye's hand. No one will ever believe that happened. - Buy some bitcoins. - Eat more pizza. - You don't know shit but everything's going to be great. [caption id="attachment_564976" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: FBi Radio.[/caption] STEPHEN GOODHEW, FBi RADIO MUSIC DIRECTOR Looking for new music? How about the best new tunes out there? How about the best new Australian music? Stephen Goodhew knows his shit, ask him for tips. Go on. FBi Radio's insanely knowledgable music director steers the beloved Sydney radio station and its listeners toward damn good tunes every day — 50 percent Australian music, half of that coming from Sydney. Epic job. You can listen to Stephen present 'The Playlist' every week. Did you go to uni/TAFE? If you did, what did you study? Yeah, I went to uni, but it was done pretty half-assed. I did a three year degree over six years, just doing one or two subjects a semester. The reason being was so that I could focus on extracurricular activities (i.e my band), which was great, but also meant that I came away feeling pretty 'meh' about the whole uni experience. I studied a Bachelor of Media at Macquarie University, but here's the thing; you don't actually need a degree to do a lot of jobs in media. Don't get me wrong, it certainly helps to have on your resume, but most people I know who land jobs do so based on their work experience. I would definitely recommend doing as many internships/volunteer positions as you can while you're studying, even if it means your degree takes a little longer. What are your top three tunes for getting shit done? Deafheaven — 'Dream House': Straight up, I challenge you to listen to this song and not feel compelled to run up a mountain or swim Bass Strait. If you're looking for something of a productivity sprint, this is the song. Steve Reich — 'Music for 18 Musicians': This is the track for the medium pace long-haul. It has this wonderful hypnotic quality about it that I find helps me focus, while it's constant momentum keeps me pushing forward. The fact that it's 61 minutes in length also helps set something of a time-goal as well. Todd Terje — 'Delorean Dynamite': Whenever this song plays all I can think is that I'm creating a real life '80s style montage of inspiration and by god I better not mess it up. Great motivator. A+. What's the most random job you've had? I've never done anything super random like helping rhinos breed for the sake of conservation, but I did used to work in a tea store for a number of years, which was a slightly weird segue into alternative radio, but there you go. If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what'd be your alter ego job? I'm fascinated by people and their motivations. Chances are if we've ever had a conversation that's lasted longer than five minutes, I've probably tried to work out your Myers-Briggs personality type. So with that in mind, I'd probably say, psychologist. I guess that's probably not quite as exciting as I'd like it to sound, but it sure beats a hard day in the field helping endangered herbivores procreate. What advice would you give your 21-year-old-self? People are generally more worried about what you think of them than the other way around. Act with a quiet confidence, don't be afraid to put yourself out there and you'll be amazed at the opportunities that come your way. BRIDIE CONNELLAN, UNIVERSAL MUSIC MARKETING DIRECTOR If you've listened to Kendrick Lamar, Dr Dre, The Weeknd, Lorde, Disclosure, Jarryd James or The Preatures, chances are Bridie's had a hand in your Spotify playlist. Universal Music's Marketing Director switched course from journalism and writing for Rolling Stone, kicking goals for Sydney's TITLE store as Creative Director before moving to Universal and invading Sydney with Disclosure face paste-ups citywide. Did you go to uni/TAFE? If you did, what did you study? The brain the brain the centre of the chain. I studied a Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communications) at the University Of Sydney — biggest bunch of badasses all trying to out-do each other on cultural capital and debating Bourdieu's relevance. Occasionally we learnt things about 'the media' but mostly we drank wine and stayed in the media lab until 4am wrestling with Final Cut Pro. But seriously it was the realest. Four huge years of digging into the theoretical side make everything I do now have so much more cultural relevance to me, and I made some of the best friends of my life there. Go study kids. What are your top three tunes for getting shit done? R.L. Grime — 'Scylla': 'Cause you feel heaps good saving the world. Kanye West — 'Black Skinhead': I keep it 300, like the Romans. Gang of Youth — 'Magnolia': Play it LOUD, and imagine your mates cheering you on. What's the most random job you've had? I was Khloe Kardashian's 'Talent Escort' for the MTV Music Awards. Yeah I'm not gonna explain that further. If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what'd be your alter ego job? I'm a sucker for existential theory and questioning the shit out of everything so I'd be a white-haired monochrome-wardrobed philosophy academic probably halfway through my next book on the flaws of Descartes which will probably remain unfinished. Because #being. What advice would you give your 21-year-old-self? Stop wearing that Franz Ferdinand t-shirt, they're not very good. [caption id="attachment_564979" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Hazal Alkic.[/caption] YAYA STEMPLER, PHOTOGRAPHER AND FBi RADIO PRESENTER If you've seen an impossibly epic photograph of [insert musician here] and [insert Australian music event here], it's likely Yaya Stempler snapped it. The Israel-raised, Sydney-based photographer shoots some of Australia's best music photography — she's responsible for making the likes of Blur, Arcade Fire, D'Angelo, Tame Impala, Childish Gambino, deadmau5, Phoenix and more look damn good. Keen to chat about the tunes as well as shoot them, Yaya's also a presenter on Sydney's FBi Radio. Did you go to uni/TAFE? If you did, what did you study? I studied screen media and broadcasting at St Leonard's TAFE and a fine art degree majoring in photomedia at COFA. What are your top three tunes for getting shit done? David Bowie — 'Suffragette City' Santigold — 'L.E.S Artistes' Clams Casino — 'Treetop' What's the most random job you've had? I was a fire juggler once in Mexico. If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what'd be your alter ego job? Definitely an orangutan whisperer. What advice would you give your 21-year-old-self? Don't doubt your abilities, trust your instincts, think before you speak and drink lots of water. Top image: Tim Da Rin.
It looks like the Powerhouse Museum might be packing its boxes. The State Government announced today that the biggest branch of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences will indeed be moved to Parramatta if the government is re-elected on March 28. In a media statement, NSW Premier Mike Baird and Deputy Premier Troy Grant detailed plans to funnel more than $30 million toward developing a planned 'arts and culture precinct' in Western Sydney, a project set to take four years and confirmed following months of discussion about a potential Powerhouse move. "We want to extend Sydney’s cultural ribbon to Western Sydney so we will invest $10 million to relocate the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta," said Baird. "This will be the first time one of the State’s five major cultural institutions will be entirely located in Western Sydney." Moving the whole Powerhouse to Parramatta will predictably take a third of the precinct funds — $10 million is being put toward transporting the museum from Ultimo. "The $10 million will be used to develop a business case for the Museum’s relocation to ensure it remains the interactive and vibrant place enjoyed by children and families," says Baird. Moving the entire Powerhouse across Sydney — collection, equipment, furniture — is indeed a costly exercise; it's not exactly a one-trip deal. Another $800,000 has been allocated to setting up a 'resident company' at Parramatta's Riverside Theatre, and $7.5 million has been pledged to vaguely "support artists and organisations based in Western Sydney by creating more opportunities for practicing and emerging artists". Baird also stated the profits from the "urban renewal" (read: land sale) of the Ultimo site will go directly to the new Parramatta museum. When the proposal to move the Powerhouse was first announced, it met with mixed reviews, including scepticism from Rose Hiscock, the museum director herself. Whether this move will really transform the Powerhouse into the "world’s leading museum of science and design" or whether this an easy way for the Liberal Party to win over some all-important western Sydney votes, the plans have some serious pros and cons. Ultimo itself could use development as an arts precinct, and the Powerhouse released its own 2020 strategy this year, citing its current location, proximity to Sydney’s tourist centre, educational institutions and start-ups as vital to its future plans. On the other hand, as the Sydney Morning Herald pointed out, one in ten Australians and almost a third of NSW's population live in Western Sydney — though the West only enjoys 5.5 per cent of the state government's arts budget, according to the Building Western Sydney's Cultural Arts Economy report. This Deloite report, commissioned by Western Sydney local councils, controversially suggests moving the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) and the National Arts School to Western Sydney too — seeing as there's no major state cultural institution in the West. With State elections set for March 28, let the furious pub debates begin. Should the Powerhouse move to Parramatta? Or could a Questacon-like offshoot could be the better option? Weigh up the pros and cons with our feature over here.
Electra is a strong contender in that favourite of reality entertainment: Ancient Greece's Most Depressing Families. MinusOneSister focuses for once on the fact that these are kids trapped in a cycle of love, hate, murder andrevenge. And what simultaneously astounding and average children they are: Electra (Kate Cheel), full of panache and paranoia; Chrysothemis (Contessa Treffone), the diplomat/doormat; abandoned Orestes (Liam Nunan), the avenger; and Iphigenia (Lucy Heffernan), who's off to die before she's probably even developed hips. It's no wonder the story continually grips writers with its blood-soaked fingers and ends up on stage. "They fuck you up, your mum and dad," wrote Philip Larkin, and they do it ad infinitum. Most of the time when adults try to speak from the perspective of children, the result is twee at best. Anna Barnes' script is an exception — written exactly in the cascading fashion a 14-year-old would describe to you Sophocles' Electra. It is captivating writing, which won the STC's Patrick White Playwrights' Award in 2013. Luke Rogers' direction and staging, and the preparedness of the quartet of performers, seals the success of this world-premiere production. The turns of phrase are unpretentious and unexpected, inasmuch as they manage to completely bullseye the story's core with innocence that other renditions lack. MinusOneSister really nails the way kids manage to deal with death and loss (the "there, but nots"), the way kids see through adult euphemisms, and the way poor Orestes needs to prove himself to his three big sisters, so they'll finally see him as more than "a human cat to dress up". The design, by Georgia Hopkins, is effective, with a sense of timelessness. Electra, Iphigenia, Chrysothemis and Orestes exist in a whitewashed limbo. They are the last remnants of the Agamemnon family's deceased estate. Fittingly, Sian James-Holland's lighting is cool and alienating. LCD lights on the floor recreate the quintessential childhood experience of trying to peek into the grown-up world from the crack under your door. Cheel, Heffernan, and Treffone form a very strong sisterly collective, at times appropriately sidelining their brother, the "baby CEO". Each of the sisters is gifted a strong, nuanced monologue by Barnes, to convey their leaps between contemporary dilemmas and ancient plot points. MinusOneSister really had me thinking about the difference of age when childhood trauma hits. When their dad died, Chrysothemis was a little girl, but Elektra an adolescent. Was it just chance that Electra never forgave Mum? Probably not. MinusOneSister is a beautiful take on teenage reality. The proficiency of its writing, direction and ensemble acting amount to an enjoyable new reflection of the Electra story.
Kittyhawk — the much-anticipated second project from The Lobo Plantation team – has (finally!) opened to the public. That's right, since Tuesday, June 27, Sydneysiders have been exploring a 120-strong rye whiskey collection at a grand, 12-metre-long bar and tucking into Parisian street food, while surrounded by WWII paraphernalia at the Macquarie Street end of town. "It's inspired by the Liberation of Paris," says Jared Merlino, the bar's director and co-owner. "On August 25, 1944, Paris was freed from oppression by American and French soldiers. It must have been a jovial and joyous time." As such, interior designers AZBcreative have worked both French and American ideas into the 175-capacity venue. "You can see the French influence in the beautiful front bar, the marble mosaics, the brass tabletops and the balloon-backed chairs," Merlino explains. Meanwhile, the WWII aesthetic comes in the form of propaganda posters, a massive artwork featuring flying Kittyhawks and army green banquettes. The room is made up of various spaces, including an area resembling an "officers' lounge" and a raised section with a balustrade. The bar, which is being run by Lobo's Paige Aubort, holds up to 900 spirits. The focus is on rye, with about 120 drops available at the moment and another 300 or so still to be added. There's a healthy rum selection too (after all, the Lobo folks know their rum) and a 16-strong cocktail list, all wrapped up in an illustrated menu that cleverly resembles a warplane mechanic's manual. In the kitchen you'll find legendary Scottish chef Jason Wright. Creator of the best steak in Edinburgh, he's since run his own fish restaurant and, at Kittyhawk, has put together a Parisian street food menu. "The dishes have been going down a treat," Merlino says. "They're traditional, but with a bar-friendly twist." Snacks from the menu include mussel vol-au-vents, duck Scotch eggs and onion soup sticks. Kittyhawk is now open at 16 Phillip Lane, Sydney. They're open Monday to Thursday 3pm till midnight, and Friday and Saturday 3pm till 2am. For more info, visit kittyhawk.com.au.
On Sunday, September 10, Sydney staged for a huge public rally through the city streets, flying rainbow flags (and dogs) to demand marriage equality and campaign for a 'Yes' vote. Support group Community Action Against Homophobia, who ran the rally, urged Australians to campaign for a 'Yes' postal vote. With the majority of Australians (a whopping two-thirds) supporting marriage equality, the rally was expectedly stacked — in all, organisers have estimated that a massive 30-40,000 people rocked up to show their support for all LGBTI+ Australians. The rally marked the first weekend after the High Court decided to uphold the government's (unnecessary, expensive and undeniably hurtful) postal plebiscite. Postal ballots will be sent out this week.
If you're ready to share a deep, dark, dirty secret that you've been harbouring your entire life, there's only one way to do it: on a stage, in front of a crowd. Well, that's the idea behind Confession Booth, anyway. After three years of dishing the dirt at Giant Dwarf and World Bar, Sydney's most debauched storytelling night has found a permanent home at Goodgod Small Club. Confession Booth sees writers, musos, actors, comedians and all-round creative types spill the beans on their most embarrassing, outrageous and top-secret moments — all facilitated by ever charming hosts A.H. Cayley and Matt Roden. Spilling their guts on April 29 will be triple j's Lewis Hobba, actor and playwright Nakkiah Lui (ABC's Black Comedy, Belvoir's Kill the Messenger), award-winning author of the forthcoming novel Lion Attack! Oliver Mol, writer and queer activist Annaliese Constable, Cameron James (Jekyll x James, triple j's Chatback). Previous confessors include Brendan Cowell, Tracey Spicer, Sarah Blasko, Osher Günsberg (Andrew G), Yumi Stynes, Benjamin Law, Nahji Chu, Rhys Muldoon, Gen Fricker, Catcall, Rainbow Chan, Marcus Whale, Michael Hing, Levins, SPOD, Nick Coyle and more. But it's not just a passive sharefest. If you've got a story you're dying to share, you can divulge during the audience confession segment — dig deep enough and you might find yourself carrying home a prize (probably booze and a significant weight off your shoulders). By Jasmine Crittenden and Shannon Connellan.
Glebe's long-standing Mexican haunt is known for its cheap tacos and glowing wall of tequilas. Using fresh, seasonally available produce and imported spices and sauces that are usually only found in Mexico or the US, the taco menu is well-researched and constantly changes. For $16, you get two fresh, soft corn tortillas, which you can fill with either panko-crumbed prawns, jackfruit with black beans, beef brisket, grilled chicken or mango and avocado. As the name suggests, sizzling plates of fajitas are also hugely popular here. Build your own little burritos or soft-shelled tacos with a whole assortment of fillings and sauces. Pair it with a tequila or mezcal flight, and you're in for a good night without breaking the bank. Flying Fajita Sistas is home to cheap, cheerful and damn tasty food. It's a no-brainer for groups seeking a big feed in Glebe.
Since launching in the US in January, female friend-matching app hey! VINA has been the talk of BFF-seeking ladies everywhere. For anyone that's tried to boost their girl gang with people they meet at parties, work, cafes and the like, but found the process a little awkward (i.e. everyone), it's the gift that keeps on giving. Now, the popular service is finally going global — albeit with some surprising assistance. Where does the app that's been called "Tinder for girlfriends" get support to expand its remit? From Tinder, it seems. The two entities have teamed up to help more gals look for more pals in more places. With more than 17,000 cities on hey! VINA's waitlist, the demand is certainly there. In fact, the service tallied up over 100,000 users in its first two weeks of operation alone. That's the good news: Aussies, you can now get paired up with fabulous potential friends based on your preferences, location and existing networks of mutual connections (via Facebook), then swipe your way to the perfect pal. Whether you've recently moved away from your besties, or have just found life taking you in different directions, hey! VINA is here to help you make some new mates. Of course, with the app endeavouring to help ladies forge long-lasting platonic bonds, it's okay to raise your eyebrows at their new partnership with a company known for facilitating romantic hook-ups of the much, much, much briefer kind. VINA is adamant that, while they both share a mission to connect people around the world, the two organisation's services remain separate, and that hey! VINA will remain a women-only non-dating social connection platform. Their updated FAQs spell this out, and are clearly designed to assuage any fears that the app will become Tinder 2.0. As for Tinder themselves, their investment and mentorship falls in line with other recent developments aimed to expand their remit — and their status as a go-to app for meeting others. Though trialled in Australia first, Tinder Social launched worldwide in July as a way for different groups of friends to cross paths. And just this month, they joined forces with Spotify to bring music tastes into the matching and swiping process. Image via Dollar Photo Club.
Japan’s beloved illustrator, director and Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki is once again helping us believe in the good of humanity with his latest passion project. Miyazaki is building a park on Kume Island, in the Okinawa Prefecture, a park intended to preserve and celebrate nature and remind children that, to quote Miyazaki himself, “It’s good to be alive.” Pass the tissues please ;_;. The park, which is scheduled for completion in 2018, will inhabit 10,000 square metres of pristine forest and Miyazaki has donated $2.5 million towards the project. Although he is often touted as the Walt Disney of Japan, their parks couldn’t be more dissimilar. Miyazaki’s park will have room for just 30 guests, which leaves a whole lot of space for running through the woods and recreating iconic scenes from Princess Mononoke. And construction and development will be centred around using only local building techniques, resources and labour so you know, it’s the exact opposite of a soulless Disney theme park (and far removed from the beautifully depressing Banksy kind). Here's the plan for Miyazaki's pristine nature park: Perhaps you'll find a few little trolls in the woods: Or little kodama doing their thing: Or a casual forest spirit, hangin': Miyazaki has always been an unwavering social critic, picking apart the wrongs of society in both his films and his public commentary. The countless allegories for environmentalism in his films are not lost on the audience but unlike many celebrity crusaders, he can often be found quietly doing the hard yards as well. Earlier this year he ran a mass public clean-up of the Fuchi no Mori forest, which he saved from development 20 years earlier with a $2.56 million dollar donation, and which is believed to have inspired the setting of My Neighbour Totoro. In the 2013 documentary The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness he told documentarian Mami Sunada of walking to work every day with a rubbish bag in hand to clean up the streets and spending his weekend in gumboots, cleaning up the local river. He might actually be the river spirit from Spirited Away. So, now we all have a few new items to add to the bucket list, including ‘clean rivers’, ‘visit Kume’ and ‘become modern day version of Princess Mononoke’. All are now possible. Via Good Magazine.
It's inevitable that once crowdsourcing platforms like Uber, Airbnb and Foodora began to take off, everyone would try to get on the source. Introducing the latest likeminded business, WelcomeOver, a platform for crowdsourcing dinner parties. This may sound a little strange, but think of it as a friend-food-fun-finding website that turns your dining room into a super exclusive restaurant. Co-founder Johan Schberg got the idea for WelcomeOver while travelling in Indonesia. "I saw a similar platform while travelling in Indonesia and thought that it would resonate perfectly with an Australian audience with our love of food and openness to new experiences. Trust is a core ingredient to the success of the product and if you look at how Australians have embraced platforms like Uber and AirbnB, where trust is also fundamental to success, we thought this would be a perfect market." At present WelcomeOver is focusing on Sydney, with ambitions to expand to Melbourne and Canberra before long. It's a pretty simple premise: the host (generally amateur chefs or hardcore foodies) will put together a menu, then set a time and a price per head and other users can opt into the event. Like most crowdsourcing ideas, the user rates their experience after the fact. The system runs on the joint pillars of trust and reputation, however, still faces the same questions about user safety that plague platforms like Uber and Airbnb — everything from online financial protection to physically putting yourself in the hands of someone you don't know. Home events have been a pretty top socialising choice for Sydneysiders since the introduction of the controversial lockout laws that have been hampering the city's nightlife. Schberg says the project isn't a direct response to the lockouts, but they don't agree with the laws either. "We believe a desperate measure like the lockout laws should only be the very last resort after all other options to provide adequate safety have been tried and proven unsuccessful," he says. "Besides, just a few months prior to the lockout laws, the very same government announced Sydney to be the safest city in the world, so how dangerous was it, really? Looking on the bright side, we are happy that you are still allowed to throw a dinner party at your home in Sydney, and through the WelcomeOver platform there is always a dinner party nearby where you and your friends are invited." There's no doubt though that the restrictive laws have forced party-goers to seek out other ways to have fun and allowed platforms like WelcomeOver to find their niche. And if that means more dinner parties options every weekend, we're so down. Check out WelcomeOver's website for more info. Top image: Krzysztof Puszczyński.
Planning on heading away over the Easter break? You better get your skates on, because the best places are filling up fast. Luckily Airbnb have got plenty of cool and quirky listings for people in need of a holiday. Whether you're organising a group getaway or want something a little more intimate, here are ten awesome spots we reckon are worth a look. DRIVABLE FROM SYDNEY BYRON'S BRAE, POSSUM CREEK Located roughly twenty minutes inland from Byron Bay, this massive property boasts spectacular views, a pool and pool house, five bedrooms, two kitchens and a firepit. It's not cheap, but damn is it pretty. RIVER SHACK, BAR POINT A great spot for an adventurous couple, this luxurious cabin on the Hawkesbury River can only be accessed by boat! Once you're on solid ground you'll find comfortable accommodation including a bedroom, kitchen and indoor/outdoor living space, complete with outdoor fire and two-person hammock. BUSH PARADISE, MT TOMAH Gaze through enormous floor to ceiling windows at the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Mountains. This stylish cabin on the edge of the national park includes a spacious living area, fully equipped kitchen, and even has its own resident peacock, named George. DRIVEABLE FROM MELBOURNE W-CLASS TRAM, LAURISTON An hour drive from Melbourne, this rustic cottage backs onto Lauriston forest and comes complete with its own tiki bar, undercover BBQ area and W-Class tram. That's right, a tram, one that has been carefully converted into its own separate two-bedroom unit. Between that, the main house and a vintage caravan, there's room here for up to nine people. BINAH GUESTHOUSE, GLENBURN This charming two bedroom guesthouse in Glenburn, Victoria sells itself as the perfect bush retreat. The private deck provides you with uninhibited views of the natural landscape, before you venture out to explore the neighbouring Yarra Valley. YARINGA, KENNETT RIVER Why choose between visiting the beach and the bush when you can do both? This three bedroom holiday house on the Great Ocean Road sits on stilts on the edge of a eucalyptus forest, with views overlooking the ocean. DRIVEABLE FROM BRISBANE ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY, FERNVALE With 360 degree views of the secluded Brisbane Valley, this five bedroom property in Fernvale seems like the ultimate place to relax. Laze about in either one of the two sun lounges, or go for a paddle in the heated outdoor pool. If you're in a more recreational mood, you can also go fishing in the nearby Brisbane River. COUNTRY CREEK RETREAT, COOROY This one bedroom house surrounded by rainforest and rolling hills looks absolutely gorgeous. Enjoy a cookout under the stars, or go hang with platypus and turtles at the nearby billabong. BRIGHTON KITE SHED, BRIGHTON Spacious and modern, this studio apartment in Brighton is located right by the seaside, and just twenty minutes from the centre of Brisbane. It's also only a quick walk to Sandgate village, replete with shops, restaurants and cafes. NEEDS A FLIGHT PRIVATE RIVER VALLEY SUITE, UBUD For those of you with a bit more disposable income, why not try jetting off to Bali. Located around thirty minutes out of Denpasar, this luxury retreat is 200m from the beach and includes a plunge pool, private outdoor bathtub, four post queen bed and an in-house chef. Don't act like you're not tempted. NZ ARCHITECT'S HOLIDAY HOME, WAIHEKE ISLAND This ultra-modern lodging on Waiheke Island near Auckland was recently shortlisted for the NZ Home of the Year Award. After snooping around the Airbnb listing, it's certainly not hard to see why. If it weren't for all the surrounding foliage, you'd think you were holidaying in the not too distant future. THE BOOT, TASMAN, NEW ZEALAND Why bother visiting the Lord of the Rings set when you can spend your entire holiday living in a fairy tale? Describing this one bedroom lodging seems a little bit redundant. You're not blind. It's a boot. You shouldn't need us to tell you why that's awesome.
Sometimes it can feel like making solid female friends is tougher than getting a Tinder date. Much tougher. Women often feel the pressure of social conditioning that encourages them to compete for male attention and view other women as threats. In this sort of landscape, it can be pretty intimidating to approach a fly girly at a party and say “I dig your vibe, let’s get a coffee sometime and validate the living shit out of each other”. Enter hey! VINA, an app created by developers VINA out of California, which is being touted as Tinder for girlfriends. The app matches you up with likely friends based on your preferences, location and existing networks of mutual connections (via Facebook), letting you swipe your way to the perfect pal. It’s a genius idea and women all over the world have been psyched for hey! VINA to kick off in their city. In fact, the VINA team can barely keep up with demand and have had a crazy few weeks trying to roll it out to all the women who want it. There’s a waitlist! And of course, the app is available for use by all women and everybody who identifies as female. But why is the app necessary and so incredibly popular? Olivia Poole, VINA co-founder and CEO alongside CTO Jen Aprahamian, says that strong female friendships are everything. Literally, everything. "Studies show that relationships are more successful when women have a strong circle of female friends, and we're in an era professionally where it's important for women to think like the "boys club" and support one another and push each other forward in our careers. There's the old saying that you're the sum of the five people you spend the most time with, so it's important to surround yourself with women that you admire and inspire you to be the best version of yourself." Poole says the overwhelming response may have something to do with the rise of the girl gang over the last few years and the prominence of non-competitive female friendships and #squadgoals, as demonstrated by girl-gang queen herself, Taylor Swift. Or it may be that more woman are finding themselves isolated from their friendship groups as life changes, such as moving cities and having babies start, to take a toll. "Our social circles are always in flux, and it's important to invest time in building new relationships with new friends on consistent basis," says Poole "Everything great that's ever happened in my life has generally come through my network of friends." Poole adds that Australia is definitely on their radar for hey! VINA. The best way to get the app out here faster is to sign up and get on the waitlist, which you can do over here. In the meantime, check out the VINA's air-punchy girl-power app Ladybrag, where women celebrate the little victories. Image via Dollar Photo Club.
It's been a big few months for gadgets. In September Apple released the iPhone 7 and, just last week, Google released their first ever fully-Google phone, the Pixel. The new MacBook Pro went on sale today after an early morning our-time launch by Apple in California — and devotees are very, very excited. Thinner, shinier and way more powerful than previous iterations, the computer will retail for between $2199 and $2999 depending on which of the three models you're after (more on that in a second). It's probably not the sort of cash you blow willy-nilly, so before you make any impulse buys — and, yes, we realise the temptation is strong and the online store is right there — we've taken a gander at the specs and broken down Apple's new laptop into five key talking points. IT'S WAY THINNER 17 percent thinner, to be precise. The new MacBook Pro is available in two screen sizes: 13-inch and 15-inch. They come in at 14.9 and 15.5 millimetres, respectively. Thinner also means lighter, with a weight of 1.37 and 1.8 kilograms (also respectively). The accepted wisdom is that these bad boys will replace the MacBook Air, may it rest in peace. THE KEYBOARD HAS A NEW LED TOUCHSCREEN BAR The coolest addition to the new MacBook Pro is the organic LED function bar that replaces the standard keys for controlling volume, brightness and so on. The so-called Touch Bar (proper noun) can do all those things, but can also be customised depending on what you're doing at the time. So for example, if you're using the internet, the Touch Bar can display your favourites or open tabs. It can even be used as an emoji keyboard — what a brave new world this is. The Touch Bar is available on both 13-inch and 15-inch models, although there is also a cheaper 13-inch variant without it. YOU CAN LOG IN USING YOUR FINGERPRINT One of the additional upsides of the Touch Bar is that it enables Touch ID. Located on the power button (makes sense), the sensor lets users log into their MacBook using their fingerprint, just as the they can with their iPhone. The sensor also works with Apple Pay, making it that much easier to splurge on more Apple products in the future. THE TRACKPAD IS ENORMOUS AND USES ELECTROMAGNETIC TECHNOLOGY The new MacBook Pro trackpad seems the same as ever, but don't let yourself be deceived. Rather than actually depressing when a user pushes down, electromagnets within the track pad shift to create that clicking sensation, meaning the pad itself doesn't physically give at all. Sorcery! It's also nearly twice as large as one previous MacBook Pros. THE USB AND CHARGE PORTS HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED The downside of making your laptop so much thinner is that you don't have room for all the fancy holes. Gone is the standard USB and MagSafe charging ports, replaced by four identical Thunderbolt 3 powered USB-C ports. The ports are incredibly versatile, and can be used for power, USB, HDMI and more. Good idea, but it promises to be a bit of a pain in the short term, with adapters required for all your current devices, including your brand spanking new iPhone 7. Typical. The new MacBook Pro is available from today, Friday, October 28. For more info, visit apple.com/macbook-pro.
There's no missing the iconic Sirius building, with its Brutalist, box-like design standing tall by the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Alas, despite public rallies and crowdfunding campaigns to save the building, and even court intervention against the New South Wales government's plan to sell it off, it was put up for sale in December. For the city, that means farewelling the distinctive structure as we know it. What Sirius' future holds is uncertain — though, sadly, it's likely to be bought by developers, and then demolished to make room for new apartments — but on Saturday, January 13 Sydneysiders were invited to take one last wander through the building as it currently stands before it closes next month. Sirius architect Tao Gofers, aka the man behind the design, lead us through the 79-unit tower, up to the top floor still inhabited by the final remaining resident, 91-year-old Myra Demetriou. It was a historic chance to take a last tour of a historic site, which not only proves an important part of 70s history and a great example of Brutalist architecture, but has also provided public housing for decades — allowing people on low incomes to live in the centre of this expensive city and enjoy harbour views. Images: Kimberley Low. Words: Jasmine Crittenden.
If playing with sweet fluffy kitties while sipping a latte isn't enough to ease these stressful times, Catmosphere is taking it to the next level this holiday season. The geniuses behind the space-themed cat cafe are bringing you cat yoga — every Thursday from 5-6pm, you can spend an hour in the cat room and indulge in the furriest yoga class yet. For a mere $25, participants get 45 minutes of yoga and 15 minutes of cat cuddle time. Forget downward facing dog — poses to expect include the cat/meow and child's purr. The class caters to all experience levels, especially those who want their yoga session interrupted by the curious 'Castronauts' — rescues from the Sydney area who'd love to interrupt your zen with loud, adorable purring. Check the website for the next available booking. And meet the cats before you go. Catmosphere is located at 66 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills. For more information, opening hours visit the website. Image: Andy Fraser.
When Australian audiences embrace our own films, we tend to do it in a very big way. Last year, Lion had viewers everywhere in tears. In the years prior, we were turning out in droves for The Dressmaker and Mad Max: Fury Road. And, even when local efforts aren't setting the box office alight, our homegrown flicks are still tearing up cinema screens with a showcase of Aussie talent. The Babadook, Snowtown, Mystery Road, Goldstone, Tracks, These Final Hours, 52 Tuesdays, Holding the Man, Sherpa, Hounds of Love, Jasper Jones, Ali's Wedding — they're just some of the ace Australian films that've reached theatres in recent years. In 2018, they'll be joined by these ten movies you need to put on your viewing list. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYKBG1znk4A SWEET COUNTRY An Australian western set during the late 1920s in the Northern Territory, Sweet Country boasts plenty of well-known talent, including Bryan Brown, Sam Neill, Matt Day and Ewen Leslie. It's the director behind the movie that should grab your attention, however, with his long-awaited second fictional feature absolutely essential viewing. In an impassioned race-relations drama that finds the struggles of the past painfully still relevant to Australia in the present, Samson & Delilah's Warwick Thornton crafts a searing piece of cinema about an Aboriginal stockman, a cruel station owner and the fallout when they cross paths. Make no mistake, it'll be gathering a heap of shiny trophies when Aussie awards season rolls around at the end of 2018. In cinemas January 25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMrhANU1-X4 CARGO He's already played Tim from The Office, Bilbo Baggins and John Watson — and now, Martin Freeman takes on the guise of a father trying to save his baby during the apocalypse. Based on Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke's Tropfest short of the same name, the South Australian-made film plunges into dystopian sci-fi territory amidst Australia's sparse landscape, and takes locals such as Susie Porter, Anthony Hayes and David Gulpilil along for the ride. Oh, and for added thrills in what proves an involving, gorgeously shot, environmentally and Indigenously-minded addition to a well-worn genre, there's zombies as well. A hit at last year's Adelaide Film Festival, it's destined for Aussie cinemas and Netflix. Release date TBC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNndmppBgwM HAVE YOU SEEN THE LISTERS? There's only one way to respond to the question posed by the title of Aussie documentary Have You Seen the Listers? The answer, of course, is yes. If you've walked along a city street in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, you've seen Anthony Lister's work at least once, even if you didn't realise it. Directed by All This Mayhem's Eddie Martin — with the same flair for an engaging story told with insight and authenticity — the film charts his graffiti and art career, and the about-face he faced in Brissie when the council that once paid him to paint decided to take him to court for vandalism. Compelling and moving in equal measure, and candidly personal too, it's a portrait of chasing a dream, finding success and then coming down the other side. In cinemas April 5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY8KFlOm7qo BREATH Returning to Australia's film industry after nearly two decades, Simon Baker doesn't just feature in Breath, the adaptation of Tim Winton's best-seller of the same name. He also ventures behind the camera, making his directorial debut. In both guises, he impresses — particularly, as the feature's guiding force, in coaxing illuminating performances out of standout young stars Samson Coulter and Ben Spence. In a visually, emotionally and tonally assured effort, the pair play surf-obsessed teens who come to idolise Baker's ageing ex-professional wave-rider, and grow close to his retired skier wife (Elizabeth Debicki). In cinemas May 3. [caption id="attachment_653802" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jennifer Kent's The Babadook[/caption] THE NIGHTINGALE Don't worry, Jennifer Kent's second feature won't have you peering under beds, being scared to look in cupboards and thinking twice about pop-up books. Instead, The Babadook director is trading one kind of thrills for another, this time telling the tale of a young woman in Tasmania in the early 19th century. A quest for revenge drives the narrative, with Game of Thrones actress Aisling Franciosi, Their Finest's Sam Claflin, and Aussies Ewen Leslie and Damon Herriman helping to bring it to life. When Franciosi's 21-year-old convict witnesses the death of her family by soldiers, her vengeance begins, as does her journey through the wilderness with an Aboriginal tracker. Release date TBC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u4P4Isv6Zk 1% If Sons of Anarchy was made in Perth, it might look like 1%. Diving into the depths of warring motorcycle gangs, and exploring both internal and external turf wars, it has all of the familiar elements: gritty aesthetics, violent altercations, power struggles, a clash of generations and the club's second-in-charge facing off against his veteran leader all included. And yet, with Ryan Corr and Matt Nable both putting in memorable performances, and Abbey Lee and Aaron Pedersen also among the cast, the debut feature from Stephen McCallum rides its own trail through the brutal bikie genre. Nable also wrote the script, while the film itself started doing the rounds of international festivals late last year. In cinemas August 30. HOTEL MUMBAI In 2008, Mumbai's Taj Mahal Palace Hotel was attacked by terrorists. At least 167 people killed. Making his first feature, Australian writer/director Anthony Maras recreates the horrific incident, which understandably proved harrowing for locals and tourists alike. And, he's doing so with a familiar face to Aussie cinemagoers, with Dev Patel helping lead a noteworthy international cast after doing such a stellar job in 2017 hit Lion. Also on screen: Red Dog: True Blue's Jason Isaacs, 52 Tuesdays' Tilda Cobham-Hervey and Call Me By Your Name's Armie Hammer. In cinemas November 22. [caption id="attachment_585206" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Filmmaker Abe Forsythe[/caption] LITTLE MONSTERS After attacking the Cronulla riots with a sense of humour that made clear the stupidity of racist thinking and hateful actions, Abe Forsythe has a zombie comedy in his sights for his next film. Yes, Aussie filmmakers really are loving the undead this year. Called Little Monsters, it follows a musician who agrees to chaperone his nephew's school excursion, the kindergarten teacher he falls for in the process, a kid's TV entertainer who forms the third part of their love triangle, and the shuffling, brain-eating masses trying to munch on the children. Down Under's Alexander England stars opposite 12 Years a Slave Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o and Beauty and the Beast's Josh Gad. Release date TBC. [caption id="attachment_653812" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Undertow[/caption] UNDERTOW Slated to debut at this year's Melbourne International Film Festival as part of the fest's Premiere Fund, Undertow tussles with grief and obsession as a mourning woman begins to stress about her husband's connection with a pregnant teenager. Namechecking Black Swan and Wish You Were Here as influences on its crowdfunding page, the film is clearly stepping into the psychological thriller realm. Actress-turned-debut feature filmmaker Miranda Nation both writes and directs, and Laura Gordon (Joe Cinque's Consolation), Josh Helman (Wayward Pines) and Olivia de Jonge (Better Watch Out) star. Release date TBC. [caption id="attachment_653809" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Slam[/caption] SLAM An Australian-made and -set effort by Indian-born filmmaker Partho Sen-Gupta (Sunrise), Slam wades into complex — and all-too-topical — territory. When Ameena (Danielle Horvat), a young hijab-wearing Aussie of Palestinian origin, disappears after attending a slam poetry night, the media is quick to paint her as something more than a missing person. For her brother Ricky (Adam Bakri) and mother Rana (Darina Al Joundi), it's an expectedly tense time filled with easy labels and suspicions. Complicating matters is the personal struggle of the police inspector assigned to the case (Rachel Blake), who has just returned to work after losing her soldier son. Release date TBC.
Australian musicians, wish you could play for more people, more often? People with houses — or rooms or sheds or backyards — wish you could see more music, more often, and closer to home? Bingo. A new online start-up platform by the name of Parlour Gigs is making your wishes come true. That’s the both of you. And indie acts like Thelma Plum, Grand Salvo and Caitlin Harnett are already taking advantage of it. Here’s how it works. (Hint, if you use Airbnb already, you’ll have some idea). Musicians, jump on the site, hit the 'I want to play' button and fill out the form. People with houses, jump on the site, hit the 'I want to host' button and fill out a form. If the Parlour folks are happy with your superior form-filling skills (i.e. you sound pretty talented or your place looks music-friendly), they’ll hook the two of you up. Tickets are then sold to the general public via the Parlour website. The man behind the initiative is Matt Walters, a singer-songwriter from Melbourne. "[Parlour's] not dissimilar to the Airbnb model; cutting out the middlemen and allowing people to negotiate and stage gigs where they like,” he told Tone Deaf. "From being signed to a major label, to touring with some incredible international artists, I've certainly experienced all the ups and downs the music business has to offer. "But for some time now, I’ve felt a change coming on. Of course, with the traditional music model well and truly behind us, there is more emphasis than ever on playing live... For most musicians — especially those up and coming — it's hardly worth it. The experience of playing a great show can be a reward unto itself, but at the end of the day artists, like all working people, need to get paid for their work." Get started on Parlour over here. Via Tone Deaf. Images: Parlour.
A few weeks ago, Merivale announced eight new venues that will seriously raise Sydney's food and drink game (Danielle Alvarez at Fred's, Eric Koh at The Queen Victoria, a spruced-up Ivy Pool Club, a Merivale-style chicken shop and Ben Greeno at The Paddington? Yes, please). Let's add to those venues J&M — a plush new whisky bar in the Angel Hotel. Opening on November 11, the bar draws on its glamorous past as the former site of the iconic House of Merivale and it shows in the interiors. Think rich green velvets, sleek brown leathers and copper accents. It also wouldn't be a whisky bar without the prerequisite chesterfield lounges. Merivale is going all out with this one; J&M boasts a specially imported drinks trolley, named 'The Sidecar' (a collaboration between Moore & Giles and acclaimed barman Jim Meehan) and a long glass bar. J&M is a tribute to the late John Hemmes and his wife Merivale, so it only seems fitting that it would be located where their empire began. Initially launching as a Chivas Regal 18 showcase, J&M wants you to have a "unique, sensory whisky experience". In a clever nod to the empire's roots as a fashion label, the bar's bespoke haberdashery cabinets will be filled with the ingredients that make up Chivas 18. Settle into one of the comfy lounges and enjoy personal trolley service, or sit at the bar to get a side of whisky knowledge with your drink. J&M has an upper hand compared to other bars in that it will stock exclusive whiskies that you can't buy anywhere else in the country. If straight whisky isn't your thing, you can try one of their specially-crafted cocktails with fun names like the 'Blood and Marie' (Chivas Regal 18yo, Cynar, Cherry Heering, Antica Formula, pink grapefruit and cherry dust) and the 'POPSCOF'(buttered popcorn washed Chivas Regal 18yo, salted caramel syrup, bitters and Himalayan salt). A short menu will also be available if you need some nibbles with your drink. J&M is a welcome addition to the city's bar scene and your chance to savour a slice of Sydney history and some world-class whiskies. J&M will be located on Level 2 of the Angel Hotel, 125 Pitt St, Sydney and will open on November 11.
After collaborating with The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne, nabbing a Coachella spot and spinning her way to international success over the past year, Sydney's Alison Wonderland is embarking on her second tour of industrial warehouse parties. Wonderland Warehouse Project 2.0 is set to hit the road nationwide from late May, the highly anticipated sequel to her wildly successful 2014 tour of the same name. Armed with a fresh set of tracks from debut album RUN, Wonderland will be popping up in secret locations across the country for what's pinned to be some seriously huge shows. Bringing electronica out of the clubs and into a string of mystery warehouses, this powerhouse Sydney DJ is going to run some rather unconventional, mega-scale dancefloors. Set to make her first appearance at Coachella in the States in April, off the back of casually working with Wayne Coyne for her latest record, Wonderland appears to have quite the 2015 in store. After last year's sell-out tour, get in quick to secure your spot at these epic warehouse shindigs. Last release ickets are now $55, but will sell quicker than you can fall down a rabbit hole.
Renowned Sydney establishment The Grounds of Alexandria, which has been teasing us with for years with hints of expanding, is finally opening a second location in the Galeries on George Street in late 2015/early 2016. Although the primary instinct of most popular venues is to expand like a startled puffer fish, the Grounds of Alexandria have held off on doing so for years. Co-director Ramzey Choker told Good Food that The Grounds are foremost about creating memorable experiences, which explains why they've kept the focus on making the current location as magical and social media-friendly as it can be. And it’s certainly worked. The Grounds have made their mark as a bonafide Wonka factory/fairy garden for Instagram-happy adults; a suburban grotto that spans an acre and includes a coffee research and education facility, artisan bakery, florist and permaculture garden complete with a petting zoo (want to pat a pony with your morning coffee? See you there). There are also plans to expand the original Grounds to include a cider room, meat shop, children’s cinema and wood chopping area to accommodate literally all of your old-timey nostalgic needs. Choker said that the new venue isn’t aiming to mimic the Huntley Street gardens but to create a space and experience that is unique to the CBD location. Fingers crossed for another petting zoo. Via Good Food.
That Banksy. Who knows what he’s going to do next, or where she’s going to pop up, or how they stay so tricksy? In the latest unofficial edition of 'where in the world is Banksy?', the answer is Gaza. Yes, the art world’s chief enigma has visited the conflict-ravaged strip of coastline — and he’s made a video to prove it. Exit Through the Gift Shop this isn’t, though it does share the same sense of humour. Banksy’s Gaza clip might just be the darkest tourism video you’ve ever seen. With the plight of the 1.8 million Palestinians who call Gaza home clearly on his mind, Banksy walks through the streets — unseen by the camera, of course — to show the daily reality of its miles upon miles of rubble. “Make this the year YOU discover a new destination,” he tells us, before surveying the dismal sights well off the beaten track. Typical advertising catch-phrases — such as “nestled in an exclusive setting” and “plenty of scope for refurbishment” — pop up over footage of crumbling buildings. The sad facts follow, telling in no uncertain terms what life is like for Gaza residents. It’s a bleak picture. The video also features other evidence of his time there, or what may be his gloomiest residency in history. New Banksy artworks litter the bomb-damaged strip, as first seen on his Instagram account two days ago, followed by his website this morning. Yes, he’s been spray-painting up a storm all over the place, making a statement with street art. His murals call attention not only to the situation but to the disinterest displayed by most of the world in response. One, an image of a cute cat, perhaps says it all. Or maybe the accompanying text on his website does: “A local man came up and said 'Please — what does this mean?' I explained I wanted to highlight the destruction in Gaza by posting photos on my website — but on the internet people only look at pictures of kittens.”
When you've spent close to a metric fucktonne of time writing, developing and recording the individual songs of an album, sometimes you'd like people to stop and appreciate each morsel. Ahead of the release of their highly-anticipated debut album For the Company, Sydney folk trio Little May invited 11 of their favourite local artists to do just that, to create an artwork of any medium, inspired by the 11 tracks of the album. It's a highly unique way to launch an album, culminating in an exhibition dubbed #ArtForTheCompany and set to coincide with the release of the album on October 9. Set to run Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4, the exhibition will take over the newly opened Goodspace, upstairs at the Lord Gladstone Hotel in Chippendale. Music-wise, you'll be able to settle into little listening pods to hear Little May's album in full ahead of its official release date, while checking out each track's inspired artwork. Little May, or Liz Drummond, Hannah Field and Annie Hamilton, have seen visual art as integral to their band — all the artwork for the album and the band's promo material has been designed by Hamilton herself. So with aesthetics aplenty planned for the exhibition, this is a pretty perfect way for the three Sydneysiders to launch their debut effort into public ears, with all senses covered. So who are Little May's chosen artists? The exhibition will feature work from acclaimed photographers Mclean Stephenson and Prue Stent, Sydney-based muralist Mulga, fashion label Serpent & The Swan, illustrator Georgia Hill, Ears, Honey Long, Antwerpen, Emily Ellis, Furry Little Peach and Luschia Porter. Check out Luschia Porter's Little May-inspired creation is this pretty, pretty video: We’re so lucky to have the incredibly talented Luschia Porter - Illustration + Object Design amongst a bunch of our favourite local artists contributing to our #artfothecompany exhibition. Lusch visually interpreted our song ‘Cicadas’ and we can’t wait to see the finished product at Goodspace from next Friday <3 Posted by Little May on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 #ArtForTheCompany runs October 2 to 4 at Goodspace, above the Lord Gladstone Hotel, Chippendale. Little May's debut album For The Company is out October 9 via Dew Process and Universal Music Australia.
While many venues are gunning for the #minimalist look nowadays (you know the one — white walls, polished concrete floors, industrial fittings and a deconstructed menu), we're delighted to report that the recently relaunched tavern The New Britannia remains faithful to its historic bones, daggy pizza joint roots and underworld ancestors. A cornucopia of odds and ends, locally-sourced dark timber and dim tavern lighting, The New Britannia pulls together elements from its previous life as a working class Sydney pub — including a few ghost stories, ask the owners. Seriously, they had to burn sage in the space after a few spooky occurrences — the pub's apparently seen more than one murder in its day, and according to the South Sydney Herald, it's the pub where corrupt cop Roger 'Dodger' Rogerson had a cheeky beer in 1981 before shooting Sydney underworld boss Warren Lanfranchi nearby in Dangar Place. Now at peace with the undead, the bar's new custodians are the young and hungry bespoke hospitality collective the Idle Group. They've built up a reputation around their other venues, the Neighbourhood in Bondi and Henrietta Supper Club, and are delivering the goods at The New Britannia too. The site previously housed the beloved but undeniably daggy Millennium Bar Pizzeria and the kitchen fitout remains, so the menu is packed with pizza options (tip: most of them are weird). Try the 'Uncle Randy's Big Brisket Delight' — brisket bolognese with mozzarella — part pizza, part pasta, all delicious. Another other menu highlight worth your time is the burgers. 'The Dodger' burger (named after our aforementioned dodgy mate Rodger 'Dodger' Rogerson) is the hero of the menu and made with a juicy beef pattie, American cheese, iceberg lettuce, onions and pickles. And get this, the bar menu also offers a chip butty (remember those? They're back!) made with white bread stuffed with crunchy beer battered chips, house butter and tomato sauce served with pickles. Sweet carby Jesus. If that doesn't pique your interest, we're really not sure what will. The New Britannia has an unpretentious, blue collar vibe and a reasonable menu that could smother the hunger of even the filthiest miner, dragging a pick back from a day of heaving ho, and we couldn't be happier (or hungrier). The New Britannia is now open at 103 Cleveland Street, Darlington. Open Monday to Saturday 12pm-12am and Sunday 5pm-12am.
A midnight feast, a sensory degustation and a fancy schmancy picnic catered by some of the hottest chefs in town are among the highlights of this year's spectacular Good Food Month program. Taking over Sydney for the whole month of October, this annual culinary cavalcade will once again see the city transformed into the foodie equivalent of Valhalla, with parties, sit-down dinners and everything in-between to satisfying your most extravagant cravings. This year they're packing as much as they can into every one of the 31 days in October. And while a heap of the big ticket events — such as the Golden Century midnight feast — have already sold out, there's still a heap you can still sneak in to. Clear your calendar and start fasting now.
No cruise ship festival fun for you, Australia. Sea N Beats, the event set to be Australia’s first ever music festival at sea, was supposed to set sail March 5-8, 2016. But this morning, the crew announced the cancellation of the event, due to "challenges that could not be overcome". Posted on their website and Facebook this morning, the organisers said: "Australia’s first cruise ship Festival, Sea ‘N Beats, announces with regret the cancellation of their March 5-8, 2016 event. Whilst every possibility in the hope of proceeding with Australia’s first cruise ship festival has been looked at, ultimately all parties involved concluded that conducting a music festival at sea comes with challenges that could not be overcome." "The risk factors surrounding the event were ultimately assessed by all parties involved as too great to continue. Whilst every potential avenue to save Sea N Beats was exhausted, ultimately we have been left with no option but to cancel." All ticket buyers have been individually contacted via email and full refunds will be issued. At this stage, Sea N Beats will not be looking at another departure date for the cruise. Set to boast seven stages and a huge pool deck, Sea N Beats was set to be one huge enterprise, with the likes of Alison Wonderland, Peking Duk, Allday, SAFIA, Wave Racer, Cyril Hahn, Tkay Maidza, Hayden James and more on the lineup. Tickets also included entry to an exclusive mystery island festival on an exclusive mystery island, somewhere off the exclusive mystery Queensland coast. Looks like the anchor will stay put on Australia's first answer to S.S. Coachella. By Shannon Connellan and Jessica Surman. Image: Sea N Beats.
While long, lazy lunches enjoyed over hours can be lovely sometimes (and at other times, downright necessary), our busy schedules don't often allow for it. But now, loyalists to Sydney institution Nomad can get their fix with the launch of their new sandwich menu. As an extension of their express lunch menu, which quietly launched in July, owner Rebecca Yazbek and head chef Jacqui Challinor decided sangas were a natural progression: after all, they already bake their own bread and make their own charcuterie in-house. "We know people's schedules are busier than ever before. We want to accommodate those in need a of a short, sharp lunch and who need to be back in the office within the hour," says Yazbek. At $15 a pop, the sandwiches are produce-lead with Mediterranean influences: think crumbed smoked ham hock terrine with pickles and horseradish mayo on a brioche bun, as well as salted crispy eggplant, goats curd and pecorino also on brioche. Sounds like a Nomad version of The Dolphin's $12 'Proper Sandwiches' menu but slightly more upmarket. If a quick, seated bite is more your style, the express lunch condenses the best Nomad has to offer into a one-hour experience. A starter to share, such as zucchini flowers, followed by a choice between wood roasted market fish with sweet and sour eggplant, or steak with chargrilled baby cabbage will set you back $40. Nomad's sandwiches and express lunch menu are available Wednesday – Friday from 12–2.30pm. Bookings are encouraged and walk-ins accepted. Find Nomad at 16 Foster Street, Surry Hills
Less than two months into 2017, and the best film to reach Australian cinemas so far is a queer tale of identity, masculinity and longing. Don't just take our word for it — take the Oscars', too, where Moonlight will hopefully pick up many of the eight awards its nominated for. That's just the beginning of what's shaping up to be a fantastic year in LGBTIQ film, and if there's ever an event that makes that clear for Sydney residents, it's the annual Mardi Gras Film Festival. The cinema-focused offshoot of Sydney's inclusive celebration is back from February 15 to March 2, and positively bursting with must-see, must-talk-about flicks, including Moonlight, plus our picks of the program. TOMCAT The 2017 Berlin Film Festival is currently brightening up Germany with the latest and greatest in cinema — and, while it might take a few months or more for the hits of this year's fest to make it to Australian shores, one of 2016's standouts is flying the flag at the Mardi Gras film festival. Winning the Teddy Award for its tale of Vienna love disrupted unexpectedly, Tomcat explores just how a seemingly idyllic life can suddenly unravel. And, while the movie is about many things — the psychology of relationships, most prominently — a cat certainly does feature. WOMEN WHO KILL If you hosted a podcast about murders, it probably wouldn't be long until you started experience a rather predictable side effect: seeing evidence of homicidal tendencies in the people you meet in everyday life. If it sounds like the premise to a paranoia-laced horror-comedy, well, that's because it is. From writer/director and star Ingrid Jungermann, and also featuring A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night's Sheila Vand, Women Who Kill finds mystery, thrills and amusement in romantic suspicions of the both heightened and relatable kind. OUT OF IRAQ Just last year, Australian filmmaker Eva Orner endeavoured to expose the reality of Australia's offshore treatment of refugees to the world with Chasing Asylum, a documentary big on both detail and revelations. Now, she's ready to unleash her follow-up. Out of Iraq is something completely different, telling a love story between two Iraqi soldiers — however, this 13-years-in-the-making effort shares one thing with its predecessor. No, it's not the act of hopping between countries, although the film's four-nation tour definitely does that. Instead, prepare for a doco that might seem small in scope, but proves huge in its impact. BAD GIRL New town, new home, new mates — none of the above screams moody thriller, but audiences shouldn't let this Australian newcomer lull them into a false sense of security. Sure, Bad Girl seems as though it is charting familiar territory — and as its troubled teen protagonist Amy (Sara West) moves to the rural house her adoptive parents want her to call home, and makes a local pal in Chloe (Samara Weaving), it does so often. Still, even though charting the darker side of friendship is similarly commonplace on screen, this Aussie effort boasts more than enough twists and insights to retain attention. KING COBRA We've mentioned many, many times that no film festival program seems to be complete without an appearance by James Franco, but it just keeps proving true. In King Cobra, the never-far-from-a-camera actor jumps into a gay porn biopic about a gay porn scandal. If that's not enough to inspire intrigue, then the rest of the cast should help, with Franco joined by Christian Slater, Alicia Silverstone and Molly Ringwald — aka quite a few '80s and '90s icons all in one movie. Mardi Gras Film Festival runs February 15 to March 2 in various Sydney cinemas. More info here.
Ivanov is a gem. It’s as if Eamon Flack (the production's adaptor/director as well as Belvoir’s new artistic director) has picked up the encyclopaedia of Australian adaptations of European classics and is waving it above his head, proclaiming, “this is how you do an adaptation!” He’s struck gold with this attempt to cut and stitch a Chekhovian original and create an astute social criticism for our country, in our time. He even divulges his secret: “Comedy is tragedy sped up.” The rolling pace of Ivanov is one of its greatest achievements — astoundingly so, when you consider the play revolves around a 35-year-old male's existential crisis. If the purpose of adapting a classic is indeed to resuscitate it — ensure it’s fit for consumption for a new generation of viewers (who have a lot more tugging at their consciousness than the associated woes of the end of Russian imperialism, believe it or not) — then Ivanov is beautifully executed. To be honest, I didn’t know much at all about the play from the outset, except that it was Chekhov’s first completed script and audiences did not quite know what to make of it at its 1887 premiere. An accomplished and playful cast deliver Flack’s writing, which is piercing and clever. Shabelsky (John Bell), Lebedev (John Howard) and Borkin (Fayssal Bazzi) appropriate the ‘money talk’ of Chekhov’s original into discussions about Germany and Greece in the EU bailout saga, and Zinaida (Helen Thomson) and Babakina (Blazey Best) speculate about Chinese investment. Babakina is cast as a Rinehart-esque character, a desperately lonely widow who has learned the hard way money doesn’t keep you warm at night. Ivanov (Ewen Leslie), Sasha (Airlie Dodds), Anna (Zahra Newman), Lvov (Yalin Ozucelik) and Gabriella (Mel Dyer, who ‘acts’ her stage manager job with great understatement and irreverence) complete the ensemble. Thomson, in her nouveau-riche-bogan white jumpsuit is simply joyous to watch. Bell seems completely comfortable as the misbehaving uncle, chuckling at his own jokes and making you fall in love with him despite yourself. Ivanov shouts a stark wake-up call for Australian society, in a very hilarious way. Chekhov/Flack address issues ranging from xenophobia to sustainability, from mental illness to the follies of love. It's all fused in the titular character, performed masterfully by Leslie, who elicits your strong reaction (annoyance?) at his self-obsessed ways. However, the complexity and honesty of Leslie’s portrayal makes it impossible to judge this 'Nick Johnson' – isn’t he just the human mirror for our own crises, as benefactors of first-world prosperity? Ivanov chronicles the complaints of the inheritance class, bemoaning country life and the changes to society (migrant doctors, religious diversity, etc). The set for the first act is lovely, as is the unceremonious way it’s disassembled — the lone spindly tree trying to hang on to life, while its peers have all been removed for the spacious wooden decking. The sky has been painted onto the walls — the expanse of existentialist musings. Running at 2 hours 40 minutes, Ivanov is a full-night venture, but there's pleasure with every minute that passes. A great adaptation — bravo! And if you buy the program, you'll be traveling home with some lovely new writing. Images: Brett Boardman.
The North Face, who makes your favourite, cosiest down jackets and adventure gear, is celebrating 50 years of exploration and hosting a three-day exhibition at aMBUSH Gallery. From November 22 to 24 an immersive gallery will pop up — featuring adventure film screenings, guest speakers and live music. On the Tuesday night guest speaker Cas and Jonesy (explorers on The North Face athlete team) will take the stage, followed by a film screening of Antarctica documentary Crossing the Ice. On Wednesday you'll have the chance to meet and greet The North Face Australia and New Zealand athlete team and catch a screening of adventure film Meru. On the last night, Yosemite National Park-based film Valley Uprising will screen followed by live music from Winterbourne. The North Face opened its first store in 1966 alongside a concert from the Grateful Dead, so as a throwback, Winterbourne will open their set by covering the classic band. We've got two tickets for each night of the exhibition to give away — they include food, drinks, a movie screening and you'll get a sweet gift pack. Enter your details below to win. [competition]599076[/competition]
Dance classes, laidback pub parties, late night house sessions — this is going to be one energetic weekend. Celebrating its very first year in this beats-happy city of ours, MoVement Sydney is a brand new, four-day citywide festival celebrating some of Sydney's best and favourite dance party crews and artists. Running October 22 to 25, MoVement Sydney will see live shows, parties, workshops and more popping up across the city, from the likes of FBi Radio, Motorik, Heavenly, House of Mince, Champain Lyf and plenty more where that came from. Putting a big spotlight on the best party collectives, DJs and producers, and general beats lovers of Sydney, this is one of the most comprehensive marathons of dance, techno, house and everything in between Sydney's seen in an age. Stock up on Berocca. TAKE A DANCE CLASS AT FBi RADIO Sydney’s beloved community radio station and general bunch of legends FBi Radio have had enough of the lad-heavy dance industry and have teamed up with V Energy MoVement to launch to launch a brand new initiative called Dance Class, a means to get more female talent behind the decks. Of course, this needs a big ol' launch party. Kicking off the party and simultaneous live broadcast at 6pm on Thursday, October 22, FBi will see Perth producer Catlips perform, FBi DJs play tunes, and then (of course) there'll be an actual dance class from choreographer Amrita of Hollaback. It’s free and all ages, you'll need to RSVP to get a spot. Thursday, October 22 from 6pm, FBi Radio, 44-54 Botany Road, Alexandria, free with RSVP. GO CRATE DIGGING IN THE ROLLING RECORDS TRUCK This is music you'll have to chase around Sydney, but super worth it. Driving around the city for MoVement Sydney, Rolling Records is a mobile record store, all decked out with wood panelling, selling second-hand vinyl. But it's not just any pop-up shop set-up; there's a DJ booth, listening station and a big ol' sound system. Created by top notch Katoomba resident George Pizer, Rolling Records has been up and running since January this year, popping up all over the joint. Head to the MoVement Sydney website to find out where the truck and George will be parked over the four days of the citywide event. Thursday to Sunday, October 22-25, various Sydney locations PARTY IN THE SUPER OPENAIR WITH THE HOUSE OF MINCE If you're looking for some seriously top shelf and earthworm-level underground house and techno, this is your party. Super OpenAir, one of Sydney’s best outdoor beats parties, is heading back to the Factory for MoVement Sydney, presented by local party crew House of Mince. Music-wise, NYC club queen and genre-spanner Miss Honey Dijon will be bringing her brazen style to the Factory, alongside local legends Simon Caldwell, Ben Drayton, Phil Smart, Matt Vaughan and DREEMS, with Gang of She is hosting the whole thing. Sunday, October 25, The Factory Theatre, Marrickville. Tickets $12-16 +BF. DIVE INTO THE BAD DEEP AQUATIC Enmore's regular late night dance party crew, Bad Deep, is putting on the works for MoVement Sydney. They'll be rolling out their tried and true formula: take some of Sydney's best DJs, pick a crazy theme and bring it all together with some mad sick production design to create one heck of an immersive party. For MoVement Sydney, they'll be diving into an aquatic theme at the Sly Fox for a party tipped to go until 6am. According to the crew, "you might find some pretty weird creatures moving about, some who use bioluminescence to intrigue and entice." You'll also find triple j's Linda Marigliano, Simon Caldwell, The Completely Boys, Human Movement (DJ set) and Bad Deep DJs. Friday, October 23, Sly Fox, Enmore, 9pm - 6am, $10. FIND MOTORIK AND BOYS NOIZE SHOWCASING IN JAM GALLERY Sydney's long lauded rave generators and record label Motorik are teaming up with Alexander Ridha's German label Boysnoize (yep, the same Boys Noize), who have whittled their way into the Australian dance scene. Teaming up for one heck of a techno showcase for MoVement Sydney, the pair will take over Bondi Junction's Jam Gallery with Spank Rock, Jensen Interceptor, Stephane 1993, Made in Paris, Vivi and Motorik Vibe Council to throw everything in their god damn power down. Saturday, October 24 from 9pm to 3am, Jam Gallery, Bondi Junction, $20 first release or $30 on the door. KICK BACK AT A HEAVENLY PUB PARTY If you're looking for a truly local slice of Sydney beats, follow Heavenly to the Chippendale Hotel. Hot damn, local lads Ben Fester, T Mingus and Adrian E sure know their stuff, and they've invited quite the crew for a laidback but inevitably epic pub party. This isn't your regular collection of beatsmiths: Sleep D, Ben Fester back to back with Preacha, Luis CL, Alba, Hannah Lockwood, Cop Envy, Noise in My Head, Subaske, Lady Shave and Aidan Gavin. If you're looking for a different dance vibe, this is your party. Saturday, October 24 from 2pm - midnight, The Chippendale Hotel, Chippendale, $10-25 +BF. TAKE A UK GARAGE ODYSSEY If you've found yourself at Goodgod Small Club surrounded by garridge, chances are you've enjoyed the delights of Champain Lyf. Sydney's UK garage-loving collective have been putting on beats-heavy nights in the CBD basement for some time now, but now they're inviting Sydneysiders to board the H.M.A.S. Lyf and embark upon a UK garage odyssey, somewhere in Sydney. Expect two levels of UKG, NY Garage, 2 step and a whole bunch of Craig David from an Aussie-centric lineup: B_A (Just: Wax), Ritual (The Record Store), 'fm' (Dysney), T-Syd, Adrian E, LUPR, Jon Watts and Danny Banger. Saturday, October 24 from 6-11pm, H.M.A.S. Lyf, $15-25 +BF. ENJOY A FEW SUNDAY SUNDOWNERS AT DANIEL SAN It's not all late-night journeys and early morning kick-ons for MoVement Sydney, there's some daytime action as well. Daniel San's regular weekend session Sunday Sundowners has become a bit of a go-to in Manly, bringing all the deep tropical house to the beachfront. Manly's only Japanese fusion rock and roll bar, Daniel San is keeping punters on their toes as usual, teeing up six house DJ battles for a MoVement Sydney afternoon party, with Robbie Lowe, Tyson Bruun, Garth Linton, Pip Dalton, Tech No More, Persian Rug, Sam Roberts, Jimmi Walker, Kaiser Waldon and Tristan Case playing back to back. Spin the sushi roulette and let some solid Sydney tropical house soothe your wasabi rush. Sunday, October 25 from 3pm, Daniel San, Manly, free. There's plenty more where these came from, including a huge party at Chinese Laundry with Seekae and Ghastly, a huge S.A.S.H. day party at the Greenwood, Picnic Social at Harpoon Harry, vinyl DJ lessons at The Record Store, a UV party at Northies and more. MoVement Sydney runs October 22-25 across Sydney. Check the website for the full program and tickets. Images: MoVement Sydney, Rolling Records, Super OpenAir, Dollar Photo Club, Motorik, Heavenly, Champain Lyf.
A supermarket in Germany is cutting through the supply chain and giving a whole new meaning to the concept of farm-to-table. Located in the Friedrichshain district of Berlin, a store in the METRO Cash & Carry chain is now home to the first in-store farm in Europe. The Kräuter Garten (herb garden) is a walk-in vertical farm built by Berlin-based startup INFARM. Resembling a small greenhouse, it utilises hydroponic technology to grow herbs and vegetables in a compact space. Shoppers are then able to pick the best looking greens straight from the growing plants. Good luck finding produce fresher than that. "This type of cultivation, which is termed hydroponics, enables customers to receive the freshest possible goods without any use of pesticides. In addition, METRO's carbon footprint benefits because of the absence of a transportation route," reads a statement on the METRO website. "The vertical cultivation saves space in terms of floor area. In METRO's Berlin-Friedrichshain store, various types of herbs and vegetables thrive on around five square metres of space. The high-tech facility supplies each individual plant with the optimum amount of nutrients and light." Given the high economic and environmental cost associated with transporting food, it seems like METRO could really be onto something with this idea. Hopefully someone at Woolies is paying attention. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldJ66k2MPdQ Via Vice.
Fancy a fancy cuppa? Sydney’s first organic tea bar, The Rabbit Hole, has opened in Redfern, reviving the age-old cup of tea with experimental brewing techniques and eclectic tea variations — it's not everywhere you'll find chunks of real pineapple in your tea. Sitting pretty as a 50-seater bar on Abercrombie Street, The Rabbit Hole has been designed by Matt Woods (Devon on Danks, Bloodwood, Beccafico) as an ode to the humble cup of tea — from Chilean artist Valeria Burgoa's teabag sculpture to the revolutionary Steampunk crucibles used for brewing single origin teas. This isn't just any ol' flight of fancy by a casual tea drinker, the brains behind The Rabbit Hole take their tea seriously. This little labour of love has been pioneered by Corinne Smith and Amara Jarratt, co-creators of the Sydney Tea Festival at Carriageworks and founding members of the Australasian Specialty Tea Association. The Rabbit Hole has been supplying Sydney's cafes and restaurants with their own tea leaves for some time now, celebrated for their weird and wonderful additions like coconut shavings, pineapple chunks and unexpected spices. Tea-wise, there's an insane amount to choose from. The Rabbit Hole will see a seasonally-changing menu of innovative blends and single origin teas you can try in-store or take home, alongside unique creations like the Guayusa Tea Shot, a clean yet supercharged caffeine hit. Needless to say, you won't find a cup of coffee in this joint — although customers can make the signature Rabbit Hole Chai Latte ‘dirty’ with a shot of espresso. Democratic. Nosh-wise, tea seeps into every corner of the food menu, from matcha granola served with seasonal fruit and unsweetened yoghurt, to tea marbled egg with kimchi and black sesame, and beef slow-cooked in black tea. Expect plenty of tea-themed events at The Rabbit Hole over the next few months, including Bespoke Brew for Good Food Month, a hands-on single origin tea appreciation workshop on October 15. Find The Rabbit Hole at 146 Abercrombie Street, Redfern. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 4pm, Sunday 9am to 4pm.
The Australian ridesharing economy is set to go the way of Asia and Europe, with new company Scooti launching its fleet of scooter taxis on Melbourne today, Monday, March 25. CEO Brett Balsters boasts the service — which is, yes, government compliant — as a cheaper, faster and more eco-conscious mode of transport. It may sound odd for Australia, but scooter taxis are by no means a novel idea. Motorbikes and scooters already act as taxis all across Asia, as well as in European cities like Amsterdam and Florence — though this is the first time the concept has been implemented in Australia. So how does it work? Riders can request a pickup using the Scooti app, much like how you request a ride through Uber. The scooters will be available between 5am and 10pm and, for the moment, will only operate within a ten-kilometre radius of Melbourne Town Hall in the CBD. That means you'll be able to travel as far as Coburg, Footscray, Elwood, Hawthorn and Thornbury. Price-wise, you can expect it to be pretty on par with other ridesharing services per kilometre and minute — but, as you'll be on a scooter and able to move through traffic, your fare will presumably be lower. Also, as you'll only be able to ride solo, it could be a good option when you don't have anyone to split a cab with. Bikes will have a luggage box for small handbags and items, but you'll need to wear a backpack if you're travelling with more stuff. Drivers are also required to have an extra helmet for you, and they'll have hair nets on hand if you're grossed out by the idea of sharing headgear. As with any ridesharing company, drivers can use their own scooters as long as they meet Scooti's mechanical, safety, comfort and hygiene standards. All drivers are accredited by Commercial Passenger Vehicle Victoria and will have passed criminal, driving and medical history checks. Scooti is also offering up benchmark pay rates and rewards in the transport services/delivery category, which should mean the pay will sit fairly within Australian salary standards. If true-to-word, this could set them apart, as pay continues to be a major issue within the ridesharing and delivering industries. And while it's just tackling Melbourne for now, Scooti plans to launch in Sydney and Queensland soon. Stay tuned. You can now request a ride from Scooti in Melbourne, so keep an eye out for the scooters around town. For more information or to download the app, head to their scooti.com.au.
For everyone who can't make a trip to IKEA to buy furniture and homewares without eating meatballs, but also doesn't eat meat, the Swedish retailer has added both vegetarian and plant-based versions to its range in recent years, including Down Under. But what if you feel the same about the chain's hot dogs? Enter IKEA's plant dogs, which have just hit Australian stores. Let's be honest — getting through a visit to the brand's warehouse-sized outlets doesn't just involve shopping, and also deciding that everything in your house could use a facelift, but also working up an appetite while browsing and buying. Accordingly, it usually entails tucking into one of IKEA's famed bites, whether you're sitting down for those meatballs mid-shop or nabbing a hot dog on the way to the car. Obviously, the original meaty hot dogs that've been on offer for more than four decades aren't going anywhere; however, these new plant dogs expand the range. They're made from rice protein, plus carrot, onion and apple — and they'll set you back $2 a dog. IKEA is working to make 50 percent of the meals in its restaurant meals plant-based by 2025, with offering plant dogs the next step in that direction. In Sydney only, on four individual dates, the brand is also busting out a plant dog truck to hand out freebies. You'll find it at IKEA Marsden Park from 2–6pm on Tuesday, May 28 and at IKEA Tempe from 11am–3pm on Wednesday, May 29. After that, it's popping up at Centenary Square in Parramatta from 12–4pm on Thursday, May 30 and at Dolphin Court at Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Beach, from 11am–3pm on Saturday, June 1. To nab a free taste — your choice of a plant dog or plant balls — from the yellow-hued truck at its Sydney stops, you will need to show your IKEA Family membership (and if you're not already a member, you can sign up for free online). IKEA's plant dogs are now available at its Australian stores — head to the chain's website for further details. The IKEA plant dog truck is popping up across Sydney from Tuesday, May 28–Thursday, May 30 and on Saturday, June 1.
City-dwelling fans of a solid Sydney brewed growler won't need to venture to the west for a tipple this winter. Masters of wild inner west brewing Young Henrys and the CBD's go-to basement danceteria Goodgod Small Club are teaming up for one hell of a pop-up — dubbed the 'Young Henrys Road House'. A monthly pop-up tasting bar themed around the American road houses you might have seen on your travels but more likely in Patrick Swayze's Road House, The Blues Brothers and Footloose — yeah, those sexy, sexy abodes where dancing is legal, bar fights abound (leave that out) and pelvic thrusting is commonplace — the Young Henrys Road House will see growlers over the bar, special Young Henrys brews on tap, peanuts errrrrrwhurrrrr and rock 'n' blues bands playing on a 'stage in a cage'. Yep, bands in cages. Kicking off Thursday, June 4, the Road House will see Melbourne's Twin Beasts in the cage while Bottled Lightning Co. launch their collaborative Young Henrys brew. Best bit? The first 100 punters through the door get their first brew on the house. Following weeks will see rock'n'blues band Los Tones, rockabilly crooner Pat Capocci and Sydney's own Jack Carty — all in the cage. Remember, Thursdays are the only day you can get Belly Bao's insane Baoger, so wins all round. Here's the vibe, just leave the bar fights out: Young Henrys Road House pops up every Thursday from 7pm, from June 4 to 18. We'd usually leave the poster out, but this one's too good to omit.
If you live Camperdown, you may have noticed the stunning and speedy transformation of the suburb's dilapidated bowling club to a full blown urban farm. The space, now donned Camperdown Commons, consists of Pocket City Farms and Acre Eatery, which, with help from the Camperdown Project, turned the neglected space into a site for fresh organic produce and a farm-to-table restaurant to boot. The produce from the farm, headed by permaculturist Michael Zagoridis, will be used for the Acre menu, with enough for the community as well. Community is a major part of the PCF system — they will continue to host volunteer days, along with farm tours, slow-living workshops and a school education program. They're even starting yoga and meditation classes next week. The sustainable message doesn't just exist on the green, either, but reverberates in the restaurant. Acre is a gorgeous 350-seater, with beautiful wooden tables and Hamptons-style white chairs and booths. And while PCF hasn't yet had its first major harvest, fresh salad greens and edible flowers are already represented on the Acre menu. They're growing all seasonal produce, which, by necessity, makes the menu a truly seasonal one as well. "It's easy to say you're seasonal but we really need to follow it because people can see what's growing," says head chef Gareth Howard. "It keeps us pretty honest." Howard's background at Jamie's Italian in the UK paved the way for his interest and advocacy of farm-to-table. "The concept of Acre fit perfectly with my background, but this is on a whole new level to have [a farm] literally on your doorstep." They're going local and ethical on their protein as well, exclusively partnering with Vic's Meat Market, which guarantees full traceability of all of their meat. The menu uses some secondary cuts, like the beef cheek with oxtail and parsnip ($29) and the wagyu rump cap with garden béarnaise and pickled mushrooms ($34). Despite the delicious sounding meat, the team's favourite dish is actually the Acre garden salad ($14) – a hearty dish of winter vegetables, grains and hummus. "I know it's pretty rare for a chef to choose a salad as their favourite dish," says Howard. But co-owner Luke Heard, consultant for The Greens in North Sydney, and PCK General Manager, Emma Bowen, both agree. Both PCF and Acre are already partnering with locals as well, including using the spent grain from Young Henrys for compost — YH will also be represented on the beer taps, as well Camperdown locals Wayward Brewing. Though the restaurant has officially opened as of Monday, next week's PCF harvest will be the true test of how well this combo works – and we can only imagine how delicious that realisation will be. Find Camperdown Commons at 31A Mallet Street, Camperdown. Acre eatery is open Wednesday to Thursday from 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm and Friday to Sunday from 8am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm.
With summer glimmering on the horizon — bringing with it the promise of gloriously warm, long nights — it's the perfect time to start thinking about your first dinner party of the season. But if the thought of hosting yet another classic evening meal around your dining table fills you with something close to dread, why not make this summer one of experimentation instead? To help make this social season more exciting, we've collaborated with KitchenAid (to celebrate the launch of the KitchenAid Mini in Australia) and come up with five simple ways to take your next dinner party from conventional to creative. Pick your favourite idea, send out the invitations, and get ready to become your friends' favourite host. TAKE IT OUTSIDE There's something about dining al fresco that always feels so luxurious. So why not take advantage of the warm weather and host your party in the backyard? Decorate a table with a bright cloth, a few fresh flowers, heaps of candles, and artfully mismatched crockery and your guests will feel like they're dining in a romantic European café. For additional charm, hang fairy-lights from the trees and use lanterns to illuminate the walkway between your house and the garden. If you've got a pool, make sure to set your table near it — while it's not exactly oceanfront dining, it comes pretty damn close. You could also switch things up by taking a page out of the pop-up restaurant playbook and having dinner in the front yard – the enhanced opportunity for people-watching is an added bonus. PARTY FOR A GOOD CAUSE Take inspiration from initiatives like the Big Aussie Barbie and turn your dinner party into a mini fundraiser for your favourite charity. Simply ask guests to pay a small entry fee to attend (set up a simple webpage to streamline the process and avoid having to hassle your mates for cash on the day) and then donate the funds to the charity of your choice. Make sure to tell your guests a little bit about the organisation so they understand where their contributions will be going. As for the party itself, your options are endless. You could, for example, host a BBQ, a cocktail party, or a games night. You could also theme your event in a way that aligns with the charity, like having guests dress up in the colour associated with the cause (pink for breast cancer, for example). UP YOUR ALCOHOL GAME Instead of the predictable bottles of wine and beer, treat your guests to an alcoholic summer punch. Serve your concoction in a pretty glass bowl, with a medley of colourful fruits at the bottom, and you've also got yourself a sweet centrepiece. Another idea is to try your hand at homemade frosé—we promise it's easier than it sounds and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. If you're feeling especially creative, why not set up a little cocktail station with a few easy classics? Gin & Tonics, Dark & Stormies, and Caipirinhas are perennial favourites that can all be made with just three ingredients. Pre-garnish the glasses (ant-rimmed Aussie South Side, anyone?) for a lavish finishing touch. HOST A GIG IN YOUR HOUSE So you've hosted a brunch party, are an old-hand at whipping up delicious homemade cocktails, and have mastered the art of al fresco dining? Then it's time to take your party to the next level with Parlour Gigs. This ingenious initiative lets you bring live music into your living room. We know, it sounds almost too good to be true. Hosting a gig is insanely easy: simply sign up on the website, invite a local artist to play, and, once they've accepted, share a private invite with your mates. Then, set up your space with a few comfy chairs, plush pillows, and some mood lighting for a unique evening that is guaranteed to have your friends talking all summer long. BRUNCH PARTY? Yes, we know, "dinner party" connotes an evening meal but why not switch things up and host a brunch party instead? Not only is brunch arguably the best meal of the day, having people over in the late morning or early afternoon let's you make the most of the summer sunshine, while also being cheaper and easier to put together than dinner. What's not to love? To pull off a successful brunch party, make a few easy main dishes with your KitchenAid Mini (meals you can prep in advance, like french toast or quiche, are ideal), pick up some pastries from your favourite bakery (here are our picks), cut up some seasonal fruits, throw everything onto a pretty tablecloth and you're good to go. For an extra touch, set up a simple mimosa bar with a few pitchers of orange or grapefruit juice and a couple of bottles of bubbly.
Manila and Sydney-based Australian artist David Griggs has the first major survey of his work kicking off at Campbelltown Arts Centre with Between Nature and Sin. Curated by Megan Monte, the exhibition sees a combination of portraiture, photography and film developed in Griggs' adopted home of the Philippines. Inspired by his personal experiences as an Australian artist in Manila (where he's lived and worked for 12 years), the brazenly colourful show draws on underground media, political imagery and local subcultures to illuminate the darker side of life in the city. CAC director Michael Dagostino describes the exhibition as a "poignant narrative layered with personal stories, tribulations and defining moments of adjusting to life in Manila, a city he [Griggs] says 'tests him constantly' but inspires him to keep creating." You'll see the premiere of Griggs' major feature length film COWBOY COUNTRY, which he produced with the inmates of the Manila city jail, plus 2009 project New York London Paris Rome Manila City Jail. There's also Zombie Kiss and Frat of the Obese, which draws from the symbols and stories of the Manila underground scene to highlight what Griggs sees as the unjust socio-political structures of the Philippines. In other words, it's a massive show. Don't miss it. Image: David Griggs, Zoloft Nation [cropped], 2009, courtesy of Germanos Collection.
Amateur home brewers have a brand new toy. Arriving in Australia earlier this month, the WilliamsWarn Brewmaster is an in-home brewery that produces a high quality beer in just seven short days. Dubbed "the Nespresso of beer," the Brewmaster is the creation of Ian Williams and Anders Warn, and was originally launched in New Zealand back in 2011. Since then the device has generated a whopping $4.5 million in sales, and helped two home brewers take home gold medals at international beer competitions. According to their website, the WilliamsWarn Brewmaster "has six main technical features that, when combined together, create the world's first all-in-one brewing appliance." The brewery is capable of producing up to 23 litres at a given time, which can be consumed directly out of the draft beer tap, or transferred into bottles or kegs. Starting at more than $6,800, the home brewery isn't exactly cheap (although depending on how much beer you normally drink it could actually end up saving you money in the long run). WilliamsWarn also sell ingredient kits, with everything you need to produce a variety of different brews from Pilsners to Apple Cider. The WilliamsWarn Brewmaster is currently available online and at select Australian retail outlets. Via Executive Style.
The news has been unbearably grim lately, so whenever we hear about people doing kind things we can’t help but execute a joyful slow-mo fist bump and Billy Elliot-style heel clicking sequence. This week’s proof that humanity isn’t thoroughly rotten comes from 202 Broadway in Chippendale. This week, The Two Wolves community cantina has opened its doors and also our hearts (sorry for the cheese, we can’t help it). It's a not-for-profit establishment run almost entirely by volunteers, that pours its profits into worthy charity causes and plans to create training opportunities for long-term unemployed young people. If there were an emoji that represented a ray of pure sunshine cutting through the gloom, you can bet your butt we would be using it here. And when we say it’s run mostly by volunteers, we truly mean it. The cantina has been in the works for some time now and is the love-child of an eclectic group of dreamers including hospitality bigwig Fraser Short, Jesuit priest Father David Braithwaite, Ben Sweeten owner of the Rose Bay Diner and the Kansas City Shuffle and design guru Michael Delany. The team have all come together to work pro bono on the project for the last two years and bring the cantina into being. Father Braithwaite told us that the generosity they’ve encountered from all levels in the production has been astounding, from architects and tradesmen to the 150 volunteers who signed up to keep the cantina running and the profit margins high. Busy day at The Two Wolves. There's a lot going on behind these doors as we charge towards opening day #twowolvescantina #openingsoon #socialenterprise #sydney #countdown #doors #bar #eatery #chippendale A photo posted by The Two Wolves (@twowolvescantina) on Sep 18, 2015 at 12:14am PDT All the money raised goes to projects facilitated by the Cardoner Project, an enterprise Father Braithwaite has been running for five years. During its time, the Cardoner Project has set up volunteer projects and immersion programmes around the world and provided seed capital to worthy causes to help them become self-sufficient. One such project included setting up a small water filtration system for an orphanage in Vietnam, which they use as part of an ice-selling business in the summer, and is in line with their ‘teach a man to fish’ ethos. David says the long-term goal is to replicate the The Two Wolves cantina around the world and raise even more money to pour back into needy communities. Once established, the next phase of The Two Wolves and Cardoner Project's plan is to train long-term unemployed young people onsite, then seek to place them in employment in other venues. Faith in humanity = restored. Now get down to Chippendale and give something back. The Two Wolves Community Cantina is now open for dinner at 202 Broadway, Chippendale, Sydney. To book call (02) 8039 3595.
You may have noticed The Grumpy Baker bakery chain expanding Sydneywide (they’ve just opened their fifth store in Maroubra), but the Vaucluse cafe has recently landed itself two delicious new siblings. In the most mouthwatering venue sandwich ever, The Grumpy Baker is now flanked by gelati store Coppetta and Bazaar Deli. As if that’s not enough choice for local Vauclusians, in the coming months The Grumpy Baker will undergo renovations for a genuine Middle-eastern wood fired pizza menu. Lord, give us the strength to choose or the expansive stomach required to nom it all. The concept for all branches of the Grumpy Baker family is, well, families. It’s a family-run enterprise owned by Michael and Deborah Cthurmer and aims to accommodate families of all sizes as well as support the local community of producers. The Cthurmers have a knack for opening up shop in areas that aren’t renowned for their eateries and creating a food community based around paddock-to-plate ideals. Coppetta and Bazaar Deli are no different. At Copetta, all gelato is made on-site with biodynamic milk and shifting seasonal produce with some intriguing results such as lavender honey brulee and toasted marshmallow. The Bazaar Deli is also a treasure trove of locally produced wonders and a walk-in cheese room (walk-in cheese room: your new bedroom goal). Check out The Grumpy Baker and pals Coppetta and Bazaar Deli at 767 Old South Head Road, Vaucluse. Images: Liana Lorenzato/Two Quirky Birds.
It's almost here. We teased you with the idea of a Hello Kitty Diner a few months ago. Now, Sydney's very first official Sanrio-endorsed Hello Kitty establishment is about to open its doors, launching in Chatswood this Sunday, November 1 — Hello Kitty's birthday (really). The Diner is locked in as the newest and most adorable resident of the District of Chatswood Interchange, a brand new food destination that has already launched with the likes of Ippudo and Michelin-starred dumpling house Tim Ho Wan. Set to channel retro diner vibes, the whole predictably cutesy space has been designed by big gun design firm Luchetti Krelle, best known for working wonders on Momofuku Seiobo, Adriano Zumbo and more recently The Butler, ACME and the new Single Origin takeaway cafe. Even Yuko Yamaguchi, the official Hello Kitty designer, is traveling from Japan to attend the launch. "With such variance and possibility of what a Hello Kitty Diner could look like, our task is to go beyond these expectations and make her and the diner’s experience uniquely Australian,” says Stuart Krelle, director of Luchetti Krelle. "Playing on Hello Kitty’s cheeky energy, colour and pattern will be a central theme along with an understated nod to the iconic American Diner style." Chur Burger's award-winning chef Warren Turnbull has joined the team heading up the kitchen. American-style diner food with an Asian fusion twist, the HKD menu will be inspired by what Hello Kitty 'means' to each chef — think Korean fried chicken, burgers, milkshakes, sweet treats and so on. The first-announced 'local food hero' bringing their mad skills to the diner, Turnbull will be given the opportunity to interpret Hello Kitty according to his own personal style. Turnbull's Surry Hills laneway joint, Chur, still has lines out the door on a weekday, so this is a strong poach from the Diner team. For the launch, the diner has invited some of Sydney's best to create their own interpretation of Hello Kitty-themed fare. Instagram-happy bakery Bakedown Cakery are creating adorable cookies and Croydon bakery Spoon and Fork are making the centrepiece cake. Newtown tea specialists T Totaler have even created their own rosy apple tea for the occasion (apparently apples are Hello Kitty's favourite food, so there you go). Sydney, are you ready? Hello Kitty Diner VIP opening this coming Sunday in the Chatswood Interchange! Head on over to @hellokittydineraus to see how you can win yourself a ticket! Cutest cookies from @spoonandfork_sydney! A photo posted by Jen (@bakedowncakery) on Oct 24, 2015 at 5:26pm PDT Dessert tasting is the greatest job in the world! Sydney we have teamed up with the one and only @bakedowncakery for some awesome treats - more surprises are on the way so stay tuned xx #HelloKittyDinerAus A photo posted by HelloKittyDinerAus (@hellokittydineraus) on Sep 30, 2015 at 8:27pm PDT Another testing round! @bakedowncakery is too talented we can't wait to show you the final product ???? Have a great long weekend everybody xx #HelloKittyDinerAus A photo posted by HelloKittyDinerAus (@hellokittydineraus) on Oct 2, 2015 at 7:55pm PDT Hello Kitty Diner will host its grand opening event at The District, Chatswood Interchange on Sunday, November 1 from 12-2.30pm. Images: Hello Kitty Diner.
Get ready to pick your jaw back up off the floor, because the World Press Photo Contest have just released their winning images for 2016. Back for its 59th edition, the yearly photographic collection regularly leaves us gaping at the mouth — and this year is no exception. Right at the top with 2015 Photo of the Year is Australia's own Warren Richardson, with his poignant picture of a man passing his baby through a fence at the Hungarian-Serbian border. He beat 82,951 submissions by 5775 photographers from 128 countries for the top prize, while also taking out first prize in the Spot News category. After almost six decades of beautiful and devastating photojournalism, the WPP contest continues to be one of the world’s most important platforms for art, journalism and humanising the headlines. The exhibition travels the world each year, although sadly it won't be making a stop in Australia in 2016. Take a look through some of the landmark images that caught the eye of the WPP judges; from a Tibetan Bhuddist ceremony in rural China to a 16-year-old Islamic State fighter being treated for burns in Syria, to one of those epics #sydneystorms rolling over Bondi. With many of the photographs documenting the more saddening news headlines, they’re often not easy images to look at, but it’s the work of these photojournalists that wakes up an otherwise ignorant world. Hope for a New Life, Warren Richardson (Röszke, Hungary) 2015 Photo of the Year + First Prize Spot News, singles "I camped with the refugees for five days on the border. A group of about 200 people arrived, and they moved under the trees along the fence line. They sent women and children, then fathers and elderly men first. I must have been with this crew for about five hours and we played cat and mouse with the police the whole night. I was exhausted by the time I took the picture. It was around three o’clock in the morning and you can’t use a flash while the police are trying to find these people, because I would just give them away. So I had to use the moonlight alone." The Forgotten Mountains of Sudan, Adriane Ohanesian (Sudan) Second Prize Contemporary Issues, singles "Adam Abdel, 7, was severely burned after a bomb was dropped by a Sudanese government Antonov plane next to his family home in Burgu, Central Darfur, Sudan." Bliss Dharma Assembly, Kevin Frayer (Sichuan, China) Second Prize Daily Life, stories "A Tibetan Buddhist nomad boy in Sertar county. Tibetan Buddhists take part in the annual Bliss Dharma Assembly. The last of four annual assemblies, the week-long annual gathering takes place in the ninth month of the Tibetan calendar and marks Buddha's descent from the heavens." IS Fighter Treated at Kurdish Hospital, Mauricio Lima (Hasaka, Syria) First Prize General News, singles "A doctor rubs ointment on the burns of Jacob, a 16-year-old Islamic State fighter, in front of a poster of Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, at a Y.P.G. hospital compound on the outskirts of Hasaka, Syria." Storm Front on Bondi Beach, Rohan Kelly (Sydney, Australia) First Prize Nature, singles "A massive 'cloud tsunami' looms over Sydney as a sunbather reads, oblivious to the approaching cloud on Bondi Beach." La Maya Tradition, Daniel Ochoa de Olza (Colmenar Viejo, Spain) Second Prize People, stories "Young girls between the age of 7 and 11 are chosen every year as 'Maya' for the 'Las Mayas', a festival derived from pagan rites celebrating the arrival of spring, in the town of Colmenar Viejo, Spain. The girls are required to sit still for a couple of hours in a decorated altar." Neptun Synchro, Jonas Lindkvist (Stockholm, Sweden) Third Prize Sports, singles "Members of the Neptun Synchro synchronized swimming team perform during a Christmas show in Stockholm, Sweden." See all the 2016 World Press Photo Contest winners and finalists here.
Michael Hutchence died here. Bill Clinton and George Bush Senior stayed here. Elton John played the lobby piano here. Now, one of Sydney's grandest hotels (with quite the rambunctious history) is still one of the city's glitziest spots. After dwindling into disrepair, the former Ritz Carlton swept away the cobwebs and reopened as the Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay on in November 2015. One of the most talked about bits of the hotel? Aside from the hotel's own dedicated gin bar, Stillery, it was that outrageous jaw-dropper of a rooftop pool. Boasting sweeping panoramic views over Sydney Harbour and Double Bay, The Rooftop poolside bar is open officially open to both hotel guests and visitors again this summer (after a winter guest-only period), welcoming a new season from Saturday, October 1. Think blue and white striped cabana lounges and plenty of ostentatious cocktails ready for your diamond-encrusted paws. Winter's officially done. Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay's The Rooftop is open to both hotel guests and the public from Saturday, October 1. You'll find it up top at 33 Cross Street, Double Bay, with hotel bookings available from here.
A good martini is all in the detail — it relies on the skill of the bartender, the quality of the booze and the beauty of the glass itself — rarely will two ever be the same. Informed, friendly service, and an ambiance that matches the luxury of a martini is an added bonus. Sydney is spoilt for martini choice. Whether you like it shaken or stirred, above or below ground, loud and loose or classy and personal, someone around town is making your perfect martini. We've partnered with Grey Goose, one of the most luxurious brands of vodka you can get, for our series of guides that are helping you discover the luxury in your city. This one is for martinis — it's the most decadent cocktail you can sip on. Start ticking off the martinis at these ten bars, or if you're on a budget, grab a bottle of Grey Goose and take it home to make your own. ARCHIE ROSE DISTILLERY If you like getting up close and personal with the contents of your martini glass, go visit Archie Rose. The bespoke distillery in Rosebery provides a unique experience of creating your own vodka or gin on-site, with tastings and tours available for the interested. The glamorous old-world bar is also the perfect setting to sit down and taste test Archie Rose's four on-menu martinis. There's a dry option, a strong, option, an espresso martini and one made with a twist of orange. THE ROOSEVELT The Roosevelt is hailed by many martini snobs to have the best martini in town. It's next-level luxury at this Potts Point bar, with its cosy leather booths and tables that come complete with a hole in the middle for your champagne bucket. One part glam, one part retro and one part mixologist's fantasy, The Roosevelt is an irresistible mix that has almost immediately become one of Sydney's best cocktail destinations. One of their martinis is made with Grey Goose vodka and served with liquid nitrogen, but you should just order the classic here. BULLETIN PLACE The award-winning bartenders at this cosy joint can mix up a classic martini with the best of them. Industry favourite and much lauded Bulletin Place is pint sized but full of candle-lit character and quality drink making. These guys take their drinks, but not themselves, pretty seriously. SINCE I LEFT YOU Tucked down an alleyway, Since I Left You has one of the city's most coveted venue features - a courtyard. The whole bar is art deco themed, which makes it's the perfect old-school spot to sit in luxurious surroundings and sip on one of their martinis. The courtyard is decorated with fairy lights, and the cocktail list is impressive and creative. DEAD RINGER This unassuming but stylish casual bar in Surry Hills is doing some excellent work for the drinks category in Sydney. From the team that opened Bulletin Place, Dead Ringer is quietly setting an impressive benchmark for cocktails and bar food. Come for a martini, order some snacks, and then stay for dinner. ICEBERGS DINING ROOM AND BAR At some point everyone needs to sit with what is possibly the most Instagrammed pool in the world, at Icebergs. All the better to do it with a luxurious martini in hand, which will have been delivered to you by suited waiters, while perving on the fashionable crowd that generally occupies the elegantly understated bar. It's class all the way here, folks. Take a date, take an overseas visitor, and definitely take your credit card — don't forget to take a photo. THE BAXTER INN There might be a queue and it might be hard to find but The Baxter Inn is definitely worth seeking out when you've hit with martini cravings. This small cave-like, romping bar is all drinks and loud music. Bartenders use sliding ladders to scale a two meter wall stacked with beautiful bottles of booze and give every patron the personalised service that drinks this good require — even if you do have to lean over the bar and yell your martini order at times — you'll be glad you did. EAU DE VIE One of the most experimental and celebrated bars in town, Eau De Vie is also one of the original game changers in the scene. There's smoke, there's spherical ice, there's showmanship and Grey Goose vodka as well as an extremely high level of skill and care going into your drinks. If you like your martini ice cold — head to EDV, where the bartenders glove-up to mix your vodka of choice with liquid nitrogen and personalise every step to your preference. Trust us, your martini is in safe hands here. STITCH BAR In Sydney's inner city Stitch is known for their burgers, hotdogs and tacos as well as their stellar drinks menu. With luxuriously low lighting and bluesy tunes, this is a popular after-work drink spot for all the right reasons. Grab a martini made with Grey Goose and take a seat at the bar among the luxuriously casual setting. THE ROOK One word: Rooftop. Another word: Drinks. That's pretty much all you need to know about The Rook. One of the very few rooftop bars in Sydney, the view is mostly of the business district's skyscrapers, but being perched above the cars and noise below does invoke a sense of special occasion. Head here on a Sunday afternoon and sip on a martini to finish off your weekend in style. BUTTON BAR The leather booths, long timber bar and warm lighting makes Button Bar a favourite haunt for the hip crowd of the innermost part of Surry Hills. It's cosy, and hidden behind an unmarked doorway. Drinks are the focus here, with knowledgable staff taking the time to make a classic the way you want it — that means your martini will be personalised, and delicious. Not keen on a martini? Answer four simple questions and Grey Goose Vodka's discover function will tell you which cocktail you're perfectly suited for. Discover the luxury in your city with our Luxe Guide. Top Image: Steven Woodburn.
With the end of the year come lists in which we can wrap up 12 months into a neat little package, and 2014 thankfully has been an uncommonly good year for publishing. Some of the most interesting and articulate books published in recent memory emerged in the last 12 months. What follows is our selection of some of the some of the best. Read them deeply, and furiously, with all the extra sunlight the summer affords. A GIRL IS A HALF-FORMED THING BY EIMEAR MCBRIDE A Girl Is A Half-Formed Thing follows an insistently insurrectionary young girl from childhood in rural Ireland through to her mid-twenties. The book has acquired the beginnings of its own literary mythology: it took Eimear McBride six months to write and nine years to find a publisher. In short, it’s a book that does what it does with complete indifference to the needs of the book market. And that makes it utterly unique, and a heretically, dangerously beautiful book. The story loosely follows the young woman’s relationship with her brother, and the long shadow cast by his childhood brain tumour. But the plot is not as important as the mode of expression. The language, while difficult to compare to anything else, is forceful, jagged, bearing close resemblances to the writing of Samuel Beckett and James Joyce. The result is a book that tears you apart, which feels completely and overwhelmingly necessary. Get A Girl Is a Half Formed Thing from Booktopia. THE EMPATHY EXAMS BY LESLIE JAMISON The Empathy Exams is arguably the best and most culturally pivotal collection of essays published in recent memory. Beginning with the author’s experience as a medical actor, paid to perform symptoms for medical students and then grade their responses, Jamison’s essays focus on how we understand the pain of others: how, and if we should, care about one another, the ways that empathy can be tested, how we confront pain both real and imagined. In writing which is both precise and vulnerable, Jamison’s essays in The Empathy Exams cover poverty tourism, bewildering marathons, reality television and incarceration, the fundamental thesis of which is that we are experiencing a very specific cultural moment: an urgency compelling us to feel. Get The Empathy Exams from Booktopia DEPT. OF SPECULATION BY JENNY OFFILL Jenny Offill’s second novel, Dept. of Speculation charts the course of a steady and then gradually precarious marriage through curious fragments of prose. The narrator, like the writer, lives in Brooklyn, falls in love, marries, has a child (it being Brooklyn there is both yoga and bedbugs). Over the course of the marriage there are jobs and dinners and sleepless nights; the plot is not really the point here. What makes Dept. of Speculation important is the language — gorgeous, enthralling, moving quickly while it commands your attention. I read Dept. Of Speculation in one sitting, over three hypnotised hours. When I got to the end of it I crept into the bedroom, nuzzled against my boyfriend who had been quietly checking his email, and wept — to his immense confusion – for a solid 20 minutes. Get Dept. of Speculation from Booktopia AN ELEGANT YOUNG MAN BY LUKE CARMAN An Elegant Young Man was published at the end of 2013 by Giramondo — arguably the most interesting Australian publishing house at the moment — with a particular interest in supporting literary culture in western Sydney. An Elegant Young Man does precisely that, imbuing the streets of Liverpool and Penrith with the poetry of Dylan Thomas and the dark ennui of Dostoevsky, but going further than that, making something uniquely his own, a distinctive literature to reflect contemporary Sydney. The book comprises eight interlinked stories, all narrated by 'Luke', who hails, like Carman himself, from the suburb of Mt Pritchard. Luke is adrift, unsure whom he represents, shifting between bluster and hesitation in a place where the lights from police helicopters wake children from their sleep, where kids in gang wars crush the roses on the front lawn. An Elegant Young Man deserves to get Carman much more attention than he has so far been afforded. Get An Elegant Young Man from Booktopia THIS HOUSE OF GRIEF BY HELEN GARNER On Father’s Day 2005, near the town of Winchelsea in rural Victoria, a car ran off the road and plunged into a dam. Robert Farquharson, the man driving the car, escaped unharmed. His three sons — who he was in the process of returning to their mother, from whom he had recently separated — they all drowned. The ensuing court trial spanned the best part of the decade, resulting in three life sentences for murder. This House of Grief presents the theatre of the courtroom: how we grapple with truth, what justice looks like, what a person means by their words and by their actions. Helen Garner is without question one of Australia’s greatest living writers, and arguably our best writer of nonfiction. And this book is some kind of masterpiece. Get This House of Grief from Booktopia THE BLAZING WORLD BY SIRI HUSTVEDT The Blazing World is Siri Hustvedt’s sixth and newest novel, returning her to the territory of New York’s art world. The story is set in the years before and after 9/11, and follows an ageing, brilliant, occasionally unruly artist named Harriet Burden, who orchestrates an elaborate hoax on the art world she entitles ‘Maskings’. Over a period of five years she holds exhibitions of work using the 'masks' of different practising male artists to expose the art market’s gender bias. The hoax is eventually revealed. Mayhem ensues. The Blazing World is pieced together from multiple sources; there are critical essays by art scholars, interviews with art dealers, reviews of exhibitions, diary entries and written testimonials. It is without doubt one of the most innovative and unsettling books published in the last year. If you are interested in art, in women, in New York, then, please, read this book. Get The Blazing World at Booktopia THOSE WHO LEAVE AND THOSE WHO STAY BY ELENA FERRANTE In September the third book in Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan series was published: Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay. For those who are new to Ferrante, it’s best to begin at the beginning, with My Brilliant Friend. The Neapolitan books (of which there are an uncertain number, although so far three have been published) follow the story of a life-long friendship between two women, Lilia and Elena, growing up in an impoverished neighbourhood in 1950s Naples. Their lives converge and diverge, and in doing so they encompass personal truths about family, friendship between women, desire, and the political and economic realities of Italy and the rest of the world as it stumbled through the mid-20th century. Ferrante’s writing is sinewy, scaldingly direct. Her books ransack you. If you aren’t reading Elena Ferrante you are missing out. Get Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay at Booktopia WHAT WE SEE WHEN WE READ BY PETER MENDELSUND Peter Mendelsund’s What We See When We Read is a friendly and shyly philosophical, fully illustrated exploration into the phenomenology of reading — precisely how we visualise stories from reading words on a page — from one of America’s very best book designers. It explores a simple but confounding question, one the author wrests from literary theorists and transforms through beautiful imagery redolent of X-Acto knives, drawing tables and the very best design books you can find. It’s fascinating, beautiful and filled with news you can almost use. Get What We See When We Read at Booktopia READ HARDER: FIVE YEARS OF GREAT WRITING FROM THE BELIEVER EDITED BY ED PARK AND HEIDI JULAVITS Read Harder collects some of the finest essays from the last five years of The Believer magazine, which, it’s reasonable to argue, is one of the best magazines anywhere. Read Harder features articles by Nick Hornby on his first job explaining England to Korean businessmen, Kent Russell on self-immunisers in Wisconsin, Molly Young on the Hollister experience, Rebecca Taylor on her time acting in no-budget horror movies and Francisco Goldman on the failings of memoir to deal with personal tragedy. “If you sincerely investigate it, every detail hides reason, and any environment is far more sophisticated than our senses can appreciate,” former Washington Post reporter Monte Reel writes in a survey of Victorian explorer manuals. This is the sentiment that unites the pieces in Read Harder, in what amounts to a primer for the best contemporary non-fiction writing being written. Get Read Harder at Booktopia 10.04 BY BEN LERNER 10.04 was arguably the most ‘hyped’ book of the last year. Lerner, ordinarily a poet, published his first novel, Leaving The Atocha Station, in 2011, and 10.04 takes off where that book leaves off. 10.04 inhabits a weird liminal zone between maybe-true and maybe-not-quite-as-true. The narrator bears every resemblance to a writer who has published the same short stories and poetry in the same magazines as Lerner. 10.04 isn’t strictly a work of fiction; it’s much more interested in the changes in cell metabolism or air pressure or whatever it is that turns life into art. Sometimes it can feel a little like a big practical joke at the reader’s expense. But if you want to know where the English language was at in 2014, 10.04 is the book to read. Get 10:04 from Booktopia
You can hardly turn a corner in Sydney without bumping into a yoga studio. Between established institutions and innovative up-and-comers, yoga lovers in this city are truly spoiled for choice. Of course, the multitude of places to practice can also make it hard to pick out the mediocre studios from the truly excellent ones. To make sure all your yoga sessions are of the highest quality, we've rounded up ten Sydney studios that stand head and shoulders above the rest. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or can barely touch your toes, love hot yoga or prefer your practice al fresco, here are the very best places to get your stretch on. HOM YOGA This boutique studio is seriously good-looking, with a minimalist fit-out, huge windows and gorgeous wood floors. Renowned for its hot yoga classes (four of the six classes take place in heated rooms), this contemporary studio caters to all levels of experience — so whatever your age or fitness level, there's a class for you. Pick from yoga basics, vinyasa, yin or prenatal classes, all taught by Hom Yoga's highly-qualified team of teachers. Plus, free amenities mean you can leave your mat, shampoo, and bodywash at home. 20 Hargrave Street, Darlinghurst. INYOGA Yogis dedicated to building a holistic practice both on and off the mat will fall head over heels for InYoga. In addition to high-quality classes in their spacious Surry Hills studio, InYoga offers workshops and community events designed to nurture a deeper yogic experience. With classes — including flow, yin and rejuvenate — running throughout the day, you'll always find a session that slots nicely into your frenetic schedule. 115-117 Cooper Street, Surry Hills. [caption id="attachment_628343" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Leeroy Te Hira[/caption] POWER LIVING With four locations around the city, each with an extensive timetable, Power Living makes it a breeze to squeeze some yoga into your day. Pick from Vinyasa (heated or non-heated) or Yin classes, all tailored for three different levels of expertise. After your session, head to the onsite store to indulge in a spot of retail therapy. Power Living also offers retreats and yoga teacher training courses. Neutral Bay, Manly, Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach. [caption id="attachment_628365" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Mark Roper[/caption] ONE HOT YOGA Unsurprisingly, this Potts Point studio specialises in hot yoga and Pilates. With three studios heated to 21, 27 and 37 degrees, it's up to you to choose just how steamy you want to get. Offering a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, the gorgeous studio is all natural light, white walls, mirrors and open spaces. It's also equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a hydronic heating system that keeps the skin and eyes hydrated and a state-of-the-art air filtration system that keeps the studio impeccably fresh. 34 Kellett Street, Potts Point. EGG OF THE UNIVERSE This delightfully-named studio is Sydney's only integrated yoga studio and wholefoods cafe. Head to the charming centre to work up a sweat in one of the hot yoga classes, and then recharge with a sustainable, healthy meal in the garden eatery. With a menu that caters to all diets, from vegan to gluten-free, there's sure to be a treat that tickles your tastebuds. And thanks to such a wholesome and holistic approach to wellness, it's practically impossible to leave Egg of the Universe without feeling all energised and sparkly. 711 Darling Street, Rozelle. [caption id="attachment_628353" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] © Lyndon Marceau / marceauphotography[/caption] BODYMINDLIFE With 15 years of yoga instruction tucked under their belts, BodyMindLife is a true institution on the Sydney yoga scene. With four locations, hundreds of classes and excellent amenities (like free Wi-Fi, tea and lockers), convenience and quality are paramount. Start with their essentials program, which is designed to help you build particular aspects of your practice, before diving into the endless class options. In need of some post-class TLC? Head to the Wellness Centre at the Surry Hills studio for a massage, kinesiology or reiki session. Surry Hills, Bondi Beach, Redfern and Potts Point. HUMMING PUPPY Book into any class at this beautiful studio and the first thing you'll notice is a distinct humming sound in the background. Don't freak out. Designed to enhance your practice, the vibrations are the combination of two sound frequencies, and are meant to help you achieve peak performance — and feel more grounded during your practice. The studio's four class styles cater for everyone from beginners to the master yogi, and they've thought of literally everything to make your experience as seamless as possible. There's an online system that lets you book your mat position pre-class, free towels, tea and coconut water, and gorgeous bathrooms. 146 Abercrombie Street, Redfern. [caption id="attachment_628359" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Stephanie Simcox Photography Studio[/caption] SKY-LAB If you want to kick your practice up a notch, book into one of Sky-Lab's aerial yoga classes. Get your bod into one of their signature aerial hammocks, then move through a series of poses while you're suspended above the floor. Thankfully much easier than it looks, the technique is renowned for relieving compressed joints and re-aligning your body. And it certainly doesn't hurt that the whole thing is very Instagramable. Start with a low-intensity sesh before working your way up to the more hard-core classes. Suite 405, 342 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills. URBAN YOGA Don't come to Urban Yoga expecting a traditional yoga session: it's the place to go when you want to shake up your routine and shimmy outside of your comfort zone. Here, classes are set to a backdrop of upbeat music and projections of city scenes. There's zero chanting or meditation, and poses are referred to in English. Still, the plush fit-out, low-lighting and plentiful freebies like lockers, mats and herbal tea mean you'll bounce back into the world feeling both pampered and centred. Keen to give it a go? Sign up for their signature Urban Yoga class, which is suited to all levels of yogic ability. Level 1, 401-409 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills. [caption id="attachment_628889" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Adette Kagan[/caption] YOGA BY THE SEA Is there anything more quintessentially Sydney than a yoga class by the sea? We think not. Held at the iconic Bondi Icebergs, Yoga By the Sea is a Sydney favourite for good reason. Choose between restorative Hatha Yoga or the more active Power Vinyasa and relish the sun on your skin as you move through the poses. The class price also includes entry to the Bondi Icebergs Club, so you can indulge in a post-class swim or sauna sesh. Yoga by the Sea is also held in Tamarama and Bronte. Bondi Icebergs, 2 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach. Top image: Egg of the Universe.
If you're going to truly get to know a suburb, ask a local. Bondi's full of proud neighbours, from top restaurateur Maurice Terzini to music duo Angus Mcdonald and Connie Mitchell of Sneaky Sound System, to life saving hero and Bondi Rescue star Bruce 'Hoppo' Hopkins. Hoppo is a bonafide Bondi local, having spent 25 years as a lifeguard in the beachside suburb. He knows the difference between a tourist trap eatery and damn good brunch destination — so it makes sense he's been appointed as an experience curator and partner at QT Bondi (Bondi's newest local). We asked Hoppo to hand over his go-to spots in Sydney's most famous beachside suburb. Write 'em down for next time you're beachbound. CHAPTER ONE "I like to start the day with the Bronte to Bondi coastal walk and watch the sunrise at the beach followed by brekkie at Chapter One on Campbell Parade. It's the locals choice for coffee and I recommend the old school boiled eggs and soldiers." ICEBERGS "Bondi is a hub of activity in the mornings with many taking to Icebergs pool for an early morning swim, a run on the beach or hitting the ocean for a surf." THE BUCKET LIST "For afternoon drinks you can't go past The Bucket List, a great way to watch the sunset close to the water." BONDI HARDWARE "A couple of my favourite spots for dinner include Hardware which offers a relaxed environment and great for groups or the famous Bondi Hotel for a traditional Aussie beach pub experience. Bondi has a diverse and multicultural environment and has something for everyone." Stock up on more tasty Bondi local secrets in our Bondi Neighbourhood Guide. Top image: Ted O'Donnell.
Sydney's reached peak burger obsession. No longer confined to the realms of American chains and RSL bistros, burgers now clock up appearances on the menus of top-tier, hatted chefs, each putting their own contemporary, fine dining spin on the longtime casual favourite. So we reckoned it was about time for a good ol' fashioned burger battle — and so did Merivale. This February, we invited 16 of Merivale's top chefs to Ivy Ballroom to hit the kitchen and cook up their ultimate burger for March Into Merivale's Between Two Buns. Some, like Mr. Wong's Dan Hong, opted for their widely celebrated, longtime burger recipes (hel-lo Lotus Burger), while others dreamed up new and strange burger possibilities —Bistrode CBD's Jeremy Strode did a chicken and eel burger (and nailed it). From dozens of entries, our enviable panel of burger experts whittled down the shortlist to six. You'll be able to try every single one of these juicy delights at March Into Merivale, at Between Two Buns on Wednesday, February 17. After you've tried 'em all comes the most important moment: vote for your favourite. The winner will not only score a spot on Merivale's pub menus for a year, and bragging rights forevermore. So, who won over the judges? Which Merivale chef makes the best burger? Try these at MiM and vote. BETWEEN TWO BUNS FINALISTS Dan Hong (Mr. Wong) — Lotus Burger Alex Lewis (The Beresford) — The ultimate lamb burger Jeremy Strode (The Fish Shop/ Bistrode CBD) — The Fish Dog (chicken and eel) Jordan Toft (Coogee Pavilion) — Aged trim beef, cheese, burger sauce, B&B pickle Paul Donelley (Ms.G's) — Beef, bacon and cheese burger Patrick Friesen and Chris Hogarth (Papi Chulo/Queen Chow) — Canadian beef and bacon burger Watch the video: Concrete Playground x March Into Merivale - Between Two Buns from Concrete Playground on Vimeo.
