NSW Premier Mike Baird has had a long week. His condescending and ill-advised Facebook rant has accumulated thousands of angry comments (not counting the ones his social media team is working around the clock to delete), his shady dealings with casinos have spawned the hashtag #casinomike and the people are literally braying for his blood (nah, but you get it). No doubt he really wants it to be the weekend already so he can just chill out with a beer and relax. Unfortunately for the State leader, he might find that a bit difficult now that venues across Sydney are enacting a complete Mike Baird and Barry O'Farrell ban. That’s right, friends, the people are hitting back. It started at Redfern small bar Arcadia, but is reportedly spreading to many other venues as hospo workers and venue owners band together to take back the night. Any and all Mike Bairds and Barry O'Farrells will be refused service at these venues and may even be refused entry. They will not be harmed. They will simply be released back into the wild where they will continue to decimate the natural population of partygoers and fun-havers. It’s completely legit and within the law to do so, as well. Joe Worthington, general manager of Della Hyde, from the Applejack Hospitality group has stated publicly that Baird won’t be allowed into his venues. It's not clear whether this translates across all of Applejack's venues yet (The Botanist, The Butler, Bondi Hardware). Worthington is pushing the hashtag #lockoutmikebaird, a sentiment which is gaining traction on social media and across Sydney’s biggest night spots alike. Looks like Mike Baird better look elsewhere for night time fun. Let's see how many venues jump on board. In the meantime, this petition could use your signature. Vive la Sydney! Via Pedestrian.
Summer is gone, and your beachside holiday memories along with it. Don't worry — there are plenty of excuses to jet around the country this autumn. Australia's art scene is positively thriving for the next three months, so even if you're staying put, you're not going to be bored any time soon. Up and down the eastern states from Brisbane to Melbourne, everything from artistic explorations of witchcraft, to deep dives into Chinese terracotta treasures, to haute couture gems are gracing the halls and walls of Aussie galleries. The list goes on, particularly if you're eager to ponder life beyond earth by stepping into a galaxy far, far away, staring at the moon, or getting up close and personal with objects that've travelled into space. If you're someone who travels for art, you might want to book those domestic flights now. This is an impressive autumn lineup — and, come June, plenty of them will be gone. Hop to it.
Heading south of Sydney, it's not until you hit Kiama that you really reach the South Coast. With just 12,000 people and backdropped by green, rolling hills, it's the coast's first seaside town proper (rather than a suburb of Wollongong). The most famous attraction is the Blowhole, a natural rock formation that sends water spouting 20 metres into the air. But, when you're done Instagramming that, there are plenty more adventures to be had — from the 22-kilometre Kiama Coastal Walk to arts trails to markets galore. Plus, a short trip inland will take you to the 19th century buildings and classic country pubs of Jamberoo, while Gerringong village is ten kilometres south. Find all this just a 90-minute drive south of Sydney. Here's your guide to a Kiama weekender. [caption id="attachment_581919" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Berichard.[/caption] DO It's pretty much mandatory to make your first stop the Blowhole. After all, people have been travelling here to see it for more than 100 years. For the most powerful action, swing by when the tide's high and the swell is rolling in. You'll get beautiful coastal views while you're at it and, if you're keen for a dip, there's a rockpool close by. Less known, but also worth checking out, is Little Blowhole, found just south on Marsden Head. Next up, you might want to conquer the Kiama Coast Walk. All in all, it covers 22 sea-hugging kilometres, starting at Minnamurra River mouth and finishing at Gerringong. The way is dotted with beaches, headlands, basalt and patches of rainforest. Plus, there's easy access to four train stations, so you can walk just one section and get back to your car easily. If some scenes are looking a bit familiar, chances are you've seen them in Lloyd Rees's paintings. He owned a house at Werri Beach, where he painted works like Fire Haze Over Gerringong and The Road to Berry, which are now both at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Loads of artists continue to find inspiration in local landscapes and, on the first weekend of every month, some open their studios to the public. You can check out their work, chat about their practice and maybe even sharpen up your skills at a workshop. Another place to get an art fix is the Kiama Makers and Growers Market, held on the fourth Saturday of every month at Black Beach. [caption id="attachment_581923" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Budderoo National Park, Long Road Photography.[/caption] Travel 11 kilometres inland and you'll get to Jamberoo. This 1500-person village is best known for Jamberoo Action Park, where you can ride a bobsled. For more thrills, an up-close look at a forest canopy and cracking district views, visit the Illawarra Fly, home to Australia's highest zip line. Or, for a more sedate outdoors experience, do some exploring in Budderoo National Park. The 4.2-kilometre Falls Walk takes in waterfalls, rainforest and canyon views. [caption id="attachment_581934" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Hungry Monkey.[/caption] EAT AND DRINK The best caffeine hit around isn't in Kiama, but in Gerringong. The Blue Espresso Bar is a tiny cafe, housed in an aquamarine weatherboard cottage at 135 Belinda Street and open 7 days. Every seven days brings a new 'coffee of the week' — from Brazilian Daterra Monte Cristo to Kenyan pea berry. Match yours with a gourmet bakery treat. Just down the road in Gerroa, you'll find The Blue Swimmer. It was bought by Three Blue Ducks operations manager, Paul Dewhurst, earlier this year, and Kiama chef Shaun Smith oversees the kitchen. As you might expect, there's a big emphasis on seafood. So, tuck into steamed mussels with white bone broth, saffron, carrots, cannellini beans and sourdough or chilli-prawn spaghetti. Breakfast is served all day, too. [caption id="attachment_581925" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Milk and Honey.[/caption] Meanwhile, in the Mercure Gerringong's restaurant, Bella Char, another local chef, Jacinda Yates, has put together a seasonally-driven menu inspired by the South Coast. Sink into a red chair in the cosy, leather-and-wood splashed space and take your time over baked Australian scallops with cauliflower puree, salsa verde and toasted garlic crumbs. Back in Kiama, there's some decent casual cafe fare around. Hit Flour Water Salt for baked goodness or try the Hungry Monkey for a superfood-charged breakfast and a wide selection of burgers, like the Po' Boy, which comes with cajun fried chicken, cabbage slaw, jalapenos, parmesan and aioli. Also, right next door to the lighthouse, there's Milk and Honey. Here, the focus is on fresh, straight-forward generous dishes, with house-made ingredients, like brekkie burritos, eggs benedict and muesli. The coffee is Allpress. [caption id="attachment_581929" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Driftwood, Airbnb.[/caption] STAY The Sebel Harbourside is perched, as the name suggests, right on Kiama Harbour. 80 rooms are spread over three levels, with many overlooking the water and, for groups, there are two-bedroom apartments with country-sized kitchens. A warm, yet contemporary, aesthetic runs throughout — think red-toned woods, plantation shutters and bucket loads of natural light. If you don't feel like going anywhere much, settle into the onsite Blue Diamond Bar and Bistro for a harbourside cocktail. To stay on Blowhole Point, book a Kiama Harbour Cabin. Available in one-, tw0- and three-bedroom layouts, these cute hideaways come with water views, private balconies, electric barbecues and spa baths. There's also a tennis court onsite and the Blowhole is just 200 metres away, so you can max your chances of seeing it in action. Meanwhile, on Airbnb you're likely to find a super deal on a beach house. The 170-year-old Driftwood, for example, is a classic South Coast cottage, with high ceilings, a fire place, a big ol' verandah, timber floors and a central outdoor room. Up to nine people can sleep here at once and it's perfectly located for exploring the Blowhole, local beaches and the town centre. A fancier option is Somerville, an epic, just-renovated, four-bedroom house with 270-degree ocean views. There's a big swimming pool, loads of patio space for lounging about outside, gym facilities, two massive TVs with Netflix and even a pizza oven. Nine people can fit in here, too. Top image: The Hungry Monkey.
Sydney's cyclists will be out in force this Sunday, in order to protest the State Government's plans to rip up the College Street cycleway. The protest comes after months of uncertainty regarding the fate of the separated bike lane, which currently runs along the eastern edge of Hyde Park, connecting Macquarie Street and Oxford Street, and is used by more than 2000 riders each weekday. Plans to scrap the dedicated lane were first announced by Roads Minister Duncan Gay back in September 2013, as part of the Sydney City Centre Access Strategy. The strategy proposes additional bike lanes in the CBD, with the College Street cycleway originally meant to be replaced with a similar cycleway along Castlereagh Street — so cyclists wouldn't be without their own blocked-off CBD highway. However, Sydney cyclists appear to be a little short-changed. It's now apparent the Castlereagh route will only function as a dedicated bike lane during certain hours of the day. In October 2014, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Castlereagh route will service cyclists between 6am-10am and 3pm-8pm, but will be accessible as a loading zone outside of these times. This means avoiding parked trucks and merging into heavy traffic for cyclists. While precise details on the Government's plans are scarce, presumably this means that the Castlereagh lane will only be separated by painted lines, as opposed to a permanent traffic barrier as seen on the cycleway in College Street. The plan to scrap the College Street cycleway has already been questioned by cycling body Bicycle NSW, with a spokesperson from the group citing safety concerns. The 'Save College Street Cycleway' group is also concerned that the Castle Street cycleway will be decommissioned before the Castlereagh cycleway is ready. Organiser Rob Berry thinks with all the data the State Government has on the cycleway, the numbers aren't really adding up. "The State Government has a lot of data on the efficacy of the cycleway," he says. "They know that the cycleway takes up twenty percent of the space of the roadway, and they also know that it takes twenty percent of the commuter load during peak hour. So it's pulling its weight in terms of moving people around, and those numbers are only getting better and better each week ... They also know that at every road where they’ve put a cycleway, the injury rate has halved." In order to protest the Government's decision, Berry and hundreds of other concerned cyclists plan to ride the College Street cycleway at 4pm on Sunday, February 8. "We want to show that we can fill up this cycleway," says Berry. "We’re going to have hundreds of people, and we’re going to fill every single metre of this cycleway, and show that it’s a piece of infrastructure that people care about, and people use, and that we’re not just going to sit back and let it go." Transport for NSW is adamant cyclists won't be without a CBD cycleway. A Transport for NSW spokesperson told us, "The removal of the College Street cycleway will be completed when the Hay Street to Park Street section of the Castlereagh Street cycleway is completed." Minister Gay has previously described himself as "the biggest bike lane sceptic in the government" but has also conceded that "even the sceptics have to accept we need a proper network to be laid down." "It’s not just an issue about cycling," says Berry. "It’s about what kind of city we want. What do we want to prioritise? I believe that we want to prioritise people. If we’re talking about increased demand on limited space, a city that prioritises moving people around in these more sustainable and active ways is going to be a lot better than a city that prioritises moving private motor vehicles."
You know those wildly decadent Tella Ball milkshakes from Foodcraft Espresso and Bakery everyone lost their minds about last year? The ones with the spherical doughnut oozing with Nutella, sat proudly atop a Nutella milkshake? These ones. Well, if you'll recall the hoo-ha that happened last year, and the fact that Sydney is getting a dedicated Tella Ball Nutella dessert bar, get ready for some straight-up killer news. Foodcraft Espresso are giving away free Tella Balls this Friday from 11am to 12pm. FREE BALLS FOR EVERYONE. Nah, it's only for the first 300 people in line and only for 60 minutes. You'd better start lining up now. Friday will mark not only whatever World Nutella Day is but also the three-week countdown to the opening of the highly anticipated, inner west dessert bar. It's set to serve all-things Nutella from 11am to 11pm Monday to Sunday. Nutella is king right now, no wonder there's a whole festival dedicated to it. Get free Tella Balls for World Nutella Day at Foodcraft Espresso, 33 Bridge Street, Erskineville between 11am to 12pm. Get there bloody early. By Imogen Baker with Shannon Connellan.
Two of the greatest artists in history, who happened to have one of the most volatile relationships in recent memory, will be the focus of the Art Gallery of New South Wales' brand new exhibition in 2016. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera is coming to the gallery next year, running June 25 to October 9, 2016. BOOM. Nice one AGNSW. Kahlo and Rivera's artistic and personal rollercoaster ride will be the focus, with 40 artworks, self-portrait paintings, drawings and canvases from the pair, all from the renowned collection of Jacques and Natasha Gelman. Alongside these works will be approximately 50 photographs by the likes of Frida’s father, Guillermo Kahlo. Edward Weston and Lola Alvarez Bravo, so you can take a peek into these two artist's intimate world. Australia doesn't actually have a Frida Kahlo on public display, so this is one heck of a slam dunk for the gallery. The exhibition marks the cornerstone of the 2016 exhibition program for the Art Gallery of New South Wales, announced today. There's plenty more where that came from, including the upcoming blockbuster exhibition, The Greats, featuring Botticelli, Vermeer, Rembrandt and more masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland. German artist Julian Rosefeldt will bring the Cate Blanchett-starring video installation Manifesto to the Gallery from May 28 to November 13, after a huge exhibition of gold, silver, glass and ceramics from the Chinese Tang dynasty in April. Beloved Australian artist Tracey Moffatt will see a huge exhibition of her work dubbed Laudanum and other works, featuring the namesake photographic series and her famous montage videos Love and Other. It's an on-year, so the Biennale of Sydney will return to the gallery from March 18 to June 5, alongside the ever-popular ARTEXPRESS from March 16 to May 15. For the AGNSW's whole 2016 program and beyond, head to the website.
It's the epic new development Sydneysiders have been waiting for — and, after what seems like an age, it's about to become a reality. That'd be Tramsheds Harold Park, aka the massive revamp of the heritage-listed Rozelle Tram Depot. Whether you're hungry, thirsty or just like strolling around a European-inspired market hall lined with bespoke retailers, you'll be able to get your food fix when it finally opens its doors to the public on September 22. So, what do we know about Tramsheds? Quite a lot, it appears. News about fresh additions and tenants has been coming in thick and fast over the past few months, making many a stomach rumble. Ice cream fiends, rejoice: a new Gelato Messina will be setting up shop as part of the precinct. Poultry fiends, get just as excited: Belle's Hot Chicken will be serving up the wings, tenders and dark meat you can't get enough of, too. They'll be joined by a list that only seems to get bigger by the week, including deli/butcher/restaurant combo Butcher and The Farmer; sustainable seafood restaurant Fish and Co; tapas joint Bodega 1904; and Flour Eggs Water, a new establishment run by Eugenio Maiale. Boutique coffee venue Garçon will bring a theatrical style of coffee-making to the development, while Middle Eastern eatery Bekya will introduce Egyptian street food to Tramsheds' diners. The big end of town is covered as well, thanks to a family-owned 2440 square metre IGA Supamart supermarket. Don't got thinking Tramsheds is just about all things edible, though. For starters, the folks behind Surry Hills whiskey den Tokyo Bird promise to blend seafood-focused Japanese cuisine with a great drinks menu at Osaka Trading Co. And then there's Redline Kitchen & Taphouse, which will not only serve up Southern-style American eats, but also boast locally brewed craft beer. There's also a medical centre, gym, hairdresser and nail bar planned too, and a number of cycle paths are currently under renovation — with plans for over 80 bike racks to be installed. Sounds like Tramsheds will be positively bursting. With all of that on offer, you know where to find us from Thursday. Visit Tramsheds Harold Park at 1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge from September 22. For more information head to www.tramshedsharoldpark.com.au.
We don't know what you got out of your last road trip, but odds are it wasn't a 432-page cookbook profiling 100 food heroes and shot through with gush-worthy photography. Acclaimed food writers Helen Greenwood and Melissa Leong are different that way. After six months on the road with a production crew, they've emerged with The Great Australian Cookbook, a document that features recipes from leading chefs like Neil Perry, Dan Hong, Kylie Kwong and Anna Polyviou but also from farmers and producers such as Tathra Oysters, Bruny Island Food and the Pyengana Dairy Company — as well as Australia's original cookbook queen, Margaret Fulton. And how do you visually communicate this breadth of Australiana so the book might be judged by its cover? With a specially commissioned illustration from Mambo artist Reg Mombassa, of course. Topping off this love fest, royalties from the book will go to OzHarvest, the Australian charity distributing unwanted food to people in need. It's a pretty special project, one that meant figuring out what constituted Aussie cuisine in the first place — the modern version, not just sausage rolls and prawns on the barbie. For Greenwood and Leong, former collaborators on The Good Food Shopping Guide, it was a natural progression of their work in recent years. After the success of The Great New Zealand Cookbook, the pair were approached to do the same for Australia. They jumped at the chance. "We loved the idea of a cookbook that reaches into many regions of Australia, showcases many different kinds of cooks and presents a snapshot of how Australians eat today," says Helen. It was also an opportunity to present a contemporary and inclusive picture of Australian cuisine. "Australia has a great reputation overseas for its food," she says. "If we have any problem representing Australian cuisine, it’s that we struggle to define it." The pair set out to speak with foodies both familiar and lesser known. Considering the successes of Australia's produce and cooking on the international food scene, whittling down the 100 contributors to include was not easy. "We had to cover a lot of ground [in the road trip] ... and had to ask ourselves a lot of questions," says Helen. "Have we represented the regions and the cities? Have we covered the country and the coast? Do we have classic Aussie dishes? Do we have people who reflect our Indigenous and migrant heritage? Do we have the legends and emerging talents of food? When we’d answered these questions, we’d check and check again, and fine-tune it some more." The end result marries the recipes with personal reflections from each chef and photos taken in their private homes and gardens. While the co-editors are reluctant to name an all-out favourite recipe in the book, their personal highlights include superstar Aussie chefs like David Moyle (Tasmania's Franklin and Peppermint Bay), Nick Holloway (far north Queensland's Nu Nu Restaurant) and Scott Huggins and Emma McCaskill (South Australia's Magill Estate, the home of Penfolds). But Helen is quick to point out The Great Australian Cookbook is not just about chefs. "This book is about Australians who grow, harvest, cook and eat food for a living — chefs, cooks, bakers, fishers, farmers and more," she says. "It’s a snapshot of Australian food culture today." It's also a personal document in some ways, reflecting Helen and Melissa's years of gustatory discovery. "A lot of my first-time experiences as a food writer are in this book. The first time I tasted Jim Mendolia’s sardines and was transported back to a glorious holiday on a beach in Portugal," evokes Helen. "My first visit to Darwin when I ate at Jimmy Shu’s Hanuman restaurant and experienced his fusion Asian cooking ... My experience of being on the receiving end of a fork loaded with great food, and meeting the people who’ve grown or cooked or sold that great food, has shaped The Great Australian Cookbook." The Great Australian Cookbook is published by PQ Blackwell and distributed by The Five Mile Press. It's in bookstores now for RRP$49.95. Get a taste of what's inside by trying out this spring roll recipe from Angie and Dan Hong. ANGIE AND DAN HONG'S VIETNAMESE SPRING ROLLS Makes: 60 | Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 20–30 mins | Skill Level: 2 (Moderate) FILLING INGREDIENTS 500g minced pork neck 1/2 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped 1/2 cup of each of the following, all shredded: -wood ear mushrooms -shiitake mushrooms -carrot? -onion -mung bean thread ?(1cm lengths, softened in cold water) METHOD In a mixing bowl, combine the filling ingredients with the seasonings and mix thoroughly. Carefully pour hot water into a shallow, wide dish along with the soy sauce. Stir to combine. Take a rice paper wrapper and quickly immerse it in the hot water, then place on a clean, dry plate. Spoon a tablespoon of the mixture into the centre of the rice paper in a sausage shape. Fold the top and bottom ends in, then roll the rice paper up like a cigar. Set aside and repeat until all of the mixture has been used up. Heat the oil in a heavy-based pot until it reaches 180°C. In small batches, fry the spring rolls for 7–10 minutes or until the outside is crisp and golden. Drain onto paper towel and serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce. Images by Lottie Hedley Photography.
Somewhere in Los Angeles right now, there’s a pretty good chance that Johnny Depp is getting fitted for an elephant costume. Proving once again that nothing in Hollywood is sacred, Walt Disney Pictures has recently revealed that they’re working on a live action Dumbo remake, with director Tim Burton at the helm. For those of you who didn’t have a childhood, the original Dumbo tells the story of a young circus elephant whose oversized ears made him the subject of ridicule, until it was revealed that they allowed him to fly. Released in 1941 (really), the film was a major hit for the then-fledgling animation studio, and is regularly listed amongst the greatest animated movies of all time. The Burton version will be the latest in a string of Disney reboots, a trend that, fittingly enough, began when Burton’s own Alice in Wonderland grossed more than US$1 billion at the worldwide box office. Since then, the House of the Mouse has scoured its own back catalogue for properties to exploit, with recent releases like Maleficent and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice paving the way for further films including upcoming remakes of Cinderella, The Jungle Book and Beauty and the Beast. While we’re pretty sceptical about the idea of a new Dumbo film, we have to admit that if the movie has to happen, the man who made Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice isn’t necessarily the worst choice. Although his recent track record has been somewhat hit-and-miss, Burton certainly knows how to put an interesting spin on otherwise child-friendly material. And let’s not forget that the original cartoon contains some pretty out there stuff, including this amazing scene when Dumbo gets hammered and hallucinates dancing pink elephants. We're also interested to see what Elfman does with Dumbo's long-recognised and controversial racial stereotyping. No news yet on a release date or casting, although we’re willing to bet money that Danny Elfman will work on the score. Burton's most recent film, Big Eyes, hits theatres on March 19. Via WSJ.
Sydney will become another star in British chef Jason Atherton's culinary constellation; Kensington Street Social opens today in The Old Clare Hotel. Yep, just when you thought Chippendale's snazziest destination couldn't fit in another eatery, the hotel has managed to loosen its belt for one, final mouthful. The Social is the third venue to open at The Old Clare, and keeps the esteemed company of degustation extraordinaire Automata and Silvereye's deluxe open-plan kitchen. Of the three, it's the biggest (with 120 seats) and the most casual. An all-day menu invites diners to eat any way they like, whether they're after a snack and a matching cocktail or a mega, multi-course feast with premium wines. Atherton, who has a Michelin star to his name, is acting as culinary director, with Rob Daniels (ex-Maze London) taking on the role of executive chef. Between them, they've come up with an ever-changing array of share plates, influenced by British and Mediterranean flavours and to the availability of quality produce. Samples on the opening menu include 'English breakfast tea and toast' (read: wild mushroom tea served in a teapot with relish and bone marrow toast), sea urchin risotto with Moreton Bay bug tail, and Zokoko alto beni chocolate soufflé with macadamia ice cream. Meanwhile turophiles (aka cheese piggies) will be over the moon. Atherton is promising a stack of tasty, cheese-focused morsels, such as Holy Goat La Luna goats' cheese, served with pickled fennel, bitter orange jam and cress. And breakfast will keep health-nuts happy, with dishes like organic seed and grain oatmeal porridge with pineapple, chilli and mint, and a lightly smoked flathead baked omelette with bacon and spring onion. Drinks have been planned by the man taking care of them everywhere else in The Old Clare, Matt Fairhurst, who’s been working with Atherton for years at City Social, London. He's been busying imagining, mixing and testing signature cocktails for every venue in the hotel. Kensington Street Social-ers can prepare themselves for the Fruit Looped Cereal Killer (vodka, Fruit Loop milk, apricot and Aperol served in a milk carton) and the Kahuna Colada (pineapple rum and Batch Brewing's coconut brown ale), which is already served in The Clare Bar. "I'm so excited to be opening my first restaurant in Sydney," says Atherton. "I'm all about sourcing the best produce, and here the ingredients are just incredible – Australian black truffles, the seafood – so I'm looking forward to using them to reinterpret a few of the signature dishes from my London restaurants." "I’ve had many Australian chefs in my brigade over the years, including my executive chef Rob and pastry chef Adrian Crabb, so it seemed like a natural step to come to Sydney and get the team back together." Shanghai's Neri & Hu came up with restaurant's design and Matt Darwon made it happen. It's a split-level affair with a feel that's contemporary, while still acknowledging the building's history as the long-time home of Carlton United Brewery. Kensington Street Social is open The Old Clare Hotel from Wednesday, January 13. For more information, head to their website. Image: KSC.
Cousins-in-law George Kaldas and Ishac Soliman are the joint owner-operators of El Qahirah, the first Egyptian food truck to hit the streets of Sydney — aptly named after the Arabic word for Cairo. After years of cooking delicious street food for their family and friends, Kaldas and Soliman decided to literally take the show on the road. The simple, Egyptian menu at El Qahirah is made up three street food staple dishes — all with origins that date back to when the pharaohs were building pyramids, and Brendan Fraser was fighting mummys. Koshary is the Egyptian equivalent of our humble meat pie, served in every shop and on every street corner in Egypt. It combines lentils, noodles, and rice, and is topped with spiced tomato sauce, chickpeas and onions. The second option is taameya — a delicious fava bean and herb patty served in flatbread with cucumber, tomato, radish, and tahini. If that sounds familiar, it's because the Turkish appropriated the dish way back when, and they called it the falafel. The third option is fuul medames, a delicious flatbread filled with fava beans, spices, lemon juice, garlic, and onion. If you didn't notice, all three options are vegetarian, and the only drink option is a refreshing cup of cold hibiscus tea. The duo will be parking their bright, red, white and blue truck at some of Sydney's major breweries over the next few weekends, including Grifter Brewing Co. on the February 18 and 19, Batch Brewing Company on March 3, and Young Henrys on March 10. Prime opportunity to wash down a few beers with some delicious, nutritious Egyptian falafel.
Bondi's Jewish deli Lox in the Box is serving up babka, cured fish, all the schmears and some of the best bagels our city has to offer. Owner Candy Berger even got her Polish and German grandmothers' ticks of approval for all her recipes — and an ever-growing fan base of Sydneysiders approve, to. Especially now that Lox in a Box is delivering its bagels directly to your doorstep. While the Bondi delicatessen is only open on weekends, you can order a box of bagels for delivery any day of the week. Choose from the signature bagel with pastrami-spiced lox (salt-cured salmon), capers, tomato and schmear; the hot salt beef with mustard and pickles; or the loaded 'salad bagel' with vintage cheddar, pickles, grated carrot, sliced beetroot, rocket and jalapeño schmear. [caption id="attachment_763499" align="alignnone" width="2000"] Kimberley Low[/caption] Each box comes with pickles, chips and drinks. You can also build-your-own box, with bagels, babka scrolls, schmear and even kombucha. And, on Fridays, the Shabboxes are up for grabs — they come with braided challah bread, lox, pickles, Pepe Saya butter and a range of dips, and serve between 4–14 people ($80–168). You'll want to grab extra of that tasty house schmear — it's cream cheese whipped with lemon, dill and shallots. The only catch is that there's a minimum of six bagels per order, and you need to get your order in by 2pm for next-day delivery. In store, you'll also find the herb egg salad bagel with caramelised onions and sliced tomato, plus filtered coffees using Reuben Hills coffee, Minor Figures nitro cold brew and iced chai. But, the deli is only open Friday through Sunday from 8am until sold out — and you can bet they do sell out, so best get in early. Images: Kimberley Low Appears in: Where to Find the Best Bagels in Sydney for 2023
International chef Frederic Colin is bringing the elegance and flavours of France to Chippendale. Set to open tonight, Thursday, March 17 on Kensington Street, Bistrot Gavroche will be Colin's first Australian endeavour, having previously trained in Michelin-starred Parisian restaurants and opening his own venue, Brasserie Gavroche, in Singapore. Not a bad resume. So what can we expect? For one thing, Bistrot Gavroche is going all out on the interior. Housed inside what was once an old rum warehouse, the restaurant space boasts high ceilings, amazing windows and furniture imported from Europe, including antique items such as a wood and marble bath cabinet and a four-metre table previously used by silk manufacturers in Lyon. The menu consists of traditional French cuisine, bolstered by a selection of French and Australian wines chosen by co-owner and sommelier Lionel Richard. Entrees include bone marrow on toasted sourdough with confit garlic, Burgundy snails baked in their shells with parsley and garlic butter, and Grandpa Henri's pork terrine, named after Colin's grandfather with whom he cooked as a child. Heartier fare includes shredded duck confit with crushed potatoes and bacon gratin, and pike fish quenelles with crayfish sauce, while desserts feature all the French favourites such as crêpes Suzette, profiteroles and tarte Tatin. Bistrot Gavroche is located at Level 1, 2-10 Kensington Street, Chippendale. It will be open for dinner only for the rest of this week, and will open for both lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday from Monday, March 21. Sunday service will start from April 4. For more information, visit bistrotgavroche.com.au.
Things got feisty and fearless at the Opera House when the fourth All About Women Festival took over on Sunday, March 6. Leading the prodigious, 30-speaker-strong program? None other than the inimitable Miranda July, Sleater Kinney's Carrie Brownstein, and Orange Is the New Black memoir author Piper Kerman — not to mention one of the best Women of Letters events we've ever been to. Sleater Kinney and Portlandia's legendary Brownstein talked about her October-released book Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl — before Sleater Kinney melted faces the same night at the Opera House. And Anne-Marie Slaughter, who worked as the director of policy planning at the US State Department when Hillary Clinton was running the show, argued that we can't have it all — well, at least not all at once, anyway. Emma Jane, Ruby Hamad, Michelle Arrow and Charlotte Wood unpacked 'The Women We Love to Hate', while Masha Gessen, Crystal Lameman, Mallory Ortberg, Ann Sherry, Anne- Marie Slaughter and Jenny Brockie attempted to change the world overnight. Didn't get a chance to head along to All About Women? You're in luck. Sydney Opera House's Ideas at the House team just released a whole bunch of free podcasts from the day via iTunes. We reckon you should start with 'The Boys Club' if you want to hear total boss Van Badham slam the gender dynamic in the Australian theatre industry and contemporary culture. Phwoar. Download Sydney Opera House's All About Women 2016 podcasts on iTunes for free here. Images: Yaya Stempler and Prudence Upton. By Jasmine Crittenden and Shannon Connellan.
You're at a dinner party. Chats are going strong, your drunk uncle at Thanksgiving has been deconstructed, Australia's latest novelty dessert trend raved about. Then someone brings out a new bottle of red. "Pinot noir?" your host casually offers. Sweat beads form, hearts race, eyes shift. Without warning, the pop culture fiends in the room explode. "CAVIAR." "MID-SIZED CAR." "SMOKE A CIGAR." "MYANMAR." The Kimmy Schmidt fans in the house have been unveiled — and if you're one of those, we've got some solid news for you. Ready? Tituss Burgess, well known as Kimmy's roommate Titus Andromedon in the highly popular series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, stole hearts worldwide with his unforgettable masterpiece of an "ode to black penis", 'Peeno Noir'. Now, Burgess is releasing his own pinot noir, an actual wine called Pinot by Tituss. Announced on Instagram this week, Pinot by Tituss will sell for US$24.99 a bottle online. Unfortunately they're only shipping to the US so far, but if you have American mates who could send it over, you can preorder the pinot noir and smoke a cigar right now. The bottles will be shipped after March 14. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt returns on April 15, and if you're drinking anything else, au revoir. Via Refinery29.
Bondi's beachfront is about to get a whole lot busier — and it's not because of that postcard-perfect beach. Taking over the old Swiss Grand Hotel site, there's a huge new development erupting on the beachfront, dubbed Pacific Bondi Beach. We've been peering through the dusty construction and newly-installed windows to have a sticky beak into what's happening with the space, and now we've got a little bit more of a clue as to what's actually going into that prime piece of real estate. Sporting a Bondi-meets-Miami art deco style, the complex will combine one of Australia's most expensive apartments and residential lofts with a high-end boutique hotel, food outlets and retail stores. Already announced features of the complex include the QT Bondi, a highly anticipated new venture for the hotel group set to open in November 2015. Featuring lobby artworks by celebrated Australian artist Shaun Gladwell, QT Bondi will see 69 individually-styled luxury guest suites designed in collaboration with renowned hotel designer Nic Graham. It'll be the only the only boutique, high-end hotel on Bondi Beach, and guests will have access to Pacific Bondi’s services and amenities. But you won't have to stay at the QT or live in a crazy expensive 'Lighthouse Loft' apartment to check out the Pacific Bondi Beach, with a dining and retail precinct planned for the openair atrium. Good Food is reporting new foodie tenants confirmed for the space: the north shore's Scoop Wholefoods and Central Park Sydney's Anita Gelato. There's apparently a small bar operator set to join the party, with details yet to be revealed, and there'll be restaurants and an espresso bar of some capacity. And a grab-and-go, deli-focused Woolworths has already been announced for the space (quite the coup), so this space looks set to cater for locals and hotel guests alike. Retailers must be fighting tooth and nail to get a spot in the new complex, but Pacific Bondi Beach has only revealed one tenant so far. Back in September, we told you about Saturdays NYC opening their first Australian store in Bondi, and this will indeed be opened within the PBB space. Nice pull. Pacific Bondi is due to be completed by 2015, with concrete opening dates TBC. Saturdays NYC will open in Bondi this October, while QT Bondi will open in November 2015. Via Good Food.
How good at Pictionary would Grimes be? Would Mac Demarco's sketches found in an art gallery? How would Future Islands go in a life drawing class? Sydney's FBi Radio intended to find out, by inviting a list of over 30 musicians to try their hand at a handdrawn masterpiece. Bringing back their wildly successful 'Brush With Fame' art auction, FBi asked a serious banquet of bands, rappers, ARIA-nominees, folksters, singers and beatmakers to create drawings on canvas especially for the station, ready for auction from Thursday 10 March (9pm AEDT) until Sunday 20 March (9pm AEDT). All proceeds raise funds for the independent, not-for-profit, top notch station. Kudos to FBi for one of the best group show lineups around, y'ready? You (YOU) can own a handdrawn work by these guys. FULL ARTIST LIST: Alabama Shakes Albert Hammond Jr (The Strokes) Alison Wonderland Benjamin Booker Best Coast Cosmo’s Midnight Courtney Barnett DIIV Django Django Dune Rats Elliphant & MØ Future Islands Grimes Hot Chip The Internet Little Simz Mac Demarco Matt Huynh Metz Neneh Cherry Parquet Courts Perfect Pussy Perfume Genius Peter Bibby Purity Ring The Rubens Run The Jewels* Rustie Thundercat Total Giovanni TV On The Radio Tycho Vic Mensa * Two individual canvases by Killer Mike and El-P respectively, sold together All works are on display over here. The auction will run on eBay from Thursday 10 March (9pm AEDT) until Sunday 20 March (9pm AEDT). Each piece comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity from FBi. Here's a couple of our favourites in the bunch, that you'll have to furiously outbid us on.
If anyone knows the recipe for an highly talked-about hospitality venue, it's the Merivale crew. As always with the Hemmes empire's new openings, there's been a whole lot of buzz surrounding the launch of the group's two latest ventures — and now they're set to open tomorrow on Oxford Street. Seasonally-focused restaurant Fred's and intimate basement bar Charlie Parker's are as ambitious as you'd expect, with some big guns at the helm and an exciting, produce-driven food philosophy at their core. Both venues have been designed by Justin and Bettina Hemmes, Vince Alafaci and Caroline Chocker of ACME & Co., and styled by Amanda Talbot. Inspired by provincial French manors, Fred's sees a light-filled, pared back interior detailed with old French oak timbers. Downstairs, Charlie Parker's cocktail bar is more of a cosy den of exposed sandstone. Steering the ship at Fred's, head chef Danielle Alvarez comes by way of the USA's acclaimed Chez Panisse and French Laundry, bringing a passion for sustainability and some serious farm-to-table flair to her new kitchen. She's spent the past year been scouting out the very best local producers (as well as likeminded chefs), and will be using a combination of old-world and innovative techniques to make those ingredients sing. Cooked on free-standing Tuscan grills and a large hearth, the menu's set to change regularly, based around whatever seasonal goodies Alvarez can get her hot little hands on. First up, leg of lamb a la ficelle with laver bread, broad beans and mint, or handmade cavatelli with rabbit and peas, or rhubarb and beaumes de venise mille feuille. Fred's also boasts handmade crockery, carefully handpicked artwork, and a carefully curated, 120-strong wine list from head sommelier Caitlyn Rees, boasting small-batch labels aplenty and a hefty lineup of pouring wines — the 'wine by the glass' list will change daily according to Alvarez's menu. Downstairs, the Charlie Parker's offering is similarly thoughtful. Duo Sam Egerton and Toby Marshall are throwing down an innovative, produce-driven cocktail list, backed by an Alvarez-designed menu of clever bar snacks — think Willowbrae feta with grapes and pickled chilies baked on lemon leaves. Find Fred's and Charlie Parker's at 380 Oxford Street, Paddington. Fred's is open for lunch Friday to Sunday 12pm-3pm and dinner Tuesday to Saturday 5.30pm-12am and Sunday: 5.30pm-10pm. Charlie Parker's is open Tuesday to Thursday 5pm-12am, Friday 3pm -12am, Saturday 12pm-12am and Sunday: 12pm-10pm.
You'll be able to get up close to world conqueror, fearsome Bridesmaid and actual ray of sunshine Rose Byrne in 2016, when the actor makes a return to the Australian stage. She'll play the wildcard, Karen, in Speed-the-Plow, a satire on Hollywood studio dealings by David Mamet (esteemed American playwright most recently admired for his work fathering Girls’ Zosia Mamet). Byrne's appearance is part of the new season from the Sydney Theatre Company (her first role there since 2001's Three Sisters). The season is the final one from artistic director Andrew Upton, who is wrapping up eight years at the helm of the company, including five alongside wife Cate Blanchett. STC will spend 2016 handing over to incoming artistic director Jonathan Church. "Though it is my last program, it is Jonathan Church’s first, and I think inheriting and overseeing it will be an opportunity for him to get to know the Company and our audience across its full range," says Upton. "He’ll work with some of our great writers, directors, designers and actors in work showcasing them and the STC at their best." What else is in store in 2016? Some of Upton's all-time favourite playwrights, an award-winning international production that imagines Prince Charles finally ascending to the throne, five premieres of new Australian works, and the return of one of our 2013 favourites. Here's the breakdown. The Golden Age (14 January – 20 February) As Upton sees it, "injecting life" into great Australian plays of the past, particularly ones we've not seen enough of since, is one of the missions of the STC. The 1985 play The Golden Age by Louis Nowra falls into that category, and with its unbelievable yet inspired-by-a-true-story premise — that a group of people living in isolation since the 19th century and abiding by Regency customs is found in the wilderness of Tasmania (okay maybe that's not unbelievable) — it looks like a fascinating exploration of colonialism. The Secret River (1 February – 20 February) We picked this as one of our top five shows of 2013, and it's one we're happy to welcome back. The concurrent look at a white settler family and a family from the local Dharug people sharing the same riverbank is necessary viewing. Kate Grenville's empathetic storytelling, Andrew Bovell's effective adaptation, Neil Armfield's epic direction — it's become the stuff of Australian legend. Arcadia (8 February – 2 April) This is one of those Tom Stoppard head trips — in fact, a favourite of Upton's, who rates it even above Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. It's set in one home, across two different time periods 200 years apart. In 1809, a libidinous tutor and his precocious protege explore chaos theory — and each other. In the present day, two feuding academics try to piece their story together. Cerebral good times ensue. Ryan Corr, Blazey Best, Andrea Demetriades and Josh McConville all star. Machu Picchu (3 March – 19 April) Upton describes playwright Sue Smith as creating serious, adult dramas, but with a touch of whimsy. This one stars Lisa McCune as a successful woman forced into reassessing her life. Where the Incan citadel comes into it, we'll have to wait and see. Golem (16 March – 26 March) 1927 are one of those companies that smush together live actors and lush animated projections and create the kind of show that renders adults open mouthed and mostly nonverbal. The Brits were last here in 2010 with The Animals and Children Took to the Streets and this time they're back with a Frankenstein tale about modern technology. King Charles III (31 March – 30 April) The STC has a tradition of bringing out one international production each year, and this one's a doozy. Olivier Award-winning, Broadway-bound, King Charles III is set in a near future where Queen Elizabeth II has passed and Prince Charles finally ascends to the throne. Written in iambic pentameter a la Shakespeare, the play, by Mike Bartlett (Cock), cloaks today's light-hearted royals in dynastic intrigue. Hay Fever (11 April – 21 May) We go to Noel Coward plays to see people destroy each other with words. This is a fun one, set in a British country manor to which every member of an outwardly respectable but actually eccentric family has invited a single guest. Actors Heather Mitchell, Harriet Dyer, Tony Llewellyn-Jones and Helen Thomson are along for this crazy ride, along with director Imara Savage. Disgraced (16 April – 4 June) This is a new American work that made waves in 2012 and won the Pulitzer Prize. It explores prejudice in contemporary New York through the character of an American-born, Muslim-raised corporate lawyer whose dream run at work comes to an end. Like so many good theatrical dramas, it all blows up one night over dinner. All My Sons (4 June – 9 July) If there's an Arthur Miller play out there that can just carry on and do its thing without punching you in the gut, we're yet to see it. Big guns John Howard and Robyn Nevin will star in this one, about an all-American family whose successes are threatened by the emergence of secrets from the past. We've previously called Arthur Miller the 1940s' Breaking Bad, so there's that. The Hanging (28 July – 10 September) Master of theatrical creepiness Angela Betzien (The Dark Room) is back with a play about two missing Melbourne schoolgirls, whose disappearance may have been inspired by Picnic at Hanging Rock. This crime thriller will be directed by Sarah Goodes and stars Ashleigh Cummings of Puberty Blues. A Midsummer Night's Dream (12 September – 22 October) You think you know this play, but director Kip Williams sees a side to it we haven't explored (and if you saw his Romeo and Juliet, you'll know these sides can be very illuminating). His imagining will focus on the forest as a site and a symbol of sexual exploration for the young lovers. Power Plays (17 September – 15 October) Upton admires the "particular energy" that short plays have — bold and immediate — and here he's programmed a collection of five new such works by Melissa Bubnic, Michele Lee, Nakkiah Lui, Hannie Rayson and Debra Thomas. Bound together by the theme of 'power', this show is one for all the theatre lovers with short attention spans. A Flea in Her Ear (31 October – 17 December) "Come for the sex, stay for the farce", reads the STC program. We couldn't have put it better or more clickbaitily ourselves. Simon Phillips directs a new adaptation by Upton, based on the work of Georges Feydeau. Speed-the-Plow (8 November – 10 December) Here's that glimpse of the beneficent Rose Byrne we promised you. Hopefully her own experiences do not too closely resemble Mamet's cutting depiction of Hollywood life. Lachy Hulme (Offspring) also stars and Upton directs. The Tragedy of Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark (16 June – 17 July) Although you no doubt lolled at this title, this play is not strictly for you. If you can find a small person to take with you, however, it might be the best introduction to theatre you can give them. Crafty and crass Sisters Grimm member Declan Greene teams with kids company The Listies for this one, an add-on to the STC main stage season. The Wharf Revue 2016 (19 October – 23 December) You've either been going to this annual political send-up every year for 15 years, or you've not heard of it. Whichever it is, continue as you were. 2016 season tickets are on sale from 8 September. To explore the season and to book, visit the STC website.
Bar No. 5 doesn't just talk the talk about being a local joint. The repurposed warehouse Alexandria bar is focused not only on seasonality and sourcing local ingredients, but is also enacting a closed-loop policy for the venue — think foraging, bee keeping, solar panels and a composting worm farm to boot. "We want to achieve as close to zero waste as we can with this bar and the restaurant, and keeping it local is all a part of that goal," says bar manager Alex O'Brien (ex -Archie Rose). O'Brien and the team are already taking courses in all of the above through Newtown's Green Living Centre, and will shortly begin foraging in nearby parks. These ingredients will make their way onto the seasonal food and cocktail menu, with the latter including locally made spirits and craft brews from the likes of Willie the Boatman, Yulli's Brews and Wayward Brewing. "We're also making cordials and vinegars in house, using left over ingredients like pineapple skins and long bean tops/tails to infuse in sherries and vodkas," says O'Brien. Food-wise, Bar No. 5 focuses on share plates, fitting the community vibe nicely. At the moment, they're serving up buttermilk fried chicken po' boys ($16), family-style seafood platters ($38) and spice-rubbed chicken ($25-$40). The best day to drop by is Sundays, when they're offering up $1.50 oysters and arancini, fifty cent wings and live music from 3pm-5pm. It's a made-by-locals-for-local venue, owned by Alexandria folk in an area keen for repurposed hospitality spaces. "We love the idea of locals serving locals, and that's what is at the heart of this venue", says O'Brien. The long unused building has its roots as a gemstone processing facility and they've maintained that warehouse fitout and worn-out character. If all this doesn't make them neighbourhood champions, the bar also has an alcove dog area with leash hooks and a gas fire for winter. The space is still a work in progress and gearing up for a relaunch in the coming months, but they're clearly worth going to check out in the meantime. Keep an eye on this space for all of the foraging and beekeeping updates to come. Find Bar No. 5 at 5 McCauley Street, Alexandria. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 11.30am to 11pm and Sunday 11.30am to 10pm
There's a newish café on the Redfern end of Bourke Street and it's the answer to our prayers. St Jude, taking its tag from the patron saint of lost causes, is already a firm favourite among locals and far from its namesake. According to owners and long-time friends, Kate Thomson and Grant Piper, this trendy, welcoming breakfast and lunch joint is quite the opposite. In fact, it's somewhat of a saviour. Not only because the Surry-Redfern border residents now have a genuinely great place to go for a bite and a barista brew come weekend mornings, but, if these two hospitality heroes (who first worked together at the old DOV, yes, on the corner of Forbes and Burton) hadn't nabbed this place, a real lost cause would have taken up shop offering nothing but greasy pizza slices and pissheads. Thank you, St Jude, thank you. Designed by Surry Hills architect, Arthur Koutoulas, it's no surprise every inch of space has been carefully considered. From the monstrously heavy iron-framed railway sleeper share-table to the collection of creepy dolls playfully positioned alongside religious iconography and old photography across the back wall, this place is unique. Even the chairs embrace 'the different' with swivelling backrests inside and cork wood stools out while the salt and pepper is served in mini green faux-marble ramekins. Too cute. The menu is equally appealing. You have your brekkie classics as well as plate pleasers like the avocado smash with salsa, fresh spinach and feta ($14.30) or the daily breakfast Sanga ($13). Lunch offers the likes of potato gnocchi with lemon and herb pesto and slow roasted cherry tomatoes ($17.50) or crispy chorizo, roasted Mediterranean vegetables and giant couscous salad ($17.50). But the absolute deal breaker, the fritters, are a perfectly crafted concoction of sweet corn and pumpkin, shallow fried and served with soft poached eggs, hollandaise, avocado cream and baby spinach ($14.50). A success since get go, maybe St Jude's been sent from foodie heaven. It's unpretentious, it's comfortable, it's tasty and it's one of the best café's to open its doors for a long time. Praise be.
Chuck Close is lauded as a photorealist painter, but he is much more than that. In fact, he rejects the term “realist”, even when painting delicate wrinkles and wisps of hair. As described by consulting curator Glenn Barkley, he is a magician bent on revealing his tricks. Close, who always wanted to be a magician, couldn’t resist breaking this cardinal rule of illusion. In this way, many of the 'finished' works in this huge solo show at the MCA are accompanied by a number of process works. Like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle, this exhibition maps the gradual blossoming of Close's impossibly intricate portraits. Describing his artistic beginnings as crawling out from under abstract expressionism, Close took up portraiture at a time when it was notoriously untrendy. Unlike the spontaneous brushstrokes of his contemporaries, he took a more methodical tack. With an insatiable capacity for new materials and new techniques, he radicalises what has traditionally been a conservative art form. Many of his works are the product of intense manual labour and are mathematically precise. One reason Close goes to these lengths is because he suffers from face blindness, or prosopagnosia. By repeating the same portrait again and again, he is drumming his subjects into his long-term memory. Of the various techniques used, Close rescues some from obscurity, such as the Jacquard Loom (those whopping tapestries), a 19th-century punch-card system used to weave complex patterns. In other works, he uses a felt hand stamp to patch together his portraits and moulds paper pulp into the contours of a face. And then there’s the classic Japanese form of woodblock printing, or ukiyo-e, which he uses to create warbling layers of colour. Emma is a striking example of this; a work which captures the luminosity of infancy. Of course, the grid is one of the key foundations of Close’s practice. Using a horizontal or diamond axis, these individual squares guide the steady unfolding his work. This comes back to the fraught idea of realism — it is an illusion from afar and abstract up close. Some of his more recent portraits, such as those of the artist Zhang Huan, are composed of watercolour gradients. But it is a loose grid, as if Close is allowing his painting to breathe. There are specks of raw canvas that shine through at the corners of each square like little diluted rainbows. Of the thematic triad that holds this exhibition together, 'process' is perhaps the most fascinating. It seems the strength of the big picture is in seeing the tiny pieces which constitute it. The formal inventiveness of Chuck Close really does take time to be appreciated. Not only is this exhibition a comprehensive survey of a truly unique artist, it is also a whirlwind education in printmaking and colour theory. Attend more than once.
Australia is well known for having some of the best dining in the world. Melbourne is a city where people happily spend an entire weekend rambling from restaurant to restaurant; from café to cocktail, on the hunt for a new favourite. And in Sydney, whether your tastes run to Frankie's Pizza or are more on the Quay side of things, you'll find bountiful opportunity to explore this foodie mecca. It doesn't matter if you're in a major capital or dining at a hidden local gem, Aussie restaurants and cafes consistently turn out incredibly fresh, vibrant and exciting tucker — inspired by access to some of the finest meats, poultry, seafood and vegetables in the world. We have two restaurants among the Top 100 Restaurants in the world (tip your hats Attica; Brae) and Aussie coffee champ Sasa Sestic scooped the World Barista Championships in 2015. With such a heady mix of talent hailing from Australia, it makes sense that the rest of the world would want a slice of our home-grown cuisine and expertise. We've partnered with Expedia to take a jaunt around the world and explore some Australian-owned restaurants in far-flung locales. Perhaps they'll inspire your next trip — they're definitely worthy of one. HARDWARE SOCIÉTÉ, PARIS The much beloved breakfast and brunch spot of 120 Hardware Lane, Melbourne, opened up shop in Paris recently and has been providing homesick ex-pats and Parisians alike with their petit-déjeuner since late 2016. You can get your 64-degree eggs with delights like ham hock (18€) or über decadent lobster (20€) and enjoy a genuine Melbourne Padre latte to sip as you dine. Aussie visitors to Paris looking for a little taste of home, and Parisians looking for a slice of Melbourne breakfast culture, will both find what they're looking for here. 10 rue Lamarck, 75018, Paris GERALD'S BAR, SAN SEBASTIAN Melbourne's long-beloved Carlton fave for wine lovers and good-time seekers has a new location. And while it's got that same Gerald's charm it's basically on the other side of the world; 17,195km away in San Sebastián, Spain. If it weren't for the fact that we have the original right here in Melbourne (thank the gods), we'd be on a plane right now for some of that exceptional wine and unbeatable Gerald's atmosphere. Eponymous proprietor, Gerald Diffey, took over an existing restaurant space in 2014 and gave it the Gerald's flourish. Now you can dine on mountain cheeses while sipping a curated list of local and international drops. If you're in San Sebastián it's a must-do. Calle del Ángel, 10, 20003 San Sebastián RUBY'S, NEW YORK CITY Visitors to Ruby's in NYC will be greeted by many things – tastes, smells, sights – but the first thing that may greet you on sighting Ruby's is a queue to get in the door. This decidedly bijoux eatery is so damn popular that people have no qualms about lining up just to take a seat inside. Enjoy nostalgic burgers like the Coogee ($12.50) with mushroom, romesco, cress, zucchini and goat's cheese; or tuck into the Whaleys ($13.50) and enjoy a classic Aussie burger complete with beetroot, pineapple and fried egg. Don't fancy a burger? No problem – order off the breakfast menu before 1pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends. The breakfast bowl is particularly good. If you're homesick and abroad or just want to tuck into a seriously good meal in NYC, you'll find it at Ruby's. 219 Mulberry St # A, New York DA MARIA, BALI Undoubtedly set to be one of the hottest places to see and be seen in Bali, Da Maria is the latest venture for Sydney restaurateur Maurice Terzini. He's behind Sydney classic, Icebergs, and is set to provide Bali dwellers and visitors alike with North Bondi Italian food (the website says they're bringing the Amalfi Coast to Bali) in a luxe Canggu locale. The venue has only just flung open its doors, and the tasteful interior and stunning luxe layout makes for the perfect spot to get a little bit fancy at dinner. Or, dance and drink the night away with DJs every evening from 10pm. If you're hungry at night they've got you covered with their delectable lava-oven baked pizzas available til late. Jalan Petitenget No. 170, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali CHINESE TUXEDO, NEW YORK CITY Aussies Eddy Buckingham and Jeff Lam set about with a single goal in mind: to modernise Chinese dining in NYC. Their pretty spectacular venue is housed in an ex-Chinese opera house and offers its diners a broad menu which has been carefully designed to tick all the boxes. There are traditional regional Chinese dishes on offer, creatively interspersed with exciting salads and flavoursome noodle dishes. They look set to make their mark on an exciting space, with the hope being that they'll be the go-to for high-end Chinese dining in NYC. Buckingham and Lam say that at Chinese Tuxedo the food speaks for them, so if you're in New York City we recommend you go and listen. 5 Doyers St, New York, NY PARAMOUNT COFFEE PROJECT, LOS ANGELES This industrial-chic Sydney café spread its wings to LA recently, opening up a similarly bright and airy cafe in the style of its Surry Hills sister venue, in late 2015. Los Angeles diners choose from a range of 'things on toast': soft scram ($11), avocado ($12) or local burrata ($14) – to name but a few; or other ubiquitous Aussie breakfast staples. Milkshakes run from the standard (vanilla malt, $7) to the downright awesome/weird (vegemite and butterscotch, $7) and you can rest assured that the hot drinks menu is just as impressive as the food. Discerning coffee drinkers have a veritable slew of Australian brews and other hot and cold options on offer. 456 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles ST ALI, JAKARTA The much-beloved Melbourne coffee spot and all-round brunch star, St Ali, recently exploded into Jakarta and has been making diners happy with their Melbourne-style menu. Feast on the smoked salmon omelette with a cup of their delightful coffee, or tempt yourself with a matcha chai parfait as part of your 'clean eating' kick. It won't last long when there are treats like fried chicken and slaw on offer as well, but you can try. Next time you're in the Indonesian capital be sure to pop by for a coffee at St Ali's new venue – in partnership with Indonesia's Common Grounds Roastery – to get a look in at this stunning spot. RT.6/RW.7, Karet Kuningan, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta THE APOLLO, TOKYO Greek food and Japan aren't usually two things that would spring to your mind at the same time. But then, you were probably thinking of The Apollo — the contemporary Greek restaurant that opened in Ginza in the middle of 2016 — weren't you? The star of Sydney's modern Greek scene, The Apollo, has landed bringing the same beloved, succulent, smoky flavours of Greek cooking to the heart of Tokyo. Choose from lemony pan-fried saganaki, or dine on meltingly tender ten-hour slow-cooked Aussie lamb. Best to book — this is a popular spot with ex-pats and locals alike. Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo, Ginza FRATELLI PARADISO, TOKYO One of Sydney's most beloved haunts for fine Italian food is getting a new venue mid next year in a very special location: Tokyo. Owner Giovanni Paradiso decided on Japan as the spot for his expansion after exploring the idea of another venue in Sydney or Melbourne and realising that Japan ticked all the boxes. His new 90-seat venue is on track to open its doors in late April 2017. Toshi Nakayasu will helm the kitchen as head chef and will be offering familiar Italian classics as well as special local dishes too. The wine will be sourced from around the world and will be heavily based on natural wines, something that Paradiso is especially excited about. Keep an eye out for this one. HO LEE FOOK, HONG KONG Taiwan-born chef Jowett Yu has created one heck of a Hong Kong must-visit with his modern Chinese, Elgin Street restaurant in Central, Ho Lee Fook (say it out loud, you got it). Owned and operated by the team at Black Sheep Restaurants, the name literally translates to "good fortune for your mouth" and is inspired by old school Hong Kong cha chaan tengs (tea restaurants) and late night Chinatown haunts in 1960s New York. Yu's known in Australia for his Tetsuya's training and for co-opening Sydney restaurants Mr Wong and Ms.G's with Eric Koh and Dan Hong. You won't have trouble missing this highly publicised spot — just look for one of the most Instagrammed walls in the city, a clinquant assembly of waving cats. Just try and keep tipsy passersby away from this selfie trap. Downstairs, in his dimly lit, Chinese street art-adorned basement, Yu weaves contemporary Chinese magic through street food staples like French toast (Yu hides peanut butter in his version, and casually serves it with condensed milk ), prawn toast done okonomiyaki-style, and roast wagyu short ribs with jalapeño purée. But it's the roast goose that has foodies aflutter at HLF — order that bad boy 48 hours in advance. 1 Elgin St, Central, Hong Kong Become an Expedia+ member and book your food holiday in the January summer sale— you'll have access to prices that others don't see. By Laura Dawson and Shannon Connellan.
Give every one of your senses a break when you step into the Pleasure Garden. Making its world premiere at Vaucluse House, this enchanting project infuses the surrounding gardens with music and sounds. Everywhere you wander, you'll hear a new melody or discover a chance to 'play' nature, inviting you take a rest from your daily scurrying and listen as well as look. You're welcome to take on the experience as you see fit — be that walking, sitting, dozing or picnicking. Pleasure Garden is inspired by Jacob van Eyck, a 17th century musician, composer, improviser and nobleman. The music includes excerpts from his repertoire, alongside new compositions from Genevieve Lacey and Jan Bang, in collaboration with Jim Atkins, Robin Fox, Pete Brundle and Sera Davies.
The latest installation of Saké Restaurant & Bar opened back in 2018 as part of the revamped Manly Wharf precinct. The rooftop digs boast the sixth iteration of the award-winning Sake brand, and the third in Sydney, to continue its signature offering of sleek and contemporary Japanese fare — but this time with a distinctly Manly vibe. The 300-seat space is designed by the highly lauded studio Luchetti Krelle (Manly Greenhouse, Terminus Hotel and Acme, to name a few) and really reflects its beachside location. Think floor-to-ceiling windows and bi-fold doors that open onto an al fresco dining terrace, and to the panoramic ocean views of Manly Cove beyond. The bright dining room includes a variety of seating with a 40-seat sushi counter, a 60-seat bar and several private dining spaces. An open kitchen centres around the robata grill, which turns out an izakaya-style menu that's available at the bar all day. Venue specific dishes include lobster tempura with jalapeños and wagyu strip loin with chat potatoes and yakiniku sauce. On the regular menu at Sake Restaurant and Bar Manly, signature Sake dishes like the hiramasa kingfish and popcorn shrimp sit alongside Manly-exclusive items like tempura miso-glazed eggplant. The expansive drinks list has a focus on Japanese sakes, with the 30-label menu served by the glass, carafe, bottle or flight. There's also a 150-strong wine list and over 30 gin distilleries represented, too. If you're coming to Sake Restaurant and Bar Manly with a group then look to book one of the elegant private dining rooms, with seatings of six to twenty available across three rooms. Images: Tom Ferguson (venue) and Anna Kucera (food and drinks).
The team at Golden Age Cinema & Bar have finalised their autumn program, and are celebrating with a screening of one of the greatest coming-of-age movies ever made. Fittingly set during the final weekend of a sleepy Oregon summer, Stand By Me is a bona fide modern-day classic, featuring fantastic performances from a cast that includes a young River Phoenix, with a screenplay that combines the perfect mix of humour and emotional depth. On the off chance that the film alone isn’t enough to get you out of the house on a Tuesday night, Golden Age are sweetening the deal with golden age prices ($10, just like when Stand By Me was released in 1986), live music, complimentary Stellas and a pie-eating competition inspired by the film's unforgettable campfire story. Doors open from 5pm, with screenings at 6pm and again at 8.30pm.
Melbourne knows how to make use of its space. Cafes are crammed into alleyways, high-end restaurants pop up in basements, and bars float under bridge pylons on the river. With all that, you can't be surprised that a rooftop has been snapped up and repurposed into a (somewhat) camping ground, and that you can go there on a RedBalloon experience. One of Melbourne's most unique accomodation options is glamping at St Jeromes. It's accessed via an alley near Little Lonsdale St, near Melbourne Central. The lobby is on level three. Upon arrival the campsite in the sky delivers one of those "wow" moments we're all chasing — the rooftop is surrounded by some of Melbourne's most iconic buildings, including the Melbourne Central cone tower and the façade of Melbourne Emporium. It's glam without being snooty, and it seems to be designed specifically for the Instagram generation, meaning it photographs extremely well. The whole venue, from the lobby to sauna, is decked out in lush tropical plants. That could be to cover up the functional elements required of a rooftop, but no matter, the aesthetics work with the canvas tents. The main communal area of the hotel is the General Store, which is less a store (although it does have a vending machine stocked full of toiletries and emergencies supplies) and more a bar/cantina. A free cocktail on arrival will no doubt lead to a few more and as well it should – the staff make a mean Long Island iced tea. Inside it, you'll find board games along a communal bench and most likely get distracted by them. The general store is surrounded by oversized bean bags, hammocks and bocce balls and usually inhabited by chill but chatty staff and other guests. There's a distinctly 'hostel' vibe about the way guests interact, which is a big draw card for young folk. That kind of communal vibe is often absent from fancy accommodation. If you can, move past your welcome treats and cocktails into your tepee. The Luxe Plus option is 5 metres across, giving you plenty of room to spread out and roll around on the plush carpet and/or pirouette into the soft queen sized bed. The Luxe option is 4 metres in diameter, a little cosier than its counterpart but both boast downy quilts, soft linens and, more importantly, a welcome esky stock piled with local craft beer and cider. Now that's how you check-in. When you've finished wandering your new digs in awe, you'll have noticed the little luxuries that make your stay at St Jeromes a cut above. You find locally made treats, vouchers and a killer room-service menu that features camping faves done well, like jaffles and hot chocolate. Over time, you'll find yourself not wanting to leave the rooftop as the perks keep coming throughout the day. You can have bespoke Gelato Messina dessert and T2 sleepy time tea delivered to your tent if you request it. Staying with the theme, the dessert is a reimagined s'more – and they are the richest and sweetest ice-cream s'mores you'll ever taste. Don't forget during the food frenzy to take advantage of the built-in extravagances on offer. Book in for a sauna session (remember to do it pre-booze), pop over to Strike Bowling for a free game or stop by the Melbourne Central Lion for a complimentary late night snack. Possibly the biggest game changer (all hotels should take note) is the barista-made coffee that is delivered to your tent in the morning. The smell of coffee, and the crunch of a bacon, egg, tomato and basil jaffle in the morning, combined with the diffused morning light through your tent will reinvigorate you. It's almost better than a proper holiday. Look, there are some aspects of camping that no amount of luxury can smother. You really start to appreciate how deeply privileged we are to have access to running water at all times. And a campsite toilet is a campsite toilet regardless of how lovely it smells. Strangely, waking up on the rooftop brings that same feeling that occurs when you're waking up in a forest. You feel clean, and high up above everyone. It's a confusing, relaxing sense of urban spiritualism. Maybe you're a proper outdoors person, and you can stay that way. But this is camping, with running water and a campsite toilet. You can fall asleep with a full stomach in a warm tent just above the most vibrant city in the world. The hum of traffic in the distance sounds like gentle ocean waves, who says you can't have both? Book your St Jeromes glamping adventure (or gift it to someone else) at RedBalloon. Images: Imogen Baker and RedBalloon.
After months of anticipation, the revival of Chippendale's Old Clare Hotel has at long last been completed. Spearheaded by Singapore-based hotel and restaurant entrepreneur Loh Lik Peng of Unlisted Collection, the revamped watering hole as boutique hotel on Kensington Street is finally open for business — and it's spectacular. Reborn from the (metaphorical) ashes of the historic (and dearly beloved) Clare Hotel and adjoining Carlton United Brewery Administrative Building, the newly-opened hotel boasts 62 rooms and suites featuring high ceilings, heritage timber panelling and exposed brick walls, furnished with PSLAB pendant lighting, vintage furniture and cushions 'inspired by Australian flora and fauna'. Further hotel amenities include a rooftop pool and bar, private gym and a heritage meeting space, as well as a day spa expected to launch early next year. Guests can also take advantage of custom-made bicycles to explore the surrounding neighbourhood, or simply relax at the indoor bar near reception and enjoy the honest-to-god bespoke scent created by local perfumed candlers Maison Balzac. That being said, the biggest drawcard might be The Old Clare's three new high-end restaurants. Automata, the first solo venture from Momofuku Seiobo sous chef Clayton Wells, opened earlier this week, with a rotating five-course menu laden with such extravagances as storm clam with rosemary dashi, cream and dulse, and partridge with witlof, burnt apple and caper. Noma alumnus Sam Miller, meanwhile, opened Silvereye on September 22, offering short and long seasonal tasting menus featuring young coconut and mud crab, pumpkin with pomello, leeks with pig feet and white beer, and a plum and coffee tart. Last but not least, there's the Kensington Street Social, by Michelin-starred globetrotter Jason Atherton. Based on the competition, we have to assume they'll be bringing their A-game.
We're accustomed to the idea that every slice of pizza worth its weight in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles requires decent lashings of mozzarella. Which is why the fact that famed Newtown pizzeria Gigi is vegan might come as a shock to Sydney pizza fans. According to owner Marco Matino, the tradition of the Neapolitan woodfired pizza "is an art form which will always be relevant no matter how times change". That said, they decided to kick their double smoked ham and stringy mozzarella to the curb years ago in favour of a new plant-based menu that is both sustainable and ethical, with fresh, locally grown produce and key ingredients imported from Italy. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] "Marinara pizzas [with just tomato, garlic and oil] were the first served in Naples for over forty years before the Margherita was introduced," says Marco. Though that may be the case, we can safely say that, ever since some genius put some cheese on one of those saucy bases, we've never looked back. The pizza pros at Gigi Pizzeria have maintained the integrity of their quality woodfired dough with its slightly crispy, slightly chewy bite. It's the perfect pizza base. Toppings are mostly simple — like the aforementioned Marinara pizza — but there are a few more creative options too. The Melanzane sports tomatoes with tree nut ricotta, frilled eggplant, basil salsa and olive oil while classic numbers like the Patate — with thinly sliced potato seasoned with garlic and rosemary — work really well, especially with the additional black truffle pate. Since becoming a vegan-only joint, Gigi's popularity has soared, and it's not uncommon to see a massive line snaking along King Street on a Friday or Saturday night. Top image: Destination NSW Appears in: Where to Find the Best Pizza in Sydney for 2023
Camperdown locals have a new old local to revisit. Parramatta Road mainstay Deus Bar and Kitchen has opened its doors after a massive refurbishment. After ten years in the same spot, this epic revamp has been a long time coming. The once Deus Cafe has been completely re-imagined by Andy Ruwald (founder of Bucket List) and James Prier, who were brought on board by Deus Ex Machina founder Dare Jennings. Deus's new digs embrace their corner location on Parramatta Road, with big airy, bright, road-facing windows unveiled this week. Don't worry, you won't have to stare at traffic during your brekkie, the leafy shrubs placed at each window make for a hidden oasis. The biggest change at Deus, of course, is the dinner and bar service, which is a hard find in Camperdown. The concrete bar and open kitchen both have seating for casual patrons. The custom-made, comfy bar stools are designed to withstand long conversations over a few drinks and bar snacks — think eggplant fritters ($12), chicken crackling served with raw kingfish ($14) and mini braised lamb pita ($14). On the restaurant side of things, table service is available from morning until night, with a distinct emphasis on hospitality. "Our customers should have a great, friendly interaction with our servers and bar staff, while also receiving really professional and knowledgeable service," says Prier. The day is run as three extremely distinct services. While breakfast and lunch are kept simple to cater to the busy work crowd, the dinner menu is where head chef Tom Walton (ex-Bistro Moncur) really flexes his culinary muscles. The dishes stem from Walton's high-end training, along with the Middle Eastern flavours that seasoned his upbringing. As the menu currently stands, Walton recommends starting with the pickled cucumber with black olive labna ($7) and roasted tiger prawns in shellfish butter ($24). For mains, go for the whole roast chook ($39), which is perfect for sharing over a bottle of wine. "It's just good, honest food," says Ruwald. "We're trying to create a really nice neighbourhood vibe," adds Walton. On the drinks side, Prier curated the menu to feature classic cocktails done well. The Scorpio VI looks the best to us ($18) – it's a cold-weather spin on a jalapeno margarita using homemade 'winter syrup' of spiced rhubarb stalks from the kitchen. Taps (of course) include local legend Young Henrys and the wine list will soon include a Deus house label. Find Deus at 98 Parramatta Road,Camperdown.
They've kept us in suspense for an age, but one Sydney's most talked about developments, Tramsheds, has finally announced an opening date. The Tramsheds project, built in the bones of the heritage-listed Rozelle Tram Depot in Harold Park, has announced they'll be open to the public at the end of August. Developers Mirvac also announced the precinct will house a European-inspired market hall, lined with small, high quality and bespoke food retailers, alongside a 2440 square metre IGA Supamart supermarket (try saying that ten times fast). Now, in your mind, a giant grocery chain might not mesh well with local providores, but the Supamart is less like your local Woolies/Coles than you might think. It's a family owned and run business — by brothers Andrew and Vasilli Karellas — with a focus on organic and local produce . Several other foodie bigwigs have announced their involvement over the last few months as well, including Butchery and The Farmer (a deli/butcher/restaurant triple threat run by Jared Ingersoll); sustainable seafood restaurant Fish and Co; tapas restaurant Bodega 1904; ice cream kings Gelato Messina and Flour Eggs Water, a new establishment run by Eugenio Maiale. We can expect a dozen more foodie announcements over the coming months, giving fellow rosy suburb Rosebery a run for its money. There's also a medical centre, gym, hairdresser and nail bar planned for the Tramsheds, and a number of cycle paths are currently under renovation — with plans for over 80 bike racks to be installed across the site. It hasn't all been smooth sailing however, as the tram depot structure has been uninhabited since the 1950s and has since been granted heritage status so the renovations have been rather tricky. But they've managed to retain many of the OG features of the sheds — including the saw tooth roof which was first constructed in 1904. We can't wait to see it for ourselves. Tramsheds will be open late August 2016.
Forget the flowers: brothers Charlie and Roy El Hachem are giving us all a brand new reason to head down to the Royal Botanic Garden. The creators of popular Sydney cafe chain Piccolo Me recently opened their latest store at the garden's Palace Gates entrance, bringing their total number of locations to an even dozen. And what better way to entice potential customers than by serving...wait for it...the world's largest Nutella deep-fried ice cream. The decadent dessert, made from a litre of Nutella and vanilla ice cream topped with crushed Maltesers and a syringe full of warm salted caramel sauce, is one of a number of insane creations hungry punters will find on the menu. Other options include Nutella cookies served with ice cream and an espresso, a cookies and cream milkshake covered in Cadbury flake and 100s and 1000s, and warm chocolate brownie served with ice cream, coconut shavings, popping candy and peanut M&Ms. They've also used the launch as a platform to unveil their latest winter drink, a minty hot chocolate topped with Oreo pieces, ice cream and rich chocolate sauce. Or you could just order a flat white. Your call. < Choc Mintolo > Mint hot choc with Icecream topped with choc sauce & crushed Oreos. STARTS WEDNESDAY 😱😱😱😱💞💞💞#chocmintolo #piccolome #ivebeenpiccolod #dubai #sydney #melbourne A photo posted by Have You Been Piccolo'd Yet? (@piccolome) on Jul 9, 2016 at 8:40pm PDT "We are so thrilled to be working with the Garden in its 200th year," said Roy El Hachem. "Come and see us, grab lunch or a treat, and head into the Garden to explore! Just look for the yellow umbrellas."
In the lead-up to the festive season, Sydney's weekend nights are set to become that little bit safer with the introduction of a volunteer-run 'Safe Space'. Between 10pm and 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, the World Square-based area will be staffed with Salvation Army volunteers, who'll provide help to anyone who needs support — be it in the form of water, first aid, telephone calls or advice on how to get home. At the same time, the volunteers — who’ve been dubbed Take Kare Ambassadors — will be patrolling CBD entertainment precincts. They’ll keep an eye out for vulnerable individuals, offering assistance on the spot and, if need be, directing them towards the Safe Space. The initiative is a collaboration between the Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation, the City of Sydney and the New South Wales Police. It will be piloted for three months, before its permanency is determined. "There are currently no prevention services in place to assist young people who are ejected from venues due to being too intoxicated, and they can end up on the street in a vulnerable state with the potential of becoming either a victim or an offender," Mr. Kelly said in a media statement. "Tonight all that changes. Many parents will owe so much to the Take Kare Ambassadors, but few will ever know that their son or daughter got home safely because a team of people volunteered their time to come to their children’s side when they needed it the most." "It’s vital that we do everything we can to calm Sydney’s streets and curb alcohol-related violence," added the Lord Mayor Clover Moore. "The City will continue to work with NSW Police and the NSW Government to create the safest possible environment we can for young people out at night. This program will play a pivotal role in helping intoxicated young people in the city sober up, seek assistance from a responsible adult and get home safely late at night." The Safe Space trial is one of several moves by the City of Sydney to boost safety. Others include temporary toilets at Town Hall, Whitlam Square, Taylor Square and Springfield Mall, which will be open between 10pm and 6am on Friday and Saturday nights until next March; extended opening hours for the City’s info kiosks (until 9pm); the addition of crowd control barriers to the Bayswater Road taxi rank between 9pm and 6am on Saturday nights; and the installation of variable message signs in the CBD and Kings Cross, conveying safety and transport information. Image: Luke Reynolds.
Hey Dad! Steve! Over here! Two of your favourites are playing Bluesfest this year! Let's go! Bluesfest Byron Bay's 2017 lineup came from somewhere back in our long ago, with two big mum and dad-friendly superstars being added to the lineup this morning: The Doobie Brothers and Santana. One of Australia's best festivals, the five-day Easter long weekend event has played to its core audience with their latest lineup additions. First up, the legend himself, groundbreaking, Grammy-nabbing, Afro-Latin-blues-rock fusion king, nay, sultan Santana is coming to melt faces and throw down elongated solos like the melodic monarch he is. Expect 'Black Magic Woman'. Then, takin' it to the streets of Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, California's harmonising head honchos The Doobie Brothers will make their triumphant return to Bluesfest. The Doobies have some serious fans at Bluesfest — do not try and push in front of them. This big ol' announcement comes just a week after Bluesfest added superstar Mary J. Blige to already heaving lineup. THE THIRD 2017 BLUESFEST ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT: Santana The Doobie Brothers 2017 ARTISTS ALREADY ANNOUNCED: Zac Brown Band Patti Smith and her band perform Horses Mary J. Blige The Lumineers Buddy Guy (exclusive) Bonnie Raitt Mavis Staples (exclusive) Billy Bragg Jethro Tull Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue Rickie Lee Jones Gregory Porter Snarky Puppy St. Paul and the Broken Bones Corinne Bailey Rae Michael Kiwanuka Nahko and Medicene for the People Gallant Beth Hart (exclusive) Laura Mvula Andrew Bird Booker T. presents The Stax Records Review Roy Ayers Joan Osborne Turin Brakes The Strumbellas Jake Shimabukuro Dumpstaphunk The Suffers Nikki Hill Irish Mythen Bluesfest returns to Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm just outside of Byron Bay over the Easter long weekend (April 13-17, 2017). More info on the Bluesfest website. Image: Andy Fraser.
It’s hard to imagine a better show at the Spiegeltent this year than Meow Meow’s, in which cabaret’s international woman of mystery sings about her quest for love while gabbing away like the third member of Ab Fab. Meow was created by Melissa Gray, one-time law student and graduate of WAAPA. She’s appeared in the West End, at Bowie’s High Line Festival, and on the ABC in their recent The Divorce. She co-starred in that made-for-TV opera with Katie Miller-Heidke, who has provided songs for The Little Mermaid, as have the likes of Megan Washington and Amanda Palmer. Meow is joined in The Little Mermaid by Australian actor Chris Ryan, who appears in hi-vis midway through, calling a halt to the show because the building is unstable. There’s a clog, and in lieu of a plumber he must get up in there – cue all the requisite jokes. As a stand-up comedian, Meow has the audience in the palm of her hand from the beginning. The quality of her chat disarms you, making the power and pathos of her voice all the more arresting. Barry Humphries brought Meow out to Adelaide last year, and it almost felt like an anointment. I’d say she deserves to be better known in her own country if her unknowable-ness wasn’t part of the point. Image: Prudence Upton.
Sick of being turfed out of rentals, but no idea how you'll ever afford your own home in Sydney? Let Big World Homes architect Alexander Symes come to your rescue — he's created Australia's first flat-packed 'tiny home' that's entirely off-grid. You heard us. Flat-packed homes. And they're going for a cheeky $65K each. Big World Homes are self-described as "a transitional housing product that offers a solution to people currently unable to get into home ownership" — that means most of us living in Australia's capital cities. To check out this highly unique housing solution for yourself, get along to the 2016 Sydney Architecture Festival. On Thursday, September 29, Symes and a bunch of vollies will put the house together in just 2.5 hours, using only a hammer and a drill. Then, they'll drive it to the Festival Hub in Central Park, where it'll stay on display until October 3. Never been in a tiny home? You'll be able to explore the structure's many mod cons, including running water, electricity, a bathroom with plumbing, a living room and a comfy bed. Power comes from solar panels, while water is sourced via inbuilt rainwater tanks. "Big World Homes seeks to bridge the gap between renting and home ownership, offering a transitional housing product that is affordable and also rethinks the way people live," said Symes. "We're excited to be launching at the Sydney Architecture Festival one of the most progressive, socially oriented, community driven housing projects that Australia has ever seen. This comes at a time when the need for new options in affordable housing has never been greater." You can buy your very own tiny home for $65,000, which is a significant improvement on the cost of a studio apartment in Sydney right now. Get together with a group of mates and start your own, eco-friendly community. For more small house inspiration, take a wander over here. Check out Big World Homes at the Sydney Architecture Festival Hub at Central Park, Chippendale from September 29 to October 3.
You can throw out your gym routine. On the lower north shore, keeping fit doesn't have to be a chore. If you don't want to spend a cent, there's a massive array of outdoor spaces — from national parks to beaches — where you can walk, run, cycle or paddle. With a few bucks to splash around, you can get moving in places like North Sydney's harbourside olympic pool, or Taronga Zoo's famous Tarzan course. In partnership with luxury Australian property development company Aqualand and its new Blue at Lavender Bay development, here are the top ten ways to train, tone and transform yourself on the lower north shore. [caption id="attachment_617827" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NSW National Parks[/caption] BRADLEY HEAD TO CHOWDER BAY WALK If you don't mind cracking harbour views with your workout, then set off on the Bradley Head to Chowder Bay Walk. This beauty starts at Taronga Zoo and follows the shoreline for four kilometres, winding up at Chowder Bay, where you can celebrate with a dip in a harbour pool or a glass of wine at East Coast Lounge. Along the way, don't be surprised to find yourself sharing the path with Eastern water dragons. To extend your adventure carry on to the Spit Bridge, or if you're going the other way, the Harbour Bridge. NORTH SYDNEY OLYMPIC POOL For anyone who's struggled with the monotony of the black line, the North Sydney Olympic Pool provides an antidote. Keep motivated by rewarding yourself at the end of each lap — you couldn't get a better perspective on the mighty Harbour Bridge. What's more, Luna Park is just next door, so you can wrap up your session with a ferris wheel ride. Go hard enough at your training and you might add to the 86 records set at the pool since it opened in 1936. Along with the pool, there's a gym, sauna and spa. [caption id="attachment_617801" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @hkogekar[/caption] CYCLE LANE COVE NATIONAL PARK With its trails, steep concreted drops and sealed sections, the Lane Cove National Park has cycling options for everyone. If you're after something mid-range, go for the Pennant Hills West Fire Trail, a three-kilometre journey through gum trees. There's plenty of easy rolling, as well as a scattering of hilly bits. To turn the ride into a loop, return along the Comenarra Parkway. Lane Cove National Park gives you 372 hectares of bush, waterways and fresh air. On top of the cycle paths, there are loads of walks and picnic areas. [caption id="attachment_617742" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Just Run Lah[/caption] HARBOUR BRIDGE RUN Knock over your workout and your sightseeing in one go with this run. It's a ten-kilometre circuit that connects both sides of the Harbour via the Bridge, taking in McMahons Point, Lavender Bay, Luna Park and Observatory Hill along the way. You'll hug the coast most of the time and get cracking views of the Harbour, the Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay. With all that beauty around you, you won't even know you're getting fit. Once a year, in September, expect to share the path with thousands of others when the Sydney Running Festival hits town. NORTH SYDNEY YOGA When the weather turns — or if you prefer to get flexible when there's a roof over your head — there's North Sydney Yoga. The focus is Ashtanga Vinyasa and the school is one of the oldest in Sydney. It's been running since 1985, with Angelika Knoerzer in charge since 1987. A bunch of classes are available, for everyone from school kids and beginners, to yoga junkies. If you've never done Ashtanga Yoga before, an excellent place to start is the Essentials Intensive course. You'll go to class twice a week and learn all the basics. North Sydney Yoga is at 144 Blues Point Rd, McMahons Point — not far from the water for a post-class stroll. LANE COVE BOWLING CLUB Combine your workout with mates and a couple of beers at Lane Cove Bowling Club, founded in 1952. Barefoot bowls are a steal at ten dollars per person — including gear and tips from the club's handy onsite experts. On Sunday, the social games kick off from midday. Should you work up an appetite, pop into the bistro. PILATES INTERNATIONAL Pilates International isn't limited to the North Shore, of course, but it's an excellent choice for a workout because the standard of teaching is so high. Since opening in 2000, the organisation has pretty much stuck to teachers with at least a decade's experience. The North Shore studio is in Pymble and you can count on shiny floors, lots of light and air, splashes of greenery and top-notch gear. There are classes of all types and sizes, from one-on-ones and duet lessons to sessions dedicated to the Pilates mat and pregnancy. [caption id="attachment_617810" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anton Leddin[/caption] KAYAKING BALMORAL Balmoral and surrounds offer some of the most beautiful paddling scenery you'll find on Sydney Harbour. If you're serious about building up some strength and endurance, then join Sydney Kayaks on their Group Fitness sessions. There are mixed classes, high intensity triathlon classes that include running and swimming, and sessions that combine paddling and yoga. If you prefer to take things at a slower pace, then all you have to do is hire a kayak and set off on an adventure of your own making. After conquering Balmoral, check out these sparkling spots. TARONGA ZOO ROPES COURSE Since opening in April 2016, Taronga Zoo's Wild Ropes has been inundated with would-be Tarzans. It's difficult to think of a more fun way to tone up. All in all, there are 40 obstacles, including bridges, tunnels, aerial rock walls and a hover board. While you're proving your mettle, soak up new perspectives of the water, Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and expect to meet koalas, kangaroos, emus and wallabies. The obstacles are divided into four courses, so you can start off easy and work your way up to the scary, challenging stuff. It's a good idea to book ahead online. Surround yourself with everything the lower north shore has to offer at Aqualand's Blue at Lavender Bay development. The best restaurants, cafes, bars and activities are all on your doorstep.
Proving that causing the internet to lose its mind by delivering adorable puppies to offices around Australia is simply not enough for them, Uber has moved yet another step closer to total world domination. The ridesharing service will launch UberEATS in Melbourne today, Tuesday, April 19 at 11am. Because who needs multiple apps when you can use one for just about everything? Melbourne is the first city in Australia to be bestowed the food delivery platform, and only the third in the world. It basically allows restaurants to get their food delivered to customers between 11am and 10pm by a wide access of ever-available drivers — much like (and in direct competition to) other food delivery apps like Foodora/Suppertime, Deliveroo and Menulog. The list of Melbourne restaurants exceeds 80, including the likes of Supernormal, Gazi, Pidapipo and Jimmy Grants. Oh, and delivery will be free for the launch. So you only have to pay the cost of your Jimmy Grants feta-covered oregano chips, and not a cent more. UberEATS launched in select US cities last year, allowing users to order lunch or dinner from an ever-shifting menu that includes options from a number of different restaurants. UberX is still technically illegal in Victoria, although that hasn't stopped the service's meteoric success. Assuming UberEATS proves a hit in Melbourne, it's safe to assume it may expand to further cities in the future. You can download the UberEATS app here from 11am. For all the details, visit ubereats.com/melbourne. Updated: April 19, 2016.
It has been a tumultuous year for Sydney's hospitality scene. We've said farewell to some short-lived favourites — Bar Brosé, Eleven Bridge and The Antipodean to name a few — we've lamented the changes to the 457 visa and the hospitality sector's staff shortage and we continue to fight the lockout laws. But where there have been closures, innovative new ventures have risen from the ashes. We've seen the opening of a slew of new bars, restaurants, cafes, pubs, spaces and events — and they're not all from the big players, independent ventures are flourishing. At Concrete Playground we encourage exploration and showcase innovation in our city every day, so we thought it fitting to reward those most talented vanguards pushing Sydney to be a better, braver city. And so, we are very pleased to announce Concrete Playground's Best of 2017 Awards. As we continue to attempt to define Australian cuisine, chefs continue to push the boundaries. We've seen (and tasted) black pudding curry in a Thai restaurant located in a renovated tea building, eaten delicate Japanese fare served behind a police station and downed hash browns and kimchi toasties at a Korean cafe. Bars continue to offer immersive, imaginative experiences that take you beyond their drinks lists — you can drink beer out of horns in viking dens, sip tiki cocktails at a Twin Peaks-themed bar and pair natural wine with Roe Boats. The cafe culture is stronger than ever, too, with new cafes not only guaranteeing a stellar cup of Joe, but also innovative lunch snacks and sleek interiors that'll really make you reconsider that desk sandwich. Pubs have defied the strangling lockout laws, kickstarting old favourites and coming together to raise up the city's ailing live music scene. They've hosted yes voting parties and sported controversial art, with the community rallying behind them. The bringing together of the art and food scene has expanded beyond pubs, with venues spending more time on their appearances, collaborating with local designers, architects and street artists to create stunning spaces. This prompted the creation of our new category, Best New Space. We've searched far and wide to find our favourite, visually stunning, innovative and sustainable spaces that are accessible to you — including shops, hotels, co-working hubs and public spaces. Event organisers have created smart and clever new events, celebrating the city's cultural ecosystem and bringing people together to eat cheese, look at innovative art and to support each other in times of hardship. This year, we will be awarding both a reader voted People's Choice and Overall award in each of the following six categories: Best New Restaurant Best New Bar Best New Cafe Best New Pub Best New Event Best New Space These 36 outstanding Sydney ventures have been handpicked by Concrete Playground for their combination of originality, innovation, creativity, approachability and sustainability. We straight-up love them. And the winners are.... BEST NEW RESTAURANT OVERALL WINNER: SASAKI This tiny, unassuming space in Sydney's CBD opened in April — but you'll need to make a reservation (a week in advance) if you plan on heading here for dinner. It's still busy, which is a testament to its consistently great food, warm service and attention to detail. Owner and head chef, Yu Sasaki (Cre Asion) pays homage to his hometown of Shimane, with dishes reflecting his fragmented memories of the Japanese countryside. The pint-sized, minimalist restaurant boasts a daily changing menu using the freshest Australian produce. The menu is completely driven by season and Sasaki only uses ingredients that have been harvested by his local suppliers and farmers, with whom he maintains a close personal relationship. Service is warm and attentive from the moment you're sat to the moment you're handed a sleek leaflet explaining the restaurant's ethos on your way out. Sasaki may not be making the noise other newcomers have been, but its consistency and and fast rise to a local favourite make it more than deserving of Overall Best New Restaurant. PEOPLE'S CHOICE: MJOLNER Named for Thor's hammer, the self-described 'Viking luxe' space is part-drinking den, part-fine dining restaurant. It may sound gimmicky, but it works — rather than going too hard on the schtick, Mjølner uses the Viking theme as tasteful inspiration. This is consistent throughout the whole venue; the animal-clad waitstaff and impressive fit-out contrast well with the R&B soundtrack and a modern Nordic menu. The leather-bound cocktail menu is extensive, but drinking is by no means the only reason to visit, with the open kitchen turning out a seriously impressive food menu. As expected, the menu is focused around meat, with bone marrow and spiced pig's head terrine making appearances. Both of these are expertly executed, with the bone marrow melting in your mouth and the terrine surprisingly light. It's fine dining in a pretty chill setting, which is hard to achieve and particularly well done at Mjølner. BEST NEW BAR OVERALL WINNER: DEAR SAINTE ÉLOISE Most of Lankelly Place is closed or empty on a Tuesday night, but it's another story altogether inside Dear Sainte Éloise. The warmly-lit wine bar is aglow with patrons and bustling staff — it's already a well-oiled machine. It's clear the Love, Tilly Devine crew — namely owner Matt Swieboda, head sommelier Nate Hatwell (Mercado), manager Jasmin Natterer and head chef Ben Abiad (co-founder Brickfields Bakery, ex-Sean's Panaroma and Mecca) — know what they're doing. The long, copper bar is adorned with racks upon racks of wine that showcase the bar's huge selection — all up, there's 350 plus bottles, which have been plucked from all over the world, from Austria to Portugal, South Africa and Georgia. While this is a wine bar above all else, the succinct selection of dishes serve well as wine nibbles or a full meal. The menu is printed daily and features wine bar staples like fresh oysters and burrata, and more — inventive little roe boats, bright orange fish roe sitting atop a little potato hash 'boat', fragrant and hearty stewed snake beans and delicate celery hearts with goat's curd and burnt onions. PEOPLE'S CHOICE: MONKEY'S CORNER Having already seduced us with their magnificent sugary creations, everyone's favourite culinary brothers (Reynold, Ronald, and Arnold Poernomo) have moved on to the next vice: alcohol. The trio is shaking up the Sydney cocktail scene with a cheeky Japanese bar called Monkey's Corner, right next to its dessert bar KOI in Chippendale — and it has already become a firm favourite. In the spirit of all things Japanese, the heritage-listed terrace venue is teeny tiny, with just ten seats inside and ten seats outside. Due to heritage restrictions, the trio are not allowed to actually cook in the kitchen. Food can only be steamed or served raw as no frying or grilling is permitted. But thanks to a trusty blowtorch and some clever culinary technique, you won't even notice — it's just another reason to be impressed by the trio. BEST NEW CAFE OVERALL WINNER AND PEOPLE'S CHOICE: BABY COFFEE CO Strong branding with personality, an industrial design with splashes of neon and pastel and luxe junk food that's ready for its close-up. Baby Coffee Co, is really capitalising on current trends — and it's working. The cafe has been open for just over a month and it's already a strong local favourite. A hybrid venue, it's licensed and has a tight wine list, bottomless mimosas for brunch and a cheeky cocktail list with the likes of a 'Flick The Bean' made with rum, espresso, Falernum and lemonade. While a 'bacon' and egg roll gets a redo with pork belly, two fried eggs, capsicum jam and aioli. We're pretty keen on its espresso panna cotta for breakfast and cacio e pepe fries. If you still can't get enough Baby in your day, it's open for dinner — head in again for a healthy dose of pastel pink and Italian food. BEST NEW PUB OVERALL WINNER: THE LANSDOWNE The Lansdowne is back and it's safe to say it's sticking to its roots — with a mantra of "seedy nights, live music and cheap food" proudly sung by the legendary men behind the resurrection, Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham (Mary's Newtown and The Unicorn Hotel). The grungy feel of the space is definitely still in tact, with the old concrete floors and paint-peeling walls still peeping through. But the downstairs area is now home to a shiny new pool table and dart board, while the pokies room has been swapped for rock 'n' roll pinball machines, complete with a disco ball. Local artist Jessica Cochrane has given the space her own touch, complete with two Playboy wall collages, a candlelit shrine to the live music greats and pin-up girl covered bathrooms ceilings, aka "pisstine chapels". Live music is the hero here, and the entire top floor is dedicated to getting some of the best bands in the business. And that's one of the reasons why we've awarded The Lansdowne the Overall Best New Pub — it's dedication to live music is paramount in a city where it is, due to strangling legislation, ailing. PEOPLE'S CHOICE: THE FERNERY As you might expect, the venue is far from any old rooftop. Located above Mosman Club, it offers extraordinary views of, well, everything: the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, the heads and the city skyline. And you'll be gazing at them all while immersed in greenery. It's from the team behind North Sydney's The Greens and Camperdown's Acre. Interior designers Pony Design Co has transformed the main space into a greenhouse-inspired oasis. If you're up for a more intimate chinwag, head into the sleek gin room overlooking North Head. Also on the rooftop is a kitchen garden, cultivated by Adrian Baiada, the man responsible for Acre's urban farm. In addition to the gin room, where the focus is on Australian distillers, there's a bar devoted to rosé. And yes, it's very much pink. A handpicked selection of wines, served straight from the barrel, is on the drinks list, as is a collection of signature cocktails flavoured with just-picked herbs. BEST NEW EVENT OVERALL WINNER AND PEOPLE'S CHOICE: FESTIVAL FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY After the success of the Yes Rally, Sydney's activist collective Reclaim the Streets organised the a huge collective 'yes' voting event, with thousands rocking up at Prince Alfred Park on Saturday, September 23, to vote together. They knew people were going to put off voting 'til the last minute (and risk missing the deadline) and they wanted to prevent it. So they encouraged as many people as possible to put in their vote, en masse. Across from the Strawberry Hills Post Office they hosted a colourful nine-stage music festival. There were lots of rainbows, lots of signs, lots of music and a lot of yes votes. And they — along thousands of other tireless volunteers who called, knocked and handed out leaflets, everyone who marched and talked to their friends and family, and every Australian that voted yes — helped push through a yes vote. And now, it's cemented in law. BEST NEW SPACE OVERALL WINNER: UNYOKED There's getting away. And then there's disappearing to your own private, tiny house in the wilderness — miles from any sign of human interference. Meet Unyoked, a new Australian independent accommodation option that lets you do just that. Importantly, this is not a hotel. Founded and run by twins Cam and Chris Grant, the off-the-grid experience brings you the convenience and comforts of four solid walls, alongside the adventure, spontaneity and closeness-to-nature of camping. Here's how. With the help of designer and builder Alice Nivison and eco-consultant Richie Northcott from Sydney design studio Fresh Prince, the brothers have designed and built four tiny houses throughout New South Wales — both sustainable and solar-powered. They've been placed in secret patches of wilderness on private properties, in the middle of nowhere. Anytime you want to flee the city, disconnect and recharge, all you have to do is book one and jump in your car. And all houses are no more than three hours' drive from Sydney. PEOPLE'S CHOICE: MR LIQUOR'S DIRTY ITALIAN DISCO Merivale's newest venue Mr Liquor's Dirty Italian Disco combines elements of taste and aesthetic to create a venue that's immersive in its narrative without forsaking the essentials: good food and great drinks. With disco tunes and Italian grub in a repurposed bottle shop, the venue is exactly what it says on the packet — and that's something to get excited about. This time round Merivale's got the crew from Pinbone on-board to take over the kitchen (read: drive-through bottle shop) at Mascot's Tennyson Hotel. Like the menu, the venue's design is pretty heavy on the Italian influences, with red and white checkered floors paying tribute to the homely vibe of Italian-American pasta restaurants, while the exposed ceiling beams, roller doors and massive disco ball complete the look. Behind the lively design is Kelvin Ho of Akin Creative, who worked closely with Sydney tattooist Rick Vaughn, aka Four Eyes, to bring the previously bare walls to life with a series of bespoke illustrations.
Chippo Creative Precinct is ushering in the Year of the Monkey with a Kensington Street takeover. There'll be everything that a new year deserves: piles of delicious food, epic art installations, live performance and heaps of chances to dance. More specifically, the celebrations will embrace various elements of Chinese culture. Prepare to meet lion dancers and shadow puppeteers, hear future predictions from a fortune teller and see poetry in motion at the hands of calligraphy masters. As you've probably guessed by now, all the food action will be happening in Spice Alley. In fact, the cobblestoned laneway's resident vendors are throwing a massive lunar feast. Watch their clever, clever chefs whipping up spicy dishes, while traditional dancers whirl past, responding to ballads performed by live erhu players.
With the beginning of Art Month coming up on March 1, the program of one of Sydney's foremost art festivals is one of the more impressive in its history. The program includes a wild array of exhibitions, talks, tours and experiences that celebrate the vibrant art scene in Sydney, from the artists to the galleries and creative spaces. The 2017 program includes the return of Art at Night (presented by your friends Concrete Playground), a series of after-hours parties and gallery takeovers in the creative spaces in Paddington/Woolahra, East Sydney, and Chippendale/Redfern. Some of Sydney's best galleries will open their doors after closing time to wanderers of the Art Map trail — a journey that culminates in a trip to the Cake Wines Art Bar. Inner west renegades The Bad Bitch Choir (BBC) will be performing. Architect Tao Gofers will give a special tour of the contentious Brutalist Sirius building in The Rocks. Artist Chris Fox will be attached to a large steel drawing machine in Redfern. Sri Lankan-born, Sydney-based artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran will take over Paddington with his large scale sculptures. Intellectual disability-supporting Studio A will be creating a colourful courtyard site-specific work in Chippendale. And Nothing to Lose creator Kelli Jean Drinkwater is commissioning a new work that explores trends in representations of women's bodies. Sticky beaks will get their nosey fix at Art Month as usual, as private collections and home studios open up to the public. The private collection of the legendary Margaret Woodward will be on display inside the home of Wagner Contemporary director Nadine Wagner. The works will be for sale, so if you're in the market, this would be the time to snap up something that'll be priceless one day, if not already. Plus, Guy Maestri, Laura Jones, Julian Meager and Louis Pratt will open their impressive Marrickville studios to the public. Or pop into the Collectors Space, where the personal collections of Archibald winning artists Del Kathryn Barton and Nicholas Harding, among others, will be on display. Want to hear directly from an artist? Sam Holt will be on hand at the Artereal Gallery in Rozelle, where he'll be delivering a talk on his latest exhibition, The space between… The artworks on display are comments on the life of the individual versus the need of society, reflections on the choices that we all make along our very unique paths. There'll be forums surrounding Myuran Sukumaran's posthumous exhibition, Another Day in Paradise, and two members of the boundary-pushing Ikeyan group, Aoki and Yokoyama, will discuss contemporary Japanese ceramics at the Japan Foundation. Tours throughout living creative spaces are on offer, too. Art walking tour crew Culture Scouts will take groups on artistic adventures through Sydney's suburbs, including a saunter through the bohemian borough of Redfern. Those in attendance will be treated to the tales of local artist Randal Arvilla, as well as an expert on Indigenous art and culture. That's just a snippet of the Art Month program. Check the website for the whole month-long lineup.
If Morissey was Mexican, his tunes would sound pretty much like you’re going to hear them at this show. Yep, as you can guess by the name, this is a Mexican act performing the Morissey songbook. But it's not just any old band, it's seven of the best musos in Mexico performing arrangements by Calexico’s Sergio Mendoza, all in Spanish. Expect every Latin rhythm you can think of — from ranchera, mariachi and danzón to mambo, norteño and cha cha cha. Mexrissey plays the Enmore Theatre on January 23 at 8.30pm. $69/$62 + bf. This is just one of our ten picks for Sydney Festival's best gigs. Check out the whole list.
Fans of Roald Dahl who find themselves in London are in for a gloriumptious surprise. To mark the release of Steven Spielberg's adaptation of The BFG, giant six foot dream jars are popping up around the city, filled with the hopes and aspirations of famous human beans. The jars will appear at iconic landmarks around the British capital, from Trafalgar Square to St. Paul's Cathedral to the Tower of London. Inside, you'll find the childhood dreams of prominent artists and celebrities, including director Steven Spielberg, paralympian David Weir, Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams and The BFG illustrator Quentin Blake. The jars will be on display from July 8 until August 31, after which time they'll be sold at auction. Proceeds from the sale will go to Save the Children and Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity, which provides specialist nurses to seriously ill children. "I'm excited to join The BFG Dream Jar Trail so we can all share our dreams together," said Spielberg. "The best part of this project is its support of the valuable work that Save the Children does in giving kids across the world their own chances to dream big." For more information about The BFG Dream Jar Trail, go here. The BFG hits cinemas on June 30. https://youtu.be/VG5MtenlP-A
Trade in your rollerskates for a knife and fork and your protective pads for a napkin. The old Majestic Roller Rink on New Canterbury Road in Petersham is set to be reborn as the latest hotspot for Sydney gourmets. According to Good Food, owners Warren Landsman, Carlos Ascencao and Tim and Cheryl Reen plan to transform the ground floor of the heritage-listed building into a full-blown gastronomic hub, starting with a European-style market complete with fresh fruit and veggies as well as a deli, a baker and a florist. The grocers is set to open next week, with a Mediterranean restaurant and separate wine bar tentatively slated to begin trading in July. Originally opening in the 1920s, the historic venue has undergone numerous overhauls in the past nine decades, enjoying stints as a cinema, a nightclub and a roller rink before sadly slipping into disuse. The current owners acquired the building a few years back, working with Hill Thalis to transform the upper levels to accommodate 27 one- and two-bedroom apartments while keeping the art deco exterior intact. The ground floor was also developed for potential retail opportunities at the time. The Majestic building is located at 49 New Canterbury Road, Petersham. Via Good Food. Images: Hill Thalis.
The future of Sydney's nightlife in the face of the NSW Government's infamous lockout laws might still be in a state of polarising uncertainty, but the perseverant bunch at nightlife lobby group Keep Sydney Open are attempting to reinvigorate one of Sydney's legendary night spots. Kings Cross has undeniably seen significant change since the introduction of the laws, including a well-covered (and debated) string of venue closures — for a discussion on whether the closures are directly linked to the lockout laws, meet every interested Sydneysider at the pub later. But now, KSO, alongside local collective Eastside Sydney, will take over seven of Kings Cross's nightlife venues for a full precinct festival, dubbed Meet Me in the Cross, on Saturday, July 1 from 9pm. Pick up a $30 ticket and it'll give you access to parties and nosh deals inside Kings Cross Hotel, The World Bar, Candy's Apartment, Potts Point Hotel, Crane Bar, Jangling Jack's and Sweethearts Rooftop. You can hop between bars until 3am. Who will you find having a mad boogie within these venues? Party-starved revellers and live performances from some of Sydney's best record labels and party crews like Future Classic, Astral People, Elefant Traks, Heaps Gay, Lovebombs and more. "Kings Cross is the heart and soul of Sydney nightlife," says KSO campaign director Tyson Koh. "We all know it has suffered in recent times, but the truth is venues are still kicking in the Cross — you can still see great local live bands and dance to amazing music ... Now it's time to support the venues and artists that make this city great in the best way possible: by having a party!" Meet Me in the Cross is happening at seven Kings Cross venues on July 1 from 9pm to 3am. Tickets are $30 for all-access across the venues, and are on sale now.
Since opening on January 27 (Chinese New Year's Eve), Redfern's new dumpling bar Happy D's has been easily recognisable from a distance, given the lengthy queues outside. "It's been manic," says Andrew Watts, who co-owns Happy D's with his mum, Debra. After running successful catering business Yum Cha for years, she was ready to set up shop. Meanwhile, Andrew had gained his fair share of hospitality experience, including managing The Old Fitz for 18 months. "We wanted to keep things simple," Watts says. On the Happy D's menu, you'll find just eight, straightforward steamed options, including mushroom, chicken, pork soup and barbecue pork buns, plus a weekly special. This week, it's prawn and snow peas. To match is a food-focused drinks list. The wine selection features several sakes from Japan, as well as a bunch of Australian 'light reds' and 'mainly dry whites'. Among the beers, there's Asahi on tap, Young Henrys cider, Little Smith's Golden Child from Melbourne and some unusual Japanese craft beers. If a cocktail's more your thing, order a classic or a Happy D's signature creation — a jalapeño-infused twist on the margarita and a new version of the old-fashioned, sweetened with a ginger-honey concoction instead of sugar syrup. "We want people to feel comfortable, eating and drinking however they like," Watts says. "You can come in for a quick bite or stay as long as you like, ordering as you go." Happy D's design follows suit. Four metres by 20 metres, the space is a narrow oblong. On one side, there's an electric red bar dotted with LEDs and, on the other, a six-metre long golden curtain. The pièce de résistance, however, is a 12-metre long, 15-centimetre wide faux fish tank. There's no water and the 'fish' are all attached to fishing lines. "We're encouraging locals to bring in objects to add to the tank," Watts says. On weekends, between 12pm and 4pm, Happy D's runs a 'Dumps 'n' Booze' special — $30 buys you four dishes (that's 14 dumplings) and a drink. On Saturday nights, look out for DJs. The rest of the time, the soundtrack is all soul and disco. Find Happy D's at 169 Regent Street, Redfern. Open Tuesday to Friday 12–3pm and 5–10pm, Saturday midday–10pm, and Sunday midday–8pm. Images: Bodhi Liggett.
Film buffs will get the chance to catch up with the highlights of the Sydney Film Festival, with organisers revealing a special encore program featuring some of the biggest titles of the festival. Screening at Palace Verona in Paddington and Palace Norton Street in Leichhardt from Monday, June 20 to Wednesday, June 22, the By Popular Demand lineup features 11 of this year's best selling films, including critically acclaimed dramas, jaw-dropping documentaries and that one movie where Daniel Radcliffe plays a farting corpse. Of the 11 films that will screen in the days following the conclusion of the festival, major standouts include SFF Official Competition entrant Aquarius, the Kristen Stewart-led ghost story Personal Shopper, and John Carney's charming jukebox musical Sing Street. They'll be joined by a few more esoteric choices, including The Lure — a Polish musical about a pair of flesh-eating mermaids who become nightclub sensations — and Swiss Army Man, the divisive American indie that sees Paul Dano become friends with Daniel Radcliffe's dead body. The lineup also features a number of documentaries, including the hilarious political comeback doc about disgraced US Congressman Anthony Weiner and Tickled, an astounding and surprisingly controversial expose that explores the world of competitive tickling. "This is the second year we will extend our run for top-selling films beyond the end of the Festival," said SFF Director Nashen Moodley. "These screenings are a wonderful way for audiences, if they missed out on Festival tickets, to see some of the most talked-about films of the year." For the full By Popular Demand program including screening times, go here. SFF wraps up on Sunday, June 19. You've still got time to catch some of our top ten picks of the festival.
Rub elbows with world class journalists at Storyology 2016. Presented by The Walkley Foundation, Australia's premier journalism and storytelling festival returns to Sydney from August 10-13, and will be hosted this year at the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington. Whether you're a career journalist, aspiring writer or just like hearing interesting people talk, there's sure to be something on the program for you. Indeed, festival organisers have put together an extraordinarily lineup of speakers, including International Consortium of Investigative Journalists director Gerard Ryle, Storyful global news editor David Clinch, and Egyptian digital journalist Lina Attalah. Panel topics, meanwhile, will range from freedom of the press in the Arab world to the coalescence of news and comedy on programs like The Weekly and The Feed. You can also get a double dose of political podcasting with live recordings of Two Grumpy Hacks and The Party Room. [competition]580444[/competition]
If you only get stranded on one island this year, make sure to make it this one. After the colossal success of their inaugural endeavour, Wine Island is returning to Sydney Harbour this November for another long weekend of fun, food and sweet, sweet wine. For those who missed out last time, Wine Island is more or less what it sounds like, in that it's an island where you drink a lot of wine. More specifically, it's a three day mini festival on Clark Island in Sydney Harbour, where you can spend your time knocking back glass after glass while feasting on mouth-watering cuisine. If it's anything like last year, there'll also be a range of activities to enjoy – think cooking classes and treasure hunts. Yes, treasure hunts. No wonder we dubbed it the Best New Event of 2015. Wine Island 2016 is set to run from Friday November 11 to Sunday November 13, although tickets are yet to go on sale. Last year it was $79.90 for general admission, which included ferry transport, masterclass entry and a whole bunch of booze. In the meantime, we'd recommend watching their website and Facebook page like a hawk, because we reckon tickets will go fast once they're made available.
