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.
You could pay a hefty ticket price to see Boy and Bear at a top-tier venue like the Sydney Opera House. Or you could watch the dudes busk at Sydney's Night Noodle Markets. Sydney's ARIA-winning fivesome will be setting up for a free session at tonight's Night Noodle Markets, during which they'll sing for their supper as buskers. Celebrating the release of their new album. Boy and Bear will be playing acoustic versions of their new material from 6pm in Hyde Park. SYDNEY SIDERS: to celebrate the release of the album we're heading to the Noodle Markets in Hyde Park from 6pm tomorrow night (the 15th) to play you guys some of our new stuff. We'll be playing a handful of songs acoustically, so come down and say hi and watch us busk for our dinner! #limitoflove A photo posted by Boy & Bear (@boyandbear) on Oct 14, 2015 at 1:44am PDT Find Boy and Bear busking at Sydney's Night Noodle Markets from 6pm in Hyde Park.
Botany Bay locals, rejoice. Paddy Coughlan, founder of Sydney hospitality group Bourke Street and brains behind the Lord Gladstone relaunch, has announced the Botany Bay Hotel as the proud new site of a Sydney pub revamp. It's not dramatic, the Botany Bay Hotel has undergone a quick facelift but essentially stays true to the bones of the building. "The Botany Bay Hotel is a great pub," says Coughlan. "Until now, we've been buying venues that need a lot of work, and we then do a complete overhaul. The bones of this place were great — and we wanted to retain features like the sandstone and timber, which are a nod to the heritage of the venue. So this time around we've tweaked and freshened up, with the main changes coming in the kitchen via an all-new menu in the bistro." The biggest change is in the kitchen — the menu has been completely overhauled by Bourke Street staple Ernie Priestly. "Ernie's cheeseburger is famous across Sydney, as is his modern take on pub classics," says Coughlan. "Ernie first worked with us at the Marlborough Hotel, then again at the Lord Gladstone, and now at the Botany Bay Hotel." The new bistro offering is in the classic pub vein but broader, with favourites cherry picked from a range of different types of gastropub. The new menu includes the classic parma (is a pub really a pub if it doesn't serve up a parma? We think not), steak and nachos as well as crispy skinned salmon, Baja fish soft shelled tacos, jalapeno poppers and Southern fried chicken wings. Not bad for a pub dinner, we have to say. Coughlan and the Bourke Street crew have been responsible for some of the most dramatic Sydney revamps in the last few years, with a long list of successes under their collective belt (including the Lord Gladstone, The Workers and the under-construction Hampshire Hotel to name but a few). The revamped Botany Bay Hotel is now open, operating seven days a week with lunch from 11am–3pm and dinner from 5pm–9pm. Image: Lord Gladstone.
Get up close and personal with Melbourne's Alpine tomorrow night, at an intimate gig at the Oxford Art Factory in Darlinghurst. Presented by GiggedIn, the new live music subscription service that gets you unlimited access to gigs around Sydney, this one-night-only show will see the six-piece pop ensemble take the stage along with up and coming electro-pop artist R.W. Grace and hugely hyped newcomer Jess Kent. Sounds pretty bloody excellent to us. Tickets to the gig are currently on sale via Moshtix at $40 a head plus booking fee — unless you're a GiggedIn member, in which case the whole thing is free. Doors open at 7.30pm. Thanks to GiggedIn, we've got ten double passes to give away. And on top of that, they're giving you 30 percent off your first month if you sign up for a membership before June 18. Just enter the code CPFRIENDS at checkout. [competition]572928[/competition]
After snagging their second ARIA for Best Heavy/Hard Rock Release, DZ Deathrays are doing a victory lap of Australia this February and March in celebration of their second album, Black Rat. Big, loud and in-face, the lads' second offering demonstrated DZ Deathray’s versatility, from their classic DZ sound on 'Reflective Skull', to the wonderfully frantic 'Gina Works at Hearts', to the moodier 'Northern Lights'. It’s all there and it’s all good. The Get Rich or Drunk Tryin’ tour will see the boys reunited with past touring pals, and good mates in general, Bass Drum Of Death (USA) and Hockey Dad. After an absolutely massive 2014 filled with international touring, it's nice to have the Brisbane lads home. Catch them while you can.
Leave everything to the chef at the expansive and moody omakase restaurant, ŌRA. Make your evening even more special with a complimentary Haku martini paired with the first choice of the special omakase menu. ŌRA is located down an unassuming street in a renovated warehouse. You could walk past and never even know that a culinary haven awaits inside. We sat down with Head Chef Nobuyuki Ura to chat about his history of becoming a hatted chef and what he loves about omakase. What sets ŌRA apart from the other stunning omakase restaurants in the city is the unique use of space. Unlike many of the other small and intimate venues, ŌRA makes use of its warehouse surroundings to provide three different offerings to its guests: a central bar with fusion food offerings, a cocktail lounge and a marble ten-seater chef's counter for omakase. Omakase literally translates to 'I'll leave it up to you' — it's a culinary performance where diners can witness the skills of the chef as each dish is carefully created and presented to the trusting guests. Each month, a new menu is created by Chef Ura, showcasing the freshness and seasonality of the produce. If you want to level up your omakase experience, from Wednesday, November 1, until Sunday, December 3, all seatings at ŌRA will begin with a complimentary bespoke Haku martini, the Barley Breeze Plum martini. Haku Vodka's signature serve is the Haku martini — a drink that showcases the craftsmanship, nuanced flavour and exceptional quality of the premium Japanese liquid. To learn more, head to the House of Suntory website. Images: Brooke Zotti
Sydney's inner west is about to get in on the openair cinema action. Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema has just announced they'll be opening their very first inner west cinema this summer, adding another location to their free ice cream-loving lineup of Bondi, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth this November. And they've just announced their first film program. Setting up on the lawns of Cadigal Green at the University of Sydney, Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema will debut with new releases and cult classics including Joseph Gordon Levitt's Oscar tip The Walk, Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway teaming up in The Intern, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies, Kate Winslet's The Dressmaker in rural Australia and the Christmas rom-com to rule them all, Love Actually. Plus, there'll be a 25th anniversary screening of Thelma and Louise. The team are keeping their tried and true formula intact — live music and free ice cream nights. Local artists will hit the stage before the film for cruisy sets, including Nic Cassey, Angus Murphy and many more, and local DJs will spin a few for Aperol Sunsets — with free Aperol samples aplenty. There'll also be a fully-licensed bar, gourmet food stands, and lawn games aplenty, with putt putt and something called Giant Cow Jenga. Tickets for the Bondi Openair Cinema tend to sell out, so get in early. Earlybird tickets are just $15 online ($10 concession), until October 21. You can also hire deckchairs, beanbags and blankets, or go all in for a Volkswagen Polo Class ticket with reserved seating, blanket, cushion, beer or wine and a Ben & Jerry's ice cream included. Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema will take over Cadigal Green, University of Sydney from November 19 to December 12, 2015. For the full program or to buy tickets, head to the website. Check out CP's roundup of Sydney's best openair cinemas over here.
Gallery-hopping after hours? Talk about a perfect Sydney date idea. Art Month Sydney's beloved Precinct Nights are back, offering you the golden opportunity to enjoy a spate of art venues open late, transforming your art viewing into an adventure trail after closing time. Art at Night | Chippenedale and Redfern in partnership with Concrete Playground and Cake Wines is the ultimate artventure, with over fifteen galleries in the two suburbs open from 6-8pm on Wednesday, March 15. Galleries on the trail include A The Bearded Tit, The Commercial, Eveleigh Creative Precinct, Galerie pompom, Harrington Street Gallery, Home@735, The Japan Foundation Gallery, Kensington Contemporary MOP Projects, M2 Gallery, Smallspaces, Spot81, UTS Gallery, Wellington St Projects and 107 Projects, who all have pretty damn great Art Month programs in store. But every great trail walk needs a solid watering hole at the end. Once you've perused enough art, make your way to the official Art Bar by Cake Wines at the Eveleigh Creative Precinct open from 7.30pm through to 10.30pm. There's plenty going on while you have a well-earned Pinot Gris, including an exhibition with works from Sarah Contos, Lara Merrett and Lucas Davidson, with performances by Lian Loke and Wade Marynowsky's Robot opera. Download the map here. Images: Daniel Boud.
Inner-Sydney staple The Chippendale Hotel has been revamped and rebranded with a new interior, moniker and menu to match. Now open under its official new name The Chippo Hotel, the iconic venue known for its A+ live music vibes now boasts Louisiana-born chef Charlie Fisher in the kitchen. From the looks of things, it was a very smart appointment indeed. At a glance the new menu seems like classic pub grub — think wedges, steak and the requisite chicken parma. But look a little closer, and Fisher's influence becomes clear. Entrees include popcorn chicken (or shrimp) tossed in Cajun spices, along with buffalo wings, southern fried chicken and American-style mac and cheese. As for the main course, if you're not feeling sirloin, why not make a mess with pork ribs served in Dr Pepper BBQ sauce. They're also serving up a selection of burgers, inspired by their previous Cheekyburger pop-up. And for dessert, there are few things more American than homemade pecan pie. On the entertainment front, The Chippo will feature pub trivia on Mondays, comedy on Tuesdays, improv on Wednesday and live music Thursday through Saturdays. On Sundays from November 5 they'll be cooking up pig on the spit — because at least that way you'll start your week with a belly full of bacon. Find The Chippo Hotel at 87-91 Abercrombie St, Chippendale. For more information visit www.thechippohotel.com.au.
Backhands, beats and artisan eats will converge on Paddington's White City Tennis Centre on Saturday, April 16. Dubbed Social Serve, this fun new social tennis event will be raising money for Primary Club, an Aussie charity that helps people with disabilities to play sport. If your Lorna Jane ahctivewear has never had more of a workout than a stroll to the corner shop, then here's your chance to put it to work. The good news is you'll only have to work as hard as you feel to. The sporty part of proceedings will take the form of friendly mixed doubles matches, open to players of all levels and kicking off from 2pm. Champs who kill it on the court will play in the finals, which start at 5pm. Not so keen on joining the game? Relax on the sidelines, listening to local DJs, munching on smoked beef brisket rolls and chilli lime salmon skewers courtesy of Fumo Meats, and knocking back beverages provided by HMH.
Time to scope out an enormous bib and the hardiest pair of gloves you can lay your hands on. On March 12, House of Crabs are bringing back their decadent, annual seafood orgy by the name of 'Endless Bags'. And yes, it means exactly what you think it does. You get to eat as much blue swimmer crab, prawns and mussels as you, your stomach and your shell-cracking knuckles can handle. All you have to do is book a two-hour sitting. We suggest you arrive right on time because you'll have only two hours to get your money's worth. Tickets are $100 a head, which ain't cheap but, the boil is banging and the atmosphere streaks ahead of the city's hotel seafood buffets. Given that the venue inspires queueing on regular nights, bookings are most definitely recommended. Guarantee yourself a bottomless bag by calling (02) 9699 3177 or sending an email to houseofcrabs@drinkndine.com.au.
Some of Sydney's best bars will become classrooms for one night this October, as 20 academics from The University of Sydney take over 20 of the city's best bars with free talks. Coming to Sydney for the first time, it's called Raising the Bar, a bloody great idea and worldwide initiative that's previously run in New York, Hong Kong and London. Raising the Bar was dreamt up by, of course, a group of students from Columbia University and New York University, keen to get those new, thought-leading ideas they'd heard in class to the general public — for free. People are already ranting, debating and discussing in bars and pubs, why not take things back to the '70s and drop a tweed jacketed academic in the mix to open minds? Locked in for October 20, Raising the Bar will see 20 of Sydney Uni's top academics speaking on a huge range of topics, from Western assumptions of veiling to what's happening at the Paris climate summit, to medicinal cannabinoids. Want to get fired up about Taylor Swift with an academic backing you up? Dr Rebecca Sheehan (United States Studies Centre) is heading for The Record Crate in Glebe to unpack 'Bad blood: Women, danger and popular music'. Professor Sahar Amer (School of Languages and Cultures) will head to Knox Street Bar for 'To veil or not to veil?', discussing the Islamic fashion industry and the many, many reasons why Muslim women choose to veil. Probably the most 'classic university' of the talks, Dr David Allsop (Faculty of Science) will stay on campus at Manning Bar for 'Weeding out the myths about cannabis' to weigh up both sides of the legalised medical marijuana debate. If you're keen for a pint and a climate change adventure, Professor Tim Stephens (Sydney Law School) will head for The Bristol Arms Hotel for 'What’s hot at the Paris Climate Talks?', delving into December's summit and how global decisions are being made in the realm of global warming. That's just five of the talks happening across Sydney bars on the night, with fifteen more set to stir up debate — check out the whole program here. Raising the Bar is happening Tuesday, October 20 from 6.30-7.30pm. All talks are free, and registration opens 9am Friday 18 September 2015. Image: Victoria Baldwin.
There's rarely a bad time to wander through a rainforest, especially after a year that's had everyone spending more time at home than usual. But if you're planning a trip to the Blue Mountains to take in its vivid greenery, visiting during April 2021 is particularly recommended. That's when Sculpture at Scenic World is back in the area after a two-year break, after its 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic. The exhibition is as straightforward as it sounds, and also as striking. Between Thursday, April 1–Sunday, May 2, Scenic World in Katoomba is placing dozens of large-scale sculptures and installations throughout its ultra-scenic surroundings, with visitors able to mosey through them and enjoy their oversized sights at their own pace. You'll walk past trees, peer at giant artworks and find yourself in an openair gallery — and, you'll check out pieces from both emerging and established artists in the process. Everything on display will compete for the Scenic World Major Award, too, as judged this year by National Art School's Head of Sculpture Hany Armanious, Sydney-based sculptor Margarita Sampson and The Lock-Up Artistic Director Courtney Novak. [caption id="attachment_802600" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jono Gooley[/caption] The 2021 event features sculptures not only in the rainforest, but, as part of a free outdoor exhibition called Twist & Shout, it extends to sites such as the Carrington Hotel, Mountain Heritage Hotel, and the Fairmont Resort and Spa. The aim: to get folks heading to the area to not only explore Sculpture at Scenic World, but to take in everything that the Blue Mountains region has to offer. Entry into Sculpture at Scenic World comes with a regular Scenic World ticket, which means that attendees can also enjoy the venue's skyway, railway and cableway while they're there. Top images: Nick Warfield, Georgina Galea, Mark Surtees and Hannah Surtees, David Jensz, Jono Gooley.
Miami Horror's just released their first music for two years. And, to mark the occasion, they're hosting a block party in Marrickville. Get along to the Portugal Madeira car park on Sunday, April 2 to immerse yourself. When we say immerse, we mean it. The band's brand new album, titled The Shapes, goes to places they've never been before. We're talking Caribbean funk, African beats, Talking Heads-influenced lyrics and visual art. You won't be just listening to the music, you'll be watching it, too. "I've always been a fan of colourful art and murals, especially those from the late '80s and early '90s," said MH's Ben Plant. "As a child, they excited and inspired me every time I passed them. This left a lasting effect on me into adulthood, a lust for colour and the extraordinary amongst the mundane colours of suburbia or the greyness of Melbourne city." Also making appearances at the party, which kicks off at 3pm, will be Touch Sensitive, Running Touch, Broadway Sounds, Gameboy/Gamegirl, Mezko and Queen Magic. Taking care of DJ sets will be Souseme, Falcona DJs and SPORTS. There'll also be Mr Black cold drip espresso martinis, a Miami Horror Holidays Cocktail Bar with $8 mai tais, margaritas and more, Eat Art Truck pulled pork burgers, The Weinery's bacon-wrapped hot dogs and donuts, custom art projections from Eyebyte and a Miami Horror convertible car photobooth. Miami Horror have been touring the world since releasing debut album Illumination in 2013. They split their time off-the-road between Melbourne and Los Angeles.
Alright, people of Sydney, we get it. Y'all love a tight rooftop. You love to drink bevs under the open sky and in line with your demands, venues countrywide are opening up rooftop bars. It's a glorious new era with a skyline of rooftop bars extending into the horizon and, happily, Paddington's Light Brigade Hotel is the latest place to jump on the bandwagon. It's one of many recent changes for Woollahra's beloved Oxford Street hotel. In November, they reopened after an extensive renovation and came out the other side a whole lot fancier. And come June, the Brigade Bar and Brigade Dining will be joined by Brigade Rooftop, a lush space with views of the Paddington rooftops and Sydney harbour skyline. The rooftop will function as a combination space for drinking and dining and is designed to feel "as casual as a neighbour's terrace," according to Jonathan Richards, director of interior design company SJB (the design wizards who executed the renovation). "We have designed a circular bar that fans around the terrace to enable the visitor full access to the horizon." Executive chef Marco Adler has also developed an accompanying wood-fired pizza menu available on the rooftop and in the Brigade Bar. Pizza and drinks on the rooftop? It's like they read our mind. At the same time the Brigade Lounge will be opened downstairs, a 1920s-themed cocktail bar that blends right into the art-deco vibe of the building and is the perfect spot for a post-rooftop-pizza tipple. Brigade Rooftop will open in the coming weeks on the corner of Oxford Street and Jersey Road. Keep your eyes on their Facebook page for further information.
One of London's best, most groundbreaking labels Young Turks is teaming up with Australia's electronic slam dunk of a label Siberia Records for a New Year's Eve party worth road tripping for. The two are putting on a huge party in a sorta secret venue in Globe Lane, Wollongong, just 15 minutes walk from the beach. Last year's party took over a beach location in Tulum, Mexico, and Wollongong is their next beachy venture. The lineup is yet to be released, but guessing from the fact that Young Turks' Jamie XX will be in town for the festival season, we're guessing he'll be dropping by. Tickets are pretty affordable — $85 first release, $95 second and $105 third release. Get amongst it.
Whether you're looking to catch up with the Oscar nominees, or just can't say no to the idea of cheap movie tickets, you might want to pay a visit to Palace Central during Chinese New Year. That's because — right off the back of a $5 movie ticket promotion — the 14-screen complex at Chippendale's Central Park centre (which opened for business in November) will be offering $8 tickets to all their regular sessions for eight days, from February 16–24. Okay, so $8 is not as cheap as $5, but, still, the deal's not too shabby — especially considering how many great films are out at the moment. The Shape of Water, Lady Bird and I, Tonya are just a few that spring to mind.
Want to see a burlesque show that tells it like it is? Or circus cabaret that contemplates race relations in contemporary Australia? How about singing and striptease while smashing stereotypes? Or a performance that packs a punch of hip hop politics? All that makes up Hot Brown Honey, as well as dance, poetry, drama and a reflection of everyday problems. They return to the Sydney stage for an extended three-week season from June 7-25 following last year's sell-out Opera House season. And these bold performers aren't just trying to entertain, they're also working through issues of colour and culture — and courting controversy — in a show that's certain to get people talking. The story jumps from the simmering shores of Polynesia to the bogan streets of Australia, peering through the eyes of an Indigenous drag queen and stepping through the life of a single mother who just happens to be a DJ. Hailing from Polytoxic Dance Theatre, Circus OZ and Briefs, the Luscious Lisa Fa'alafi, the Curvaceous Candy B and the Bodacious Busty Beatz package their tale and topics in spicy humour and simmering honesty. Some like it hot, indeed.
With every new report from Manus Island or Nauru, it's easy to start feeling hopeless about Australia's treatment of asylum seekers. So, Newtown's Parliament on King is inviting you to a dinner that'll restore your faith — and have you astonished at what some people can endure without losing their optimism. Introducing the first Hope Dinner. To be held on Saturday, June 25 as part of World Refugee Week, this three-course meal will feature traditional cooking by asylum seekers and refugees now settled Australia. In between dishing up, they'll be telling you stories, about how they came to be where they are today — from leaving their homelands to adapting to life in a new country. Plus, there'll be spoken word performances, presented by WWM Poetry. Two sittings will take place — the first at 6pm and the second at 7.30pm. Tickets are just $20, food included, so you'd be well advise to snap yours up ASAP.
Not content with a run-of-the-mill cuppa? Find your people at the Sydney Tea Festival, returning to Carriageworks this month for the third year running. Off the back of their successful venture into Melbourne this May, this wildly popular festival is back with a characteristically eclectic 2016 program. There's a number of offerings for seasoned specialty tea-lovers and advocates of the humble tea bag alike across its market and workshops. Entry to the tea market includes a tasting cup, which will almost certainly come in handy when sampling brews from over 50 stallholders, including T2 (who you'd be sneakily sampling in-store on a weekend anyway), Sticky Chai, T Totaler, Rabbit Hole, Bodhi Organic Tea, Tippity and LongLeaf Tea Vodka (which is exactly what it sounds like). In addition to a variety of specialty loose-leaf tea and herbal tisanes, visitors will find tempting food stalls and tea ware in the market from Black Star Pastry, Bloodwood and Bodum among others. Those wanting to delve further into the uses and brewing of tea should check out the festival's workshops. Try your hand at some divination while waiting for your Hogwarts letter with the tea leaf reading workshop. If you would rather drink the tea than read it, other workshop offerings include bespoke chai blending, tea and chocolate pairing, as well as talks about the history of tea. Cap off the day with a cup of tea in the brew lounge, knowing you've made a stellar contribution to the 7.7 billion cups of tea likely to be sold in Australia this year.
What do Helmut Newton, Judy Cassab, Yoko Ono and Ai Wei Wei have in common? They're all world-renowned artists and they all come from refugee backgrounds. Some of their works, as well as those from 19 other artists who had similar experiences, are brought together in this powerful exhibition titled, simply, Refugees. Gathered from public and private collections all over Australia, the 65 pieces have never before been displayed in Western Sydney. Other names in the mix are Marc Chagall, Max Ernst, Lucian Freud and Aida Tomescu. Plus, there are two new works by Australian artists Guo Jian and Ah Xian, commissioned for the exhibition. Collectively, they explore the many dimensions of the refugee's plight, from being forced to leave home to taking risks on boats to arriving in strange countries. Australia's hardline treatment of asylum seekers is also examined.
Nocturnal creatures and art lovers, get on down to the National Art School this Thursday night for their second free after-dark shindig — and this time they're heading back to the Beat Generation. From 6pm, for three hours, you'll be immersed in '50s and '60s-style Beatnik culture. Channel a strong love for jazz bars, coffee and post-war American art, music and literature into a humdinger of an after-hours event. Berets and turtlenecks strongly encouraged. Enjoy a cheeky vino from Cake Wines, watching Chicago's spoken-word star Miles Merrill perform a spoken-word poetry piece inspired by legendary beat poets Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. Find your inner Jackson Pollock with a free action painting workshop. Wander current exhibition Ann Thomson & Contemporaries (open till 9pm) and see a Floor Talk by curator Judith Blackall and the artist herself. Then dance your Beatnik butt off to an acoustic set of '60s inspired tunes from Frances Castley.
Carriageworks and Vivid Sydney are joining forces again this year with their dining series, Sydney Table, which will take place in The Clothing Store's new creative space over four nights from Wednesday, June 14 through Saturday, June 17. Each evening will see one of Sydney's leading chefs present a menu paired with contemporary music, art and design in an interactive dining experience. The lineup of chefs they've wrangled up is quite impressive, though it's no surprise from curator Mike McEnearney — who, in addition to running Kitchen by Mike and No. 1 Bent Street, acts as the creative director for the Carriageworks Farmers Market. Chefs include Lankan Filling Station's O Tama Carey on June 14, Automata's Clayton Wells on June 15, Biota's James Viles on June 16 and rounding out the series is Moon Park's Ben Sears on June 17. While the menus will be decidedly different, from modern Australian to Sri Lankan and Korean, each chef will use fresh, locally sourced produce and each dinner will be paired with wine, liquor from Archie Rose Distilling Co. and Scotchmans Hill, and beer from Asahi. Sydney-based writer and FBi Radio presenter Lee Tran Lam will act as master of ceremonies for each dinner, and creative director Tony Assness has curated each night with artists, designers and musicians from the recently announced Artist Studio Program, which will compliment the menus and add a new level to this creative dinner. For all of this star power, tickets are expectantly expensive at $200 each, but include canapes and a gin cocktail on arrival, followed by a three-course degustation menu. Last year's series was sold out, so best get on to those tickets now. Image: Zan Wimberley.
If tequila makes you wild, gin makes you cry and vodka makes you sloppy, whisky takes the slow-and-leisurely lane at the drinking Olympics. Like your mate throwing a warm jacket over your shoulders, there's something inherently comfortable and satisfying about enjoying an old, wise liquor. There's something even more satisfying about enjoying the rich and brooding flavours of sherried whiskies. Hit by the increasing cost and rarity of quality casks, availability and affordability of sherry-cask aged whiskies has declined in recent years. Lucky for you, experts in the nuances of whisky and founders of Sydney's first new distillery in 150 years, Archie Rose, are inviting you to eat, drink and be sherry at a sherried whisky masterclass with master distiller Dave Withers. Only a handful of the fine single malt scotches and Irish whiskeys you'll be tasting are available in Australia and, with mystery whisky aperitifs on arrival and dinner mid-way through, Archie Rose, new kids on the whisky block, are throwing down the gauntlet with a heavyweight booze offering. Don your drinking cap, get down to Rosebery, and be a part of it.
Palace, a Newcastle-based creator of house and techno shindigs, is teaming up with producer Roland Tings and light artists Underground Arts, to bring you a massive night of music and light at the Imperial Hotel. Happening as part of Vivid, the event will be the second edition of Painting With Light. The first, to be held a week before on Saturday, June 10, will feature Cosmo's Midnight and Sounds Like A Nice Time. At Painting With Light 2, Underground Arts will immerse the room in projections, holograms, UV and black lighting, infinity boxes and fog. Into this, Roland Tings will bring his synthscapes, laced with techno and pop. Tings has just toured the nation on the back of his EP Each Moment a Diamond. Also on the bill are Sydney's Dro Carey and Kato, as well as Elijah Something from the Central Coast. Meanwhile, upstairs OWT DJ's will be running an intimate disco experience with the help of Nine Yards and Russel Feathers.
Looking for the next wave of Australian choreography? Just after a solid cultural night out in Sydney? This one's for you. Four of Australia's boldest new choreographers have joined forces to present their latest and most ballsy work for this year's instalment of New Breed at Carriageworks. New Breed is the product of a brilliant collaboration between Carriageworks and the Sydney Dance Company, first launched in 2014. The idea is to give a leg-up to the next generation's most impressive dance talents. After all, launching a career on your own can be tough. So, Carriageworks's associate director of programming Lisa Ffrench teamed up with Sydney Dance Company's artistic director Rafael Bonachela to scope out four of Australia's most promising youngsters: Rachel Arianne Ogle (Perth), Shian Law (Melbourne), Jesse Scales (Hobart) and Richard Cilli (Perth). Each of these gifted, creative creatures was given six months to come up with a new dance piece. To help them along, they had access to Sydney Dance Company — both its beautiful studios and its ridiculously skilled ensemble. Now, you get to lap up the results with four new works.
For a taste of the Hunter Valley's finest food and wine without the long drive, take a day trip to the beachside suburb of Avalon, where you can experience all the delights of Australia's premium wine growing region at the inaugural Uncorked Avalon festival. For one day only, over 20 Hunter Valley wineries and gourmet food suppliers will come together to provide a taste of what's to come at this year's Hunter Valley Food and Wine Festival. As well as sampling your way through the goods on offer, you'll be able to brush up on your knowledge of wine at the cellar sessions held by The Wine Selectors Expert Tasting Panel. Tasting vouchers are $3.50 each on the day, or you can skip the line and pre-purchase a Riedel wine glass with four tasting tickets online for $29. Prepare your palate — it's set to be a big day of wining and dining.
Western Sydney, loosen your belts. More than 40 food trucks will soon be powering your way. And, when they gather at Rooty Hill RSL on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November, they'll form the heart of Off the Eaten Truck, the biggest food truck festival ever to hit Western Sydney. For two glorious days, you're invited to do nothing but sample their wares. You'll be tucking into burgers from Mister Gee, Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas from Happy as Larry, organic creations from Agape, Mexican snacks from Cantina Movil, Vietnamese street food from Mama Linh's and so much more deliciousness. And, while you're feasting, there'll be live and local music to keep your ears happy. Entry is free, but should you decide to make a gold donation, it'll go to the Movember Foundation. Off The Eaten Truck is a collaboration between Rooty Hill RSL and Knafeh's Bearded Bakers. Creative director Ameer El-issa said, "For too long Western Sydney has been a forgotten market when it comes to food festivals. We are excited to have the opportunity to bring together a collective of operators who are all likeminded — who love food, and love bringing it to people."
Lovers of #ladyDJs, here's one for you. FBi Radio has long been a supporter of grrrls who are keen to #takecharge and get the dancefloor started. But, that can be easier said than done in a genuinely male-dominated electronic music industry. So, in collaboration with MoVement Sydney, FBi treated five trainees to masterclasses and mentors, in order to even up this industry with killer new female talent. And now, you — and your dancing shoes — get to sample the results. For free. Head on down to FBi's Alexandria HQ on Wednesday, October 19 for an all-ages party, where you'll hear Melbourne synth-poppers GL, alongside upcoming DJs Ebony Boadu, Ella Haines, Elizabeth Gale, Holly O'Neill and Katrina Stevens. Just don't forget to RSVP online.
Anyone who has ever watched a horror movie before knows that you should never, ever go into the woods. Yet that's exactly what the people behind Australia's coolest new immersive cinema experience are asking you to do. Horror Movie Campout is a blood-soaked overnight camping trip held in a secret Blair Witch-style forest an hour from the city. Just please, leave the machete at home. Hitting Melbourne in December and Sydney in March, this uniquely scary take on outdoor movie-going will treat campers to two classic horror films, along with a number of gory shorts. The first is 1973's head-spinner The Exorcist – enjoy the serenity of fear while roasting marshmallows and munching on popcorn (or spilling it) into the early hours of the morning. The second popular horror feature will be voted for by HMC campers via Facebook. But it's not just the movies. Beyond the comfort of your cosy cinema spot, surprises lurk in the forest. Is someone following you? Is that a person’s shadow, or just your imagination playing tricks? Horror Movie Campout promises to put your heart – and your bladder – to the test. Each $180 ticket includes a tent to sleep three mates. Glamping options are also available for $240, offering luxury horror-goers VIP perks such as express entry and primo spots in front of the screen. Just don't think you're exempt from the special horror surprises. It should also probably go without saying that this is strictly an R18+ event. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
You know that thing you've been thinking about doing for ages, but never had the guts to pursue? Those wild, seemingly unrealistic ideas we all have are what a brave few have used to shape their entire careers. And Jack Smyth and John Dawson from the team at Mindshare want to bring you an invaluable insight into how this can all come true. With a diverse panel of speakers, from scientists to reality TV producers, this Vivid Ideas event focuses on how creativity serves as one of the most valuable resources in today's modern economy. Feeling like you're stuck in a rut? This one's sure to fix that. This is one of our top picks for Vivid Ideas events. Read the whole list and reboot your brain.
What's better than one annual showcase of French movies ? Two, of course. After giving Aussie audiences the best in Gallic cinema once a year for the past 26 years — and building the biggest festival of French films outside of France, too — the folks behind the Alliance Française French Film Festival are doubling their efforts. In fantastic news for anyone who likes diving back into the great flicks of times gone by, the Alliance Française Classic Film Festival will shine a light on a heap of old favourites. It's the second time the fest has done so, but the first time it has toured around the country. Heading to screens in Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth and Melbourne during September through to November, the fest will unleash classic efforts starring everyone from Brigitte Bardot to Catherine Deneuve to Isabelle Huppert for your viewing pleasure, . Feasting your eyes on the game-changing wonder that is Jean-Luc Godard new wave hit Breathless is a must, whether you're keen for a revisit or you're watching it for the first time. Also check out extravagant French western Viva Maria!, the love triangle-focused Cesar and Rosalie, the Venezuelan-set Lovers Like Us, and black-and-white underworld crime drama Casque d'Or. Alliance Française Classic Film Festival will run at two Sydney venues: August 26-28 at Palace Norton Street and September 2-4 at Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace.
As evening rolls in on Saturday September 17, a sea of light and colour is set to burst to life in one of the city's thriving local haunts. Now in its fifth year, Chippendale Creative Precinct brings nine alleyways of this suburb alive for one night only in the 2016 instalment of Beams Arts Festival. Visited by over 22,000 local and international guests last year, Beams returns to Chippendale for its annual celebration of all things bright and creative. Following the flourishing transformation of the Kensington Street Precinct from its pre-colonial slumber, this year Beams promises to continue the area's impressive display of art, culture, fine food and wine with this after-dark extravaganza. See Chippendale's creative community come to life from 5pm, featuring everything from performance artists and video animations to light exhibitions and even a spot of live music. Over 40 of Sydney's best street artists will gravitate to O'Connor Street, just around the corner from Kensington Street, to create a 100-metre graffiti wall. As for the nosh, seeing as though the area has exploded with new restaurants and bars of late, expect bountiful eats from Mekong, Bar Chinois, Automata, Andiamo and Kensington Street Social set to keep crowds (and stomaches) happy.
