When was the last time that you picked up a pen, sat down in front of a piece of paper and wrote someone a letter? When was the last time you picked up a pen and wrote something other than a reminder note, shopping list or a scribbled signature, for that matter? Handwriting is no longer a daily part of many people's lives, and nor is corresponding with others via mail — but both are in the spotlight at Dead Letter Club. Founded in Melbourne and now making its way around the country, Dead Letter Club is reviving the art of simply writing letters, although it's doing so with a twist. It's also a creative writing night, where people grab some stationery, choose a pen name and start scrawling missives. The letters are then sent via secret post — that is, swapped with other attendees, with everyone paired up with a mystery pen pal — creating a back-and-forth of handwritten correspondence throughout the evening. On the club's website, creator Melanie Knight describes it as "a chance to turn the tides on consumerism. Rather than consume more, we can make something". Dead Letter Club also presents itself an antidote to today's texting, twittering, emoji-sending, like-clicking forms of communication, instead requiring someone to spend time and energy to carefully compose a long-form piece of correspondence to someone else. Celebrating its first birthday at Melbourne's Noisy Ritual Urban Winery on Wednesday, October 10, Dead Letter Club often takes place in boozy establishments — so if you need some inspiration, the liquid type is available to purchase. Hundreds of writing prompt cards are also on hand, should you simply need an idea to get you started. The club comes to Sydney on Wednesday, October 17 thanks to a session at Daisy's Milk Bar, with fellow nights following in Wollongong and Canberra as part of an east coast tour. A session also occurred in Brisbane in September — and the club welcomes enquiries from folks eager to start up regular events in their city or town. Image: Dead Letters Club.
Already known for its bottomless vegan pizza and pasta feasts, Italian restaurant chain Salt Meats Cheese has been upping its cruelty-free food game at a monthly special event. Called Soul Meets Cheers, it serves up an entirely plant-based menu, featuring vegan versions of Italian classics. For the feast's March outing — taking place at all Sydney venues from 5pm on Tuesday, March 9 — it'll be focusing on bites to eat inspired by Sicily. Think arancini with braised shiitake and fable ragu, pizza with grilled eggplant and roasted pine nuts, and cannoli with pistachio and vegan chocolate ganache. And yes, that's just a few of the dishes on offer. Your $49 ticket also includes a glass of vegan wine or beer upon arrival.
It's always a gamble when a legend returns to the stage¦ Have they still got 'it'? Can they walk across the stage ok on their new knees? What if they just want to bore us with some new obscure "experimental" album? I don't think you have anything to worry about with ol' Faithfull. She's survived half a century of the music industry, a relationship with Mick Jagger, and a 150-pill overdose in a Sydney hotel back in the '60s; and thus the years have simply added to her steadfast presence, the nicotine has deepened her legendary wail, the lines on her face tell as many stories as her music. To prove it she's playing her debut solo performance at Sydney Opera House as part of Adventures 2010 alongside an all-star bill of artists [both dead and alive] including nutty American film director John Waters, nouvelle British band Antony and The Johnsons and the inexhaustible Andy Warhol. Performing with an eight-piece band, Faithfull will deliver goodies like Broken English and Sister Morphine, as well as tracks from her new album Easy Come, Easy Go. Ok, so maybe she is plugging a new album, but how can you go wrong with tracks written by Nick Cave, Morrissey, Dolly Parton, and Duke Ellington? https://youtube.com/watch?v=rkR-amVd9es
Like the clothing we wear, the jewellery we adorn our bodies with can be another way we choose to portray ourselves to the world. Often overlooked in today's contemporary art scene, the practice of jewellery making is making a comeback in .M Contemporary's newest exhibition, Intimately Connected. Ten of the world's best jewellers take centre stage in this exhibition, which dips deep into their innovative and often experimental craftsmanship, conceptual development and contemporary design skills. In their hands, jewellery is no longer just something we throw on at the beginning of the day but transforms into a type of wearable art. What makes jewellery such an interesting medium for these artists is that it creates an intimate conversation with the body. Founder and director of .M Contemporary Michelle Paterson says, "Jewellery art can draw attention to sexuality, enhance beauty, signify wealth and status, and project power … It can also have an emotional meaning." The range of colours, scale, texture and sculptural form in these works is quite unlike any adornment you're likely to have seen before; a reinvention of 'jewellery' for the 21st century.
It’s difficult to write anything about Adelaide six-piece Fire! Santa Rosa, Fire! without engaging in a lengthy discussion about the non-existent history of “monolithic tech-pop”, but since I only have 200 words I’m going to avoid musing over the band’s self-conceived genre. What’s important is what they sound like, and that’s a mix of keyed-up pop, angular guitars and dreamy synths fused with a shot of trip-hop feminine charm and a whole heap of vigorous energy. You only have to look at their name and you immediately feel sluggish in comparison. And with the help of fresh management and UK producer Gareth Parton (impresario of fellow ebulliently-christened bands The Go! Team and Holy Fuck) they’ve refined this eclectic sound into something that’s actually quite orderly. Fire! Santa Rosa, Fire! so far have a slew of high-rotation singles under their belts including “Little Cowboys”, “Bad Hombres” and “War Coward”, and their debut studio album Sea Priest has them touted as the next big thing. Still animated but slightly polished, see them at GoodGod while you can still do so for a tenner.
Award-hoarding Cairns rock quartet The Medics will headline a special one-off gig this Saturday night to celebrate the musical chops of contemporary Aboriginal artists. 'Redfern Station' will take place in the ambitious multi-arts beast that is Carriageworks, bringing three of Australia's most talented acts to a thriving suburb that has long been an urban meeting place for Aboriginal Australians from all over the country. For Triple J Unearthed winners The Medics it will be their first Sydney performance since the release of their debut album Foundations, which landed their photogenic faces a major feature in Rolling Stone as well as a hugely successful tour that wound up at a wee shindig known as Splendour in the Grass. On Saturday they'll be accompanied by Microwave Jenny before the pop/folk/love duo heads off to Woodford and Peats Ridge. Emerging singer songwriter Jess Beck will round out the triple-threat gig with an energetic blend of sultry jazz and no-frills roots, then you will go home and think about how Redfern is exponentially cooler than all other suburbs. https://youtube.com/watch?v=f1gRMj6R0XQ
Whoever said an encyclopaedic knowledge of a cartoon about a dysfunctional yellow family would never come in handy was a real narc. So, for its latest edition on Sunday, July 26, Isolation Trivia is pulling the Comic Book Guy out of every Simpsons fanatic. If you don't know squat about Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart and Maggie — and their escapades over the long-running animated series' first nine seasons in particular — then consider yourself warned. This virtual trivia event is definitely for fans. You should at least know the name of Lionel Hutz's law practice, and the monikers of Lisa and Bart's hockey teams coached by Apu and Chief Wiggum. It'll also help if you know who the two other Sideshows were besides Bob and Mel, and the identity of Lisa's first hook-up. These are elementary questions, and their answers should be written into your brain like it's a chalkboard. Play along from home from 6.25pm — and, if you've ever been to a Simpsons trivia night in-person, you'll understand these can get pretty intense, with some competitors near crazed with cartoon intelligence. So be prepared for the moment you stare at the leaderboard, hypnotised by self-doubt, and repeatedly, self-pityingly mutter to yourself, "I'm not so S-M-R-T". Isolation Trivia's The Simpsons trivia night takes place from 6.25pm at Sunday, July 26.
Here is something that could either be truly amazing or amazingly bad — twelve ukulele players juxtaposing madcap antics against comically budget special effects. The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra is actually a bit of both. Trading on Wellington’s reputation as being a cross between Middle Earth and the Middle of Nowhere, and the fact that the unpretentious uke is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity within hipster circles, the orchestra employs that sincere brand of irony perfected by Flight of the Conchords (not very surprising fact: Bret McKenzie is actually a member of the band). But WIUO wouldn’t have had four best-selling EPs if they were just a bunch of average musicians strumming along to lyrics about hilariously mundane sexual encounters. They can actually play their instruments very well, and it’s this mix of quintessentially Kiwi self-effacement and undeniable skill that makes them so charming. Their last Australian tour sold out early, so get in quick — Brett McKenzie’s presence remains uncertain, but fantastic ukulele solos, heavenly harmonies and chaotic banter are 100% guaranteed.
UPDATE, September 1, 2023: Aftersun is available to stream via Binge, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. The simplest things in life can be the most revealing, whether it's a question asked of a father by a child, an exercise routine obeyed almost mindlessly or a man stopping to smoke someone else's old cigarette while wandering through a holiday town alone at night. The astonishing feature debut by Scottish writer/director Charlotte Wells, Aftersun is about the simple things. Following the about-to-turn-31 Calum (Paul Mescal, The Lost Daughter) and his daughter Sophie (debutant Frankie Corio) on vacation in Turkey in the late 90s, it includes all of the above simple things, plus more. It tracks, then, that this coming-of-age story on three levels — of an 11-year-old flirting with adolescence, a dad struggling with his place in the world, and an adult woman with her own wife and family grappling with a life-changing experience from her childhood — is always a movie of deep, devastating and revealing complexity. Earning the internet's Normal People-starring boyfriend a Best Actor Oscar nomination, and deservedly so, Aftersun is a reflective, ruminative portrait of heartbreak. It's a quest to find meaning in sorrow and pain, too, and in processing the past. Wells has crafted a chronicle of interrogating, contextualising, reframing and dwelling in memories; an examination of leaving and belonging; and an unpacking of the complicated truths that a kid can't see about a parent until they're old enough to be that parent. Breaking up Calum and Sophie's sun-dappled coastal holiday with the older Sophie (Celia Rowlson-Hall, Vox Lux) watching camcorder footage from the trip, sifting through her recollections and dancing it out under a nightclub's strobing lights in her imagination, this is also a stunning realisation that we'll always read everything we can into a loved one's actions with the benefit of hindsight, but all we ever truly have is the sensation that lingers in our hearts and heads. That aforementioned question arrives early in Aftersun: "when you were 11, what did you think you'd be doing now?" Sophie asks. A query that's been uttered many times to many people, Wells does indeed mean to get Calum taking stock, remembering his youthful hopes and dreams, and seeing the chasm between what he once wanted and where adulthood has brought him. She also wants viewers sharing the train of thought with him, in a movie that doesn't just feel personal in every second — the filmmaker has called it "emotionally autobiographical" — but gets its audience feeling that it is personal to them. That's a remarkable skill, making a piece of fiction drawn partly and loosely from someone's facts feel as vivid to you as if you'd lived it yourself. And, for 90s kids like Sophie, it doesn't just spring from the meticulous period detail in the sets, wardrobe choices, and 'Macarena', 'Losing My Religion' and 'Tubthumping' on the soundtrack. Consider Calum's quietly, subtly shaken response to Sophie's innocent inquiry — the unsettled look on his face momentarily, owning the brief but loaded pause, before he remembers that he needs a dad's reaction — Exhibit A among the evidence that Mescal is doing career-best work. The actor still only has a handful of screen credits to his name, scoring his Academy Award nod in just his third movie role. He's never been anything less than phenomenal in anything he's been in. Earthy and charming, gentle and fragile, stoic and raw, so wounded inside and so reluctant to share it, and sporting a vulnerable gaze and a cast over one wrist, Mescal is simply heartwrenching in Aftersun, however, as it keeps diving into Sophie's remembrances of her oft-smoking, always supportive, tai chi-practising, playfully bantering, tenderly doting but also silently depressed dad. Understanding why the adult Sophie is scouring VHS tapes and her mind's eye for far more than mere nostalgia involves doing what everyone on a resort getaway does: hanging out. Aftersun spends much of its time in the simple holiday moments, including by the pool, at dinner, singing karaoke, day tripping, and in Sophie and Calum's room — and lets these ordinary, everyday occurrences, and the details that flow from them, confess everything they can. With a blue hue, the film pieces together the pair's history along the way, with Sophie living in Glasgow with her mum, Calum based in London but hardly settled or happy, and this vacation a rare chance for the two to enjoy quality time alone. It also hears the instances where he's mistaken for her older brother and, not unrelated, sees her yearning to be liked by the older kids staying at the same hotel as they drink, banter, party and represent a step closer to her dad's existence. Mescal gets a tilt at Hollywood's night of nights for his efforts, but Corio is just as extraordinary — perhaps more so given that it's her first acting role. Watching the duo together is a marvel and, befitting the wistful sensation that washes through the feature about its central voyage, a rarity. Aftersun is sensual and dreamy in its structure and texture, elaborately constructed to look and feel that way, and anchored by two sensationally naturalistic performances and one sublimely authentic rapport. Everything about the picture ripples with a lived-in air: Mescal and Corio alone and combined alike, the emotions so tremendously conveyed in their portrayals, the genuine rather than fetishised 90s minutiae, Catatonia's 'Road Rage' and All Saints' 'Never Ever' echoing among the pitch-perfect music choices, and those flashes of hazy lose-yourself-to-dance reverie that include the grownup Sophie as well as her vision of Calum. Sophie, Calum and the inescapable aching that haunts both make an unforgettable trio, but Aftersun adds more names to that list, Wells chief among them. One of her great feats in penning and helming a movie that itself is a great feat is ensuring it resembles a flickering memory, complete with making it look and play that way — aided by cinematographer Gregory Oke (Raf) and editor Blair McClendon (The Assistant) — with its faded, glitching videotape aesthetic. Her sense of pace, feel and emotional storytelling, and her ability to build layers everywhere, is as engrained as Mescal and Corio's easy vibe. Her way with all the details revealed in all those small things, and with music drops that say everything (the use of David Bowie and Queen's 'Under Pressure' is majestic and dazzling) is as well. There's nothing tiny about the talents on show here, or the story shared, or one of the most resonant, intelligent and shattering final shots any film has ever managed. "Wish we could've stayed for longer," Sophie says before that. When Calum replies "me too", he's speaking for all of us.
The first stage of The Royal, the long-running Bondi pub, has reopened, with punters able to quench their thirst yet again with daiquiris, espresso martinis and many take-home wines from the attached bottle-o. However, it's the pub's eatery we've all been waiting patiently for — and with Merivale steering the ship, we knew it wasn't going to be a half-hearted effort. And you'll be happy to know that, come early December, chefs Mike Eggert (Mr Liquor's Dirty Italian Disco, Pinbone) and Khan Danis (Rockpool) will be heading up the kitchen of the Totti's, a casual Mediterranean-style eatery serving up pasta aplenty, woodfired breads and classic Italian cocktails. The food is set to be a more mature version of that served at Dirty Disco — the six-month pop-up at The Tennyson Hotel, and the first collab between Eggert and Merivale — with the menu aimed at convivial sharing. Cooked-to-order flatbreads will come straight from the woodfired oven to the table, to rip and tear alongside small plates of charcuterie, Italian cheeses and antipasti. Pasta, a focus at Dirty Disco, will also be central to the food offering here, with Eggert telling us to expect dishes like rigatoni with milk-braised pork belly, yabbi linguine and twists on classics, such as lamb bolognese. A Josper oven (part grill, part oven) will fire most of the proteins, including fish, house-made sausages and schnitzels charred to perfection, and sides including a radicchio and burrata salad and grilled eggplant. And remember that polenta, corn and chervil side that stole our stomachs at Dirty Disco? We can confirm it'll be making a comeback, too. Another aspect of the eatery similar to Dirty Disco is the drinks. While there's no walk-in fridge — you'll have to head over to The Tennyson's latest pop-up for that — the pub's in-house bottle shop allows the eatery to have an extensive wine list, with house wines, naturals, biodynamics and higher-end varieties, all available by the carafe. Hop fans will be taken care of with a long list of local beers and Mediterranean classics, such as negronis, and peach bellinis, will please the cocktail devotees. The 185-seater restaurant and courtyard might seem mammoth, but Eggert maintains that it will still feel like your local. "It's a big version of a small trattoria", says Eggert. "We want people to come in and be able to have a great bottle of wine with a steak, and still be in their clothes from the beach." The skylight and big alfresco area will take inspiration from a taverna on the Mediterranean sea, with huge olive trees taking centre stage to really set the scene. With further menu details still to be announced, the talent behind it all has thus far convinced us that come summertime, it's going to be our new favourite Bondi hangout. Totti's is slated to launch inside The Royal, 283 Bondi Road, Bondi, this December.
Twenty years after releasing their ninth and most celebrated record, The Soft Bulletin, Oklahoma rock legends The Flaming Lips are heading back Down Under. They're coming to Melbourne and Sydney to play the highly acclaimed album in full, as well as some of their greatest hits. Taking over the Sydney Opera House and Hamer Hall (the latter as part of Melbourne International Arts Festival), The Flaming Lips will bring their signature technicolour shows to life across four nights. Expect elaborate costumes, confetti cannons and even neon unicorns to fill the stages as the seven-piece band performs hits such as 'Waitin' for a Superman', 'Race for the Prize' and 'A Spoonful Weighs a Ton'. Released in 1999, The Soft Bulletin is widely accepted as the band's greatest album, named by NME as the Album of the Year and by Pitchfork as a 'masterpiece' and the third best album of the 90s. As well as playing this seminal album in full, The Flaming Lips will also perform some of their other greatest hits, including 'Do You Realize??' and 'Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1'. [caption id="attachment_724481" align="alignnone" width="1920"] George Salisbury[/caption] The Flaming Lips — The Soft Bulletin 20th Anniversary will take place at the Sydney Opera House on September 30 and October 1, and at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne on October 3 and 4. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, June 7, with pre-sale starting at 9am on Wednesday, June 5. To sign-up head to the SOH or Melbourne International Arts Festival website. Top image: George Salisbury.
In April, we farewelled Merivale's American-themed Manly eatery Papi Chulo. Now, in its place, we're set to welcome the hospitality group's second Queen Chow when it opens next week. Papi Chulo shut up shop on April 29, and the East Esplanade space has since undergone a small refurbishment. Group tables are now topped with lazy susans, tanks filled with live seafood great guests at the door and deep greens and dark timbers echo the hues of Queen Chow's sister restaurant in Newtown. What has remained, is the restaurant's stunning view out across the sparkling Sydney Harbour. In the kitchen, executive chef Patrick Friesen and dumpling master Eric Koh use Australian ingredients to recreate dishes served up at neighbourhood Chinese restaurants. Oysters — served from an impressive zinc-clad oyster bar — come topped with finger lime, Australian pipis are wok-fried with XO, and Moreton Bay bugs are doused in butter and black pepper. You'll also found Chinese-Australian staples such as sticky honey prawns, Mongolian lamb and deep-fried ice cream. Koh's famed dumplings are also a highlight of the menu, with a lineup of steamed or fried scallop and prawn siu mai, pork xiao long bao, prawn har gau and more. Alongside the food menu, Merivale's group sommelier Frank Moreau has pulled together another impressive wine list, with over 200 wines from across Australia and the world. Queen Chow's reopening is part of Manly Wharf's $9 million dollar makeover, and the restaurant will soon by joined by Rockpool Dining Group's Fratelli Fresh and Sake Restaurants, which are set to open later this year on the Wharf's second storey. Find Queen Chow Manly at Manly Wharf, 22-23 East Esplanade, Manly from Monday, July 9.
Bliss is the new play on right now at Downstairs Belvoir. It's not, as I actually thought, a theatrical re-imagining of the awesome 1985 Australian movie classic Bliss based on Peter Carey's novel. That was the one where Barry Otto was stuck in a surreal suburban nightmare full of Freudian fish birthing and rampant incest. This is totally different. It's a new play from Quebec about a check-out chick stuck in a surreal supermarket nightmare full of Freudian frog birthing and rampant incest.The play is an examination into the cult of celebrity and consumerism. It's full of bizarre twists that are kind of hard to get your head around. The team make the best of what they've been given — with uniformly solid acting and some clever lighting and sound ideas — but the play sort of buckles under the weight of its own ambition.Krew Boylan is the show's standout. She plays Celine Dion, a check-out chick and "a woman on the brink of despair".Photo: Brett Boardman
The team at Newtown restaurant Hartsyard has come up with a cracking way to help blast away those Saturday morning hangovers — and it involves generous feasts and bottomless beer. It has launched a new series of Saturday long lunches, which promise to go down a treat during these next few weeks, kicking into gear from September 7 and running until the end of the month. Chef-owners Jarrod Walsh and Dot Lee will be whipping up a $60 set menu up for grabs at midday and 2.30pm each week. The feast will include hearty lunchtime classics such as steak sandwiches with beer sauce and beer grain bread and bowls of fried cheese with grated parmesan and hot mustard cream. For $25 on top of the set menu (which'll set you back $85 in total) you can spend your Saturday drinking unlimited Newtowner, too, thanks to the folks at Young Henrys. You can your reserve your spot at the boozy Saturday lunch at midday and 2.30pm, via the website. Images: Steven Woodburn and Alex Mayes
Art is difficult to talk about and even more difficult to unconditionally support – but not so for Gene and Brian Sherman. Gene, the former director of Sherman Galleries, and husband Brian are synonymous with cultural patronage, and Words, Etc. at the Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation is simply the next link in the chain.Thus far, the bi-monthly-ish events, focusing on the written or spoken word, have been the site for a guest lecture on the significance of Australian literature from academic Nicholas Jose, and the launch of Anne Summers’ The Lost Mother: A Story of Art and Love.This month, Andrew Cameron, Deputy Chair of the Biennale of Sydney, will launch Contemporary Art + Philanthropy: Private Foundations — Asia-Pacific Focus, a new publication which contains contributions from Gene Sherman, Nicholas Jose, Elaine W. Ng, Carrillo Gantner and Britta Erickson, addressing the role and impact of private philanthropy in the contemporary art sector.Image: Permanent installation at SCAF, designed by Chris Bosse (LAVA). Photo by Melody Willis.
Louis Nowra’s 1993 play Radiance has become something of an Australian Indigenous classic in its short life, although it was not written specifically as an Indigenous play. When Rhoda Roberts, Rachel Maza and Lydia Miller originally commissioned Nowra with their own money, their main intention was to create a work with good, interesting characters — and Nowra delivered. The play returns to Belvoir until February 8 under the direction of Leah Purcell, who also performs alongside Shari Sebbens and Miranda Tapsell. Radiance follows the reconciliation of three estranged sisters who reunite in Northern Queensland for their mother’s funeral. The funeral is poorly attended as it turns out their mum was a piece of work, but as their stories unfold we learn that she was also entertaining, warm and a great lover of men. Mae (Sebbens) has remained at home caring for their mother as she degenerated into an ever more cantankerous grouch, insulting everyone she passed. A group of local teenagers have taken to throwing stones at the house and calling her a witch. Cressy (Purcell) has been trotting the globe as a successful opera singer, while the youngest, Nona (Tapsell), has been steadily working her way through a long list of boyfriends. The clash of their different versions of the past and the gradual revelations of truth provide the cathartic drama in Nowra’s two-act play. The three-woman ensemble is excellent, but in some of the opening scenes it seems that the sum of the cast is less than its parts. There’s no doubt that Sebbens is an exceptional performer, as we’ve seen in A Hoax and The Sapphires, but here as the long-suffering, cranky Mae (in the first scene in particular) she is lost. Her hostility towards her two sisters is less dramatic than excruciatingly awkward, and the dynamic between the three is stilted and odd. While Purcell is a rock solid anchor in this production, perhaps directing from the inside has the drawback that the three-hander scenes are somewhat at sea – the blocking unwieldy and the rhythm rushed. In comparison, the two-hander scenes fire much better and Purcell proves herself as one of the greats of the Australian stage. Tapsell’s rendition of a Madama Butterfly aria using a comprehensive list of Italian cuisine is hilarious. As the cast settles in to the first few scenes, this production will no doubt cement Radiance’s place as a seminal piece of Australian theatre.
The luminous Helen Mirren once again takes centre stage at the Young at Heart Film Festival. In 2010, Dame Mirren dazzled as Tolstoy's wife in The Last Station, and this year she delves into more sinister territory in Rowan Joffe's stylish adaptation of Graham Greene's Brighton Rock. But cinema's beloved queen will have to fight for the spotlight as this year's festival programme proves its most impressive yet. Festival-goers will delight in the chance to revisit old favourites like The Graduate, The Pink Panther and a focus on John Huston and Humphrey Bogart, which boasts screenings of timeless classics The Maltese Falcon and The African Queen. Australia's Bruce Beresford (Mao’s Last Dancer) will also be honoured, with The Fringe Dwellers and Breaker Morant both returning to the silver screen. Up and coming Australian filmmaker Belinda Chayko will be taking part in a Q&A screening of her beautifully realised tale Lou. The film stars British veteran John Hurt (who is also in Brighton Rock) as well a remarkable debut performance from Lily Bell-Tindley in the titular role as a questioning 11-year-old who strikes a deep bond with her estranged grandfather. Rounding out this marvellous lineup is the vibrantly retro, must-see Aussie legend Red Dog (see it now or wait until August!), Robert Duvall's cantankerous funereal fable Get Low and a short film competition. Plus, fresh from the French Film Festival are two sure favourites: Catherine Deneuve's comedy Potiche and the wondrous underwater documentary Oceans. So ok, the Young at Heart Film Festival might technically be for seniors (taking place during NSW Seniors Week), but with such brilliant films screening — not to mention many events include free drinks — this is definitely a case where you should learn from your elders, and make a beeline for the Dendy Opera Quays.
There has been much literature written about the moral dilemma of being a bystander, but one of the most powerful is undoubtedly Franz Kafka's 1914 short story In the Penal Colony. Kafka's original story concerns three men — The Officer, The Visitor and The Condemned — one island, and one elaborate torture and execution device. Immediately it is evident that this dilemma is on a scale far more severe than quietly witnessing someone about to drop their meatball sub all over the pavement, and indeed the story is harrowing in its exploration of the point at which The Visitor's failure to intervene becomes immoral. This is the story that cult composer Philip Glass set to music in 2000. But Glass, often labelled as a 'minimalist' for his unique brand of classical music with hypnotically repetitive structures, hasn't met the challenge of interpreting Kafka's story with melodramatic crescendos evocative of impending bloodshed; instead, it is the almost claustrophobic intimacy of the music that makes his score so intense, featuring just one string quartet plus a double bass for added sobriety. The first Glass opera ever to be performed in Sydney, In the Penal Colony is definitely not your average night in the box.
On the Surface of Things is an exploration of layers, inviting you to delve under silk, screen and shroud. Nine Sydney-based artists have come together in this exhibition, curated by Isobel Parker Philip. Pooling their artistic sensibilities, they indulge in surface and texture, chasing everyday moments of unusual beauty. From Eloise Rapp’s harmonic and flowing draperies to Bianca Chang’s clean little cuts, meticulously carved out of paper, there is a delicacy of touch that pervades the exhibition. These are possibly two of the most different works on display, yet they are united by the subtlety of their design. Traversing the senses, Jacob Ring’s photography series evokes a range of different moods. Some of his works are sublime dreamscapes awash with hazy hues, whilst others showcase a fascination with contrasting textures, such as the hard glow of neon on lush satin. His soft manipulation of light is not overstated, allowing rays of colour to gently bounce off silky fabrics. There is a classic and filmic quality to his romantic image, Shroud ii, featuring an elegantly masked bouquet of flowers. The veiling of the dark buds carries a sense of old-world mystique, speaking more directly to themes of concealment and secrecy. Justine Varga also engages with these notions; her Moving Out presents an enigmatic piece of wrapped furniture, displaced and crystallised with memory. Isobel Parker Philip describes the ‘whispering’ quality of Varga’s photography. And true, there is a fullness to the seemingly stark minimalism of her careful compositions that is slow to unfold. The intimate scale entices you in, and with time, there is a blossoming of detail and perspective. A perfect example of this is the gossamer layer of Glad Wrap draped over her still life with fruit — a sort of ghostly membrane covering the fruit skin that encases the flesh. These subtle tiers of perception make for a rewarding experience. Another memorable series is the blunt blades of Deb Mansfield’s photo-tapestries, yoking together hardware and domesticity. Sarah Mosca’s Untitled (part 1 & 2) perhaps errs more on the side of ‘screen’ than ‘shroud’. Of her twin pieces depicting the dramatic mountain scenery of her childhood, one is overlaid with a lurid pink Perspex lens. She retains the personal narrative of one and obstructs it in the other. Thus, the doubling is a study of distance and proximity, representing the fogging over of memory, or perhaps the relinquishing of it. Often we are too quick to pin down photography as unimaginatively mechanical with its piercing factual accuracy. However, this exhibition offers up new ways to consider photography. There is an optical elusiveness that recurs throughout as each artist demonstrates a unique way of harnessing light and shadow. The process of viewing is one of peeling off layers, as appearances and boundaries are constantly shifting. It would seem that the value lies not in uncovering the core but in journeying through the shrouds. Image: Jacob Ring.
Birthdays, promotions, securing a second date — on any given week in Sydney, there's plenty to celebrate, even the end of the week itself. But with so much cause for celebration — warranted or not — it's hard to know where to go, and more distressingly, for your wallet to keep up. Luckily Merivale has our backs this June with its Bottoms Up special offering 49 percent off all booze at 37 of its venues between 5–7pm. Having essentially turned every day into a special occasion, we caught up with the hospitality giant to help you decide where to indulge without emptying your wallet, every day of the week. MONDAY PICK-ME-UP AT FELIX Often making it through Monday can seem like a feat in itself. But rather than dealing with the reality of a full week ahead, escape to Paris — or one of the closest ways you'll get to it on a Monday night. No airfare needed, Felix's Prix Fixe menu featuring two courses for $50 and three courses for $60 between 5.30–6.30pm — means you can ease into the week à la Parisian. And given that it's Monday and you should treat yourself, head to the restaurant's bar first to take to the wine list with gusto, knowing that every drop under $200 is 49% off. Curated by master sommelier Franck Moreau, the list features some fine European drops including the crisp 2015 Domaine Dirler-Cadé Alsace riesling ($8.16 by the glass, down from $16), the complex 2013 Domaine Elodie Balme Rasteau southern Rhône Grenache blend ($11.22 by the glass, down from $22) and for something lighter, a 1997 Beaujolais Gamay ($18.87 by the glass, down from $37 and poured with Coravin) — which may sound steep for a glass of wine, but if you think about it, that wine was made when you were still watching Cheez TV. After a glass or two, sit down in the restaurant for the twice-baked gruyère souffle and rich Valrhona chocolate and hazelnut tart — a perfect pick-me-up for a chilly Monday night. TUESDAY WORK WIN CELEBRATION AT EL LOCO It's hard to imagine a better way to celebrate a win at work than with margaritas under $10. Well, actually throw in $5 glasses of Chandon, and you've done yourself one better. This June, you could shout your whole team a round of celebratory $7.65 margaritas and $5 sparkling, and your wallet would still come out unscathed. With wall-to-wall colour, good tunes and a sweet outdoor area, El Loco at the Slip Inn is the definition of festive, and the perfect place for a cheeky mid-week celebration. Add a platter of tacos (3 for $21), a couple quesadillas ($10 each) and the supreme nachos ($22) to share, and your Mexican fiesta is complete. WEDNESDAY HUMP DAY DRINKS AT MS.G'S Once you've conquered hump day, it's really only a hop, skip and a jump to the weekend. So, kick-off the start of the end of the week at Ms.G's. A den of iniquity in the best way, this Potts Point eatery and bar doesn't take itself too seriously and is all about having a good time — the perfect place to be when your booze budget is going the extra mile. Start your night in the bar with something fruity, sweet and a little surprising, like the Don't Lychee Me with gin, lychee, lime, rose, plum sake and pops of lychee pearls ($8.16, down from $16). If you prefer your drinks to have a bit more punch, order the Mr Miyagi with gin, sake, peach liqueur and a lemon twist ($9.18, down from $18). And if you need a bit of a feed with your drinks, opt for a serving of cheeseburger spring rolls ($6 each), Chiang Mai gyoza with spicy pork filling ($16) and burrata in "strange flavour style" with sesame sauce, chilli oil, spinach and peanuts ($22). THURSDAY PRE-GIG BEVS AND SNACKS AT QUEENS HOTEL Before any gig, you need a couple of brews and a quick bite to eat. But it doesn't need to just be a pit stop before the main event. If you've got a gig at the Enmore, the Queens Hotel will be an impressive supporting act. Having already shelled out for tickets, you're likely to want to keep things pretty low key (see: cheap), but that doesn't mean you need to go straight for the house drop. During June between 5–7pm, a glass of the 2015 Ciello Bianco Catarratto from Italy will set you back just $6.12, while a James Squire 150 Lashes is only going to cost you $4.33. Even if you up the ante and grab a glass of Veuve for $10.20 or the Chow Sour with gin, green apple, rhubarb, mint and aquafaba ($9.18, down from $18), you'll still have plenty left over for snacks — authentic Chinese food served in a pub setting. Don't go past the duck spring rolls ($12), crab crackers ($6) and the steamed dim sum platter if you're sharing with friends ($32). FRIDAY DATE NIGHT AT PALMER & CO. Palmer & Co. gives you the opportunity to take your date back in time to the era of bootleggers and sly grog. And when you throw the 49 percent-off happy hour in the mix, you'll (almost) feel like you're actually in the prohibition era with those prices. Tucked underground, the bar exudes the sumptuous glamour and devilish secrecy of the 1920s. But the character and intrigue of this place don't stop at the decor, it extends to flapper dresses and dapper ensembles donned by the staff — and not to mention plenty of grog to go around. Set the scene by ordering your date a Liquid Desires cocktail with gin, pear eau de vie, green chartreuse, ylang-ylang and thyme ($11.73, down from $23) or send a clear message with a Prelude to a Kiss, with tequila, Aperol, grapefruit and rosemary cordial, citrus, egg white and gilded lime ($10.71, down from $21). And if you prefer your booze served neat, now's the perfect time to move a few rungs up the shelf or add a couple of years to your favourite drop. SATURDAY HANGS WITH OUT-OF-TOWNERS AT BERT'S BAR Looking for a place that will knock the socks off your visiting mates? Bert's Bar at The Newport is the kind of venue that encapsulates what you struggle to put into words when explaining what makes Sydney so great. In this case, the bar lets the views do the talking for you. At Bert's, you can expect a decadent dining experience that showcases Australian seafood at its best. Pre-dinner, look to the sizeable cocktail menu and 750-strong wine list — the 49 percent off all drinks offer means you can really give your mates a memorable experience. To toast the occasion, start with a round of Moët & Chandon rosé Champagne, then splurge on a bottle of the real deal, like the 2005 Brokenwood 'ILR' reserve semillon from the Hunter for under $90 (down from $175) and the 1999 Yalumba 'The Signature' cabernet which will set you back $96.90 (instead of the regular $190 price tag) between 5–7pm. SUNDAY LATE LUNCH KICK-ONS AT THE PADDINGTON It can be difficult to find a casual venue that's also nice enough to take your parents for lunch. The Paddington ticks that box. A smart setting with a warm, vibrant atmosphere, The Paddington is a step above your average local pub. Specialising in rotisserie-cooked meats, your best bet is to share a whole roast chook with gravy, fries and salad ($44), and a rotisserie beef rump cap with Jerusalem artichokes and lightly pickled mushrooms ($42). Add a side of winter leaves with walnuts, goats cheese and roasted beetroot ($24) and some fried polenta ($11), and you're set. Let your Sunday lunch roll into Sunday early evening drinks at The Paddington's bar, and take advantage of the June 49 percent off drink deal. On tap, you'll find the likes of Kosciusko Pale Ale, Little Creatures and Furphy, and the wine list extends well beyond one of each varietal. Here, you can get a carafe of 2014 Argentinian Malbec for $18.36 (down from $36) or a bottle of Burgundy Chablis for $45.90 (down from $90). Rather than letting your rents pick up the bill (for the 100,000th time in your life), take the opportunity to step up and shout the drinks. Regardless the day of the week or the occasion, take the opportunity to celebrate this June in a manner befitting. Head for 49 percent-off drinks at select Merivale venues every day from 5–7pm.
When you've just given Australia the culinary experience we didn't know we needed — that'd be a luxe 11-course KFC degustation that definitely doesn't just involve slowly eating a big bucket of the Colonel's finest — what comes next? At Sydney fine-diner Nel, it's time for a bit of truth, beauty, freedom and love. Renowned for its creatively themed multi-course spreads before going fancy with chicky chicky fry fry (see also: its Christmas and Disney offerings), the restaurant is next taking its cues from Moulin Rouge! The Musical. The film-to-theatre production is about to dance its way into Sydney, kicking off at the end of May. So, if you're wondering what's inspired Nel's decadent feast, now you know. Designed as a pre-show option, it'll be available for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays in June and July. And yes, it's your spectacular spectacular reason to both see the musical and treat yo'self to a lavish meal. The world-first collaboration sees chef Nelly Robinson whip up a selection of dishes dripping with French nostalgia (no, not literally), including one dubbed 'Beauty', which is a savoury crème brulee. Or, there's also the 'Truth' steak tartare for a quintessential Parisian culinary option. Other dishes span Nel's take on pain au chocolat, beef bourguignon tarts, duck, French onion soup, beetroot with popcorn and opera cakes. If you're ready to for your tastebuds to say "come what may", bookings are available now, with multiple sessions each Saturday and Sunday starting (at 11.30am, 11.45am, 12pm and 12.15pm). That'll set you back $145 per person, with four matching wines also available for an extra $75 each. Tickets to Moulin Rouge! The Musical aren't included in that price — and yes, this is definitely a treat yo'self kind of weekend lunch.
In its entire concept, Sydney Opera House's All About Women has always pushed girls, ladies and women to the front. So, the fact that the 2023 version of its key feminist festival will feature riot grrrl pioneers Bikini Kill couldn't be more perfect. That in-conversation event is just the beginning of the event's program, however, with the complete bill also going big on high-profile guests — such as child actor-turned-I'm Glad My Mom Died author Jennette McCurdy and human rights barrister Jennifer Robinson. Former iCarly star McCurdy will chat through her experiences, including growing up in the spotlight, finding her independence and the events that led to her New York Times best-selling memoir, in an Australian-exclusive conversation. After successfully representing Amber Heard in Johnny Depp's UK libel case, Robinson will feature in a panel called 'The War on Women', about fighting for both rights and lives, alongside Egyptian American journalist Mona Eltahawy, Pakistani author and journalist Fatima Bhutto, and Mununjali Yugambeh and South Sea Islander Professor Chelsea Watego. Running from Saturday, March 11—Monday, March 13, All About Women's 2023 festival marks its 11th, and sees the event held across three days for the first time ever — growing again after it only just expanded to two days in 2022, in fact. And, in another significant change for this year, the event's lineup is guided by four festival co-curators. Doing the honours: author, podcast presenter and gender equality advocate Jamila Rizvi; Gamilaroi academic and Tell Me Again author Dr Amy Thunig; feminist social commentator, novelist and writer Jane Caro AM; and Sydney Opera House's Head of Talks and Ideas Chip Rolley. Their full program includes 25 events featuring 60-plus international and Australian artists, thinkers, and storytellers, starting with an evening of storytelling, poetry, dance and music for the fest's Opening Night Gala, hosted by Clare Bowditch and featuring actor Eryn Jean Norvill (The Picture of Dorian Gray), "mother of African contemporary dance" Germaine Acogny, Iranian Australian singer and instrumentalist Gelareh Pour, and Fatima Bhutto. And, it also spans Cult Classic author Sloane Crosley chatting about modern dating with journalist Maddison Connaughton — and a romance and reality TV-focused discussion between Bachelorette Brooke Blurton, Just The Gist podcaster Rosie Waterland, and Gamilaroi and Torres Strait Islander writer and actor Nakkiah Lui. In a session about neurodivergence in women and gender-diverse people, 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame, Heartbreak High's Chloe Hayden, and research psychologist and activist Dr Jac den Houting will talk with Thunig — and a panel examining trying to achieve justice in sexual abuse claims, and the trauma the process can bring, will feature sexual assault law reform advocate Saxon Mullins, criminal lawyer Katrina Marson, Yorta Yorta woman and survivor advocate Amanda Morgan, and lawyer and author Bri Lee. Or, attendees can look forward to Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies scholar Kylie Moore-Gilbert hosting a session on the women-led revolution in Iran, as joined by Pour, scholar and poet Dr Saba Vasefi, and author and journalist Shokoofeh Azar; plus a panel about the body positivity movement's struggles to be genuinely inclusive, featuring Wadjanbarra Yidinji, Jirrbal and African-American former model Sasha Kutabah Sarago, body love activist and podcaster April Hélène-Horton aka The Bodzilla, fashion editor and queer rights activist Deni Todorovič, disability rights campaigner Elly Desmarchelier, and comedian and broadcaster Tanya Hennessy. The list goes on, covering Clementine Ford exploring the history of demonising single women, a session on women's activism through a First Nations lens, diving into starting a family in a modern world, unpacking gendered emotions, and turning Eltahawy's FEMINIST GIANT newsletter into a panel. The Girlboss movement, making tough decisions, the shame often imposed on women and girls, leading movements, a Bikini Kill gig: they all get their time in focus, too. Just like in 2022, the festival will host its sessions in-person for Sydneysiders, and will also live-stream to viewers both around Australia and worldwide — which is ace news if you live outside of the Harbour City. [caption id="attachment_875442" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Debi Del Grande[/caption] Top image: Jacquie Manning.
UPDATE: MARCH 18, 2020 — Organisers have announced that all remaining sessions of the 2020 Alliance Francaise French Film Festival have been cancelled from Thursday, March 19 — hopefully to be rescheduled at a later date, but with further details to be decided down the line. The decision comes "following the Australian Government's additional restrictions on non-essential social gatherings". Ticket holders will receive a full refund. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. In one of the films screening at this year's Alliance Française French Film Festival, Oscar-winner Jean Dujardin (The Artist) takes his obsession with a deerskin jacket to quite the extreme. In another of movies on the 2020 program, Eva Green (Penny Dreadful) rockets into space, playing a single mother who's also the only woman in the European Space Agency's astronaut training program. And, in yet another flick showing at the fest, voodoo, a secret literary society and a Haitian teen all combine. In other words: no matter what kind of French film you're looking for, you'll likely find it on the event's 31st lineup. If you're eager to catch the three aforementioned movies, then put Deerskin, Proxima and Zombi Child on your must-see list. There's more where they came from, of course, with the 2020 festival screening 49 new and classic French flicks when it tours the country from March 10. It all begins with Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano's The Extraordinary, which dramatises the real-life efforts of Frenchman Stéphane Benhamou — who runs his own Parisian shelter for autistic youth who aren't cared for by the system otherwise. And, when the fest comes to a close, it'll do so with comedy The Bare Necessities. In the Cannes-premiering title, a radio show agony aunt in a small village is completely unaware that her adult sons have been calling in with their own problems. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIsEZ2tTavU Other highlights: Xavier Dolan's Matthias & Maxime, which stars the acclaimed Mommy filmmaker as one of two friends forced to confront their feelings for each other; Oscar-nominee Les Misérables, about clashes between cops, teens and gangs in Montfermeil; and the 1968-set How to Be a Good Wife, which sees Juliette Binoche run a housekeeping school that prepares teenagers to become housewives. Or, French film lovers can catch Farewell to the Night, where The Truth's Catherine Deneuve is forced to deal with her grandson's radicalisation; Invisibles, a comedy abut an illegal women's shelter; and rom-com Room 212, the latest movie by Sorry Angel's Christophe Honoré. For those particularly interested in How to Be a Good Wife, this year's fest is putting on special bushfire-relief sessions in all capital cities that'll donate 100 percent of the ticket sales to the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Appeal and Rural and Remote Mental Health — so you see a movie and support a good cause. The same will be the case with In the Name of the Land, a drama about French farmers. Elsewhere, French and Russia trade nuclear threats in submarine thriller The Wolf's Call, a secret manuscript sparks a twisty whodunnit in The Translators, and life in 90s Afghanistan gets animated in book-to-screen adaptation The Swallows of Kabul. Because TV is increasingly finding a place on the film festival circuit, small-screen fans can also feast their eyes on the first three episodes of French series Vernon Subutex, which stars Romain Duris as an ex-record store owner trying to work out what to do next with his life. The Alliance Française French Film Festival tours Australia from March 10, screening at Sydney's Chauvel Cinema, Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona, Palace Central and Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace from March 10–April 8; Melbourne's Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from March 11–April 8; Perth's Palace Raine Square, Cinema Paradiso, Luna on SX, Windsor Cinema and Camelot Outdoor Cinema from March 11–April 8; and Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace James Street from March 18–April 14. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the AFFFF website.
When you boast a handy location near the Woolloomooloo shore, close proximity to the suburb's naval base and a history of serving sailors dating back to the mid 1800s, you may as well lean into it. That's exactly what The Frisco Hotel has done with its new revamp. Expect blue-toned decor and fish aplenty — and a hefty selection of rum, too. Indeed, with mini lobster rolls, tempura fish tacos, sushi and sashimi platters, fried calamari in squid ink batter and grilled miso salmon all on the seafood-focused menu, you won't forget the pub's ocean links in a hurry. The meaty likes of smoked Angus sliders, slow-cooked pork and chicken schnitzel are also on offer, as is a dessert plate featuring matcha green tea brûlée, chocolate mousse fondant and sticky date pudding. As for the drinks selection, it keeps the seafaring theme swelling, including ten unique cocktails. Fancy a dark and foamy (with spiced rum, gingerbread liqueur, lime juice, bitters and egg white), anyone? If it sounds like the heritage-heavy Dowling Street haunt is angling to become the area's new (old) local, that's because it is, complete with a north-facing second-storey balcony with killer views. Inside, you'll find exposed brick, wall tiling, leather banquettes, solid wooden floors and an all-new ground floor communal bar, all thanks to a fit-out by interior specialists Alexander & Co. Find The Frisco Hotel at 46 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo. Visit their website for more information.
Good news for those of the hardcore punk generation — or those who wish they were. After the disappointment felt due to the cancellation of their scheduled 2013 tour, Dead Kennedys are returning with their Bedtime for Democracy tour, playing a comprehensive string of shows around the country. Dead Kennedys — in all their changing forms — have been galvanising the masses against political apathy since 1978. The current lineup is East Bay Ray, Klaus Flouride, D. H. Peligro and Ron 'Skip' Greer, who'll take tunes from the group's extensive back catalogue. Show them your support (and your utter disdain for The Man) at The Hi-Fi on October 5, and be more punk than anyone else you have met in your life. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ds_TRSoQkJ0
Culminate is the culmination of a two-year dance theatre laboratory and joint project of Force Majeure, Performance Space and Carriageworks. It's all about putting the experimentation and risk into local dance and will showcase three of the country's best emerging Indigenous choreographers — Ghenoa Gela, Victoria Hunt and Jason Pitt. This is one for those who like their dance uber contemporary and boundary-pushing (hint: there probably won't be any tutus). While last year's Cultivate laboratory stimulated dancers and choreographers with risk-taking experimentation, Culminate will open the project up to the public, with a series of work-in-progress showings. The artists are also holding a free panel on Saturday, August 16, in which they'll discuss questions of cultural diversity in live performance and share their own stories about making work from the perspective of the 'Other'. Maximum plays as part of Performance Space's Score season of works driven by dance, movement, music and noise. Highlights include the genre-defying fusion piece Keep Everything by critically acclaimed dance company Chunky Move, the bodybuilding/dance mash-up that is Natalie Abbott's acclaimed MAXIMUM, and Psychic Synth, a digital work by Pia Van Gelder that will read your mind.
2020 didn't bring much that sparked joy, but it did let Sydneysiders wander through a large-scale, multi-sensory Vincent van Gogh exhibition that projected Dutch master's works onto walls, columns and floors. In 2021, art lovers will be able to repeat the feat, this time with a heap of French Impressionist masterpieces — because Monet & Friends — Life, Light & Colour is heading to town from March. The idea behind Monet & Friends is the same as its predecessor. It stems from the same team as well. As you wander around the Royal Hall of Industries in Moore Park from Friday, March 12, you'll feast more than just your eyes on huge projections of Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne and Edgar Degas' work. Light, colour, sound and fragrance are also all part of the exhibition, which is designed to make you feel as if you're walking right into the hefty array of paintings. The list of 19th- and early 20th-century artists showcased goes on, too, including Édouard Manet, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Berthe Morisot, Alfred Sisley and Mary Cassatt. Also featured are Gustave Caillebotte, Armand Guillaumin and Henri-Edmond Cross, plus Paul Signac and Georges Seurat. Once more, the project is the brainchild of Melbourne-based Grande Exhibitions, which, for the past 16 years, has hosted immersive exhibitions and gallery experiences in over 145 cities around the world. The company also owns and operates Rome's Museo Leonardo da Vinci. For Monet & Friends, it's once again using state-of-the-art technology that combines 40 high-definition projectors to create multi-channel visuals, all while a classical musical score accompanies the vibrant colours in cinema-quality surround sound. When you're peering at pieces by the 15 featured artists, you'll be doing so in a socially distanced setting — with visitor numbers restricted to maintain enough space (which will exceed the one person per four-square-metres required by New South Wales' COVID-19 rules). So, that means that you'll have less company than you'd usually expect at a big exhibition of French Impressionist art. It also means that sessions are probably likely to get booked out quicker than normal, though. Monet & Friends — Life, Light & Colour opens at The Royal Hall of Industries, adjacent to the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park on Friday, March 12 — with tickets available via presales from 12pm on Thursday, January 28 and in general sale from 12 on Monday, February 1.
Can you think of a better way to spend a muggy, summer night than with a swim followed by an outdoor movie and a glass of wine at Bondi? Well, you'll be able to do just that when American Express is brings its outdoor cinema to Sydney's coastline from February 6 to March 15. Bondi is where the openair cinema started 13 years ago — and this year it will screen films just next to Bondi Pavilion. Movies on the big screen will include just-released hits like Greta Gerwig's Little Women, Taika Waititi's comedy Jojo Rabbit and the heavily Oscar-nominated Joker. Rocketboy will be serving up pizzas, and drinks will be on offer from 4Pines, Pimm's, Giesen Wines and Greenall's Gin. In addition, there will also be live music and DJs helping to set the mood before the trailers roll. Oh, and it's a dog-friendly space with special picnic platter for the pooch, so you don't need to leave part of your family at home. Plus if you're an Amex user you'll get 15 percent off selected tickets, plus a blanket.
The Streets of Barangaroo is flexing its culinary muscles with a huge new two-day food festival that's bringing a tasting trail, a First Nations native food market and a thoughtful series of talks to this waterfront suburb. The Great Graze will pop up across Barangaroo between Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30, showcasing all of the best eateries the suburb has to offer and the skills of some of Australia's favourite chefs. Restaurants and cases throughout The Streets of Barangaroo will be setting up market-style stalls out the front of their venues, offering tasting plates for between $6-16. Hop between restaurants and discover leek and truffle spring rolls at Lotus, mango pancakes at CHI by Lotus, honey prawns at Zushi, kingfish tostadas at Tequila Daisy, umami potato gems at Ume Burger, a Booze & Bump champagne and caviar combo at Devon Cafe and tossed wings with house peach tea at Belle's Hot Chicken. These are just a few of the dishes that will be on offer to try your way through across the food-filled weekend. The First Nations food market will also pop up at the Barangaroo food festival, featuring stallholders like Warndu, Blak Cede, Bush to Bowl, Chocolate on Purpose, IndigiEarth, The Unexpected Guest, Meat Brothers and Native Foodways. Entertainment is also on the agenda for The Great Graze. This will include roving performers and live musicians throughout the precinct and DJ sets out of Barangaroo House's new tune-heavy Japanese restaurant and bar Rekodo. Be sure to also check out a series of Food for Thought speaker series and a sustainable four-course seafood feast by Brent Savage and John Susman too. The Great Graze is taking over The Streets of Barangaroo from 11am–5pm Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30.
Fathers and sons: a relationship not often portrayed without sporting paraphernalia nearby. Adapting Simon Carr’s acclaimed memoir about single fatherhood in the shadow of loss, celebrated Australian director Scott Hicks and his leading man Clive Owen offer up a delicate, moving film. In the wake of his wife’s death, sports journalist (so, not entirely leaving the paraphernalia behind) Joe Warr falters at the prospect of raising his 6 year old son Artie (Nicholas McAnulty). After regaining a certain equilibrium, Joe’s ‘Just Say Yes’ mentality is challenged upon the arrival from London of his 14 year old son from a previous marriage, Harry (Rupert Grint lookalike George MacKay). Together the three Warrs navigate the highs and lows of family and fatherhood in a magnificent Australian bush setting. The Boys Are Back makes an interesting companion piece to Michael Winterbottom’s Genova. It is curious to consider how the two directors have taken similar storylines to vastly different aesthetic and thematic ends. Hicks’ film may feel more mainstream and a little episodic, but both eschew sentimentality for a rewarding look at the realities of parenthood. And like Colin Firth, Owen delivers an emotionally intelligent performance, one with a few lashings of his charm that also makes the most of his slightly stilted style. Further contributing to the film’s sophistication is Greig Fraser’s superb cinematography. The talent behind Last Ride and Jane Campion’s Bright Star, Fraser captures idyllic South Australia and the Warr boys with a quiet poetry. Focus pulls are intertwined with luscious landscapes; domesticity and the unwieldy freedom of the bush are tellingly confused.The Boys Are Back may privilege the experience of he single father, but it also engages with the prevailing dominance of motherhood. This results in a deeply resonant film, driven by strong performances and displaying an open affection that is too rarely depicted between fathers and sons.
Not all Sundays need to be a chill one. If you're keen to take the last licks of the weekend to a whole new level, then look no further than Maximum Joy. This one-day music festival will return for its second year, this time taking over Marrickville's Factory Theatre on Sunday, December 1 from 2.30pm until the wee hours of the morning. The massive DJ lineup features both local and international heavy hitters in the house, techno and electronica scenes. They've got Amsterdam's Italo disco king Young Marco and Denmark's techno queen Mama Snake, France's off-kilter electro artist Simo Cell and Dublin rave act Saoirse. Not to mention Sydney favourites Kali, Adi Toohey and Ben Fester. In the venue's courtyard, you'll find Melbourne's CC:DISCO! rocking a replica of her Club Coco stage. Thirteen acts have been announced so far, with more to come. Alongside the dance party, expect fashion and hospitality greats to be in the house, too. While those details have been kept under wraps for now, last year featured Maurice Terzini's label Ten Pieces, as well as drag performers, visual artists and dedicated creative spaces.
The team behind one of Sydney's most exciting new venues, Hinchcliff House, is opening a new cafe in front of the Museum of Sydney. House Made Hospitality will be hoping to recreate the success of its all-day Circular Quay cafe Bar Mammoni with this new venture, This Way Canteen, which will be serving up coffee, snacks and drinks until 4pm throughout the week. Billed as a canteen, the new venue will feature breakfast items, sandwiches, juices, smoothies, coffee and a handful of pastries shuttled over from the nearby Mammoni. There will also be a selection of wines and beers for those looking to stop in for an afternoon beverage with colleagues or friends. Located on the corner of Bridge Street and Phillip Street, This Way Canteen will be located in the Museum of Sydney's courtyard, providing museum-goers with an easy lunch choice while maintaining a separate entrance to the museum in order to facilitate casual patrons passing through on their lunch break or morning commute. The 100-seat cafe will include outdoor tables ideal for city workers looking to catch some rays. "The menu items will be in line with what you'd expect from a New York deli without going too heavy on the American influence," House Made Hospitality Director Scott Brown said. "Just a collection of good sandwiches and salads that are worth leaving the office for, some brekky items to kick-start the day plus a handful of wines and beers." An opening date is yet to be announced, but the canteen is expected to arrive in the next two months. [caption id="attachment_848191" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bar Mammoni[/caption] This Way Canteen is set to open on the corner of Bridge and Phillip Street this winter. It will be open 7am–4pm Monday–Friday and 8am–4pm Saturday–Sunday. Top image: Joy of Museums
Having just reopened earlier this month, Merivale's The Royal in Bondi wasn't quite ready in time to take part in the group's Bottoms Up, Sydney campaign, where each of the group's venues slashed its drinks by 49 percent from 5–7pm daily across the entire month of June. But that doesn't mean the eastern suburbs pub has missed out on the happy hour fun completely — instead, The Royal will be hosting its own (almost) half-price happy hour — Bottoms Up, Bondi — offering the same 49 percent off daily deal throughout October. Head in from 5–7pm any day next month to score some very impressive savings on all cocktails, beer, spirits, wine and Champagne, as the pub sets out to cement itself as a favourite in the hearts of thirsty locals. The pub, which has been kicking around in some capacity since 1907, was acquired by Merivale late last year and is now pouring a hefty range of booze for just about every palate and budget. Swing by to get your nearly half-price kicks with a summery daiquiri, an espresso martini on tap, an interesting bottle of natural wine, or even something bubbly, celebratory and French. The Royal's attached retail offering The Bottle Shop has also reopened, and the pub's restaurant and courtyard will be back in action by summer, playing host to an exciting yet-to-be-announced food pop-up for the sunny season. Find The Royal at 283 Bondi Road, Bondi. It's open 10am–midnight, Mon–Sat and 10am–10pm, Sun. Bottoms Up, Bondi will run from 5–7pm daily for all of October.
The espionage antics. The shaken-not-stirred martinis. The suits. The theme song. Think James Bond, and all four come to mind. Indeed, they've all played a part in the long-running franchise, which first started back in 1962 — and they're all now coming to the Sydney Opera House with a live score. Following in the footsteps of the Star Wars and Harry Potter films, Bond is bringing one of its spy instalments back to the big screen with help from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. It's the first time in Australia that the franchise has been shown in this way, and it'll hit Sydney on Thursday, February 28 and Friday, March 1 in 2019. Audiences will relive Daniel Craig's 007 debut while hearing the music behind as they've never heard it before, all as part of Casino Royale in Concert. For those in need of a refresher on the 2006 flick, it takes the franchise back to the beginning of Bond's career. He's newly licensed to kill, and he's soon falling in love with Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) while trying to hunt down terrorist financier Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen). Directed by Martin Campbell, it was a huge hit — the biggest Bond film, box office-wise, ever released at the time, a mantle that was later overtaken by 2012's Skyfall. As the film hops from the Bahamas, to Montenegro to Venice's Grand Canal, the SSO will perform composer David Arnold's music. Yes, the classic theme track that's served the franchise so well for more than half a century now also features. Casino Royale in Concert plays the Sydney Opera House on Thursday, February 28 and Friday, March 1 in 2019. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the SSO website.
Sydney's lower north shore has scored itself an impressive new addition, with The Alcott opening its doors in Lane Cove today Complete with restaurant, roomy outdoor terrace and its own spritz bar, the 200-seater brings plenty to the table. It's a modern, multifaceted space for all occasions, and it has been designed by Pony Design Co, who recently kitted out The Fernery nearby in Mosman and Camperdown's Acre. The venue also boasts an upbeat fit-out built on bold feature tones and a menu anchored in the Mediterranean. In the kitchen, Head Chef Richard Slarp is plating up fresh seasonal fare with a wholesome edge. Best enjoyed in that al fresco dining space are dishes like the saltbush lamb ribs with almond sumac and coriander, crispy brussels sprouts paired with romesco, and a show-stopping whole calamari, chargrilled and matched with tomato breadcrumbs and pickled fennel. On the weekends, The Alcott will open its doors earlier — at 11am — for brunch. It'll serve up shakshuka, smashed avocado and a hearty Warm Green Bowl, with sweet potato hummus, kale, pumpkin seeds and poached eggs. Those wanting to turn their back on winter altogether will find their oasis in the spritz bar, serving cocktails infused with flavours like rosemary, grapefruit, elderflower and lychee. The cocktails are backed up by an extensive wine selection, with plenty of love for Euro-leaning Aussie drops. Find The Alcott at 1 Birdwood Avenue, Lane Cove.
Tucked away in the south-west of Spain, Marco de Jerez is a bustling wine region that fosters some of the world's most exciting winemakers. Traditionally a sherry region, the region has seen a new wave of boundary-pushing winemakers emerge in the past few years. Sydney's vibrant new Spanish and Catalonian wine bar La Salut is honouring the wave of innovative wines with a night dedicated to Marco de Jerez. The night will consist of 12 tasty Andalusian and Catalonian-inspired dishes from the La Salut kitchen paired with 12 of the best drops from the region. The La Salut team has enlisted the help of Scott Wasley of local wine importer The Spanish Acquisition to run you through each of the wines you'll be trying throughout the night. The organisation has been importing Spanish and Portuguese wines and spirits since 2001 so you best believe Wasley knows what he's talking about. Kicking off the night will be Andalusian vermouth paired with paleta iberica and fresh-baked pan de cristal from Fabbrica Pasta Shop. From there the array of wines will include orange palomino, magnums of fino and an amber fortified nightcap just to name a few. Accompanying these top-notch wines will be dishes like Sydney rock oysters, mussel and guindillas toast and La Salute's fan favourite octopus. The dinner kicks off at 6.30pm and will set you back $195 which includes all of the evening's drinks and all accompanying food. To reserve your place, book a spot at La Salut's website. Images: Nikki To
Daisy's Milkbar is a hub of unique activities. Not only does the cafe serve up great food and drink, but it also hosts special events regularly — the kind where people can indulge their creative side and take part in something different. Plaster Fun House nights are one such occasion — evenings where patrons can get crafty and make something they can treasure, all while sipping booze — cocktails, natural wine from P&V and beer and cider from Young Henrys are all on offer. Pick from a figurine on offer, get into the arty spirit and see what you can whip up! You'll have your own multi-coloured statue in no time. Not just a one-off affair, the series takes place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 6pm. It'll set you back $10, which includes something to paint and the paint itself — and if you're keen on dinner or dessert, it's on the menu as well. Image: Connor Keighran. UPDATE: JUNE 4, 2018 — This article previously stated that you could bring your own booze to the Plaster Fun House nights. As Daisy's is now licensed, the nights are no longer BYO. Some top-notch booze is available to purchase instead.
This year Orange's celebrated foodie festival returns for its 26th year. As one of the biggest, tastiest events on the New South Wales calendar, Orange FOOD Week hasn't just proven itself with sell-out events, but with the test of time as well. And for 2017, more than 80 events will take place across ten days from March 31, celebrating the Orange District's local growers, farmers, foragers, winemakers, chefs, restaurants and cafes. Perhaps the most epic part of the program is the FOOD train, which will leave Sydney Central Station for Orange on Friday, April 7, taking travellers on a weekend-long journey filled with tasting menus, outdoor lunches and gourmet brunches. Other highlights include the 100 Mile Dinner in Molong, served under the stars on the village green (April 3) and FORAGE on April 8, a 3.6-kilometre stroll through vineyards and paddocks with wine tasting and snacks made with local produce along the way. Other events not to miss are the Sunday Producers' Market in Cook Park, where local produce will be turned into breakfasts and brunches on the spot (April 9), and the much-loved opening night, which will take the form of a night market at Robertson Park (March 31). In addition to the signature events that sell out every year, there are a whole slew of satellite events hosted by local restaurants, cafes, caterers and cellar doors. These include hunting for truffles, dining in an orchard, cider tastings and many a delicious dinner.
When it premiered at Sundance in January this year, Spaceship Earth wouldn't and couldn't have seemed as topical as it does at present. The documentary's subject: Biosphere 2. If the name isn't familiar, it refers to a biodome in the Arizona desert that played host to eight inhabitants for two years in the early 90s — all isolating themselves from the world by choice, in the name of silence, to see if a closed-off, fully self-sustaining vivarium could work. Yes, it sounds like pure sci-fi. We can guarantee that this is 100-percent reality, however. Exploring a tale that has to be seen to be believed, filmmaker Matt Wolf takes viewers through the unusual and fascinating experiment — wth the help of a treasure trove of archival material, as well as present-day interviews from many of the folks involved at the time. While it would've been very easy to play up the outlandishness of the whole project (indeed, as seen in media clips from the era, many an onlooker did), this doco approaches Biosphere 2 and the passionate people who made it happen with thoughtfulness and appreciation, in what proves a supremely interesting and engaging film. And, if you'd like to check it out, you can do so for without paying a cent as part of the new Visions, Speculations and Dystopias: A Deep Dive Into Spaceship Earth event hosted by The Capitol in Melbourne. There are multiple components, all free and all online — and streaming the movie is one of them. You'll need to RSVP to get sent the details, and then you can view it at your leisure in the lead up to three virtual events. The first, a watch party, takes place at 7.30pm AEDT on Wednesday, November 4. After that, you can catch a panel about whether humanity should leave earth, as held at 5.30pm AEDT on Thursday, November 5, and then check out a masterclass with Spaceship Earth's director Matt Wolf at 10am AEDT on Friday, November 6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGvYFB6GHRY
This summer, you'll have another excuse to enjoy a G&T as a heap of gin and tonic gardens pop up across the country. Taking over outdoor spaces, they'll be setting up shop not only in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, but in Canberra, on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, and in Cairns too — so whether you're eager for a drink close to home or you'll be holidaying in a sunny spot, cocktails laden with juniper spirits await. Settling into the outside areas at pubs and bars in each locale, the gardens will feature plenty of gin and tonic (obviously), as well as DIY garnish stations. The idea is that you can learn more about different botanicals, then mix, match and experiment to find your ideal G&T combination. That sounds like a task that we'd all gladly accept; however there'll be tonic pairing menus on hand should you need some pointers. At the time of writing, Sydneysiders can scratch their G&T itch at the Woolhara Hotel and the Shelbourne Hotel in the CBD, plus Newtown's Union Hotel — while Melburnians can make a date with Ciao Cucina in Port Melbourne, as well as Richmond Social, the Notting Hill Hotel and the Lower Plenty Hotel in their respective suburbs. Brisbanites can head to Covent Garden in West End, Blind Tiger in The Gap and Sandstone Point Hotel on Bribie Island; mosey down to the Goldie to the Surfers Paradise Beer Garden, the Burleigh Heads Hotel, Baskk in Coolangatta; or venture north to Circa Rooftop Bar in Maroochydore. More locations will pop up across the country over the summer, with a handy interactive map tracking new venues. The gardens are the work of Fever-Tree, so the company's tonics will be splashing in your glass. It's the outfit's latest G&T-focused venture after putting on a gin and tonic festival in Sydney back in September. Fever-Tree's Gin and Tonic Gardens are popping up around the country between now and March. To find your closest spot, visit the brand's website.
The crew at Beyond Cinema have a knack for turning bedtime stories and big-screen flicks into immersive, larger-than-life adventures. Just look at last year's Great Gatsby-inspired party, which took over a glam northern Sydney mansion, or the more recent Harry Potter-themed potions classes, which were so popular the season had to be extended. Well now, it's the much-loved tale of Alice in Wonderland that gets the Beyond Cinema treatment, by way of an all-new immersive pop-up experience inspired by the nonsensical Mad Hatter. Descending on a secret Surry Hills location in the not-too-distant future, The Alice Bar invites punters to dive through the looking glass and into a fantasy world. Expect things to get curiouser and curiouser across your 90-minute visit, whether you're creating your own liquid concoctions under the guidance of The Mad Hatter, settling in for an indulgent tea party, or getting raucous with the likes of the March Hare and the Cheshire Cat. [caption id="attachment_740466" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Wizard's Cauldron[/caption] As always, Beyond Cinema is keeping most of the details scarce until closer to the date, though they're already old hands at bringing Alice In Wonderland to life. The team's earlier Mad Hatter's Tea Party events have proved a hit in both Sydney and Melbourne over the past couple of years. Beyond Cinema's The Alice Bar event will take place at a yet-to-be-revealed Surry Hills location in February, 2020. You can sign up for more details here.
Looking for something to do this Friday night? Kerby Craig and Jo 'Chewba' Siahaan — the owner-chef duo of Sydney's Bar Ume and Ume Burger and — have you covered as they start serving up Japanese-style tacos at landlocked dive bar Redfern Surf Club. While the pair has taken over the kitchen here before before for one day of all-you-can-eat hot dogs, this time Craig and Siahaan will open Don Taco inside the inner-city bar, known for its laidback beach vibes and canned cocktails. Venue owner Yannick Maslard has been keen to bring tacos to this Redfern strip for a while now, and thought the Ume duo's fusion of Japanese and Tex-Mex snacks was the way to do it. At the heart of Don Taco's menu is its taco rice bowl, an Okinawan specialty of koshihikari rice topped with house-made taco seasoning, sour cream mayo and other Mexican bits, along with two tacos. Meat eaters and vegetarians are both catered for with a choice between Ume's beef or a vego (and gluten-free) three-bean chilli to go on top of its rice bowls, tacos and five-cheese nachos. The new menu also offers an array of bar snacks that are perfect for sharing with your mates, including edamame (salted soy beans with a kick), house-made lotus root crisps and spicy corn on the cob. https://www.instagram.com/p/BsrVpp-APkF/ Open from 6–10pm every Tuesday through Saturday and 5–9pm on Sunday, Don Taco promises to take you on a culinary trip to the streets of Okinawa without leaving your barstool. Planning on kicking on after the kitchen's closed? The Surf Club will still be serving cocktails and seasonal beers till late so you can keep the good times going. Find Don Taco inside Redfern Surf Club, corner Botany and Henderson roads, Redfern. The kitchen will be open every day except Monday.
Are you looking for a chance to update your wardrobe that’s a little greener, and a lot cheaper, than hitting the shops? The Clothing Exchange, created by two Australian women back in 2004, hosts regular events across three states to encourage us all to swap our good quality clothes - the ones that you’re tired of, but aren’t too tired-looking - with other like-minded shoppers. How does it work? Each event is held in a different city venue, such as at the Surry Hills Library, which is where the next event is due to take place at 12 noon on Saturday 19 May. There is a $25 entry fee, which includes a drink (you know, to help the swapping flow). And each person can bring up to six items to exchange for buttons, which are then used as currency during the event. There are rules. Items that you wish to swap must pass the quality control by The Clothing Exchange ladies on the day. And no elbowing. (Okay, we made that last one up. But the sentiment is true. This is a friendly clothes swap, not a bargain basement free-for-all).
As a kid, the Easter long weekend was loaded with chocolate, backyard Easter egg hunts, too many hot-crossed buns and even more chocolate. We miss it too — so much so that we've hunted around town for ways to stuff our faces with copious amounts of chocolate but still maintain a somewhat adult air. From an Italian feast at Balla to decadent cocktails and desserts at Sokyo and Black Bar and Grill, we've got your indulgent Easter long weekend sorted — especially if you'll be anywhere near Pyrmont. Go ahead and treat yo'self. CHOCOLATE-INSPIRED COCKTAILS AND WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE Sokyo has some special treats for the Easter-loving adult this long weekend. Start with the 'faux' cocktail, but don't worry, this is no mocktail. The faux part comes from swapping out the expected chocolate, and instead creating a concoction inspired by chocolate with rum, creme de cassis, yellow chartreuse and egg. The frothy drink is then topped with grated nutmeg. If you're left with a chocolate-shaped hole in your heart, though, you can always pair the cocktail with the white chocolate cheesecake on offer. It uses Callebaut Belgian chocolate and is accompanied by the unexpected mix of apricot and carrot sorbet. INDULGENT EASTER COCKTAILS Easter as a kid centres around chocolate, and sure, Easter as an adult can centre around the choc, but we also get the bonus of adding booze. This long weekend, restaurants like Balla and Black Bar and Grill have you covered — whether you're in it for the chocolate, the booze or both. At Balla, they're offering a chocolate martini with an Italian twist, mixing premium Amedei Tuscan chocolate with Campari and Patron and topping it off with espresso and honeycomb. At Black Bar and Grill, the Poire Belle cocktail is a twist on the traditional 'flip' (frothy) cocktail — it combines pear liquor and Cubaney Gran Anejo with almond dust and cream. The glass is then decadently rimmed with melted chocolate and slivered almonds. TOTAL RELAXATION Chocolate's not the only way to pamper yourself this Easter. If you fancy taking some time out from the long weekend grind and Easter egg gorging, book in for maximum relaxation courtesy of The Darling's Autumn Indulgence spa package. Each luxurious, 90-minute session will have you quickly escaping reality, as you're treated to a body exfoliation and wrap, plus a downright heavenly back, shoulder and scalp massage. You'll leave feeling light as a cloud and with a complimentary ESPA gift to continue the pampering at home. GROWN-UP EASTER TREATS Maybe your palate has evolved from eating bunny-shaped chocolates — which is beyond us — but that doesn't mean you have to forgo all Easter sweets. There are plenty of grown-up versions out there, like Balla's twist on the classic Italian dessert, Zuppa Inglese — decadent layers of Amedei chocolate custard and sponge cake, all topped with chopped dark chocolate and oozing with chocolate drizzle. Black Bar and Grill has something to tempt your sweet tooth, too, with their chocolate truffle soufflé that's perfect for sharing. The soufflé is made with premium Valrhona chocolate and is paired with a roasted banana sorbet. Head in to either restaurant from March 30 through April 2 to nab a taste. [caption id="attachment_662490" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera.[/caption] AN ITALIAN EASTER FEAST Just because you're 'grown-up', doesn't mean you can't chase that chocolaty sugar high during the Easter long weekend — in fact, you don't even have to hear from mum telling you to cool it with the Easter treats. From March 30 to April 2 at Balla, you'll be able to indulge in a four-course Italian Easter feast. Designed by executive chef Gabriele Taddeucci, the menu is $85 per person and designed to share, consisting of antipasti, mains and dessert. Think charcuterie with house-pickled veggies, burrata with marinated mushrooms or eggplant calamari to start, then mains like lasagna, veal ragu or lamb roast with juniper berry jus. Finish off with a traditional mascarpone dome-shaped cake, filled with ricotta cheese and chocolate chips. Indulge this Easter long weekend at The Star, whether that be by way of chocolate, dessert cocktails or an Italian feast. Find out more here.
Some of the world's best chefs will descend on Sydney for the 21st edition of Good Food Month. Taking over restaurants across the city this October, the annual food festival will see pop-up restaurants and dinners from the likes of Alain Passard, Hiroyuki Sato and Thomas Frebel, as well as pasta parties, vegan feasts and the return of the Night Noodle Markets. For one night, Restaurant Hubert will host the legendary Alain Passard, whose Paris restaurant Arpège has three Michelin stars and is currently ranked the eighth best in the world. In Bondi, Hiroyuki Sato will transform Icebergs into a pop up version of his highly coveted Hakkoku restaurant in Tokyo (which only has six seats). While this seaside version will be a little bigger (20 seats), it won't be any less exclusive, with tickets to the two dinners going for $1000 a pop, which includes over 20 courses, beer, wine and luxury car transfers (of course). The luxury theme continues with a one-off dinner at Quay with Peter Gilmore and Jock Zonfrillo (Adelaide's Orana), and with Thomas Frebel (head chef and co-founder of Tokyo's Inua and former head of recipe development at Copenhagen's Noma) taking over Chippendale's Automata for two nights. Frebel is known for hunting down and experimenting with weird and wonderful local ingredients — so expect some lesser-known items to end up on your plate in Sydney, too. On the more affordable side of the series, cake queen Katherine Sabbath with be hosting a colourful high tea — paired with wine and Pimm's — at the QT, and Shannon Martinez (Smith & Daughters) will cook an all-vegan feast at the newly opened Mary's Underground. Some of the city's best young chefs will also team up for a pasta party at Otto. And of course, Good Food Month's ever-popular Night Noodle Markets are back for another season, taking over Hyde Park from October 11. Expect a tasty assortment of over 40 street food stalls, along with a program of performers, live acts and DJs. For those not wanting to spend heaps of cash, the affordable Let's Do Lunch returns, allowing punters to dine at Good Food hatted restaurants for cheap. This year, lunch with a wine, beer or soft drink will only set you back $45 at these top Sydney spots: Surry Hills' Nomad, waterside seafood spot Cirrus Dining, Bentley in the CBD and Pilu at Freshwater. To check out the full list and lunch details, head to the Good Food Month website. First image: Leticia Almeida. Second image: Pilu at Freshwater.
Cross Projections, the beloved photographic event, is celebrating its tenth year this November. Held at the historic Tusculum House theatrette over three nights, the cinematic screening showcases the photo essays, soundtracks and narrative recordings of 16 talented photographers. The event includes multiple types of photography, such as photojournalistic essays, social documentaries and fine art. This community-sponsored and run event has been a vital outlet for photographers to share their works, which highlight everything from personal stories to social issues, with their peers and the community. Screenings are held 28-30 November at 7pm. On Saturday there is also a matinee at 3pm.
If you've ever sipped lamington vodka, eaten a baklava croissant or tucked into a cookie pie, you'll know that mashing up two different types of foods and/or drinks is a gift to indecisive stomachs. Sometimes your tummy just doesn't know what it's hankering for — or it does, but it wants too many things at once to make a choice. The next culinary hybrid that's certain to help the next time you can't pick between multiple options: Latina and Old El Paso's new taco-flavoured ravioli. The two supermarket staple brands have teamed up on the limited-edition dinner offering and, yes, the result is exactly what it sounds like. You'll be tucking into Latina's beef ravioli, but made with Old El Paso's taco spice mix. And if you're not that fond of zesty dishes, you'll be pleased to know that this one is mild. The new ravioli is only available in Woolworths supermarkets for a short time, for RRP$8 a packet — and if you're wondering how to serve it, the two brands suggest pairing it with beans, corn kernels and a pasta sauce, popping it in the oven with cheese on top and turning it into a pasta bake. Obviously, just cooking it like you normally would Latina's pasta, slathering it with sauce and sticking a fork in is also an option. But you won't have to decide whether your tastebuds are screaming for Italian or Mexican — because you can have both. Latina and Old El Paso's taco-flavoured ravioli is available now at Woolworths supermarkets for RRP$8 a packet.
If you're looking to really get into this cooler weather, a mini-break in the Hunter Valley should be high on the agenda. Not only is it the land of excellent vinos and top-notch dining options, it's also home to Australia's (and the Southern Hemisphere's) largest display garden — Hunter Valley Gardens. And, this winter, the gardens have been transformed into a snowy wonderland with its annual Snow Time in the Garden event. Running until Sunday, July 21, Snow Time is where you can live out all your winter wonderland fantasies. 'Snow' will fall upon the gardens several times a day and, at the snow play zone, you can expect snowman building and snow angel making opportunities galore. You can also wander through an ice cave, take a spin on an ice rink and toboggan down a 40-metre ice course — all are included in the $34 ticket price. The Gardens has also installed four carnival rides, including a 25-metre-high ferris wheel, flying swings, the Venetian carousel and a giant slide ($6 each or $15 unlimited ride pass). And, when all this snow time gives you a chill, head to the food truck area, where you can nab a range of wintertime eats and drinks to warm you up from the inside out. Snow Time in the Garden is open daily from 10am–6pm until Sunday, July 21. Tickets can be purchased here.
It's just as unmistakably Italian, but Matteo Downtown, soon-to-launch sister venue to Matteo Double Bay, is worlds away from its laidback coastal counterpart. For this second joint project, owners Adam Abrams, Orazio D'Elia and Eddie Levy are taking their cues from the Italy's buzzing urban destinations of Milan and Rome, in contrast to the relaxed coastal vibes of its Double Bay sister. In the CBD, expect a dynamic, all-day operation, that cruises from early morning espressos to late-night negronis. Sydney design firm Acme & Co has shaped the Bond Street space to suit, complete with an intimate dining room, bustling open kitchen, sophisticated bar area and roomy al fresco terrace, primed for people-watching. Head Chef D'Elia is tapping into his southern Italian roots, to deliver a menu that's steeped in tradition, yet executed with modern flair. In the morning, you'll find pastries and panino for the fly-by crowd, alongside a full breakfast offering of creations like Italian-style shakshuka. From 11am through 11pm, you can nab something off the express menu, or head over to the dedicated mozzarella and antipasti bar, stocked daily with fresh cheese and house-cured meats. If you prefer to linger, head to the dining room, and do so over dishes like squid ink fregola, and osso bucco teamed with saffron risotto. In true Italian style, Matteo Downtown will celebrate aperitivo hour wholeheartedly — from 4-6pm weekdays, drop by to team your after-work spritz or wine with a selection of complimentary snacks from the kitchen. The bar offering itself boats a hefty Italian contingent, with a carefully curated range of craft beers, spirits and small-batch liqueurs, all sourced from the homeland. A spritz selection changes with the seasons and the house wines are on tap, while a broad-ranging, 300-strong collection of bottled wines make a masterpiece of the dining room's back wall. Find Matteo Downtown at 20 Bond Street, Sydney, from August. Images: Kai Leishman
Two of Sydney's most loved venues are coming together to lift spirits in lockdown, thanks to a pop-up restaurant that's designed to keep you well-fed from breakfast through to dessert. Poly/Ester Provisions is the newly launched takeaway project from Poly and Ester, and features a refined menu that includes favourites from each restaurant — plus selections from Jersey Milk and AP Bakery. Start the day right with wood-fired brown butter muesli, buttermilk croissants from AP Bakery and malted sourdough. While you're browsing the menu, you can also nab a slice of lemon polenta cake or Gulbarn tea for later. As you move down the selection of tasty treats, the meals get heartier. For lunch, you can choose between a potato and cheese borek baked in Turkish pastry, or bucatini cacio e pepe. If you're planning a 'treat yourself' meal for dinner, you can work your way through the menu from the Jersey Milk cheese and the barbecue oyster pack, which sit among the aperitivo selection, to mains like confit spatchcock and pastrami cauliflower. And, for dessert, there's a gooey lamington fudge to end the meal. Fancy extras like garlic butter, Western Australian truffles, fermented hot sauce and caviar, as well as a simple selection of some of Poly and Ester's favourite wines, are all on hand as well to really elevate the night. Pickup is available from Poly from 12–4pm Thursday–Saturday, and there's free delivery to locals living within three kilometres of the restaurant is available — as long as your order totals over $100.
