UPDATE, November 02, 2020: Your Name is available to stream via Netflix, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Most mornings, when her younger sister comes to wake her up, Mitsuha (voiced by Mone Kamishiraishi) is fondling her own chest. It becomes an ongoing joke between the siblings, but there's more than awkward teenage self-exploration at play. Most mornings, you see, her body is actually inhabited by someone else. Mitsuha is a high school student from the quiet town of Itomori, and when she asks the universe for a more exciting life, that's actually what she gets. Swapping bodies with the city-dwelling Taki (Ryunosuke Kamiki), she's soon working his shifts in an Italian restaurant, while he's fumbling through her classes and forgetting to make breakfast. It's a premise straight out of a body-swap movie — think Freaky Friday, Dating the Enemy and The Change-Up, to name a few. Mitsuha and Taki change bodies on alternating days, but they can't remember each other's names. To navigate the chaos of suddenly becoming someone else, they communicate via notes left in their phones, gradually settling into a routine. Alas, just as they start to feel comfortable switching into each other's skin, learning from their escapades and forming a growing connection, fate once again intervenes. In his fifth feature Makoto Shinkai (The Garden of Words, Children Who Chase Lost Voices) dives head-first into the offbeat yet insightful adventure that comes with literally putting his protagonists in someone else's place. However, taking inspiration from the traditional Japanese tale Torikaebaya Monogatari, Your Name proves more than just a quirky comedy. Starting with a meteor shower accompanied by narration about "that day when the stars came falling, like a dream…a shared dream," Shinkai flirts with everything from star-crossed romance to impending disaster, as well as notions of identity, gender, the ever-changing reality of life, and the difficulty of reconciling many everyday contrasts. It's telling that Shinkai highlights the dream-like nature of the material from the outset. An ethereal air infiltrates each scene, while the gorgeous, glistening animation makes every moment feel both hyper-realistic and like a fond memory. Indeed, the script's numerous charms are matched by endless visual delights. Full of montages and catchy pop songs, the film plays out in a recognisable world – particularly for anyone who has ever visited Tokyo. Yet it feels just as magical as it would were Mitsuha and Taki being spirited away to another realm. That's one of the reasons that the M word keeps being thrown around: 'Miyazaki', that is. Thanks to the film's phenomenal popularity in Japan, Shinkai has been dubbed the spiritual successor to the Studio Ghibli great — and while that's high praise, it also fails to capture just what makes the film such a treat. Part teen rom-com, part sci-fi contemplation of weighty concepts, the anarchy and confusion of life has rarely felt so vivid, honest or enchanting.
In 2015, Volumes brought a new multi-venue live music journey to Sydney, establishing themselves as some of the city's finest purveyors of live musical, visual and electronic art. As part of their now annual mini-festival, the crew has hosted a wealth of local artists including Harvey Sutherland & Bermuda, Inkswel, and The Posse. It's all about pushing the envelope with these guys, and the launch of Volumes Monthly vows to be no different. A new monthly series of works from rising stars in electronic art, Volumes Monthly was hosted at Cake Wines Cellar Door in Redfern for the March instalment. This time around, they're headed to The Cliff Dive off Oxford Street. Expect an eclectic cornucopia of sounds, visuals and a healthy injection of energy as artists Manu Crook$, Genesis Owusu, Slim Set and FlexMami take the stage. Despite legislative appearances, Sydney's electronic scene is alive and kicking, and the Volumes Monthly series looks to keep that scene growing in size and scope. Early bird tickets are available for $10. Image: Volumes.
After Australia got its first dedicated KitKat boutique in Melbourne a few years ago, Sydney is now getting its very own, so you can indulge on OTT KitKat flavours whenever you need a break (pun intended). The space will feature a shop, tasting bar and interactive workshop area and have a more extensive lineup of KitKats than you'll find on the supermarket shelf. Opening on Monday, July 6 in Mid City shopping centre on Pitt Street, the KitKat Chocolatory intends to offer a "premium chocolate experience" according to the sugar fiends at Nestlé. You can whip up your own chocolatey creation, with up to 30,000 possible combinations. You'll be matching your pick of chocolate with a bunch of tasty ingredients, then wrapping it up in your own custom packaging. If you'd rather skip straight to the good stuff, you can sample a range of chocolatey goods with a 90-minute dessert degustation at the onsite Tasting Table. But that's not all at this chocolate haven. You can pick up new and limited-edition creations that you won't find anywhere else — think fillings such as yuzu ganache, peanut butter and raspberry, cotton candy, sake and, perhaps the most strange, wasabi crème. Sydney's KitKat Chocolatory is slated to open Monday, July 6. For more information, head here.
Think you can tackle nearly three kilograms of pho in under 20 minutes? Well, you're in luck. Cabra-Vale Diggers is running a month-long pho-eating challenge and you're invited. The challenge is taking place over four noodle-filled Tuesdays in August before the final takes place on Tuesday, September 5. If you register, you'll pay $35 for your enormous bowl of pho — but if you complete the challenge, you get your money back. Each bowl features 1050 millilitres of broth, 650 grams of noodles, 600 grams of beef, 360 grams of bean sprouts and 45 grams of fragrant greens, all combining into 2.8 kilograms of noodle soup for you to scoff down. As well as your money back, if you can finish the bowl in under 20 minutes you'll also score a Giant Pho Bowl T-shirt. And if you think you can knock it off even faster than that, you might be in line to compete in the final. The fastest ten contestants from across the four heats will then go through to the final. There they will battle it out for the grand prize of a $3000 travel voucher. Register to take part via this Google Form.
Aussie festival lovers, get your best Queen voice on. It looks like another one’s biting the dust (for a year at least). The Hunter Valley's Gum Ball organisers Matt Johnston and his fiancée Jess have just announced that there’s every chance the event won’t be happening next year. We shouldn’t be too hard on the live music-loving couple, though. After ten years of providing stages for the likes of Jinja Safari, Ed Kuepper and Turin Brakes, they’re going to take some time out to tie the knot. “What I do want to tell you is that excitedly Jess and I are getting married early next year,” Johnston said. The statement begs the obvious question: why not kill two birds with one stone and get hitched at Gum Ball, in front of thousands of loyal festival fans? Not the plan, apparently. All might not be lost quite yet, however. Johnston did suggest the possibility of outsourcing the organisational frenzy to another party. “No exact plans have been made... as yet,” he explained. “Though, there is a bit of a desire to go on an extended holiday at a time that would otherwise be peak Gum Ball preparation time. “Perhaps we can source someone to help us make it all happen... The thing is you can’t do this event in halves and, as has been the case for the last ten years, you can’t really expect to have much downtime when you take it on.” If this, combined with Sound Summit’s recent hiatus announcement, has you crying all the rivers, don’t despair entirely. After all, Matt and Jess aren’t leaving us totally high and dry – PigSty in July is coming up on July 5. And, given Gum Ball’s popularity, it’s highly likely to be back on the festival calendar come 2016. Via TheMusic.com.au.
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.
An inventive and highly extravagant dining experience is running out of Pyrmont's The Star from two acclaimed local chefs. Named ELE, this $255 guided meal takes you on a journey through three different venues as you enjoy an ever-evolving multi-course menu. The exciting new venue is the latest creation from LuMi and LoDe owner Federico Zanellato and his partner in crime at the award-winning Italian restaurant Leo — Karl Firla. Together, the pair have been concocting boundary-pushing Italian dishes at Leo over the past two years, however, ELE is their most innovative offering yet. "ELE is more than our food, we want to appeal to every sense when you dine with us," Zanellato says. "This is a progressive experience where you move around the whole restaurant while you eat, discovering new dishes, sounds and sights each time you sit down." Your meal at ELE will take place across three distinct spaces — The Bar, The Dining Room and The Chefs Table. The menu is constantly evolving, with the goal to always "highlight Australian premium produce". On arrival at The Bar, you'll be treated to a selection of snacks that can range between wagyu tartare, amaebi prawns, sourdough crumpets and smoked cod brandade. These delightful snacks are paired with a welcome cocktail or a glass of champagne. From there, you'll head to the colourfully mood-lit Dining Room. Here the walls are adorned with immersive luminous displays, setting the tone for your luxurious meal. Food-wise you can expect dishes like dry-aged Murray cod, confit potatoes with pearl meat, glazes marron tail and corn soufflé. Your final stop is at The Chefs Table. The transition can be a bit of a shock as you move from the moody dining room to the stark lighting of the kitchen, but the drawcard of this room is you're given a front row seat to watch ELE's chefs do their magic. As you watch the night's dishes crafted in front of you, you'll be treated to your final set of treats. Concluding the meal is a mix of savoury and sweet, shifting from the likes of Mayura Station wagyu with a marsala beef jus through to desserts like frozen parfait of toasted grains or a chardonnay experience that takes you from fresh grapes through to frozen grape sorbet. The experience is entirely unique, however it will set you back a fair chunk of your paycheque. As mentioned, the food will cost you $255pp, however if you opt for the atmospheric wine pairing, you'll need to add an additional $170 to that price tag. The pairing experience includes seven wines hand-picked to go with each dish throughout the night. And, if you're not looking for an ever-flowing selection of top-notch wines, you can take your pick from the cocktail menu as you pass through each room. Each cocktail is indicative of an element, taking inspiration from the ocean with a Manly Spirits gin, Italicus and white coral creation, or the sun, with sunset gin, Imbroglio bitters, Maidenii Nocturne and lime. [caption id="attachment_857568" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Frederico Zanellato and Karl Firla[/caption]
In The Guest Edit, we hand the reins over to some of the most interesting, tasteful and (or) entertaining people in Australia and New Zealand. For this instalment, we've enlisted the effortlessly chic Emma Lewisham — founder of the self-named skincare empire — to share her favourite planet-friendly brands available across Australasia. CP: If there's one woman who knows environmentally conscious brands, it's Emma Lewisham. She's the face and name behind the Aotearoa-made skincare line which became the world's first verified carbon-positive beauty brand under Toitū Envirocare's Climate Positive Product Certification in September 2021, before becoming officially B Corp Certified in February 2022. The brand launched a refill system in February 2021 under the Emma Lewisham Beauty Circle, which has since sold over 13,000 refills and saved over 10, 295 kilograms of CO2e in total. All Lewisham's products are certified Climate Positive, meaning they sequester more carbon than they emit, and her pioneering efforts garnered a personal endorsement from renowned environmentalist Dr Jane Goodall. So, yes, you could say she knows her stuff. If you're looking to take your eco-friendly efforts beyond the bathroom cabinet, Lewisham has handpicked a selection of brands available across Aotearoa and Australia whose founders share a similar ethos. EL: I see business as a tool to tackle problems, find solutions and leave behind something better. To me, this means giving more than we take and using business as a force for good. Profits should never come at an expense to people or the planet and I'm proud to be building a business which proves that sustainability and success can go hand-in-hand. MAGGIE MARILYN When investing in new clothing, it's important to me to support local brands that are ethically and environmentally produced. Maggie Marilyn's clothing is as beautiful as it is sustainable, with the mission being to use fashion to create a better world. I love that the brand offers a repair programme for clothes that develop 'love marks' and their range of everyday essentials is designed to be circular — either able to be composted or recycled at the end of life. As a brand, they aren't afraid to step outside of the status quo and challenge the industry norm, which are values that really align with us at Emma Lewisham. KOWTOW Another New Zealand brand I live in is Kowtow. Their simple and classic designs are ones I reach for time and time again. The incredible quality of the fabrics really elevates a casual outfit, and I always feel effortlessly polished and understatedly elegant when wearing my Kowtow pieces. Built from uncompromising sustainability values, their fabrics are organic, fairtrade, renewable, biodegradable and regenerated. The brand also has a repair programme using the Japanese patching technique Sashiko to mend garments. The technique is a special embroidering method which mends your clothes while also making them beautiful, which I think is really special. ECOSTORE I'm incredibly conscious of the products I use around my home, ensuring that we don't use any harmful or unnecessary chemicals — especially as I have a young daughter. It's also essential to me that we are using products that don't contain chemicals that pollute our waterways. Ecostore has been my go-to brand for safe and natural cleaning products for years. I love that their products are refillable and I've also been loving their cleaning concentrates where you just add water to make the formulation at home. FRANK GREEN When it comes to reusable cups, I've tried many brands over the years and Frank Green is easily my favourite. The cups are beautifully designed, great to drink out of, consciously produced and best of all - don't leak in your bag when you've finished your drink. BONDI BORN The sustainable swimwear space has grown rapidly over the past couple of years, with lots of new and existing brands switching to using recycled nylons to reduce their reliance on virgin materials. Bondi Born, however, is really a step above the rest. The fabric they use for their swimwear has a carbon footprint 10 times lower than fabrics made from recycled plastics and they also have certifications to support all their sustainability claims - such as Oeko-Tex which confirms no harmful chemicals have been used during production. Bondi Born is also a member of 1% for the Planet, a commitment to donate at least 1% of annual sales to environmental nonprofits — and to reinforce their incredible work, the brand is B-Corp certified. FLUIDFORM PILATES Since the pandemic, I've really changed my habits around where and how I exercise. I've started doing a lot more online exercise classes, which although something small, has really helped to decrease the amount of time I spend in the car. It also gives me so much more flexibility to fit classes in around my schedule and means I get to spend more time with my family outside of work. Fluidform Pilates has an extensive library of online classes that I can access from anywhere in the world and I find the classes really help to keep both my mind and body healthy. Fluidform also works closely with the Pretty Foundation, an organisation dedicated to creating a world where girls are comfortable in their own bodies and have the confidence needed to conquer their goals.
If making TV shows and movies bubbles down to a formula, it's simple to see how The Tourist came about. Starring Jamie Dornan as a man caught up in a mystery in Australia's sprawling outback, this six-part series jumps on several popular trends — saddling a famous face with battling the Aussie elements chief among them (see also: the upcoming film Gold, which plonks Zac Efron amid the nation's dusty, yellow-hued expanse). Dornan's trip Down Under also plunges into a familiar thriller setup, with memory loss playing a key role. Memento famously did it. The Flight Attendant did as well. Combine the two, throw in all that striking scenery that constantly defines Australia on-screen, and that's the template beneath this easy-to-binge newcomer. Every thriller that hits a streaming platform and drops all of its episodes in one go wants you to keep watching until you've watched the whole thing at once, of course. That's television 101 in the online age. The Tourist fits the bill perfectly again, but also because it has fun with its premise — and its onslaught of twists. Dornan isn't in goofy, silly territory here, as he was so gloriously in 2021 standout Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. The Tourist doesn't satirise any of its underlying components, either. Nonetheless, it knows that zigzagging thrillers that work from a clearcut roadmap should make their familiar pieces feel anything but. They should take their audience along for a wild ride and ensure they enjoy the many sights, even if they're largely driving down a recognisable road. Adding another TV role to his resume alongside The Fall, Death and Nightingales, New Worlds and Once Upon a Time — and another part to his eclectic filmography, given that he's been in the vastly dissimilar Synchronic and Wild Mountain Thyme in the past year, and looks set to get an Oscar nomination this year for nostalgic drama Belfast — Dornan plays an Irish traveller in Australia. The character's name doesn't matter at first, when he's using the bathroom at a petrol station in the middle of nowhere. But after he's run off the road by a steamrolling long-haul truck shortly afterwards, he desperately wishes he could remember his own moniker, plus everything else about his past. Local Constable Helen Chalmers (Danielle Macdonald, French Exit) takes a shine to him anyway; however, piecing together his history is far from straightforward. His other immediate questions: why is he in the middle of Australia, why does a bomb go off in his vicinity and why is he getting calls from a man trapped in an underground barrel? A diner waitress called Luci (Shalom Brune-Franklin, Line of Duty), the American-accented Billy (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Trapped), city-based Detective Inspector Lachlan Rogers (Damon Herriman, Mindhunter) and the determined Kostas (Alex Dimitriades, Total Control), who flies in from Greece and won't stop sipping from his water bottle: they all factor into The Man's fish-out-of-water, stranger-in-an unforgiving-land tale, too, and they all inspire plenty of questions as well. Why does that aforementioned bomb go off just as The Man and Luci step out of the diner? What does Billy want at the hospital? Why does Rogers take the case when he could easily leave it with junior officers? And what's motivating Kostas' trip to the outback? Written by brothers Harry and Jack Williams (Angela Black), and hailing from the Emmy-winning production company behind The Missing and Fleabag, The Tourist enjoys teasing out those queries — and diving headfirst into its slickly uneasy air. It expectedly draws tension from its setting, but also benefits from a visual palette that bleaches every image of its cooler hues, and from framing that repeatedly dwarfs The Man against his surroundings. They're smart touches in a show that has its protagonist take in his life with fresh eyes, hardly relish what he spots and understandably feel overwhelmed by all the chaos that keeps speeding his way. The Tourist rarely dwells on The Man's inner turmoil — it isn't a character study, and doesn't pretend to be — but it still savvily expresses his emotional state in every shot. Pushing 50 Shades of Grey and its sequels further into the past with every new role, Dornan slips into The Tourist like someone rediscovering their comfort zone — and he's in excellent company. Macdonald has been impressing on-screen since 2017's Patti Cake$, and ensures that The Tourist is as much Helen's story as it is The Man's. It's as much about the ambitious-but-constantly-underestimated rookie cop finding herself as her new pal is doing, too. Fresh from playing Charles Manson not once but twice thanks to Mindhunter and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Herriman also turns what might've been a stock-standard part into something far more complex. The Williams siblings deserve plenty of credit for baking many of their twists into their characters, but there's an almost-comic air to Herriman's determined detective that's all the Aussie talent's own. A well-greased concept, a confident approach, clever plotting, a fabulous cast: they're all on offer here, and they hit their marks. Add the script's smattering of memorable, nearly Coen brothers-esque lines and, whether it's hurtling in a straight line or zipping quickly around unexpected corners, The Tourist couldn't be more watchable — or bingeable. Check out the trailer for The Tourist below: The Tourist is available to stream via Stan in Australia and TVNZ On Demand in New Zealand.
Think that coffee and sleep don't really go hand-in-hand? Think again. While we're all accustomed to gulping down the former when we haven't had enough of the latter, a new Tokyo popup is combining the two for anyone eager for a restful slumber with their hot cuppa. Inspired by World Sleep Day on March 17, and taking over the Nescafe Harajuku until March 26, the bed-filled cafe doesn't just offer customers any old mattress. No, not at all. Those keen for a kip will bunker down on electronic reclining beds that sell for as much as $9,000. Each sleeping area also features adjustable lighting, and comes with a Sony Walkman filled with relaxing tunes. https://www.instagram.com/p/BRx7hGehdB4/?taken-by=_3.sta It'll be the fanciest snooze you've ever had; however anyone thinking about grabbing a fresh brew and some shut-eye will have to adhere to a few rules. Nap time comes in two-hour blocks, and is only available to folks who purchase a food item from the menu. Once you've ordered something to eat, you'll receive a cup of decaf to help you drift off and then a regular caffeinated coffee when you wake up. Of all of the quirky cafe trends Japan can't get enough of — cats, maids, owls, goats, mayonnaise, hedgehogs, Super Mario Bros, Pikachu, the list goes on — this is one worth dreaming about. Via Eater.
Hollywood's glitziest and most self-congratulatory night is just a few short sleeps away. While the rest of us are at work on Monday, the who's who of moviemaking will take their seats at the Dolby Theatre for the 89th Academy Awards. Leading the pack this year with a record-equaling 14 nominations is Damien Chazelle's musical throwback La La Land, which is either the greatest film ever made or completely overrated, depending on which person on the internet you ask. Still, despite the hype, the backlash and the backlash to the backlash, La La is no lock to take home the gold. Barry Jenkins' poignant Moonlight is hot on its heels, while the patriot in us can't help but root for the homegrown Lion. Speaking of which, it's nice to see some people of colour on the roster this year! Let's be honest, three straight years of #OscarsSoWhite would have been downright embarrassing. Below, you'll find our tips in the eight major categories, plus our personal faves and a few nods to the unlucky ones who missed out. Accept it: Zoolander 2 was robbed. BEST PICTURE THE NOMINEES Arrival, Fences, Hacksaw Ridge, Hell or High Water, Hidden Figures, La La Land, Lion, Manchester by the Sea, Moonlight. WHAT WILL WIN Look, we said La La Land wasn't a lock, and we stand by that. Still, there's no denying the LA-set musical is the favourite — movie people love movies about movies, and good grief Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are attractive. The fact that it went seven for seven, including Best Musical or Comedy, at last month's Golden Globe, doesn't exactly bode well for the competition. WHAT SHOULD WIN If you're after a good time at the movies then La La Land delivers. Still, for its raw emotional power and timely social message Moonlight seems like an even worthier winner. This devastating tale about a young gay black man coming to terms with who he is stands out as one of the best motion pictures of the past several years, and win or lose you should do everything you can to see it. THE SNUBS Nocturnal Animals divided critics, but the star power attached suggested it was in with a shot. Ditto Pablo Larrain's handsome biopic Jackie. Historical drama Birth of a Nation garnered plenty of buzz early in the year, but the controversy surrounding director Nate Parker has seen it all but disappear from the conversation. And hey, what about a nod for Rogue One, or maybe even Captain America: Civil War? BEST DIRECTOR THE NOMINEES Damien Chazelle (La La Land), Mel Gibson (Hacksaw Ridge), Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester by the Sea), Denis Villeneuve (Arrival). WHO WILL WIN In much the same way that La La Land leads the race for Best Picture, Damien Chazelle should be considered a favourite in this category for his flair behind the camera. And again, it'd be hard to call him undeserving should the chips fall that way on the night. Fun fact: if he does take home the gold, Chazelle will be the youngest Best Director winner in Oscar history. WHO SHOULD WIN Chazelle would be a worthy winner, but we've got to go with Moonlight's Barry Jenkins. Seriously, do yourself a favour and read our interview with him then go see the film. THE SNUBS Garth Davis for Lion (who we also interviewed here), David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water), Theodore Melfi (Hidden Figures) and Denzel Washington (Fences) could all be forgiven for feeling a little peeved about missing out given their films were nominated for Best Picture. Still, in our minds, the biggest omission is Martin Scorsese. Sure, Silence is a punishing watch, but seeing Mel Gibson nominated ahead of Marty just feels wrong. Also, would if kill them to nominate a woman? BEST ACTRESS THE NOMINEES Isabelle Huppert (Elle), Ruth Negga (Loving), Natalie Portman (Jackie), Emma Stone (La La Land), Meryl Streep (Florence Foster Jenkins). WHO WILL WIN While Natalie Portman led the pack early for her remarkable turn as former First Lady Jackie Kennedy, the conventional wisdom at this point is that this is Emma Stone's trophy to lose. Either woman would be a worthy winner, although neither is our number one choice. WHO SHOULD WIN A violent psychosexual thriller, Paul Verhoeven's French-language Elle isn't the easiest film to watch. But thanks to the fiery work of Isabelle Huppert, it's also impossible to look away. Given the content of the film, the fact that she's even nominated is fairly surprising. A win would be astounding, in the best possible way. THE SNUBS Amy Adams gave two of the year's best performances, in Arrival and Nocturnal Animals. It's possible she was punished by voters splitting their ballot, but whatever the reason it's safe to say she's unlucky to have missed out. BEST ACTOR THE NOMINEES Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea), Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge), Ryan Gosling (La La Land), Viggo Mortensen (Captain Fantastic) Denzel Washington (Fences). WHO WILL WIN This one is going to be close. Casey Affleck was the favourite for much of the race, but then Denzel went and snared himself a win at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. It's possible that the controversy around the younger Affleck is finally catching up with him. Our pick? Denzel by a nose...although maybe that's just wishful thinking. WHO SHOULD WIN Not Casey Affleck. It's a great performance, but that's just not the point. THE SNUBS Neither Sully nor The Founder left much of an impression, but Tom Hanks and Michael Keaton could easily have scored noms for their work as the real world figures at the centre of their respective films. And on a personal level, we'd have loved a nomination for Josh Brolin, for his delightfully deadpan work in the very underrated Hail, Caesar! BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS THE NOMINEES Viola Davis (Fences), Naomie Harris (Moonlight), Nicole Kidman (Lion), Octavia Spencer (Hidden Figures), Michelle Williams (Manchester by the Sea). WHO WIN WILL If there's a lock this year, it's Viola Davis, who appears to have this one in the bag. WHO SHOULD WIN Hey, sometimes they get it right. Davis' turn in Fences as a dutiful wife and mother is the best performance in a film packed to the brim with great performances. You'll be able to knock us over with a feather if she goes home empty handed. THE SNUBS Bit of a long shot, but Rachel Weisz absolutely crushed it in The Lobster, as did unknown actress Lily Gladstone in Kelly Reichardt's Certain Women. Make sure to check out both if and when you can. BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR THE NOMINEES Mahershala Ali (Moonlight), Jeff Bridges (Hell or High Water), Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea), Dev Patel (Lion), Michael Shannon (Nocturnal Animals). WHO WILL WIN Dev Patel might make a late push following his win at the BAFTAs, but right now the smart money is on Mahershala Ali. WHO SHOULD WIN Ali deserves to win on the strength of his performance alone, but we'd be lying if we said we weren't rooting for him at least in part because we're hoping he gives another speech similar to the one he gave at the SAG Awards. Good luck trying not to cry. THE SNUBS It's a bit of a surprise not to see Aaron Taylor-Johnson on this list, given that his dark and disturbing work in Nocturnal Animals won him a Golden Globe. We're also disappointed not to see Patrick Stewart get a nod; Green Room was presumably a bit too violent for Oscar voters, but Stewart's turn as a ruthless white supremacist was absolutely chilling. BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY THE NOMINEES Hell or High Water, La La Land, The Lobster, Manchester by the Sea, 20th Century Women. WHAT WILL WIN If La La Land wins this one early, you can just about guarantee the film is in for a clean sweep. That said, the Vegas odds are on Kenneth's Lonergan's masterful screenplay for Manchester by the Sea. WHAT SHOULD WIN There's no chance in hell that it wins, but The Lobster had one of the darkest, funniest, most original and esoteric screenplays in a long, long time. This is one of those "it's an honour just to be nominated" situations. THE SNUBS Hail, Caesar! was largely ignored by both the Academy and general audiences, but, in our opinion, it's one of the cleverest films in the entire Coen Brothers' canon. German comedy Toni Erdmann also deserved a nod, as did Jim Jarmusch's gentle Paterson. BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY THE NOMINEES Arrival, Fences, Hidden Figures, Lion, Moonlight. WHAT WILL WIN While it's possible that the Academy will show a little love to either Lion or Arrival, it's hard to imagine that this one doesn't end up going to Moonlight. WHAT SHOULD WIN Moonlight, although we'd be stoked if they gave it to Lion. 'Straya! THE SNUBS Maybe the biggest snub of the entire ceremony: where in the sweet hell is Deadpool? It was popular with critics and made a bucket-load of cash, but we guess Academy voters don't like naughty words. Way to remind everyone how out of touch you are, guys. Great job. The winners of the 89th Academy Awards will be revealed on February 27. Tom Clift is one of Concrete Playground's senior film writers. You can read his reviews here, here and here.
If there’s one thing we’ve come to know about ourselves it’s that we love a good gimmick. Whether it’s a nautically-themed gastropub or an entire cafe built on Pantone colour palettes, we can’t get enough of the weird and the wonderful. And so it’s no surprise that we’re squee-ing in anticipation of the Brisbane Festival's bizarre food-meets-theatre offering Fear and Delight. Created by Strut & Fret, the theatrical culinary event has been making waves in the news for the last few days, mainly because of the inclusion of food artists Bompas and Parr's so-called G&T Cloud Experience, first opened in London last month. This, in layman’s terms, means 'a room filled with a cloud of humidified gin and tonic which is consumed through the skin and eyeballs'. Yep, breathable booze. As expected, some are delighted with the prospect and others are fearful, while some people are just downright ready to party. Health experts have been lining up around the block to offer their opinion on the phenomenon. Professor Jake Najman, of the University of Queensland’s Drug Research and Education Centre, told the Guardian that rapidly absorbing a carcinogenic chemical is a big no-no. To be fair to the Professor, downing six Jaeger bombs and a Big Mac every Saturday night could also be considered near to carcinogenic but that certainly doesn’t stop us. However Najman also admits that not too much is known about the effects of inhaling alcohol, so bottoms up! Or bottoms out or however it is you toast in this new landscape of possibility. Celebrated internationally for such foodie happenings as an anatomical whisky tasting, a DNA-matching cocktail bar and a huge pagan feast at this year's Dark Mofo, Bompas and Parr are no strangers to controversy. Parr told Bloomberg that humidified drinking is "a new way of experiencing drink, and it’s social because it’s an immersive shared environment. You all have the same flavour sensation. Alcohol tastes better, with more nuances. You can detect more subtle flavours when it is humidified". What a time to be alive! But don’t worry about overdoing it on the alcohol-infused vapour, as Fear and Delight director Scott Maidment says that patrons would have to stand in the cloud for 40 minutes to absorb the equivalent of a large gin and tonic. So even if you get naked and do laps of the room, you won’t end up too drunk to watch the show afterwards. It really adds a whole new layer of meaning to #vapelife. Brisbane Festival’s Fear and Delight runs 4-25 September at South Bank Culture Forecourt. Grab tickets here.
This post is sponsored by our partners, lastminute.com.au. People don't know much about Western Australia. For something that's the combined size of Texas, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan and the UK, we should really know more than the fact Little Creatures is brewed there, and sometimes they have sharks. But this could be a blessing in disguise. Now you have an entire new land to discover out west, and all for the small price of a domestic flight. Here's our guide of where to go once you touch down. Perth and surrounds The first place people can think of in WA, Perth is not only the sunniest capital city in the world, but also one of the top ten most liveable. It may be pretty isolated from the rest of the country, but that creates a kind of camaraderie among its citizens that Melburnians and Sydneysiders can only dream of. Oh, you're trapped in peak-hour traffic on Parramatta Road? Perth locals are taking a weekend jaunt to Rottnest Island via ferry. What's that? You're in a packed train carriage staring at the filthy brown Yarra? People in Perth are having picnics next to the beautiful, dolphin-dotted Swan River. While visiting, we recommend Cottesloe Beach for some surf, this small bar tour for some culture, and the Swan Valley for some local vino. Also, Fringe World Festival is happening at the moment! Why aren't you there already? Where to stay: Esplanade River Suites if you're on a budget, or Crown Metropol Perth or Best Western Premier The Terrace Hotel Perth if you're splashing out. South West South of Perth lie even more treasures, including the renowned wine region, Margaret River. While just a 50-minute flight from the capital, we recommend you hire a car and drive. It will take about three hours, but as WA has 12,000km of the most beautiful coastline in the world, we're sure you won't be disappointed. Once there, it's all about leisure. Spend all day eating and drinking, then cycling off a few meals around the Margaret River. Where to stay: Kalbarri Edge Resort if you're on a budget, or Smiths Beach Resort or Injidup Spa Retreat if you're splashing out. Broome and the Kimberley To venture even further into the unknown, take a trip up north to these great, sunburnt plains. Here, you can expect camel rides along the beach, cheeky and profitable trips to Broome's pearl farms, and endless hours spent on Cable Beach (with sunscreen, because oh lord, you're much closer to the equator up there). This one is a bit more of a hike from Perth, at either a 2-hour 30-minute flight or 24-hour drive, but it's probably worth it. Taking in the entire Coral Coast could be just the first of your exciting experiences. Where to stay: Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa or The Pearle of Cable Beach. Exmouth and Coral Coast This place is like a real-life Seaworld, but you'll need a few days to see it all. A two-hour flight out of Perth, Ningaloo Marine Park and Cape Range National Park will be your first stops on this trail of aquatic wonder — world-heritage listed prime sites for snorkelling, diving with whale sharks and swimming with dolphins. In fact, every morning at Monkey Mia, wild bottlenose dolphins freely come to the shallows for no more than a pat hello. It's surely some kind of magic. Where to stay: Novotel Ningaloo Resort. Golden Outback Of course, most of this big, sprawling state is desert — the wild outback that our country is known for around the world. If you get sick of being greeted by dolphins every morning and visiting wineries in the afternoon (as unlikely as it may be), the outback could serve as the perfect getaway. First stop: wave rock. This natural anomaly is roughly 2,700 million years old and a true wonder to behold. Alternatively, if you don't like the idea of nature looming over you, you can get on top of it. Hot air ballooning is really popular over the Avon Valley, or you can get an unhindered view of the red terrain with a 14,000-foot skydive. Why not get a little dangerous in our most wild state? Where to stay: Black Wattle Retreat or The Grandhouse York. For more information on flights and accommodation in Western Australia, check out lastminute.com.au.
Black Bottle is doing things differently. Look out for the neon-lit jellyfish on Darlinghurst Road, and enter the compact wine bar with bare brick walls, a pink ceiling, low lighting and high tables to find out why. It's not immediately apparent what's going on. By the window facing the street, there are two short blackboard drink menus on display and a small dispense bar, but if you miss the 'order food here' sign, it's unclear if this is table or counter service. We wait to be served for a while before realising we need to head up to the bar, which sits next to a glass display cabinet full of food and a couple of chefs working in a tiny open kitchen. Nonetheless, the wine list is tight: five whites, five reds, one sparkling and two rosès, all available by the glass, bottle and carafe. It's been put together by Nomad sommelier and wine writer Samantha Payne, and showcases some great producers at some really reasonable prices — a bottle of perfectly dry Les Charmes dry Provence rosé is an even $50. The food cabinet is not a novel idea in hospitality but it's what differentiates Black Bottle from other bars in Sydney. Head on up and choose from raw scallops sitting in their shell with a herb butter (not quite so cheap at $6.50 each), marinated octopus that will be heated and served with chorizo, or a pork chop that's then sent to the kitchen to be chargrilled with a chunky green olive salsa and some watercress. Oysters are just $1.50 every day from 5–7pm.. The cooking is good and the way they're presenting the food on display is key to making this whole thing work. Jars of sardines, tins of mussels, chilli and garlic-marinated white anchovies are all up for quick snacks, as are arancini and marinated banana chillies. Everything comes out quick, either handed over the counter or fried or grilled and brought out. The three house cocktails are all a bit sweet for our taste, so our pick is the Huntsman ($25), featuring a lomo-washed Hudson Manhattan Rye with bitters. While the house cocktails are all above the $20 mark, we'll be back for the $12 Aperol spritz. The team are young, enthusiastic and, although very much influenced by Europe, the concept feels authentic and very DIY. Which we think has a place in the Sydney food scene. A more relaxed, self-determining experience might not be for everyone — but those who are happy to get their own knife and fork should head to Black Bottle pronto. Images: Nikki To.
Anna Kendrick. Blake Lively. Paul Feig. A twisty thriller novel as source material. Combined, those four key ingredients helped make 2018's A Simple Favour a hit, a delight, and a deliciously engaging and entertaining mystery. It's no wonder that audiences have been keen on a sequel for years — and come May 2025, those dreams are becoming a straight-to-streaming reality. Kendrick (Woman of the Hour) is back as Stephanie Smothers. So is Lively (It Ends with Us) as Emily Nelson — and as the just-dropped first teaser trailer for Another Simple Favour shows, nothing is straightforward between the pair again. As the name of the movie also makes plain, Emily has something else to ask of Stephanie. Out of prison and about to get married to a wealthy businessman, the former crashes the latter's book reading to task her with being her maid of honour. But is this just a quest for revenge? Using the Italian island of Capri as a backdrop, Another Simple Favour boasts Feig (Jackpot!) back behind the lens, too — and also Andrew Rannells (Girls5eva), Bashir Salahuddin (How to Die Alone) and Henry Golding (The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare) back among the cast. Equally part of this big return: more secrets, as little is ever as it seems with Stephanie's glamorous and mysterious friend. While the first film released in cinemas, this seven-years-later sequel is heading to Prime Video, hitting streaming queues on Thursday, May 1, 2025. It does have a date with the silver screen first, however – but only at this year's SXSW in Austin, where it's the opening-night movie at the event's Film and TV Festival. If you missed the initial picture — which was adapted from Darcey Bell's 2017 novel of the same name — it followed a widowed mum who is also a vlogger and becomes friends with a fashion executive. Then Emily asks Stephanie to do her a simple favour, changing everything. Screenwriter Jessica Sharzer (Nine Perfect Strangers), who wrote the first film, is also among Another Simple Favour's returnees — this time penning the follow-up's script with Laeta Kalogridis (Altered Carbon). Check out the first teaser trailer for Another Simple Favour below: Another Simple Favour will stream via Prime Video from Thursday, May 1, 2025.
The Australian Museum, a much-loved cultural institution, has introduced a one-hour tour that takes a deep dive into the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Waranara Tours are led by a member of the museum's First Nations team and take place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11.30am and 1pm. As you traverse through the permanent exhibitions that spotlight stone fish traps and possum skin coats, seasonal calendars and hunting spears, your host will enrich the experience with personal insights and knowledge. In the First Nations languages of the Sydney region, 'waranara' means 'to seek' — which seems fitting for use in the museum, a place of scientific research and wanderings. Get up close to shields, yidakis (didjeridus) and a traditional bark canoe in the Bayala Nura: Yarning Country exhibit, while the origins and significance of songlines are mapped out for you. Then, as you flow through Garrigarrang: Sea Country, the oceanside lives of the Salt Water People — those living along Australia's coast — will be brought forth, with everything from whale ceremonies and Torres Strait dance masks to the nuances of life lived by the water explored. You can even admire hand-woven baskets, nets and traps while you learn about the sustainable nature of First Nations fishing techniques. As you explore, your guide will talk you through the knowledge systems and practices that have been used by First Nations Peoples to ensure future generations have access to a sustainable way of living. So, if you're looking for a more immersive museum trip, a Waranara Tour is the tour for you (and a great way to discover more about the rich history and thriving cultures of our First Nations Peoples). Waranara Tours take place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, at 11.30am and 1pm. Tickets are $28 for members and $35 for non-members, with concession and child prices available too. For more information and to book your exploration, head to the website. Images: Anna Kucera
What would you do if you came home from holiday to find the house-sitters you left in charge now claiming ownership? Director Sarah Giles explores this seemingly easily resolvable problem in the Sydney Theatre Company production of German writer Marius von Mayenburg's work, Perplex. The play quickly takes a turn to the absurd as it examines personal identity and reality. Perplex tells the story of a couple returning home after holidays to find their home in disarray, their electricity turned off, and their friends who were left in charge hiding a secret. What follows is a surrealist look at a constantly changing reality, creating quite a perplexing tale. Giles, who is a resident director at Sydney Theatre Company, previously staged The Ugly One — another von Mayenburg work, which won her the 2011 Sydney Theatre Award for Best Director of an Independent Production. Her other STC works, Mrs Warren's Profession and Mariage Blanc, were wonderfully interesting too. Image by Grant Sparkes-Carroll. Perplex runs from March 31 to May 3 at Wharf 1, and thanks to the Sydney Theatre Company, we have three double passes to the first preview to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
Fancy yourself a heist film? Well, take a load of this one. Think Ocean's Eleven, but without the tuxedos and flashy casinos. Logan Lucky takes you down to the American south, the home of NASCAR in North Carolina. Steven Soderbergh, of the Ocean's movies and Magic Mike, pairs Channing Tatum and Adam Driver as two brothers eager to break a 90-year family curse in the soon-to-be-released heist-comedy. The film follows Jimmy Logan (Channing Tatum) and Clyde Logan (Adam Driver) as they plot to steal from NASCAR's Charlotte Motor Speedway. With help from their friends, the so-called 'Redneck Robbers', the Logan brothers set out to pinch themselves $14million from the race. The film has already garnered positive reviews from critics, especially with a stellar cast also including Riley Keough, Seth MacFarlane, Hilary Swank, Katie Holmes and Daniel Craig, taking on a very different role to his iconic James Bond as an escaped inmate. Logan Lucky releases on August 17, and we have double passes to giveaway in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eqC27nxHJ4[/embed] [competition]630960[/competition]
It has been more than three years since Australia said a resounding yes to same-sex marriage, with results from the country's postal vote survey on marriage equality announced in November 2017 and the corresponding legislation passed through parliament in December the same year. Now, to commemorate the historic event, the City of Sydney has unveiled a permanent reminder — courtesy of a rainbow footpath through Prince Alfred Park in Surry Hills. When announcing the construction of the path in November 2020, Lord Mayor Clover Moore said it was "a permanent tribute" — not only to the vote in favour of same-sex marriage, but "to the moment when more than 30,000 Sydneysiders gathered together to hear the results". The Lord Mayor also said "the path will represent both the progress we have made towards equality and the long way to go before our LGBTIQ communities are free of discrimination". Stretching across a 90-metre expanse and officially opened to the public today, Tuesday, February 16 (just in time for Mardi Gras), the path features six coloured bands painted over an existing footpath, to resemble a rainbow (obviously). It's curved just like the real thing, too, and is located in the area that was recently renamed Equality Green, with plenty of grass on either side. [caption id="attachment_800242" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leigh Harris, Mike Galvin, Lord Mayor Clover Moore, Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Scully, Orlando Sydney and Alex Greenwich. Image: Jack Begbie for City of Sydney[/caption] If you're hoping to head along to snap a photo on the new rainbow path — you can. And you can take Fido along for a photoshoot, too.. Prince Alfred Park is dog friendly and most of it is off-leash. The revamped, brightly coloured footpath joins Sydney's rainbow crossing in Darlinghurst and the soon-to-appear rainbow walkway at Coogee Beach — so there are multiple spots around town where you can venture to the other side of the rainbow. The rainbow footpath is located at the bottom of Equality Green, Prince Alfred Park, Surry Hills. Top image: Chris Southwood for City of Sydney.
We all know that fast fashion is gross. And yet, with the hectic holiday season just passed, we're all familiar with the need to buy cute stocking stuffers in a time crunch — often overwhelming our need to not pollute the planet beyond repair. We really don't do well by Mother Earth here in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, every year 500,000 tonnes of fashion ends up in landfill and each Aussie consumes 27 kilograms of textiles. Rhianna Knight believes we can do better, so the 26-year-old started an apparel business that won't leave you feeling shamefaced. The result is Mister Timbuktu, and it's in the early stages of kicking ass. Mister Timbuktu's outdoor apparel is made from recycled plastics. The first round is being crowdfunded now through Indiegogo, reaching more than half of its target with 16 days left to go (at the time of writing). At the moment, the range is all about quality leggings, raincoats and sports bras, but they'll soon branch into all things outdoorsy, including tents, sleeping bags and puffer jackets. The designs are gorgeous and bright because outdoor activities don't have to be completed in drab natural colours (apologies, Kathmandu, you serve a purpose but there's a new queen on the block). According to Knight, eleven plastic bottles are recycled in each pair of leggings they create. How in the name of activewear is that possible? Well, recycled plastics are collected, shredded into chips, washed, melted into liquid form and then spun into thread that goes on to become your new favourite comfy pants. Science, bitches! The company has also pledged to put 20 percent of profits back into helping the planet in other ways: by partnering with both a mental health charity (Waves of Wellness) and the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife. But wait, there's more. Okay, we probably shouldn't get so excited about this part because the rest of the initiative is so phenomenal, but check out the leggings: they have a pocket in the waistband which is the best and most practical thing ever. Thank you for listening to our secret wishes and delivering. For more information, visit Mister Timbuktu's campaign.
Wadjda (Waad Mohammed) resides within a system of oppression, yet refuses to accept her restrictions. On the cusp of adolescence, the ten-year-old rallies against her surroundings in Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, be it the strictness of her schooling or the expectations of her gender — appropriate interests, friends and public behaviour included. She desires a green bicycle, but is told no. She wants to cycle in the street, but is strongly discouraged. She yearns to enjoy the same freedoms as her male counterparts, such as her neighbour, Abdullah (Abdullrahman Al Gohani). The feature's missive of female empowerment is evident in its protagonist, though its message is never bluntly handled. Of course, Wadjda's on-screen statement and subversion bears the weight of its revolutionary off-screen status, as the first feature shot entirely in Saudi Arabia, and the first full-length film made by a female Saudi director. Writer/director Haifaa Al-Mansour (who studied at the University of Sydney) remains subtle in her debut fictional effort. Lightness, rather than solemnity, is her pervasive tone. Read our full review of Wadjda here. Wadjda is in cinemas on Thursday, March 20, and thanks to eOne Films, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=v-4kosdSXR8
If you're familiar with the Chatimes, Gong Chas and ShareTeas of the world, chances are you've probably heard of HEYTEA, too — and if you haven't, you're about to be informed. This innovative tea brand is brewing its Chinese-style drinks in Sydney for the first time ever, following the success of its recently opened Melbourne site, as well as its international outposts in cities including Singapore, New York and London. HEYTEA Sydney will open on George Street from Friday, July 26. Neo Nie, the self-titled creator of cheese tea — a brew topped with cheese foam that's made with real dairy — is behind the beverage-centred brand that curates creative, high-quality bevs for the tea lovers of the world. To celebrate its launch, HEYTEA will be offering an array of deals at its new CBD spot. These include a buy one, get one free special from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28 and a buy one, get 50% off deal from Monday, July 29 to Thursday, August 1. Unlike many other bubble tea brands, HEYTEA's ethos is centred around the utilisation of real, fresh ingredients, with no artificial ingredients or flavouring. You'll also find a vegan oat milk option, as well as free upgrades to zero-sugar sweeteners. At HEYTEA's sleek George Street store, you'll find the premium teas the brand is known for, including the coveted cheese tea, and refreshing fruit teas made with real fruit. Plus, the venue has in-store and al fresco seating for whether you want to slowly sip your drink inside, or enjoy some sunshine with your brew. As for future Aussie endeavours, there are more Sydney-based locales in the works, so keep your eyes peeled for a HEYTEA store near you. You'll find HEYTEA's Sydney store at 569 George Street, open from 11am–10pm daily.
Vegans tired of being excluded from affordable mainstream menus or, at best, treated as an after-thought, here's some cheerful news — for both you and the rest of the animal kingdom. Domino's Pizza has today — Monday, January 8 — added vegan cheese to its list of ingredients. Yep, your pizza eating habits no longer need be restricted to vego-only (or exxy sit down) joints — they can now extend to cheap on-the-way-home snacks and in-bed feasts. To celebrate, three vegan pizzas will be hitting the menu for a limited time. These are the vegan avocado veg, the vegan spicy trio and the vegan margherita. Most importantly, though, you'll be able to turn any pizza on the menu into an animal-free one by asking for vegan mozzarella and parting with an extra $2.95 (which is quite reasonable, really). Plus, all Domino's bases and sauces are plant-based. The decision to introduce vegan cheese came about as a result of a survey that Domino's conducted via its Facebook page in late 2017. "We were blown away by the response," said Nick Knight, CEO of Domino's Australia and New Zealand. "The popularity of, and demand for, vegan products has increased considerably over the years, so it's great we are now able to offer this high-quality, non-GMO, plant-based and preservative-free vegan cheese." Domino's created the cheese — which is also free of gluten, soy and cholesterol — in its LuvLab, aiming to mimic the taste, texture and melting power of dairy-based cheese. But we'll believe it when we try it. Obviously our fair city has plenty of pizza options that we'd recommend over Domino's, but, nonetheless, this can only be a sign that more readily-available vegan options will hit mainstream food outlets in the near future. To begin, the cheese will be available for a limited time, and, if it proves popular with customers, it'll be instated permanently.
This bar will be ours. Oh yes. It will be ours. Three Sydney bartenders are being total Babraham Lincolns and creating a Wayne's World-themed pop-up bar. SCHWING. Ben Blair, Reece Griffiths, and Lee Potter Cavanagh (all ex-Victoria Room) are taking cues from Mike Myers and Dana Carvey's immortal 1992 film for their temporary bar, Whisky Jerx — a project possible after winning 2014's nationwide Monkey Shoulder competition, according to Australian Bartender. The prize? Stock, marketing support and cashola to start your own pop-up. Zang. Whisky Jerx will find a temporary home from February 18 until April 22, over both floors of Oxford Circus — once the site of the Gay Bar and Ruby Rabbit. While the top level will remain the realm of the lads' top favourite whiskies and cocktails, the real deal is going to be the lower floor — set up like Wayne's righteous basement. There'll likely be much 'Bohemian Rhapsody' on the soundtrack, but no 'Stairway', denied. Fingers crossed for posters of total robobabe Cassandra, and a gun rack, let alone many guns that would necessitate an entire rack. (Jokes, obvs.) So why Wayne's World, why now? (Aside from being a totally excellent, dreamwoman idea for a bar.) "Essentially we’re taking inspiration from the soda jerks from back in the day, that's where the name comes from. It's a little bit tongue-in-cheek," Cavanagh told AB. "We all had similar interests growing up, you know, we all liked rock and roll, we were all in bands, so we wanted to reference that as well. The music is pretty much inspired by the Wayne’s World era and our youths, so rock and roll, some punk — not this country, Americana worship." Party time, excellent. Find Whisky Jerx from February 18 until April 22 at 231 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. Via Australian Bartender.
Still coming down from its 40th birthday extravaganza, the Opera House has just announced the full line-up for its summer 'playground', with Neil Finn and Architects of Air as the star attractions. Finn will hit the Concert Hall stage on March 22, with a full band and a repertoire of old and new tunes. His first solo album in ten years, Dizzy Heights, is due for release on February 7, 2014. Produced by David Fridmann (Tame Impala, The Flaming Lips), it takes Finn's songwriting into unexplored frontiers, with creative textures, striking string arrangements and soaring soundscapes. Between January 3-27, Architects of Air (who treated us to Mirazozo in 2011) will transform the forecourt into a multi-sensory experience, with their massive inflatable sculpture EXXOPOLIS. 53 metres long and nine metres high, it's an immersive luminarium, comprised of tunnels and domes, and filled with light and sound. Architectural inspiration includes Gothic cathedrals, Archimedean solids and Islamic stylings. There'll also be larger-than-life magic performances from The Illusionists 2.0; a return of cabaret-burlesque-circus company La Soiree; a fresh program of live music, from Grizzly Bear to Neko Case to The National; and live entertainment for children and families. Plus, between December and March, the Opera House and surrounding spaces will be transformed into the 'ultimate summer playground'. The Western Foyers will be turned into a pop-up paradise, with concept bars, restaurants and cafes, while the forecourt will host a revolving fleet of gourmet food trucks offering both sweet and savoury goodies. "It's been a huge year at the Sydney Opera House," said CEO Louise Herron AM. "Like the rest of Sydney, we are looking forward to getting into the summer spirit, kicking back and having some fun. The Opera House will be packed with entertainment, seven days a week for every member of the family, from 4 to 94. So come and join us."
After five years of serving farm-to-table food to Sydney's inner west, Acre Groups's original Camperdown location is closing its doors in May. Acre Camperdown opened in 2016, taking up residence at Camperdown Commons alongside Pocket City Farms, with their collaboration transforming the former site of the Camperdown Bowling Club into an urban farm and 350-seat eatery. Here, Sydneysiders have been able to tuck into seasonal dishes made from ingredient harvested on the property. Since its opening, Acre has expended, opening two new urban farm restaurants in Artarmon and atop the Burwood Brickworks in Melbourne. The Camperdown eatery will close its doors on Sunday, May 30. A statement posted to the restaurant's Facebook page said: "we have been fortunate to have served the Camperdown community and beyond for the past five years – serving up food that's fun, honest and delicious from our little patch of green." The restaurant will remain open throughout April and May for anyone looking to drop in for their first or final time. You can currently book dinner Wednesday–Sunday, lunch Friday–Sunday and breakfast on weekends, or drop in for takeaway daily. [caption id="attachment_805462" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Acre Eatery, Camperdown[/caption] While the inner west may be losing Acre Camperdown, it has already gained a new on-the-go version called Acrette. The new cafe and bakery has opened at 822 George Street, Chippendale and is serving what Acre is calling 'farm-food-fast', a more efficient and affordable version of its farm-grown menu. At the new Chippendale location, you'll find fresh-baked pies, paninis, ready-to-go salads and wellness pots, as well as a rang of sweets, gelato and pastries. Gypsy Coffee is also on hand to supply you with your morning caffeine fix. Acrette won't be the only new store to join the Acre family in 2021, with Acre confirming it would be announcing another new venue slated to open in November this year. Plans for a western Sydney venue are also in the works for 2022. And, at Acre's Camperdown site, Pocket City Farms will continue to operate the existing urban farm. Nothing is changing there, or with Camperdown Commons — with the two organisations' current onsite activities and community spaces remaining active. If you're eager to drop by for a bite after Acre departs, a new hospitality offering will be announced for the venue in the future. Acre Camperdown will remain open at 31A Mallett Street, Camperdown, until Sunday, May 30. Acrette is now open at 822 George Street, Chippendale, operating from 6.30am–7pm, Monday–Friday.
Unless you took advantage of Australia's trans-Tasman travel bubble with New Zealand while it was open earlier this year, you've probably forgotten what an overseas holiday feels like at this stage of the pandemic. And with the entire states of New South Wales and Victoria currently in lockdown, and plenty of domestic borders closed as a result, the idea of jetting off overseas probably still seems like a dream. Qantas and its discount airline Jetstar are hoping it'll become a reality before the year is out, however. The Qantas Group, the company behind both carriers, is planning for that to happen in fact. Back in February, the airlines were aiming to start flying Aussies around the globe again in October. Then, in May, that idea was pushed back to December. Obviously, the latter is now inching closer, so Qantas has revealed that it's still working towards getting its international flights back in the air before 2022 hits. At present, those plans depend upon Australia's vaccine rollout, and also the National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response — which outlines what Aussies will be able to do once the country reaches various jab thresholds. When 80 percent of adults are fully vaccinated, Australians will be permitted to travel overseas again for holidays under the current proposal. At the time of writing, 31.6 percent of people over the age of 18 have had both doses. Previously, Qantas had revealed its intention to recommence flights to 22 of its 25 international destinations — including London, Singapore and Los Angeles — while Jetstar was intending to resume trips to all of its 13 international routes. In a statement today, Thursday, August 26, the Qantas Group have now advised that it'll be focusing on destinations with high vaccination rates, including Singapore, Japan, the US, the UK, Canada and Fiji. Singapore has previously been floated as a possible candidate for a future travel bubble by the Australian Government. Also, Qantas will put flights for Australia–New Zealand routes back on sale, operating on the assumption they'll be able to resume in mid-December. "Key markets like the UK, North America and parts of Asia have high and increasing levels of vaccination. This makes them highly likely to be classed as low risk countries for vaccinated travellers to visit and return from under reduced quarantine requirements, pending decisions by the Australian Government and entry policies of other countries," said Qantas. "This creates a range of potential travel options that Qantas and Jetstar are now preparing for. While COVID has shown that circumstances can change unexpectedly, the long lead times for international readiness means the Group needs to make some reasonable assumptions based on the latest data to make sure it can offer flights to customers as soon as they become feasible." Obviously, a lot still needs to go to plan for the two airlines to have you jetting off to overseas spots this summer. That's Qantas and Jetstar's current target date, though. Hong Kong flights are targeted to restart in February, too. And, if you're interested in trips to other destinations, Qantas has pushed back its expected takeoff dates in places that have low vaccine rates and high COVID-19 cases — including Bali, Jakarta, Manila, Bangkok, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City and Johannesburg — to April 2022. When overseas flights do resume, Qantas will use digital health passes to verify vaccination and testing status. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has also previously stated that the airline would only allow vaccinated passengers to travel on international flights. Of course, even once international flights are up and running again, you can expect a much lower capacity than pre-COVID travel — Qantas previously said that it's not anticipating a full return to normality until 2024. As part of its efforts to encourage vaccinations — and to help speed up the return to its normal operations — the airline is also currently giving away discounts and frequent flyer points to vaxxed Aussies. To find out more about Qantas and Jetstar's international travel plans, visit the Qantas website.
When Seinfeld was the world's biggest sitcom, the show about nothing was also about everything. Its quartet of yada, yada, yada-ing New Yorkers was oh-so-specific, too, but also relatable. It's no wonder that the 90s hit made a star out of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who ensured that Elaine Benes was a work of comedic genius — with a Best Supporting Actress Emmy and six other nominations to show for it — and someone who could've walked straight in off the street. In razor-sharp political farce Veep, the actor did much the same to ample accolades. Making a Vice President in a gleeful satire feel real is no mean feat. But Louis-Dreyfus is at her best, and a true sensation, whenever she's in leading-lady mode in front of writer/director Nicole Holofcener's lens. That's only happened twice so far; however, both 2013's Enough Said and now 2023's You Hurt My Feelings are as excellent as engaging, lived-in and astute character-led dramedies come. In her finest performances, Louis-Dreyfus inhabits her roles like she's always been in them. There's a lightness to her on-screen presence that never smacks of force, artifice or effort — a naturalism, clearly, even if she's working with comically heightened material. Nothing about Holofcener's two collaborations with Louis-Dreyfus goes big with its laughs, of course. The pair aren't making Seinfeld or Veep together. Instead, their talents combine in sublime and thoughtful works of intimacy and intricacy, wryly funny explorations of small moments, and perceptive slices of life — and You Hurt My Feelings is indeed a gleaming gem. It's also the kind of American feature that rarely gets a silver-screen run in these days of blockbuster franchises, endless sequels and remakes, and ever-sprawling cinematic universes (the filmmaker's last picture The Land of Steady Habits, which starred Ben Mendelsohn and arrived in 2018, was a Netflix affair). The battle to find a home for Holofcener's preferred type of tales earns an in-script parallel in You Hurt My Feelings, with novelist Beth (Louis-Dreyfus, You People) also struggling. Her first book, a memoir about her childhood with an emotionally abusive dad, didn't notch up the sales she would've liked. At lunches between Beth, her sister Sarah (Michaela Watkins, The Dropout) and their mother Georgia (Jeannie Berlin, Hunters), the latter still protests about how it was marketed. And, when she finally submits a draft of her next tome after toiling for years, Beth's editor (LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Grey's Anatomy) isn't as enthused. None of these situations give the movie its name, though, which stems from Beth's therapist husband Don (Tobias Menzies, This Way Up) and his opinion. When she overhears him tell her brother-in-law Mark (Arian Moayed, Succession) that he isn't that fussed about the new text, it's shattering, especially when he's been nothing but her heartiest cheerleader otherwise. Holofcener begins and punctuates You Hurt My Feelings with Don's sessions with clients, including an incessantly bickering and blatantly unhappy couple played by game real-life spouses Amber Tamblyn (Y: The Last Man) and David Cross (Station Eleven). They argue. They complain openly and heatedly about each other. They say awful things, but they're also adamant about staying together. They start expressing their displeasure about paying for Don's services when it evidently isn't making any difference to their domestic disharmony, which feeds his own doubts about whether he's any good — and, while taking time away from the luminous Louis-Dreyfus, these asides also cut to the heart of this supremely well-observed movie. We're all our own worst critics, and we all jump on any chance we can to reinforce our fears, worries and raging cases of imposter syndrome. We all rely upon our partners to be the voice of support, positivity and encouragement. When that falters or rings false, then, it isn't minor. As Holofcener's layered screenplay explains in the film's economical 93-minute running time, Beth and Don have always prided themselves about being close. Their college-aged son Eliot (Owen Teague, To Leslie), who is writing a play and working in a weed store, cringes over his parents' codependence and shared meals. When Beth and Don buy each other anniversary gifts, they even each make the same mistake — but that decades-forged comfort proves fragile the instant that Beth hears what she'd never have guessed that Don would say or think. You Hurt My Feelings unpacks why on both sides, also interrogating self-confidence and insecurity, the need for validation, tiny misunderstandings that feel massive to whoever is on the receiving end, social niceties, and white lies uttered with the best of intentions, with Sarah and Mark's relationship, his up-and-down acting career, her interior-design work, and Eliot's own personal and professional tussles also providing examples. She's been busy with Veep, the unimpressive Downhill and multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe appearances in the decade since she last worked with Holofcener, but here's hoping that it doesn't take as long for Louis-Dreyfus to reteam with the writer/director again. She's that magnetic and, yes, relatable in the filmmaker's fare, and that devastatingly great at both comedy and drama as well. Although You Hurt My Feelings' guiding force has had a packed slate herself, not just with The Land of Steady Habits but also episodes of Enlightened, Parks and Recreation, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, One Mississippi, Mrs Fletcher and Lucky Hank, the same wish applies her way. Her empathetic features about everyday women are that authentic and incisive, as both Enough Said and this demonstrate. Here's a dream: a Holofcener film with both Louis-Dreyfus and the helmer's Walking and Talking, Lovely & Amazing, Friends with Money and Please Give star Catherine Keener. Casting has always been one of the filmmaker's talents; in You Hurt My Feelings, Menzies, Watkins, Berlin, Moayed and Teague are all wonderful as well. Holofcener gets the same honesty out of each, and from Louis-Dreyfus, as she channels into her smart dialogue, earnest insights and pitch-perfect musings about life. Thanks to cinematographer Jeffrey Waldron (A League of Their Own), her movie looks as naturalistic as it always feels — and, while almost everyone watching isn't a NYC-dwelling writer with a shrink husband and wounded pride over a book, the emotions that You Hurt My Feelings trades in are genuine. Also 100-percent sincere: the feature's winning way with finding humour in the need that we all have to be seen and appreciated, the tendency to tell our loved ones what they want to hear and the very real clash between those two behaviours.
Not only does this interactive forum have one of the more provocative names you are likely to encounter, but it also has one of the more ambitious mandates: open and honest discussion about racism in Australia. For an issue that is too often shrouded in political correctness and empty rhetoric, this joint initiative by Sydney Ideas and the NSW Reconciliation Council panel is hoping to cut through the usual BS in order to get to the heart of Australia's race issues. I'm Not Racist But... will feature the personal reflections of four diverse Australians who have a serious stake in this issue: MC, producer and hip hop artist Joelistics; writer and eco-fashionista Yatu Widders Hunt; writer and editor of Going Down Swinging Geoff Lemon; and solicitor, activist and radio host Tasnium Saeid. Each speaker will get an open mic for 10 minutes, followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A session, all under the direction of the ever-watchable Alex Dyson (of Triple J's Tom and Alex). With a performance by the beguiling Indigenous artist Radical Son, I'm Not Racist but... looks set to be an entertaining and insightful tour into the issues that make up the very fabric of everyday Australian life.
Oh, what a day. What a lovely day! Why? Because the first trailer for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga has just zipped into existence. Get ready for Anya Taylor-Joy (The Super Mario Bros Movie) in the title role, Chris Hemsworth (Thor: Love and Thunder) co-starring and iconic Australian director George Miller steering the show for the fifth instalment in his dystopian Mad Max franchise. When Furiosa hits cinemas in May 2024, it will have been nine years since Mad Max: Fury Road did the same and became the best action movie of this century so far — and the best Australian flick of the same period, too. That delay means nothing given that there was a 30-gap between 1985's not-so-great Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and Fury Road's triumphant arrival in 2015, however. More Miller extending his passion project is always worth waiting for. Shot in Australia, Furiosa also arrives after Mad Max: Fury Road proved a six-time Oscar-winning hit, but will add a standalone tale to the saga this time. Yes, it's an origin story. Yes, it dives into the background of the character so memorably played in Fury Road by Charlize Theron (Fast X). Yes, enlisting Taylor-Joy is another casting masterstroke. Furiosa's storyline follows the younger Furiosa as she's taken from the Green Place of Many Mothers, ends up with a biker horde led by Warlord Dementus, and then gets caught in the middle of a war being waged with the Citadel's Immortan Joe — all while trying to escape and get back home. And, as the just-dropped first sneak peek shows, the look and feel is all classic Mad Max. Miller not only directs but co-writes with Mad Max: Fury Road co-scribe Nico Lathouris, while Alyla Browne (The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart) and Tom Burke (Living) are also among the movie's stars. A heap of Miller's other behind-the-scenes collaborators are back, including production designer Colin Gibson, editor Margaret Sixel, sound mixer Ben Osmo, costume designer Jenny Beavan and makeup designer Lesley Vanderwalt, all Fury Road Oscar-winners. Check out the trailer for Furiosa below: Furiosa releases in cinemas Down Under on May 23, 2024.
When a hit show comes to an end, the network behind it often tries to fill the gap with something similar. It's the situation that HBO found itself in last year when Game of Thrones wrapped up, with the US cable channel quickly launching new fantasy series His Dark Materials and committing to making a GoT spinoff called House of the Dragon. And, with Big Little Lies looking like it's also all done and dusted, the station seems to be in the same predicament in the star-studded murder mystery genre as well. Enter The Undoing. Starring Nicole Kidman, and written and produced by Big Little Lies' David E. Kelley, it's definitely a case of HBO sticking with what they know. Kidman plays a successful therapist who appears to have the perfect life, with a loving husband (Hugh Grant), a son (Honey Boy's Noah Jupe) attending an elite school and her first book about to be published. Then a violent death sparks a chain of revelations that shatters her life as she knows it. Also part of the plot, as seen in both the show's first teaser and its just-dropped new sneak peek: a missing spouse, plenty of public attention, a heap of interrogations and a plethora of tough choices for Kidman's Grace Fraser. It'll all play out as a once-off limited series — although that was originally the case with Big Little Lies before it came back for a second season. Based on the novel You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz, The Undoing also features The Burnt Orange Heresy's Donald Sutherland and American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace's Edgar Ramirez — with Bird Box director Susanne Bier behind the camera on every episode, just as she was on excellent Emmy-winning mini-series The Night Manager. As for when you'll be able to watch it, it was originally set to premiere in the US sometime in May; however now it'll launch on October 25. In Australia, it'll screen on Foxtel and Foxtel Now — with an exact release date Down Under yet to be revealed. Check out the latest teaser below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9lhC1tNIXg The Undoing is set to screen on HBO in the US from October 25, with air dates Down Under yet to be announced. We'll update you when further details come to hand. Top image: Courtesy of HBO.
Pucker up, fans of 90s teen flicks — whether you were the exact right age at the time, have discovered them since or found yourself looking backwards thanks to recent films like Do Revenge. After finally bringing its song- and dance-filled take on one of the most influential movies of the era to Australian stages this year, Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical is making a comeback along Australia's east coast in 2023. It seems that we can't get enough of this bittersweet symphony. We can't stop praising it, either. This time, audiences in Sydney and Melbourne will get a second chance to get nostalgic, while the show is backing up its recent Brisbane season with a new stint on the Gold Coast. To answer the most crucial question, yes, the musical's soundtrack is filled hits from the period, including The Verve's 'Bittersweet Symphony' and Placebo's 'Every You Every Me'. In fact, Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical is a jukebox musical, so it's overflowing with a heap other tunes from that late 90s–early 00s time. Think: *NYSNC's 'Bye Bye Bye', Britney Spears' 'Sometimes', No Doubt's 'Just A Girl', Jewel's 'Foolish Games', Christina Aguilera's 'Genie In A Bottle' and Sixpence None the Richer's 'Kiss Me', for starters. The story remains the same, just without Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon and Selma Blair (and Joshua Jackson's blonde locks). If you've seen the movie — the original, not the direct-to-video 2001 and 2004 sequels, one of which starred a very young Amy Adams (Dear Evan Hansen) taking over Gellar's role — then you'll know how it goes. Based on 1782 novel Les Liaisons dangereuses, which was also been adapted in the 1988 film Dangerous Liaisons with Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer and Uma Thurman, Cruel Intentions follows step-siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil. Manipulating each other's love lives is their main hobby, a pastime that levels up a few notches when Kathryn places a bet on whether Sebastian can sleep with Annette Hargrove, the headmaster's daughter at their exclusive prep school. The movie-to-theatre production has been unleashing its teen tumult and throwback soundtrack in America since 2015, and will start its Aussie encore from January 2023. Cruel Intentions' writer/director Roger Kumble co-created the musical, so it comes with quite the screen-to-stage pedigree. Also, it's being staged in Australia via David Venn Enterprises, who also brought The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy and Bring It On: The Musical our way. CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE 90S MUSICAL 2023 AUSTRALIAN TOUR: Thursday, January 19–Sunday, January 29, 2023: HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast Thursday, February 2—Sunday, February 12: Riverside Theatre, Parramatta From Thursday, February 16: Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical will tour Australia's east coast again from January 2023. For more information and to join the waitlist for tickets — with Gold Coast and Melbourne shows on-sale from 10am Thursday, October 6 an Sydney from the same time on Tuesday, October 11 — head to the musical's website. Images: Nicole Cleary.
Whether you're a particularly nervous flyer or usually keep it calm and cruisy, no one like turbulence when they're high in the sky. Tell-tale beeps telling you to buckle up your seatbelt and a few bumps and jumps are one thing; feeling like you're on a particularly adventurous rollercoaster is another. Thankfully, Boeing is hoping to solve the latter. The aircraft company can't control the weather, but they can create and implement a laser system that detects oncoming rough patches at a greater range. Called Light Detection and Ranging or LIDAR, the system is expected to "to spot clear-air turbulence more than 60 seconds ahead of the aircraft, or about 17.5 kilometres," Boeing's Stefan Bieniawski, the program's lead investigator, told WIRED. Specifically, it focuses on clear-air turbulence, which is the type that doesn't usually come with any warning signs — that is, it happens in clear not cloudy skies, as its name indicates. For those eager to know just how it works, LIDAR emits pulses of laser light from the nose of the plane, not that anyone watching will be able to see it. The beams then scatter off of small dust and other particulates, reflecting into segments and measuring wind speed along the entire direction of the laser. Software collates the results, with pilots given more time to steer around hazards. Boeing has been working on the system with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency since 2010, and plan to test the remote-sensing technology in 2018. If it works, knocked elbows and spilled in-flight drinks could become a thing of the past — and, if you're one of the lucky folks who can fall sleep during flights, rude awakenings to your slumber as well. Via Boeing / WIRED.
We all love a secret menu — ordering dishes or drinks that most people don't even know exist. They aren't on the website. You won't find them on social media. And there is no sign of these dishes on the menu in the restaurant, either. It's serving IYKYK vibes. And we've cottoned on to a new limited-time set menu that's only available to those who ask for it specifically. Saigon Hustle, West Sydney's modern Vietnamese restaurant and bar, is putting all its best-selling dishes together for those who request the Hot Hustler Summer Set Menu — you won't find this offer on the menu or website. The two-person feast is priced at $60 per person and includes crowd-favourite dishes like the spicy fried corn ribs and the melt-in-your-mouth bone marrow served with XO sauce and garlic crostini. You'll also be treated to a serving of Saigon Hustle's beef tartare, lamb ribs, laksa, edamame beans and its beloved milk tea crème brûlée. Customers who text or email for bookings will need to clearly mention they want the Hot Hustler Summer Set Menu. For this under-the-radar feast, you can't just rock up and order it on the day and you can't take it away either. When texting or calling for a booking, you'll need to clearly mention you want the Hot Hustler Summer Set Menu. And if you head over from 5–7pm, from Wednesday to Sunday, you can also sneak in a few happy hour drinks. During this time, the bar serves up $8 house wines and beers alongside a special $13 cocktail of the week. These bartenders are known for creating all kinds of fun Asian-inspired cocktails, so you best order a few throughout the night. This special set menu (for a minimum of two people) is only available until Thursday, June 1. To book, contact Saigon Hustle and note you'd like the Hot Hustler Summer Set Menu. Alternatively, you can book via OpenTable, making sure to choose the Hot Hustler Summer Set Menu option.
Australia's masters of mash-up return to the stage for their first national tour since 2010 with They Mostly Come at Night … Mostly. Spanning major cities and regional towns, the Yacht Club DJs spring back onto the scene with a spooky bang. Performing their rendition of a low-brow horror film, the DJs want you to expect the grotesque, the kitschy and the downright ridiculous. Zombies and fake blood included, of course. The duo behind Yacht Club DJs, Guy Chappell-Lawrence and Gareth (Gaz) Harrison, are long-time friends; they originally bonded over their shared eclectic musical tastes. Pop, hip-hop, metal, Australian larrikin — you name it, they're into it. Now they've poured and mixed it into some of the most electrifying concoctions, there's no way you'll stay off your feet this night. For the tour, the DJs are joined by their home-town friends, the Hunting Grounds. Beware: the six-member group will only contribute to this twisted, zombie-filled night of debauchery. https://youtube.com/watch?v=wz378CNslwU
Throughout Greater Sydney's ongoing lockdown, mask rules have shifted and evolved several times — but if you're outside of your own house, you've only needed to cover your face in certain circumstances. Come 12.01am on Monday, August 23, that'll change. That's when masks will become compulsory across New South Wales whenever you're outdoors, other than if you're exercising. The new rule will arrive two months into Sydney's stay-at-home conditions and will apply moving forward, with Greater Sydney's lockdown now extended until the end of September. It also comes almost a week after regional NSW was also put under stay-at-home orders, with that lockdown set to continue until at least Saturday, August 28. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the new mask requirement today, Friday, August 20, alongside the lengthier Greater Sydney lockdown and a number of tightened rules for residents of Sydney's 12 Local Government Areas of concern. "Our concern is that when people are walking past a group of people or accidentally bumping into people, that can cause that fleeting contact and transmission," said the Premier. "It also makes it easier for police to make sure everybody is sticking to the rule. Unless you are exercising, masks outdoor applies to every single citizen across NSW, whether you live in Sydney or the bush, everybody has to respect that," she continued. So, masks will be mandatory whenever you are out of your house for any reason other than working out — including working outdoors, at an outdoor market or outdoor shopping strip, and standing in an outdoor queue waiting for a coffee or something to eat, activities that already require face coverings. You'll still obviously need to carry a mask with you at all times whenever you leave the house — even if you are exercising. And, wearing face masks in all indoor settings outside of your own home, and on public transport, is still compulsory. Since mid-July, masks have been required in all common areas in residential buildings, too. The latter covers apartment complex lobbies, foyers, lifts, stairwells, corridors and shared laundries, and applies whether you live there or you're a visitor. In response to the evolving Delta outbreak, NSW will extend the current lockdown in Greater Sydney until the end of September, and introduce new rules targeting the local government areas of concern, where the vast majority of new cases are emerging. pic.twitter.com/KoKwl0GCin — NSW Health (@NSWHealth) August 20, 2021 NSW residents under lockdown are still currently only permitted to leave the house for four specific essential reasons: to work and study if you can't do it from home; for essential shopping; for exercise outdoors in groups of two; and for compassionate reasons, which includes medical treatment, getting a COVID-19 test and getting vaccinated. As it always does, NSW Health has been updating the COVID-19 venues of concern list, and will continue to do so as more places keep being identified. Anyone who has visited these venues during the times specified are required to get tested and self-isolate as per NSW Health's instructions. And, if you have any COVID-19 symptoms in general, you should be getting tested at a clinic, too. Sydneysiders should be looking out for coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste. Masks will become compulsory outdoors in NSW unless you're exercising from 12.01am on Monday, August 23. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website. For more information about the current mask rules, head to the NSW Government website.
Despite what you may think, Sydney SuperNight is three days and nights of action-packed activity from all angles. From Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21, the Sydney SuperNight will see a number of practice, qualifying and support racing sessions take place, culminating in the climax of the feature race when the sun goes down on Saturday evening. This will be round seven of the Repco Supercars Championship so rivalries between the drivers are high, and the atmosphere can get intense. Plus, the fact that some of it is going down at night means you'll be able to see the sparks literally fly — don't be surprised if you get caught up in the theatrics. Plenty of non-track action will be interspersed throughout the weekend, too. There will be events for all ages, merchandise, signings, live entertainment and much more. More information is likely to be released in the coming months, so keep your eyes on the Sydney Supercars channels.
With winter throwing a blanket of chill and darkness over the city, it's getting even harder to sneak in that post-work swim with the beach definitely not on the cards. As everyone surely knows, Australians must go swimming at least once a week or we lose our citizenship, so head down to the Thorpedo's pool to get a few lengths in. The pool is heated snugly, so the only cold you'll worry about is the bit between getting out of the water and getting into a towel. Even then, if that's too much, head to the steam room or the spa to get that core temperature back up to a toasty 37 degrees. Image: Jesse Jaco.
There isn't anything particularly funny about Mondays. From waking up knowing that the weekend is over, to coming home after work and knowing that there are still four more days to go, there aren't many reasons to smile. So that's where the Comedy Lounge comes in. With no more than a crisp ten dollar note, you can find yourself admitted to one of Sydney's premier comedy venues for an evening of chortling. While it's not exactly the star-studded Just For Laughs Gala in Montreal, the Comedy Lounge hosts some of the best up-and-coming comedians in Sydney, as well as those who swing by while on tour. It's a great way to laugh those Monday blues away.
Taking inspiration from events in the past 12 months such as the (mainly UK-based) media scandals and the digital frenzy that surrounded the Kony12 campaign, the 2012 Sydney Writers' Festival will get us all thinking, talking (and maybe even writing) about the shifting boundaries between what’s public and what's private. Featuring profound and relevant discussions on current topics like gay marriage and media in a digital age, the 15th SWF will include writing workshops, readings from prizewinning authors, poets and biographers - as well as politicians, judges and even a CIA interrogator. The Festival will be hosting a few international heavyweights too. Libyan novelist Hisham Matar, who was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize for In the Country of Men, will be opening the Festival. He will be talking about his writing and the harrowing events of his past (his father was kidnapped by Gaddafi’s regime in the ‘90s and is still missing). Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Virgin Suicides, Jeffrey Eugenides, is making first trip down under for the Festival, and Jeanette Winterson, author of Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit, will be here to read from her memoir Why be Happy When You Could Be Normal?. Kick-ass writers from the UK and US, including Heather Brooke, who broke the story about the British parliamentary expenses scandal, and Stella Rimington, former head of MI5, are just two from a long list of influential writers who have tackled topics as wide-reaching as the troubled history of Ireland, Vladimir Putin’s hold over Russia and western capitalism versus China’s booming economy. There’s a kids programme too. Jeff Kinney, the creator of the successful children’s series Diary of a Wimpy Kid, will be speaking at Sydney Opera House among other readings and workshops. Closer to home, Australian expat Kathy Lette will be at the festival talking about raising an autistic child, and Aboriginal writer Anita Heiss and politician Bob Katter will be sharing their views on our nation. The Festival will be taking place from May 14 to 20 across venues such as Sydney Opera House, Walsh Bay, Sydney Town Hall and the Recital Hall. And the best part? More than half of the events are completely free. Some events are ticketed, some are not. Go to www.swf.org.au for details of all the writers attending and how to purchase tickets.
For the second year in a row — and only the second time in the more than three decades that the country's professional Aussie Rules competition has called itself the Australian Football League — the AFL grand final might be hosted outside of Melbourne. AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has announced that the code will shift the biggest game of the 2021 season to Perth's Optus Stadium if the Victorian capital is still under lockdown, or if the Melbourne Cricket Ground is unable to welcome in spectators. In 2020, the AFL made the move to the Brisbane Cricket Ground, aka the Gabba, due to Melbourne's lengthy stint of stay-at-home conditions. Now, a year later, the city is currently under lockdown for the sixth time during the pandemic, which is set to remain in place at this stage until Thursday, September 2. Whether the stay-at-home rules will ease then as planned is yet to be seen, with Victoria's new locally acquired COVID-19 case numbers hovering between 40–71 since Thursday, August 19. And, if lockdown does end before the scheduled grand final date on Saturday, September 25, whether Melbourne's stadiums will be permitted to host crowds under post-lockdown restrictions is similarly unknown. Announcing the news on Wednesday, August 25, AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said that "if we're unable to play at the MCG, the Grand Final will be at Optus Stadium... The capacity available at Optus Stadium is 100 percent and that's pretty compelling to have as many people as we can see the biggest and best sporting event in the country," he continued. Optus Stadium can 60,000 people, and the AFL is expected to make a final decision sometime during the week beginning Monday, August 30. That's the same week that the lockdown not just in Melbourne but also in all of Victoria is currently set to end — and that the city's and state's residents will learn if it's being extended. Perth will host the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final, if the MCG cannot hold the event in front of crowds. — AFL (@AFL) August 25, 2021 In 2020, the AFL also nominated a backup stadium in the event that cases surged in Brisbane. If the game is held in Perth, it's likely either Adelaide Oval or the Gabba could be named as backups. Moving the game to Perth also means that 2020's night grand final won't be repeated due to the time difference between Australia's west and east coasts. McLachlan said that the AFL would be looking at an afternoon or twilight time slot. A Perth grand final won't feature any Western Australian AFL teams, however, with both the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers failing to make the code's finals season. Just like last year, it really shouldn't have taken three decades for a competition that's not only named after the entire country, but that changed its moniker in 1990 to reflect the fact that it was no longer just about Victoria, to host its deciders in other cities. Before 2020, the grand final had actually been played at venues other than the MCG before — but still in Melbourne. The MCG remains contracted to host the grand final for a significant period moving forward, however, with its contact originally running through until 2057, then extended until 2058 as part of the agreement to allow the game to be played at the Gabba in 2020. If the move to Perth happens this year, it wouldn't be surprising if the arrangement with the MCG will be extended again. If you're a Victorian — whether you've been missing the footy over the past month, or you're not fussed about the sport at all — you might be wondering about the usual pre-grand final public holiday. Last year, even with the game being played in Brisbane, the holiday still went ahead. What'll happen this year hasn't been revealed as yet. The 2021 AFL Grand Final will take place on Saturday, September 25 — at the MCG if it is able to host a crowd, or at Optus Stadium in Perth otherwise. A final decision is expected during the week beginning Monday, August 30, and you can read more about the current details on the AFL website. Top image: Optus Stadium, Government of Western Australia.
Illuminating an unjustly overlooked period of Aboriginal activism, Hereby Make Protest at Carriageworks is an exhibition comprising of historical documentation and new work by Indigenous artists Jacob Nash, Karla Dickens and Nicole Foreshew. Prior to the Freedom Ride and the Gurindji Strike, the Aborigines Progressive Association formed in 1924 and is credited with instigating the rise of a civil rights movement in Australia. Paving the way for future revolutionaries, Jack Patten, Fred Maynard, William Cooper and William Ferguson joined forces to protest the lack of basic human rights available to Aboriginal Australians. Various newspaper clippings, letters and meeting minutes draw a long history of protest and struggle. These salvaged documents convey the steady building of a national voice. Bringing this archival material to life, Nash, Dickens and Foreshew have produced large-scale artworks that seem to absorb these documents, seeping under their protective glass to infuse them with a renewed relevance. Blending together Indigenous and colonial objects, Dickens' mixed-media sculptures evoke hierarchy and power struggle. Hanging from heavy hooks, Assimilated Warriors features suit jackets sprouting emu feathers and a number of rusted dog muzzles. With the brutish materials and menacing silhouettes, the work seems to mimic an execution. In this way, Aboriginal cultural identity has been held hostage and denied a voice. Another eye-catching work is Demanding a Voice Is Tiresome, a quilt made of vintage fabrics and stamped with the logos of protest groups. Printed with trees and flowers, these scenes of domestic ease and ignorance are refused by a repeated symbol of defiance. Dickens has disallowed complacency — responsibility is in the home of every Australian. The quiet rhythm of Nicole Foreshew’s single channel videos permeates the space. Has Come from Somewhere depicts a lone figure moving back and forth, accompanied by a hymn by Harold Blair. His balletic gestures are mesmerising as smoke rolls in like fog and slowly dissipates. Like a faded memory, he raises his arms as if conducting an imaginary choir before retreating into darkness. The man's elusiveness is enhanced by the rough texture of the recording. As he smooths his tie, straightens his suspenders and tips his hat, Foreshew compels us to pay attention to every minute movement. A sea of shoes takes up a large amount of floor space; Nash has painted almost 700 pairs with white ochre. It is a protest movement evacuated of human protesters; however, there is an atmosphere of solidarity and collective responsibility. The positioning of the shoes suggests naturalistic postures, evoking the dynamism and spontaneity of a real protest. What also humanises the work is the way it interacts with other works. For example, faced towards Foreshew’s video, it appears as if the absent wearers are standing in quiet reverence, watching and listening. There's a lot crammed into this space. Nevertheless, Hereby Make Protest is just as much a historical reflection as it is a contemporary call for action. By prying open the pages of history, these artists continue to question, reinterpret and, importantly, put forth what is yet to be done.
When Darling Square's new food precinct Steam Mill Lane opened back in April, we were gifted with the likes of Belles' hot chicken, 8bit burgers and green tea-flavoured everything form Matcha-ya. We were also promised a new Tokyo-inspired izakaya — and now, it's finally open and dishing out katsu and cocktails with a good dose of karaoke. Bang Bang will attempt to bring a bit of Tokyo's gritty Shinjuku district to the shiny recently developed laneway with street food and kitschy dive bar vibes. With ex-Nobu Tokyo chef Kokubo Yuji at the helm, the restaurant will offer up Japanese favourites alongside a bar serving whisky, sake and craft beer (including a house brewed lager). The venue mimics a street-side food vendor you might find in Kabukichō, with a roller door entrance, asphalt floor, lanterns and lots of neon signs. If you'd like to take the concept literally, there is also curtained-off seating in the laneway, next to a yatai stall serving up street eats for dine-in or takeaway. Inside, the 85-seat space boasts an intricate layout of rooms, with multiple dining areas and a hidden tatami room adorned with traditional mats and cushioned floor seating. There's also a vending machine filled with Japanese soft drinks and — most notably — a soundproof and neon-lit glass karaoke room. The menu combines elements of authenticity with modern twists. Think wok-tossed spicy edamame, pork gyoza and octopus tempura next to pork katsu brioche sliders and a 'mega tonkatsu'. There's also a full raw bar with the likes of aburi kingfish carpaccio and wagyu beef tataki separated from your usual sushi and sashimi offerings. Plus, on the udon menu sits a teriyaki salmon version next to a non-traditional carbonara one. For the purists, there's plenty of donburi, curries and omelettes to keep you busy. At the bar, citrus-infused shochu cocktails sit next to whisky and piña colada highballs, all inspired by the alleyway drinking culture of Tokyo. If you come in a group, you can also nab extra-large one-litre cocktails for sharing — served in a butler pump, of course. Bang Bang is now open daily from 11.30am till 10.30pm at 14 Steam Mill Lane, Darling Square. Images: Steven Woodburn.
Sydney's second extended lockdown has hit the city's hospitality scene hard, with venues forced to close their doors and rely entirely on takeaway and delivery trade for at least two weeks. That's seen a drop in income for a huge number of employees across the state, as the hours and shifts used to pay for essential bills are cut. While Sydney residents can apply for one-off Government assistance, it's a tough time for casual workers. Thankfully, some industry legends are coming to the rescue, lending a helping hand in the form of a few much-needed free feeds, no questions asked. Inner west pub The Oxford Tavern is offering a free meal to anyone who's lost work due to the lockdown. "Casual workers are the backbone of the hospitality industry, and are the first to be forgotten when restrictions intensify," it posted to Instagram. Similarly, The Oxford Tavern team's other inner west pub The Duke of Enmore is offering hospo workers that have lost shifts a free flatbread off its new menu and one of its signature pickleback shots. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Duke Of Enmore (@thedukeofenmore) Over in Darlinghurst, you can head into craft beer-haven The Taphouse and request a 'hospo meal' if you've been impacted by the lockdown, no questions asked. The pub's offering a free chicken schnitzel or a vegetarian pasta puttanesca as well as a shot of bourbon to commiserate the tough times. Darlinghurst residents who have been fortunate enough to keep employment can also be treated to The Taphouse's hearty meals as it's launched complimentary delivery on its entire menu for anyone within one kilometre of the venue, including its famed roast on Sundays. "We know what a hard time it is for our community and hospo workers are especially vulnerable right now. We wanted to give back to our local community, and recognise how invaluable hospo workers are to our industry," said Joshua Thorpe, Owner of The Taphouse said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Taphouse (@taphousedarlo) Chippendale's Sneaky Possum is still serving up its burgers and toasties for pickup or delivery, plus if you swing by you can grab beers and cocktails for the full at-home experience. It's also offering anyone who's lost work free meals to help them through this time. If you're doing it tough at the moment you can drop in for a chicken burger or a brekkie bowl on the house. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sneaky Possum (@sneakypossumbar) On Monday, July 5, anyone with an RSA can drop into Door Knock in the Sydney CBD for some lockdown care. The Pitt Street bar will be open from 1pm–5pm on Monday to supply care packages to hospitality workers. Or, venture across a couple blocks to Burrow Bar's new location on Clarence Street. The underground cocktail bar has a full takeaway menu on offer as well as delivery options for anyone in the CBD. Anyone struggling during the lockdown can hit up the bar for support in the form of a full belly. The bar has been collecting donations from other venues around the CBD and putting together care packages filled with meals, fruit and a couple of drinks with plans to distribute them a couple of days a week throughout the lockdown and for a couple weeks after as things slowly go back towards relative normality. If you're struggling for food during this time all you need to do is DM Burrow Bar on Facebook or Instagram, or email mitch@burrowbar.com.au. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Burrow Bar 🥃 (@burrow_bar) Continental Deli is also still operating out of both its Newtown and CBD digs, offering next-level deli treats and its signature tinned cocktails. All this weekend, from Friday, July 2 until Sunday, July 4, both stores will be offering discounted hospo meals. Anyone with an RSA can come in and present their card for one of Continental's deli meat-packed rolls and a three pack of Aperol spritzes for just $10. The deal is available each day until sold out. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Continental Deli Bar Bistro (@continentaldeli) Sydney's current restrictions are set to run until Friday, July 9. For a full list of restrictions and exposure sites, visit NSW Health.
Flying interstate can be frustrating at the best of times — especially during peak periods — but there could be major cancellations and delays ahead as some Jetstar employees prepare for a strike. Both the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) and the Transport Workers' Union (TWU) have voted to proceed with industrial action — with 94 percent of members of the latter in favour of the strike — in response to ongoing failed negotiations with the airline. If you've got flights booked over Christmas, you may face a delay or two. If it goes ahead, the strike could see pilots, as well as 250 Jetstar baggage handlers and ground crew, taking industrial action. There's no word yet on what exactly this action would be or when this would happen, though the TWU has said that it'd likely take place over "the coming weeks and months" — i.e., the busy festive season. It's likely to cause delays to multiple air services across Sydney, Melbourne, Avalon, Brisbane, Cairns and Adelaide airports. https://twitter.com/TWUAus/status/1202747636492582913 The TWU is at loggerheads with Jetstar after failed negotiations with the airline that sought to secure a number of demands for employees – like more rest breaks, annual wage increases of four percent and a guaranteed 30 hours of work a week. TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said that "disappointingly, Jetstar have rejected the vast majority of the workers' demands outright". Jetstar, however, says the impact of the TWU action is likely to be "minimal" as it would involve "less than half" of its regular ground staff. In a statement released today, Jetstar's Group CEO Gareth Evans said that the company has offered a three percent annual wage increase to the union. Perhaps more disruptive will be the AFAP strike, which could leave planes without anyone to actually fly them. Evans has said that Jetstar will "do everything [it] can" to minimise disruptions to passengers — but noting that "customers may face delays and cancelled flights if the union choose to take industrial action". Of course, this news doesn't mean that the strikes will necessarily happen — if the unions are able to reach an agreement with Jetstar in the meantime, it could be called off. No dates have been set yet, be'll let you know as soon as there is.
Take one secret Sydney location and one celebrated Perrier mixologist, and what do you have? Concrete Playground’s first covert cocktail, that’s what, brought to you from one of Sydney’s best kept hideaways: Wendy’s Secret Garden. Tomas Vikario is a beverage innovation manager and top mixologist from Croatia. He divides his time between New Zealand and Australia, working on new cocktail ideas for brands like Perrier. “The source was discovered a long time ago by the Romans,” Tomas tells us, “and today, it’s an iconic brand found in many of the world’s best bars and restaurants. Perrier, is great for mixology, because of the long-lasting bubbles. It’s 100% natural, from volcanic soil.” The mixologist, who is a little like the Adriano Zumbo of cocktail making, has been creating innovative drinks for 18 years in Europe and Australasia. He loves to travel, and says that he likes to take inspiration from the places he visits and convert the aromas and flavours from a place into a drink. For the first in a series of new cocktail recipes for Concrete Playground, Tomas is making a ‘Perrier Tea Break’ in the luscious surround of Wendy’s Secret Garden, Lavender Bay (here's a map). A formerly derelict space, owned by NSW Rail Corp, the public space was restored by Australian artist Wendy Whiteley, widow and former muse of the Archibald Prize-winning painter Brett Whiteley. Wendy removed old train carriages and dumped waste, creating a truly hidden spot that anyone can visit, at any time. After heading down the secluded path into the gardens, Tomas found a spot in the sun, overlooking Sydney Harbour, to show us how to make a ‘Perrier Tea Break’. “It’s like a garden,” he says, “oranges, apples and lemon... It’s easy to make and it’s romantic. I can imagine two people escaping to this garden, hiding away, and enjoying something like this. It’s very refreshing; perfect for a hot day.” In his picnic basket: 1 orange1 lemonOrange blossom water, or essential orange oil330ml bottle of Perrier water (chilled)Apple flavoured vodka (optional) Step 1 First, peel approximately 4cm of the zest of an orange. Using a knife, score the zest length-ways, then twist and squeeze over a glass or cup to release the fruit’s oils and aroma. (To look like a true pro, swirl the zest along the rim of the glass before popping it in the bottom of the cup). Step 2 Peel and score the zest of a lemon. Twist and squeeze the lemon zest, as with the orange in step one, to release the fruit’s oils and aroma. Place the lemon zest in a teapot or glass container. Step 3 Add two drops of orange blossom water, or essential orange oil, in to the teapot. If you don't have a nifty measuring pipette like Tomas, one or two teaspoons will work just as well. Step 4 Add one 330ml bottle of Perrier water and stir. For the best results, ensure the Perrier is chilled. (Perfect! No need to pack the ice). Step 5 (optional) To take this refreshing mocktail to a cocktail, simply add 60ml of flavoured vodka. Tomas uses Smirnoff’s apple vodka to create a his Perrier Tea Break, but he also recommends Belvedere orange or lemon flavoured vodkas. Enjoy! Finally, kick back and enjoy this refreshing, clean and fruity drink with sweet treats and sunshine. A glorious garden picnic!
The end of winter is finally within sight, but that doesn't mean the weather isn't still ripe for a comforting midweek feast. With this in mind, much-loved bakery Fabbrica Bread Shop is indulging your carb-loaded dreams, hosting a brand-new weekly Lasagna Night across three locations every Wednesday throughout August. Perfect for those chilly evenings where the last thing you want to do is cook, pasta lovers are invited to pre-order a selection of house-made lasagne, salads and sides from Fabbrica locations in Rozelle, Coogee and Sydney CBD. With the team taking care of all the prep, just collect your food before heading home to enjoy. The menu is teeming with Italian delights, with the classic lasagne — layered with Fabbrica's signature pasta sheets and slow-cooked beef ragù — an obvious choice. Meanwhile, the 'nduja alla vodka lasagne with a spicy, vodka-infused tomato sauce, or a veggie spinach and ricotta lasagne with house-made cacio e pepe sauce, makes an easygoing Wednesday night just a little special. With each lasagna available in serving sizes for two or four people, letting the crew at Fabbrica take care of your dinner plans is a wise decision, whether you're catering for the family or putting together a stress-free date night. Of course, there are sides to elevate your feast further, with sourdough garlic bread and two salads — a zesty mixed leaf option and a hearty chickpea and feta number — ensuring your home feast leaves you zonked on the couch. Did we mention there's tiramisu, too? Yet this feast isn't just aimed at home-diners. Fabbrica Bread Shop in Rozelle is welcoming walk-ins from 4–6.45pm, giving guests the chance to relish an early feast and make it home with time to spare before bed. Just know, if you're planning to pre-order, the cut-off time for each Wednesday night session is 11.55pm on the Monday prior, with collection time slots available at the three locations from 4pm–6.45pm on Wednesday afternoons. Founded in the CBD by the brains behind spots like Ragazzi and Love, Tilly Divine in 2020, Fabbrica's blue-and-white hue has spread across Sydney. With pasta bars rolled out in Newtown, Darlinghurst and Chatswood, the Fabbrica Bread Shop offshoot has also made waves, with Rozelle and Coogee stores brimming with classic and inventive baked goods. Swing by to pick up your lasagne, and don't forget to say ciao. Fabbrica Bread Shop's Lasagne Night is on every Wednesday throughout August. Pre-orders must be placed the Monday prior by 11.55pm, while the Rozelle location is open for walk-ins on Wednesdays from 4–6.45pm. Head to the website for more information.
Hosting pre-drinks can be a lot of pressure. The playlist has got to be on point and create the right vibe. The snacks need to be that perfect mix between 'line your stomach' and 'small enough to eat with one hand while straightening hair'. And the drinks have to be knockouts because they're kind of like the marker for the night ahead; pick a great drink, you're in for an even greater night. And you can't go past prosecco; The dramatic 'pop' will immediately liven up the crowd, and the versatile Italian bubbly can be enjoyed on its own or heroed in a bunch of tasty cocktails. (And no, not just in a spritz.) To make sure you serve up some real humdingers, we've partnered with the prosecco masters at Dal Zotto Wines and crafted five prosecco cocktail recipes to try before your next night out. Bottoms up, bubble lovers. PASSION PIT Let this be our little secret... This cocktail is like a fancy, adults-only version of Passiona. It tastes just like an Aussie summer (read: pavlova and bubbly). — 70g castor sugar — 70ml lemon juice — 70ml triple sec — pulp from 4 passionfruits — 1 bottle of Dal Zotto prosecco, chilled (serves four to six) Mix together the lemon juice and sugar, dissolving it as best you can. Next add the triple sec and passionfruit pulp. Pour the mixture over a couple of ice-filled glasses, then top up with chilled prosecco. Garnish with passionfruit, mint and pineapple. You'll be feeling higher and higher in no time. EL LOCO Forget frozen margaritas — it's all about sparkling margaritas, amigos. This fizzy twist on the classic will send your mates loco in all the right ways. Cocktail: — 90ml blanco tequila — 90ml triple sec — 120ml chilled simple syrup (recipe below) — 240ml lime juice — 1 bottle of Dal Zotto prosecco, chilled — coarse salt — lime wedges Simple syrup: — 250 ml water — 250 ml castor sugar (serves six to eight) First, you need to make the simple syrup which is, well, super simple to make. Grab a medium saucepan and over medium-high heat stir together the sugar and water until all the granules have dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature and then chill in the fridge. Next, add the tequila, chilled simple syrup, triple sec and lime juice into a cocktail shaker along with a good handful of ice, then give it a good shake. Grab your tumblers — or margarita glasses, if you've got 'em — and run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass before dipping them into a small plate of course salt. Add a handful of ice to each glass and divide the tequila mixture among the glasses. Finally, top with a wedge of lime and a splash of prosecco for that all-important fizz. PRINCESS PEACH Just like everybody's favourite crown-wearing Mario Kart character, this tipple is sweet yet punchy and will always score first place. — 2 ripe peaches, seeded and diced — 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice — 1 teaspoon sugar — 1 bottle of Dal Zotto prosecco, chilled (serves six) Chuck the peaches, lemon juice and sugar into your trusty food processor, and blend until smooth. Pass the mixture through a sieve and get rid of all the chunky peach bits. Place 2 tablespoons of the puree into each champagne glass and top with well-chilled prosecco. Yeah, Peach has got it! LEMON DROP This cocktail is a riff on those zingy, sherbert-filled lollies you probably ate as a kid. And it's got two Italian heavy-hitters, limoncello and prosecco, so you know it's going to be good. — 1 bottle of Dal Zotto prosecco, chilled — 250ml limoncello, chilled — blueberries — thyme — lemon slices (serves four) Pour the prosecco and limoncello into a jug and stir together. Next, press your lemon slices into the bottom of a large highball glass (a hurricane or sling will work equally well), top with ice and fill with the prosecco mixture. For added pizzazz, garnish with thyme and blueberries. PURPLE RAIN Just like Prince, this tipple is kinda strange but, also, utter genius. If it were to change its name to a symbol it would be an exclamation mark, because it's that delicious. Cocktail: — 1/4 cup blackberries — 90ml blackberry syrup (recipe below) — juice from one lime — mint — 120ml light rum — 1 bottle of Dal Zotto prosecco, chilled Blackberry syrup: — 2 tablespoons water — 1 cup blackberries — 1/3 cup granulated sugar (serves two) First, you'll need to whip up the blackberry syrup. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, mash together the sugar, blackberries and water. Once the mixture is thick and the sugar dissolved, pass it through a fine mesh strainer and let it chill. Add the blackberry syrup, blackberries, lime and a handful of mint to a cocktail shaker and muddle well. Next, chuck in the rum and a few ice cubes and shake it like you mean it. Strain the mixture into martini glasses and top with chilled prosecco and fresh blueberries or blackberries. Then, get ready to party like it's 1999. Keen for more fizz? Visit Dal Zotto for a glass of bubbly perfection. And once you're there, share your first Dal Zotto drink experience to Instagram and hashtag #FirstDZ to go in the running to win a year's worth of Dal Zotto prosecco and many more weekly prizes.
Come Friday, May 5, 2023's Archibald Prize winner will be unveiled. Whoever emerges victorious, the award's just-announced finalists have already made history. This is Australia's most prestigious portrait prize, is now in its 102nd year and hands out $100,000 to its annual winner. And, it took until this year for more women than men to be make the final list of contenders. In total, 949 entries were received, with 57 artists named as finalists. They include 30 by women and 27 by men. One such piece: Packing Room Prize recipient Clown Jewels, a portrait of New Zealand-born comedian Cal Wilson painted by Perth-born, Cairns-based artist Andrea Huelin — who picked up the gong with her first Archibald Prize entry. [caption id="attachment_898390" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Packing Room Prize 2023 winner, Andrea Huelin 'Clown jewels', oil on board, 120.2 x 120.1 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter. Sitter: Cal Wilson.[/caption] The Packing Room Prize is picked by three members of the Art Gallery of New South Wales' packing room team, hence the name: Timothy Dale, Monica Rudhar and Alexis Wildman in 2023. "Andrea's work jumped out at us as soon as it arrived. The bright colours really popped, and we immediately recognised Cal as a familiar face," said Wildman. "Cal's been such a mainstay on Australian television for two decades. We love the interesting pose and unique headwear and, in the tradition of the Packing Room Prize, Andrea's painting looks like Cal! This is a great, joyful portrait of someone who has brought so much laughter to Australia." [caption id="attachment_898395" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Packing Room Prize 2023 winner Andrea Huelin 'Clown jewels', featured with prize judges (left to right) Tim Dale, Monica Rudhar and Alexis Wildman, at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Diana Panuccio.[/caption] "Being a finalist is everything I could have hoped for. Winning the Packing Room Prize is simply gobsmacking," advised Huelin. "I was inspired to paint Cal because her Instagram posts modelling her brilliant homemade headpieces on her makeshift stage made me laugh out loud. Her poses reminded me of my sister and me making ourselves laugh by pulling funny faces in the mirror as kids and I could tell we share a similar sense of humour. I posted a congratulatory comment and Cal wrote back and admired my paintings, so I asked if she'd sit for a portrait." "Cal brought her creativity and imagination to the sitting, as well as a suitcase full of headpieces and outfits. Because I'm a still life painter, I thought the headpieces were a great way for me to incorporate a still life element into the portrait. The formal portrait mocks the 19th-century style in which women were once painted, while capturing her cheeky expression and sparkly headpiece, which is actually just arts and crafts," Huelin continued. [caption id="attachment_898394" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2023 finalist, Matt Adnate 'Echoes of a teenage superstar', spray paint and acrylic on linen, 198 x 198 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter. Sitter: Daniel Johns.[/caption] Alongside Clown Jewels, 2023's finalists include portraits of plenty of famous faces, Claudia Karvan, Sam Neill, Archie Roach, Noni Hazlehurst and Daniel Johns included. The latter comes courtesy of muralist Matt Adnate, and also marks his first Archibald entry. If you'd like to see all of the above, and the rest of 2023's finalists, they'll all be on display at the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney from Saturday, May 6–Sunday, September 3. And, they'll have company from works shortlisted for the venue's similarly coveted Wynne and Sulman prizes. The Wynne received 726 entries, with 41 named as finalists, while the Sulman received 673 entries, naming 45 as final contenders. [caption id="attachment_898396" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2023 finalist, Anh Do 'Seeing Ruby', oil on linen, 240.4 x 200.3 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter. Sitter: Archie Roach.[/caption] In total, 2348 works tried their luck across the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes, making this year's pool the second largest ever, beaten only by 2020's. And, 2023 notched up another history-making stat: the highest-ever total number of entries by Aboriginal artists across the three prizes. Speculation about who will be awarded the coveted Archibald Prize — and, more often than not, the Archibald winner itself — usually causes much-heated debate. From 2018's five-time Archibald finalist Yvette Coppersmith's first win to Tony Costa's 2019 victory with his painting of fellow artist Lindy Lee — the first portrait of an Asian Australian to pick up the prize — it's hard a prize to pick. All that's really assured is that it'll be a portrait of a person by an Australian-based artist. [caption id="attachment_898397" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2023 finalist, Laura Jones 'Claudia (the GOAT)', oil and acrylic on canvas, 198.2 x 152.6 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter. Sitter: Claudia Karvan.[/caption] In 2020, Vincent Namatjira's portrait of Adam Goodes did the honours, and also marked the first time the award has gone to an Indigenous artist. In 2021, Peter Wegner's portrait of fellow artist Guy Warren nabbed the gong. And in 2022, it was Blak Douglas' portrait of artist Karla Dickens in the Lismore floods that came out on top. Whoever earns the nod for 2023's Archibald, there's still another award up for grabs afterwards. If you don't agree with the judges, you can cast your own vote for People's Choice, which will be announced on Wednesday, August 9. [caption id="attachment_898398" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2023 finalist, James Powditch 'Sam I Am', acrylic on paper and board, 200 x 240 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter. Sitter: Sam Neill.[/caption] ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2023 DATES: Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, NSW — May 6–September 3, 2023 Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, Victoria — September 15–November 5, 2023 South East Centre for Contemporary Art, Bega, NSW — November 18, 2023—January 7, 2024 Goulburn Regional Art Gallery, NSW — January 19–March 10, 2024 Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, NSW — March 15–April 28, 2024 Tamworth Regional Gallery, NSW — May 11–June 23, 2024 Glasshouse Port Macquarie, NSW — July 5–August 18, 2024 If you can't make it to any of the above dates, you can check out the award winners and finalists of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes on the Art Gallery of NSW website. Top image: Excerpt of Packing Room Prize 2023 winner, Andrea Huelin 'Clown jewels', oil on board, 120.2 x 120.1 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter. Sitter: Cal Wilson.
Last time you spent a couple of days hanging out in Surfers Paradise, enjoying the beach and bars, and listening to live tunes by the shore, you might've been attending Schoolies. Your next excuse: Springtime, the brand new music fest that's heading to the Gold Coast this year. Obviously, thanks to the name, you know which season will be in bloom. Between Friday, September 3–Sunday, September 5, the new event will take over both beachside and streetside spaces around Surfers, with over 40 acts on the bill. There'll be multiple stages, including in outside spots and at sideshow venues. And, in fantastic news for your wallet, entry to all of the outdoor shows is completely free. If you're planning to make a weekend of it, the lack of entry fee means you'll have more cash to splash on a hotel room. With Australia's tourism industry taking a hit over the past year or so, enticing music lovers to the Goldie for a three-day getaway is obviously one of the fest's aims. Some sideshows might be ticketed, though — the details haven't been announced yet, but you might want to factor that into your plans. As for who you'll be seeing, headliners include Ball Park Music on the Friday, Hermitude and Sneaky Sound System on Saturday, and Ruel on Sunday. The Gold Coast Music Awards will be part of the fest as well — as will celebrating spring's arrival just by soaking in the location, obviously. [caption id="attachment_815054" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Derek Henderson[/caption] SPRINGTIME MUSIC FESTIVAL 2021 LINEUP: FRIDAY: Ball Park Music Psychedelic Porn Crumpets Ali Barter Radolescent Vices SATURDAY: Hermitude Sneaky Sound System Gold Coast Music Awards JK-47 Ninajiraci Mia Rodriguez Ebony Boadu Mollie Rose Garrett Kato Lili Papas Daste Gratis Minds Akurei Jake Carmody Strex Happy Hour Live with Lucy & Nikki SUNDAY: Ruel Sycco May-A Budjerah Ivey Peach Fur DVNA Saint Lane Pink Matter Kye Pure Milk Tom West Chutney Sh#t Shirt Disco Nina Sinclair Veople Springtime Music Festival will take place across the weekend of Friday, September 3–Sunday, September 5. For further information — and to RSVP — head to the festival website.
