When Robert De Niro asked his reflection who it was talking to, Joe Pesci questioned whether he was funny, and Leonardo DiCaprio crawled along the ground under the influence of Quaaludes, one man was responsible. Over a career spanning almost six decades, Martin Scorsese has brought tales of taxi drivers, goodfellas and wolf-like stockbrokers to the screen — and now an exhibition dedicated to his work is coming to Australia. From May 26 to September 18, the Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) will pay tribute to one of America's most iconic directors, exploring everything from his early experimental beginnings to the award-winning films that have shaped many a movie buff. If you're already a fan, you'll be in Scorsese heaven. If you've somehow resisted the charms of (or completely missed) the likes of Raging Bull, The Departed and Hugo — or his concert flicks such as The Last Waltz and Shine a Light, or even Boardwalk Empire and Vinyl on TV — then prepare to have your eyes opened. [caption id="attachment_561113" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Exhibition section "New York". Photo: Deutsche Kinemathek / M. Stefanowski, 2013.[/caption] In its only Australian stop after wowing Berlin, Ghent, Turin and Paris, SCORSESE will present a collection of more than 600 objects spanning the filmmaker's entire cinema resume, as curated by the Deutsche Kinemathek, Berlin's Museum of Film and Television. Expect storyboards, hand-annotated film scripts, unpublished production stills, costumes, film clips and more, all drawn from the private collections of De Niro, Taxi Driver writer Paul Schrader, and Scorsese himself. No ACMI exhibition would be complete without a bustling lineup of screenings, talks and other events, so expect plenty of those as well. The complete program is yet to be announced, but we'd advise blocking out a few days to delve into the influence and impact of the guy who hasn't only mastered movies, but directed the music video for Michael Jackson's 'Bad' too. SCORSESE will run from May 26 to September 18 at ACMI in Melbourne. For more information, visit the ACMI website. Top image: Ray Liotta, Robert DeNiro, Paul Sorvino, Martin Scorsese, Joe Pesci in GOODFELLAS, USA (1990). Source: Sikelia Productions, New York.
With two decades of experience under his tool belt and a portfolio of clients from the Australian Ballet to Paddington restaurant Saint Peter, florist Sean Cook is at the top of the floristry game in Sydney. His work is often focused on large-scale events, such as weddings, fashion shoots and corporate luncheons — and Cook can certainly impress with a suspended garland of vibrant pinks and purples. Sourcing flowers from preferred growers at the markets in Flemington, Mr Cook works with a team of professionals to pull off epic showcases of floral design. He says his style is raw, rather than prim, and you can gauge more of the jaw-dropping table arrangements on his Instagram page. Though rare, Mr Cook does create flowers for delivery, too; for Mother's Day this year, Cook collaborated with Pepe Saya and Crumpets by Merna to create beautiful bouquets to deliver alongside the cultured butter and fermented sourdough crumpets.
One great thing about street art and public art is the way they make you see your surroundings in a different way, and draw your attention to spaces you might not have noticed otherwise. French artist Julien Coquentin has captured this in Please Draw Me a Wall, a photo series that playfully blends fantasy with reality. The photos include things like a man with a fishing rod in front of a wall of painted fish, or a little girl in a red coat staring at what appears to be a wolf. Coquentin hasn't revealed the location of the images, but Paris would probably be the most likely — the city is known for its vibrant street art scene and Coquentin is currently living in France. See more of Coquentin's images on his website or on his Behance page. Via Flavorwire
Back in the day Pearl Jam provided many a teenage angsty anthem, but time has mellowed front man Eddie Vedder. In the past few years, Vedder has struck out with some striking solo tunes, including the sublime soundtrack from Into the Wild as well as one of the tracks (and thus one of the few saving graces) from Eat, Pray, Love. Packing his iconic raspy tones and an acoustic guitar, Vedder is en route Sydney’s State Theatre for three nights of pared back music. For Pearl Jam diehards, the gilded stage and cushy red seats may prove too discombobulating, but Vedder’s voice is sure to lure you back into the heady days of your misspent youth.
Amid an ongoing legal battle, Australia's answer to a certain cult American burger chain Down N' Out has put out a call for suggestions for a new name, after Federal Court Justice Anna Katzmann ruled Hashtag Burgers (the team behind Down N' Out) "sailed too close to the wind" when it came to appropriating the name, menu and design of the California-based In-N-Out. Down N' Out declared on Facebook that there was "nothing left to do except eat away our feelings", while sharing its latest weekly special — that surely no one could fit their mouth around — filled with double meat, triple cheese and beer-battered onion rings. The post asks for ideas on what the next iteration of the business should be called, saying the person behind the winning suggestion could "win free burgs for life". [embed]https://www.facebook.com/downnoutofficial/photos/a.1207446045955152/3095562290476842/?type=3&theater[/embed] Co-owner Ben Kagan told Concrete Playground that he and business partner Andrew "Archie" Saliba, "opened Down N' Out in 2016 with no hospitality background and very little experience". "We have always done our own thing and we are disappointed with the outcome," Kagan continued. "However we know that our fans will continue to support us regardless of what our name is. We may be down at the moment but we sure as sh#t aren't out." Since popping up at the Sir John Young Hotel on Liverpool Street in 2016, Down N' Out has spawned its own CBD restaurant and outposts in Ryde, Castle Hill and Crows Nest. The case between In-N-Out and Hashtag Burgers is set to continue in court next month, so we'll keep you updated as we learn more. You can suggest a new name for the burger shop on the Down N' Out Sydney Facebook page, and read Federal Court Justice Anna Katzmann's full ruling over here.
Paula Scher has been painting maps since the 1990s. Using vibrant colours and stunning detail, some of these paintings have grown to stand at over 12 feet tall. 39 of her works of art have now been collected in her new book, aptly titled MAPS. The paintings actually house a remarkable amount of substantial information. In one painting, named 'International Air Routes', she has included flight paths and names of different airlines, while 'World Trade' has international currencies and trade routes. All of this information is crammed into an array of colours and geographical lines, which really have to be seen to be believed. Importantly, her book features close-up shots so the reader can truly appreciate every intricacy. Scher says "I began painting maps to invent my own complicated narrative about the way I see and feel about the world. I wanted to list what I know about the world from memory, from impressions, from media, and from general information overload. These are paintings of distortions.” In her book you will find maps of everywhere from China to New York City. Not only visually stimulating, Scher's pieces offer an individual distortion of the world and strong commentary about our society and often chaotic lifestyles. [via Cool Hunting]
Arisun's CBD eatery has long been a late-night favourite for big, rowdy groups sharing their signature beer towers and Korean fried chicken sets. In 2018, it expanded to Cabramatta. It may not stay open as late, but it offers the same extensive menu. You'd be remiss to overlook the fried favourite, which is really perfected by the house-made sauces on offer — including spicy garlic, shallots and wasabi, sweet, sour and spicy options. Choose from boneless or bone in (all $32) and make sure to keep the beer flowing. There's just something special about tucking into a big bowl of fried chicken with a cold beer, and Arisun has perfected this.
To celebrate its tenth year, Chippendale's White Rabbit Gallery is hosting a massive four-month exhibition. Dubbed Then, the show is a deep dive into the gallery's past, showcasing important pieces that have graced White Rabbit's halls and walls. Launching on Wednesday, September 11 and running until January 2020, it'll will showcase more than 60 never-seen-before works alongside retrospective pieces. Standouts span Wang Zhiyuan's Object of Desire, which comments on the commodification of love by pairing a giant pair of pink fibreglass underpants with flashing lights and a soundtrack of 1930s Shanghai songs; as well as Chen Wenling's similarly satirical observation on China's emerging wealthy class, this time in the form of a porcine red car with an 11-metre gold tongue. You'll also find Jiao Xingtao's commentary-laden sculptures, plus Bu Hua's cigarette-smoking schoolgirl, Bingyi's Six Accounts of a Floating Life and Jin Nv's installation of starched children's clothing. There'll also be a theatrette program of Chinese video art. Images: Chen Yanyin. 1949 Young Pioneers of Communist China. 2010. bronze, paint. / White Rabbit Gallery.
Tara Marynowsky’s faint, whispering watercolors appear to float within the canvas like nebulous snapshots of REM-state imaginings, their pale delicacy unencumbered by the volumes of idea, history and myth of which they speak. With a gentle hand and a playful touch, Marynowsky explores the sinister, surreal, spiritual and supernatural realm of magic and mythology. Based on her mothers collection of Man, Myth and Magic encyclopedia magazines (c.1970), Gods and Monsters, Marynowskys first solo exhibition, depicts both specific and loose interpretations of characters from Slavic folklore, like Baba Yaga — a witch-like figure who makes cuisine of small children. What is unique in Marynowsky’s work is the subtle way she imbues her almost translucent images with these larger themes, so it’s only after a sustained gaze that the layers begin to peel away and a rich, fantastical dimension reveals itself. In contrast, Linda Ngitjanka Napurrula presents a selection of large scale, vibrant and earthy depictions of the landscape and flora of her home country, Alkipi, in Northern Territory, Australia. Bold and striking, Napurrula’s work tells a story of the land with reverence to its raw beauty and simplicity. Dots, shapes and sprays of colour represent the artists detailed observations of nature, such as the way moisture gathers in cracks after it rains and varieties of ‘bush tucker’ native to the region. Astoundingly, Napurrula works with only six percent vision, navigating the canvas with intuition and her “natural sense of colour and design.” Napurrula and Marynowsky's work is shown side by side at the Chalk Horse Gallery. Image by Linda Ngitjanka Napurrula.
Sydney Long’s iconic painting Pan has become so much a part of popular Australian culture that it’s hard to imagine the work being responded to as radical. Long’s contemporaries were the Heidelberg School, painters who took to the fields and sat on hills, like the cliffs at Coogee, painting landscapes en plein air. Celebrated artists like Tom Roberts and Arthur Streeton were invested in creating realistic representations of the Australian bush, capturing its unique light. Along comes Long; tendrilous trees drip into form while a reed-pipe toting satyr plays to his coterie of nymphs. This stylised, decorative form, which has been linked to Art Noveau and Impressionism, not only revolutionised Australian landscape painting, but earned Long his place in public collections such as the AGNSW. Pan hangs in this exhibition alongside other examples of Long’s work, such as By tranquil waters and Spirit of the plains, providing a rounded representation of the artist’s development as a landscape painter.Image: Pan (1898); oil on canvas; 107.5x178.8cm; AGNSW collection.
Bell Shakespeare’s latest production of Henry V could well be renamed 'Once More Unto the Beaches'. Well, that would be silly, but in Damien Ryan’s production, set in an underground bomb shelter during the London Blitz in 1941, you can almost hear Churchill’s famous 'We Shall Fight Them on the Beaches' speech echoing through the space as Michael Sheasby delivers the famous 'Once more unto the breach' monologue. Ryan’s production has been touring the country since last June, and this talented ensemble has the high-energy, intricate choreography of the piece down pat. The World War II setting was inspired by a true story that Ryan came across of a Vicar who set up a makeshift theatre in a bunker during the air raids. Ryan places Henry V as a play within a play acted out by a group of students, led by the gregarious Vicar (Keith Agius), in the style of Dead Poets Society. They leap on tables, don newspaper crowns, grip swords fashioned from rulers, upturn bookcases to form ramparts and generally have a ripsnorter of a time. The ensemble seems to be genuinely under Agius’s spell, as he leads them masterfully through the setup of Richard II and Henry IV and then into the play proper. Designer Anna Gardiner has moulded the Opera House Playhouse stage into a cocoon of shelter against the bombs, with exposed pipes and a thin line of shattered windows near the ceiling. A blackboard at the back wall is used to explain the denser details of history and three bookshelves divested of their books transform into beds, tables and mountains. It’s an original premise and an interesting one that asks a lot of concentration of the audience. When you learn about Shakespeare in high school, someone invariably tries to convince you that really this dense language is comprehensible; you just need to grasp the rhythm. And they’d be right. But in this production the flow of the play is interrupted so often with Brechtian interludes that it’s more like a jaunty jig through history than a gripping narrative. The fast-paced jostling between explanation and action left me more dazed than enlightened. The cost of the riotousness is that when someone dies, it’s hard to know who they are, let alone how to feel about them. The production’s most interesting motif is the loss of innocence, in the arrival of a wounded German soldier played by Darcy Brown. He sits silently with blood running down his bandaged face at the back of the room as chaos reigns around him. This specter of death in the second half offers the stillness that the production is aching for. Indeed, Brown’s focus and presence is remarkable throughout. The cast is adept and captivating, and have achieved something remarkable in fitting two plays into less than three hours. Make sure you have your faculties about you before stepping into this breach.
Sydney nightlife has been a little less fun since the passing of Adrian Thomas, better known as DJ Ajax. Founding the Bang Gang DJs collective in the '00s, Ajax took out the title of Australia's No.1 DJ in 2006 and 2007 by inthemix, and ranked in the top five each year from 2005 until 2009. To celebrate his life, the remaining Bang Gang members — including DJ Damage, Dangerous Dan, Jaime Doom, Double Nolan and Gus Da Hoodrat — will come together to throw a party like they used to on Saturday, February 22, one year after his death. "Return to Club 77 for the annual celebration of the one and only true dance legend Ajax," reads a poster for the night. "Come and help us evoke his spirit and rediscover yourself in space full of light, sound and dance." Club 77 has been Bang Gang's home turf since moving their weekly parties from Moulin Rouge, and the tribute night (conveniently held two nights before the NSW Government's new licensing laws are enforced) is bound to make Ajax proud. The poster reads "10pm — you know when", but it's sure to get crowded. Forward-thinking partygoers will arrive early.
When the Australian Government introduced an indefinite ban on all overseas travel in late March, Qantas and Jetstar suspended all scheduled international flights and temporarily stood down two-thirds of its staff. Today, Thursday, June 25, the airline has revealed that overseas flights will not takeoff again until at least July 2021. At a press conference this morning, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce announced 6000 job cuts across all parts of the business and the continued standing down of 15,000 employees until flights return — which, for international flights, won't be for a while. Referencing a report released earlier in the year by an airline industry expert, Joyce said that it is expected to take three years for international travel to return to 2019 levels. "We think international will take a long time," Joyce said. "There'll be nothing this next financial year, July next year we may start seeing some international services and that will only get us to 50 percent. The following year, only two-thirds of the pre-COVID international schedule." [caption id="attachment_773510" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A trip to Japan won't be on the cards until 2021[/caption] The likelihood of international travel not returning for Australians until at least 2021 isn't new, news, though. Earlier this month, Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said as much, telling the National Press Club, "international border restrictions are likely to be there for some time to come" — and that "keeping those border restrictions largely in place is a price we're going to have to pay to keep COVID under control". The good news is that, as has come up frequently over the past few months, implementing a 'travel bubble' with New Zealand — aka reinstating international travel just between the two countries before Australia's international border reopens to all nations worldwide — is still under consideration according to Birmingham. Whether Qantas and Jetstar will run flights across the ditch if a travel bubble is allowed before July 2021 is currently unknown. The airlines will, however, definitely still be running domestic flights — and expect domestic travel to be back to 100 percent of pre-COVID-19 levels by 2022. "We're very optimistic about domestic," Joyce said at the press conference. "The domestic market will get back to maybe 70 percent of pre-COVID levels in the next year and the following year to 100 percent." The airlines have started ramping up domestic flights again and even held a big sale, with one-way flights as cheap as $19, last week. https://twitter.com/Qantas/status/1268341083257233408 It's worth noting, of course, that many of Australia's state borders are still closed. Queensland is working towards reopening to visitors from other states on July 10, although that hasn't been officially confirmed as yet, while the Northern Territory announced it'll reopen on July 17 — and South Australia is slated to do the same on July 20. While Victoria, NSW and the ACT currently have open borders, numerous state health ministers — including NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard today — have encouraged their residents to avoid travel to Victoria, especially to Melbourne's COVID hotspots, as the state has seen a recent uptick in new cases, with 33 recorded in the last 24 hours. Qantas and Jetstar's 6000 job cuts are part of post-COVID-19 recovery plan for the airlines, which also includes the retiring of the remaining 747s six months early and the grounding of 100 aircraft for up to 12 months. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Dating apps are getting more niche by the day, because, let's face it, Tinder isn't for everyone. There's a lot of people out there and meeting up with someone because you both like The Dodo on Facebook is not the most foolproof way to date. But the newest online dating tool to launch in Australia aims to connect people with one big thing in common: they're all vegans or vegetarians. V Love has been founded by entrepreneur and long-time vegan Amber Gouzy, who noticed her own circle struggling with online dating. So she decided to create a service that would be help them meet like-minded people. While the app is primarily for vegans and vegetarians, it's designed to bring together individuals with similar values and help them avoid dates with people who are completely closed off to the idea of vegetarianism. While the app does sound like it's only hitting a small market, data from Roy Morgan Research shows that over ten percent of Australians identify as vegetarian, which is even more evident in New South Wales, where there has been a 30 percent growth in vegetarians since 2012. Market Researcher Euromonitor International has also shown that Australia's packaged vegan food market is currently worth nearly $136 million and is set to reach $215 million by 2020, making the Australian market the third-fastest growing vegan market in the world. Though the food industry in Australia is clearly taking note of this stark increase and specifically responding to the increasing vegetarian population, V Love aims to fill the gap across other sectors. V Love is free to download but a $5.99 monthly subscription fee must be paid to access all features. As with most dating apps, users create a personalised profile, conduct a filtered search and use a 'swipe' method to connect with others. Matches are based on the V Love compatibility algorithm and connects users that live in the same area. Gouzy is planning for worldwide expansion for the app, with the goal of registering 800 downloads/subscriptions in Australia this month alone. V Love is currently available on the App Store and Google Play — it's free to download but has a monthly subscription fee of $5.99 per month. For more info, visit vlove.com.au.
Can't stop, addicted to the shindig? Then you'll be excited about the latest huge music tour heading to Sydney. Get ready to give it away, give it away, give it away now, too — your money, obviously, to see Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Los Angeles-based rockers are bringing their new global stadium tour our way, with Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith and John Frusciante singing songs to you beneath the marquee at Accor Stadium on Thursday, February 2 and Saturday, February 4. The band's dreams of Californication are zipping around the planet as part of a hefty tour that kicked off in June 2022 in Spain, and also includes stops in London, Paris, Dublin, LA, Chicago, New York and more alongside its Down Under leg. And yes, the Chili Peppers have a record to plug in the process, aka Unlimited Love — their 12th studio album, which dropped back in April last year. [caption id="attachment_859838" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Clara Balzary[/caption] Both Unlimited Love and the tour mark the return of guitarist Frusciante, who left the Chilis back in 2009, then rejoined the band in 2019. And, the tour will see the group head to this part of the world for the first time since 2019, too — and playing plenty of hits from their almost four-decade run so far, obviously. There's a hefty number of songs to choose from. Since their self-titled first EP in 1984, the band has sold more than 80 million albums, won six Grammys and entered the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. They've also released tracks spanning 'Under the Bridge', 'Scar Tissue', 'Breaking the Girl', 'By the Way' and 'The Zephyr Song', as well as 'Otherside', 'Soul to Squeeze', 'Around the World', 'My Friends' and 'Suck My Kiss'. Red Hot Chili Peppers will be joined Down Under by someone else who's sold just as many records: Post Malone. Yes, it's a two-for-the-price-of-one kind of tour — two massive music names, that is. Post Malone heads our way fresh from releasing his fourth studio album Twelve Carat Toothache in June 2022. Images: Pavel Suslov
Fresh off the heels of opening homely Redfern bar and Italian eatery Arms Length last June, Rebecca O'Shea (ex-Rockpool Dining Group) and chef Jeffrey Sue have claimed another corner of two bustling Sydney streets with their new Darlinghurst venue. Situated on the corner of Crown and Stanley Street, Bar Nina follows in Arms Length's footsteps with a menu full of Italian-inspired dishes set alongside a classic cocktail list and craft brews. O'Shea and Sue have enlisted the help of Head Chef Luke Davenport in crafting the Bar Nina menu. Formerly of the two Michelin star English restaurant The Ledbury, Davenport is bringing his expertise to Sydney with a menu full of pasta and plentiful share plates. Diners can select from a range of pasta Davenport hand creates every day — from fettuccine with slow-cooked duck ragu bianco, to a mussel and lardo spaghetti. Groups looking to sample the menu will find plenty to share, including Sydney rock oysters or pork and veal terrine and mostarda served on sourdough. If you venture away from the share plates and pasta, you'll find heartier meals like a vegan caponata paired with king oyster mushroom and pearl barley, or a whole baby snapper. The drinks list centres around an extensive cocktail menu containing tried-and-true classics alongside a few of Bar Nina's own creations. Keeping with the southern European theme, you'll find a Mediterranean G&T made with Cinzano 1757 and Four Pillars olive leaf gin, or the summery electric blue La Nina, featuring two types of rum, orgeat, lime and blue curacao. Cocktails are $17–19, but those that head down between 4–6pm each day can score an affordable selection of happy hour drinks including $7 Pirate Life tap beer, $10 margaritas and $10 Aperol spritzes. The fun doesn't stop at happy hour though, with bottomless brunch on offer every Saturday and Sunday. The boozy brunch can be booked between 11am–3pm on weekends and for $79 comes with two hours of drinks alongside a set selection of highlights from the Bar Nina menu. Truly a jack-of-all-trades, Bar Nina is open from 8am each morning, serving The Little Marionette coffee to CBD workers and early risers looking for their caffeine fix. Pastries are also on offer each morning for commuters to snack on before the full menu becomes available from midday on weekdays and 11am on weekends. Bar Nina is open at 85a Stanley Street, Darlinghurst, 8am-midnight, Monday–Sunday.
Winter might still be months away, but the final series of Game of Thrones is set to air on April 14. If the show's comeback will have you spiralling into an all-consuming GoT hole, then you will probably want to get in on Sydney's latest themed event. Call your banners and get ready for an immersive medieval-style banquet reminiscent of the series. Prepare for a meal that not only replicates the fascinating and often terrifying world of GoT that so many have come to depend on for meaning in life, but will include a brunch feast, lots of ale, and some murderous entertainment. Many details of the event are still shrouded in mystery (much like the eventual outcome of the series), including the date and price. The location hasn't been announced, but will be somewhere in inner Sydney. But we can guess the specific theme. Taking its cues from a particularly notorious episode of HBO's hit series, this immersive banquet will surely be styled after the Red Wedding. Yes, you can assume there'll be some recreations of scenes from George R. R. Martin's saga — although here's hoping there's no regicide at this one. If, like Jon Snow, you know nothing, then you're in for an entertaining feast. Costumes are welcome, but no pretend (or real) weaponry. The banquet will happen in Sydney later this year. Further details — and tickets — will be released soon. We'll let you know when they are.
It seems unsurprising that African Americans vote en masse for Obama and it has been well-established that women vote en masse for Obama. Much more surprising however is that 30 Rock and Game of Thrones fans also vote en masse for Obama. If this infographic is anything to go by it seems that our TV habits can be a useful barometer for understanding our voting patterns. Compiled by Engage, this fascinating graphic was created through an analysis of what TV shows and political pages voters 'like' on Facebook. Apparently, this data not only demonstrates the correlation between political preference and TV habits but also which TV fans are the most politically active and aware. While the overt (and dare I say tiresome) idealism of Aaron Sorkin's The Newsroom and The West Wing (often dubbed "The Left Wing") seemed likely to produce hordes of Democrat devotees, interestingly it is Star Trek fans who are next in line as the most likely to turn up to vote come the Presidential election later this month. For the Republican camp, unfortunately Romney's frequent declarations of love for Modern Family aren't likely to swing many voters as the show's pro-gay marriage stance and ethnically diverse families appear to resonate much more strongly with more left-leaning voters. If this infographic whetted your appetite for bizarre political statistics then check out the graph below to see what your internet usage says about your politics.
When Russian painter Victor Hartman died young, in its day his death shocked people as much as the death of Heath Ledger or River Phoenix. And it shocked his friend, composer Modest Mussorgsky. If you've seen Fantasia, you know Mussorgsky. His Night on Bald Mountain was combined with images of the Russian god Czernobog to create a welcoming dark fantasy in the finale. Often packaged with Bald Mountain, his equally famous composition Pictures at an Exhibition takes you on a tour of Hartman's paintings. Inspired by, and written to, the art from Hartman's memorial exhibition, it's a collection of musical sketches drawing you from one scene to the next, a bit like The Nutcracker. It's this collection of pieces which is next up for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, featuring conductor Pinchas Steinberg and piano soloist Ingrid Fliter. Alongside Ravel's arrangement of Pictures, the orchestra will also be summoning the imagery of the light and tragic Tasso, Lament and Triumph by Liszt (who was otherwise famous) and the lively cascades of Schumann's Piano Concerto. If you want an evening of spry piano, taut strings and musical imagery, then the Opera House's Concert Hall is your picture place to be. Original painting of the Great Gate at Kiev by Victor Hartmann.
After announcing the controversial closure of renowned Opera House restaurant Guillaume at Bennelong in July last year, owner Guillaume Brahimi will be opening the doors of his new culinary venture, simply titled Guillaume, on August 2. The newly renovated site sits on Paddington's Hargrave Street and was the former home of Italian restaurant Darcy's for more than 38 years. The French-born chef has stated that he intends for this 90-seat restaurant to be a more "personalised food experience" than his other culinary projects. Brahimi has chosen a fitting location for Guillaume. The three-storey heritage building will sit alongside other Paddington greats such as 10 William Street, Buon Ricordo and the Four in Hand. Guillaume has stuck to his vision of a fine dining experience, and this is exactly what you can expect of the menu. Food options will be produce driven — a mix of favourites from the previous Guillaume at Bennelong and new dishes especially created for this restaurant. Drinks-wise, the primary focus will be on Australian influenced wine, all of which will be housed in the underground cellar of the restaurant. Bookings for the new restaurant will open on July 9, and will be taken two months in advance. To enquire about reservations and events call (02) 9302 5222 or email reservations@guillaumes.com.au. Guillaume will open its doors at 92 Hargrave Street, Paddington a month later, on August 2.
Touted as the first indigenous comedy film, Stone Bros. is an Aboriginal Australian road movie, replete with colourful characters and crazy situations. Writer/director Richard J. Frankland sticks cousins Eddie (Luke Carroll) and Charlie (Leon Burchill) in a busted up old Ford and sends them on a coming-of-age journey from Perth some 500-odd kilometres to their home in Kalgoorlie. In keeping with generic conventions, Eddie and Charlie’s trip is punctuated by increasingly zany occurrences. From hitting a kangaroo, to picking up a mysterious muso (Valentino del Toro), their transvestite cousin (David Page) and gatecrashing a rather explosive wedding, the pair continue to tirelessly track down a sacred stone entrusted to Eddie by their uncle (David Kennedy), which has been given to some hot geologist by another foolish cousin (Heath Bergersen). Meanwhile, Charlie suffers the consequences of doing a runner on his magically gifted girlfriend, all of which culminates in a shamelessly B-movie chase sequence featuring a demonically possessed dog. There are a lot of laughs to be had with Stone Bros. Some are certainly derived from the impressive bag of 187 joints the boys work their way through, but mostly the fun spills over from the great banter between Eddie and Charlie. Culture, colour and creed are all served up as fair game, while ‘The Apology’ is lampooned in a particularly hilarious dream sequence. And in a parody reminiscent of Warwick Thornton’s short Mimi, white-fella Peter Phelps brings down the big house as a prison-guard desperate to find his dreaming. While some of the comedy is a bit brash and silly, Stone Bros. definitely succeeds in using humour to communicate some home truths. The importance of culture and family are well conveyed without any saccharine schlock. And as for the politics, who isn’t going to have a giggle at John Howard’s expense when a gigantic photo of our former PM squishes a museum guard’s cat?We have five double passes to giveaway, just email your details to hello@concreteplayground.com.au with "Stone Bros. giveaway" in the subject line for your chance to win.Stone Bros. Trailer from Australian Film Syndicate on Vimeo.
We know there's nothing sweeter than the sound the brown paper bag makes as you whip it off your bottle(s) of grog at a table, and nothing better than the taste of your favourite beer accompanying a delicious meal. But it's not at every restaurant you can do this — and drinking sneakily out of your handbag at non-BYO joints is both illegal and a surefire way to ruin your bag. Let us guide you to the places that allow you to BYO beer in your city to avoid any of that, with the added bonus of being A+ places to eat more than heartily. Winter is for nothing if not overindulging on dumplings or Greek feasts and then waddling home, right? Grab your six-pack and put on your eating pants. SYDNEY: CHINATOWN NOODLE RESTAURANT Before you head to Chinatown Noodle Restaurant in Haymarket, beware: if you're coming for dinner, be prepared to queue for a while and wait for a table — or you can check out the neighbouring Chinese Noodle Restaurant and see if you can grab a seat. Otherwise, set up camp in the line, send a scout out to get beers from a bottle shop (there's one in Market City next door) and wait it out. Once you're in, service is quick, dumplings are countless and spring onion pancakes are hot. Crack open a beer or two to wash down the too-many dumplings that you'll no doubt eat. Haven't you had yourself a night? SYDNEY: THE SULTAN'S TABLE The Sultan's Table in Enmore is the sort of place you want to head to if your feet and nose are numb and you're craving some hot meat. If your hunger has never been greater than consider the banquet option for $38 per head. A very reasonable price delivers plate after plate of dips, pita, kebab, pides, veg stuffed with rice and grilled meats, followed by sweets, tea or coffee. If you're not quite up for such an intense fill, the chargrilled kebabs are obviously where it's at (unless you're a vegetarian and then the ample vego menu is more your vibe). Whether you're in it to win it with the banquet or just grabbing a pide, Sultan's Table serving sizes are good value for money and great fare for cold nights. Sit a while, finish your beers, and don't forget to nab a baklava at the end. MELBOURNE: MAMAK One word: roti. Another three words: get the roti. Mamak is famous for a good reason, and that reason is flaky, buttery, delicious and dipped in curry. The Melbourne branch of the Malaysian restaurant sits in the middle of the CBD on Lonsdale Street, with branches also in Sydney and now, Seminyak in Bali. Obviously, you'll hit up the roti menu (try the roti canai at a breezy $7.50) but don't bypass the satay options — they're just as good. There's also dessert roti FYI, so make sure to try and exercise a minute amount of self-control and leave space. And on top of all that greatness, Mamak is BYO at $2 per person. [caption id="attachment_637824" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Leah Hulst.[/caption] MELBOURNE: JIM'S GREEK TAVERN It's not a proper Greek feast unless you're calling an Uber home because you've eaten too much to be able to exist in a public place such as a tram. Wear your loosest pants (a large poncho might be best) and partake in the delicious roulette that is dining at Jim's; there's no menu as such. The staff will ask you what you feel like eating and then bring out dishes for you. Trust them, they've been doing it for years — just shut up and eat the saganaki (as if you really need your arm twisted for that though). Generally, you'll get whatever is fresh and good on the day you go — fish, lamb and calamari will all probably make an appearance, as well as the homemade galaktoboureko (custard cake). The food is traditional, the vibe is bustling, and your stomach will be happy. Best washed down with a lager or two — corkage is cheap, too. BRISBANE: CHOP CHOP CHANG'S Chop Chop Chang's in Brisbane's West End serves up pan-Asian street food fare, reminiscent of what you'd be eating if you were strolling through the markets and street stalls of Asia. With a focus on fresh and locally sourced produce, Chop Chop Chang's do brunch, lunch and dinner, but also four banquet menus with options increasing in decadence and starting at only $38 a head. If you're just picking from the menu, best give the curry section a good look, and don't go past the green curry chicken dumplings ($10). On the subject of dumplings, the dessert menu is hawking spiced apple dumplings ($14), so there are lots to think about while you leisurely sip your beer and mull things over. BRISBANE: VERVE Verve in the CBD is many things: it's a bar, a restaurant, a cider house, is situated in some cool basement digs and has you sorted for your winter pasta needs. Need even more than that? You can bring your own beer in. Check out the venue, originally Brisbane's first basement bar, below ground level at the Metro Arts building. With more pasta options than you can count on all your fingers and toes, you'll be happily carbing it up here — try the homemade gnocchi for a solid feed that'll probably keep you going until dinner the next night. Verve offers ample gluten-free and vegan options too, so you coeliac carb-fiends need not miss out. There's also something called brandy tortellini ($22.90) which, well, yes, please. Gather some mates and head to one of these top-notch eateries with an appetite and a six-pack of Hahn, too.
One of our most-read stories of 2017 featured an Aussie start-up called Unyoked, which lets you stay in a tiny house in the wilderness, miles away from anyone and anything. Now, if you happen to be heading to the Northern Hemisphere, you can have a similar experience in the American middle-of-nowhere. Meet Getaway, an American start-up founded by two Harvard grads that's building tiny houses in the woods. While Unyoked lands you in total solitude, Getaway takes you to a mini holiday village. So, it's a bit like a campground, but with tiny houses instead of tents. You get trendy architect design, a queen-sized bed, picture windows, wireless speakers, airconditioning, an ensuite, basic provisions and a fire pit with wood. But there's no wifi and a secure box invites you to lock up your smartphone for the duration of your stay. Also, your dog's welcome to join. To make sure you don't become too destination-focused, Getaway doesn't reveal exactly where you'll be going until close to departure time, although their three sites so far are located outside of New York, Boston and Washington. Other than that, all you can be sure of is that you won't be driving for more than two hours from your home city. Getaway isn't the first American business to be exploring the appeal of tiny houses as holiday accommodation. (Check out these 12 tiny house hotels, for example). However, the start-up's focus on disconnecting and immersing yourself in nature sets it apart. Images: Getaway.
There are plenty of ways you could experience Sydney Harbour's world famous New Years Eve fireworks show, but here's one that'll really make all those haters jealous. The Sydney Opera House has teamed up with the crew at Airbnb to offer the ultimate bucket list New Year's Eve situation, involving exclusive VIP front-row seats, dinner by an acclaimed Aussie chef, an intimate concert and a private Opera House balcony. And all that could be yours for an easy $10. This high-flying experience will be enjoyed by just ten lucky people, with the Opera House releasing one double pass each Wednesday at midday for five weeks, starting from tomorrow, November 13. The Opera House x Airbnb New Year's Eve Experience will see those ten winning punters wrapping up 2019 in serious style, partying in their own VIP area overlooking the fireworks extravaganza. Hatted chef Karen Martini will be dropping by to whip up a fitting last supper of 2019, an Opera House expert will guide guests on an educational tour and a surprise act has a special, intimate concert planned. Then, it's off to a private balcony to celebrate the turn of the decade with possibly the best view in Sydney. Each pair of tickets will cost $20, though, as you can imagine, it'll be a challenge to beat out the competition and actually snap one up. But, for 20 bucks, it's worth a shot. Elsewhere, you have to pay a pretty, pretty penny to get a view of the fireworks. For example, the Sydney Opera House's official party costs a bomb ($795 per person), a ticket to Shark Island's festivities is $245 and even a spot on the lawn in the Royal Botanic Garden will set you back $360. To be in it, you'll need to head over to the website, and be ready and raring to go when the NYE experience appears on the page at noon. If you've been conflicted about your NYE plans, this could be an easy solution — and, even if you don't live in Sydney, it's a good reason to make the trip. Double passes to the New Year's Eve Experience will be released at midday on November 13, 20 and 27, and on December 4 and 11. Images: Ken Leanfore. Fireworks image: City of Sydney
The Australian Open 2024 is set to serve up a lot more than world-class tennis, which is pretty ace if you ask us. Expect a food lover's dream, showcasing a smorgasbord of cuisines from across the planet and catering to every palate. One of the hottest seats will be Bar Atrium with its Yarra and city skyline views — the perfect backdrop to a three-course, Lebanese-inspired brunch curated by Melbourne's own Tom Sarafian. Then, as the sun sets, the venue transforms into an 'After Eight' experience, featuring bar snacks by Sarafian and cocktails from The Everleigh. Meanwhile, at John Cain Arena's Fusion Feast, you'll find dishes from beloved chefs like Ross Magnaye of Serai and Jessi Singh of Daughter-In-Law. But that's just the beginning. Enjoy tastes of Italia at Garden Square with Lygon Street Italian. Iconic Melbourne joints King & Godfree, D.O.C, and Brunetti Classico will serve up classic Italian dishes from pizza al taglio to delish porchetta rolls. Seafood lovers can head to the AO Courtside Bar, where Bondi's Fish Shop will be serving bar bites. Fishbowl will also make another appearance at Grand Slam Oval, serving items from its new Street Food concept menu. And for a taste of Spain, visit Abel Lusa's Cambio de Tercio for traditional and modern tapas. Not far away, the Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Bar offers a touch of fancy, perfect for sipping champagne while watching the matches. For those looking for salvation amid the Aussie summer heat, don't miss the signature Peach Melbourne soft serve at AO Ballpark. Or head to the returning Peroni Bar for ice-cold respite. Canadian Club's Cabana Bar, Terrazza Aperol and Squealing Pig Wine Terrace will also be on hand to provide tournament goers with some quality watering hole options. Rockpool Bar and Grill, Penfolds Restaurant and Stokehouse will be returning to next year's event, as will the much loved Rod Laver Arena Superboxes by Shane Delia's Maha and Nick and Nora's. So, with all that being said, our tip for next year's Australian Open? Wear loose pants. Catch the Australian Open from Sunday, January 14, 2024, to Sunday, January 28, 2024.
Two decades after Hae Min Lee's murder, the Baltimore high school student's horrific plight continues to dominate the true crime landscape. After featuring on the first season of Sarah Koenig's grimly addictive podcast Serial, it's now forming the basis for a new documentary series, The Case Against Adnan Syed. The four-part HBO series will pick up where everyone's 2014 obsession left off — the trailer below promises to reveal 'a new chapter' — not only exploring 18-year-old Lee's death in 1999 and her ex-boyfriend Syed's conviction in 2000, but the latter's ongoing quest to have the extremely complex legal matter reassessed in the years since he was found guilty. Everything from Lee and Syed's relationship, to the original police investigation and trial, to the developments up until now will feature, with the film gaining exclusive access to Syed, his family and his lawyers. The series couldn't come at a more crucial time for Syed, who was convicted of first-degree murder, sentenced to life in prison, and continues to fight his case through the courts. While he was granted a new trial in 2016, that ruling was subsequently appealed by the State of Maryland — only for the Court of Special Appeals to agree to vacate Syed's conviction and finally give him that retrial last March. A date for the actual retrial hasn't yet been set, however. Splashed across the small screen, it's certain to make for compelling viewing — but if you think you've spent too much time mulling it all over across the past five years, filmmaker Amy Berg has you beat. Unsurprisingly given how complicated the matter is, the director has been working on the project since 2015. And, with her excellent doco background — with Berg helming 2006's Oscar-nominated 2006 Deliver Us from Evil, about molestation in the Catholic Church; examining the West Memphis Three's quest for freedom in 2012's West of Memphis; and tackling the sexual abuse of teenagers in the film industry in 2014's An Open Secret — her new venture is certain to be thorough. Weeks out from launching the series, which is expected to land this autumn, HBO has dropped a trailer. In it, it mentions the investigation of other suspects and new evidence — saying, "the closer you look the more you see". Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA1qzo2WEew As they did for West of Memphis, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis will provide the score. 'The Case Against Adnan Syed' will air on HBO this autumn, it is then hit Foxtel for Australian viewers later this year. It's not clear yet if the show will air or stream in New Zealand. We'll update you as soon as further release dates have been announced. Image: Adnan Syed via Syed Family / Courtesy of HBO.
Darius Devas is a freewheeling filmmaker who has forged a career out of his passion for adventure, the importance of place and his sensitive ear for listening to the stories of others. His company, Being Films, already holds a small selection of works that may at first seem light-handed in their treatment of subject, but their apparent softness belies a nuanced, committed retelling of personal worlds. Devas' latest feature, Goa Hippy Tribe, is a documentary that traces a link across three decades between a community of hippies on an Indian beach to the social networking phenomenon of Facebook. Despite many of his subjects claiming to revile the medium, they all acknowledge that it was the perfect tool for reconnecting their mature selves back into their playful past. Following a massive friend-finding online, the Goa alumni organised a reunion on the beach in 2009 and Devas joined them to document the gathering. The result is a heartfelt collection of memories and stories that stretches beyond the cliched definition of 'hippy'. This Tuesday, Devas will screen a special session of Goa Hippy Tribe at the Chauvel to help launch the official SBS interactive website. Definitely grab a seat at this event to learn more about film with soul and of the positive side of social media when it comes to preserving and sharing memory. All money raised at this screening will go towards Devas' upcoming residency at the Binger Writers Lab in Amsterdam. https://youtube.com/watch?v=s0seVPeoPXs
The Women's World Cup might be over, but its legacy and athletic spirit live on. Against the backdrop of the Matildas' success and ahead of the Paris Olympics, what better way to level up your child's athletic dreams than the range of activities available at Sydney Olympic Park this spring? From half-hour swim lessons to week-long sports camps, there's something to keep everyone happy these holidays — including busy parents. Each course is run by certified instructors or pro athletes. If you can't decide, all-day programs run every weekday. The Holiday Recreational Program includes a mix of sporting and creative activities such as swimming, gymnastics, Zumba and arts and crafts, while the Multi-Sports Camp includes games like basketball, soccer, dodgeball and badminton. We've pulled together some of the standout programs available for your budding sports star at Sydney Olympic Park this September and October. SOCCER Whether your child is dreaming of playing with the Tillies or just wants to see what the hype is about, the soccer program at Sydney Olympic Park has them sorted with an invigorating day of skill-building — at the very venue the Matildas played at during the Women's World Cup. The Park has partnered with pro football club Western Sydney Wanderers to train beginner and intermediate players in the technical skills of passing, shooting, dribbling and maintaining control of the ball. The six-hour session, which runs from 9am–3pm, will improve the kids' decision-making and team-building competencies while boosting their confidence. The course costs $95 for one day and $170 for two and includes a Wanderers' jersey. Little ones aged between four and 12 are welcome and there's also a girls-only session on Thursday, September 28. SWIMMING On top of navigating traffic and being able to find a good flat white, swimming is another essential skill for all Sydneysiders. Start your kids off right and get them ready for pool season with the Swimming Intensive Program at Sydney Olympic Park's Aquatic Centre. Qualified AUSTSWIM instructors will teach children aged three and above important swimming fundamentals, while also levelling them up on specific strokes. Each class runs for half an hour between 8am–12pm from Monday to Friday, with the option to attend for one or two weeks. The Learn to Swim program is $102.50 for the week, either from Monday, September 15 to Friday, September 29 or Tuesday, October 3 to Friday, October 6. For those with specific needs or wanting undivided instruction, there are private or group private lessons available, as well as disability lessons. There are even one-hour specialist clinics for more experienced swimmers, which will focus on advanced skills such as block diving, turning and stroke correction. Private lessons start from $262.50 and the specialist session is $105. TABLE TENNIS From the Olympics to public parks and tech offices, it seems like table tennis has popped up everywhere in the past few years. If your child would rather not be huffing and puffing on the field or prefers a sport where they can actually use their hands, sign them up for a day of table tennis. Older kids between the ages of eight and 15 will be taught by instructors from Table Tennis NSW on Friday, October 6. The six-hour course costs $80 (including a bat and ball), so kids can flex their prowess and make some new friends across the table. ARCHERY For fun that you can join in on, try your hand at archery. Beginners and experienced archers alike will be trained and supervised by expert instructors before they can give the bow a go. Younger kids from seven to nine can get into the sport safely with practice rounds and skill-based games at the Young Archers session. Meanwhile, those ten and older — including adults — can show off their aim with a tutorial and challenges at the hour-long Sharp Shooters session. From Monday, September 25, classes will run from 9.30am–3pm during the week and 9.30am–12pm on the weekend. One session is $20 but, if that's not enough, it can be combined with another round of archery or laser tag for $33 on weekdays. LASER TAG Unleash your child's inner action hero with an exciting round of laser tag. It won't be the game as they know it — the Park's outdoor Archery Centre will have props, sound effects and blockades that they have to navigate. Kids will boost their team-building, strategy and problem-solving skills as they overcome challenges and compete in teams. Drop them off for an hour-long session from 10.30am–2.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Tuesday, September 26 to Thursday, October 5. Sessions fill up fast, so book in now and find out more at the Sydney Olympic Park website.
UPDATE: MAY 27, 2019 — Due to an overwhelming response, Matty Matheson's Sydney and Brisbane shows have been moved to bigger venues. The former will now take place at Marrickville's Factory Theatre (previously Oxford Art Factory) and the latter at Newstead's The Triffid (previously Brightside). All tickets already purchased will be valid for the new venues. New tickets for Sydney can be purchased here and Brisbane here. Chef Matty Matheson is stepping out of the kitchen and onto the stage, heading Down Under for an expletive-laden speaking tour next month. Known for his hit TV shows Dead Set On Life and It's Suppertime — and his new New York Times best-selling book, Matty Matheson: A Cookbook — the culinary star and award-winning author will hit up Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. A colourful character famed for his larger-than-life personality, Matheson will be dishing up a his cooking (and life) tips, with an audience Q&A and a meet-and-greet session, too. He's set to serve his home truths on topics like addiction and mental health, the #MeToo movement and its impact on the food industry, and a few of his own life's ups and downs, as well as talking about his new web series, Just A Dash. https://www.instagram.com/p/BjKhY6iHrRZ/ Audiences will be treated to a true taste of this foodie legend, as Matheson tweaks each show to best represent himself, even down to the soundtrack plucked straight from his own playlists. MATTY MATHESON 2019 DATES Perth — Rosemount Hotel, Saturday, June 22 Sydney — Factory Theatre (previously Oxford Art Factory), Sunday, June 23 Melbourne — Corner, Tuesday, June 25 Brisbane —The Triffid (previously Brightside), Thursday, June 27 Tickets are $49 and go on sale at 9am on Tuesday, May 21 via the Secret Sounds website.
The annual celebration of independent music merchants, Record Store Day, is back this Saturday, April 22, and there are a heap of exciting activations across the country hoping to draw patrons out to their local shop and have them flicking through stacks of vinyl. One such activity is a nationwide record treasure hunt being held by the Australian Music Vault. If you want to take part in the hunt and possibly get your hands on a free record from a beloved Aussie artist, all you have to do is head to your local record store and keep an eye out for releases marked with special Australian Music Vault branding on the front. If you find one of these gems, flash it at the counter where they'll confirm it's a winner and you can take it home to spin on your turntable, free of charge. [caption id="attachment_782966" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] Created by the Arts Centre Melbourne, the Australian Music Vault celebrates contemporary Aussie tunes by exhibiting and archiving important pieces of music history and working with artists to facilitate the growth of the country's music scene. All of the vinyl available as part of the Record Store Day treasure hunt will be from featured Australian Music Vault artists. While the exact location of these freebies are being kept under wraps, hints will be given over on the Australian Music Vault Facebook and Instagram pages on the day. "There's a magical energy about Australia's music culture. Record stores are often a meeting place of inspiration for creatives, and we can't wait to see stores full of activity for Record Store Day," said Australian Music Vault Senior Curator Carolyn Laffan. "It's a treat to be a part of this amazing initiative and good luck to all on the lookout for hidden Australian Music Vault gems." Alongside the treasure hunt, you can also expect limited-edition releases from the likes of Bluey, Ball Park Music, Foals and Groove Armada, plus Confidence Man, Peking Duk, Orville Peck and Loyal Carner to be available on the day. And the celebrations don't stop there, with performances from Ella Thompson, Close Counters, Redhook and Tropical Strength; Peking Duk's in-store signing at Beatniks on the Gold Coast; and a stack of MTV specials and giveaways among the other activations popping up across the country. Record Store Day will be taking over record stores across the country on Saturday, April 22. Head to the Record Store Day website for the full list of special-edition releases. Top image: Destination NSW
Meeting, dating, relating, cohabiting — the way we do it all is changing. So what does marriage mean today? For the third incarnation of Junkee: Take On, four speakers will meet at Giant Dwarf to talk about tying the knot. Marriage equality is the hot topic of the week, but that won't be the only issue in the ring. There'll also be chats about arranged marriages, civil unions, Married at First Sight and whether or not marriage needs a revolution. Sitting on the panel will be feminist and writer Clementine Ford who's not married "but would do it for the bar tab", Triple J Hack host Tom Tilley, LGBTI advocate and Sydney Law School teacher Senthorun Raj and volunteer matchmaker Cara Suttner, who works at J-Junction, an introductory service for the city's wider Jewish community. Lex Hirst will be taking care of the moderation. If you have a question for any of the panellists, email it to takeon@junkee.com asap.
Almost three decades since Snoop Dogg released his first single, the rap star's career has evolved in a variety of ways. He's dropped hits like they're hot, collaborated with seemingly everyone in the music industry, and popped up on both the big and small screens. He's also taken on MC duties at wrestling matches, released his own wine and adopted aliases. And, in 2018, he shared his cooking skills with the world. That's when Snoop unveiled his own cookbook, From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen. Within its pages, fans can find recipes for everything from 'billionaire's bacon' and 'Bow Wow brownies and ice cream' to, of course, gin and juice. Yes, that means that you can listen to Snoop's tunes while whipping up his dishes and sipping the drink he'll always be synonymous with. Or, thanks to Menulog, you can just order in a feast based on the rapper's favourite meals. Until Friday, July 3, the food delivery service is serving up a Dogg's Diner menu, which is exactly what it sounds like. In collaboration with select restaurants around Australia, it's delivering a number of dishes from From Crook to Cook, helping to satisfy your 'mack & cheese', 'OG chicken and waffles', 'DOGGs in a blanket' and 'Rolls Royce PB-chocolate chip cookies' cravings. In total, nine items are available, with American-style eateries such as Down 'N' Out, Milky Lane and Meet Patty doing the cooking. While all of the aforementioned dishes are rather self-explanatory, they also include fried chicken wings sprinkled with potato chips, plus fries loaded with chunky ground beef chilli and cheese. Different items are available from different restaurants — so, depending on where you live, you mightn't have access to the whole range. And, while you're feasting away with 'What's My Name?' stuck in your head, you can start wondering whether the other '90s rap star turned cookbook author will ever get the same treatment — aka Coolio, who, in 2009, released Cookin' with Coolio: 5 Star Meals at a 1 Star Price. For more information about Menulog's Dogg's Diner menu — or to order a dish before Friday, July 3 — head to the Menulog website or app.
Not much is free in life these days, but Broadway Shopping Centre is providing 100 students with a free lunch each Tuesday throughout August, September and October. With inflation hitting a record high, the inner-city shopping complex has decided to shout a weekly meal to local students who might be finding budgeting particularly hard right now. Each week until Tuesday, October 25, there will be 100 free meals on offer from the array of different food outlets that calls Broadway home. Week one was free burritos from Guzman y Gomez and on Tuesday, August 9, students can nab free barbecue pork buns from Din Tai Fung. While the following weeks will be revealed each week on Tuesday morning, the shopping centre boasts an array of tasty lunchtime options including Eat Istanbul, Schnitz, Sushi Hon, Zeus Street Greek and Mumbai Express. In order to claim the free meal, all you need to do is head to Broadway with your tertiary student ID in hand and be among the first 100 visitors to scan the QR code in front of that week's participating restaurant. This deal adds to the money-saving news for students in the CBD after Palace Cinemas recently announced it would be offering students $9 tickets on Wednesdays at its Chippendale cinema just down the road from Broadway, as well as its Paddington and Leichhardt outposts. For weekly updates on where the deals are popping up, make sure to follow Broadway Sydney on Instagram.
Australia's just scored what looks set to be its most inclusive music festival yet, with sports and radio legend Dylan Alcott announcing a strong lineup for the debut of his event Ability Fest. Helping to launch the Paralympian's charity, the Dylan Alcott Foundation, next month, the festival's being co-helmed by Untitled (the entertainment group behind Beyond The Valley and Pitch Music & Arts) and it's one that caters to everyone, regardless of gender, disability, age or race. With Ability Fest, Alcott's set out to both normalise disability and help boost inclusivity across all areas of the music industry. With 20 percent of Aussies living with a physical or intellectual disability, it's high time an event like this was added to the festival calendar. A massive lineup — including Zimbabwean-born singer-songwriter Tkay Maidza, disco guy Harvey Sutherland and a back-to-back DJ set with Flight Facilities and Client Liaison — has dropped today, with all artists donating their time. Melbourne's Coburg Velodrome is being transformed into a fully accessible live music venue for the event, complete with a bunch of viewing platforms for those in wheelchairs and AUSLAN translators for all acts on the main stage. Ability Fest is hoping to raise $300,000 through ticket sales and donations, with all of it headed directly to the Dylan Alcott Foundation. This will then be used to offer mentoring, scholarships and grants to marginalised young Australians with disabilities. Ability Fest will take over Melbourne's Coburg Velodrome at 30 Charles Street, Coburg North, on Saturday, April 7. You can register here for discounted pre-sale tickets before 4pm on March 15 — otherwise general release tickets are on sale from 10am on March 16. Image: Freedom Time at Coburg Velodrome.
A 42.8ha reserve located along the southern shoreline of Narrabeen Lagoon, Jamieson Park provides a perfect backdrop for your next picnic catch up with friends or family. There's a 2.3km walking trail beginning at Jamieson Park that goes to South Creek where you can wander through native bushland while spotting wildlife and soaking in the scenic views over the lake. If you're feeling adventurous, hire equipment for paddle boarding, pedal boating and kayaking. Or, stay dry and enjoy lunch at one of the site's picnic tables and BBQ areas. The large paid carpark makes driving there a good option, though it does fill up fast on sunny days — so be quick. Images: Mel Koutchavlis
For elegant, timeless pieces inspired by Paris, the ultimate city of style, make sure you stop by French Cargo for some, well, French cargo. Owner Kathie Argyros opened the doors to the boutique in 2014, inspired by her love of everything and anything French. Inside, you'll find a chic range of homewares, including 100 percent French linen, cushions, candles, soaps, rugs and furniture. Argyros travels to Europe regularly to source stock for the store, so you can expect to find a number of vintage and antique items from flea markets, too. We all know someone (probably your mum) who is just as obsessed with France as Argyros, making this a must-visit spot for your gift-buying needs — you could pick up a cotton apron for your amateur chef pal or wall art for your mates that just bought a house. Image: Trent van der Jagt.
When you're looking to add something tasty to a humble slice of bread, plenty of toppings will do the trick. Even if you limit yourself to spreads and only spreads, everything from Vegemite and peanut butter to Nutella and Biscoff exists. But what if you're hankering for a doughnut and don't have any on hand, or you want to tuck into something more than a little healthier? To the delight of your tastebuds, that's where The Wholefoods Refillery's cinnamon donut spread comes in. A smooth concoction that features plenty of cinnamon — obviously — the spread has been available for around a year; however, since late June, The Wholefoods Refillery has been selling it online. That means that you can order a jar, or several, and have it sitting in your cupboard for whenever you need to turn any piece of bread into dessert. Then, just get slathering. The spread is vegan, as well as gluten free and dairy free. It isn't made from doughnuts, of course, but from cashews, peanuts and coconut. Sadly, if you have a nut allergy, that means you'll just have to stick to actual pastries. Because it uses birch xylitol, which is derived from birch, it isn't suitable for dogs either — so don't go sharing your spread with your four-legged best friend. A 375-millilitre jar will set you back $14 and, if you're wondering how else to put it to use, the folks at Wholefoods Refillery have whipped up recipes for apple rings and scrolls. The latter will help tame your Cinnabon cravings, too. And, if you'd like to try the brand's cashew coconut and Not Tella spreas as well, you can nab the trio in a three-pack. The Wholefoods Refillery's cinnamon donut spread is available to purchase for $14 per jar via its website.
This winter may not have been excruciating, but you can't help admitting that you're a little bit happy it's over. Sure, the nights spent in front of the fireplace and snuggled up under a cosy blanket were nice. And yes, you had a fair crack at your Netflix queue — your office small talk is all the better for it, too. But you can do that anywhere. What makes living in Sydney so special is how the city comes alive as the seasons change. You've got a cracking few months of beach visits, backyard barbecues and outdoor adventures ahead of you — and we know just the thing to get you in the mood. We've teamed up with the award-winning BATI & RATU by RUM Co of Fiji to throw a huge summer party at a luxe Sydney beachside house on Saturday, November 30. And, to help you score a spot at this exclusive shindig, the brand has teamed up with three Sydney bars to serve up a very special cocktail. The Fijian daiquiri is a take on the Caribbean classic, which uses the spiced Fijian rum, coconut water, falernum syrup and lime. Between September 13 and October 13, order the cocktail at any of these spots and you can enter the draw for tickets to the shindig. Hope to see you there. MANLY WINE, MANLY Setting yourself at a spot by the sea is a surefire way to bring on the beachy spirit — and Manly Wine, which is a stone's throw from Manly Beach, is just the spot. It may be more East Hamptons than Fijian oasis, with its white slated and tiled walls, wicker chairs and chic decor — but once you've got a Fijian daiquiri in-hand, that'll change. To keep the summery vibes coming, you can enjoy a selection of seafood dishes — think Sydney Rock oysters, lobster and prawn rolls, and steamed mussels served with pearl barley risotto. BUNGALOW 8, CBD As much as we love Sydney in spring, the city does have a habit of saving its most glorious weather for when you need to go to work — and there's precisely nothing tropical about spreadsheets and deadlines. Instead, you can achieve the spring-summer dream at knock-off time right in the centre of the city. Make tracks to Bungalow 8, King Street Wharf's buzzing tiki-style bar, order yourself a Fijian daiquiri and let the stress of the workday melt away. From here, you can continue on to one of Barangaroo's many restaurants — or order yourself some freshly shucked oysters, prawn toast and spiced barbecue chicken wings, and keep the good times (and the cocktails) coming. THE FORRESTERS, SURRY HILLS The ol' hip pocket can take a nasty hit in the warmer months, so finding a watering hole that'll guarantee you a good feed and top-notch drinks on the cheap is vital. And for the eastern suburbs, The Forresters is it. Here, you can score a great deal every night of the week to enjoy with your Fijian daiquiri — think $5 steaks on Mondays, $15 burgers and fries on Tuesdays and one kilo of wings for $15 on Thursdays. The pub also has a busy roster of entertainment, too, including trivia, improv and stand-up comedy. Feeling Adventurous? Start planning for the warmer seasons and learn more about BATI & RATU by RUM Co of Fiji here.
A new diner drawing inspiration from Southeast Asian street food and fine dining is opening at The Star today, Tuesday, August 23. Rumble comes from experienced chef Benjamin Tan who is pulling from the flavours of his childhood and his time spent in various kitchens across Asia to present a menu that blends Malaysian, Indonesian and Singaporean cuisine. Take a seat in Rumble's dining room and you'll be greeted by a playfully sleek fit-out. There are hand-painted animal murals stretching across the walls and the bar is decorated with hundreds of real mahjong tiles. Once you've settled in, you'll be faced with the challenge of traversing the menu filled with a heap of must-try dishes. Rumble wants diners to experience a range of flavours, designing its menu to highlight the sweet, the salty, the spicy and the sour. Standouts from the starters include baked scallops with a Vietnamese herb garnish, barbecue pork belly boa and rice paper rolls filled with fresh lobster and topped with salmon roe. From there the mains pose more questions. You could go the seafood route, opting for wok-tossed pipis in a spicy shrimp sauce, chilli king crab bao and seafood sapo mee — crispy egg noodles topped with spicy crab meat, jumbo prawns and scallions. Or, get meaty with lime-infused Nyonya chicken, soy-braised pork neck and 48-hour rendang black angus short ribs marinated in the spices of a traditional Malaysian stew. There are also plenty of vegetarian options. Crispy fried tofu, mixed market vegetable cap cai, a vegetable-heavy green curry and a vegetarian iteration of the crispy sapo mee. The vibrancy of the venue is further reflected in the drinks menu. There's a refreshing gin and lychee cocktail or a salty twist on the espresso martini made with Thai spiced coffee. Diners can also play cocktail roulette, in which they choose from a deck of coasters labelled sweet, salty, spicy or sour and are given a mystery cocktail from the bartender. Rumble joins the likes of Sokyo, Flying Fish, ELE and Mashi No Mashi at The Star, adding to its variety of dining options alongside the Sydney Lyric Theatre. Rumble opens Tuesday, August 23 at The Star Sydney, Level G, Harbourside, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont. Images: Steven Woodburn
This inspired, elegant and artistic florist has been putting together beautiful bouquets and arrangements for more than 20 years. Flower arrangements are divided into categories including sculptural (think eye-catching arrangements with unique flower and color combinations); elegant (classic flowers that are perfect for anniversaries); and preserved (like bone white, dried-out hydrangeas). It also has an extensive range of indoor and outdoor palms and figs, plus potted orchids, which are perfect as a keepsake gift for the home. Image: Arvin Prem Kumar
Where can you see live tunes with a stunning view of Sydney Harbour, all while surrounded by adorable animals as well? Twilight at Taronga. Each summer, the after-hours live music series hosts outdoor gigs with an impressive lineup, and 2024 is set to be no different. On the bill: Meg Mac, Ball Park Music, The Whitlams, the returning drag and comedy galas, and more. Held in Taronga Zoo's natural amphitheatre, this year's batch of shows runs for a month from Friday, February 2–Saturday, March 2, 2024. Also set to take to the stage: John Butler, The Waifs, The Cat Empire, and the Australian Rock Collective featuring members of Spiderbait, Powderfinger, Jet and You Am I. It isn't a Twilight at Taronga series without a few annual favourites. So, ABBA parody/tribute Bjorn Again will also bust out their tracks again, as will James Morrison, with the latter celebrating tunes from swing to soul. And, the big drag gala will bring together Karen From Finance, Art Simone, Spankie Jackzon, Jojo Zaho and Maxi Shield — while the comedy gala's lineup starts with Celia Pacquola, Ivan Aristeguieta and MC Daniel Connell. You can BYO a picnic, but there'll also be gourmet hampers available onsite alongside a handful of food trucks. Ticketholders can also purchase discounted same-day entry into the zoo (so you can sneak in a visit to your favourite mammal, bird or reptile beforehand) and, if you want to make a weekend of it, you can add on a night at Taronga's luxe eco-retreat. As always, all proceeds will go back into Taronga's ongoing conservation work, including its campaign to protect our marine life. So, you can see a gig and feel good about helping the zoo. Twilight at Taronga 2024 Lineup: Friday, February 2 — Meg Mac Saturday, February 3, 10am — Emma Memma Saturday, February 3, 6pm — Bjorn Again Sunday, February 4 — Bjorn Again Friday, February 9 — Australian Rock Collective featuring members of Spiderbait, Powderfinger, Jet and You Am I Saturday, February 10 — Comedy Gala featuring Celia Pacquola, Dave Hughes, Nikki Britton, Ivan Aristeguieta and MC Daniel Connell Sunday, February 11 — John Butler Friday, February 16 — Ball Park Music Saturday, February 17 — The Waifs Thursday, February 22 — Drag Gala featuring Karen From Finance, Art Simone, Spankie Jackzon, Jojo Zaho and Maxi Shield Saturday, February 24 — James Morrison's From Swing to Soul Thursday, February 29 — The Cat Empire Friday, March 1 — The Cat Empire Saturday, March 2, 10am — Zindzi & The Zillionaires Saturday, March 2, 6pm — The Whitlams
If you've got a tiny human in your life who needs to be showered with gifts, grab them something that'll expand their growing minds from this Randwick institution. Laugh and Learn is a locally run toy store that's been providing families educational toys and games for more than 18 years. It offers everything from books and board games to plush toys, puzzles, science kits and mini musical instruments. And, if they're up for it, toddlers and primary school-aged kids can also get involved in the music, numeracy and alphabet classes held at the shop — because learning is indeed a gift.
It's no secret Marrickville is already one of Sydney's best places to eat. Perhaps the most diverse cultural melting pot of the inner west, the suburb is home to food from most corners of the globe. And now, there's even more variety on offer thanks to the opening of Marrickville Metro's much-anticipated extension on Smidmore Street. It had been in the works for a couple of years, and we're thrilled to report that the wait was well worth it — the vibrant former warehouse boasts a great selection of new retail stores, large-scale murals, and, of course, excellent dining options. In partnership with Marrickville Metro, we've rounded up five of the restaurants we're most excited about. These will keep you fuelled from morning through to night. RICE PANTRY St Peters diner Rice Pantry has made a name for itself thanks to its modern take on South East Asian dishes. It's just opened a second site on Smidmore Street — a modern Asian diner and bar — where it will continue to showcase the bold flavours of Asian dishes in a creative way. The sharing menu features playful small bites like okonomiyaki loaded tots, while bigger dishes include spicy eight-hour braised wagyu short ribs with house pickles and a seasonal salsa and a whole grilled squid with fermented chilli, pineapple tamarind chutney and lemongrass. You'll want to save room for dessert, too — there's a Vietnamese coffee lamington that would be rude not to order, as well as a Hainan chicken 'rice-cream' with ginger and toasted rice gelato, coconut, crackling, brown butter and chicken fat caramel. KARL'S CHARCOAL CHICKEN Need a protein fix? If you're in the inner west, make sure Karl's Charcoal Chicken is on your list. Swing by this Smidmore Street spot for juicy, Lebanese-style charcoal chicken served with excellent sides like a dangerously addictive toum. It's perfect for an easy dinner option or a grab-and-go lunch. KÜRTŐSH Named for the traditional Hungarian pastry kürtőskalács, Kürtősh is another Sydney favourite that has joined the ranks at Marrickville Metro. As the name suggests, the carb temple slings baked goods inspired mostly by Central European favourites — think babka loaves, golden bureka and the eponymous kürtőskalács. The latter, perhaps more famously known as a chimney cake, boasts a caramelised, crispy and flaky outer that gives way to light and fluffy inner walls, and is baked to perfection before being finished with a roll in chopped nuts, chocolate or spices. Kurtosh also sells cake by the weight — perfect if you're tempted to try a number of things. The cake menu rotates but usually features treats ranging from fudgy chocolate slices to light-as-air cheesecakes and gluten-free sponges. FIRESTONE All-day cafe fare is on the menu at Firestone. The spacious dining room is set to be a go-to for Mod Oz-inspired dishes, with an approachable (and affordable) menu that includes vibrant brunch plates and hearty lunch and dinner options. Come hungry and tuck into dishes like the signature wagyu steak served on a heated hot stone. The relaxed diner will also feature a cute outdoor dining space, perfect for unwinding over a relaxed meal or coffee. RAMAN Man'ouche and a cocktail, anyone? This enticing combination is what's on offer at Raman, a contemporary, all-day, Lebanese restaurant and bar that has just debuted on Smidmore Street. Stop by for breakfast plates including falafel and poached eggs (a clever take on the classic eggs benny if we ever did see one), and all-day bites such as freshly baked flatbreads topped with the likes of za'atar and lahmajun. The sleek venue also serves up cocktails and mocktails, and a range of Middle Eastern teas. Find out more about the new wing of Marrickville Metro via the official website. Top image: Raman
The inevitable robot uprising is one step closer to becoming a reality, with Domino's completing what they claim to be the world's first ever pizza delivery by drone. The store-to-door aerial pizza man was unveiled in New Zealand back in August, but this week successfully completed its first pie in the sky mission in Whangaparaoa, just north of Auckland. The order — a questionable combo of peri-peri chicken and chicken and cranberry pizzas, FYI — was delivered to two happy customers around lunchtime on Wednesday, and of course the Domino's team who were there to capture the whole glorious thing. The delivery was made by unmanned aerial vehicle DRU Drone by (U.S. drone developers) Flirtey, which was autonomously controlled by a team of drone experts and a drone pilot. Domino's is calling it the world's first commercial delivery of food by drone to a customer (although 7-Eleven did deliver their first Slurpee by drone back in July). "We invested in this partnership, and technology, because we believe drone delivery will be an essential component of our pizza deliveries, so even more customers can receive the freshest, hottest pizza we can offer," Domino's Group CEO and Managing Director, Don Meij said in a statement. "DRU Drone by Flirtey offers the promise of safer, faster deliveries to an expanded delivery area, meaning more customers can expect to receive a freshly-made order within our ultimate target of ten minutes. They can avoid traffic congestion and traffic lights, and safely reduce the delivery time and distance by travelling directly to customers' homes. This is the future." According to Domino's, the drones will be used as a delivery method alongside the existing fleet of human couriers (well, until they outlive their usefulness) and will eventually be "fully integrated into online ordering and GPS systems". Expect the drones to make short distance deliveries in fine weather, because the last thing we need is pizza falling from the sky. …actually, scratch that. That sounds excellent. The successful pizza run looks set to see drone delivery integrated into the delivery repertoire of more New Zealand stores, and Domino's is looking at starting drone delivery trials in Australia, Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Japan and Germany. By Tom Clift and Lauren Vadnjal.
Head down to Surry Hills every Wednesday–Sunday for $10 cocktails made with one of Australia's most beloved gins. Four Pillars, the repeat winner of World's Best Gin Producer, has launched a happy hour at its Sydney gin laboratory running 5–7pm every Wednesday–Friday and 3–5pm on weekends. The happy hour deal is available at Eileen's Bar, the lab's public bar. Negronis, martinis, Tom Collins and the distillery's signature G&Ts are all on offer for just $10. Plus, you can nab some cheap bar snacks to pair with your financially-savvy drinks. The affordable cocktails make an ideal post-work drink for those heading back to the office, or the perfect lead-in to Saturday night out. The deal is only available for a limited time, although Four Pillars haven't revealed when it will wrap up. To ensure you nab a spot during happy hour, you can book at table at Eileen's bar via Four Pillar's website. [caption id="attachment_774870" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anson Smart[/caption] Images: Anson Smart
Though it's a small gallery, Utopia Art Sydney showcases an impressive lineup of artists and its exhibitions pack a punch. Here since 1988, the gallery is especially committed to representing contemporary Aboriginal artists, including leading members of the Papunya Tula Artists group and First Nations artists Gloria Petyarre and Emily Kame Kngwarreye — plus heaps of other artists across Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. At the moment, Utopia features work from 22 individual artists and 60 more connected with the Papunya Tula group. Images: Terence-Kent Ow
What's better than knowing that Studio Ghibli has a new movie directed by the one and only Hayao Miyazaki? Knowing when it will hit cinemas so that you can see it. Ghibli fans Down Under, mark your calendars: The Boy and the Heron will release on the big screen in Australia and New Zealand on Thursday, December 7. For some time, news around this film has sat in a specific category: news that can't really be believed until viewers can watch the end result with their very own eyes. That's understandable given that Miyazaki released The Wind Rises a decade ago, and it was expected to be his last film at the time. The movie maestro even announced his retirement. Then, he changed his mind quickly — but it's still been more than half a decade since that welcome revelation. The Boy and the Heron not only exists, but has been playing at international film festivals, already released in cinemas in Japan and boasts not one but two trailers to give audiences a sneak peek at it magic — all before the latest news of its summer arrival Down Under. Viewers can look forward to the story of Mahito, a boy pining for his mother and experiencing the realm where the living and the dead converge — and, naturally, stunningly gorgeous animation that will spirit audiences away. The My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle icon's latest was confirmed back in late 2022 for a 2023 release. Back then, it was known as How Do You Live, but has changed its title since. The official synopsis describes it as "a semi-autobiographical fantasy about life, death and creation" — and yes, plenty of Miyazaki's trademarks already exist in that short blurb. The Boy and the Heron will release in Australia and New Zealand in both Japanese with English subtitles and dubbed in English. For the latter, the film's English-language voice cast spans the starry likes of Christian Bale (Amsterdam), Robert Pattinson (The Batman), Florence Pugh (Oppenheimer), Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), Gemma Chan (The Creator), Willem Dafoe (Asteroid City), Mark Hamill (The Fall of the House of Usher) and Karen Fukuhara (The Boys). There's nothing quite like a Miyazaki movie. While Studio Ghibli isn't short on on-screen wonders hailing from a range of filmmakers, the Japanese animation house's best-known co-founder truly does make films like no one else. The Boy and the Heron already looks spectacular — unsurprisingly — in its initial glimpses, complete with lush greenery, mysterious spaces and floating critters. And, of course, with Mahito and the picture's titular bird making appearances. The Boy and the Heron marks Ghibli's fifth film since Miyazaki's last movie, following Isao Takahata's The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, page-to-screen treat When Marnie Was There, French co-production The Red Turtle and the CGI-animated Earwig and the Witch. Check out the trailer for The Boy and the Heron below: The Boy and the Heron will release in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, December 7.. Images: © 2023 Studio Ghibli.
What's the perfect dessert to follow a feast of gyoza or bao? Harajuku Gyoza might be the home of raindrop cakes and Japanese air cheesecakes, but it has another answer to that question: sweet versions of its go-to savoury dishes. Lemon meringue gyoza, marshmallow gyoza and Ferrero Rocher dumplings have been on the chain's menu before. Nutella gyoza sits there permanently. Now, it's time for gingerbread, pavlova and rum ball bao. 'Tis the season, after all. The food mashup fiends are celebrating the jolliest time of year with a new round of inventive limited-edition sweet treats — and new examples to prove the fact that there's no such thing as bad gyoza or bao. Harajuku Gyoza likes experimenting with its savoury range, too (mac 'n' cheese and pepperoni dumplings, anyone?), but turning bao into dessert and a festive treat is multiple presents in one. Available at Harajuku Gyoza's four Australian stores — at Darling Harbour in Sydney; at South Bank and the CBD in Brisbane; and in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast — the Christmas-inspired bao are exactly what they sound like. So, they're bao topped with whichever other dessert they're forming a Frankenstein's monster-style hybrid with, with each deep-fried and dusted in sugar first. Because these are a merry treat, they're only available until Christmas. That gives you just a few weeks to head on in and discover what gingerbread, pavlova and rum ball bao taste like. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Harajuku Gyoza (@harajukugyoza) If you're keen on gathering the gang, Harajuku Gyoza will give you a free round of Christmas bao if you have your Christmas party with eight people or more at one of its outposts. And if you fancy tucking into the new dumplings after devouring two old favourites — cheeseburger gyoza, which is stuffed with burger pieces, aged cheddar, onion, pickles, mustard and tomato sauce; and mozzarella gyoza, which is filled with the obvious, then deep-fried and sprinkled with Twisties salt — that's up to you. Harajuku Gyoza's Christmas dessert bao are available at all Australian stores — at Darling Harbour in Sydney; at South Bank and the CBD in Brisbane; and in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast — until Monday, December 25, 2023.
