For 117 years, drinkers of the inner west have been gathering at the Salisbury Hotel for a brew and a chin-wag. This week, the pub reaches the end of a major, year-long renovation. Next time you visit, expect an extended, repositioned kitchen; wooden beams and cobblestone; and a quirky outdoor beer garden, with a Chinese elm tree and a 1926 bright red brewery truck. The menu's had an overhaul, too, under Singaporean-Malay chef Ridz Ma'rop (ex-Henson Park Hotel, The Trinity). The motivation for the revamp was publican Trish Larkin's desire to increase the pub's appeal to everyone, families included. "The Salisbury is a meeting place for all, young and old," she says. "We wanted to create a pub environment where you'd be happy to take your mum, grandad or children — somewhere that has a consistently solid offering and where all are welcome." To that end, the new menu is all about high-quality pub classics. The Brew Truck Angus burger comes with egg, beetroot, pineapple, bacon, cheese, tomato, lettuce and chips, while the Salisbury steak sandwich features roasted tomato, onion relish, lettuce, aioli and chips. There's also a beef and Guinness pie with colcannon, and maple-miso salmon with Asian slaw and ginger-shallot dressing. Drop by on Thursdays for Curry House, when 20 bucks buys you a curry and sides, plus a Young Henrys' longneck. Then, on Sundays, it's time for The Feast—a $100 cornucopia of meats, fish and sides that feeds four. Behind the bar, in addition to Young Henrys, you'll find beers by 4 Pines and Stone and Wood, as well as a bunch of Australian wines. If you're travelling in a group, nip through to The Hall, where there's a 12-seater table beneath a high ceiling. Otherwise, continue through to the beer garden to find banquettes, or head back inside to drink and make merry among the pub's exposed brickwork, recycled timber, wooden beams and cobblestone. On Wednesdays, get involved in Drag Bingo and, on Sundays, kick back to live music. Find The Salisbury at 118 Percival Road, Stanmore. Opening hours are Monday-Saturday, 10am-midnight, and Sunday, 10am-10pm. Visit the hotel's website for further details
If sport is escapism in its simplest form — the 2020 Summer Olympics couldn't have come at a better time. For all of us following along from the pub or the couch (sorry Sydney), the ultimate demonstration of human accomplishment delivers a much-needed sense of belonging and shared experience. In between staggering feats of athleticism, competitors from every corner of the world have given us countless inspiring tales all delivered with neverending grace. So, our writers' have recapped eight of the most heartwarming, unmissable moments of the Tokyo Olympic Games so far. SUZ TUCKER: Editorial Director Moment: Oksana Chusovitina, representing Uzbekistan in gymnastics. I write this from an at-home standing desk — because I've somehow injured my back doing nothing. Meanwhile, Oksana Chusovitina is a 46 year old woman who, this week, competed in her EIGHTH consecutive Olympic Games (the first was Barcelona in '92) in a sport where the majority of participants are under the age of 20. This veritable sporting icon competed in vault before announcing her retirement from the sport. I pulled a hammy just watching her. A legend. MELANIE COLWELL: Branded Content Editor Moment: Jian Fang Lay, representing Australia in table tennis. If you've read or watched the news at all this past week, you'd be aware of the major Aussie success stories at the games so far. We're dominating in swimming and Jess Fox finally got her hands on the gold medal that had eluded her for many years. They're dubbed champions. Legends. Heroes. And rightly so — they've earned it. But there is another athlete that should be getting just as much praise and recognition: Jian Fang Lay. The 48-year-old table tennis player may not have won any medals (yet) but she is competing in her sixth consecutive Olympic Games — one of only two Australian women to do so. Talk about grit and determination. As someone whose experience with table tennis begins and ends with a few successful games of beer pong (the more you drink, the better you play and you can't convince me otherwise), Jian's speed, coordination and instinct is a marvel to witness. She is an underrated QUEEN. ELLEN SEAH: National News & Features Editor Moment: Thomas Daley, representing Great Britain in diving. Very occasionally, the democratic nature of sport fosters moments that stretch far beyond a league, a game, or a medal. Tom Daley's post-dive media interview was one such moment. Sporting a plain black mask, with adrenaline still pumping from his first Olympic gold medal win, Daley told media reporters about the struggle and pressures he's faced as an LGBTIQ+ athlete, with the grace and confidence that would put most to shame. "I came out in 2013 and when I was younger I always felt like the one that was alone and different and didn't fit in. There was something about me that was always never going to be as good as what society wanted me to be," Daley said, in response to a reporter's question about there being more openly out LGBTIQ+ athletes than any other Olympic Games before. "I hope that any young LGBTI person out there can see that no matter how alone you feel right now, you are not alone. You can achieve anything." Daley and his synchronised diving partner, Matty Lee, sat between silver medal Chinese athletes Cao Yuan and Chen Aisen and bronze medal Russian divers Alexander Bondar and Viktor Minibaev. Gay marriage is not legal in either Russia or China. LIBBY CURAN: Staff Writer Moment: Ariarne Titmus, representing Australia in 400m freestyle (and Dean Boxall's reaction). Life can start to feel a little light on excitement when you've been churning through lockdowns like it's an Olympic sport. Heck, some days, putting proper pants on seems deserving of a hearty pat on the back. So, imagine the pure motivation that would come from having a personal cheerleader that gets as wildly ecstatic about your triumphs as Ariarne Titmus' coach was following her women's 400m freestyle win. Dean Boxall's joyfully OTT reaction to his charge's gold medal moment has become an instant meme and for good reason — we're talking buckets of unbridled enthusiasm and some very passionate hip thrusts. Ok, so you might not be in the running to take home any gold medals for Australia yourself. But whatever little thing you need to muster up motivation for this week, chuck Boxhall's now-famous cheer routine a watch and I reckon you'll feel ready to take on the world. SARAH WARD: Associate Editor Moment: All the new sports. The only sport I'm obsessively passionate about will never reach the Olympics, even when Brisbane hosts them in 2032. Australia would obviously win gold if Aussie Rules did ever make the cut, though. If there was a way for us to win silver and bronze at the same time, we probably would as well. Still, there's something inherently joyous about new sports being introduced to the Olympics, even if it's not my beloved form of football. All those athletes who've just had their dreams come true merely by even being able to compete at that level, and all those kids who might now turn their childhood passions into a medal-winning profession — it's nothing short of inspiring. Surfing and skateboarding obviously fall into that category this year, and the fact that many of the winners so far have such moving stories behind them, or happen to be 13-year-old girls kick-flipping their way to glory, is flat-out excellent. Also a delight: seeing baseball join the fold in Tokyo. Having witnessed first-hand just how beloved baseball is in Japan — complete with the souvenirs to prove it — it's clear how meaningful an inclusion this is. CORDELIA WILLIAMSON: Branded Content Manager Moment: Bronte Campbell, Cate Campbell, Emma McKeon and Meg Harris, representing Australia in the 4 x 100-metre freestyle relay. Despite my current opinion of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and really feeling for Japan right now, I am (somewhat selfishly) loving watching the Olympics. I listened to journalist Kieran Pender on a recent 7am episode, 'Front row seats to the world's biggest experiment', and he describes the Tokyo Games as a paradox. On the one hand, it is "deeply problematic" that the IOC has forged ahead, and it is reasonable for us to say 'who cares' when we look at the broader context. But also, as Pender states: "Sport is powerful, sport is important…[and] these games will bring joy, particularly to those in lockdown". This pretty much sums up how I feel as a veg out on the couch watching these superhumans dive, sprint, jump and backflip on the screen. One moment where all my neg energy dissipated, however, was while watching Bronte Campbell, Cate Campbell, Emma McKeon and Meg Harris absolutely slay in the pool in the women's 4 x 100-metre freestyle relay final. Beating your own world record by three seconds is bloody great. But for me, someone who doesn't really watch sport nor have much (if any) national pride, it was seeing these incredible women celebrate the team's efforts, not just themselves, and present each other with their gold medals that got me like a punch in the guts. Heartwarming stuff right there. Seriously looking forward to catching more pool action, particularly diving and artistic swimming. And the pentathlon — it blows my mind that individuals can be skilled in so many (and some random) sports. BEN HANSEN: Staff Writer Moment: Hidilyn Diaz, representing the Philippines in weightlifting. While I've been yelling at my screen consistently over the last week as the Ollyroos upset Argentina, the Boomers continue their winning streak and we dominate in the pool. The moment that brought the biggest smile to my face was weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz winning the Philippines its first first-ever Olympic gold with an Olympic Record lift. Weightlifting is already a wildly impressive sport, but Diaz's face of relief when she lifts her first place-winning weight turning to overwhelming joy was so touching. NIK ADDAMS: Branded Content Manager Moment: Owen Wright, representing Australia in surfing. I know absolutely nothing about surfing. I don't even understand what one is supposed to do when one surfs. And while I was initially drawn in by the handsome Brazilian men (whatever gets you tuned in, right?) what I do know is that — after quickly Googling the rules to try and make some sense of what I was watching — I felt like I was riding every single wave with Owen Wright, Australia's first surfing medallist. The word 'inspirational' is thrown about quite a bit in sporting discourse, but his story is one that truly merits that term — having to relearn how to walk and surf after a horror brain injury just six years ago. The post-surf interview with his beautiful family showed just how much this one meant — and I hope his son Vali got an extra scoop of ice cream to celebrate, too. Top image: IOC, supplied.
Just because you haven't got an actual kid, doesn't mean you have to miss out on that time-honoured tradition of taking some festive shopping centre snaps with the jolly man himself. Westfield centres across Australia and New Zealand have teamed up with a crew of expert pup-arazzi to once again offer Christmas-themed pet photography shoots. Yes – your fur-baby can get a family paw-trait with Santa Claus. Westfield's shopping centres — with the exception of some, such as Sydney CBD — are offering an extended festive photography series, with sensitive and pet-friendly options available. Unfortunately, not quite all creatures great and small are allowed — dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs can book in at most centres, but you'll need to double check before bringing in something like an alpaca, snake, frog or goat. Of course, with the pandemic, it's not quite business as usual at the Santa sessions. Instead of cuddling the big man in red, you'll be holding your pup or guinea pig in the seat next to him. A similar setup is on the cards for regular family photos, too, with kids and kidults located a safe distance away. Westfield has three spots in SA, four in WA, six in Queensland, seven spots in Victoria and a whopping 15 in NSW. Over in NZ, there are four in Auckland and one in Christchurch. Bookings are a must and can be made via your local Westfield's website, where you'll also find some guidelines for you and your four-legged mate. Most centres will have a dedicated Pooch Parking zone where you'll be met and escorted to the set, and your pet needs to be brought in on a lead or in a cage. There's a range of photo packages to choose from, including The Vixen ($29.95) for one 6x8 photo, one 4x6 photo and four wallet snaps, while at the higher end you can splash out on Santa's Gift Pack ($49.95), which includes a hefty array of photos, gift tags, digital files, bookmarks and even a calendar. Various sessions are available at Westfield centres across Australia and NZ from Saturday, November 7. Check your local's website for details.
It's a tough time to be a little guy, with so much of the country in lockdown once again. Many of our local producers rely on farmer's markets to distribute their products, so last year, Sydney's favourite butter churners Pepe Saya Butter Co launched Aussie Artisan Week to encourage Australians to support our nations' small cheesemakers, gin distilleries and mushroom harvesters. After a successful inaugural year, Aussie Artisan Week is back and running from Monday, August 16 until Monday, August 23. Right across the week, Pepe Saya is spreading the local love and encouraging you to check out some of this country's finest artisan producers. The Aussie Artisan Week's Instagram is featuring stories from a raft of its favourite food businesses — and you'll find a growing directory of producers over on its website complete with handy links on where to buy their wares. If you're organising a next-level breakfast for Saturday morning, start with NSW's Crumpets by Merna and Bondi Yoghurt, Northern Territory's Alice Bakery, Queensland's My Berries and of course Pepe Saya Butter Co. Or, if you're planning a fancy night in, you can hit up Cupitt's Estate winery, Kangaroo Valley Olives and Great Southern Truffles. To kick things off, Pepe Saya has also just launched a collaboration with local spread Oomite to create a luxe Vegemite-esque spread that combines Pepe Saya butter, umami and Oomite marble. The Oomite butter is available online in 100-gram wheels.
Opera isn't known for being the hippest of the arts. Between the scarily priced tickets and insatiably conservative subscribers, it's been hard for the medium to connect to a new audience that will keep it alive for generations to come. But lately there's more than a bit of buzz about opera in Sydney, and it's all on the creative, experimental and accessible side of things. These are the top five operatic happenings stirring our interest. https://youtube.com/watch?v=VXPOg574cr0 1. La Traviata Who: Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour When: March 24 to April 15 at Mrs Macquaries Point The upcoming Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is providing weeks' worth of spectacle before it even starts as we watch the set get built over Sydney Harbour and the nine-metre crystal chandelier float over to meet it. The show is lavish and then some, but the outdoor venue gives it that edge of something different, adventurous and open to chaos. So accessorise your gown with a plastic poncho and get out there. 2. The Marriage of Figaro Who: Opera Australia When: Until March 24 at the Sydney Opera House This is a classic opera, but one that's always contained a note of subversion. Along with the English-translated libretto, director Benedict Andrews (more commonly found at Belvoir or the STC) has made it relevant and accessible with a modern setting in a privileged gated community. 3. In the Penal Colony Who: Sydney Chamber Opera When: April 7-14 at the Parade Playhouse It's bewildering that no opera by legendary contemporary composer Philip Glass has ever been performed in Sydney. This one is based on a dark short story by Franz Kafka about an elaborate torture and execution device and is being put on by a young company bringing back the experience of intimate opera. https://youtube.com/watch?v=miCbEZt5-18 4. Karen O's Stop the Virgens Who: Karen O of Yeah Yeah Yeahs fame as part of Vivid LIVE When: May 30 to June 3 at the Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House With the aid of production designer KK Barrett (Where the Wild Things Are, Lost in Translation) and director Adam Rapp (Red Light Winter and In Treatment writer), Karen O has been able to realise her long-nurtured blend of music and theatre, dubbed 'psycho-opera', and it's set to be a highlight of Vivid LIVE 2012. Stop the Virgens is an autobiographical mindwarp featuring over 50 artists, including her Yeah Yeah Yeahs bandmates Nick Zinner and Brian Chase. 5. Die Tote Stadt Who: Opera Australia When: June 30 to July 18 at the Sydney Opera House Bruce Beresford directs this bold production complete with holographic images and other groundbreaking tech. It's fitting for the story, which follows a widower's journey through grief after the arrival of a woman who resembles his wife and which is laced with hallucinations and doubt.
There's escaping the city for an afternoon, and then there's driving 20 minutes down a dirt road to a secluded river and hopping into a canoe. In this canoe, it's quiet, very still. The Kangaroo Valley's bushland surrounds you, ascending on either side of the waterway, creating a landscape that's punctuated only by the occasional kingfisher flapping by or a solitary trout breaking the surface with a small splash. And I haven't even mentioned the best bit: this canoe is filled with wine. And snacks. So as you're floating down the river — minimal paddling is necessary — you'll be able to pop a bottle of local sparkling and tuck into a few canapés. Maybe you'll try a glass of top-notch sparkling Riesling from Mittagong's Artemis Wines and a yabby roll with native lime mayo supplied by The Loch in nearby Berrima. As you might have guessed, this isn't an ordinary off-you-go oar-bearing experience. This one is part of WildFEST, a new three-day celebration of the food, drink and wilderness of NSW's Southern Highlands. Led by experienced paddler Travis Frenay, the Canoes, Champagne and Canapés experience will lead you along the Kangaroo River in a custom-built double canoe, through the sunken forest and past a convict-built sandstone wall. Travis has an insane amount of knowledge on the area and will be able to answer pretty much anything you throw at him. There will be three sessions a day (9am, noon and 3pm) on October 27, 28 and 29. The whole thing sets off from Beehive Point and takes around two to three hours. Prices are on the heftier side at $195 each, but includes all food, wine and equipment. Plus, this part of the Valley isn't highly accessible for people without their own gear, so it's a great (and bloody delightful) way to explore the area on the water. Note: if weather conditions suggest your rusty old sedan won't make it there and back, the organisers may provide transport down the dirt road. But if it's dry, you're all good. It's part of the adventure. Canoes, Champagne and Canapés will run on October 27–29 from Beehive Point, Kangaroo Valley. For more info and to buy tickets, visit wildfest.com.au.
Picture this: the silly season is over and you're back into the daily grind. You could already use a break, but your next trip away is a distant dream. Until someone gifts you a sweet little getaway for two to a coastal paradise. Thanks to Popcar — a premium car sharing service that lets you enjoy the benefits of owning a car without all the hassle — you could win a three-day trip to Byron Bay, complete with free access to a Popcar so you can make the most of your holiday. Before you know it, you and your best friend, partner or maybe your deserving Mum, could be cruising the streets of Byron. Should you get your mitts on this prize, you'll be flying with Jetstar and spending two nights at Beach Hotel, the four-star accommodation right in the centre of town. And, as you'll have a car, you can go from swims at the beach to exploring the hinterland and watching the sunset with ease. This year's bushfire season is particularly dangerous. Before you head on an out-of-town adventure, check the RFS NSW and NSW National Parks websites and heed any alerts and warnings. To enter, see details below. [competition]754211[/competition] Top image: Hugh Stewart via Destination NSW.
Spring is only one month in, but we already know where and when St Jerome's Laneway Festival will help wrap up summer come February 2025. If you like ending the warmest part of the year with a day of tunes at one of the most-beloved music fests in Australia and New Zealand, grab your diary now: the event started by Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio in the mid-00s has announced its dates and venues. Laneway has also revealed another pivotal detail — no, not the lineup yet, but when its roster of talent will drop. If you're all about who'll be playing, you'll find out on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. For now, just know that Laneway has locked in returns in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Auckland, all at familiar venues. Western Springs in Auckland is the first stop on Thursday, February 6, before the Australian dates kick off on Saturday, February 8 at Brisbane Showgrounds. Next comes stints at Sydney Showground on Sunday, February 9, then Melbourne's Flemington Park on Friday, February 14 — which is one way to spend Valentine's Day. After that, the festival hits up Bonython Park in Adelaide on Saturday, February 15, before finishing its 2025 leg on Sunday, February 16 at Wellington Square in Perth. Stormzy, Steve Lacy, Dominic Fike and Raye were among this year's Laneway headliners, while HAIM, Joji and Phoebe Bridgers did the honours in 2023 — if that helps you start speculating who might follow in their footsteps in 2025. Laneway joins the list of events locking in their comebacks after a tough year of cancellations across the music festival scene. Also returning: Golden Plains, Bluesfest (for the last time), Wildlands, Good Things, Lost Paradise, Beyond The Valley and Meredith. Laneway Festival 2025 Dates and Venues Thursday, February 6 – Western Springs, Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau Saturday, February 8 — Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane / Turrbal Targun Sunday, February 9 — Sydney Showground, Sydney / Burramattagal Land & Wangal Land Friday, February 14 — Flemington Park, Melbourne / Wurundjeri Biik Saturday, February 15 — Bonython Park, Adelaide / Kaurna Yerta Sunday, February 16 — Wellington Square, Perth / Whadjuk Boodjar St Jerome's Laneway Festival is touring Australia and New Zealand in February 2025. Head to the festival's website for further details, and to register for ticket pre sales (which kick off at 10am local time on Tuesday, October 15, 2024) — and check back here for next year's lineup when it drops on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 Images: Charlie Hardy / Daniel Boud / Maclay Heriot / Cedric Tang.
In cinemas, on TV and on the page, the past decade or so has served up more than a couple of Nordic noir hits. It's also left audiences wanting more. So, when Australia's annual Scandinavian Film Festival rolls around each year — sitting out 2020 for obvious reasons, though — it tends to deliver a few twisty thrillers from that part of the world. In fact, when 2021's fest kicks off in Sydney on Tuesday, July 6 — and plays Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Byron Bay as well — it'll start with a must-see new entry in the Scandi-noir genre. Hailing from Denmark, opening night's Wildland stars Sidse Babette Knudsen (Borgen, Westworld) as the head of a family crime syndicate. She's charged with looking after her teenage niece and, in a movie that instantly brings Australia's own Animal Kingdom to mind, the latter soon learns more about the family business. Also on this year's Scandinavian Film Festival lineup: Knudsen again in Copenhagen-set psychological thriller The Exception; masterful and engaging Norwegian film Disco, about an evangelical dance champion who finds her faith tested; and surreal mother-daughter drama Psychosis in Stockholm. Or, for fans of Nordic cinema's big names, relationship drama Hope co-stars Stellan Skarsgård (Chernobyl), musical comedy A Piece of My Heart sees Swedish-born actor Malin Akerman (Rampage) back on home turf, and The Country hails from Icelandic filmmaker Grímur Hákonarson — who directed Rams, which was remade in Australia last year. Other highlights include Icelandic box office hits Agnes Joy and The Last Fishing Trip, the latter of which has been compared to The Hangover; Finnish biopics Helene and Tove, about painter Helene Schjerfbeck and visual artist and author Tove Jansson, respectively; Tigers, which tells the true tale of former Inter Milan player Martin Bengtsson; and closing night's 50th anniversary-screening of The Emigrants starring Max von Sydow and Liv Ullmann. Australia's various country- and region-focused film fests have always let cinephiles see the world without leaving their cinema seats — and with trips out of the country (other than New Zealand) off the cards at the moment, that's clearly a big drawcard at this year's Scandinavian Film Festival, too. The Scandinavian Film Festival tours the country between Tuesday, July 6–Wednesday, August 4, screening at Sydney's Palace Norton, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinemas from July 6–28; Melbourne's Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino and Pentridge Cinema from July 8–28; Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace James St from July 15–August 4; Adelaide's Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas from July 13–August 4; and Perth's Luna Leederville, Luna on SX & Palace Raine Square from July 14– August 4. For the full program, visit the festival website.
With Spit, one of the best Australian films of the past quarter-century gets a sequel — and so does one of the finest and funniest scenes in an Aussie movie. A crime comedy set on the Gold Coast, 2003's Gettin' Square earned well-deserved affection for its tale of a just-out-of-jail ex-con trying to rebuild his life but being pulled back to the wrong side of the law for a last big job. It also scored David Wenham (Fake) his second Australian Film Institute Award, and first for his big-screen work. Sam Worthington (Horizon: An American Saga) played the paroled Barry Wirth, but Wenham's turn as the mullet-topped, tight jeans-wearing, thongs-adorned Johnny Spitieri stole every sequence that he was in. One such specific moment: when Johnny, aka Spit, is forced to front court. Thanks also to director Jonathan Teplitzky (Churchill, The Railway Man) and Gold Coast lawyer-turned-novellist and screenwriter Chris Nyst (Crooked Business), movie comedy masterclasses are made of this. Wenham's filmography is immense across both the silver and small screens, and in Australian and international fare alike. Name an Aussie TV show of the 80s and 90s and he probably popped up in it, before he became known as Diver Dan in SeaChange. In 1998, the same year that that series started, he was haunting in Aussie cinema masterpiece The Boys. Then in 2000, he initially teamed up with Teplitzky for intimate rom-com Better Than Sex, before reuniting on Gettin' Square and now Spit two decades later. Around that collaboration, plus everything else mentioned above, Wenham has jumped between Moulin Rouge!, The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course, two Lord of the Rings films, Van Helsing, The Proposition, 300, Goldstone, Lion, a Pirates of the Caribbean flick, The Furnace and Elvis, and also Killing Time, The Code, Iron Fist, Top of the Lake, the TV versions of Wake in Fright and Romper Stomper, Les Norton and Pieces of Her — and more. There's one part that has long stood out among that lengthy list of on-screen credits, though, especially for audiences. "It's strange even now, that much time later, nearly every day of my life I have somebody approach me — and out of all the characters that I've played, that's the one that most of them want to talk about. And they quote lines from that film from 20-something years ago, which is extraordinary considering it didn't do very well at the box office originally," Wenham tells Concrete Playground. He's talking about Johnny Spitieri, as distinctive a figure as he'll ever play, and as distinctively Australian, but one that viewers keep seeing their loved ones in. "Oh my god, my uncle, my uncle, my whatever, he's Johnny Spitieri," folks tell him, Wenham advises. "Talk to people all around the country, 'oh yeah, I went to school with Johnny Spitieri'. He seems to exist in so many communities all around Australia. There's an ownership of Johnny Spitieri, which is great." Exploring more of Johnny's story — and bringing him back to the Gold Coast, too — wasn't originally the plan, or something that either Teplitzky or Wenham even dreamed might happen when they were making Gettin' Square. "Far from it, far from it. You so often do these things and as soon as they're finished, you put them out into the world and you move onto other things. And it probably took ten or 15 years before we even started thinking about it again, but the power of Spitieri was something that drew us all back in eventually," notes Teplitzky. "People found that film originally on VHS and then DVD. It developed this cult classic-type status," adds Wenham. "It's amazing. So the fact that that character still resonates was probably the little ember that fanned the flame in the beginning of the discussions for this film, which began probably about ten years ago." In Spit, two decades have passed for the movie's namesake as well, time that he's spent on the run overseas. Although Spit remains another comedy with the small-time ex-criminal at its heart, Wenham, Teplitzky and Nyst haven't just brought Johnny back home for a repeat of Gettin' Square's antics. This is as much a character piece, and it also thoughtfully surveys Australia today. When Spitieri's return Down Under draws attention, his first stop is an Immigration Detention Centre, where the film starts digging into the nation as a multicultural country and what being an Aussie means, complete with Johnny teaching his fellow detainees local terms. As fans of the first film will remember, Johnny had fled abroad for a reason, which is where plenty of other familiar characters also pop up. David Field (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), Helen Thomson (Colin From Accounts), David Roberts (Territory) and Gary Sweet (A Savage Christmas) are all back, for instance, while Bob Franklin (Bay of Fires) steps in for the late Richard Carter (Mad Max: Fury Road), and Arlo Green (Bump) and Pallavi Sharda (The Office) also join the ensemble. Is there yet another potential future for Johnny, after trying to avoid retaliation for 20 years ago from crims and dirty cops alike, giving prosectors grief again, finding a new friend in Green's asylum-seeker Jihad and reforging family connections in Spit? Another big-screen outing, even if it takes 20 more years or so to make it happen? "There's no plans for it," Wenham says. But "never say never", he also notes. "Twenty-two years to the time, maybe Johnny might be in an aged-care facility somewhere. I think that'd be it. That'd be an interesting movie." Among other subjects, we also chatted with Wenham and Teplitzky about why Johnny strikes such a chord with audiences, not just trying to remake Gettin' Square, how Wenham gets into character as Spitieri, balancing humour with deep emotional resonance and making Gold Coast movies. On Whether Wenham and Teplitzky Predicted That Johnny Spitieri Would Be So Beloved by Audiences Jonathan: "When we were making it, you're so in the moment of that experience of making the film, but I always knew that it was a beautifully written character and full of laughs. But there's so many elements — we could be here for hours going through them all — elements within that, taking it off the page and turning it into comedy/drama, that created unexpected classic moments. And the strength of Chris' screenplay allowed David and I, it was like a perfect playground, to be able to just play and find different spontaneous things that very much came out of the situations that he created. But the success or the iconic status, for example, of the courtroom and what have you, I always knew that was an amazing scene — but there was probably more talk about 'is it too long? Is it too this? Is it too that?' at the time, when now, you go look at it and you go 'if it was twice as long, you'd be happy'. So I think that's something that develops. I don't think you can ever say you knew that it was going to be fantastic. It's something — because at that stage, the audience weren't involved, and that's what the relationship is, it's between a film and an audience, not between the filmmakers and the audience. We're just the people who hopefully provide something for them to have that incredible cinematic experience." David: "The audiences, it was interesting — after the very first screening [of Spit] on the Gold Coast, which is Johnny's spiritual home, to have audience members from the general public come up and chat, and I thought 'okay, this is interesting'. The level of conversation that they wanted to engage with about the character, about the film, and about surprising moments in the film and the surprising narrative alleys that it takes you down, was really, really intriguing. And it's happening, I don't know how many screenings we've done now, and it's been embraced in a similar way by each audience. Hilarious, much laughter, but much connection emotionally to the film as well, in a really fascinating way." Jonathan: "I think Johnny is a very universal-type character. And I think when you, as an audience, you get access to — yes, it's brilliant when you laugh out loud, but also there's something very rich about being able to connect with a character in a film, whereby you have access to their dramatic emotional life. And the combination of the two really endears in many ways, even more so than [Gettin' Square], because it's different, it's much more of a character piece, this film, than what Gettin' Square was." On Not Trying to Remake Gettin' Square with Spit — and the Importance of It Being a Character Piece as Much as a Comedy David: "We both, and Chris as well, had exactly the same thought. We were not interested in making, remaking or making Gettin' Square 2. There had to be a really unique, really solid reason for us to come together and do this again. And Chris found it, quite some time ago actually. Just the kernel of the idea came from — he was thinking about, he was just sort of cogitating on all the hoo-ha that was occurring, and it pops up every now and again, about migration in this country. And he thought 'this is a bit ridiculous, really', because we're all migrants. All of us are migrants. We're products of migrants and today's migrants are tomorrow's excellent, wonderful Australian citizens. And he just came up with an idea of 'I wonder what would happen if we throw Johnny Spitieri into this question?'. And that's the beginning of his exploration. From there, he just started to explore the history of Johnny as well, and why Johnny ended up the man he is and where he came from. So the first time I read the very first draft, I thought 'oh my god, this film is inspired'. Yes, it's got the same texture and flavour of Gettin' Square — there's nods to wonderful memories from that film — but it's definitely its own special entity. And people can come and see this film without knowing anything about Gettin' Square and be able to embrace it, laugh along with it and come out of the cinema bouncing with good vibes." Jonathan: "I think, also, Chris' script for Gettin' Square, it played out that story. There's nothing else to tell about that story. It was a done story, and so the only time sequels really work is when the story still has something to explore — and I think we did that with Gettin' Square, or certainly enough of it, that, as David says, we really wanted to find the next level. And for us as filmmakers and what have you, it's over 20 years and we didn't want to revisit the same thing — we wanted to challenge ourselves and explore something deeper and more interesting." On How Wenham Stepped Back into Johnny's Shoes After So Much Time — and If It's the Distinctive Wardrobe David: "It is, actually. It is one of those characters that — my approach to characters and films changes depending on, obviously, the type of film, the role, the character, all that sort of stuff, but for me, this one I work from the outside in. It's physical, how I find him. As soon as I read the script the very first time, 20, how many years ago, I could hear that character. I knew the way he spoke. Tonality, I knew where it should sit in face. The rhythm, I knew the character's rhythm. I could see him physically. And all this came about by, I lived near King's Cross for 30 years of my life. I knew Johnny Spitieri. I've met many, many, many of them. So the character originally, as soon as I got the right wardrobe, it came to me relatively effortlessly. I don't mean to say that it was easy because it's not, but it's a character I knew so so well. So in order for me to come back — and I've never played another character twice, any other character twice, and especially 20-something years. I haven't worn thongs in 20-something years. As soon as I step my feet into those thongs, instantly it took me back to Johnny Spitieri. It's as though that character lays within me at all times, it just needs something for me to tap and I'm back there. And then when we step into the courthouse after 20-something years, it was the most surreal moment for Jonathan, myself, Gary Phillips who shot it. And you can feel it. We all felt exactly the same thing. We looked around and went 'oh my god'. It felt as though time had been condensed, and it felt as though we only there last week. The oddest thing. And it was as though we were literally, we all had, we all knew each others', we had a shorthand for how all of us work together as a team, and it just comes back and it knitted together so seamlessly." Jonathan: "Things like the courtroom, because you then, you create a great scene out of it and the experience of it — even watching or listening to the dialogue in that courtroom scene today, it's still hilarious, and I'm still astounded at how clever the writing is at times. And it's a big, big part of our working lives, those sort of moments and those kind of scenes, because you invest so much in them. When they work, it's a little miracle." On Making a Film That's Both Very Funny and Has Deep Emotional Resonance Jonathan: "It's definitely one of the challenges. But at the same time, I really believe that that the deeper the emotional, dramatic life of the characters in whatever type of film it is, the flip side of that and in contrast to it, the comedic elements of it, if you can find that balance, it provides such a rich experience for an audience. And I think the more dramatic and the more emotional elements that we've got in the film, it also embraces universal themes. Everyone in the film is trying to start a new life in some form, looking for a second chance. And that's a very day to day — everybody's involved in that sort of thing. People, I think, can really identify." David: "In terms of the balance between comedy and drama, it's real life, it's what happens. We all have had moments that change so dramatically. I can remember when my mother was dying and she was literally on her deathbed, and around the bed were seven children — me being the youngest. And the moment was very tender and delicate, because she was literally just about to take her last breath. We're all there and there was just a sense of calm and stillness, and then literally a nurse pulled open the curtain and said 'dinner: the chicken or the vegetable?'. Seriously. You couldn't write that." Jonathan: "That's just genius." David: "It's like 'oh my god, oh my god'. I thought 'I will always remember that moment'." Jonathan: "I completely agree. It's so key to life. And often, you talk about it in often-cliche ways and I don't even totally understand it, really, but the idea that you search for some kind of truth regardless of how comedic or how dramatic a film might be in the characters, the more that you have the essence of that, the more I think an audience can easily identify and find a place for themselves within the experience of watching it. I think our job is to bring the elements, yes, to balance some of them and to try things — and that's what the editing is about. It's not just about putting the story together. That's one element of it. The other is to really find the nuance. And in a sense, it's like when someone talks about reading a novel. It's about what's not written. And the richer films are the ones that give you something that is not just at face value." David: "It has been very rewarding to actually sit in the cinema and watch that instant transition between comedy and pathos that occurs within the audience, and then talking to people afterwards and they're saying 'it was unexpected, it was a surprise' — and the fact that the kleenexes did come out. People, it was a very, unexpected added bonus for them, that made the film all the more richer than they'd even anticipated." Jonathan: "And going to the cinema is about surprises. Film is about surprises. It's about revelation. That's what you're trying to do. If the audience is ahead of you and knows what's happening — you hear it all the time, 'I knew', 'I could see the end coming a mile off' and all those sort of comments. When you sit in a cinema and have things revealed to you as you go along — so with a film like this, the expectation is and the hope is that they're going to have a good laugh, which, our belief is that you will. But then if we can also provide unexpected pleasures along the way, both emotional and dramatic, it only makes the experience better." On Reuniting with So Much of Gettin' Square's Cast and Crew for Spit David: "In terms of getting them back together, it was probably one of the easiest things we've both ever done in our lives. As soon as the possibility of this film became a reality, and the fact that the characters, Helen Thomson's character, David Field, Gary Sweet, their characters were there, it was an instant yes. It's like 'whenever it is, yes, I'm there'. And there was bugger all money for wages, but it doesn't matter. Same thing happened with the crew, actually. We've got Gary Phillips, who shot the film. We've got the same production designer, Nicholas McCallum. My makeup artist and hair artist Tess Natoli. A whole heap of key crew members. Tess is a really interesting one. This film got pushed back time and time again, and she kept getting offers to do really, really big Hollywood films, and she would turn them down in order just to work on this film. And a lot of the crew members who we shot with on the Gold Coast, they did the same thing. They wanted to work on it because they read the script and they thought this is a little treasure that we've got here. And they want to tell an Australian story that they believe that they'd have a great time working on. But it's a film that they know, they thought that they would be proud of and wanted to be part of it. So people were jumping over themselves to come onboard for the film, and that's so pleasing." Jonathan: "It was really pleasing, that. And a lot of them are bringing really positive baggage from having worked on Gettin' Square — that was an experience. And they bask in where Gettin' Square has gone. To have worked on Gettin' Square is something that they've taken ownership of and it is really important to them, because so often you don't get to make a film about your life experience, which, if you live here or just being any Australian, it's very particular. And so they love it. They love it." On Gettin Square and Spit Being Gold Coast Films, But Also Quintessentially Australian Films David: "The Goldie is a really unique place. I have got such a warm affection for the Gold Coast. And the fact that, look, Chris Nyst, he knows the place so well. He is an identity. He's like the king of the Gold Coast, really. No one doesn't have a relationship with Chris Nyst on the Gold Coast. He's probably represented half the people there. He knows the Gold Coast better than anybody else, and the characters that he writes — and he writes them so beautifully as well, he's got such a wonderful ear for character and dialogue — and it's a very particular thing. And he knows, Jonathan could talk to this as well, geographically, it's very, very distinctive, the Gold Coast — and he writes the characters up against that landscape in a really, really fascinating way. And that obviously gives Jonathan a wonderful springboard to leap off, to be able to think about how he's going to actually shoot the film in such a wonderful way that he does." Jonathan: "And also what's interesting about your question, in a way — because this film is set on the Gold Coast, has something to say about the Gold Coast, Gettin' Square is very identifiable as the Gold Coast, but at the same time, we have one tiny little scene on the beach in this. In many ways, it's an Australian community rather than the Gold Coast, but it carries the DNA of the Gold Coast and it carries within the characters, in their behaviour and what have you. And so it's great that you feel that and it's a good question, because it's great that if we can be — it's not just about the physicality of the Gold Coast, it's about the environment, what it is to live in the sunlight all the time, all those elements that are not necessarily obvious. The Gold Coast is very identified physically, but there's a whole lot of stuff underneath the surface that it's great to imbue characters with." On How Wenham and Teplitzky's Working Relationship Has Evolved Not Just Between Gettin' Square and Spit, But 25 Years After First Collaborating on Better Than Sex Jonathan: "Well, we did that first film together. It was my first film. I just loved the experience of it, and I found working with David really just collaborative but also really creative. And I feel we created a bond, we had a good communication, and then when we did, quite soon afterwards, Gettin' Square together, it cemented it. Because you trust the person, you don't feel like you have to control the person — you want to be able to have a general conversation. We don't always agree, but it's always a really rich conversation and that's what you want it to be. You want to challenge each other for the betterment of the film, the betterment of the character, because always exploring it, you're always trying to find something, another hidden dark little area of the character, another light moment. So much comes out of that almost-loose relationship." David: "It's a great working relationship. I love it. Working on this, the shooting period was one of the most-fertile creative periods of my working life. Jonathan creates an amazing atmosphere on set and it's an ease of communication. We understand each other. We're open and honest, and it's like we can just be allowed to deliver our best work. It's wonderful. It's a relationship with great respect." Jonathan: "Completely. And when you're dealing with a character like John Spitieri, we have these conversations about 'I wonder what Johnny would do, what Johnny would think in this situation, what he would do in this situation?' — and try, in a sense, to push each other and challenge each other, and laterally think about it, because that's where some certain gold is found. I remember on Gettin' Square, when I'd seen David doing that thing with the chair and started talking about it. We were just waiting for the lighting to happen or whatever. And that's where that evolved from, and it ended up this brilliant sequence. Part of the mythology of that film are those little moments that come out of just purely the relationship and exploring the character." Spit opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
It'll look like an Asian hawker market, smell like one, and definitely be as packed as one. Old favourites will be back with all the dumplings, noodles and barbecue you can think of. You'll see a few new faces among the stalls this year, including Toko, Bang and Ramen Zundo. Black Star Pastry and N2 Gelato will also be making their first appearance at the markets, armed with what we know will be delicious desserts. Be prepared to queue. Times: Mon–Tue 5pm–9pm, Wed–Thur 5pm–10pm, Fri 5pm–11pm, Sat 4pm–10pm, Sun 4pm–9pm. This event is one of our top ten picks of Good Food Month 2015. Check out the other nine.
A new whiskey bar has just arrived on the lower level of Sydney's York Street. Jolene's Sydney is a Nashville-inspired bar boasting one of the biggest collections of whiskies Sydney has ever seen. Located across from Sammy Junior and the Prince of York, Jolene's comes from Simon Rose-Hopkins who has worked across other American-themed Sydney venues like Surly's American BBQ and Nola Smokehouse and Bar. The CBD venue boasts a collection of more than 150 different whiskies, including 100 sourced specifically from American whisky distillers. At Jolene's, you can opt for your whiskey neat, on the rocks or in one of the bar's many exciting cocktails. Try the Islands in the Stream, which gives Tennessee whiskey a boost of boozy tropical juice, or the Superbowl Sundae which is reminiscent of a whiskey espresso martini topped with whipped cream. Taking influence from whiskey-loving Nashville, the dimly lit bar has red-velvet booths named after country singers. You can opt to spend your night in the Chris Stapleton, Johnny Cash or pop-country queen Taylor Swift booth, or big groups can book out the 12-seat VIP Dolly Parton booth. The Nashville influence doesn't stop there. Keeping in the spirit of the southern musical hub, Jolene's hosts local country and rock musicians four days a week. Rose-Hopkins, a frequent visitor to Nashville, says, "The bar is my way of paying homage to some of the best nights of my life and bringing that genuine Southern hospitality to York Street." Food-wise, patrons can expect a reserved menu of diner-style American snacks. Think hot dogs and tater tots. And, while the drinks menu is obviously veered towards whiskey aficionados, there are gin and vodka cocktails on offer alongside a selection of craft beers on tap. Jolene's is located at 73 York Street, Sydney. It's open 4pm–late Wednesday–Sunday.
There'd better be room for another social network in your life, because today Twitter has launched new iPhone app Vine. Looking for more than filters and still images? Long to be the star of your own gifs? It's with you in mind that Vine is made, as it allows for the filming and sharing of videos up to six seconds long, complete with sound. The Twitter ethos of 'short is better' could be just the quality that makes this something we want to play with. First impressions show it to be a nice-looking app, with easy-to-use editing and options that allow you to explore the videos of others as well as integrate yours with existing social networks. Of course, that integration varies depending on which network you're talking. In Twitter, the videos embed seamlessly in your feed, even playing automatically as you scroll past them. Thoughtfully, sound is included if you're browsing on your mobile but not on your computer, so there won't be any of that frantic flicking through tabs trying to find where unsolicited noise is coming from. In Facebook, however, you won't have any sound, because you won't have video — just a still and a link you have to click to be taken through to the video. (You can embed the videos in other sites, too, but there are a few steps to the process.) It seems childish, but at least Twitter can say Facebook started it, when it first pulled the option for you to find Twitter contacts on Facebook-owned Instagram and then stopped Instagram shares embedding in Twitter feeds, so that somewhere along the line, we users have to click more links and do more waiting for stuff to load. And while Twitter may have tried to extend the hand of friendship (or appear as if doing so) by allowing you to search for and add your Facebook contacts, as of writing, that function isn't working. We got an enigmatic error message, but investigation by the Verge suggests that it's Facebook doing the blocking. So while Vine looks like a promising new diversion, it's also another irritating chapter in the Facebook versus Twitter wars, with users as collateral damage. Vine is currently available for free in the iTunes store. Right now it's iOS only, but we've got to assume an Android version at least is on the way.
Albert Tucker Slow Coffee is selling itself as the bubble bath of caffeinated experiences: clean, luxurious and not meant to be hurried. The joint venture of coffee expert Kate Britton and cultural entrepreneur Angela Bennetts, the pop-up shop will be making its debut at Redfern's 107 Projects between May 9 and 30. "We are unique, in that unlike most coffee vendors, we are serving filter coffee only," says Bennetts. “Basically, because it's a better way to taste coffee." Whereas an espresso machine tends to condense a bean's rich and varied flavours, a filter means the preservation of complexity. It is a type of pour-over coffee, entirely undeserving of the reputation American diners have given it. "In judging the quality of beans at cupping competitions, tasters will always try a filter,” says Bennetts. Having shopped around, the two coffee lovers have decided to launch their project with an exclusive blend from Engadine's Jack of Harts & Jude. "[It] is locally-sourced, organic and air-roasted," explains Bennetts. "The raw beans are sourced from the Byron hills region and are blended together with a new small-crop bean from just outside Nimbin to create the perfect filter drop." Apart from spreading the love of their filtered favourite, Bennetts and Britton are also seeking to create a "casual and communal environment". A selection of (mostly) locally and sustainably produced snacks, including artisan breads and spreads, will be on the pop-up shop menu. Plus, as the business names suggests, a distinctively Australian feel will inform the interior. "It's both a nod to our Australiana leanings and a not-too-imaginative pun on 'tuckshop'," explains Bennetts. "You could say that Tucker's renowned Antipodean Head is our unofficial mascot — he certainly looks like he chugs a lot of coffee."
If good things come to those who wait, then three-storey beachfront haunt Manly Greenhouse must be destined for greatness. The hotly anticipated venue has launched, months after its original April opening date, and a whole four years since the site last saw customers as the former Shore Club Hotel. The venue's opening in two stages, with the ground-floor Greenhouse and the Rooftop first up. Next month will then see the launch of the middle level, which will be home to a sit-down restaurant named The Grill. In its entirety, the multi-faceted waterfront destination has space for a whopping 400, boasting a foliage-heavy coastal-style fit-out by award-winning studio Luchetti Krelle. Expect a super lush setting befitting the name, including some pretty special collaborative efforts from illustrator Beci Orpin and the greenery experts at The Plant Room. Downstairs, The Greenhouse is your go-to for casual eats at any time of day. The menu's got a modern Italian bent, starring pizzas done in the woodfire ovem, and pasta dishes like pappardelle with slow-cooked brisket. Other bites might include the likes of crab bruschetta, a bone-in grass-fed Riverina sirloin, and mushroom and provolone arancini served with garlic aioli. The cocktail lineup's another nod to Italy, starring classics like the negroni, an Aperol spritz and the Cafe Frizzante, a blend of sparkling water, cold brew, vermouth and Campari. A sprawling selection of Aussie wines sits alongside a few key Italian varietals, and two Hope Brewhouse collaborations headline a crafty list of beers. One level up, The Grill's food offering will be guided by the kitchen's charcoal grill, matched with a largely natural wine lineup curated by Lo-Fi Wines co-founder James Audas. And the icing on this cake is the rooftop, where panoramic ocean views and a healthy dose of greenery prove a breezy backdrop for signature cocktails, toasted sandwiches and an edit of bar snacks from the menu downstairs. Looks like the Steyne has some competition. The first stage of Manly Greenhouse is now open at 36-38 South Steyne, Manly. The ground floor will open from 11.30am daily, while the rooftop will be open from 3pm. We'll let you know when The Grill has an opening date. Updated: October 2, 2018.
Four decades back, concert film history was made. In December 1983, David Byrne walked out onto a Hollywood stage with a tape deck, pressed play and, while standing there solo, began to sing 'Psycho Killer'. Then-future The Silence of the Lambs Oscar-winner Jonathan Demme directed cameras towards the legendary Talking Heads' frontman, recording the results for Stop Making Sense. The best way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the event behind the greatest concert film ever made arrived in 2024, and in cinemas. That'd be watching it on the big screen, of course, with cult-favourite independent film and TV company A24 — and Madman Down Under — releasing a complete restoration of Stop Making Sense. What's the second-best way to celebrate the occasion and the movie? Catching that new 4K version at home now that it's on Madman's documentary streaming service DocPlay from Thursday, June 13. Wearing big suits is optional. Now able to burn down your house — not literally, naturally — the 4K restoration premiered at last year's Toronto International Film Festival, and also had a date with SXSW Sydney's Screen Festival in 2023. So, no it isn't the same as it ever was: Stop Making Sense is now even better. The film isn't just iconic for how it starts, which definitely isn't how concerts usually kick off. From there, as captured at Hollywood's Pantages Theatre in December 1983, David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz and Jerry Harrison put on one helluva show in support of their previous year's album Speaking in Tongues. Expect a lineup of hits, a playful approach, Byrne's famous oversized attire and even heftier stage presence, and the feeling that you're virtually in the room. Indeed, everything about this energetic and precisely executed documentary, which records the set from start to finish, couldn't be further from the standard concert flick. As 'Once in a Lifetime', 'Heaven', 'Burning Down the House', Life During Wartime', 'This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)', 'Genius of Love' and more get a whirl, each element of the movie is that fine-tuned, and every aspect of the band's performance, too. And if it feels like Byrne was on-screen not that long ago, that's because his Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods)-directed solo concert flick American Utopia did the rounds of Aussie cinemas back in 2020 — and proved one of that year's absolute best films. Check out the trailer for Stop Making Sense's 4K restoration below: Stop Making Sense is available to stream via DocPlay from Thursday, June 13, 2024. Images: Jordan Cronenweth, Courtesy of A24.
This family run business has been through a few iterations in its 40 years of operation. It opened in 1979 as Dollar Books and eventually morphed into art supply store, Art on King, in 1993 — though you can still pick up books with your paint thanks to adjoining bookshop Modern Times. Here, all artists big and small (or professional and amateur) will find what they need to get the creative juices flowing. We're talking Nepalese handmade paper, charcoal pencils, tie-dye kits and luxe watercolour paintbrushes.
At chic Barangaroo newcomer Astro, David Bae is celebrating Japanese nightlife and paying tribute to his childhood. The modern Asian BBQ restaurant takes cues from Seoul and Tokyo's food and drink scenes, and also from nostalgia — as seen in the retro theming, neon signs and sleek fitout, plus the fact that the venue is named after classic anime Astro Boy. "As a child, I was happily glued to the TV watching Astro Boy with friends and family. Fast forward to today and I feel we are all so glued to the hustle of the rat race that we've forgotten how to balance work with fun," said Bae. Settling into SOOT's previous space, Bae and Kolture Group's relaxed eatery — a bigger venture following the popularity of intimate omakase joint Matkim — blends the experience of izakayas with the familiarity of share-focused barbecue dining. The CBD newbie hopes to reinvigorate casual dining with its laidback approach, which comes with a soundtrack of Japanese 'city pop' hits from the 80s. Astro's casual fare is available for lunch and dinner services, with Matkim's Executive Chef Jacob Lee leading the charge. "I wanted to create a venue where you can unwind at lunch or after work eating incredible Izakaya style dishes, combining the communal atmosphere that yakiniku or Korean BBQ brings, while knocking down some refreshing highballs and just having a damn good time," Bae continued. Swing by for a relaxed long lunch and take your pick from a range of donburi served with soy broth and onsen tamago. Highlights from the vast selection include the BBQ beef tongue guytan bowl, miso salmon, gochujang pork, wagyu brisket and eel. Opt for dinner and you'll find small izakaya-style dishes from yakiniku, rice and oysters to an ora king salmon with yuja wasabi, grilled mochi and a truffle bulgogi sandwich among the menu options. Plus, you can also finish up with a sweet treat. You'll spot two desserts — a jeju mandarin and plum sorbet accompanied by a basil granita; and charcoal ice cream with boozy chestnut makgeolli cream and truffle ice cream to pair. For sips, there's an array of house cocktails, including a shisho-starring tipple; a boozy lychee green tea; and a fruity soju-centred sip. You can also opt for classics like highballs, sake and spirits, or mocktails if you're choosing to go dry. Find Astro at 100 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo — open for lunch from 12–3pm and dinner from 5–10.30pm Tuesday–Saturday.
Paddington's Italian eatery Barbetta wears many hats, including daytime cafe, gourmet smallgoods store and workshop space. The venue on Elizabeth Street is the casual sister venue to nearby Cipri Italian and the owners are, not surprisingly, focusing on classic Italian food. Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon coffee, the all-day cafe is designed by ACME & Co. — that is, the team who brought you a long list of successful Sydney favourites including The Grounds of Alexandria (and The Grounds of the City), Archie Rose, Fred's and Happy as Larry. The contemporary, bright interior adds nostalgic elements that are reminiscent of classic Italian cars and 1950s movies. For breakfast, think deconstructed Sicilian buckwheat pancake with fresh ricotta, figs and crushed cannoli ($16) and Italian sausage with baked free-range eggs, Tuscan cabbage, baked ricotta and toasted sourdough ($20). Lunch will focus on heartier dishes, like house-made lasagne and spinach ricotta ravioli ($22 each), porchetta paninis ($18) and spicy meatball burgers ($21), along with salads and snacks. The cafe's Neapolitan pastry-chef is also turning out a daily selection of Italian desserts, cakes and gelato to accompany your afternoon coffee break. On the drinks side of things, the requisite coffee and juice is paired with milkshakes and Italian soft drinks. The venue doesn't have a liquor licence just yet, so at present there's a sweet no-corkage BYO deal. Plans for an Italian snack bar are also on the horizon. In the smallgoods deli, takeaway meals like lasagne, gnocchi and slow-cooked lamb shanks will be on offer, along with fresh pastas, sauces, cheeses and meats. The store's selection of packed Italian products include coffee, condiments and biscuits, and pre-packed picnic sets are ready for Centennial Park lazing. If you're looking for your next date idea or just want to learn a new skill, Barbetta is also hosting twice weekly pasta making workshops on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Classes include a hands-on cooking demo with antipasti and BYO wine, followed by dinner/lunch and the pasta you made to take home. Images: Nikki To Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
If we're frank about it, so many plays promise the world and deliver a small domestic drama. Griffin Theatre's Jump for Jordan promises a small domestic drama but contains the world. Written by Donna Abela, Jump for Jordan was the winner of last year's Griffin Award for the best unproduced script. You can imagine that the play, with its lyrical tumble of words, would have sung on the page, and it's now been realised with a gargantuan level of gusto by director Iain Sinclair and a hilarious cast of mostly Arab Australian women. It takes place on a household set invaded by a sand dune, an evocative image created by designer Pip Runciman. Sophie (Alice Ansara) is a student of archaeology — a sweet conceit in a play where she's digging under layers of her own family history and identity. She's been on volatile terms with her mother, first-generation Jordanian migrant Mara (Doris Younane), since leaving home to live with her girlfriend, Sam (Anna Houston), and things are about to get tenser yet. Her younger sister, Loren (Sheridan Harbridge), has attained the major success of getting engaged to a man, and her mysterious Aunt Azza (Camilla Ah Kin), is on her way over from Jordan for the wedding. Sophie sees her mother amp up the traditionalism in front of her visitor ("it's like SBS in there"), and she agrees to join the charade. But pretending to be someone she's not is putting strain on Sophie's relationships and sending her into ruminations with her gentle, dear, departed father, Sahir (Sal Sharah). From this set-up, it probably sounds like the play is about the liberalism of the new country versus the conservatism of the old — a tired topic at the best of times. That turns out not to be the case. It's really about the conservatism of the diaspora, and how the psychology and sociology of the migrant experience can make so many people sadly, bitterly, detrimentally attached to a make-believe version of their homeland. I really loved Jump for Jordan. It's bold, ambitious, successful in its gambits, full of truths and the most high-energy beast on a Sydney stage. Abela has constructed a delicately layered piece where time and place run into each other like shifting sands, and it's been hardily honed at Griffin. The cast are all wonderful; Harbridge stands out for her ability to make anything funny, while the dynamic Ah Kin is perfect as Azza, whose elegance, openness and wisdom are so vital as the play progresses. One word of advice: Don't sit in the front row. This show is actually so high energy that it's almost like an assault from here. As with all hectic lives, Sophie's is best observed from a couple of steps back. Image by Brett Boardman.
It swept cities across the nation into a sugar-dusted frenzy when its pop-up 'dessert museum' travelled the country, now, the team behind the nostalgic Sugar Republic and festive Christmasland is taking its sweet-toothed fantasies to a whole new level, opening Australia's first-ever sweets-inspired accommodation. Opening its doors in Daylesford, Victoria — 90 minutes northwest of Melbourne — Sweet Retreat is a true candy-coated affair, complete with sugar-themed suites you can stay in, play in and take some rather dashing snaps in. Located in an old miner's cottage, the retreat has Milk Bar-inspired art by Callum Preston, a giant Paddle Pop in the living room, oversized Tim Tams in the bedroom, a pink ball pit, a disco ensuite and neon artworks throughout the house. Oh, and it has scratch 'n' sniff cherry wallpaper, too, plus an appliance-filled kitchen for whipping up any sweet treats of your own and some actual lollies to eat. In short, it's exactly what you'd expect from any of Sugar Republic's previous pop-ups, but you can sleep, cook and play games in it. And you can bring along your mates, too, with the retreat housing up to eight people across four themed bedrooms. You can cosy up in the Sweet Love suite filled with Mills & Boon books, the Tea & Biscuits room with teapot lights and biscuit walls, or the rainbow or peaches bedrooms. All rooms have access to the balcony, deck and pergola. There are retro boardgames and Sonos speakers to keep you entertained when you're not sniffing the wallpaper or swimming in the ball pit and, outside of the house, there's a sprawling garden with roses and fruit trees. Of course, there's plenty you can do in the surrounding area, too. You can check out some of Daylesford's more unexpected activities — including llama rides and visits to a treehouse spa — take a look over here. Sweet Retreat by Sugar Republic is now open for bookings, starting from $450 a night. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
After five months of deliberation, Nestlé has announced the new names for two of its classic lollies. Those chewy red lollies FKA Redskins are now Red Ripper and the brand's chocolate-flavoured, people-shaped Chicos are now called Cheekies. The names may not seem dramatically different at first glance, but they no longer have the racist overtones the company says are "out of step" with its values. "Nestle has an unwavering commitment to upholding respect for our friends, neighbours and colleagues," General Manager Confectionery Chris O'Donnell said in a statement about the name changes. Redskins is an antiquated and derogatory term for Native Americans, while Chicos means 'children' in Spanish and is considered offensive to people of Latin American descent. The lolly monolith first announced the decision to change the Allen's brand lollies' names back in June, when discussions around race and discrimination were thrust to the fore due to the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement, and protests over the death of American George Floyd at the hands of a police officer — as well as, at the local level, the ongoing fight to end the systemic mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Māori by law enforcement. Calls for Nestlé to change the names of its two products aren't new, however — with the debate raging when they were featured in a 2013 episode of MasterChef Australia — and they're not the only controversially named product on Australia supermarket shelves, either. Cheese brand Coon also recently announced it will change its name. A similar long-running debate about the offensiveness of the Washington Redskins NFL ramped up in the US this year, too, and led to the team removing its logo and temporarily changing its name to Washington Football Team for at least the 2020 season, before deciding on a new permanent name. While the Nestlé lollies will have different names when the new packaging lands on supermarket shelves in 2021, the company promises the lollies themselves "remain unchanged". Red Ripper and Cheekies will hit supermarket shelves in early 2021.
From Mad Max: Fury Road and Girl Asleep to Sweet Country and Breath, the past few years haven't been short on Aussie cinema highlights — and if the local contingent headed to the next Sundance Film Festival is any indication, 2019 looks set to continue that trend. A record six Australian feature films will screen at the Utah festival in January next year, topping the country's previous best of five feature films back in 1997. And, in achievements that are just as impressive, all six feature female protagonists and three are directed by women. Five of the flicks will also enjoy their world premiere at the prestigious fest, including the Mia Wasikowska-led Judy and Punch, about marionette puppeteers; Animals, featuring Alia Shawkat and helmed by 52 Tuesdays' Sophie Hyde; and Little Monsters, the Lupita Nyong'o-starring next effort from Down Under's Abe Forsythe. Filmed in the Northern Territory, Top End Wedding reunites The Sapphires' director Wayne Blair and star Miranda Tapsell, while the Adelaide-shot I Am Mother delves into dystopian sci-fi territory with Hilary Swank, the voice of Rose Byrne and Danish standout Clara Rugaard. If the latter movie sounds familiar, that's because it recently screened a work-in-progress version at the Adelaide Film Festival. Fans of one of The Babadook should add the second film from director Jennifer Kent to their must-see list, although The Nightingale is a very different movie to its predecessor. An award-winner at last year's Venice Film Festival, and one that's set in the wilderness of Tasmania circa 1825, it's a stunning picture about Irish convict Clare (Aisling Franciosi) — who's on a revenge mission against a British officer (Sam Claflin), with Aboriginal tracker Billy (Baykali Ganambarr) as her guide. The Nightingale will also hit Aussie cinemas on January 24 — the day that Sundance kicks off in the US — while local release dates for the rest of the Aussie Sundance slate are yet to be revealed. Images: Courtesy of Sundance Institute.
2024 will mark three decades since a certain music and ideas festival added film to its lineup. It'll celebrate the same period since every movie lover added an annual visit to Austin, Texas to their wishlist, too. A year shy of that milestone anniversary, South by Southwest is notching up a new occasion worth celebrating: the inaugural SXSW outside of its hometown and the US, taking place in Sydney from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 — and, as a result, the debut SXSW Sydney Screen Festival from Sunday, October 15–Saturday, October 21. There's no film in this event's title, because that's not the only screen medium worth celebrating. Movies, TV shows, music videos, XR: they all have a place at this fest. So do glitzy premieres, free outdoor screenings, homegrown highlights and gems from SXSWs gone by in Austin, plus talks featuring everyone from Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker to Australia's own Nicole Kidman. How does such a landmark screen fest kick off? With the local premiere of Kitty Green's next collaboration with Julia Garner (Ozark) after The Assistant. Taking its cues from Aussie documentary Hotel Coolgardie as it follows two US backpackers working in an outback pub, The Royal Hotel gives the Australian writer/director another tense and powerful stunner about existing while female — and started SXSW Sydney in exceptional style. From there, the rest of the lineup isn't short on fellow highlights. Here's 12 must-sees for a film- and TV-packed week. BOTTOMS Three years after Shiva Baby premiered at 2020's SXSW Austin and wowed audiences, writer/director Emma Seligman and actor Rachel Sennott (Bodies Bodies Bodies) have reteamed for Bottoms. Their latest comedy also premiered at SXSW in the US, of course, with the pair collaborating on the script this time around — and bringing in The Bear's Ayo Edebiri, a friend from their student days, to co-star. The setup: Sennott and Edebiri play PJ and Josie, who return to Rockbridge Falls High School after summer break desperate to finally turn their crushes on the popular Isabel (Havana Rose Liu, No Exit) and Brittany (Kaia Gerber, Babylon) into sex and romance. When the semester starts with the best friends still stuck as outcasts, they jump onto the idea of starting a fight club in the name of female solidarity, but mostly to get laid. Cue a queer and gleefully OTT take on high school-set chaos that's both deadpan and surreal, and a stellar addition to a canon that includes Heathers and But I'm a Cheerleader. HOT POTATO: THE STORY OF THE WIGGLES Nostalgia alert: The Wiggles aren't missing this lineup. As announced in 2022, the famous Australian entertainers, skivvy fans, Hottest 100 winners, Big Red Car drivers, and Mardi Gras and Falls Festival performers have scored the documentary treatment with Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles — and the behind-the-scenes look at the globally famous group is world-premiering at the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival. Sure, Dorothy the Dinosaur mightn't need an origin story, but OG Wiggles Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Greg Page and Jeff Fatt are getting one, with Sally Aitken (Valerie Taylor: Playing with Sharks, David Stratton: A Cinematic Life) directing. How did four friends become one of the biggest names in Aussie music and TV? This is the tale that this doco promises via lively to-camera chats and plenty of backstage footage, charting The Wiggles' career from their beginnings through to the new levels of fame and popularity that 2022 sent their way. RYUICHI SAKAMOTO: OPUS A festival about technology, ideas, music, games and screens, SXSW has long been known for loving the space where its areas of focus combine. Of course movies about music are big on its lineup, then — but nothing is likely more moving than Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus, a concert film featuring the iconic Japanese composer in his last performances before his death in March 2023, as directed by his son Neo Sora. Sora was also the cinematographer on 2017's Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda, which was framed around Sakamoto's cancer diagnosis. Here, however, the man behind the scores for The Revenant, The Last Emperor, Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence and more lets his work at the piano do the talking. Twenty carefully selected pieces feature, including from when he was with Yellow Magic Orchestra right through to his last solo album 12, which released in January. STOP MAKING SENSE The best concert movie ever made will dance across screens in 2023 — and no, it isn't Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. Instead, it's Talking Heads' Jonathan Demme (The Silence of the Lambs)-directed Stop Making Sense, which first released before SXSW ever existed and now returns in a completely restored 4K version. Just imagine how crisp David Byrne's big suit looks. Making its Aussie premiere at SXSW Sydney after debuting in general at this year's Toronto International Film Festival, this is an iconic film made even better. So, no it isn't the same as it ever was. Stop Making Sense famously starts with Byrne walking out onto a Hollywood stage with a tape deck, pressing play and, while standing there solo, beginning to sing 'Psycho Killer'. From that point, he puts on one helluva show with Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz and Jerry Harrison — with a lineup of hits, a playful approach and, while watching the movie, the feeling that you're virtually in the room. KNIT'S ISLAND Move over movies and music — with Knit's Island, SXSW Sydney blends games, tech and the screen. This French documentary from writer/directors Ekiem Barbier, Guilhem Causse and Quentin L'helgoualc'h (all collaborators on the short Marlowe Drive) has been shot entirely in the DayZ zombie-horror video game, and from 963 hours spent in it among players attempting to survive in a post-apocalyptic realm. The filmmakers adopt their own DayZ avatars, too, to spend time in this online space — and contemplate how commonplace that willingly losing yourself to the virtual unknown is becoming, and could keep doing so from here. Also on their list: exploring who's playing, why, what people hope to find while they're hopping into cyberspace to slaughter the undead, what they're revealing about their offline existences and the community that's formed within the game's frames. SLEEP Before Jason Yu made his first feature Sleep, he worked with two Korea's filmmaking greats. For Bong Joon-ho, he was an assistant director on Okja. For Lee Chang-dong, he had a gig writing the English subtitles for Burning. Perhaps it's no surprise, then, that his full-length debut bowed at Critics' Week at this year's Cannes Film Festival — or that it stars Parasite's Lee Sun-kyun. Domestic unrest also sits at the heart of Sleep, but of the somnambulant type. Lee plays one half of a just-married couple (with Train to Busan's Jung Yu-mi), who starts uttering "someone's inside" while he's slumbering. Also unsurprisingly, that's an eerie occurrence, especially for Jung's pregnant Soo-jin. Things that go bump in the night are no stranger to cinema, and neither are night terrors, but Yu gives the well-used concept his own distinctive spin. BLACK BARBIE Barbie's time on-screen isn't over for 2023. As well as featuring in Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie's massive pink-hued flick — the biggest box office hit of 2023 so far, in fact, and the 11th biggest in history (which might even be higher by the time the year is out) — the Mattel doll is in the spotlight in documentary Black Barbie. The focus: the 1980 release of the first Black Barbie doll, with the toy arriving more than two decades years after its white counterpart. Premiering at SXSW Austin, this step back into the doll's history is not only timely, but personal for filmmaker Lagueria Davis (The Exchange). Her aunt Beulah Mae Mitchell worked at Mattel for 45 years and, now in her 80s, shares a wealth of insights. In addition, Black Barbie dives into the impact of the toy upon girls who were finally able to play with a Barbie that looked like them. SALTBURN After making one of the absolute best films to reach Australian cinema screens in 2021, Promising Young Woman director Emerald Fennell is back with Saltburn, her new Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Inisherin)- and Jacob Elordi (Euphoria)-starring thriller. Swapping the US dating scene for Britain's upper class, it features the former as a new Oxford student who's invited to the eponymous estate for the summer by a wealthy classmate played by the latter. Fennell won a rightly deserved Oscar for her Promising Young Woman script, and reteams with Carey Mulligan (She Said) again here. Also demonstrating the actor (The Crown)-turned-filmmaker's knack for casting: 2023 Academy Award-nominee Keoghan, aka one of the screen's most interesting rising stars, plus Elordi, Rosamund Pike (The Wheel of Time), Richard E Grant (Persuasion) and Lolly Adefope (Miracle Workers). THE INVISIBLE FIGHT Kung fu, metal and Orthodox monks combine in Estonia's The Invisible Fight. What a combination. Also joining forces: 70s-set antics, the music of Black Sabbath, dreams of becoming a warrior, the USSR-China border and filmmaker Rainer Sarnet (November), all for a film about a guard on a mission. No, the above mix of words hasn't ever been written together about another movie. Of course this is on the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival's Midnighters lineup. For fans of the type of weird, wild and wonderful discoveries that film fests are all about, the event's genre program has been delivering in Austin. In 2023, Michael and Danny Philippou's Talk to Me was on the bill, for instance. In 2022, Ti West's X and Aussie effort Sissy made the cut. Now Midnighters makes its way Down Under with quite the inimitable martial arts comedy. UPROAR The Taika Waititi school of acting gave Julian Dennison one of his first-ever roles in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and James Rolleston his debut in Boy. Seven years after the former and 13 since the latter, the two play brothers in another coming-of-age effort: Uproar. That cheerworthy casting is joined by Our Flag Means Death co-stars Rhys Darby and Minnie Driver in a film that's not only warmhearted, but always feels as if it's practising one of the messages that it's preaching. Set amid 1981's infamous Springbok tour of New Zealand — with South Africa's rugby union team playing games across the nation, and inspiring protests against both apartheid and Aotearoa's treatment of its Māori population as it went — this is a movie by Hamish Bennett (Bellbird) and Paul Middleditch (Rapture-Palooza) about a cultural awakening, and about finding and embracing community. Read our full review. DIVINITY As a director, the ever-prolific Steven Soderbergh has already given viewers big-screen release Magic Mike's Last Dance, TV miniseries Full Circle and web series Command Z in 2023. As a producer, Divinity also sits on his list for the year. Joining filmmaker Eddie Alcazar's resume after 2018's Perfect, it takes its name from a serum that might cure mortality. And no, the writer/helmer's own moniker isn't one of Soderbergh's many pseudonyms. A mainstay on the film festival circuit this year with screenings at Sundance, Fantastic Fest, Sitges and Fantasia before SXSW Sydney, this black-and-white mind-bender features Quantum Leap's Scott Bakula as the scientist chasing eternal life and True Detective's Stephen Dorff as his son. Saying that Divinity is trippy is an understatement. It boasts music to match, courtesy of Cypress Hill member DJ Muggs and Twin Peaks season three's music supervisor Dean Hurley. FARAWAY DOWNS We know how you start an event like SXSW Sydney Screen Festival. Again, The Royal Hotel was an exceptional choice. How do you end it? With Baz Luhrmann revisiting the one movie that doesn't live up to Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby and Elvis on his resume: 2008's Australia, which he's reworked into a TV show by drawing upon two-million-plus feet of film from the original shoot. That's Faraway Downs, which still stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. If you need a refresher on Australia's plot — and therefore the new six-part version's plot, too — it follows English aristocrat Lady Sarah Ashley (Kidman, The Northman) after she comes into possession of an Aussie cattle ranch. To save it from cattle barons, she enlists the help of a drover (Jackman, The Son). That's just the overall gist, however, given that the sprawling movie also spans World War II and its impact, as well as the country's historical treatment of Indigenous Australians. SXSW Sydney runs from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22, and SXSW Sydney Screen Festival from Sunday, October 15–Saturday, October 21. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. If you're keen to make the most of Australia's first SXSW, take advantage of our special reader offer. Purchase your SXSW Sydney 2023 Official Badge via Concrete Playground Trips and you'll score a $150 credit to use on your choice of Sydney accommodation. Book now via the website.
If you've ever wondered how prohibition-style bars became so popular, why bartenders are obsessed with fresh ingredients and how the word 'mixologist' became associated with the world of cocktails, you'll be able to find out when world-leading cocktail veteran Dale DeGroff comes to Sydney for one night only. On Friday, August 3, DeGroff will be spending the evening at Kittyhawk, answering all the above questions and relaying a bunch of tales from a life spent behind bars. Now 70 years old, DeGroff has seen a thing or two. He earned a name for himself in the 80s at New York City's Rainbow Room in the Rockefeller Centre, where he pioneered the art of creating gourmet versions of classic cocktails. He also founded the Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans and his 2002 book The Craft of the Cocktail is a bible for bartenders all over the world. Most importantly, DeGroff will be imparting some of his nifty skills, teaching you how to make cocktails without leaving the cosy comfort of your home. With your $70 ticket, you will also receive three cocktails and canapés to nibble on throughout the night. DeGroff is travelling to Australia on behalf of De Kuyper liqueurs, which has been mixing drinks since 1695. You can grab your ticket over here.
Too much smoke is never enough when you're a peaty whisky enthusiast. Peat is your middle name. And, when it comes to palate-smacking smoky drops, Ardbeg is a solid choice. Not only is it unbelievably smoky but it's also surprisingly sweet — fans call this 'the peaty paradox'. Well, whisky aficionados, as a way for you to test your capacity to handle this complex flavour, we've found four events where you can sip the smoky stuff to your heart's content. The Ardbeg Smokehouse is a series of venue takeovers featuring whisky tastings, cocktails, smoke-infused eats and live entertainment. You can sample the first ever Ardbeg-infused beer, tuck into a fiery three-course feast and swirl whisky like a distinguished aristocrat in a dapper CBD bar. Bottoms up, peaty pals.
Deep in the business district of the CBD, the bankers and traders must feel that all roads lead to China – and not just financially anymore. If they wish to continue down a culinary path after working hours, just around the corner, and down an alleyway, is China Lane, the new sister restaurant of China Doll and China Beach in Manly. Underneath an art installation nest of bird cages in Angel Lane, China Lane is a mix of suits, trendy young things checking out the CBD's newest laneway escape, and daters. If you've seen any of director Wong Kar-wai's movies, you'll get the idea – moody lighting, a modern sense of decor mixed with '50s Hong Kong glamour, and general snappiness. Head chef Ben Haywood has served under Heston Blumenthal at Fat Duck and also was sous chef at China Doll in Woolloomooloo, so don't expect traditional Chinese fare. While there are similarities to Doll's mains, there's many a signature dish here. Japanese sashimi rubs up against Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai on the menu, showing Haywood's dexterity with Pan Asian cuisine. It seems obligatory at every mod-Asian joint to have a twist on the pork bun. At China Lane, it's no different, if a little more deconstructed. Pulled pork, mayo and crisp shallots are piled upon a flattened steamed bao ($16 for two). It's lovely, if surprisingly cold – an open-topped convertible version of the standard. Pig's ears also seem to be making a comeback. Here, they're crisped and carmelised, served with lemongrass ($8), and delicious. Salads are dramatic, and given suitably explosive names like Bang Bang chicken salad ($16), or Chinese bacon with kipfler potato and the ominous sounding "son-in-law" egg ($14), a Thai standard of the deep-fried, hard boiled variety in tamarind sauce. The grilled dory with coconut sambal ($19) is a light treat, and a good compliment to the lamb and chili hot pot ($30) or the pick of the bunch, the soy-braised pork belly ($30). The kitchen and staff show an extreme amount of generosity to customers. Desserts come with an additional offering of sweeteners this evening, such as the chocolate replica of a mahjong piece. The exquisite pistachio and lemongrass parfait ($14) with pandan syrup is an aesthetic treasure, and more impressive than the blood orange and black sticky rice pudding. China Lane is another laneway bonus for the corporate end of the CBD, and means business.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to the multi-award-winning Saffire Freycinet on Tasmania's East Coast. We've also teamed up with Saffire Freycinet to offer an unforgettable two-night stay in one of its Luxury Suites. The exclusive deal includes three meals at the private restaurants, complimentary lounge and minibar beverages and a $100 voucher to use on the hotel's spa treatments and signature experiences. This is peak treat-yourself stuff. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? This Tassie hotel is like no other — from the panoramic views across the Hazards Mountains, Freycinet Peninsula and pristine waters of Great Oyster Bay to the hyper-personalised service, sleek design of the rooms and the long list of bespoke travel experiences. You'll pay handsomely to stay here, but it is totally worth it. Earmark Saffire Freycinet for the next time you're looking to spoil yourself silly. THE ROOMS This vast property has just 20 suites. Plus, the restaurant, bar and luxe spa are only accessible to hotel guests, so it often feels like you have the whole place to yourself. Each of the rooms looks out over the surrounding bay and mountains — seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows and private decks. Design-wise, the large suites are made up of an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary fittings, with locally made timber pieces sitting alongside mid-century classics such as chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames and Herman Miller. Super king beds (yes, they've super-sized the beds), double walk-in showers and deep baths, extensive complimentary mini-bars, bluetooth music systems, retractable LCD TVs, private courtyards and fast wifi are also on the menu at each accommodation. FOOD AND DRINK All things local are celebrated at Saffire Freycinet's two dining rooms. Palate Restaurant is home to an elegant degustation menu that changes every day depending on what's coming out of the nearby paddocks and waters. You always have the option to pair each course with a sustainably made Tassie wine, too. The Lounge is a little more laidback, offering up a space to chill with a book or quietly hang with your travel buddies. During the day, you can enjoy fresh local produce from the barbeque and outside terrace. And at night, the lounge livens up a little as guests mingle with evening canapes and pre-dinner drinks in hand. It's serving The White Lotus realness. THE LOCAL AREA This lavish hotel is set within Tasmania's Freycinet National Park, home to stunning vistas and a thriving local ecosystem — think koalas, roos and colourful birds rummaging around lush green forests. It is also home to some of the state's most famous beaches, mostly notably Wineglass Bay. The Saffire Freycinet team will help organise scenic flights over the area, guided hikes to some of the greatest vistas and boat trips for those wanting to sneak in some snorkelling and boat-side swimming. You can arrive at the hotel by air or via the Great Eastern Drive. During this road trip, you'll pass by several wineries with cellar doors and eateries such as Devil's Corner, Spring Vale, Craigie Knowe, Milton, and the famous Kate's Berry Farm in Swansea. Hobart is also just a 2.5-hour drive away, so you can easily stop by the city for a couple of days before or after your stay. THE EXTRAS Saffire Freycinet has won award after award for its extensive list of luxury travel experiences — easily added to any stay. Each of the 14 unique activities focuses on connecting guests to place through nature, culture and produce. You can do some beekeeping on the property, taste fresh oysters at its own oyster farm (with sparkling wine in hand, of course), join one of the small group (or private) cruises of the area, quad bike around the mountains with a guide and learn how to fly-fish in the Currawong Lakes. Follow these food, culture and adventure tours with a late afternoon spa sesh. Get a massage, scrub or facial before soaking in a bath overlooking the natural surroundings. This is an unbelievably dreamy place. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips to destinations all over the world.
It won six Oscars, was nominated for four more, and made a mint at the box office — and now Mad Max: Fury Road has been named the best Australian movie of the 21st century so far by the country's film critics. George Miller's high-octane post-apocalyptic effort — the fourth in his Mad Max franchise, which came 30 years after the series' third instalment — was picked as the top recent local effort in the biggest survey of Aussie critics ever conducted. And it's in great company, with the top 25 spanning plenty of highlights from the industry's last 18 years. Crime drama Animal Kingdom nabbed second place, while Samson & Delilah, Chopper and Lantana rounded out the top five — and everything from The Babadook to Sweet Country to Snowtown also ranked highly. It's a list big on drama, though musical Moulin Rouge! was 11th, comedies The Dish and Kenny came in at 16th and 20th respectively, documentary Sherpa took 21st position and the animated effort Mary and Max secured 22nd spot. The survey was conducted by Australian film website Flicks.com.au, with 51 critics — 26 male, 25 female — taking part. David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz were among the participants, unsurprisingly, with other critics hailing from a wide range of major news outlets, trade publications, magazines, commercial and community radio, websites, podcasts, TV and blogs. Disclaimer: Sarah Ward participated in Flicks.com.au's Australian film poll, and contributes to the site. She is also one of Concrete Playground's senior film writers and weekend editor.
With photographer Nan Goldin at its centre, the latest documentary by Citizenfour Oscar-winner Laura Poitras is a film about many things, to deeply stunning and moving effect. In this movie's compilation of Goldin's acclaimed snaps, archival footage, current interviews, and past and present activism, a world of stories flicker — all linked to Goldin, but all also linking universally. The artist's bold work, especially chronicling LGBTQIA+ subcultures and the 80s HIV/AIDS crisis, frequently and naturally gets the spotlight. Her complicated family history, which spans heartbreaking loss, haunts the doco as it haunts its subject. The rollercoaster ride that Goldin's life has taken, including in forging her career, supporting her photos, understanding who she is and navigating an array of personal relationships, cascades through, too. And, so do her efforts to counter the opioid epidemic by bringing one of the forces behind it to public justice. Revealing state secrets doesn't sit at the core of the tale here, unlike Citizenfour and Poitras' 2016 film Risk — one about Edward Snowden, the other Julian Assange — but everything leads to the documentary's titular six words: All the Beauty and the Bloodshed. They gain meaning in a report spied late about the mental health of Goldin's older sister Barbara, who committed suicide at the age of 18 when Goldin was 11, and who Goldin contends was just an "angry and sexual" young woman in the 60s with repressed parents. A psychiatrist uses the eponymous phrase to describe what Barbara sees and, tellingly, it could be used to do the same with anyone. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed is, in part, a rebuke of the idea that a teenager with desires and emotions is a problem, and also a statement that that's who we all are, just to varying levels of societal acceptance. The film is also a testament that, for better and for worse, all the beauty and the bloodshed we all witness and endure is what shapes us. Life is all the beauty and the bloodshed, inescapably — and in the film's most recent footage, Goldin fights against the latter. In an essay penned in 2017, published in 2018 in Artforum and given voice now, she reveals her addiction. "I survived the opioid crisis. I narrowly escaped," she says of her time taking OxyContin, which was originally prescribed to her as it is for many: for surgery. "Though I took it as directed, I got addicted overnight. It was the cleanest drug I'd ever met," Goldin continues. The damage that this prescription substance has caused is well-documented, in docos and dramas such as The Crime of the Century and Dopesick alike. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed isn't just another popped from the packet, but a feature that inserts Goldin's battle against the wealthy Sackler family, founders and owners of OxyContin-making pharmaceutical company Purdue Pharma, into a bigger slideshow. This is a personal fray, again for many reasons; All the Beauty and the Bloodshed's nesting layers exceed any set of matryoshka dolls. The conflict between autonomy and dependence has long been one of Goldin's sources of fascination — given how her sister was treated, how could it not? — and her seminal work The Ballad of Sexual Dependency filters through the film, as well as acts as inspiration. Goldin crusades against the reliance that so-called "miracle drug" OxyContin has sparked, and the rising death toll the opioid epidemic keeps notching up. Co-founding advocacy group PAIN (Prescription Addiction Intervention Now), she literally rallies against the Sacklers, whose fortune is enormous off the back of the OxyContin's carnage. She directs particular focus to the Sacklers' artwashing, thanks to their hefty donations to galleries and museums, which is where PAIN stages its protests. Many of the cultural institutions accepting the Sacklers' money — many of them bearing the family's name on their buildings, in fact, because that's how much funds such spaces have received— are also intertwined with Goldin's career. An artist's work has to display somewhere, and hers has garnered berths in prestigious spots. PAIN targets them all and more, at considerable risk to Goldin's professional standing, and in a case of an artist firmly putting her principles first. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed begins with action at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and with a "die-in" in its largest gallery space, which is named for the Sacklers. It's a powerful sight, not just filled with prone protestors on the ground but with orange prescription pill bottles scattered around, and bobbing in the room's moat. More such scenes appear throughout the movie, travelling to the Guggenheim Museum and the Louvre — their famous spiral ramp and pyramid, respectively, taken over to make a statement. Poitras could've simply filled a documentary with Goldin's photography or her efforts with PAIN; either way, a gripping film would've eventuated. If she'd just gone with the second option, it could've been another like fellow 2023 Oscar-nominee Navalny that ripples with the tension of a spy thriller, as such scenes do within All the Beauty and the Bloodshed anyway — complete with actual espionage. PAIN's protests are potent to visually behold, Goldin ensuring that they stand out aesthetically and, as the doco sees, photograph well. The passion and piercing emotion of All the Beauty and the Bloodshed wouldn't be what it is without everything around its OxyContin-combating quest, however, because no one action, decision, movement or person is just one thing. This chronicle of the political must also be personal, detailing how Goldin's childhood brought her to life on the fringes, then to photographing it to preserve it, and then to fighting for it. It has to examine how her work is a response to society's marginalisation of women and the queer community, and also crucially a portrait of her own ups and downs, too, showing where her empathy and activism bloomed and why. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed isn't dutifully connecting dots, though, but observing all that makes someone who they are — and makes their deeds, such as Goldin's crusade against the Sacklers, what they are at the same time. It flits backwards and forwards in an act of structural mastery, recreating the feeling of slipping and sliding through memories. Along the way, it gives its marvellous cavalcade of its subject's imagery room to resonate, as it does with her commentary on it, her recollections of her fallen friends like Pink Flamingos star Cookie Mueller and artist/activist David Wojnarowicz, and her constant unpacking of her childhood. It lets court-ordered victim statements to the Sacklers in Purdue's bankruptcy deal echo and linger. Winning the Golden Lion at the 2022 Venice International Film Festival as well, this is a remarkable doco about an individual, and the others who've cast their shadows upon her, as well as a stirring account of the clash between individuals and power — Poitras' frequent topic of interest, after all.
Half-priced airfares have been quite the topic of conversation over the past 24 hours, with the Australian Government announcing a scheme that'll see the country's airlines sell 800,000 flights at the discount rate. That starts in April — but if you're keen on getting away before then, Virgin is doing a flash sale that'll also slash fares by half. Hang on, Virgin? Yes. The same airline that, less than 12 months ago, entered voluntary administration. It has since been sold to US private investment firm Bain Capital, launched a comeback sale in early July and its voluntary administration officially ended on Tuesday, November 17. With so many folks talking about the government's half-price fares, Virgin is capitalising upon the chatter; however, it's only putting this current set of cheap tickets on sale for two hours — from 5–7pm AEDT today, Friday, March 12. These fares don't form part of 800,000, and you'll need to be keen to travel in the next fortnight, with the flights covering trips between Monday, March 15–Sunday, March 28. The discounted economy flights include seat selection and checked baggage. All Virgin-operated routes nationally form part of the sale, with some of the specials on offer including Sydney to Byron Bay for $55, Sydney to the Gold Coast for the same price, Melbourne to Launceston from $64, Brisbane to the Whitsunday Coast from $78 and Melbourne to the Gold Coast from $88 (and vice versa in all cases, naturally). As we are still in the middle of a pandemic, flying is little different to normal. Virgin has introduced a range of safety measures, including hand sanitisation stations, contactless check-in and face masks provided to all passengers. Wearing masks on flights also became mandatory in Australia in January. Virgin's half-price flash sale runs from 5–7pm AEDT today, Friday, March 12 — or until sold out. Find out more about current interstate border restrictions over here.
Trent & Henry is a new design workshop and gallery in the heart of Sydney's oldest and most sandstoney district, and this week they're inviting people to come check them out for their official opening. Trent & Henry began as part of The Rocks Pop Up Project. By virtue of being regarded by most Sydney-siders as a bit of a tourist trap, the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and Arts NSW attempted to mix it up and draw the locals back by launching the project earlier this year. The Rocks Pop Up project allowed emerging designers and creative groups to have short-term access to vacant sandstone buildings in The Rocks as pop-up shops, galleries and workspaces. Now, though, Trent & Henry have been given a longer lease and a free hand to create a unique platform from which to draw people into their creative process. Housed in an old sandstone warehouse at 47 George Street, the space has been transformed into a design workspace much like those in Berlin, where the culture of open studios encourages the public to go in, have a look around and check out the artisans at work. In addition, the studio will also be used as event space. If you feel like checking it out RSVP to info@trentjansen.com
Surfing and gig-going have always been two of Australia's best-loved pastimes, and last year we scored a festival celebrating the best of both worlds. And, now, it's back for its second round of autumnal beachside festivals. Returning this March, The Drop festival will cruise around the country as it follows the Aussie leg of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour and it's bringing a banging little lineup of musical gold along for the ride. Surfing the festival wave for 2019 are brother-sister folk band Angus and Julia Stone, the perennially pastel indie pop duo Client Liaison and NSW surf rock band Hockey Dad, along with other local legends The Jungle Giants and Alex the Astronaut. Held on the first weekend of each area's surfing event, The Drop is set to grace some of the Australia's best surf spots, each outing featuring a locally focused offering of food, drink and culture, to match the tunes. As well as heading to the official WSL events in Torquay, Margaret River and Coolangatta, this year, the festival will also kick off Surfest Newcastle and Vissla Sydney Surf Pro in Manly — both WSL Qualifying Series events. THE DROP FESTIVAL 2019 LINEUP Angus and Julia Stone Client Liaison Hockey Dad The Jungle Giants Alex the Astronaut Images: Miranda Stokkel.
Watching a tennis match live is a world away from that tiny ping-pong game you see on TV. As David Foster Wallace wrote in his New York Times essay 'Federer as Religious Experience', "TV tennis is to live tennis pretty much as video porn is to the felt reality of human love." From even the back rows of the stadium, but especially courtside, you can see the true speed of that scary-fast ball and appreciate the real technique, tenacity and grace of the players as they stretch out to meet it. The modern tennis game is breakneck. But that's just on the court. If you're more aesthete than athlete, a tournament like the Apia International Sydney is the perfect opportunity to wear white cotton and plimsolls, grab some strawberries and cream from the stand, and imagine you're part of Rene Lacoste's personal entourage at Wimbledons past. A single session ticket gets you either a day or a night at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre, where you can hop between the Ken Rosewall Arena court with its star players, the outer courts with their more intimate set-ups, and the activity marquees around the grounds. Or, if you take the casual premium hospitality option, a fully stocked esky means you never have to leave your seat at all. Confirmed for the 2013 tournament are current world no.5 Juan Martin del Potro, former no.1 Caroline Wozniacki, 2011 Wimbledon champ Petra Kvitova and Aussie talent/annoyance Bernard Tomic. It's their last stop before the Australian Open in late January, so they'll really want to go out of this one on a high. Image: Victoria Azarenka at the Apia International Sydney, Thursday January 12, 2012. Photo by Murray Wilkinson (SMP Images).
When it makes its debut this June, Sydney's huge new arts and food festival will help kickstart winter in a big way. Live music paired with stargazing, country tunes in Newtown and moonlit kayaking from Darling Harbour are just some of the highlights among the just-revealed Sydney Solstice program, with the previously announced event slotting into Vivid's usual early-winter berth between Tuesday, June 8–Sunday, June 20. Aiming to reinvigorate the city's hospitality, music, arts and culture sectors after a tough 12 months, the new event will take place across four city precincts. Spaces across the CBD, Darling Harbour, Newtown and Oxford Street will host more than 200 events — in restaurants, bars, galleries, museums, music venues and outdoor areas. In the CBD, highlights include music, dance and theatre events in the YCK Laneways precinct; dancing and late-night dim sum at Mr Wong; International Pride Month events at Metro Theatre; and art installations and dance pop-ups in Chinatown. There'll also be after-dark parties at Sea Life Aquarium, where more than just the aquatic creatures will glow; a world-premiere work by celebrated composer and producer William Barton, which will soundtrack an evening of stargazing at Sydney Observatory; and Queen's Feast, Heaps Gay's multi-sensory dining and art experience at Sydney Town Hall. The latter will feature an all-female chef lineup, including Masterchef alum Sarah Tiong, pastry maven Anna Polyviou, Southside Charmers' Georgia Woodyard and Claire Van Vuuren of Newtown fave Bloodwood. The Sydney Opera House forecourt will become a hub of live music, talks and poetry readings for each night of Sydney Solstice. Head along at sunset, and you'll see this year's Badu Gili, too — a six-minute projection on the structure's eastern Bennelong sails. Or, for two food-filled days, make a date with Opera Kitchen and its Italian- and Japanese-focused festival. Nearby, Darling Harbour will be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with an ice-skating rink and German-themed chalets. If you'd prefer to hop onto the water, you'll be able to kayak by moonlight as well. Also making great use of the waterfront location: Harbour Garden, an installation of inflatables that's designed for attendees of all ages. Just outside of the CBD, Newtown will host the inaugural (and adorably named) Country and Inner Western Festival, which'll pop up in small bars, pubs and other venues to showcase emerging and established country, alternative country, bluegrass, folk, Americana and blues musicians. And, over at South Eveleigh, a big (and free) street festival will celebrate the growing food precinct — just as Kylie Kwong launches her new restaurant onsite. Meanwhile, fermentation will be in the spotlight on Oxford Street, with Bitter Phew celebrating brewers, winemakers, bakers and cheesemakers for the duration of Sydney Solstice. Plus, Hotel Harry's Altar Danceteria will throw a series of genre-hopping parties — so fingers crossed that dancing is back again by June. And, no, you won't be bored across the festival's 13-day run. Sydney Solstice will take place from Tuesday, June 8–Sunday, June 20. We'll update you with further details when they're announced — and you can keep an eye on the festival's website, too. Images: Destination NSW
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.
Walk a few blocks down an inner city street and you're bound to pass a place to get a cuppa joe. Sydneysiders are certainly not lacking choices for their morning coffee — and that makes it all the more impressive when you stumble upon a small kiosk cafe that has built quite the fanbase. You'll find Hatch Espresso under the Mercure Hotel. There may be a line — we're not kidding about it being popular — but it moves quickly. From as early as 6am, it's serving The Grounds coffee, brekkie burgers, toast and pastries. Plus, some mighty tasty (and affordable) Lebanese-style savoury pastries, too, including spinach, cheese and meat pideler. It's also, according to CP reader @tashaba, "one of the only spots close to the city for authentic Lebanese manoush".
For a more low-maintenance option when you don't feel like a full meal, City Oltra has you covered with huge pizzas available whole or by the slice. The casual eatery is situated in the EDDY precinct by Central Station, so you can grab a bite on your way into the city or before a commute home. During the day, City Oltra slings lunch specials like two pizza slices and a can of Poor Tom's or tap beer for $20, along with sandwiches and salads. For dinner, there are starters, cold cuts and antipasti before you dig into their round or square pizzas. Pizza options include Poor Tom's gin sauce with cheese and basil, hot pepperoni with cool ranch, fried eggplant with cheese and pangrattato and changing specials. Drinks-wise, there are craft beers, Poor Tom's cans, aperitivos such as a strawberry gin and grapefruit highball or Baba's rakija and tonic and a selection of fun wines.
Newtown is now home to a delightful multi-use deli that has been created with the intention of being a warm community hub in the style of the small providores and cheese shops of Europe. Marani Deli is the vision of founder Alex Grenouiller (ex-Cafe Paci, ex-Penny's Cheese Shop) and the concept behind it has been inspired by the neighbourhood shops of his childhood hometown of Lyon, France, his partner's Sicilian heritage, and their shared experiences in Georgia. "The term 'Marani' translates to 'cellar' in Georgian, and is a place not just for winemaking but also to gather, chat, eat and be merry," said Grenouiller. "I wanted to bring this sense of connection via simple, well-made food to Newtown, and Sydney, my second home that has welcomed me with open arms." Marani Deli's inviting space consists of warm earthy tones paired with sleek black tiles and glass cabinetry showcasing its range of local, Italian, French and Georgian cheese. And from grab-and-go items like freshly baked baguettes and panini to everyday deli snacks from cold cuts to artisanal chocolates, you are spoilt for choice. "We envision Marani Deli as more than a specialty grocer," said the deli's founder. "We're here to not only supply locals with artisanal products [...] all made by farmers, chefs, and other industry talent, but also to provide the community with a place to meet, connect and always feel welcome." When you drop by, you'll also spot shelves of quality oil, olive-filled jars and charcuterie, as well as plenty of (homey) decor personalising the space including photographs, gorgeous wooden cupboards and vibrant recipe books. Additionally, the space will star work by local artists including prints and illustrations from Rose Colbeck, ceramics made by the Marrickville-based chef-turned-potter Daniel J Mulligan — known for his Chef VS Clay series — and handmade wooden boards from Ripple Boards. And if you swing by during the evenings, you'll discover the joint's curated food events known as 'supra nights' which celebrate the work of natural makers and importers. Think: Parisian caves à manger-style. Head over to 7-8, 80 Wilson Street in Newtown to check out Marani Deli. You'll find the brand-new outpost open from 10am to 6:30pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9:30am to 3:30pm on Saturdays and 9:30am to 12:30pm on Sundays. Image credit: Dexter Kim.
Sydney’s lower north shore has scored a brand new dining hub with the transformation of Norths Bowlo into The Greens. Headed up by ex-Grounds of Alexandria couple Lilly and Nathan Fasan, the venue offers a casual eatery, bar, cafe, garden and bowling green, backdropped by some pretty epic Harbour views. Bowling buddies have been gathering at the site for 125 years. That makes it one of New South Wales' oldest bowling clubs. In giving the facilities a serious rejuvenation, The Greens team has paid respect to this history, with a 'Bowling Wall of Fame' on display at the entrance and the maintenance of an active bowling green. "Bowling is a dying sport, so we’ll hopefully bring a new, younger audience in," Lilly told Good Food. Not only will you be able to show off your skills vis-à-vis the jack, there are also plans for yoga sessions, organic markets, film screenings on the greens and weekend DJ sets. Taking on the role of executive chef, Lilly has conjured up a made-to-share menu that's straightforward and accessible, yet big on tastiness. The casual atmosphere means you can eat as little or as much as you like, with the menu divided into smaller share plates, hearty mains, large share plates designed for at least two, something sweet and 'bites with coffee'. At first, lunch, dinner and snacks will be on offer, but closer to summer, you can expect breakfast, too. Some of the most promising morsels on the menu include oxtail croquettes with sweet pimento dipping sauce ($11); house cured ocean trout with housemade pickled cucumbers, caper berries, quail eggs, and lemon crème fraîche ($14); whole baked baby snapper for two with a salad of zucchini, mint, coriander and sauce vierge ($42); and salad of radish fennel, ricotta, orange, crispy wild and brown rice ($16). To match these, there's an impressive drinks list, compiled by bar manager Matt Le Rade, who's previously kept drinkers well hydrated at The Roosevelt, Palmer & Co and Pelicano. For The Greens, he's come up with some fun and exotic-sounding cocktails, such as a tequila and chamomile sour, complete with a side of chamomile flowers, and a yuzu daiquiri. Outside, in the garden bar, avail yourself of a Bloody Mary in one of three shades: red, yellow or green. As for coffee, Double Roasters of Marrickville are providing an exclusive blend, created especially for The Greens. All in all, the venue has seating for 240: 130 inside and 110 outside. The fitout is part-eco, part-homely, dominated by plants, timbers and sandstone, and pastel, earthy hues. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors afford views of the outdoor area, where you'll find herb and veggie gardens supplying the kitchen with as-local-as-it-gets goodness and open fire pits. The Greens, located at 54 Ridge St, North Sydney opens on Wednesday, November 12. Operating hours are Monday to Thursday, 11am-11pm; Friday to Saturday, 11am-2am; and Sunday, 11am-11pm. Call ahead on (02) 9245 3099.
We've all been there — after a big day, night or weekend out, lunch becomes more of a recovery necessity than a casual midday meal. And with the HSBC Sydney 7s just around the corner, we're anticipating it'll be a big one for a fair few of you. Thankfully, Sydney has you covered for whatever kind of recovery you're craving after a weekend of watching rugby and boogying by the festival stage. It could be that you're craving a greasy calorie overload or a boozy hair-of-the-dog feast — or maybe nothing will cure your ills like the sea breeze on your face? Perhaps watching the world's best Rugby Sevens players at the peak of their game made you realise you need something on the healthy side. The perfect lunch spot is out there primed to fill your tummy with reviving bites — here are our picks.
If your last holiday seems like a distant memory and you're yearning to get away from the bustle of city living, a new arrival to Aotearoa's tourism scene is set to provide some much-needed peace and quiet. Australian startup Unyoked was founded by twins Cam and Chris Grant back in 2016, as an off-the-grid experience bringing you the convenience and comforts of four solid walls, alongside the adventure, spontaneity and closeness-to-nature of camping. Since then, it's been a raging success, with a number of compact cabins located around NSW, Victoria and Queensland catering to burnt out city slickers looking for some R&R in remote — and sometimes pretty rugged — areas. It's all in the name of wellness: Cam and Chris believe spending time in the wild is beneficial to the body, mind and soul. The company's ethos is about total immersion in nature — something New Zealand has a lot of, making it a fairly natural fit as their next country to conquer. Launching next month, the company's first New Zealand cabins will be dotted around some of the country's most stunning and remote spots, including the tropical bush of the Bay of Islands, the rugged west coast of the North Island and around stunning Port Waikato coastline. The exact locations are still under wraps — and you'll be waiting to find out as Unyoked often only reveals the address of where you're headed until it's basically time to depart. It's all part of the adventure. You might choose to take yourself on a working retreat and let the fresh air and beautiful scenery spark inspiration — or leave the laptop at home and instead get around to finally reading that book. How you spend your time off the grid is up to you. And don't worry, it's not total Man Vs Wild vibes. There will be plenty of creature comforts to help elevate your time away. Unyoked promises they're working with some truly excellent local brands to prepare for the launch, including Raglan Roast coffee, McLeod's Brewery, J.M.R & Co, Webster's tea and Sleepyhead beds. That hints that there will at least be a good cuppa, a few brews and a damn comfy spot to lay your head during your getaway. Unyoked joins a host of other small hideaway-type booking accompanies including international juggernaut Airbnb, and local glamping specialists Canopy Camping. But the founders see it less as a site to nab accommodation, and more as a fully immersive experience beneficial to wellbeing. They say they hope users will treat a stay in nature as they do a fitness routine or meditation app. And to be honest, if our search for wellness sees us choosing between waking in New Zealand's breathtaking surroundings or sweating it out in a hot gym — we know which one we're choosing every time. Unyoked will launch its first New Zealand accommodation options in July 2022. For more information, head to the company's social media pages or the official website.
Discover what's brewing on the Northern Beaches with BrookieFest 2025. Returning after a triumphant first year, this free three-day festival celebrates Brookvale's transformation into a stellar destination for top-notch breweries, distilleries and art spaces. Over the last decade or so, this former industrial hub has seen its car mechanics and dusty warehouses converted into a brewer's haven. As the local scene has grown, the likes of Four Pines Brewery, Manly Spirits Co. and 7th Day Brewery teamed up to create this family-friendly bash. More than 30 eclectic events take place across February 7-9, showcasing the community's welcoming spirit with headline attractions like dachshund dashes, esky races and skateboarding demos. Plus, the kids will love face painting, pony rides and all manner of rollicking games. All this is set against the backdrop of live music and pop-up market stalls featuring the best local creative talent. Don't forget to scan your interactive digital passport at each venue, as you could earn yourself enough stamps to claim a sweet t-shirt or special gift. Amid BrookieFest 2025, the launch of The Brookie Trail is also on the agenda. Guiding Brookvale's visitors from one exciting brewery or eatery to the next, this culinary path makes it easy to encounter all the sumptuous spots this up-and-coming district has to offer.
2012 was a year of some serious ups and downs in the plight of the English language. The concept of 'literature' took a serious blow thanks to the likes of E.L. James and the growth of what has been aptly described as "mummy porn". The astronomical success of the Fifty Shades Of Grey trilogy has meant that such terrifying turns of phrase as "he's my very own Christian Grey-flavoured popsicle" was read by over 60 million people worldwide in 2012. Yet it wasn't all bad news for literary-lovers. Two-time Man Booker Prize winner Hilary Mantel continued to make the well-worn story of Henry VIII eminently readable and enthralling, publishing a sequel to the universally acclaimed Renaissance thriller Wolf Hall. While such highly esteemed sources as The New York Times and The Guardian have had their say on what they saw as the best books of 2012, the Goodreads Choice Awards offers readers the closest thing the literary world has to a People's Choice Award. A phenomenal 1,156,852 votes were cast in over 20 different categories ranging from Fiction to Romance to Memoir to Cookbook, and without the discerning and supercilious eye of critics to dilute the vote, many of the year's most commercially successful books were also unsurprisingly amongst the biggest winners. The Goodreads' unofficial 'Book of the Year' award for best work of fiction went this year to a woman who is no stranger to literary success: J.K. Rowling. For those of us who grew up cheering on the adventures of Harry Potter and his motley crew of magical pals, the publishing of Rowling's first adult novel The Casual Vacancy is perhaps the clearest proof that Gen Y'ers are now all grown-up. So if you are in search of a little summer reading or you want to see if your vote counted have a look at the complete list of categories and winners below. You can also check out Concrete Playground's Summer Reading Guide for our picks. Fiction The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling Mystery and Thriller Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn Historical Fiction The Line Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman Fantasy The Wind Through The Keyhole by Stephen King Paranormal Fantasy Shadow Of Night by Deborah Harkness Science Fiction The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett Romance Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James Horror The Twelve by Justin Cronin Memoir & Autobiography Wild: From Lost To Found On The Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed History & Biography Elizabeth The Queen: The Life Of A Modern Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith Nonfiction Quiet: The Power Of Introverts In A World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain Food & Cookbooks The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes From An Accidental Country Girl by Ree Drummond Humor Let’s Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir by Jenny Lawson Graphic Novel & Comic The Walking Dead, Vol 16: A Larger World by Robert Kirkman, Illustrated by Charlie Adlard Poetry A Thousand Mornings by Mary Oliver Goodreads Author Veronica Roth Young Adult Fiction The Fault In Our Stars by John Green Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction Insurgent by Veronica Roth Middle Grade & Children's The Mark Of Athena by Rick Riordan Picture Books Olivia and the Fairy Princesses by Ian Falconer
In previous years yelling and gesticulating at your television meant that you probably just had a really short attention span rather than a really awesome television. That's about to change with the revolutionary Smart TV from Samsung. Don't mention the term 'idiot box' around these sleek machines, which let you command your entertainment from the comfort of your couch with Smart Interaction including Voice and Motion control. Not only does this save you from having to dig around for the right remote control before even switching the thing on, but it also enriches your viewing experience through Smart Content. Apps cater to every taste, from movies-on-demand and sports channels to Skype, social networking and fitness workouts, putting all your favourite entertainment content at your fingertips — figuratively, of course, since you can do it all without actually touching anything. If you own an iPad or other other compatible device, the Smart TV can also stream content between that and your television by taking advantage of your home broadband network. Experience your iPhone snaps and home movies on a full HD 1080p screen without the hassle of connecting cables, and see the magic in reverse when you're outside of the home. Speaking of HD, it's also a pretty cool way to experience social media — as is logging in smoothly (and safely, if you've ever been a victim of Frape) using the facial recognition feature. Check out the Smart TV's advert below. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Dt3SWp9IjkA
Bagels are a contentious food. When Cynthia Nixon ran for Governor of New York in 2018, the internet reeled when she revealed her breakfast of choice was smoked salmon and cream cheese on a cinnamon and raisin bagel. In Sydney, a city far less obsessed with bagels, Nixon's faux pas barely registered. Bagels landed here a long time ago, but have really picked up steam in the past half-decade. So what earns something the title of Sydney's best bagel? A bagel always needs to be chewy. The gluten developed by boiling a bagel in poaching liquid before whacking it in a blistering oven is the secret to its distinctive texture and taste. At a minimum, you're looking for something with a little more chew than a bread roll. From there, bagel bliss is achieved by layering toppings and striking a harmonious balance. Each bite should be texturally interesting, with a smack of salt, sugar and tang. This is why lox (smoked salmon), cream cheese, onions, and capers is such a classic choice. You can find them in places old and new all over our city. Here are Sydney's best bagel shops to please everyone from beginners to die-hard fanatics. Recommended reads: The Best Cafes in Sydney The Best Coffee Shops in Sydney's CBD The Best Bakeries in Sydney
Double Bay is on its way to becoming one of Sydney's most talked about new precincts, thanks in large part to the epic, soon-to-be-opened InterContinental Sydney Double Bay. Following the announcement of Shaun Presland's subsequent new Sake chapter and the Lobo Plantation/The Island mystery bar (both confirmed for the ground retail floor), there's two more culinary offerings on the table for the swanky new hotel. Bondi institutes Henley's Wholefoods and Shuk have officially signed the lease to join the Double Bay hotel's ground floor family. Expanding their North Bondi marketplace-like spot, Mediterranean artisan bakery Shuk are confirmed to bring their sensory overload of homemade baked goods and aromatic breakfasts to the party. Also confirmed for the new space is boutique paleo, organic and lean cafe Henley’s Wholefoods. Sporting a huge range of healthy, gluten free, vegan, dairy free and refined sugar treats, Henley's sustainable produce is a welcome change for the often tired eateries of hotels — think pumpkin hazelnut meal bread, coconut-dusted sweet potato wedges, choc nut granola. These two latest confirmations complete the InterContinental's Double Bay culinary crew — joining the hotel's own first-floor restaurant and bar overseen by executive chef Julien Pouteau. InterContinental Sydney Double Bay general manager, Frederic Brohez sees the final pieces in the puzzle as a reflection on the already killer lineup for the InterCon's nom options. "InterContinental Sydney Double Bay is destined to be a hub of dining and entertainment from the moment it opens in November, with our destination restaurant and concept bar, with exciting fresh produce-driven menus led by Executive Chef, Julien Pouteau, amplified further when the retail ground floor offerings come together," he said. "It's a very exciting time for Double Bay and the Eastern Suburbs in general." Shuk and Henley's Wholefood will open with the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay in November. Find out more about Double Bay's newest and swankiest hotel over here.
Looking for a mid-week pick-me-up? Fancy filling your Thursday with the joy of pizza from some of Sydney's best pizzerias, free of charge? That's right, free pizza. The promotion comes courtesy of at-home pizza oven company Gozney, which is teaming up with Grifter Brewing Co to celebrate doughy rounds for World Pizza Day. If you want to get your hands on some complimentary pizza, you'll have to head down to one of four local venues as they swing open their doors on Thursday, February 9. Two of the pizzerias featured on our list of Sydney's best pizza — Dimitri's and Pizza Madre — as well as Pizza Bros at Grifter's Marrickville brewery, will each be giving away full-sized pizzas to the first 50 customers that arrive on the day. Similarly, brand-new pizza-by-the-slice outpost City Oltra will be making the day of 100 lucky customers, giving out free slices to the first 100 people through the doors of its new Eddy Avenue eatery. As part of the festivities, Grifter is also unveiling its new pizza-inspired beer. Named Birra Quattro, the new brew is an Italian-style pilsner that celebrates the shared similarities behind the creation of both pizza and beer. "The inspiration behind Birra Quattro started when my co-founder, Glenn and I started cooking pizzas at home with the Gozney Roccbox. We saw the similarities between pizza and beer, both being made from fermented cereal grains," says Grifter's co-Founder Matt King. All of the participating venues will have Birra Quattro available for purchase if you'd like to pair your cheesy meal with a can of the new drop. Rounding out the day's excitement is the chance to win a huge pizza-themed prize pack. Three punters will be served a 'lucky slice' which entitles them to everything they need for a home pizza party — a Gozney portable pizza oven and a slab of Grifter's Birra Quattro. Dimitri's will be opening for lunch from 1pm, with the first 50 tables booked each getting a free pizza. City Oltra will be opening at 3pm with free slices for the first 100 customers, and both Pizza Madre and Pizza Bros will have free pizzas available on a first-come, first-served basis from 5pm. [caption id="attachment_888094" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alana Dimou[/caption]
