If you have ever been fist-deep into a bag of chicken salt-dredged fish and chips only to think, 'How good would this be as a cocktail?', we've got news for you. It's time to put that theory to the test with the newly launched nostalgia-inspired cocktail menu dubbed 'Memory' at Smoke at Barangaroo House. For those that came up in the late 90s and early noughties, this menu acts as a sensorial step back in time to an era when the compilation CD reigned supreme, mobile phones weren't smart enough to connect to the internet and low-rise flared jeans were all the rage — wait, that last one has inexplicably come back. The playful cocktail menu includes eight cocktails sure to delight fans of Spice Girls' bangers and the Y2K age. Remember when bacon was on everything? Well, it's back with the Hawaiian or Margarita — a pizza-inspired cocktail made with bacon-infused tequila, caramelised pineapple, Cointreau, roasted tomato syrup and lime. It's served in a margarita glass with dehydrated bacon around the rim — yes, you read that correctly — and a chaser of Coca-Cola to bring up memories of takeaway pizzas on Fridays. For lovers of martinis, Smoke has given them a salty twist with the Chicken Salt Martini. The cocktail is made with Four Pillars' olive leaf gin and a house-made chicken salt sherry and rice syrup, garnished with a deep-friend potato twill. You could go for the Half Time Orange for something more citrusy. It's a boozy homage to the simple snack we munched at sporting events, but with a grown-up twist. Made with Patron Reposado, blood orange, sweet vermouth, carrot and tamarind-infused Campari, it's garnished with an edible jello orange wedge. Another fruity option is the Fruit Cup: a boozy fruit slushie with peach, cranberry and cognac garnished with a house-made fruit roll-up. Do you love the smell of freshly cut grass? Opt for the Livin' is Easy cocktail. It's a floral concoction made with mandarin vinegar, house-made karkalla rose geranium cordial, Bombay Premier Cru gin and Aperol. It's served with a spritz of cut grass scent and a plantable card — perfect for the plant daddy of your group. Did you spend your childhood by the beach waiting for the ice cream truck? There are a couple of options to relive those memories. The Salt Kissed Sun is a milkshake-inspired cocktail made using coconut-washed rum, house-made macadamia orgeat, banana and pineapple whey and calvados. Served with a mini suncream bottle, because of course it is. Save the Day is Smoke's take on a classic 99. It's a raspberry horchata with vanilla whey, vodka and Saint Feliz aperitif shaken, strained into a highball and topped with raspberry and vanilla foam with 100s and 1000s or a flake. Last is the ironically named Pick Me, in honour of the oft-maligned black jellybean. It is an anise-flavoured and jet-black cocktail made with Monkey Shoulder whiskey, absinthe, green chartreuse, house-made black sesame, fennel blackberry syrup and egg white shaken and garnished with, you guessed it, jellybeans. There's no word on how long the menu will last, so head down to Barangaroo and relive your summer childhood with a twist. Find out more details on the Smoke website.
Another Emmys year has rolled around, Breaking Bad and Modern Family dominated yet again, Matthew McConaughey missed out on his expected golden accolade for True Detective and everyone was mean about Lena Dunham's dress. Between Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman nabbing matching Sherlockian trophies, American Horror Story popping up in every last category and Australian audiences scrawling down lists of shows they'll be pirating soon, there were a few big ol' magic moments that caught our attention this year — for the high-fivably better and WTF-inducing worse. HIT: Brian Cranston and JLD Had a Big Ol' Pash Dentist Tim Whatley and Elaine Benes reunited in a big fat smooch. Multi Emmy-winning Brian Cranston (who once played Elaine's dentist boyfriend on Seinfeld back in the day) proved he truly is The Danger by planting a big ol' pash on Julia Louis-Dreyfus after she was announced Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Veep. On her way to the stage, Cranston intercepted Louis-Dreyfus for a big wet snog after exclaiming, "You were on Seinfeld!" Mackin' legends. MISS: Sofia Vergara Was Objectified on a Rotating Pedestal During a Speech About Diversity Seriously, what were they actually thinking? Maybe, just maybe, if you're the president of the Academy about to give a speech about diversity on globally-watched television, do not deliver said speech with Modern Family's Sofia Vergara on a rotating pedestal beside you, blatantly revolving like a piece of meat. As Huffington Post points out, only 26 percent of the nominees this year are women, not to mention the fact that the Emmys have only twice awarded a Latina actress with an award. Leave the rotating pedestals out and let Vergara stand on her own two feet huh? HIT: Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey Looked Like a Night at the Roxbury Donning suits akin to Chris Kattan and Will Ferrell in their 1998 comedy, the True Detective bros offered up an offensive amount of swagger in their matching promworthy tuxes. Even Kattan noticed. HIT: Billy Crystal Made the Only Speech that Could Be Made for Robin Williams "He was the greatest friend you could ever imagine... It's very hard to talk about him in the past, because he was so present in our lives," Crystal said, inviting a minute's silence for the recently-passed legend, following the Emmys' 'In Memoriam' segment. "He was the brightest star in the comedy galaxy," he said of his super close friend, before closing with an outstanding last line: "Robin Williams, what a concept." https://youtube.com/watch?v=hYv7qSDIRRY MISS: Julia Roberts Didn't Miss an Opportunity to Make Everything About Julia Roberts Mere seconds before awarding Bryan Cranston with his straight-up deserved Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, presenter Julia Roberts took a moment to remind everyone about number one. "Apologies to anyone who doesn't get to hug me in the next ten seconds," she said, before reading out Cranston's winning spot. Top marks, Roberts. HIT: Everyone Realised the Director of True Detective is a Stone Cold Fox As if we all pictured Cary Joji Fukunaga as a Tom Waits-like, porch-dwelling, gravel-voiced cowboy, the True Detective director got more applause on Twitter for being smokin' hot than he did for his award-winning series. Kind of like every Emmy-winning actress ever. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ygcHfkOoAeQ HIT? Sarah Silverman Might Have Been Stoned "We're just molecules and we're hurling through space right now." We're not sure, Silverman rules anyway. Check out the entire list of Emmy winners and nominees right here.
The man behind two of the smartest, sweariest shows on television will open this year's Sydney Writers' Festival with a talk about spin and satire in the world of modern day politics. Armando Iannucci is best known as the creator of two of the funniest political comedies in living memory: the BBC's The Thick of It and HBO's Veep. Both shows have been lauded for their uncomfortably accurate portrayal of contemporary politics. In fact, they're so accurate that Malcolm Turnbull even accidentally adopted one of Selina Myer's slogans during last year's federal election campaign. Whoops! Both shows also beloved among fans for having some of the most entertaining profanity ever uttered on television… and for very good reason. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUky4_A7Zw4 Iannucci will be at the Sydney Town Hall on the evening of Tuesday, May 2 with local journalist and screenwriter Benjamin Law, for a conversation that has been appropriately titled 'Swearing In'. Tickets are available now, and are $30 for students and pensioners, and $45 for adults. The full Sydney Writers' Festival program will be announced on April 6. The festival runs from May 22-28.
You may not be in Florence, Prague or Paris, but that doesn't mean you can't wander the city streets on foot, admire buildings or settle in for a candlelit dinner on the water's edge. Embrace your inner tourist, and you'll discover Sydney has plenty of romantic locations of its own, where historic landmarks, striking architecture and sparkling harbours make for their own soft-focus setting. No need to open the guidebook or ask for directions on the street — we've teamed up with Sydney's long-running Nick's Seafood Restaurant, in celebration of its 20th anniversary, to bring you a full date itinerary for those times when you want to be a tourist in your own city. [caption id="attachment_582765" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Sculpture at Barangaroo.[/caption] MEET FOR GOLDEN HOUR ON THE HARBOUR, BARANGAROO RESERVE This beautiful waterside district with its wide promenades and bustling restaurants, bars and providores is just begging to be explored. Start your date hand-in-hand with an amble through Barangaroo Reserve's six hectares of native greenery, past lapping water, rugged sandstone and fluffy bunches of golden wattle — all while taking in those sweeping water views. (When's the last time you made a point to marvel at our beauty of a harbour?) Plan it perfectly, and you'll make it there for that golden hour when the sun sets everything a glow on the water. It's also the perfect time (and place) for that couple selfie you've been trying to nail. [caption id="attachment_659941" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cole Bennetts.[/caption] ENJOY SUNSET DRINKS BY THE WATER, BARANGAROO Sunset drinks scream holiday — it's not all too often that you make it out of the office in time to enjoy a cocktail with those gold, orange, pinks and purples. Luckily with daylight savings now on our side, it's a little bit easier to catch the sun. After your golden hour stroll, head to the waterfront for killer drinks with a privileged view. Look to Smoke at level three of Barangaroo House, where you'll find a fine selection of spritz and swizzles, as well as sunsets so dazzling they could make the most stoic cry. Alternatively, waterfront vermouth bar Banksii will have you sipping from its long list of botanically infused fortified wines. Order it on the rocks and take in those last glittering moments of the day with your special someone. DINE BY THE WATER, NICK'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT A trip to Darling Harbour always feels like an escape to somewhere else (even if you're just walking through). Opt to stay a little while longer and indulge in those tourist vibes with a big Sydney seafood dinner. With its crisp white linen, crystal glassware and shimmering water views, open-air diner Nick's Seafood Restaurant in Darling Harbour has been romancing couples for decades. There are fresh oysters to get you started, lobster and crab meat pastas, seafood platters to share and even some turf to go with the surf. For those looking to make a grand gesture, there's also the whole lobster on offer served fresh, mornay, garlic butter, tomato chilli or thermidor, grilled in a cheesy, cream sauce. There are also ten desserts on the menu, so there's lots to fight (and make up) over. You can pretty much taste the whole lot on Nick's Dessert Extravaganza, which lines up a gooey salted caramel tiramisu with macaron ice cream, seasonal creme brulee and chocolate biscotti, for a guaranteed feel-good end to the meal. What's even sweeter, if you dine anytime during October you'll go in the draw to win a return trip to Greece for two, so you can really play tourist on your next big date out. [caption id="attachment_635252" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jeff Busby.[/caption] CATCH A SHOW, SYDNEY LYRIC It's a rite of passage for any visiting tourist to check out the city's vibrant cultural scene, often by taking in a show. While it's not the most romantic script around, Trey Parker and Matt Stone's smash hit musical, The Book of Mormon will have you laughing until you're crying, then sniggering together for years and singing "hasa diga eebowai" at each other forever. What's more, now that we're eight months into the show, you can nab yourselves a ticket to almost any night you want, perfect for those evenings when you feel like being spontaneous. For everyone else, you can buy tickets online, try your luck at that day's $40 lottery or put your name down for the weekly online $40 lottery. KEEP THE PARTY GOING, CBD After all the singing, dancing and hilarity, it'll be hard to end the night once the curtain closes. Take a leaflet out of the tourist's guidebook and push the evening a little longer, trading up your responsible nighttime routine for a little impromptu revelry. If you're simply looking for a nightcap to get you ready for bed, try award-winning drinking den Baxter's Inn, for one of their many, many, many (800) whiskies. However, if now is simply the start of a big night to come, make tracks to Frankie's for margaritas, retro vibes and top-notch late-night pizzas. Plan an impromptu date night this week, tuck into a seafood feast at Nick's Seafood Restaurant and go in the running for that trip to Greece. Book here or call 1300 989 989.
Free rides, demented circus performers, spooky light shows and a killer program of Australia's best beatmakers will take over Luna Park this Halloween, as the Big Top hosts its first ever Ouija Beats party. It's the product of FBi Radio, The Music and LPS putting their heads together for a contemplation of the paranormal. The Halloween action will kick off at 6pm, with every rollercoaster, dodgem car and white-knuckle experience in the joint providing partygoers with free thrills for two hours. Then you can trick or treat your way to nine of Australia's hands-down best electronic artists playing sets all night long across two stages in the Big Top. Leading the charge is Cosmo's Midnight, who inspired a rush of hero worship following the official release of their remix of Flume's 'Sleepless' and have lately played support for XXYYXX, Cashmere Cat and Tokimonsta. Then there’s Basenji (his neighbours call him Sebastian Carlos) who likes 'eating almonds and riding his bike' and has been hitting playlists all over the place with his quirky, dynamic percussive adventures. At the more ethereal end of the electro spectrum are Panama, who've been partaking in some substantial jetsetting of late, selling out rooms in London, New York and LA along the way; Twin Caverns, who, in just one year of music-making, have graced the pages of NME and appeared on stages in the company of The Kite String Tangle, Husky and Thief; and the infectious, airy yet gritty duo Willow Beats. Rounding out the bill are Melbourne's Northeast Party House, Olympic Ayres (whose 'Magic' made the FIFA 2014 soundtrack), Moonbase Commander and the Astral People DJs. By the way, you should start on your costume sooner rather than later, for two reasons. One, there’ll be prizes (like epic home entertainment systems) going to the most inventive, bizarre and creepy couture of the night. Two, the door charge includes $40 Uber credit, so you can ride in style without doing any damage to your get-up.
Luxe online fashion store The Undone is bringing its annual pop-up sale to Surry Hills this weekend, with up to 80 percent off its collection of designer threads. It's a rare chance to shop the brand IRL, and nab highly discounted pieces while you're at it. Expect high-end basics, wardrobe essentials and boutique jewellery from both local and international designers. Emerging Aussie labels to look out for include Anna Quan, Kacey Devlin, Elissa McGowan and Holly Ryan. More established local designers range from Christopher Esber and Michael Lo Sordo to Strateas Carlucci. You can score some premium denim from LA's J Brand and Frame Denim, too. Plus, shoppers will get an additional $50–150 off for total purchases of $500–1000 (respectively). And, if you get in early, the first ten people each day will receive a free branded water bottle and notebook. The shop will be open on Foveaux Street all weekend long until sold out; hours are Friday from 8am–6pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am–4pm. Despite the discount, this still won't be a cheap shopping trip, but it is a chance to get some quality pieces at a relatively affordable price.
Carriageworks won't have seen this many costume changes since Fashion Week. Legendary fashion icon, unforgettable Bond villain and music superstar Grace Jones is returning to Australia, headlining Vivid Sydney's Modulations mini-festival at Carriageworks. Locked in for three performances on Sunday, May 31 and Monday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 2, the 66-year-old powerhouse is set for her first Sydney appearance (and only Australian show) since that jaw-dropper of a show at the Enmore in 2011 (there were costume changes every two or three songs, we swear). “A truly iconic singer, songwriter, model, actor and all round enigma,” said Modulations creative director Stephen Pavlovic. “[Jones’s] live sets are duly renowned as nothing short of incredible, segueing from disco to funk, from pop to punk, all presented within a visual spectacular as stunning as the musical artistry.” Jones marks the top of the bill for Vivid's six-day Modulations festival-within-a-festival — featuring a brand new pop-up called Italo Dining and Disco Club, living jazz legend saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, a huge Pelvis/Motorik/Kooky dance club team-up party and one of music and art's most provocative personalities Bill Drummond, who'll deliver a keynote address and unveil a new artwork especially for Modulations. Grace Jones will perform at Modulations on May 31, June 1 and 2 at Carriageworks. Tickets from $127, available here. But thanks to Carriageworks, Vivid Sydney and Modulations, we have two double passes for to give away to see Jones' epic show on Tuesday, May 2 at 8pm. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter and then email us with your name and address (win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au). Image: Andrea Klarin.
The best of both 20th and 21st century dance meet in The Australian Ballet's new contemporary triple bill, 20:21. After a cracking opening in Melbourne in August, November 5 will see it come to the Sydney Opera House on for 18 performances. Leading the trio is the world premiere of Filigree and Shadow, a striking, hard-hitting, challenging piece from resident choreographer Tim Harbour. It features an original electronic score by 48nord and an architect-designed set by Kelvin Ho. “He [Tim Harbour] is always keen to push himself and the dancers to discover new ways of using their ability to push the ballet form further, and find humanity and truth through dance," said David McAllister, artistic director of The Australian Ballet. Meanwhile, George Balanchine's jazz-infused, Stravinksy-soundtracked Symphony in Three Movements will open the show, followed by Twyla Tharp's sport-inspired, sneaker-wearing In the Upper Room, set to the music of Phillip Glass.
Some film festivals take audiences to corners of the globe they won't visit in the multiplex, shine a spotlight on different cinematic voices, and showcase the wealth of talent working beyond the English-speaking realm. That's not the British Film Festival's remit. Here, you'll find recognisable names and faces aplenty as the best new movies Old Blighty has to offer embark on a tour of the antipodes. Taking place between late October and early November at Palace Norton Street and Palace Verona, this year's lineup includes Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy in opening night film Breathe, which marks the directorial debut of The Lord of the Rings star Andy Serkis, as well as Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning in the eagerly anticipated How to Talk to Girls at Parties. The former tells a true tale of a couple striving to overcome a death sentence from polio, while the latter is a queer sci-fi rock-punk comedy based on a Neil Gaiman short story and directed by Hedwig and the Angry Inch's John Cameron Mitchell. Yep, this program might speak the same language as Australians, but it's serving up a variety of stories. If you're going to put one flick to put on your must-see list, make it The Death of Stalin. It's the latest from The Thick of Itand Veep creator Armando Iannucci, and features everyone from Steve Buscemi to Jeffrey Tambor to Michael Palin. Other highlights include Fanning again in Mary Shelley, a biopic about the writer behind Frankenstein that's helmed by Wadjdadirector Haifaa Al-Mansour, as well as England is Mine, with Dunkirk's Jack Lowden playing none other than Morrissey. Elsewhere, Saoirse Ronan stars in On Chesil Beach, her latest Ian McEwan adaptation after coming to fame in Atonement, while true story 6 Days recreates the 1980 storming of the Iranian embassy in London with Mark Strong, Jamie Bell and Abbie Cornish. BFF also boasts docos about Manolo Blahnik and Eric Clapton, a biopic about AA Milne and the genesis of Winnie the Pooh, and one of the last films to feature the late John Hurt in That Good Night. Looking back as well as forward, a selection of Agatha Christie adaptations round out the lineup. Timed to coincide with the new version of Murder on the Orient Express, the program includes the 1974 take on the same tale, plus three other classics.
If you're kicking yourself for missing this year's Big Fashion Sale, which took over the Paddington Town Hall back in March, you're about to get a second chance to amp up your wardrobe on the cheap. The always-popular designer sale will again return to Sydney — but this time it will operate as a pop-up store, setting up shop on Oxford Street for ten whole days. The shop will house over 1000 items, including past collections, samples and one-offs from 50 highly sought after Australian and International designer brands. As with the March sale, you can expect big names like Kenzo, Marni, Phillip Lim and The Row to be joined by brand new sale additions including Sol Sana shoes, White Story, Shona Joy and Lacausa. Again, discounts will be up to 80 percent off, so you can nab some well-made (and otherwise rather expensive) threads without emptying out your bank account.
Sydney's second extended lockdown has hit the city's hospitality scene hard, with venues forced to close their doors and rely entirely on takeaway and delivery trade for at least two weeks. That's seen a drop in income for a huge number of employees across the state, as the hours and shifts used to pay for essential bills are cut. While Sydney residents can apply for one-off Government assistance, it's a tough time for casual workers. Thankfully, some industry legends are coming to the rescue, lending a helping hand in the form of a few much-needed free feeds, no questions asked. Inner west pub The Oxford Tavern is offering a free meal to anyone who's lost work due to the lockdown. "Casual workers are the backbone of the hospitality industry, and are the first to be forgotten when restrictions intensify," it posted to Instagram. Similarly, The Oxford Tavern team's other inner west pub The Duke of Enmore is offering hospo workers that have lost shifts a free flatbread off its new menu and one of its signature pickleback shots. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Duke Of Enmore (@thedukeofenmore) Over in Darlinghurst, you can head into craft beer-haven The Taphouse and request a 'hospo meal' if you've been impacted by the lockdown, no questions asked. The pub's offering a free chicken schnitzel or a vegetarian pasta puttanesca as well as a shot of bourbon to commiserate the tough times. Darlinghurst residents who have been fortunate enough to keep employment can also be treated to The Taphouse's hearty meals as it's launched complimentary delivery on its entire menu for anyone within one kilometre of the venue, including its famed roast on Sundays. "We know what a hard time it is for our community and hospo workers are especially vulnerable right now. We wanted to give back to our local community, and recognise how invaluable hospo workers are to our industry," said Joshua Thorpe, Owner of The Taphouse said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Taphouse (@taphousedarlo) Chippendale's Sneaky Possum is still serving up its burgers and toasties for pickup or delivery, plus if you swing by you can grab beers and cocktails for the full at-home experience. It's also offering anyone who's lost work free meals to help them through this time. If you're doing it tough at the moment you can drop in for a chicken burger or a brekkie bowl on the house. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sneaky Possum (@sneakypossumbar) On Monday, July 5, anyone with an RSA can drop into Door Knock in the Sydney CBD for some lockdown care. The Pitt Street bar will be open from 1pm–5pm on Monday to supply care packages to hospitality workers. Or, venture across a couple blocks to Burrow Bar's new location on Clarence Street. The underground cocktail bar has a full takeaway menu on offer as well as delivery options for anyone in the CBD. Anyone struggling during the lockdown can hit up the bar for support in the form of a full belly. The bar has been collecting donations from other venues around the CBD and putting together care packages filled with meals, fruit and a couple of drinks with plans to distribute them a couple of days a week throughout the lockdown and for a couple weeks after as things slowly go back towards relative normality. If you're struggling for food during this time all you need to do is DM Burrow Bar on Facebook or Instagram, or email mitch@burrowbar.com.au. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Burrow Bar 🥃 (@burrow_bar) Continental Deli is also still operating out of both its Newtown and CBD digs, offering next-level deli treats and its signature tinned cocktails. All this weekend, from Friday, July 2 until Sunday, July 4, both stores will be offering discounted hospo meals. Anyone with an RSA can come in and present their card for one of Continental's deli meat-packed rolls and a three pack of Aperol spritzes for just $10. The deal is available each day until sold out. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Continental Deli Bar Bistro (@continentaldeli) Sydney's current restrictions are set to run until Friday, July 9. For a full list of restrictions and exposure sites, visit NSW Health.
A handmade gift market is popping up at WeWork's 383 George Street location for the first time on Thursday, December 12 with 20 stalls selling ethically made jewellery, 'tree-free' notebooks and small-batch jams. The stallholders are all WeWork members from eight locations across Sydney, so when you're making a purchase you'll be supporting small local businesses. And, to create a festive mood while you shop, there'll be live music from Triple J Unearthed musician Ethan Conway — a pop and soul musician also from Sydney. Liquid nitrogen fiends N2 Gelato will be serving up sweet treats at a gelato station, or you can enjoy some pampering from the pop-up beauty services. There'll also be a succulent plant station and a pop-up barber. Plus, you can get your gifts wrapped on the day using 100-percent biodegradable wrapping paper — for just a gold-coin donation, which will be donated to Property Industry Foundation (PIF) to assist in building homes for youth. Like the look of the co-working space? Attendees can also enter a competition to win a prize pack valued at over $1,500, including a two-month Hot Desk membership and vouchers from stallholders. The market runs from 11am until 3pm and entry is free but it is ticketed, so register your entry here.
After a hugely successful first edition in 2020, free sculpture exhibition Les Sculptures Refusées is returning to North Head Manly's Q Station. Running from Wednesday, October 20–Thursday, January 27, this year's edition of the exhibition will display new works by artists that missed out on major exhibitions like Sculpture by the Sea. Attendees can wander through the idyllic site, stumbling upon 24 different sculptures set to the Q Station's vast grounds and the backdrop of Sydney Harbour. On display are artworks from an array of acclaimed and prolific local artists including Akira Kamada, Orest Keywan, Rosanna Goslett-King, Anna Dudek and Sarah FitzGerald. Grab a snack or coffee from one of the Q Station's cafes to enjoy while you mosey through the exhibition, or head to the G&Tea House after making your way around the site to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. Les Sculptures Refusées continues the legacy of the historic French art exhibition Salon des Refusés which exhibited rejected artists and paintings in the 19th century. "The show has certainly captured the spirit and energy of the time-honoured Refusés tradition," Co-Founders Tania McMurtry and Simon Hodgson said. "Les Sculptures Refusées received a groundswell of support with its inaugural show and we are extremely excited to again be increasing opportunities for artists to show their work in what has been a difficult year for the arts."
You might've tasted the best dumplings in Sydney, worked your way through our cracking ramen list and dined at these respectable Chinese establishments — but you've never done Asian the way you'll be doing it at Wok On. As Merivale aficionados will know, Asian fare makes up a significant portion of the company's portfolio. For this cracking March into Merivale event, Ms.G’s, Mr Wong, Sunee’s Thai Canteen and sushi e, along with soon-to-open Queen Chow, will all be turning up at Establishment for one delicious night. While they're serving dishes and cocktails to meet your every culinary craving — including Ms.G's killer yuzu vodka slushie — Halfway Crooks will be delivering a plethora of hip-hop beats. Keep your eyes open for some live surprises, too. Tickets are $45 and include six food and drink tokens.
A long time go, we all used to be friends with Veronica Mars. But if you haven't thought of the teenage private eye drama lately at all (or had its Dandy Warhols-sung theme tune stuck in your head), prepare for that to change. The show initially lasted three seasons across 2004–2007, then set a crowdfunding record to get a movie off the ground in 2014, and even spawned two novels and a web series spin-off after that. Now, it looks set to make a small-screen comeback. While everything from Daria to Buffy the Vampire Slayer seems to be getting a reboot lately, Veronica Mars follows in the footsteps of Twin Peaks — as Variety reports, it'll be a revival featuring original cast members, rather than a new effort that remakes the same concept with different folks and starts all over again with its narrative. And yes, crucially, Ms Mars herself will return, with Kristen Bell poised to resume the role that brought her to fame. Hulu, the streaming platform that turned The Handmaid's Tale into the phenomenon that it is, is behind the eight-episode new season. The deal hasn't yet been finalised for Neptune's favourite blonde-haired, pint-sized sleuth to start solving mysteries again; however it looks like it's a matter of when rather than if. Veronica Mars creator and writer Rob Thomas (no, not that one) is also set to return, and Deadline notes that conversations have been had with cast members other than Bell. Just what the storyline will be, which of Veronica's ex-boyfriends will re-emerge and what cases will need solving haven't been revealed — but, given that the original show featured appearances from Amanda Seyfried, Arrested Development's Alia Shawkat and Michael Cera, Buffy's Alyson Hannigan and Charisma Carpenter, New Girl's Max Greenfield, Thor: Ragnarok's Tessa Thompson and more, you can probably expect a few familiar faces to pop up. One thing that the new series will definitely have to do is work around Bell's schedule on sitcom The Good Place, although that just means she'll be on your TV screen twice as often. Via Variety.
The hospo pros at Parlour Group are at it again. With Riley St Garage, Surly's and The Village Inn under their belt, they've now moved into The Cannery in Rosebery, where they're about to open Stanton & Co. Headed by executive chef Regan Porteous — who helped set up Riley St Garage four years ago — the restaurant will serve up modern Aussie fare dashed with Japanese influences. In collaboration with head chef Marcelino Papio (also of Riley St), Porteous has come up with two modern Australian-Japanese menus. At lunch, you'll be sitting down to casual, a la carte dishes; come dinner, the menu will switch to a long, shared feast. On the drinks list there's an extensive selection of cocktails, as well as premium craft beers and boutique wines. Parlour Group worked with Alexander&Co on the interior, which honours The Cannery's history and, at the same time, draws on ideas from New York's famous Meatpacking District. There's a large dining space, a roomy bar and an open kitchen, so you can watch the chefs in action. Parlour Group owner Brody Petersen is excited to be opening a new venue in Rosebery. "The area is thriving and has really come alive as a leading food destination in Sydney; it is inspiring and exciting for us to be surrounded by people who share our passion for great food and drink," he says. "We want to create a beautiful venue that is fun, relaxing and vibrant, a place where guests feel like they are eating at a bar rather than drinking in a restaurant." Stanton & Co. is set to open in October at The Cannery, 85 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery. For more info, keep an eye on their Facebook page. Image: Nikki To.
Remember a few weeks ago when we told you that New York City were #blessed by the birth of the XL xiao long bao? Remember how we all collectively freaked out and thought 'that's a thing that I want!'? Well, prepare thy loins for a summer of hot, soupy spills because the XL XLB is hittin' Sydney and Melbourne — hotter, bigger and soupier than ever. Din Tai Fung, known for their general dumpling prowess and cute, Chinese New Year themed animal dumplings, are the proud parents of Australia's first super-sized dump dump. Just like their American counterpart, the Din Tai Fung XLB is designed to be sucked up with a straw, so bulbous with soup is she. They'll be serving them for $8.90 a pop throughout November — but unfortunately not at their café court venues. This meal deserves a sit-down experience. For the uninitiated, prepare to have your world rocked. The xiao long bao is a steamed, soupy dumpling filled with a flavoursome broth and a pork and prawn filling. They usually come in mouth-sized portions but Din Tai Fung will be serving them up at seven times their usual size (hence the need for a straw). Grab 'em from November 1 to November 30 at Din Tai Fung World Square, Central Park, Westfield Chatswood and Westfield Miranda in Sydney, and at Emporium in Melbourne.
UPDATE: May 18, 2020: Good Boys is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. Before the high-schoolers who populate every teen movie start worrying about heading off to college and having sex for the first time, they're tweens with not-too-dissimilar problems. That's the premise behind the familiar but very funny Good Boys, which leans so far into its Superbad-lite status that it has even enlisted Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg as producers. Instead of two horny 17-year-olds, this scaled-down coming-of-age comedy focuses on a trio of sixth graders. Instead of finding its characters on the cusp of graduation, it meets them as they start middle school. And instead of turning up to a lively shindig on a quest to lose their virginity, Good Boys' pre-teen protagonists navigate the age-appropriate equivalent: their first kissing party. The comparisons keep coming, although writer/director Gene Stupnitsky and his co-scribe Lee Eisenberg (the screenwriting duo behind Bad Teacher and Year One) don't just tread in Superbad's footsteps. Good Boys' predecessor boasted more than a little in common with Can't Hardly Wait, which in turn took Dazed and Confused's lead — and they all nodded to American Graffiti before that. Just a couple of months back, Booksmart did something similar too, using a firmly female-focused viewpoint to its advantage. There's not as obvious a point of difference here, with tween and teen boys getting mixed up in almost the same types of situations. But what Good Boys lacks in originality or perspective, it makes up for in charm, sincerity and a stellar cast of young talent. In a few years, Max (Jacob Tremblay), Thor (Brady Noon) and Lucas (Keith L. Williams) could relive these kinds of hijinks at the end of their high-school days — a thought that's probably crossed Stupnitsky, Eisenberg, Rogen and Goldberg's minds — but for now, they just want to be liked by the cool kids in their grade. And that seems possible after the lifelong buddies score a coveted invite to Soren's (Izaac Wang) pashing party. Alas, while Max is driven by his all-consuming crush on classmate Brixlee (Millie Davis), his friends have their own troubles. Thor is desperate to nab a role in the school production of Rock of Ages, but also desperate to seem like he doesn't care, while the gleefully dorky Lucas is struggling with news of his parents' (Retta and Lil Rel Howery) impending divorce. Plus, when the pals aren't trying to brush up on puckering up, they're unwittingly getting involved in drug deals with Max's older neighbour Hannah (Molly Gordon) and her bestie Lily (Midori Francis). Much of Good Boys' humour hits instantly and flows easily, as kids say the darnedest things in highly inappropriate circumstances — searching for "porb" and mistaking sex toys for weapons, for example. As the film's marketing campaign made a point of stressing, this may be a picture about children, but it definitely isn't for them in any shape or form. There's a more resonant layer to the gags, too — which, in a movie that spends plenty of time giggling as its central tweens swear, might not immediately seem the case. To see Max, Thor and Lucas not just face the reality that they're growing up, but explore an adult world that feels so strange and different to their pre-teen grasp on reality, is to remember the confusing ups and downs of going through the same process yourself. That said, this isn't a mere exercise in raucousness and nostalgia shaped around episodic antics, such as skipping school, sipping beers and running away from cops. Like Booksmart before it, Good Boys grounds its jokes, narrative and outlook in today's cultural and societal standards. In other words: goodbye lazy stereotypes and outdated views, and hello inclusiveness, emotional intelligence, and seeing these boys learn to respect women, themselves and each other. Stupnitsky and Eisenberg are still guilty of padding out the picture with a few too many recognisable scenarios, even with its brief 90-minute running time. But their film glows with authenticity nonetheless — because, for all the outlandishness they encounter, these kids always react in realistic ways. As much as Good Boys has an affable, genuine vibe on its side, it wouldn't work quite as well without its three child stars. Room's Tremblay, Boardwalk Empire's Noon and The Last Man on Earth's Williams not only sell their rapport, but play their parts with honesty and earnestness — and without a hint of precociousness. The bike-riding trio also shrugs off a Stranger Things insult, in a line that speaks beyond pop culture's current obsession with plucky children (see also: IT and IT: Chapter Two). Swap Good Boys' crudeness for a dash of the supernatural, after all, and this sweet, breezy and amusing film would fit nicely among all those classic 80s adventures. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeeyM8cRinI
If there are two concepts that sound like they're made for each other, it's immersive cinema experiences and Halloween. Add some cocktails into the mix, and things are bound to get even more interesting. This Halloween, The Kraken Black Spiced Rum is taking over Randwick's The Ritz with the first ever Kraken Screamfest. It'll be a hair-raising cinema extravaganza featuring a cult horror movie, 'spooky' Kraken cocktails and, of course, creepy costumes and decorations to boot. Prepare for a night of non-stop scares with mutant mermaids, undead sailors and other monsters from the deep crawling through the theatre-turned-abyss. The cult-favourite Creature From the Black Lagoon will be playing on the big screen — if you haven't seen it, there's no time like the terrifying present. This classic black-and-white horror pic, made back in 1954, is set in the Amazon, where a geology expedition goes awry when a mysterious creature — part-marine, part-terrestrial and part-human — appears. We're not scared, you are. Tickets, at just 20 bucks, are damn good value — giving you two cocktails, snacks, entry to the frightening flick and as many thrills as you can handle, from unexpected live performers to a horror parlour inhabited by face painters to the company of undead, possessed hands. After all those tricks, it's time for treats. On the drinks list, you'll find Kraken-based cocktails to calm your nerves — The Kraken Storm, a wicked take on the dark 'n' story made up of Kraken Rum, ginger beer and a lime wedge; The Bride of Krakenstein, a spicy spin on the strawberry daiquiri that's perfect for warm evenings; and The Oceans Have Eyes (we'll leave that one to your imagination). In between sips, snack on Halloween-inspired ink-black pick 'n' mix and popcorn — they're devilishly good. Kraken Screamfest will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, October 31 at Randwick Ritz. You must be over 18 to attend.
It's Halloween, 1968, in the fictional town of Mill Valley. With an opening montage reminiscent of many a movie, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark shows viewers just what that means. Locals prepare to celebrate the spookiest day of the year, with decorations littering the town. Pumpkins are a common sight, naturally. Horror-obsessed aspiring writer Stella (Zoe Margaret Colletti) and her fellow teen outcast pals, Auggie (Gabriel Rush) and Chuck (Austin Zajur) are getting ready to go trick-or-treating, too; however it's the bully they're afraid of that initially proves pivotal. At his family farm, Tommy (Austin Abrams) and his offsiders attack a scarecrow. Under the autumn sky, surrounded by towering crops stretching far and wide, they smash and bash the figure mercilessly. Each blow knocks the straw man around, but it doesn't fight back. It can't — it's inanimate. But that doesn't mean that there won't be repercussions. Based on the 80s and 90s children's book series of the same name, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark doesn't trade in a 'what goes around, comes around' mentality — although Tommy isn't destined for a hero's journey. Rather, director André Øvredal (The Autopsy of Jane Doe) and his screenwriters (The Lego Ninjago Movie's Dan Hageman and Kevin Hageman, plus Oscar-winning The Shape of Water filmmaker Guillermo del Toro) explore the idea that pain is part of a cycle. Whether you're inflicting, receiving or helping to relieve it, trauma isn't a one-way event or a one-off occurrence. In the film's intermittent narration, Stella explains this in a different way, more befitting the movie's literary origins: "Stories hurt. Stories heal". After a trip to a supposedly haunted local house leaves Stella in possession of a spooky collection of stories, her words start ringing true. Decades earlier, the book belonged to Sarah Bellows, who was brutalised by her wealthy family, locked in the basement and — as the legend goes — lured in kids with eerie tales, then killed them. Stella doesn't necessarily believe the myths, until fresh tales begin writing themselves into the dusty tome in a bloody scrawl. Each new story mentions someone that Stella knows, such as Tommy, Auggie, Chuck and the mysterious drifter, Ramon (Michael Garza), that she meets at a drive-in screening of Night of the Living Dead. As foretold on the page, scarecrows soon seek revenge, monsters shuffle through creepy asylums and stews come seasoned with body parts, among other unnerving incidents. Tasked with adapting short stories, the filmmakers find an effective solution to what could've been the movie's big struggle: moulding standalone tales into a cohesive whole. Working through a selection of the printed collection's chapters, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark still feels episodic. Indeed, each segment could work on its own as a short film. That said, this isn't a cobbled-together anthology linked by loose connective tissue (or, if they've sprung to mind, a Stranger Things or IT rip-off). Delving deep into what each spooky tale means to Stella and her friends, Øvredal gives his framing narrative as much weight as the movie's individual parts. These stories reflect events, emotions, fears and worries in the characters' lives, and tie into the picture's setting and time period. The Vietnam War rages on, Richard Nixon is about to be elected to America's highest office and racism makes its presence known — and, via all of the above, a generation just coming of age begins to realise that horror really exists. When it comes to the tangible frights — the bumps, jumps, creaks and the like — Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark also finds an apt approach. As he demonstrated in both The Autopsy of Jane Doe and Troll Hunter, Øvredal knows that less is often more. When needed, though, he's not afraid to throw severed heads around, unleash a stream of spiders or watch dissembled limbs combine into a demon. He's not averse to pushing his fresh-faced cast to their limits, either, or deploying Breaking Bad's Dean Norris (as Stella's dad) as the fount of all gravitas. But, whether in subtle or overt mode, the film always sticks to its point, showing how frightful sights, and the underlying forces and troubles they represent, can manifest in many forms. Still, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark does tussle with one tricky spot. While vastly darker than Goosebumps, this is an adolescent-friendly affair, sparking an all-too-generic ending and sequel setup. When it takes the easy route in wrapping things up, the movie is at its worst. Thankfully for horror buffs of all ages, that's doesn't spoil the preceding fun. For most of its running time, this is a suitably creepy and thoughtful film, taking familiar parts, twisting them in unnerving ways, and layering its stories with both scares and meaning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYPRyBN3Kz8
This article is sponsored by our partners, General Assembly. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the work-sleep-eat grind. But the last thing the folks at General Assembly want to see is you, losing your precious youth to blood, sweat and tears. So they’ve come up with a simple, straightforward, foolproof solution. On Thursday, September 25, they’ll be hosting an epic, free warehouse bash at Work-Shop (80 George Street, Redfern). And all things work-related will be left at the door. All you have to do is turn up, ready to chat, dance and sample some high-quality, handcrafted beverages. Any ‘I-should-be-networking-and-handing-out-my-business-cards’ sensations can be completely and luxuriantly ignored. Guest DJs Seekae will be spinning a three-hour set, shortly before jetting off around the world. This year, the Sydney-London three-piece has played at SXSW, blitzed the UK with a sold-out tour and released their third album, The Worry. In the meantime, drinks will be sponsored by the Rocks Brewing Company and Naked Wines. The former is a local craft brewery based in Alexandria, run and operated by fifth and sixth generation descendants of convicts. The latter is a crowdfunded wine business. Customers invest in independent winemakers, and, in return, score exclusive access to fine, handmade wines at wholesale prices. Entry is free, but you'll need to secure yourself a spot by booking online via the General Assembly website. General Assembly hosts events and classes in tech, design and entrepreneurial business, with campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and around the world.
Beer and yoga. An unlikely combination, but one that's gone gangbusters across the world. And after a few trials of the concept — including a class at Wayward Brewing — Australia looks set to see the trend come out in full force with the launch of BierYoga. Having held weekly sessions across Berlin over the past 12 months, BierYoga has launched an Australian tour with a string of dates for their beer-focused yoga classes in Melbourne and Sydney. Each hour-long session will see punters getting bendy while knocking back brews, with beer-drinking incorporated into each classic yoga pose. Think sun salutations and reverse warriors, interspersed with sips of your favourite ale. BierYoga's team of qualified yoga instructors (and, we're sure, seasoned beer drinkers) will get you loose, limber, and having fun — whether you're a total yoga novice, or a well-practiced pro. Each session's priced at a budget-friendly $10 — just bring a towel or yoga mat and you're good to go. You'll need to buy a beer at the bar separately. Classes are happening on January 20 and 22 at The Sheaf in Double Bay.
Your jacaranda-dotted, snail-paced Sunday morning stroll around Paddington is about get even better. On September 14, Victoria Barracks’ sandstone wall will become the backdrop to the new Paddington Art Market. Both fresh-faced, emerging artists and established pros will have their latest creations on display. There’ll be painting, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, graphics and more. Woollahra Council Mayor Toni Zeltzer dreamt up the idea following a recent sojourn in Europe. “When I visited the artists’ stalls along the Seine River in Paris and Camden Loch in London, I thought why not do this here, within an Australia vernacular?” she said. “The Paddington Art Market is the perfect showcase for what is at the heart of Paddington’s identity — its creativity.” If you’d like to set up a stall of your own, simply apply through the site and pay a nominal fee, which will be donated to the Holdsworth Community Centre, a Woollahra-based NGO dedicated to helping the aged, disadvantaged and individuals with disabilities.
'Tis the season for many things, though at one particular pop-up Christmas market, the festivities are entirely, deliciously gin-related. Held at famed gin bar The Barber Shop and hosted by Sydney's own gin expert The Ginstress (aka Elly Baxter), the inaugural Christmas Gin Market is a one-stop pressie shop, with a very distinct flavour. Taking over the space for three hours on both December 7 and 14, expect a careful curation of gin-themed delights — products from top local distilleries, Treat Dreams' handcrafted gin-filled chocolates, gin-based marmalade from Four Pillars and gin-scented grooming products from the folks at Enright's Original Gin. You'll also be able to get your hands on the soundtrack from hit Sydney Festival show, Mother's Ruin: A Cabaret About Gin, and there'll be meet-and-greet opportunities with some of your favourite Aussie distillers. Browse top-notch gifts for your gin-thusiast mates, while sipping gin cocktails crafted by the Barber Shop team and you'll find yourself very much tapping into the Christmas spirit. The Christmas Gin Market runs from 6-9pm on Thursday, December 7 and Thursday, December 14. Find it at The Barber Shop, 89 York St, Sydney.
I first saw The Dodos last year at The Spiegeltent in Manhattan. It was going to be perfect: a balmy evening, good friends and a band who had put out a really exciting debut, Visiter, that bordered hippy folk whilst still dipping into heavy rhythms and beautiful contemplative lyrics and melodies. But the experience was tainted by the fact that you can't really see anything in a full Spiegel, especially when the singer sits down and plays guitar; and we got aggressively shooshed by an uptight fan. Anyways, lucky for you guys, the San Francisco three piece (they added a vibraphone player to the guitar/drums lineup - hey why not?) are visiting our shores soon to play us their new album, Time To Die - and by the sounds of Fables, it will be more nicely crafted folk with a bit of grit.
Warm up for Halloween with a visit to Paddington's Cement Fondu. Until Sunday, November 25, Warm Bodies takes over the gallery with an array of irreverent and challenging explorations of horror, rot, mutation, destruction and post-apocalyptic existence. Expect analogue photography, ceramics, projections, dance, digital glitch textiles, .GIFs, installations and Muslim black death metal. Leading the program is Haunted House — a .GIF installation that will take over Cement Fondu's mezzanine level with adaptations of scenes from B-grade horror films, as created by American artist Jaimie Warren in collaboration with the KARI Foundation Indigenous Youth Group. Meanwhile, dance artist Angela Goh will present the Australian premiere of Body Loss, an artwork that combines live performance, sound and light in its exploration of the female voice in folklore, film and culture. Look out, too, for a multi-media installation by London-based Adham Faramawy, whose Make Up Tutorial (2018) will appear among two new site-specific vinyl adhesive wallpapers. The program also includes a Halloween party from 7pm on Saturday, November 3, as well as a jazz night from 7pm on Friday, November 23.
Before 2020 turned the world upside down, King Street Crawl was a yearly tradition. Come September each year, every venue spanning the length of King Street would be filled with live music from midday through to the early hours for one day. After taking a year off in 2020, the inner west institution is returning with a massive new three-day event pushing out from King Street and into neighbouring roads and two idyllic outdoor spaces. King Street Carnival will take place from Friday, September 3 until Sunday, September 5 throughout Newtown's main road as well as Enmore Road, Erskineville Road, the Sydney Park Amphitheatre and Camperdown Memorial Park. While the details for the King Street festivities is yet to be announced, King Street Carnival has revealed the huge three-day lineup for the Sydney Park and Camperdown Memorial Park events. [caption id="attachment_656237" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Camperdown Park by Kimberley Low[/caption] Heading up the outdoor concerts is legendary group Yothu Yindi who will be performing alongside the likes of Sarah Blasko, Alex the Astronaut, All Our Exes Live In Texas and Emma Donovan and the Putbacks at Camperdown Memorial Park on the Sunday. Across the weekend, the two stages will also feature dance-pop duo Confidence Man, Sydney rock favourites You Am I, hip-hop mainstays Horrorshow, much-buzzed indie rock band Rolling Blackouts C.F. as well as Stella Donnelly, Touch Sensitive, JessB and Private Function. While King Street Crawl is historically a free event, the Camperdown Memorial Park and Sydney Park Amphitheatre showcases will be ticketed. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $55 for a Friday-only past and increasing up to $137 for all three days. Keep your eyes peeled for the full details as they are unveiled over the next two months. [caption id="attachment_806870" align="alignnone" width="1920"] King Street Crawl by Tom Wilkinson[/caption] KING STREET CARNIVAL FIRST LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT Sydney Park Amphitheatre Friday, September 3 Horrorshow JessB Planet Vegeta Nardean Dameeeela Carolina Gasolina Half Queen Saturday, September 4 You Am I Magic Dirt Hayley Mary Private Function Johnny Hunter Shogun & The Sheets The Laurels Sunday, September 5 Confidence Man Touch Sensitive Harvey Sutherland Milan Ring Clypso Lazywax Setwun Liyah Knigh Camperdown Park Saturday, September 4 Rolling Blackouts C.F. Stella Donnelly The Lazy Eyes The Buoys The Regime Maple Glider Joseph Liddy & The Skeleton Horse Sunday, September 5 Youthu Yindi Sarah Blasko Alex the Astronaut All Our Exes Live In Texas Emma Donovan & The Putbacks Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys EJ Worland King Street Carnival will take place across King Street, Enmore Road, Erskineville Road, the Sydney Park Amphitheatre and Camperdown Memorial Park from Friday, September 3–Sunday, September 5. Tickets are on sale now. Top image: Destination NSW
The Scandinavian crime fixation currently sweeping non-Nordic nations shows no signs of abating, every piece with big screen potential — TV series, book or otherwise — seemingly earning a filmed adaptation. Jussi Adler-Olsen's Department Q series provides the latest instance, a four-instalment-to-date police procedural setting a duo of detectives in search of answers to dead cases. The Keeper of Lost Causes is the first feature to result. All the usual elements exist in director Mikkel Nørgaard and writer Nikolaj Arcel's version of the novel. (They're both veterans of the burgeoning genre with resumes that encompass television's Borgen and the Swedish-language The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo as evidence.) An odd couple, an against-the-odds task, brooding backstories, a pretty prey and a cat-and-mouse game with the perpetrator furnish a feature that stays within the confines of the expected — except for one significant deviation. As well as tracking the law enforcement quest to uncover the truth, the film gifts viewers with the victim's perspective, her tale told as a parallel to the investigation. So it is that the taciturn Carl Mørck (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) and lively Assad (Fares Fares) trawl through discarded clues about the disappearance of personable young politician Merete Lynggaard (Sonja Richter), long considered a suicidal jumper who consigned herself to a watery end five years prior. The inter-spliced chronicle of Merete's plight provides a different account, one that the police must piece together as they delve deeper into her mystery. Though the choice to reveal what would've otherwise been a considerable source of dramatic tension is questionable (albeit, a decision that remains faithful to the book), The Keeper of Lost Causes evokes the requisite ominous atmosphere through its appearance and performances. The customary grey aesthetic colours every scene to cement the creepy mood, just as the main pairing fittingly bristles with discomfort even as Mørck and Assad work towards an accord. Cinematographer Eric Kress impresses in the film's shadowy imagery, a feat also achieved by Kaas and Fares. Adopting a chalk and cheese approach to their portrayals, the two actors bounce off each other with an earned rapport that makes their standard contrasting characters all the more interesting. Indeed, as beholden to formula and the familiar as The Keeper of Lost Causes is, Nørgaard endeavours to invest intrigue into the assembly of predictability the movie becomes. Where it all threatens to come undone is in the feature's inability to overcome its overt status as a set-up for further films. In an episodic manner obviously better served on television, The Keeper of Lost Causes wallows in the establishment more than the outcome. What eventuates is an entertaining enough initial chapter in a what will hopefully evolve into a more satisfying saga. https://youtube.com/watch?v=68sO1s9Hy70
Over the past year, The Griswolds have scored every Australian band's dream trifecta: a gig at Parklife, a successful European tour and a global record deal. "It feels like a dream come true," they said in an April interview with FBi, "but to be honest, it's been a really trippy twelve months, and we still can't believe what is happening." As you're reading this, the Sydney-based group's cheeky lyrics, fine-tuned harmonies and idiosyncratic percussion are hitting airwaves in the Northern Hemisphere, via the US release of their debut EP. The boys themselves, however, have been on home soil of late, recording a new track with 2012 Unearthed Artist of the Year nominee Chance Waters. Having done their time in the studio, they're now about to hit the road together on a lightning-fast, four-date east coast tour, More than Just Friends. https://youtube.com/watch?v=58iSZlM_8hY
Another year, another version of Batman. The Dark Knight doesn't get a new famous face quite that often, but you can be forgiven for thinking that it feels that way. Following in the footsteps of Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale and Ben Affleck, Robert Pattinson is now the latest actor to don the recognisable cape and mask — all thanks to upcoming superhero flick The Batman. No one really needs a plot synopsis for flicks about the Gotham City-dwelling character, because yes, we've all seen multiple versions of Batman over the years. This one is meant to stand completely apart from the most recent Affleck-starring DC Extended Universe version of the character, though. So, basically, what DC Films and Warner Bros Pictures did with Joker in 2019 — serving up a grimmer, grittier iteration of the infamous figure that has absolutely nothing to do with the rightfully hated Jared Leto version — they're endeavouring to do for Batman now. Also following the same playbook: enlisting a top-notch star in the lead role. Remember, it was only last that Joaquin Phoenix won an Oscar for playing the clown prince of crime. As well as Pattison as the titular character and his alter-ego Bruce Wayne, The Batman stars Zoe Kravitz (Big Little Lies) as Catwoman, Paul Dano (Escape at Dannemora) as the Riddler, Colin Farrell (Voyagers) as the Penguin, Jeffrey Wright (Westworld) as Commissioner Gordon and Andy Serkis (Long Shot) as Alfred Pennyworth. Plenty of these figures have popped on screens large and small multiple times, too — but Farrell's version of the Penguin certainly stands out in the film's just-dropped (and suitably dark, brooding and violent) full trailer. Originally slated to release this year, The Batman is one of the many movies that've been delayed due to the pandemic. And yes, you have gleaned a sneak peek before, with the movie dropping its first teaser trailer more than a year ago. Pattinson did just star in the Christopher Nolan-helmed Tenet in 2020, so perhaps it makes sense for him to play a character that Nolan helped bring back to cinemas 16 years ago. This time around, however, Cloverfield, Let Me In, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes filmmaker Matt Reeves is in the director's chair. Check out the full trailer for The Batman below: The Batman is currently due to release in Australian cinemas on March 3, 2022. Images: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/ ™ & © DC Comics.
Perhaps Tony Irving was born a little too late. His current exhibit, Are we there yet?, at Eva Breuer Art Dealer in Woollahra, feels like an homage to modernism. Irving is a perfect fit in Eva Breuer's stable of artists. The works shown in the Eastern suburbs gallery are unfailingly conservative and pretty, but that's cool. Not everyone wants to look at drawings of Tracey Emin's vagina. Irving cites Canaletto (Italian guy. Painted slightly insipid portraits of 18th Century Venetian life.) as one of his favourite artists. Unsurprisingly, Irving's works are incredibly staid. That said, they're also lovely. The paintings are like Edward Hoppers but without the darkness. Giorgio De Chiricos but without the creepiness. There is a quietness and stillness in them but he uses symbolism terrifically well and it adds a fantastic surrealist flavour to the works. Each painting is a snapshot of urban life – cars, vistas, streetscapes - primarily Italian but there are a handful of American scenes in there just to mix it up. "The street is the starting point for most of my paintings", Irving explains, "but in recent years as I've started travelling more again, that has moved from Australia's urban environment to a wider world. That world is often surprising or inspirational, but the street is still there, people still go about their business and as an artist, my imagination conjures a narrative that might be playing out." Several studies and smaller versions of the paintings are included in the exhibition. Usually when galleries throw these into the mix it's to show the artist's creative process or somehow enhance the viewer's engagement with the final product. It's meant to be enlightening but in the Irving show it feels like filler. There are also a few little drawings included. They seem to serve no purpose other than to cover space on the wall and they're hung over a desk, so you can't pass by them easily. They feel like an afterthought. The works are beautiful, and you will enjoy seeing the exhibition. Even if your taste is more Munch than Monet, it's worth a visit. Just don't expect them to set your world on fire. Image by Tony Irving, care of Eva Breuer Art Dealer.
Influential Los Angeles-based restaurant and bar E.P. & L.P. is winging its way to Sydney to take over The Dolphin Hotel for one epic evening. Co-owners Grant Smilie (Australian DJ and co-director of the Royal Croquet Club) and fellow Aussie David Combes opened their West Hollywood venue with head chef Louis Tikaram (ex-Longrain) in 2015, and have been enjoying firm success for the last two years. They'll take over Crown Street's most eclectically renovated pub at 5pm on Sunday, June 11, treating you to five hours of drinks, snacks and music. The menu is split into two sections. On the first, dubbed Wine Room Aperitivo, you'll find blue swimmer crab congee, wagyu crackers, Hollywood abalone and Kakoda Fijian-style ceviche, all priced $5–7. Meanwhile, on Tikaram and Dolphin head chef Monty Koludrovic's bar menu, to be served in the Dining Room, you can pick from Lou Dogg's famed crispy chicken sandwich, Mullum Fries (tofu fries with soy and peanut) and Marty's Pizza (five-spice caramel hock with Thai basil and pickled chilli), among other offerings. The drinks list is a collaboration between E.P. & L.P. and The Dolphin. Look out for Dirty Bubble Teas, beer buckets and a few of of L.P.'s best-loved cocktails, such as the Where Love Lives Margarita (passionfruit, guava, lime, chilli, mezcal, damiana, salt) and California Love on The Roof (rosé, rosé aperitif blend, seasonal fruit). "This will be my first time back in an Aussie kitchen since leaving Australia to open E.P. & L.P. in 2014," said Tikaram. "I'm super excited to be teaming up with the guys at the Dolphin, to share my experiences and influences from Southern California so far and also tell my story through the menu from as far back as Mullumbimby. It's going to be one hell of a Queen's Birthday weekend." As you might've guessed, Grant Smilie will be on the decks until the party winds up until 10pm. Joining him will be Beni and a bunch of yet-to-be-announced special guests. E.P. & L.P. take over The Dolphin Hotel, 412 Crown Street, Surry Hills, on Sunday, June 11, 5-10pm.
There are loads of exciting events happening in the Sydney CBD this summer — fom the Doug Aitken exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art to the annual Sydney Festival and the brand new, six-day Elevate Sydney event happening atop the Cahill Expressway that kicks off on New Year's Day. There's no shortage of ways to be entertained in the city centre during the warmer months. To make the most of your time in the CBD, we've handpicked a bunch of venues to visit before and after getting your summer culture fix. Whether you want a bev with a side of sunshine and harbour views or to cool down with a cocktail at a veiled laneway bar, we've found a place that'll complement all kinds of cultural kick ons for you and your crew.
When Australia's annual Spanish Film Festival returns this year, it'll offer cinephiles a two-for-one affair. Fancy seeing the latest and greatest movies from the European country? Keen to watch fresh flicks from Spanish-speaking Latin America too? They're both on the lineup. While Latin American cinema has received its own dedicated Aussie fest over the past three years, in 2019 the Cine Latino Film Festival will form part of the Spanish Film Festival. In short: this year's April–May fest presents the best of both worlds across a 32-title program that'll tour the country. It all gets started with the Aussie premiere of applauded and acclaimed Spanish comedy Champions, which picked up this year's Goya award for best film, as well as the best new actor prize for star Jesús Vidal. The feel-good flick follows an amateur Spanish basketball team comprised of players with mental disabilities and an arrogant coach who's sentenced to community service to help them bounce their way to glory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo_PDXou77c At the other end of the event is a bona fide classic: Pedro Almodóvar's Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. While the festival sadly hasn't snagged the Spanish director's latest, the Antonio Banderas and Penélope Cruz-starring Pain and Glory, it will close out the 2019 lineup with this 1988 black comedy — one of the movies that first helped bring Banderas to fame. Other program highlights include action-packed bank robbery drama 70 Big Ones, moody thriller The Uncovering, doppelgänger effort Ana by Day, character-driven melodrama Petra, and comedy Super Crazy, which focuses on a woman who suddenly can't stop speaking her mind. If you've ever wanted to know all there is to know about olive oil, there's also a documentary on the topic: Virgin & Extra: Jaén, The Land of the Olive Oil. And from the Cine Latino contingent, Argentinian title Royo delves into corruption before the country's mid-70s coup, while Tremors explores a Guatemalan family's secrets. The Projectionist also road trips through the Dominican Republic and comedy Looking for a Boyfriend... For My Wife reunites the cast of Chile's version of Married with Children. Across its full slate, the Spanish Film Festival also showcases 11 titles by female filmmakers, ranging from established talents to up-and-comers. Watch out for romance Carmen & Lola, which has proven a hit on the queer circuit; star-studded comedy-thriller Crime Wave, which stars Maribel Verdú, Javier Cámara and Luis Tosar; and the 1982-set The Good Girls, which follows the wives of wealthy Mexican men. The Spanish Film Festival tours Australia from April 16, screening at Sydney's Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona and Palace Central from April 16 to May 8; Melbourne's Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Balwyn, Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from April 18 to May 8; Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace James Street from April 24 to May 15; and Perth's Palace Cinema Paradiso from April 24 to May 15. For more information, visit the festival website
The annual Lunar New Year festivities in Chatswood are almost here, and if you feel like hopping into the Year of the Rabbit with a smile on your face and a chuckle in your belly, you'd best grab a ticket for the Lunar New Year Comedy Festival. It's back, and it's taking over the concert hall of Chatswood's The Concourse for one night only. Like the past iterations, the festival stars red-hot talents of the Aussie comedy scene, with a mix of familiar faces and newcomers taking the stage this year. Returning performers include globally-touring comedian, presenter, writer and actor Diana Nguyen and the Sydney-based comedian, cartoonist and TV host Harry Jun. Joining the hall of fame for the Year of the Rabbit festival is comedy festival veteran, TV writer and director Nina Oyama; nationally-touring comedian and TikTok creator Jenny Tian and award-nominated comedian and standup host Chris Nguyen. And if there wasn't enough talent already they'll be joined by comedian and writer AJ Lamarque; nationally sold-out comedian and TV writer Ting Lim and Sydney local comedian and podcast host Kevin Jin. It's a pretty stacked lineup, no? With all that talent packed into the concert hall, it'll be an evening to remember. And when the show ends, the night goes on. There'll be plenty of Lunar New Year festivities to enjoy, treats to sample and sights to see across Chatswood. The Lunar New Year Comedy Festival is on Saturday, January 28 from 7.30 to 8.30pm. For the full lineup and to grab your tickets, head to the website.
The National Indigenous Art Fair will return to the Sydney Harbour foreshore this July to showcase creations from First Nations artists, designers and makers for its fourth annual art market. And, it's arriving just in time for NAIDOC Week 2023. Over Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2, the Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks will be filled with art by Indigenous creatives from some of the nation's most remote places. Arrive just before 9:45am to witness the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, before the fair officially kicks off at 10am. Along with the visual art, there will be live performances, panel discussions, bush food and a communal weaving circle, all aligned with this year's NAIDOC Week theme — For Our Elders. [caption id="attachment_903679" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Basket weaving with May Grace Johnson, Destination NSW[/caption] At the ethical marketplace, there'll be stallholders aplenty from remote art centres and Sydney's Blak Markets, where you can purchase art, handmade jewellery, homewares, food and more. Even better: all proceeds go directly back to the artist and First Nations communities. You can also check out cooking demonstrations (with a celebrity guest chef or two), participate in workshops and enjoy the live music and dance performances. Check out the lineup here. Entry is via gold coin donation to support remote artists attend the event. And you can expect to have company, with more than 10,000 people heading along over the two days in 2022. [caption id="attachment_903682" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Djiriba Waagura Dance Group[/caption] The National Indigenous Art Fair will take place from 10am–5pm on Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2. For more information, visit the NIAF website. Top images: Edith Richards, Walkatjara Art (third); Elvis, Anindilyakwa Arts (fourth); Kaltukatjara Arts Workers, Beryl Bell and LeonieBennett, Rosie Frecheville courtesy of Tjarlirli Art (sixth); Artists of Ampilatwatja, Betty, Minnie, Colleen and Beverley (seventh); Gabadu Music, Djina Yilaga Choir, Destination NSW (eighth).
It's not only the playing of tennis that works up a healthy appetite — it's also the watching of it. But, when you're at the Australian Open, surrounded by fellow ravenous spectators in 40-degree heat, working out where to get a decent bite can be a challenge. So, we thought we'd save you some trouble by tracking down the best places to eat in and around Rod Laver Arena this year. Whether you want to stick to the village or roam over to the CBD or Richmond, here are some spots to try. And if you're visiting from out of town, you'll also get to tick a few of Melbourne's best places to eat off your list. [caption id="attachment_704328" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 400 Gradi[/caption] GRAND SLAM OVAL, AUSTRALIAN OPEN VILLAGE Grand Slam Oval – located within the Australian Open village – is a gathering place for pop-ups, food trucks and bars. You'll find OTT kebabs by Biggie Smalls, Mexican street food by Collins Street's Mamasita, burgers by Neil Perry's Burger Project, some of the world's best slices from 400 Gradi, and, from Beijing Betty, Chinese fusion snacks created exclusively for the event. There are also bars for drinkers of all kinds, including one dedicated to champagne, one to beer and another to Aperol Spritz. Ideal if you don't have much time before the coin toss or can't be bothered to leave the village between matches. HARLOW, RICHMOND If you're looking for a new adventure, settle in at Harlow, a pub that, in December, took over the space then belonging to the Great Britain. It's on Church Street, Richmond. Whether you hang out in the dining room or head into the beer garden, you'll be starting with creative bites, like mini crab doughnuts and duck and bacon sausage rolls. The mains list is more about decadent takes on classics: there's a steak sandwich loaded with maple bacon and Swiss cheese, a smoked beer hot dog and a behemoth vegan burger. It's open from midday right through until late. ARBORY AFLOAT, SOUTHBANK Cool off by the Yarra at Arbory Afloat, at 69-metre-long floating bar that, since 2015, has set up on the river every spring, ready to get you through long hot days and balmy evenings. Downstairs is a citrus-and-fig grove, inspired by the Cinque Terre, while upstairs is dotted with day beds. Wherever you are, you'll be sipping on blood orange Aperol spritzes, watermelon sangria and piña coladas, and tucking into Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas, seafood platters and salads. Arbory Afloat is at 2 Flinders Walk – just a 15-minute walk down the Yarra from the Australian Open. THE CORNER HOTEL, RICHMOND Two years ago, this Melbourne live music stalwart scored a rooftop refurbishment and a tasty new menu. Thankfully, it hasn't lost any of its down-to-earth good vibes. If you haven't caught enough sun at the Open, go straight upstairs to relax in the fresh air; otherwise, stay downstairs where many a band has played into the wee hours. Either way, the food offerings include fried chicken, roast chicken roulade, the Corner parma and the Patti Smith beef burger. Craft beers a-plenty are on-tap. The Corner is a 15-minute walk from the Open. GAZI, CBD Weekend attendees can factor in a little trip to the Greek Islands at Gazi. This Hellenic eatery is hosting yum cha every Sunday, from midday till 3pm. The dishes have their roots in Mediterranean cuisine, but pay homage to Chinese, too. Among them are spanakopita gyoza, feta honey sesame spring rolls and sweet bread filled with lamb. A reasonable $49 buys a ten-course banquet and, for $35, you can add bottomless cocktails. Gazi is at 2 Exhibition Street in the CBD – 15 minutes from the action. FEAST OF MERIT, RICHMOND Fuel up before you hit the court at Feast of Merit, on Swan Street, around a 20-minute walk from the Rod Laver Arena. Among street art, vintage furniture and hanging greenery, you'll be feasting on hearty, Middle Eastern-influenced brekkies, such as börek, a vegetarian dish of corn fritters, poached egg, garlic yoghurt, feta and dukkah, or smoked ocean trout with asparagus, potato rosti and sour cream. For hardcore ticket holders, it's hard to knock back the büyük kahvalti, a big breakfast piled with eggs, sucuk sausage, haloumi, spinach, heirloom cherry tomatoes and flatbread. It's also open for dinner if you're looking for something post-match. [caption id="attachment_636986" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Emily Blake[/caption] CUMULUS INC., CBD Take a rest from the heat, grit and grunts in a low-lit corner at Cumulus Inc., a dreamy escape designed to soothe your every sense. Owned and run by chef Andrew McConnell (Builders Arms Hotel, Cutler & Co. and Supernormal), this all-day eatery celebrated its tenth anniversary last year and has been stocking up on Good Food hats since 2010. Begin with beef tartare, tarragon and anchovy toast, then move onto snapper with mussels, fennel pollen and dill oil. There's also a tasting menu, which changes daily. Cumulus Inc. is at 45 Flinders Lane – 15 minutes' walk from the tennis. Top image: Visit Victoria.
If your herbs ain't sprouting, your vines ain't clinging and your flowers ain't blooming, Patrick Blanc is the man you want to see. If ever there was an expert on getting plants to grow in urban settings, it's him. As the patent holder on the matting necessary to creating vertical gardens, he's achieved the seemingly impossible and caused greenery to defy gravity in no fewer than 25 cities around the world — including San Francisco, Berlin, Tokyo and New York. We Sydneysiders know him best, of course, for the 1,120 square metres of vertical garden he's cultivated at the $2 billion One Central Park development. It's Blanc's tallest work so far. On Tuesday, July 8, he'll be sharing some of what he's learnt over a lifetime of botanical study via a free public lecture at UTS. The topic up for discussion is 'new challenges for the vertical garden', to be explored through references to some of Blanc's major Australian projects, including One Central Park, Hobart's New and Old Art Museum, Camperdown's Trio residential development and the Qantas lounges in Sydney and Melbourne.
Wish you could be taste-testing your way around Asia this spring? Well, this October, renowned Singaporean chef and author Tony Khoo is coming to town — and he'll be whipping up a seafood feast. Taking over PARKROYAL Parramatta's sleek, retro-inspired hotel restaurant, Table 30, the corporate executive chef of Pan Pacific Hotels Group will be bringing a bit of Singapore to Sydney. Head on down from Tuesday, October 15 to Sunday, October 20, and you'll find a huge Asian-influenced seafood buffet, available from 6–9pm, Monday through Saturday, and from 12–3pm on the Sunday. For just 79 clams, you'll be eating all the chilli crab and fresh fish your heart desires. To start, you'll be treated to a selection of seafood platters, including mirin- and sake-cured ocean trout and steamed mussels in a coconut and lime dressing. Then, move onto dishes like baked sambal fish and, of course, chilli crab. There'll also be a salad bar with barbecue pork noodle salad and mizuna with fennel capsicum. For dessert, you can pick between mango cheesecake, Chinese custard tarts and coconut mousse — or grab all three. And that's just the beginning, with Khoo's Taste of Asia offering three varying menus across the six days. Looking to extend your night of indulgence? You can book yourself into the hotel with the Love That Club package for a luxe staycation. For $249 per night, expect complimentary sparkling wine and chocolate truffles on arrival, drinks and canapes at happy hour, plus breakfast the next morning. Or, hit up western Sydney's huge food fair, Parramatta Lanes, by day then swing by Table 30 to keep the good times rolling.
Cult Melbourne internet radio station and wine bar Hope St Radio is coming to Sydney, taking over Paramount House Hotel with a two-day residency. The pop-up will bring together the bar's produce-driven eats, natural wine and impeccable music curation across a series of three events. On Thursday, October 20, the pop-up will kick off with a dinner party in the Paramount Coffee Project space featuring food from Chef Ellie Bouhadana, wine pairings from Jack Shaw and music from Tangela and Bobby Vibe Positive. The following day, the party continues with two more events. The first is a pop-up bar from Bouhadana in the Paramount House lobby. This one-night-only event, titled Ellie's Crostini Bar, will feature a curated selection of some of Bouhadana and the Hope St team's favourite wines, alongside next-level bar snacks and a DJ set from Ivy. Kicking off at 6pm, entry to the bar is free with no bookings available, so show up early to nab a spot. The festivities will continue at the Golden Age Cinema and Bar underneath the hotel. This official free after party will feature an appearance from Gunai/Kurnai and Yorta Yorta artist, DJ and producer DJ Pgz who has been making huge waves in the Sydney club scene, as well as a back-to-back DJ set from C.Fim and Mirasia. Accompanying the electronic tunes will be a film from local musicians Sam Miers and E Fishpool which will play on loop throughout the night. [caption id="attachment_812444" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hope St Radio, Tom Blachford[/caption]
It's just as unmistakably Italian, but Matteo Downtown, the sister venue to Matteo Double Bay, is worlds away from its laidback coastal counterpart. For this second joint project, owners Adam Abrams, Orazio D'Elia and Eddie Levy have taken their cues from the Italy's buzzing urban destinations of Milan and Rome, in contrast to the relaxed coastal vibes of its Double Bay sister. The CBD spot is a dynamic, all-day operation, that cruises from early morning espressos to late-night negronis. Sydney design firm Acme & Co has shaped the Bond Street space to suit, complete with an intimate dining room, bustling open kitchen, sophisticated bar area and roomy al fresco terrace, primed for people-watching. Head Chef D'Elia is tapping into both his southern Italian roots and his journeys across the north, to deliver a menu that's steeped in tradition, yet executed with modern flair. In the morning, from 7am weekdays, you'll find pasticceria and panino for the fly-by crowd, alongside a full breakfast offering of creations like Italian-style shakshuka (called uovo in purgatorio) and cacio e pepe scrambled eggs. From 11am through 11pm, you can nab something off the express menu, or head over to the dedicated mozzarella and antipasti bar, stocked daily with fresh cheese and house-cured meats. If you prefer to linger, head to the dining room, and do so over dishes like squid ink fregola, and lamb backstrap with Jerusalem artichokes. D'Elia's much-loved pizzas will also be available — in the dining room and at the bar — with guests having 16 to choose from, including the Siciliana, topped with eggplant and ricotta, and the Capasanta with scallops, pumpkin purée and black olive crumble. In true Italian style, Matteo Downtown celebrates aperitivo hour wholeheartedly — from 4–6pm weekdays, drop by to team your after-work spritz or wine with a selection of complimentary snacks from the kitchen. The bar offering itself boasts a hefty Italian contingent, with a carefully curated range of craft beers, spirits and small-batch liqueurs sourced from the homeland. As well as a negroni list, the drinks menu features a spritz selection that changes with the seasons — kicking off with the Downtown Spritz: Aperol, elderflower liqueur, grapefruit bitters and homemade cucumber soda — house wines are on tap and a broad-ranging, 300-strong collection of bottled wines, which make a masterpiece of the dining room's back wall. Find Matteo Downtown at 20 Bond Street, Sydney. It's open 7am–midnight, Mon–Fri and 5pm–midnight, Sat.
Be one of the first to hear Sarah Blasko's fifth album, Eternal Return. On Sunday, October 11, in the Opera House's Concert Hall, she'll be performing the entire record live — before its release. The performance is a commission arranged as part of Graphic 2015 and will feature exclusive visuals created by filmmaker Mike Daly (Griffin Theatre Company, Ballet de Lorraine). It's ten years since Blasko first made airwaves with The Overture & The Underscore. Since then, she's been a relentlessly creative force on the Australian music scene — from launching I Awake at the Opera House accompanied by a full orchestra to collaborating on soundtracks for the likes of Brendan Cowell and the Sydney Dance Company, and recording albums in the US, Sweden and Bulgaria. More recently, she's been spending time here at home, working with producer Burke Reid (Courtney Barnett, Seekae), to create Eternal Return. It's set for release on Friday, November 6.
You just need to take a look at the pedigree of Morning Glory to know what you're in for. It's directed by Roger Mitchell (Notting Hill), written by The Devil Wears Prada and 27 Dresses scribe Aline Brosh McKenna and produced by Mr. Felicity himself, J.J. Abrams. And indeed, the result feels remarkably like a mashup of all of these titles; a paint-by-numbers rehash that almost manages to be so much less than the sum of its parts. Perhaps that’s not entirely fair. Morning Glory (and no, there is no pun intended with the title) kicks off with promise (no pun intended here either). For one it’s lead by the impossibly endearing Rachel McAdams (The Notebook), whose big, bright eyes and infectious enthusiasm positively leap off the screen. She is workaholic morning producer Becky Fuller, who gets retrenched instead of promoted from her New Jersey job and winds up securing a hospital pass of an executive producer spot for a flagging national morning news show, Daybreak. Full of vim and vigour, Becky launches herself into the role, and lays her hopes of revitalisation on securing the talents of former news anchor and heavyweight Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford) to co-host with bubbly, if heavily medicated, ex-beauty queen Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton). Let the hilarity and colourful montages ensue. But wait, what about a love interest? Cue Patrick Wilson (Hard Candy), collecting a paycheck as the cute co-worker who teaches the plucky Becky that there's more to life than work. Yes, it's that blatant. Tack on a clumsily written father complex so Becky and the cantankerous Mike can have a heart-to-heart and Morning Glory starts to wilt in front of your eyes. There must have been serious problems along the way because this film feels like it's been edited with a hacksaw. Continuity is all over the place and some dodgy ADR smacks of last minute rewrites. It's a shame, because for all the predictability because elements of film had such crowd-pleasing potential. McAdams is delightful, and Keaton could have been if someone had given her more to do. As the network boss, Jeff Goldblum wrangles the most laughs, while Ford elicits a few chuckles as he grizzles through his lines 'Get off my lawn' style and Wilson is entirely wasted, relegated to twinkling eyes and white teeth. If you manage your expectations, Morning Glory is an adequately diverting way to escape the summer sun for a couple of hours. But for those still basking in the glittering promise of new years resolutions, this film's ham-fisted flaws will be enough to ruin your chi.
Star Wars fans, prepare to punch it on down to Sydney's Powerhouse Museum in November — and prepare to come face to face with 200 original objects from the popular sci-fi franchise at Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition. You might have to wait more than 12 months until Star Wars: Episode IX reaches cinemas late next year, but you can spend your days from November 16, 2018 until June 10, 2019 perusing the items that helped make space opera movie magic happen. Coming to Australia for the first time, that includes costumes, props, models and artworks from the Lucasfilm archives, complete with a galaxy's worth of favourites — think BB-8, R2-D2 and the Millennium Falcon just for starters. Get a glimpse of Yoda, you will, circa Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back. You'll also feel the power-hungry menace radiate from Darth Vader's suit from Star Wars: Episode VII — Return of the Jedi. Star Wars Identities is also an interactive exhibition, with creating your own unique character also part of the experience. If you've ever felt as though you should be hanging out in a cantina somewhere on a remote planet, here's your chance to answer a heap of questions, work through a series of stations and find your inner Star Wars hero. You won't need to use the force — rather, you'll receive a smart technology bracelet and a headset to use while you're in the exhibition. But if you want to say that you are using the force — or even want to give midi-chlorians some credit — no one will stop you. The Powerhouse Museum is no stranger to Star Wars shenanigans, having hosted a weekend's worth of May the Fourth fun earlier this year. For those already planning their costumes for this 90-minute experience, you're welcome to attend as Han Solo, Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker or whichever other character you'd like — but helmets and masks will need to be left in the cloak room, and you'll also need to leave your lightsabers at home. Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition displays at the Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo from November 16, 2018 until June 10, 2019. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the exhibition website.
Name says as name does. This is really, truly, your chance to eat dinner in a moving Ferris wheel. And it's not just any dinner, by the way — nor just any Ferris wheel either, for that matter. We're talking a three-course banquet, created by Michael Roper, executive chef at The Deck, and delivered to your private car in Luna Park's 40-metre high fairground attraction. So, you'll be getting five-star harbour views to go with your five-star meal and matching wines. We can't pretend it's not going to set you back a motser, but it's a three-course dinner in a Ferris wheel. A Ferris wheel. Did we mention the Ferris wheel? Tickets are $399 and include the carriage, a three-course meal and matching wines for two. You can also opt for a $499 option in a Cinderella carriage, which is decorated in fairy lights. The Ferris Wheel Dining Experience runs from 6pm on Sundays between October 14, 2018 and March 31, 2019 and from the same time on Thursdays between February, 7 2019 and March, 28 2019. That said, it won't be available between November 11, 2018, or on February 14 or 17, 2019.
Still yet to book your Valentine's plans? Lucky for you, King Street Wharf is going all out for V-Day this year. A whole heap of its restaurants and bars have created special set menus for lunch and dinner on Friday, February 14 — so grab your date (or mate) and enjoy a feast by the harbour. For starters, Meat District Co. and Casa Ristorante Italiano are both offering four-course banquets, priced at $75 and $80 respectively. Meat District's set menu comes with a cocktail on arrival, while Casa Italiano's comes with a complimentary glass of bubbles. Both include a Valentine's gift, too. If it's a steak dinner you're after, Steersons Steakhouse is serving up a three-course meals for $99. Or, for a Greek-inspired feast, head to Georges Mediterranean Bar & Grill for two courses ($58) or three courses ($68), both of which include a chocolate treat. Bookings are essential for each venue, so be sure to head to the website and grab a table before it's too late.
Earlier this week, the organisers of Bluesfest announced that the award-winning festival was likely to leave Byron Bay — and NSW altogether — after its 30th anniversary this April in a scathing open letter to the State Government. The letter was a response to the government's stringent new music festival policies, which require them to follow a new licensing regime and, in many cases, spend thousands of dollars on increased police presence. Speaking to the media yesterday, Premier Gladys Berejiklian responded to the letter, saying that Bluesfest is a "fantastic festival" that has "nothing to worry about". Premier Berejiklian continued, saying that Bluesfest was a "low risk" event, despite Festival Director Peter Noble's announcement that, according to the government's new criteria, it was deemed a "high risk event", which meant they were required to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to comply with the new policies. This has led to more confusion about what exactly a low- or high-risk event is — and has exacerbated criticism that the government's new policies lack transparency — with guidelines released by the government saying that the level of risk is based on a number of factors including how many attendees, festival duration and whether on-site camping is taking place. Following this criteria, Bluesfest would be ranked as either a "high" or "extreme" risk event. According to Premier Berejiklian, however, high-risk festivals are events where "we've seen death or serious injury" in the past. Two other NSW music festivals, which were forced to cancel in the past week — Mountains Sounds and Psyfari — were both deemed "high risk". [caption id="attachment_566069" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Bluesfest, Andy Fraser.[/caption] Speaking to the SMH yesterday, Bluesfest's Festival Director Mr Noble said they were still considering a move to either Queensland or Victoria. "Both the States of Queensland and Victoria do not have these guidelines... In fact, they invest in music and the live arts," Mr Noble told the SMH. "NSW needs to come an awful way along to start doing the same thing to the levels of the states surrounding them are doing. They're falling behind, and yet they're patting themselves on the back at the same time." While many festivalgoers have lamented the festival's possible relocation, saying "Byron is the Bluesfest, Bluesfest is Bryon", some have embraced it, with suggestions the festival move to Victoria. One Concrete Playground reader wrote, "Victoria The Bellarine Blues Festival 2020". Bluesfest 2019 is scheduled to run from April 18 to April 22 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. More details and ticket info here. Image: Andy Fraser.
Woolloomooloo's Manta is offering up a mid-week seafood feast featuring some of the best produce pulled from the sea that morning. The menu will not be revealed until the event, since it's designed around the catch of the day with one promise: lobster will feature throughout. Diners will enjoy a five-course set meal while overlooking Sydney Harbour from the picturesque Woolloomooloo Wharf. All the seafood included in the feast will be caught fresh by Manta's sister business Fishermen's Wharf in Port Stephens town Nelson Bay. The dinner kicks off at 7pm on Wednesday, May 19 and will set you back $125, a steal when you consider Manta's standard set menu for group bookings will set you back anywhere between $75 and $280. Drinks from the restaurants' extensive wine and cocktail menu are not included in that price and will have to be purchased separately. Images: Leigh Griffiths
2021 marks 23 years since '...Baby One More Time' rocketed up Australia's charts, and made sure that everyone in the country knew who Britney Spears was. In the decades since, the singer has enjoyed a slew of other hits, thanks to everything from 'Sometimes', '(You Drive Me) Crazy' and 'Oops!... I Did It Again' to 'Toxic', 'Everytime' and 'If U Seek Amy'. Yes, you now have at least one of these songs stuck in your head (or, let's be honest, a medley of all them). This year also marks the arrival of a must-see documentary about the pop star, which Aussies have heard plenty about but have been unable to watch for the past month. Part of The New York Times Presents series that streams in the US via Hulu, Framing Britney Spears examines not only the singer's life since she was a child — going back to before her first hit single, and before her time on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club in the early 90s, too — but also the way she has been treated in the press, the fact that she has been under a conservatorship since 2008 and the #FreeBritney movement that's sprung up in response to the latter. Not by her own choice, Spears has been an almost-constant presence in the tabloid media for nearly quarter-century. The paparazzi has covered her every move and career with disturbing intensity, in fact. Everyone knows the details, because they've been plastered all over magazine front pages and internet headlines for years and years, to the point that they've been impossible to avoid. And, as this doco ponders, it's easy to join the dots between the relentless hounding by photographers, the endless mentions in gossip columns, the ridiculous way Americans reacted when she didn't meet their idea of what a 'girl next door'-style pop star should be, how she has been regarded by pop culture in general and how the US legal system has stripped away her right to control her own life for more than a decade. The film makes for important and grim viewing — and, although it premiered in the US in early February, Channel 9 just aired the Hulu doco this past week, and has also made it available on its online service, 9 Now. So, you can now spend 71 minutes stepping through a story that hasn't ended yet and doesn't wrap up happily in the movie, but is rightly sparking a reassessment of how female celebrities — and young women in the spotlight in particular — are treated, Spears included. Check out the Framing Britney Spears trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GEa844LCoI Framing Britney Spears is now available to stream on 9 Now.
City Recital Hall, in the heart of Sydney's CBD, is known for its impressive design and sound quality. And, on Saturday, August 25, it's putting these to good use with a mini-festival showcasing some of the best genre-defying Australian and international talent. Your understanding of music production and performance will be turned upside down as Extended Play presents 20 groundbreaking artists ignoring all the rules. Headlining the main stage is influential New York-based modern classical ensemble Bang on a Can All-Stars. Best known for its multi-hour dynamic performances, the group shifts seamlessly through jazz, rock, classical and experimental music. Also appearing on the main stage is Sydney's own Ensemble Offspring — a collection of virtuosic instrumentalists who've set themselves the weighty goal of exploring and 'shaping the music of our time'. For Extended Play, the ensemble will perform rarely heard works by one of America's greatest living composers, Steve Reich. Meanwhile, a host of acts will be scattered around the venue exploring almost every conceivable soundscape with makeshift arrangements, genreless compositions and electronic bombardments. Happening over the course of 12 hours, from 12pm to midnight, Extended Play will be an aural treat for even the most discerning lovers of music.
