Steak connoisseurs, all your Christmases have arrived at once with the launch of Bistecca. The new CBD restaurant's menu is built around a single cut of steak: bistecca alla Fiorentina. Originating in Florence centuries ago, it's widely accepted as one of the finest cuts around. Designed by architecture firm Tom Mark Henry, the 50-seat basement restaurant has Italian flourishes throughout, with a marbled wine bar and yet-to-open adjoining wine shop. As you might've guessed, Bistecca is the creation of a couple of diehard Italophiles. Co-owners and lifelong friends, James Bradey and Warren Burns, travelled all over Italy in search of the ideal steak and the perfect red wine to match. Having decided on the bistecca alla Fiorentina, the duo returned home to find a premium local source, eventually landing on Black Angus cattle from NSW's Riverine region. "We tried at least 40 different steaks from different regions and farmers across Australia to settle on the right one," says Burns. "We chose the Riverine to deliver my holy trinity of meat: flavour, texture and supply." To complement your juicy steak, there's an array of hearty, traditional side dishes, including braised cannellini beans, garlic and rosemary potatoes, and Brussels sprouts with pecorino and sour cream. And vegetarians, though you're probably quaking in your leather-free boots by now, we should let you know there are meat-free ricotta dumplings on the menu, too. While the food menu has only one thing on its mind, the wine list is quite the opposite with more than 300 drops to choose from. Similarly, the cocktail list is ripe with Italian classics like garibaldis and bellinis, and negronis are poured straight from the tap. And later in the year, you'll be able to head straight through to the connected 'enoteche' to take home your favourite drop of the evening. Bistecca is now open at 4 Bridge Street, Sydney. Enter via Dalley Street. Images: Dominic Loneragan
UPDATE: February 1, 2022 — Theatre Royal Sydney is currently running a two-for-one offer on platinum or gold tickets for selected performances of Girl From the North Country. Check terms and conditions below for details. Following multiple sell-out seasons since debuting in London in 2017, Girl From the North Country has become one of the most critically acclaimed productions of our generation. Making its Australian premiere at the 2022 Sydney Festival, and kicking off from Wednesday, January 5 at the recently unveiled new Theatre Royal, Girl From the North Country takes place in a guesthouse in the US state of Minnesota in 1934. The story revolves around owner Nick, who is deeply in debt; his wife Elizabeth, whose mind is fraying; and their pregnant daughter Marianne — as well as a bible-slinging preacher and a boxer endeavouring to make a comeback. For Bob Dylan fans, the name of this musical will be familiar. It's the title of one of the legendary folk singer's 1963 songs — a tune that features in this musical, naturally. Indeed, the entire show uses Dylan's tracks, including everything from 'Like a Rolling Stone' and 'Hurricane' to 'Slow Train' and 'I Want You', all weaved throughout a story of American life during the Great Depression. The debut Aussie season will star Lisa McCune (The King and I, South Pacific), Zahra Newman (The Book of Mormon, Wentworth), Terence Crawford (Escape From Pretoria, 1984) and Helen Dallimore (Wicked, Legally Blonde). Terms and Conditions: Offer subject to availability. Available for selected performances up to and including Sunday, February 13, 2022. Limit of two tickets per transaction. Transaction fees apply.
Life keeps finding a way to bring new movies in the Jurassic franchise to cinemas — and its characters keep finding a way to come face to face with prehistoric creatures. Three years after Jurassic World Dominion, the saga's latest instalment will stomp into picture palaces come winter Down Under. Welcome to ... Jurassic World Rebirth. Also, welcome to a cast featuring Scarlett Johansson (Fly Me to the Moon), Jonathan Bailey (Wicked) and Mahershala Ali (Leave the World Behind) embarking upon a clandestine mission to a secret island that was home to the research facility for Jurassic Park's original dino sanctuary. The date for your diary to discover how that turns out (which, for the human characters involved, will be badly): Thursday, July 3, 2025. The idea at the heart of the series' seventh entry, as the just-dropped first trailer for the flick shows: on the landmass at the centre of the new movie, different species of dinosaurs to those that the films have featured before roam — species that were considered too dangerous for the park. Johannson plays covert operations expert Zora Bennett, who heads there with Bailey's palaeontologist Dr Henry Loomis and Ali as her righthand man Duncan Kincaid — and company — to obtain genetic material that could help develop drugs to save human lives. Accordingly, Rebirth turns a Jurassic World movie into a heist film — with pesky rampaging ancient beasts. As well Johansson, Bailey, and Moonlight and Green Book Oscar-winner Ali, the movie's lineup of on-screen talent also spans Rupert Friend (Companion) as a pharmaceutical executive; Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer) as a civilian who gets dragged into the mission after becoming shipwrecked; Luna Blaise (Manifest), David Iacono (The Summer I Turned Pretty) and Audrina Miranda (Lopez vs Lopez) as the latter's family members; and Philippine Velge (The Serpent Queen), Bechir Sylvain (Black Mafia Family) and Ed Skrein (Rebel Moon) among Zora and Krebs' crew. In the feature's storyline, five years have passed since the events of Jurassic World Dominion — which, for audiences, followed 2015's Jurassic World and 2018's Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom in the Jurassic World saga, plus 1993's Jurassic Park, 1997's The Lost World: Jurassic Park and 2001's Jurassic Park III in the OG Jurassic Park trilogy. Jurassic World Rebirth director Gareth Evans (The Creator) is new to the franchise, but knows a thing or two about flicks about fighting giant creatures courtesy of 2010's Monsters and 2014's Godzilla. Rebirth does have a key link back to the debut Jurassic Park movie, however, with screenwriter David Koepp returning after co-penning the initial film and scripting the second solo. (Koepp also returns to grappling with dinosaurs after a three-movie run writing screenplays for Steven Soderbergh with Kimi, Presence and Black Bag.) Check out the first trailer for Jurassic World Rebirth below: Jurassic World Rebirth releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
If there's one thing Sydneysiders like more than food (and that's a big 'if'), it's food with a view. A new rooftop bar opens nearly every week, but few could compete with this. To celebrate Chinese New Year, local favourite One Tea Lounge & Grill is opening a 'Sky High Bao Bar' in the Observation Deck of the Sydney Tower Eye. The Observation Deck, of course, is at the top of Sydney Tower — Sydney's tallest building by about 50 metres — and provides unparalleled views of the city. One Tea Lounge have become famous mostly for their ramen burgers, but the pop-up bar will be serving their (also popular) 'baogers' instead — specifically, matcha baogers with braised pork rib. Dessert will be cookie shots filled with creamy matcha white chocolate in both green tea and 'Red Fortune' flavours. On top of your standard Observation Deck views, the pop-up also includes a photobooth and a Wishing Wall for people to send well wishes to their loved ones. The pop-up will be open from 12–3pm Monday to Thursday and 12–5pm Friday and Saturday.
Long gone are the days where 007's "shaken not stirred" will cut it. Cocktails — they're far from just sweet concoctions for amateurs seeking out a tipple-induced buzz sans the bitter sting of alcohol. Sydney's love for them has grown steadily over the past few years and that can, in part, be attributed to our fondness of the small bar setting where an Old Fashioned seems the only thing appropriate. And where to find some of the best? Well, fear not, because Concrete Playground is here to play guide. Let us present to you our ten best cocktail bars in Sydney to help you along your merry little way. 1. Eau de Vie While not technically a speakeasy, Eau-De-Vie is about as close as you can get to the guilty pleasures of Boardwalk Empire. This Prohibition-style bar is tucked away at the back of the Kirketon Hotel. True to the form, it's well hidden: there's no signage, but the concierge will direct you through the black door at the back, past the restrooms and into this cosy chamber. And the cocktails? Try the Noble Experiment ($20), whereby you concoct your own Martini as a salute to Prohibition's end, and don't think you can go past the Ladies' Leg Cosmo ($25 per person), which is offered to ladies only and served in a seductive leg. 229 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst; www.eaudevie.com.au/sydney 2. The Roosevelt One part glam, one part retro and one part mixologist's fantasy, The Roosevelt is an irresistible mix that has almost immediately become one of Sydney's best cocktail destinations. Glass cabinets filled with antique cocktail making equipment line the room, swing is the soundtrack and the cocktail menu files its drinks into sections like 'Sexy, Ladylike and Seductive' or 'Cocktails on Wheels'. This second category includes the 'Nitro Colada' and the 'Blazer', prepared with much theatre and plenty of nitrogen smoke by waist-coated hosts in the centre of the room. Shared cocktails include further showmanship and trickery, including a playful Hamptons Summer Cup, served in a trophy cup, and a punch bowl which is set alight at the table. 32 Orwell Street, Potts Point; www.theroosevelt.com.au 3. Bulletin Place Bulletin Place is a prodigious example of in-the-know barman strutting their stuff. And let's be honest, it's really Philips' cocktail expertise that makes this place stand out. Scribbled across a sheet of butcher's paper that hangs behind the bar will be any given evening's cocktail selection, inspired by whatever produce is freshest at the time. First floor, 10 - 14 Bulletin Place, Circular Quay; www.bulletinplace.com/ 4. Grasshopper Cocktails are the real drawcard at Grasshopper. All the drinks are numbered instead of having names, and they're just about all served in jars. The No.19, which features orange liqueur, cranberry juice, passionfruit and vanilla vodka, tastes like the sort of gelato you would find at Messina or Pompeii's. The No.14 - comprising blackberry juice and Fanta - is also a Buttermenthol-tasting highlight. 389-391 George St, Sydney; www.thegrasshopper.com.au 5. The Hazy Rose Hazy Rose offers a damn fine cocktail list. The Fernet Julep ($15) is an unusual take on this classic, with Fernet Branca replacing the usual sticky syrup. The Whisky Sour ($15-$25) is closer to what you'd expect, with your choice of whisky served over a block of ice. If you're feeling brave, opt for the Hamish ($18): a mix of Espolon Reposada, Taliskee, sweet vermouth and bitters. My favourite of the night, this had a wonderful smoky aftertaste. A good choice if you're after something a little more gentle is the Stanley Sidecar ($16), which treats you to the house's own apricot brandy along with Cointreau and fresh lemon juice. 83 Stanley Street, Darlinghurst; www.thehazyrose.com.au 6. Assembly The drinks from mixologist/general manager Ben Taouss make this out-of-the-way cocktail haven one of Sydney's best. Our pick is the Lavender Hill Cappuccino ($17), a martini with Pop Rocks and an apple foam. There's also the Rasp'n'Co ($16), a 'vodka raspberry' with white chocolate or, for more serious drinkers, the Brooklyn ($18), a prohibition-style concoction of rye whisky, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, a dash of Amer Picon and a cherry on top. 488 Kent Street, Sydney; www.assemblybar.com.au 7. Grandma's There's no place like home. Except Grandma's. Grandma gives you a big hug, sits you down in her best, chintz-covered chair and gives you a treat. The "grandchildren" are a helpful and friendly lot, and shake their cocktails with wide-eyed glee. Start off with one of Grandma's favourite tipples — the Pink Pepper Martini, a mix of strawberries and a wink of gin, was truly delightful. But the drinks list is seemingly endless, with ingredients including Greek yoghurt, chocolate bitters and elderflower cordial. Basement 275 Clarence Street, Sydney; www.grandmasbarsydney.com.au 8. Gilt Lounge Tucked away between Topshop and Sydney's iconic State Theatre is Gilt Lounge. As QT Hotel's sultry grown up cocktail lounge, Gilt takes things to a whole new mixology level. Shakers will be tossed in the air and drinks finished with a flourish. A must-try is the Applewood Bacon Old Fashioned ($19), a wild combination of Applewood bacon-infused buffalo trace bourbon, black peppercorn-infused demerara sugar, creole bitters chocolate covered bacon and flamed orange. Yes, you read right. Chocolate. Covered. Bacon. It's a flavour fusion gamble that definitely pays off. 49 Market Street, Sydney; www.qtsydney.com.au 9. Different Drummer Since ages past, the Drummer has been serving scintillating cocktails with a happy-go-lucky list of patrons who don't hesitate to share their thoughts on why the Agwacello (agwa coco leaf liquor, limoncello & cloudy apple) is the best cocktail on the menu. Settle in downstairs amongst the bordello-like luxury for your birthday or girls-night, or take a date up to the roof for a breeze and a good view. And lest we forget to mention the daily two-for-one cocktails. Damn right. 185 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe; www.differentdrummer.com.au 10. Button Bar Button Bar is the third offering from the creators behind Stitch and Pocket bars. And it's time to batten down the hatches because with a seasoned crew on board, it sure is a ship not to be missed. The three page cocktail menu offers a diverse selection of tipples. The Lucky Charm made with below vodka, fresh strawberries and honey with prosseco ($16.50) is fresh as is the Pleasure Vessel, a combination of Appleton dark rum, Grand Marnier, orange marmalade, fresh grapefruit, fresh lemon juice and orange blossom water ($17). 65 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills; www.button-bar.com.au By the Concrete Playground team.
Winter is coming, as Game of Thrones has been telling us for years — but the show's final season is coming first. Before the weather turns cold again in the southern hemisphere, fans of the epic HBO series will be able to discover how the popular series wraps up, with the eighth and final season hitting the small screen at 11am on Monday, April 15. That's next week, friends. Prepare the snacks. And with the final season, will come the death of many more cherished characters. As George RR Martin has shown us, over and over and over again, no one is safe from his murderous pen (or keyboard) — any character's death is fair game. The list of deaths in the first seven seasons is long — longer than even Arya Stark's list — and the fallen are being commemorated in an eerie new Game of Thrones cemetery, which has popped up in Sydney. Yes, right here in Australia. Two mausoleums and many, intricately designed, gravestones have been spread across 2000 square metres of Sydney's sprawling Centennial Park by Foxtel, ahead of next week's series premiere. And each is inscribed with the names of who lays inside. There are the fallen Starks: Eddard, Benjen and Rickon; the Baratheons (or should we say Lannisters): King Tommen, Joffrey and Robert; and the Stark direwolves: Shaggy Dog, slain by Smalljon Umber in S06E09, and Summer, mauled by wights in S06E05. [caption id="attachment_716483" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hodor's grave.[/caption] We'll never forget who else died in that latter episode — 'The Door' — either: Hodor. He has his own gravestone, as do other series favourites: Khal Drogo, the Sand Snakes and Oberyn Martell. Some of the more disliked characters are also remembered here, including Tywin Lannister, Walder Frey and Ramsay Bolton — whose grave is, fittingly, surrounded by barbed wire. Visitors to the cemetery, dubbed the Grave of Thrones, can download a map of the graves and listen to an eerie audio tour of the cemetery. [caption id="attachment_716488" align="alignnone" width="1920"] King Joffrey Baratheon's grave.[/caption] With the final season promising a huge final battle between the living and the White Walkers, we think this cemetery, which features hands and animals emerging from the graves, may also be ominously hinting to something else: we're going to see the return of many favourite fallen characters — as wights. In the offical trailer, dropped last month, you see Arya running through the halls of Winterfell — could she be running from something, newly reanimated, in the crypts? Then, there's this Crypts of Winterfell teaser. We'll let you continue speculating for yourselves, but expect one helluvan emotional Walking Dead-style murdering-of-fallen-friends battle to go down this season. Prepare many boxes of tissues. In the meantime, we suggest you jump on one of those electric Lime E Bikes and head on down to the cemetery in Centennial Park — you'll find it on Grand Drive near the kids' bike path. Maybe you'll find other hints scattered throughout, too. If you're not in Sydney, we suggest you carefully look through the images above, and the rest of the cemetery online here. Find Foxtel's Grave of Thrones at Fearnley Grounds, Centennial Park, NSW. It's open from 7am–6pm from Friday, April 12 till Sunday, April 14. Game of Thrones Season 8 premieres at 11am on Monday, April 15 on Foxtel.
For many, it's not really Easter unless you've scoffed your bodyweight in hot cross buns in the lead-up. And, thankfully, you don't have to forego that tradition this year, either. A stack of local Sydney bakeries are here to fix your cravings, self-isolation or otherwise, launching handy hot cross bun home-delivery services all across town. Jump on the phone or the web to make an order and within hours you'll be tucking into some handcrafted Easter buns, plump with fruit, loaded with spices and slathered with lashings of butter. From the traditional glazed version, to some crafty new-world remixes, here's our pick of hot cross buns you can now get delivered straight to your door. If you are going out to pick up takeaway, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health. HOT CROSS CRUMPETS BY MERNA X PEPE SAYA A collaboration between Australia's famous cultured butter maker Pepe Saya and arguably the country's best crumpets (don't @ us) Crumpets by Merna, these bunny-shaped hot cross crumpets are the hybrid you didn't know you needed, but now you most certainly want. Boxes of six crumpets with 225 grams of butter ($20) are available for delivery across Sydney. If you want yours before Easter, you'll need to order before 11.59pm on Tuesday, April 7 (if you miss the cutoff, your crumpets will arrive between April 14–17). Delivery is free for orders over $50, so stock up while you're there. How? Order online. HOT CROSS BUNS FROM FLOUR & STONE If you're cooped up at home and in need of some sweet, Easter-themed relief, artisan bakehouse Flour & Stone has your back. As always, this time of year sees it spinning out daily batches of fresh hot cross buns, loaded with confit orange, dried fruit and warm spices, and finished with a sticky fruit glaze. And you can get these freshly baked beauties dropped off straight to your house. They'll cost you $4.50 each, $25 for a six-pack or $48 for a box of twelve, with delivery fees dependent on your location. Drop-offs are available weekdays and if you place your online order before 1pm, it'll be sent out the next day. How? Order online for delivery or pick up from Woolloomooloo store. NOT X BUNS BY SONOMA Sonoma's hand-crafted breads and pastries have long had a cult following among Sydney's sweet-tooths and carb-lovers. And now, thanks to a new home delivery service, they're all yours to enjoy from the comfort of your couch, with just a few clicks. Of course, that includes much-loved seasonal creation, the 'Not X Bun' — a riff on the classic hot cross bun featuring mixed fruits, sweetly spiced dough and an orange glaze, each emblazoned with a signature 'S'. There's also a newly debuted chocolate version, infused with cocoa and spiked with dark chocolate chunks. If you're within four kilometres of most Sonoma bakeries, you can jump on the Bopple app, order a $22 six-pack of either buns and have them to your door quick sticks. How? Pick up in-store or order via Bopple. GLUTEN FREE HOT CROSS BUNS BY WHOLEGREEN BAKERY Break out the butter and get ready to toast — Wholegreen Bakery's dairy-free, gluten-free hot cross buns are back for another season. Every bit as tempting as their regular cousins, these treats will be sailing out of the oven every day until April 12, loaded with raisins and currants, heavy on aromatic spices and sporting that lush glazed crust. They'll set you back $4.50 each, or $25 for a six-pack, with deliveries to a bunch of Sydney suburbs available from April 6 to 9, for a $16.50 flat rate fee. To get some buns in your life ASAP, hit the website or order over the phone. How? Order online or call (02) 9664 2211 for pick up. HOT X ECLAIRZILLA FROM MADAME & YVES This Clovelly bakery and patisserie is only new, but already its handmade Easter goodies are causing a buzz. There's the traditional spiced fruit version and another loaded with chocolate chips, both featuring a sticky coffee glaze. But for some extra wow factor, see the 'Hot X Eclairzilla' — a 40-centimetre-long eclair-style treat that's studded with dried fruit, soaked in a spiced syrup, piped full of burnt butter cream and finished with a spiced mascarpone whip. At $32, this one's big enough to feed six, while the regular buns are $21 for a six-pack. All of them are available to order via Bopple, with a $2.50 drop-off fee for addresses within 2.5 kilometres of the store. There's a minimum order of $30. How? Order via Bopple. HOT CROSS BUNS FROM BRICKFIELDS Chippendale's legendary corner bakery is making iso life a whole lot more bearable, with delivery services that'll drop artisan breads and baked goods to your doorstep. Which means you can now enjoy its signature croissant-base hot cross buns in a hurry, without even leaving the house. The classic Easter treats are available via Bopple or Deliveroo by the half-dozen ($19), or you can grab a solo serve ($3.50) either toasted or fresh. Both platforms have a delivery fee of $9. And if you're really stocking up, Brickfields is also offering free home delivery via its own online store, for all orders over $50. How? Order online or via Bopple or Deliveroo. CHOCOLATE HOT CROSS BUNS FROM VILLAGE ON CLOEY This charming neighbourhood cafe and its sibling bakery might be known for their Portuguese custard tarts, but their hot cross buns are up there with the best. Village on Cloey and Tuga Pastries are celebrating Easter season with two varieties of handmade buns: a classic fruit-filled number, all spiced, glazed and golden; and a chocolate-infused edition that's sure to have sweet-toothed folk swooning. If you live in a nearby suburb and fancy some Easter buns dropped to your door, simply send through your order via private message on Instagram. At this stage, there's a minimum purchase of $35 and zero delivery fee. How? Pick up in-store or order delivery via Instagram DM.
“They are built on the idea of leisure, dreams, escape and entertainment,” says artist Anna Carey, reflecting on the connections between the three cities that occupy her exhibition Blue Angel. “The spaces were created to be reinvented — built for a good time not a long time. For some, these cities were a place of temporary escape, but many have made the escape permanent.” Anna Carey takes photographs of her home town, the Gold Coast, as well as the architecturally similar Los Angeles and Las Vegas, where she recently spent time travelling. The catch? She also builds the environments in the photographs, making finicky cardboard dioramas of buildings pulled from memory and her imagination. All three cities, having featured in countless films, hold various associations according to our collective memories and interpretations. We feel as though we know them well, and yet, how many of us can claim an intimate knowledge? Carey explains, “The art making becomes a process of overlapping multiple memories to create hybrid spaces drawn from and common to all three cities ... Even though the cities are very similar, each has a unique culture, expressed through its urban landscape. "The Gold Coast lifestyle is occupied with the outdoors because of its subtropical, natural landscape ... Los Angeles is similar because of the hills and the ocean; however, it is a much larger city and has a massive entertainment industry. Las Vegas is a place to indulge, with a variety of shows, spas, restaurants and gambling.” Influenced by an array of artists, “past and present”, Carey identifies a select few that she comes back to continually, finding “something new in the work every time”. These include Ed Ruscha, who photographs Los Angeles obsessively, using his camera as a means of documentation; Francys Alys, who “creates urban fictions”, attempting to “reflect the rhythm and narrative” of Mexico City; and Rachel Whiteread, because “her work House is genius”. Carey’s Blue Angel exhibition is on display at Sydney's Artereal (747 Darling Street, Rozelle; (02) 9818 7473) from May 7-31, 2014.
James Packer may need to go back to the drawing board, after members from the City of Sydney called on the NSW Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) to reject a series of proposed changes to the magnate's $1.5 billion tower project at Barangaroo. A submission before the PAC would see the height of the Crown hotel, apartment and casino complex increased by an additional 100 metres, and occupy a part of the foreshore currently intended for use as a public park. But the City of Sydney's chief planner has slammed the new proposal, arguing that the tower would "dominate and overwhelm" the Barangaroo site. "There is clear failure in the assessment to consider site suitability and the broader public interest," City of Sydney's Graham Jahn told the PAC on Thursday. "North-eastern views of the Opera House for 66 apartments and VIP guests, at the expense of permanent foreshore parkland for Sydneysiders, cannot be a defendable trade-off." While the proposal did have its supporters, including Liberal councillor Christine Forster and Sydney Business Chamber executive director Patricia Forsythe, The Sydney Morning Herald reported that a majority of speakers before the PAC opposed the new plan. Among them was Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich and former government architect Peter Mould. "The only possible explanation for this change is increased profits without any accrued public benefit," said Mould. "In fact, there is considerable public disbenefit." The final decision on the Crown complex lies with the PAC. Chairwoman Lynelle Briggs said the commission would make its decision "as soon as practicable." Via SMH. Image: Lend Lease/Crown.
Finding what we want, when we want it, has never been easier. Whether we're scrolling through social media or doing a quick search for something we heard about on a podcast, discovering new brands and products — and getting your hands on them almost straight away — is simpler than ever before. So, what does this all mean for the future of brick-and-mortar stores? In a competitive market of tech-driven retailers and powerhouse big brands, small businesses are looking forward to the future. With so many retailers to choose from, consumers are demanding faster and more personalised service at competitive prices. For small business owners, the challenge to keep up proves complex and demanding — but also very exciting. To give you a taste of how entrepreneurs are meeting this evolving climate head-on, we've teamed up with the City of Sydney as part of its Retail Innovation Program. Learn how five Sydney entrepreneurs are responding to the changing nature of retail and their predictions for what lies ahead in the years to come. [caption id="attachment_734254" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] KOA RECOVERY: ALIGNING WITH AND SUPPORTING LIKE-MINDED BUSINESSES Building a business often means forging an untrodden path. For many entrepreneurs, their big idea speaks to a gap in the market. Koa Recovery began three years ago when director Shaun Button suffered a nasty back injury and discovered a slew of innovative recovery facilities in the US. "There have been so many challenges along the way," explains Button. "Some of the biggest challenges arose because Koa Recovery was the first of its kind in Australia... we've been navigating the unknown every day." Button believes that the future of retail will revolve around partnership and collaboration. With the rising prominence of online retailers, creating hubs for similar businesses to connect and thrive together will prove essential to everyone's success. Button also raises the importance of partnering with the right businesses for the most mutually beneficial outcome. "If you're using influencers, choose ones who are going to educate your audience and see the same vision you see. Align yourself with brands who have a similar approach and support your way of doing things." [caption id="attachment_734256" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] POP-UP FINDS: DESIGNING WITH ZERO WASTE IN MIND Temporary events and pop-up installations take plenty of manpower to put together, from securing a space to bringing in stock, signage and furniture. But, what happens when its time to pack everything away? Kim and Taryn Hoang saw this as a golden business opportunity, so they co-founded the pop-up experience platform Pop-Up Finds. Together, the pair has designed flat-pack furniture rentals for shopping centres in Melbourne, Sydney and Hong Kong. The duo think this concept of brands sharing and recycling resources as the future of retail spaces. "We saw a lot of waste in the pop-up and events industry, as brands were purchasing furniture to use as a one-time event and then throwing it away or storing it in their warehouse never to be used again," explains the duo. "We modelled our business so brands can use our services instead and not worry about the environmental wastage they were causing." [caption id="attachment_731474" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] THE CRUELTY-FREE SHOP: UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING AGILE Over the past two decades Jessica Bailey, founder of The Cruelty-Free Shop, has witnessed the everchanging landscape of Australia's retail industry. "We started as a tiny online shop just doing food," reveals Bailey. "Now, we've expanded to become a one-stop shop offering cruelty-free versions of fashion, shoes, cosmetics, wine, instant meals and groceries." Learning to adapt to emerging technologies has proved crucial to Bailey's business success. From offering click-and-collect services to keeping tabs on overseas retail trends, she believes it's all about being open to new possibilities and never being afraid to challenge the status quo. In the years to come, Bailey hopes to see the emergence of innovative technology that will streamline the shopping experience, like shops that don't have traditional point-of-sale systems, but rather "door barcode readers that automatically charge your account as you leave". [caption id="attachment_734258" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] MODSIE: USING TECH TO IMPROVE SHOPPING EXPERIENCES From fakes to frauds, the world of online luxury fashion proves troubled terrain. To create a safe and secure place to buy authentic and high-quality products, Josephine de Parisot and Ashish Das co-founded Modsie. In a nutshell, it's a luxury second-hand online store where you can sell unwanted pieces and buy pre-loved products at reasonable prices. Since launching in 2016, Modsie has grown from a mere handful of items to 2000 active listings with a combined value of over $3 million. Today, the brand hosts occasional pop-ups and events but is putting its attention towards data-driven digital marketing and retail experiences. "Artificial intelligence is transforming the interaction that customers are having with their retailers. Data and AI algorithms are also revolutionising the retail space with, for example, product recommendations, QR codes to get additional information about products and even facial recognition to bypass the traditional checkout process," de Parisot says. [caption id="attachment_731483" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] CITIZEN WOLF: LEVERAGING OFFLINE EFFORTS TO BUILD TRUST WITH CUSTOMERS Making a purchase online is a transactional experience. You see it, you like it, you buy it and a few days later the product turns up on your doorstep. But, opening the package is often a roll of the dice. For Zoltan Csaki and Eric Phu, co-founders of the ethical made-to-order basics label Citizen Wolf, giving customers access to the range in-store has always proved a priority. Despite using a 'magic fit algorithm' to help online shoppers find their perfect fit, the pair believe a large part of their success stems from educating customers about the production process offline. It's about allowing shoppers to touch their fabrics in-person and try on a range of cuts to make an informed purchase that will stay with them for years to come. "I think that's the challenge when you're doing an online-only play. It's really hard to truly understand what your customers are saying and what they want. So, the shop for us has always been about that, a space to talk to people," Csaki explains. Learn more about the City of Sydney Retail Innovation Program here. Image: Kimberley Low.
More summertime magic is on its way: after first announcing four Australian shows for 2025, Childish Gambino has expanded his upcoming Down Under tour to add two extra gigs. Sydney and Melbourne, the musician that you also know as Donald Glover has expanded his stops in both cities — and, as Olivia Rodrigo also just did, he's popped more concerts on his itinerary before general ticket sales even start. This year started with Glover on-screen in the TV remake of Mr & Mrs Smith. Next year will begin with Childish Gambino returning to Australia on his The New World tour, on what will be his first trip to these shores since 2019. The rapper and hip hop talent won't just play tracks from his latest album Atavista — the finished version of 2020's 3.15.20 — but also from a career behind the microphone that dates back to 2011. Accordingly, expect to hear 'This Is America', 'Redbone', 'Sweatpants' and other songs from his past records Camp, Because the Internet and Awaken, My Love!. [caption id="attachment_955315" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eli Watson via Flickr.[/caption] Across February 2025, the Australian leg of the tour will kick off at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, then hop to Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena, Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena and RAC Arena in Perth. When he last headed this way — complete with a headline spot at Splendour in the Grass — it was after initially announcing a 2018 Australian tour, then cancelling it due to an ongoing injury. Before that, he performed at Falls Festival in 2016. Gambino mightn't have been on Aussie stages for a spell, but Glover had the final two seasons of Atlanta — both in 2022 — reach screens since he was last Down Under. Voice work on Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, producing TV series Swarm, the aforementioned Mr & Mrs Smith: they've all joined his resume as well. He'll also be heard as Simba again in Mufasa: The Lion King, the prequel to 2019's photorealistic version of The Lion King, before 2024 is out. On all Australian shows — and in New Zealand, too, which is also part of this tour — Gambino will be supported by Amaarae. [caption id="attachment_955317" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eli Watson via Flickr.[/caption] Childish Gambino 'The New World' Tour 2025 Australia and New Zealand Dates Tuesday, January 28 — Spark Arena, Auckland Saturday, February 1 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Tuesday, February 4–Wednesday, February 5 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Friday, February 7–Saturday, February 8 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Tuesday, February 11 — RAC Arena, Perth Childish Gambino is touring Australia and New Zealand in January and February 2025 — with ticket presales from Thursday, May 16, 2024 at staggered times, and general sales from Monday, May 20, 2024 (at 11am in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, all local times; and 1pm in Melbourne). Head to the tour website for further details.
We're pretty lucky here in Australia. No matter what the time of year, even if it's the dead of winter, there are always at least a few days (often plenty more) that allow you to sit outside and say things like "what a pearler of a day". Also, one of the greatest things about Australia is our ability to work a barbecue into almost any occasion. Your birthday? Nothing feeds a crowd like a few snags and some fried onions. Christmas? Throw some prawns on that barbie. A weekend trip to Bunnings? Don't pretend that the sausage sizzle isn't your favourite part. We really know how to celebrate the barbecue, don't we? Pair whatever you're grilling up with a few cold ones, and you've got yourself a great day, no matter the occasion. In celebration of our ability to bring some good ol' B-B-Q into any situation, we've teamed up with Hahn to scout out some of the best parks in your city with barbecues at your disposal. Pick a spot, gather your mates, snag a case of beer and warm up the barbie for a great day out, Aussie style. [caption id="attachment_593135" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Emily Davies.[/caption] BRISBANE: PICNIC ISLAND IN SOUTH BANK PARKLANDS Picnic Island makes semi-good on what it promises: the whole place isn't a legitimate island, but a picnic haven it does provide. Located at South Bank, it's an A+ place to sit around sipping some beers (between the hours of 10am and 8pm) while hoping someone else will do something about cooking the food. The barbecues are under cover for fickle weather, plus you're surrounded by trees and foliage, so it feels pleasantly like a nature escape from the city. Bonus marks for nabbing the private picnic spot which is an actual tiny island, accessed by a wooden bridge. SYDNEY: CENTENNIAL PARK Centennial Park is one of Sydney's most popular outdoor picnic spots for a reason; with electric barbecues and 11 picnic sites (that are bookable), you're guaranteed a hassle-free day for that huge 50-person family reunion you've got coming up. It isn't all just picnic fare over here though, there's also ponds, sports grounds and even an equestrian centre. With Centennial Park being so huge, there's really no limit to the activities you can carry out here: a game of cricket, a walk through the Rose Garden, bird watching at the Botany Wetlands around the water or just, simply, a sit and a drink with mates in the sun. MELBOURNE: EDINBURGH GARDENS IN FITZROY NORTH Longtime favourite of northern locals, as well as a worthy place for southsiders to commute to for a lazy Sunday, Edi Gardens (as they're affectionately known) have more to offer than just a nice spot of grass to sit on. The huge gardens play host to a rotunda, barbecues, a bowls club and — perhaps most importantly — heaps of doggos on the weekend. There are even tennis courts and table tennis if you're feeling especially active. Head to Fitzroy North with a six-pack, bikkies and some cheese in tow, and you've got yourself a great day. (Make sure you get there between 9am and 9pm, though, if you're planning to crack open a few cold ones.) Our tip for the day, though? Have your barbecue goods on display to summon cute pup visitors and you'll keep yourself amused all day. [caption id="attachment_593132" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Emily Davies.[/caption] BRISBANE: ROMA STREET PARKLANDS IN THE CBD Combine your barbecue and drinks with a killer view at Roma Street Parklands, which was designed in celebration of Queensland's subtropical climate. Here you'll be firing up the grill surrounded by gardens, a fern gully, lake views — and all in the heart of the city. There are free electrical barbecues placed throughout the park, so you're sure to find a spot to set up your spread and crack open a few beers (between 10am and 8pm in the Lake and Celebration precincts). You'll be so relaxed watching the ducks swim by or enjoying the rainforest vibes, you'll forget that you're actually in the middle of the CBD. Now, that's the life. SYDNEY: PARRAMATTA PARK Parramatta Park is a heritage-listed park that consists of 85 hectares of gardens, pavilions, cottages and historic sites. Apart from that, it's a lovely place to crack open a stubby and start frying up some snags. And, there are 14 free barbecue areas where you (or the king or queen of the barbie) can do just that. The land of the Burramattagal people, Parra Park is an active person's dream park as well as a significant historical site; safe cycling tracks are in a sealed off-road area and there's a well-used circuit road for runners. You can opt to take a tour of the 18th-century dairy building or of the park's general area by its director. There's also a ranger-led tour for those who are keen to discover wildlife. MELBOURNE: BANKSIA PARK IN BULLEEN Banksia Park might be a little way out from Melbourne city, but it's worth the cruise down the Eastern Freeway. Adjacent to Heide Museum of Modern Art and on the banks of the Yarra River, it's easily one of Melbourne's most picturesque parks — and a top spot for sinking a few cold ones in the sun. Half the picnic tables are sheltered — so get in early if it's a scorcher — and the barbecues are wood fuelled. The area is rich in history and makes sure picnic-goers are aware; information boards are scattered throughout detailing the original occupants of the land (the Wurundjeri people). A walk along the Heritage Trail is also recommended so you can learn about the significance of the land as well as enjoy being on it. Pay a visit to the Japanese Cherry Tree Grove, or if you're feeling lucky, try to catch your dinner in the Yarra. Pick a park, grab some mates and head out for a barbecue in the sun, Hahn in hand.
For the past two years, heading off on holiday has been a matter of 'if' rather than 'where'. If and when border restrictions and lockdowns have allowed it, we've all been travelling to wherever we've been allowed, whenever we've been allowed — across Australia and, when the trans-Tasman bubble was open, to New Zealand as well. With Sydney and Melbourne now free of their stay-at-home stints, Queensland and Tasmania announcing their domestic border reopening plans, and the Australian Government allowing vaccinated Aussies to leave the country purely for a getaway from Monday, November 1, simply heading to whichever few spots will have you will soon be a thing of the past. You'll have options, in other words. And, ahead of all of those border changes, Virgin has just dropped a sale that's serving up a heap of cheap domestic and international flights. Called 'Yay for Holidays', this sale has 1.7-million discounted fares up for grabs — but you'll need to get in quick. They went on sale today, Monday, October 25; however, they're only available until midnight AEST on Monday, November 1 or sold out, whichever comes first. All one-way fares, the discounted economy flights cover 28 different destinations, starting at $49. Some of the domestic specials on offer include Sydney to Byron Bay for $55, Sydney to the Sunshine Coast for $75, Melbourne to Launceston from $59, Melbourne to the Gold Coast from $89, Brisbane to Hamilton Island from $85, Brisbane to Cairns from $89, Adelaide to Melbourne from $79 and Perth to the Gold Coast from $259 (and vice versa in all cases, naturally). Internationally, options span routes to Fiji, Bali and New Zealand. So, you can head from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to Nadi for $229–239, to Bali from all three cities for $279 and to Queenstown from the trio from $287–302. If you're wondering when you can travel — depending on border restrictions, of course — you can book flights for trips between November 2, 2021–June 23, 2022. Only some fares cover seat selection and checked baggage, however, with the airline announcing back in August that it is now splitting its economy flights into three types. Economy Lite doesn't include checking any baggage or picking your seat, but Economy Choice does — and Economy Flex gives you extra flexibility (hence the name) if you have to change your plans later. As we are still in the middle of a pandemic, flying is little different to normal. Virgin has introduced a range of safety measures, including hand sanitisation stations, contactless check-in and face masks provided to all passengers. Wearing masks on flights also became mandatory in Australia in January. Virgin's 'Yay for Holidays' sale runs from today, Monday, October 25–Monday, November 1 — or until sold out. Find out more about current Australian border restrictions via the Australian Government's Health Direct website and its Smart Traveller website.
In 2011's The Raid, a squad of 20 elite police officers took on a tower block ruled by a crime lord, making their way up the 30 floors through a mixture of gunplay and extreme martial arts. The film was a thrilling surprise, a fun and visceral action ride that we hadn't seen in some time. In the end of that film, our lead, Rama, limps off, after encountering his estranged brother — one of the criminals! — in a tantalising promise of a story that would continue later. That story does not actually continue in The Raid 2. Though it picks up immediately after the events of its predecessor, it tells a whole new story about criminals and corruption. In fact, this film was written before The Raid, and it was only later that writer/director Gareth Evans decided to create a link. It might not have been the wisest idea. Part of the joy of The Raid lies in its almost video game-like simplicity. A bunch of cops making their way up a building, defeating nefarious figures, until they finally reach the big boss. Easily digestible. The appeal of creating a story like Infernal Affairs (or, if you prefer, The Departed) is obvious, and there's certainly nothing wrong with Evans wanting to delve deeper into the world of gangs, corruption, loyalty, double-crosses and general intrigue. The problem is that action films such as these are essentially delivery systems for the action sequences, and so the convolution in this film after the relative simplicity of The Raid is a bit jarring. I'm not one to shy away from a complex plot, but it feels tonally wrong in this film, like someone crowbarred it in, amongst the scenes of actual crowbarring. Whether or not you like The Raid 2: Berandal will depend on which direction you're approaching it from. If you're looking for a crime epic in the vein of Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather or Kinji Fukasaku's Battles Without Honour or Humanity, you might find it a fairly unoriginal exercise. But if you're after an action film full of the visceral fight scenes that have been lacking in the recent spate of CGI spectacle, you'll get a lot of out this. Some of the sequences are truly awe-inspiring, particularly a martial arts-filled car chase. Some moments of reflective beauty demonstrate that Evans can go quiet when he needs to, and there's certainly no denying his ability to create memorable, distinctive characters. It may be missing the refreshing simplicity of The Raid, but The Raid 2: Berandal is a thrilling film that revives the visceral, tangible hand-on-hand tradition of action cinema. Get past the serpentine plot contortions and you'll have an absolute blast. https://youtube.com/watch?v=MG9uFX3uYq4
Sydneysiders, you won't be getting your fix of bright lights this June. You won't be spending a couple of weeks holed up in a cinema, either. But, while both Vivid and Sydney Film Festival have postponed their 2021 events to August, the first month of winter definitely won't be quiet. Clearly seeing an empty slot on the city's social calendar, New South Wales Government's tourism and events agency Destination NSW is putting together a new festival that'll start the chillier season in style. Sydney Solstice is slated to take place from Tuesday, June 8–Sunday, June 20, with a big focus on dining, drinking, entertainment, arts and culture. The fest will take up residence at four Sydney precincts across the 13-day period, delivering a program filled with live music, performances, comedy, workshops, food and drink, exhibitions and installations. So, expect to spend plenty of time in the CBD and surrounding areas (including The Rocks, Circular Quay, Walsh Bay and Chinatown), over at Darling Harbour and its adjacent spots (such as Barangaroo, Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont), around the Oxford Street area (including Paddington, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Rushcutters Bay, Woolloomooloo, Elizabeth Bay, Kings Cross, Potts Point and Entertainment Quarter) and in the vicinity of Newtown (plus Enmore, Erskineville, Alexandria, Chippendale, Darlington and Redfern). As with most big events announced at the moment, Sydney Solstice is driven by a desire to get more folks out and about around town — and spending money supporting the economy. Destination NSW is particularly focusing on boosting the city's arts and culture, music and entertainment, and food and beverage industries, and also placing a big emphasis on NSW talent. Exactly what's on the lineup hasn't yet been revealed, with Destination NSW currently calling for expressions of interest from businesses interested in taking part — including restaurants and bars, entertainment venues, promoters, and arts and cultural organisations — until early April. The agency is specifically eager for big drawcards that are either completely new, or substantially reimagine or enhance existing activities, as well as other relevant events that can fall under the festival's umbrella. For now, until the program hits, you might want to block out your diary in advance. Sydney joins Melbourne in getting a new winter festival this year — although the Victorian capital's new event, Rising, was originally slated to launch in 2020, but was delayed due to the pandemic. Sydney Solstice will take place from Tuesday, June 8–Sunday, June 20. We'll update you with further details when they're announced — and you can keep an eye on the festival's website, too.
Beach vibes. Hot pizzas. And ice-cold jugs of Aperol Spritz. It may be giving Positano, but we're not talking about a summer on the Italian Riviera. Instead, Aperol is bringing something similar a little closer to home with an inspiring Sunshine State road trip. Inspired by the best offerings of the Amalfi Coast, the Aperol Queensland Kombi Tour will travel along the east coast of Australia — starting in Airlie Beach and ending in Port Douglas — bringing all the trimmings of a mid-year European escape with it. Want to get on board? While you may not personally be able to hop onto the Kombi van yourself (that spot's reserved for the rooftop DJ), you can certainly create your own road trip to chase the sun and enjoy an Aperol Spritz in the process. To get you started, prep your playlists, nominate a designated driver and drop the following suggestions into Google Maps. NOOSA Home to one of only two everglade systems on earth, the natural beauty of Noosa can be found 90 minutes north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway. It's a location that feels far enough to count as a road trip, without the need to fork over half your week's rent to fill the tank to get there. There are a couple of things you need to know about Noosa. Number one: it's packed with excellent options for outdoor activities, like surfing, dolphin spotting, swimming in secluded beach spots or simply exploring the aforementioned everglades. And two: its iconic Main Beach is packed with places serving up perfectly made Aperol Spritzes just steps away from the sand. On that note, our suggestions are to check out Locale Noosa and Miss Moneypenny's. The former is a refined Italian restaurant on Hastings Street that does an excellent Calamarata pasta with Fremantle octopus, black olive, leek cream and fried capers. Meanwhile, the latter delivers high-end dining, including a seven-course degustation. [caption id="attachment_907330" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Steve Davison via Unsplash[/caption] TOWNSVILLE Being blessed with year-round sunny weather means outdoor activities — such as beach parties, barbecues and day trips to balmy Magnetic Island — are popular pastimes in Townsville, practically any time you visit. Ditto al fresco dining, with some of the best options in town including The Ville and Rockpool Pavilion. Part resort, part casino and part restaurant, The Ville is an excellent destination to tackle the trifecta of relaxation, roulette and revelry (including a refreshing Aperol Spritz or two). Rockpool, on the other hand, is all about enjoying a meal that fuses old-school coastal charm with a modern style. AIRLIE BEACH Work your way up to the Whitsundays and book a couple of days at Airlie Beach — generally considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. While its close proximity to one of the seven natural wonders of the world makes the options for outdoor ventures fairly obvious — snorkelling, island hopping, helicopter riding over the ocean, oh my — more obscure (though no less interesting) suggestions include exploring Airlie's social scene. If you're keen to extend your stay at Airlie Beach, Coral Sea Marina Resort is our suggestion, with the 76-room boutique hotel offering a wide range of accommodations alongside some brilliant in-house dining venues. Similarly, Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill is an excellent option if your long-weekend requirements include a place to play and stay. Insider hack: plan your stay for either of the first two weekends in July to coincide with the Aperol Kombi pit stop five, and enjoy the vintage van serving up icy Aperol specials (like rosemary-infused Rosy Cheeks) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons at Northerlies. CAIRNS A pit stop at Cairns comes highly recommended if you want your itinerary to include swimming in natural pools below gushing waterfalls, hiking through lush rainforests and white water rafting down steep ravines and raging rapids. Cairns is also home to some of the best places to dine and drink in Tropical North Queensland. The breezy, bustling beachfront Villa Romana is our pick for all-day, Italian-inspired fare. Standouts include the live black mussels served Sicilian-style, with cherry tomatoes, chilli, garlic white wine and charred ciabatta. The nearby Salt House serves up fresh, local and seasonal produce that perfectly pairs with amazing cocktails. And, although the Salt House never fails to deliver on the drinks front, come late July a visit by the Aperol Kombi Van will elevate the experience by way of an exclusive pop-up Aperol Lawn Bar. While the relaxing day beds and ocean views will still be on offer, they'll now include a side of funky DJ tunes. The van will then hang around for another week, making an appearance at the Food & Wine Festival '23 - Salt House Cairns, on Saturday, August 5. PORT DOUGLAS This palm-fringed, 3500-person town 70 kilometres north of Cairns makes it easier than you could ever imagine to access iconic World Heritage-listed marvels, specifically the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. However, it is also an excellent option if you're keen to sink your teeth into some world-class watering holes, such as the Court House Hotel and La Cucina. The Court House Hotel (AKA The Courty) is the oldest pub in town, so we're going to guess it knows a thing or two to keep customers coming back. Add it to your itinerary, if your road-trip non-negotiables include old-school pub grub that focuses on fresh, local produce. If, on the other hand, you really can't get a trip to Milan out of your mind, head to La Cucina. While the eatery may be a million miles away from The City of Love, its Italian-inspired menu and classy cocktails bar (including an excellent Aperol Spritz) make it our pick for those who want to experience la dolce vita, minus the long-haul flight. Keen to follow the Aperol Kombi Tour? Invite your friends, load up your own car and come along for the ride. For further details, visit the website.
Paperlinks, a savvy Los Angeles-based QR code company, are allowing customers to explore what's on offer at a restaurant via their smartphone. The operation was launched earlier this month and has been put to trial in several restaurants. Once the code has been scanned, customers can browse the menu of the restaurant and order food on their phone. When they check out, Paperlinks then contacts the restaurant via e-mail to relay the order to the kitchen. This smooth operation not only adds convenience for customers, but also gives businesses a little novelty and an exciting new means of interacting with customers. Furthermore, Paperlinks allow you to create QR codes with customised colours and designs. If you happen to own a vegetarian restaurant, you might want to present a lush green QR code at the front of your business. Paperlinks have already worked with high-profile clients including Nestle and GNC. With a plethora of food-based iPhone apps now available for purchase, and with companies like Beat The Q popping up locally, it will be interesting to see the impact that this will have on businesses in Australia and New Zealand. [via PSFK]
When December 2023 hits, it will have been four decades since David Byrne walked out onto a Hollywood stage with a tape deck, pressed play and, while standing there solo, began to sing 'Psycho Killer'. It'll also be 40 years since then-future The Silence of the Lambs Oscar-winner Jonathan Demme directed cameras towards the legendary Talking Heads' frontman, recording the results for concert film Stop Making Sense. What's the best way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the event behind the greatest concert film ever made? By watching it, as A24 is here to help with. As well as releasing Close, Beau Is Afraid, You Hurt My Feelings, Past Lives, Beef and smash-hit Australian horror movie Talk to Me in 2023, the cult-favourite independent film and TV company is bringing a completely restored version of Stop Making Sense back to the big screen where it belongs. Madman is distributing the concert flick Down Under, where it'll get everyone wanting to wear big suits from Thursday, November 9. When it starts burning down select picture palaces around Australia, all 88 glorious minutes of Stop Making Sense will screen in 4K, as premiered at this year's Toronto International Film Festival — and also has a date with SXSW Sydney's Screen Festival in October. So, no it isn't the same as it ever was: Stop Making Sense is now even better. Stop Making Sense isn't just iconic for how it starts, which definitely isn't how concerts usually kick off. From there, as captured at Hollywood's Pantages Theatre in December 1983, David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz and Jerry Harrison put on one helluva show in support of their previous year's album Speaking in Tongues. Expect a lineup of hits, a playful approach, Byrne's famous oversized attire and even heftier stage presence, and the feeling that you're virtually in the room. Indeed, everything about this energetic and precisely executed documentary, which records the set from start to finish, couldn't be further from the standard concert flick. As 'Once in a Lifetime', 'Heaven', 'Burning Down the House', Life During Wartime', 'This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)', 'Genius of Love' and more get a whirl, each element of the film is that fine-tuned, and every aspect of the band's performance, too. And if it feels like Byrne was on-screen not that long ago, that's because his Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods)-directed solo concert movie American Utopia did the rounds of Aussie cinemas back in 2020 — and proved one of that year's absolute best films. Check out the trailer for Stop Making Sense's 4K restoration below: Stop Making Sense will screen in Australian cinemas from Thursday, November 9. Images: Jordan Cronenweth, Courtesy of A24.
Depending on whom you talk to, The Hunger Games is either the greatest threat to or most suitable replacement for Stephenie Meyer's inescapable Twilight saga. Both series certainly share a lot in common, with each featuring beautiful teenagers locked in mortal combat, love triangles locked in mortal geometry and original authors locked in enormous vaults of money. The only difference, really, is that The Hunger Games is actually worth watching. Adapted from the book trilogy by Suzanne Collins, the story is set in a postapocalyptic America divided, courtesy of a brutal uprising, into 12 separate districts. Each year as punishment for the rebellion, two children from each district are randomly selected as 'tributes' and ushered away to the capital city to compete in the barbaric bloodsport known as the 'Hunger Games'. Twenty-four contestants enter an isolated wilderness arena; only one is permitted to leave alive. With the participants' every word and movement broadcast to the masses, The Hunger Games plays a little like The Truman Show, except that in The Truman Show not all of the extras were trying to kill Truman. Nonetheless, both films cleverly explore similar themes of voyeurism, exploitation and the power of audiences to dictate content if only they were prepared to stop watching. Yet it's courage and sacrifice that underscore the movie's central narrative. Both qualities radiate from the film's protagonist, Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence), a 16-year-old villager who selflessly volunteers as a tribute in order to save her younger sister from the Games. Lawrence is fantastic as the reluctant hunter suddenly forced to pursue human prey, and she's backed by an impressive supporting cast that includes Donald Sutherland, Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and even Lenny Kravitz as Everdeen's quietly compassionate stylist. Fans of the book series will be happy to learn that Collins insisted on collaborating with the screenwriters to ensure the adaptation didn't stray heavily from the source; however, newcomers will also have no problem keeping up. Superbly directed by Gary Ross (Pleasantville), the film adroitly exhibits the terrifying violence without ever glorifying it or lapsing into gratuity, and the pace is utterly relentless. While there are naturally a few 'first in the franchise' stumbles, The Hunger Games represents a fine opening salvo in what promises to be an electrifying and massively successful series. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qoUT7q2iTbQ
When Marnie Minervini (Susan Sarandon) leaves a rambling voicemail message for her daughter Lori (Rose Byrne) detailing her every move since relocating to Los Angeles, adult-aged children everywhere will nod in recognition. We've all been there: the missed calls, the text messages, the snooping. And yet while writer-director Lorene Scafaria initially appears set to provide a comic look at coping with an overbearing mother, The Meddler soon proves a different film entirely. Instead, it's an honest, heartfelt exploration of a relatable family dynamic, and of the role of mums everywhere. Marnie's new LA existence isn't just a case of not being able to stay out of her offspring's business. A year after the death of her husband, she's forcing herself to stay positive and find a sense of purpose, even if she's actually avoiding her grief in the process. But with Lori depressed over her breakup with film star Jacob (Jason Ritter), and trying to get her latest TV pilot made, mother-daughter bonding time isn't a priority. So instead, Marnie channels her well-intentioned interfering into paying for a wedding for one of Lori's friends (Cecily Strong), driving her local Apple Store employee (Jerrod Carmichael) to his night classes, volunteering at a hospital and meeting retired cop Zipper (J.K. Simmons) after wandering onto a film set. In the absence of any cynical laughs, two elements ensure The Meddler avoids any resemblance to the saccharine soul-searching quest it might sound like on paper: its ripped-from-reality feel, and its remarkable lead performance. The former comes courtesy of Scafaria's own experience, with the Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist writer having undergone a similar process with her own mother when she started working in Hollywood. It's the latter, however, that helps the film overcome a few sitcom-like developments, and truly makes proceedings seem sincere. Sarandon doesn't just play her part with a broad Brooklyn accent and a smile plastered across her face. She also shows grace and care in a role that could've easily been a caricature, yet never becomes one. There's an openness and earnestness to her portrayal that works just as well when Marnie is unable to resist overstepping her bounds with Lori (checking her browser history, for example), as it does when she's forming a connection with the chicken-raising, Dolly Parton-playing Zipper. Both Byrne and Simmons prove up to the task set by their co-star, bringing the requisite depth to their supporting but pivotal roles. Of course, where the story heads is far from surprising, with The Meddler designed to be both reflective and upbeat. With a tender touch and a sunny disposition, Scafaria isn't just working through her complicated relationship with her mother. She's also allowing viewers to do exactly the same thing.
The tropics of North Queensland are a beautiful part of the world in themselves, but there's nothing wrong with amping up your experience to the nth degree – and the Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa is the right place to do just that. Especially after you've had a very long week/month/year at work, or when the dreary winter in Australia's major cities is dragging you down (that's dry season up here — i.e., the best time to visit). The resort stands in the beachside village of Palm Cove and is close to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, as well as Cairns (hint: crocodile adventures). You can head out onto the reef on one of the many snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing and seaplane tours that set off from here, or venture into the forest on horseback, 4WD, zipline or on your own two feet (the Daintree comes with a bounty of treks for all experience levels). Alternatively, stay in town and appreciate a slower pace of life. A walk along the palm tree-lined esplanade will not only make the reason for the town's name abundantly clear, it will bring you to cafes serving that perfect eggs and avocado breakfast you need to nourish you in the morning and restaurants with inventive tasting menus that transform dinner into an event. The hotel itself has accommodation from studio spa rooms ranging through to apartments with private rooftop spas and plunge pools. If you don't want to spring for your own private body of water, there are three more pools in the resort, and two spas – bring your bathers and goggles. Resident restaurant Temple of Tastes will serve up modern Australian cuisine with a bit of a South East Asian twist; or, if you're in full bathrobe and slippers mode from a day at the on-site Vie Spa you can order from the full in room dining menu.
High-rises aren't the most ideal set-up for making new buds. It's not every apartment-dwelling crew that's lucky enough to undertake wacky antics in the hall, eat from each other's fridges and bond over Ugly Naked Guys across the way. You're more likely to encounter your neighbours through the wall — outlandishly vocal bedroom activity, raging Avicii-fuelled parties, World Cups. It's all pretty negative, fist-shaking stuff, usually moderated by your tired, tired landlord. But what if some friendseeking architecture firm just wanted us to all get along, even design friendships between neighbours? It all has do to with space. Dense, high-rise housing can be an isolating place to live, even though you're surrounded by hundreds of people and their better-than-yours cooking aromas. Vertically-stacked apartment living often lacks those common areas where you can bump into your (often hundreds) of neighbours and hang out — courtyards, gardens, front porches; Actual House areas — resulting in the whole nod-and-smile, awkward silent elevator ride and subsequent, perpetual avoidance of eye contact. But you might have more in common than you think with mean old Mr Macgillycuddy downstairs. Tired of these missed, loneliness-curing opportunities and taking cues from corporate setups, a presumably friendly Belgian design firm has come up with an inspired solution. C.F. Møller Architects and Brut Architecture and Urban Design have made social interaction the main goal of their new mixed-use high-rise design in Antwerp. That's right, an apartment tower designed to help you make friends. C.F. Møller's 24-story plan is all about mini-communities. Grouping together similar apartment types (family homes with other family homes, raucous students with other raucous students), the plan throws together residents with typically matching day schedules and increases the chance of bumping into each other for mad chats, recipe swaps and sugar borrowing. Cooking and eating alone's definitely another opportunity for buddying up in apartment living — nothing like a sad, tear-dressed Caesar for one. So the team have included a communal dining area in the design, perfect for post-work vents and cheap pot luck dinners, as well as a roof terrace for those beer-fuelled new friend-making chats. Nothing sparks a new friendship faster than similar interests. Cyclists can event meet other veloheads in the bike repair repair facility. Pet owners can let their four-legged friends roam free all year long in the triple-height indoor garden and students can compare notes from outdoor study sessions in the massive balcony space. While C.F. Møller haven't released a completion date yet, estimates look toward 2017 for the building's red ribbon ceremony. Until then, why not give your neighbours a chance instead of a passive aggressive note? Could be an everyday Ryan Gosling on every floor. Via Fast Company.
These days, I don't let early morning sunshine lull me into a false sense of security. The above average rainfall we've been experiencing is probably due to weather phenomenon La Niña, and I know it's bound to bucket down at some point during the day. Inevitably, my sky-blue umbrella has become my new best friend and I skulk in bookshops to avoid spontaneous downpours. Advertisers in the Netherlands have discovered a way to make the most of a rainy day. Fresh Green Ads creates street campaigns with eco-friendly materials that are revealed with a spot of wet weather. Lasting up to 8 weeks, ads fade away when the puddles disappear. Rain Campaign is a form of Clean Advertising, and according to the company "an environmentally friendly way of advertising on the street. With a template and a high pressure water sprayer the advertising message is cleaned out of the dirt on the street or on a wall. The result is a contrast between the dirty street and the clean message." Sand, crop and water drop campaigns are other forms of Clean Advertising offered by Fresh Green Ads. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZjruygIIk9k https://youtube.com/watch?v=BLdEoj43nkY [Via PSFK]
It happened with The Nutcracker, Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Frozen II, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, just to name a few past Disney movies, and it's occurring again for Snow White: to immerse everyone in the world of the Mouse House's new film beyond cinemas, The Grounds of Alexandria in Sydney has given itself a temporary makeover. Expect social media feeds to be filled with snaps of this enchanted garden, plus the themed dishes now on the menu for the next couple of months — and expect Harbour City locals and visitors alike to flock in. How have all things Snow White taken over? With scenery that looks like it's been transported out of the film — greenery aplenty, plus woodland creatures as well — and everything from red apple mocktails to sweet treats inspired by the movie on offer. Yes, there's a magic mirror on the wall. And also yes, you'll spot more than a few apples. You've got until Sunday, May 25, 2025 to head by, and to sip that Evil to the Core drink (made with red apple, raspberry and citrus) at The Cafe, The Garden and The Potting Shed at The Grounds of Alexandria. Food-wise, Waiting on a Wish (a toasted almond sponge with pear cream and blackberry compote) is on the menu in The Cafe and the Poison Apple for two (spiced caramelised apple, dulcey crèmeux and mascarpone cream) is available in The Potting Shed over the same period. The film in the spotlight releases in cinemas on Thursday, March 20, starring Rachel Zegler (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) as Snow White and Gal Gadot (Heart of Stone) as her evil stepmother. Marc Webb (The Only Living Boy in New York, Gifted, The Amazing Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man 2: Rise of Electro) is behind the lens.
We've talked before about the rapidly expanding genre of films we like to call 'BDF', or 'big, bumb and fun'. And let's be clear, that label's in no way intended as an affront. On the contrary, when done right, we love the BDF because it satisfies that very basic need every now and then to be entertained without having to tax our brains. More often than not, the BDF rears its head around holiday seasons in the form of disaster and/or alien invasion movies, with San Andreas, Pacific Rim and perhaps even the first Transformers all finding the right balance between the three key ingredients. When it goes the other way, however, usually on account of too much emphasis on 'the big' at the expense of 'the fun', these films quickly become joyless affairs that achieve little more than wasting your time and money. Think Batman vs Superman, Suicide Squad or Independence Day: Resurgence. In the seventies-set Kong: Skull Island, we're happy to say, that balance is back. Obviously it's a BIG movie – afterall, this is King Kong were talking about. It's also undeniably dumb. The dialogue is consistently bogged down in exposition, there's not a great deal of plot to speak of, and the characters make some pretty bizarre choices throughout. I'm no helicopter pilot, but if I suddenly discovered a high-rise sized gorilla and watched it hurl seven other choppers to their fiery death, I'd probably get the hell out of there, not fly directly towards it. Most importantly, though, this is a fun film. The action is well-paced and easy to follow despite director Jordan Vogt-Roberts' heavy reliance upon special effects. The one-liners, meanwhile, are solid enough, and John C. Reilly's downed WWII pilot, who never escaped the eponymous island, steals every scene in which he appears. It is, in short, an old-school monster movie complete with heroes, heroines, clowns and grizzly old soldiers. Then, of course, there's the big guy himself, although in truth the word 'big' doesn't really do him justice. In stark contrast to the original film, there's no caging this fella. He's a sixty-story silverback with a menacing glare and a mean right hook. When Kong battles the island's many monsters, it's like a street fighter up against ninjas: brute strength and stamina versus speed, stealth and agility. The humans, by comparison, are rendered little more than spectators. Of those humans, Kong: Skull Island boasts an impressive cast including Brie Larson, Tom Hiddleston, John Goodman and Samuel L. Jackson, all of whom lend their considerable weight to a script that probably deserved less. Interestingly, it also features Chinese star Jing Tian, who recently appeared in another film by the same production house: The Great Wall. Tian's inclusion, while only minor, allows Chinese distributors to smack her image on all their posters and, potentially, open up a giant market that might otherwise be inaccessible to a US blockbuster such as this. One suspects this trend will see a rapid surge in the coming 12 months. Hopefully they develop a more nuanced means of including international cast members than the awkward crow-barring that occurred here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAbI4w95cTE
We all follow that one Instagrammer who seems to share everything they eat — from decently presented but poorly lit cafe brunches to the monochromatic mac and cheese they're scoffing at home on a Wednesday night while watching Offspring with their poodle. So you may be pleased to know Virgin Mobile Australia is launching a new initiative that will put those somewhat annoying, always frivolous and only occasionally applause-worthy food 'grams to actual good use. Every time foodstagrammers take a photo of a meal, share it on social media and use the hashtag #mealforameal, Virgin will donate to food rescue organisation OzHarvest — absolute legends who collect surplus food from commercial outlets and deliver real meals to people who need them. The company is jumping on the 'foodporn' bandwagon but using it to give back to vulnerable people around the country. And now you and your compulsion for food snapping can get involved. To help launch the project in Sydney, Gelato Messina is serving up a new flavour made of food scraps. Really. Head to a Messina store on July 19 and try out the flavoursome experiment (which is only made from food scraps and apparently doesn't taste like food scraps). This is one situation in which you're practically required to take a photo of your food (just don't forget to tag it #mealforameal). With public opinion on foodstagramming being that it is serious business — when it's good it's highly celebrated, and when it's bad it's lambasted (even when you're Martha Stewart) — the trend isn't predicted to die out any time soon. For those who thought they'd rather never see someone else's cronut or shakshuka eggs on their feed again? Well, now there's good reason to get off your high horse and get your lens on your ceviche.
Are you looking for an utterly decadent way to spend Christmas Day? The Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is putting on a feast epic enough to have Santa ready to quit the North Pole. Every guest will receive a glass of Moet on arrival, before sitting down to four gourmet courses, designed by celebrity chef Pete Evans, and matched with four different Cape Mentelle wines. Traditional Australian Christmas fare is at the heart of the menu, but it's to be delivered with a special twist, in the form of whiskey and honey glazed Kurobuta organic ham; slow-cooked lamb shoulder with quinoa, pumpkin and cranberries; and maple roasted sweet potato with candied pecans. In addition to that, there'll be a nod to the hotel's waterfront location and panoramic harbour views, with chilled seafood platters and barbecue split Yamba prawns with garlic, chilli and lemon. The sweet finale is to be mango and passionfruit smashed pavlova with mascarpone cream. The feast will set you back $250 per adult, including a four-hour beverage package, and $125 per child aged 10-17. Any child not needing a seat can attend free-of-charge. Seating is available from midday. Other events on the hotel's festive season program include Aperol Sunset Sessions kicking off this Sunday and carrying on every Sunday throughout summer; a Hawaiian Christmas Eve, complete with complimentary leis and cocktails on arrival, $5 drinks all night long, a pig-on-a-spit, hula dancers, fire twirlers and DJ Andy Mathers. The sold-out New Year's Eve see a beachside party, with uninterrupted views of the harbour fireworks and DJ sets from Chicks on Deck, Dolso, Hatch and Tokyo Denmark Sweden. This will be followed up on New Year's Day with Beach Clique, to be held on the hotel's Top Deck. There'll be complimentary drinks between midday and 3pm, as well as Pete Evans-designed canapes or a long four-course lunch, and music from Stephen Ferris, Saville, Dolso, Hatch and Leah. Tickets to New Year's Day have all nearly been snapped up, so get in quick. Check out the full schedule of events on their website. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bW4HZVEQeXI
Deciding how to spend what is potentially your first big international trip in years is a big call. If you're seeking the buzz of a big city but don't want to forgo outdoor adventures, we have an unexpected suggestion for you: New York State. Yep, The City That Never Sleeps delivers all the metropolitan hype you're craving while also being within reach of countless intrepid adventures. Extend your stay in the state and dedicate some time to experiencing all the incredible scenery and activities the blissful upstate region has to offer — it'll add another memorable dimension to your trip. Here, we've teamed up with New York State to present a selection of epic outdoor adventures that'll level up your next holiday itinerary. [caption id="attachment_851067" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mike Groll[/caption] PADDLE DOWN THE HUDSON WHILE HEARING LOCAL LEGENDS Along the Hudson River's eastern shoreline, the charming village of Sleepy Hollow is well worth a visit to check out the eclectic mix of historical buildings, multicultural food spots and recreational activities. It also happens to be one of New York's best spots for kayaking. Kayak Hudson ensures visitors of all experience levels can enjoy the scenery with an expert guide on its two-hour tour. You'll launch from a tiny beach at Horan's Landing, then paddle down the river past the 19th-century Tarrytown Lighthouse. Plus, if you're a fan of ghost stories, you'll love hearing all about The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, a spooky tale that gives the community its haunted reputation. [caption id="attachment_844987" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] TREK THROUGH DIVERSE FOREST TERRAIN The city streets offer plenty of excitement, but you don't have to travel far to find mind-blowing hiking destinations in New York. A two-hour drive from NYC, the Catskill Mountains is another hugely popular mountain range. Across a diverse network of hiking trails, populated with waterfalls, river crossings and woodland terrain, this outdoor wonderland is an undeniably rewarding area to discover. The average wayfarer won't have a problem completing the Kaaterskill Falls hike. Likewise, the Overlook Mountain summit, which you'll reach via a steady incline will reward you with sweeping views of Hudson Valley, plus old hotel ruins and a fire tower. Or, a little further afield, discover the state's highest peaks in the colossal Adirondacks — Ampersand Mountain reaches 1022 metres and you can reach the summit via a sprawling trailhead lined with wildflowers and panoramic views. [caption id="attachment_844999" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] TAKE A TOPSY-TURVY RIDE DOWN A RIVER There are many experiences that spring to mind when thinking of New York. Theatre shows. Basketball games. Eating your weight in pizza and hot dogs. But whitewater rafting? Probably not. Well, throw it on your bucket list because the state actually has a selection of places to ride the rapids. The Black River Gorge plunges visitors into a narrow ravine loaded with bumpy ledges and boulders — you'll paddle through 14 major rapids on a 3.5-hour Adirondacks River Outfitters Adventures tour. Elsewhere in the Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm is also recognised as a top-notch rafting location, with this floating tour providing a relatively calm water-going experience. Departing from Table Rock, you'll navigate through the Grand Flume canyon to soak up the striking rock formations before arriving at the Whirlpool Basin's choppy rapids. [caption id="attachment_847389" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Maid of the Mist[/caption] GET UP CLOSE TO NORTH AMERICA'S MOST LEGENDARY WATERFALLS Maid of the Mist has operated in the shadow of Niagara Falls since 1846, attracting nature-lovers looking to get an up-close glimpse of the three waterfalls that encompass this famous landmark. Its tours of the Falls started out in rickety rowboats 150 years ago, but you'll be glad to hear that Maid of the Mist's fleet has undergone a significant upgrade — it began tours on 90-foot zero-emission electric vessels in 2020. Prepare to be awe-struck as you make for the base of the American side of the Falls standing atop the double-decker boat in your souvenir poncho, which will (somewhat) protect you from the near 600,000 gallons of water rushing over the falls per second. You'll also be taken to check out the largest of the bunch – Horseshoe Falls – to encounter dramatic whitewater pools and towering rock formations. [caption id="attachment_845287" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] ZOOM THROUGH THE AIR AT DIZZYING HEIGHTS Step out of your comfort zone with the New York Zipline Adventure Tour. Set against the backdrop of the Catskills at Hunter Mountain, this canopy experience is the highest, fastest and longest in North America, ensuring you get a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on the surrounding mountain peaks. There are two adventures to choose from: the Skyrider Tour and the Mid-Mountain Tour. The former is the top choice, as you'll hook into five separate zip lines that stretch for over seven kilometres. As you whip along at breakneck speeds, the peak distance from the ground of 180 metres is bound to make your head spin. [caption id="attachment_844982" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Larry Tetamore[/caption] GET A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OVER AN EXPANSIVE STATE PARK You won't find many places better for hot air ballooning than Letchworth State Park, a sprawling green expanse nicknamed 'The Grand Canyon of the East'. The landscape definitely lives up to this moniker, with dense woodlands, waterfalls and gorges, ensuring your gentle float through the air comes with a spectacular view. On a tour with Balloons Over Letchworth, you'll lift off from Middle Falls to rise high above the countryside before gliding so low you can almost touch the rivers. Tours run daily from May to October, depending on the weather, but an autumn visit guarantees you'll catch colourful changes sweeping across the hinterland. [caption id="attachment_846386" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] FLEX YOUR SKIING SKILLS AT THIS MASSIVE WINTER RESORT You don't need to trek across the country to find a celebrated ski destination — this one is just 2.5 hours from NYC. The Catamount Mountain Resort provides an excellent experience for alpine enthusiasts, particularly after a major 2018 upgrade brought new lifts and snowmaking machines to support the diverse runs (the longest of which is 2.8 kilometres) and a snow tubing park. Yet winter isn't the only time to visit, with the mountain resort remaining incredibly active throughout the warmer months. Home to the longest continuous zipline in the United States at almost 1700 metres, as well as a thrilling aerial adventure park, Catamount is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in New York's midsummer beauty. [caption id="attachment_851070" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED[/caption] DIVE SEVERAL SHIPWRECKS BENEATH ST LAWRENCE RIVER Forming part of the international border between the United States and Canada, the St Lawrence River has been a major shipping corridor for hundreds of years. Unfortunately for the vessels and some of their crew, this treacherous stretch of the Thousand Islands-Seaway region has claimed many a freighter and schooner. Today, the river is one of North America's top shipwreck diving locations for beginners and experts alike, with dozens of vessels to explore. Several local dive companies organise gear and guided underwater adventures to the most popular, including the Islander and the SS Keystorm. [caption id="attachment_846387" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] BE A BIG KID FOR THE DAY AT THIS NATURE-FOCUSED INTERACTIVE PARK Over the last 25 years, The Wild Center has become one of New York's premier attractions for outdoor encounters. Situated in Tupper Lake, on the edge of the Adirondacks, this sprawling 115-acre property's nature walks, museums and kid-friendly play areas help bring people closer to the natural world. The Wild Walk is the park's most popular activity, featuring a series of elevated bridges and tree houses leading visitors through the forest canopy. Meanwhile, a viewpoint replicating a massive bald eagle's nest provides a stellar spot to take in the landscape. Alongside a vast network of hiking trails and ponds, there's also fascinating public art and wildlife encounters. To start planning your trip to New York State, head to iloveny.com. Also, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best food and drink stops, cultural experiences, places to stay and day trips from NYC. Top image: NYSDED, Darren McGee
What do The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Muriel's Wedding, Strictly Ballroom, Starstruck and Moulin Rouge! all have in common? Other than being ace Australian films, they've all made the leap from cinemas to theatres — and to stage musicals, to be specific. They're about to have company, too, with another Aussie gem set to follow the screen-to-stage route. This time, classic 90s and early 00s children's TV series Round the Twist is getting the musical treatment. If you've ever, ever felt like seeing the beloved show on a stage with everyone belting out tunes about strange things happening, this dream is about to become a reality. Exactly when Round the Twist the Musical will debut, and where, and who'll star in it hasn't yet been revealed, however. Still, we're bet you're now more excited right now than a Twist family member in a lighthouse. Airing for two seasons between 1990–93, then another two from 2000–01, Round the Twist adapted Paul Jennings' popular books into an offbeat fantasy series. If you were the right age, it was must-see TV — and now it's your next must-see musical. Here's hoping that the new stage production not only does justice to the show that absolutely every Aussie kid watched in the 90s and 00s, and more than once, but that it taps into its balance of humour, strangeness and scares. Oh, and that there's a big lighthouse involved, of course. Obviously, we all know which song definitely has to be included — and multiple times, ideally. Yes, it's the theme tune by Andrew Duffield that you've now got stuck in your head and will keep singing to yourself for the rest of the week. (And no, we're not sorry for putting it there.) RGM Productions is thrilled to announce development & production of ROUND THE TWIST THE MUSICAL after a successful RISE application in Australia. Based on the short stories by Paul Jennings, the cult TV series aired on the BBC in 70 countries over 30 years and is now on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/8Z2nfutBkX — RGM Productions (@RGMProd) September 6, 2021 RGM Productions, which also has the Priscilla and Starstruck musicals to its name, is behind the all-singing, all-dancing version of Round the Twist — and announced that it is in development and production after receiving funding from the Australian Government's Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) scheme. Writer/composer Paul Hodge, director Simon Phillips and producer Garry McQuinn will be guiding the show, with the latter advising that "RGM came on board to develop Round the Twist the Musical buoyed by the immense energy and enthusiasm of Paul Hodge and Simon Phillips" in a statement on Facebook. He continued: "we are thrilled that RISE has seen fit to award this great new Australian work with funding, enabling us to give everyone a great night in the theatre, enjoying the antics of the Twist family." If you need something to watch until the stage production comes to the fruition, all four seasons of Round the Twist are streaming on Netflix. And you can also check out the trailer for Round the Twist's first season below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjuXTD0m9Lc Round the Twist the Musical is now in development — we'll update you with further details, including about its premiere season, when additional information is announced.
Pestival 2013 is a festival with a mission: to change your views about insects — largely by getting you to eat them. The unique insect-appreciation festival arrives in London next month with a wide array of events to turn us all pro-bugs. These include a variety of exhibitions to celebrate insects in art and the art of being an insect. However, the centrepiece of the pun-tastic festival is its pop-up restaurant: Exploring the Deliciousness of Insects. The diner, appearing for two nights only, will allow its guests to consume the crawliest cuisine imaginable. It is presented by Nordic Food Lab, the company behind the three-time best restaurant in the world Noma, who seek to "find the deliciousness latent in insects". According to head chef Rene Redzepi in an interview with the Guardian, this deliciousness can be found in ants, which taste like "seared lemon rind", and bee larvae, which makes a sweet mayonnaise. Those two options are just the tip of the ant hill, with more than 1900 edible insect species now on the menu according to the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation. With insects eaten in one form or another by 70 percent of the world's cultures, Pestival provides the perfect platform to present this gastronomic value to Western palates. And what better time to do so? With famine rising across the world, and food prices rising at home, insects offer a proficient alternative source of protein that is highly unlikely to become extinct. Pestival 2013 thus showcases a flavoursome solution to the food crisis of the future.
Don't hold back: one of the biggest acts in electronic music for the past three decades is returning to Sydney. Superstar DJs The Chemical Brothers dropped their tenth studio album For That Beautiful Feeling in September 2023, and will hit the Harbour City in February 2024 to unleash their latest round of block rockin' beats live. Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons will play Sydney Showground on Thursday, February 29, with The Presets (doing a DJ set), Anna Lunoe and James Holroyd in support. It isn't just their astonishing 2023 Coachella set that proves The Chemical Brothers are a must-see live act. Every tour — including their last stint Down Under back in 2019 — always matches a spectacle of mindbending visuals to the duo's iconic tunes. Accordingly, expect recent singles 'No Reason', 'Live Again' (featuring Halo Maud) and 'Skipping Like a Stone' (reteaming The Chemical Brothers with Beck after 2016's 'Wide Open') — and also a wealth of songs from a back catalogue that spans back to 1989. No, it wouldn't be a Chemical Brothers gig without 'Hey Boy, Hey Girl', 'Block Rockin' Beats' and 'Galvanise' getting a whirl. The pair's current setlist also includes everything from 'Go', 'Swoon' and 'Star Guitar' to 'Setting Sun', 'Chemical Beats' and 'Escape Velocity'. Holroyd joining Rowlands and Simons on the tour is always a given, as The Chemical Brothers' long-standing opening DJ. Images: Ray Baseley.
Australia and New Zealand haven't been treated to Beyoncé's Renaissance tour, but we are getting the next best thing: RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ. The latest chance to worship the superstar on-screen was announced back in October and will hit cinemas worldwide in December. And, it will be arriving Down Under at the same time as the US: on Friday, December 1. What runs the movie world right now? Concert flicks, which are having a big-screen moment again. In the space of mere months, three huge examples of the genre are playing cinemas worldwide, much to the delight of folks who like getting their film and music fix in one go. First came Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour in October. In Australia, Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense, aka the best concert flick ever made, has returned to picture palaces since mid-November. Next, RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ will do the same — and it has dropped another trailer to celebrate. Beyoncé is no stranger to splashing her sets across a screen, after HOMECOMING: A Film By Beyoncé did exactly that on Netflix back in 2019. That movie covered the superstar singer's time on the Coachella stage, and came with a 40-track live album as well. This time, Bey is focusing on her 56-performance, 39-city world RENAISSANCE tour in support of the 2022 album of the same name. Now wrapped up after starting in Stockholm in Sweden in May and finishing in Kansas City, Missouri in the US on Sunday, October 1, the RENAISSANCE tour featured everything from 'Dangerously in Love 2', 'Cuff It', 'Formation' and 'Run the World (Girls)' to 'Crazy in Love', 'Love On Top', 'Drunk in Love' and 'America Has a Problem'. Given that audiences in Australia or New Zealand haven't experienced that setlist for themselves, with the tour skipping Down Under shows so far, RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ is the first chance for Bey fans in this part of the world to join in without heading overseas. "When I am performing, I am nothing but free," said Beyoncé in the concert film's initial trailer. "The goal for this tour was to create a place where everyone is free," the musician continued, in a sneak peek that includes behind-the-scenes glimpses, crowd shots and, of course, spectacular concert footage. In the latest trailer, Beyoncé expands upon her daily challenge. "In this world that is very male-dominated, I've had to be really tough to balance motherhood and being on the stage," shares the singer. RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ charts the tour from its first show until its last, as well as the hard work and technical mastery that went into it on- and off-stage, as 2.7-million-plus fans have seen in person. Check out the latest trailer for RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ below: RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ will release in cinemas Down Under from Friday, December 1 — head to the film's website for tickets and further details. Images: Julian Dakdouk / Mason Poole.
Getting tired of your usual nights out? Looking to shake up your routine? We've got just the ticket — four of them, in fact. We've teamed up with West HQ, the Western Sydney dining and entertainment hub that's home to a suite of stellar restaurants and leisure facilities, to give one lucky Concrete Playground reader the chance to enjoy a night out — or two – at the precinct. First up, you can win four platinum tickets to the Sydney International Ballet Gala. Whether you're a ballet lover or ballet-curious, you'll be dazzled by this spectacular showcase that'll present hundreds of years of ballet history on one stage. The repertoire, created by internationally acclaimed choreographers, will be performed by principal dancers and soloists from celebrated companies including The Australian Ballet, Royal New Zealand Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Berlin State Ballet, Dutch National Ballet and more. You'll see excerpts from some of the greatest classical and contemporary ballet works, as well as three world premieres and three Australian premieres during this stunning demonstration of artistry, elegance and technical precision. The performance will take place at West HQ's Sydney Coliseum Theatre, an internationally recognised, 2000-person seat theatre that's among the best in the west. To sweeten the deal, you'll also be greeted with a refreshment pack, which includes all manner of sweet treats and two bottles of mini Moët to enjoy during the show. The prize also includes a $400 voucher for Chu. A sibling to Woolloomooloo's award-winning China Doll, Chu presents contemporary interpretations of traditional pan-Asian dishes in a handsome 200-seat, 1940s Shanghai-inspired space. The menu includes highlights such as China Doll's celebrated lemon chicken, master stock pork belly with chilli caramel and nam pla and steamed Cone Bay barramundi fillet finished with ginger, soy and coriander, and is complemented by an equally impressive, three-Goblet-winning wine list. The best part? You can use the voucher at any time, whether for a pre-show banquet or a leisurely Sunday yum cha. Sound like a dream night out? Drop in your details below to go into the running. [competition]856221[/competition]
There's much that's wild and unlikely about Kneecap's story — the band, that is, but plenty of it fuels the movie of the same name, too. When Naoise Ó Cairealláin, aka the Irish-language trio's Móglaí Bap, was christened, the British Army thought that the ceremony was an IRA meeting, even bringing in a helicopter. When the Belfast group formed decades later, Móglaí Bap and Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, aka Mo Chara, found their third member in then-schoolteacher Jj Ó Dochartaigh, who took the moniker DJ Próvaí and dons a balaclava in the colours of the Irish flag onstage. Their first single 'C.E.A.R.T.A' was banned from the radio. They've now turned the whole ride so far into a big-screen music biopic. In said flick, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Próvaí all play themselves. It's true of Kneecap the band and Kneecap the film alike, of course: yes, their shared title springs from a form of violence well-known in the trio's parts during The Troubles. Leaning in in the name of subversion is one of the things that this threesome does best — and via their music and now their feature as well, they're passionate about reframing the way that the world thinks about their home city. Championing their mother tongue, and the sense of Northern Irish identity that it helps forge, is equally crucial. Roll all of that into a movie, then enlist Michael Fassbender (Next Goal Wins) and take some inspiration from Trainspotting, and the result is a blast of a picture — and one of the instant greats of its genre. Naturally, all of the details mentioned above — the christening, which made the newspapers; DJ Próvaí's background, plus his school's reaction to his side gig; the disdain from the airwaves; the texture of Belfast beyond the well-documented conflicts; the fight for the Irish language — were always going to be key elements of any silver-screen take on Kneecap, even a purposefully playful one that isn't afraid of diverting from the facts if it suits (director Rich Peppiatt has claimed is about 70-percent true). As Móglaí Bap and Mo Chara tell Concrete Playground, starring in the movie themselves felt just as inevitable. They call their on-screen parts the roles they were meant to play, which is a cracking line, but the proof is in the vibe and vitality of the film. The trio also co-wrote the feature with British filmmaker Peppiatt, who made their acquaintance by being persistent about trying to have a drink with them, and helmed their 'Guilty Conscience' music video. Ensuring that Kneecap reflected Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Próvaí, their tunes, their personalities, their experience, the causes they're committed to and their view of their hometown was obviously paramount. Ask Móglaí Bap and Mo Chara, too, if they ever thought that this was a path that Kneecap would take when they formed the band, and they joke about awards and recognition — "we knew the accolades were coming after the first song," says Mo Chara; "we're waiting on a Nobel Peace Prize next, hopefully," adds Móglaí Bap — but, when they get serious, they stress that hitting cinemas was all about making a movie for Belfast. "It's a very colloquial film with lots of slang, and lots of jokes that maybe people only from where we are from would understand. And we never dumbed that down. We never made it more digestible for anyone outside of Ireland in that way," explains Móglaí Bap. "And I think for that reason, we didn't think beyond Ireland. The movie was made for Ireland, for Belfast. And we didn't think beyond that. I think that's the reason that we created such an original, authentic movie, because we weren't looking outside of Ireland to try and make it more digestible. We're just making it for people like us." Adds Mo Chara: "I think a lot of funders would like to feel like if they give half a million towards the movie, they would like to feel like they've had half a million worth of input. And whenever you let many people have input, it waters it down. It becomes digestible for the world, but it means nobody likes it, and especially people from where you're from." Kneecap haven't had to worry about nobody liking their film. After picking up the NEXT Audience Award at Sundance, it earned the three main gongs at Galway Film Fleadh — the Audience Award, plus Best Irish Film and Best Irish-Language Film — which has never happened before in the fest's history. It's also in Oscar contention, selected as the country's submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 2025 Academy Awards. Across the whirlwind last eight months, the band released their second album Fine Art as well. In March 2025, they'll tour Australia for the first time. We also spoke with Móglaí Bap and Mo Chara about everything that this year has brought their way so far, the reaction to the movie in Belfast even before it hit cinemas, riffing on reality, taking a risk in bringing their story to the screen, dream casting, balancing everything they wanted in the film, enlisting Fassbender's involvement and more. On How 2024 Has Panned Out Since the Film Premiered at Sundance — and with a New Kneecap Album Out, Too Mo Chara: "We've been busy little boys. We've been very busy, but we're getting opportunities that not a lot of young people, especially where we're from, get. So we're enjoying it. We're loving it. We've seen a lot of the world that we would probably not have seen, Iceland and all sorts of places. So we're enjoying it. It's hard to balance the music and the movie at the same time, but we're giving it a good go." Móglaí Bap: "Ying and yang." On the Response to the Film in Belfast, Even Before It Hit Cinemas Mo Chara: "I feel like people in Belfast — well, most, the majority of people — are very proud of us, because Belfast is something that has always just been negative in world media. And it's seen as a place that's not very …" Móglaí Bap: "Progressive." Mo Chara: "… or fun or whatever it is, or that people do well or get creative in. So I feel like a lot of people, especially the older generation, they're all just very, very proud and they're very happy that there's two or three young people, or bands, coming up, or movies being made that show Belfast in not such a negative light all the time, even though there's negativity." Móglaí Bap: "There's a little bit, just like with anywhere." On Bringing Their Origin Story to the Screen, Riffing with Reality and Rich Peppiatt's 70-Percent True Claim Móglaí Bap: "He made that up, surely." Mo Chara: "70 percent — how the fuck does he judge that? But the origin story of Kneecap, though – we're not getting into the blurred lines, but 100 percent, DJ Próvaí was a teacher. And we released the song, and the school started finding out that he was the man behind the mask and sacked him, basically. That's true." Móglaí Bap: "And the police meetings and the Irish language legislation, and all these things. Most of the crazier stories in the movie are true. The christening at the very start of the movie with the British Army helicopter is based on a true story, that's based on my christening. I was christened on a mass rock. It was kind of like an altar made of stone hidden away in the forests when Catholicism was outlawed during the Penal Laws, and I got christened there in the 90s." Mo Chara: "The first christening there for 200 years." Móglaí Bap: "Yeah, the first mass there for 200 years. And the British Army thought there was some sort of IRA meeting going on." Mo Chara: "Like a training camp for the paramilitaries." Móglaí Bap: "And then they hovered above the procession for the whole time as being as being squirted with water by priest." Mo Chara: "I hope it was water." Móglaí Bap: "I think it was water, anyway. And they hovered there above the whole time. There's a newspaper article about it. It was quite an iconic moment. So like stories like that are based on truth, and we like to leave it there. But as Rich says, some of the crazier stories are based on truth." On Eventually Saying Yes to Rich Peppiatt's Persistent Efforts to Have a Drink with Kneecap — and How the Film Started From There Móglaí Bap: "We were very skeptical, of course, because Rich is obviously from England." Mo Chara: "Don't be so hard on him." Móglaí Bap: "And we're very skeptical of English people who want to profit off Irish people. So we kept him at arm's length for a while. But eventually, his arm reached across with a pint and we accepted it. It was from there that we got together very well. I think because Rich is from England is actually is his best quality. It sounds like a negative thing, but it was the best thing about him because he didn't come with any preconceived ideas of what we should represent or what culture we come from. He kind of left it to us to tell him. And because of that, there was a great line of communication in the back and forth. If we didn't feel that some scenes represented our culture or the youth culture, he would listen to us in that way. So there was a great communication between us and Rich, and he was very open director." Mo Chara: "He's done a great job portraying Belfast." Móglaí Bap: "Yeah, he did a great job of portraying Belfast — and portraying the modern era of Belfast and the youth in Belfast. So kudos to Rich." On Taking a Risk by Trusting Kneecap's Story to Any Filmmaker Mo Chara: "The biggest risk of all was the fact that our music career was on the up, and we were doing very well — well, very well for where we were at that time — and the last thing that we would have needed, for example, was a really cheesy, shit movie to come out that was hard to watch and made people cringe. Nobody's going to be able to take a music career seriously after doing a really shit film, I feel. So it was a risk we didn't need to take, but some risks are worth taking and we consider ourselves to be risk-takers. And we put a lot of trust in Rich — and I think Rich put a lot trust in us." Móglaí Bap: "It paid off for him." On the Decision to Play Themselves — and Dream Casting Ideas If That Didn't Pan Out Móglaí Bap: "I wanted to get Brad Pitt, but he was too old." Mo Chara: "He was too old, too ugly." Móglaí Bap: "And then Cillian Murphy, he was too small." Mo Chara: "As we always say, they were the roles we were born to play. So we were glad it was us and we felt like we were the only ones who could probably do it justice. It was funny, we got one of the reviews that said 'at the start I thought these actors were really good rappers. It actually just turns out that these rappers are really good actors'. So we fooled a lot of people with. I'm glad we did it." Móglaí Bap: "I think actually it still happens — during some of the film premieres, some people leave the movie still not knowing that we're an actual band and think that we're just a fake band that we created for the movie. So I think that's a good sign." On the Kind of Preparation That Goes Into Playing Yourself in Your First Acting Roles Mo Chara: "We got an unbelievable acting coach called Kieran Lagan. At the very start, it was a lot of warm-up games — and as Kieran would say, in acting, if you're in your head you're dead. You have to be present. You have to be in the room. There was a lot of staring into each other's eyes for five minutes. I don't know if you'll ever be close enough to somebody to do that. It's very awkward. And you have to describe each other's face and stuff. So there was a lot of really awkward games for us at the start. But by the end of this couple of months that we did, it became very therapeutic for us to go and do these sessions, and then we would leave and everybody would be in good form." Móglaí Bap: "We all nearly fell in love, because apparently if you stare into someone's eyes for ten minutes, you fall in love. I don't know if that's true." Mo Chara: "Speak for yourself." On Covering Kneecap's Lived Experiences, the Post-Troubles Reality in Northern Ireland, the Impact of the Police, the Campaign for the Irish Language to Be Recognised and More, All in One Film Mo Chara: "We had the term 'kill your babies'. So we would have some great ideas, but it just wasn't going to work in the film. So stuff that we really liked, we had to just cut it. And that's always tough. But I suppose that's the game. Even some scenes that were in it that have been cut that we really liked, because the the first draft was like two hours and 15 minutes. And so we went and had to cut loads of scenes. So that's always tricky. But yeah, there's a big political sphere here that we wanted to represent, but we just couldn't get everything in because it's such a complex history here. But we got what we felt was important to the story and what was important for people to understand the contacts of the of politics here. I think we got most of it across with the Irish Language Act, and the Unionist and Republican politicians." Móglaí Bap: "I think the core element of the movie, which we always came back to, is identity. Identity is so important, especially in post-colonial countries that do have Indigenous languages. Language and identity are all intertwined, and I think that's something that resonates with people. We've seen in America or places where they speak minority languages, that what resonates with them mostly is identity. And people I've met people who watch the film, they literally instantly either want to learn Irish or want to learn whatever their own Indigenous native language is. That's something that we're very proud of. That's the effect this movie is having." On Getting Michael Fassbender Onboard to Play Móglaí Bap's Father Dad Mo Chara: "It made the difference." Móglaí Bap: "He was completely starstruck when he met us." Mo Chara: "We always say that, that he was completely starstruck — but he actually was a fan of Kneecap. And I feel like he really liked the script. So it was amazing to have him. So we wrote the film. We were ready to go, basically, in a few months time, but COVID happened. So it put everything back a few years. But COVID actually in itself was a blessing, because it was after COVID or towards the end of COVID, that we got Fassbender involved. So COVID actually worked in our favour. But it made all the difference. It gave the film legitimacy, whenever you have such a big star like that involved. We already had Josie Walker [The Wonder, This Is Going to Hurt, Belfast] and Simone Kirby [The Buccaneers, Hidden Assets, His Dark Materials], who've done plenty of huge, huge roles as well. But Fassbender brought this new legitimacy to it. And also it meant anyone who was on set the day of Fassbender, everybody upped their game. Everybody wore their best clothes. The catering was better. Everyone acted better." Móglaí Bap: "We got real plates." Mo Chara: "We got real plates and cutlery." Móglaí Bap: "We got real forks and knives, instead of all the paper ones we were using." Mo Chara: "So it really just upped everyone's game, having him involved, and it it just pushed everyone just to strive to be better." Kneecap opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Images: Madman / Sony Pictures Classics.
Australia's hospitality scene has endured a tough couple of years, cycling through lockdowns, restrictions and stints where almost everyone in town seemed to be in isolation. But for diners keen for restaurant dishes without heading out, Providoor arrived with some sweet relief: an innovative new meal delivery platform that hit Sydney and Melbourne in 2020, and Brisbane earlier in 2022. Even now that being mandated to stay at home is a thing of the past, the service can still give you an eating-out level meal without leaving the house — and, as of Monday, October 17, on the same day that you order. Don't like planning too far ahead? As long as you place an order by 1pm daily, you'll be tucking into restaurant dishes in your own dining room that very evening. You do need to live within 15–20 kilometres of the city centre; however, if that's you, you can now enjoy a same-day feast from spots such as Manta, Gourmet Life and Lotus in Sydney; The Everleigh, Lona Misa and Maha in Melbourne; and Phoenix, Naim and Siffredi's in Brisbane. Providoor works with some of each city's best dining institutions, stepping up the takeout game by dropping high-end dishes to customers' doorsteps. The brainchild of Maha Chef-Owner Shane Delia, it drops off its chef-prepared meals via cold-freight within its service area. Then, once the dish is in your kitchen, you'll follow the supplied instructions to add the finishing touches: heating up a red pepper sauce, perhaps, popping some brisket in the oven for its final minutes of cooking or getting crafty with the plating up process. After that, voila! — the end result is a pretty close replica of what might arrive at your restaurant table, hot off the pass. No soggy dumplings or lukewarm potato in sight. "We are delighted to be able to expand the remit of Providoor's mission by offering same-day delivery to our customers. Our aim has always been to help the hospitality industry by opening new avenues of sales, and same-day delivery does just that by increasing consumer convenience," said Delia. "With this update, diners can take meal planning out of consideration, and simply decide what they feel like on the day, straight from the menus of their favourite restaurants." The lineup of venues taking part is impressive — and broader delivery areas include Sydney Metro, regional New South Wales including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Newcastle and Wollongong, and Byron Bay and Tweed Heads in NSW; Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Bellarine Peninsula, Gippsland, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and greater Geelong in Victoria; and Brisbane Metro, Gold Coast, Noosa, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba in Queensland. Providoor has also updated its website so that you can only see restaurants relevant to where you are, and also filter dishes according to dietary requirements, allergens and preparation time. For more information about Providoor, or to order via the service, head to its website.
Since Australia started easing out of COVID-19 lockdown, the country's internal border restrictions have earned plenty of attention. With tactics to stop the spread of the coronavirus implemented at a state-by-state level, each Aussie state has navigated the situation in its own way when it comes to letting non-residents visit. In Tasmania, that has meant strict quarantine requirements — which, for non-Tassie residents who aren't classified as essential travellers, entails spending 14 days in government-designated accommodation. If you're entering from a location considered high-risk, such as Victoria, it also requires pre-approval from the Deputy State Controller. As announced on Friday, October 2, Premier Peter Gutwein revealed that Tasmania will start to relax its border restrictions, with changes set to come into effect from Monday, October 26. As part of step two of the state's current three-step plan for reopening, it'll allow travellers from "low-risk COVID states" to enter under eased conditions — although it's yet to spell out exactly what that'll involve for those visiting. Still, Tasmania has advised exactly where it'll be opening up to. If you're eager for a holiday that definitely involves crossing a body of water — or you're thinking about attending Mona Foma in January — the state will open its borders to most of the country. It currently considers Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory to fall in the low-risk category — and has noted that New South Wales might possibly be on the list, too, depending on case numbers in the state. https://www.facebook.com/petergutweinmp/photos/a.1710247719193660/2691774364374319/?type=3&theater Premier Gutwein advised that "low-risk jurisdictions are determined by Public Health [Services] based on a number of factors, which include the period of time they have gone with low or no numbers of cases, and the lack of community transmission occurring in those jurisdictions". With that in mind, the state will "review the situation in New South Wales over the next week". If you're in Victoria, sadly the changes won't apply to you just yet. Premier Gutwein also noted that "border restrictions will remain in place for the foreseeable future with Victoria until we are satisfied that the risk has reduced to a lower level". Of course, Tasmania's reopening to any state is dependent on case numbers remaining low. "If at any time the situation changes in these states and the advice is that the risk is too high — then I won't hesitate to change this decision," the Premier said. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Tasmania, and the state's corresponding restrictions, visit its online COVID-19 hub.
UPDATE: APRIL 1, 2020 — Wild Life Sydney Zoo has announced it'll live stream its kangaroos Dot and Dusk on Thursday, April 2 at 2pm AEDT. The below article has been updated to reflect this. To help brighten up your newsfeed a little, Sydney's Sea Life Aquarium and Wild Life Zoo are live streaming playtime and feeding time with some of their cutest and scariest animals. We've previously met Pig the dugong and Rocky the 365-kilogram saltwater crocodile and, next up, are penguins and quokkas. At 11.30am AEDT on Thursday, March 26, you can watch the gentoo and king penguins slide around their icy home and gobble many fish via Sea Life Aquarium's Facebook page. You'll also have a chance to chat to their keeper Amy about all things sub-Antarctic penguin. It'll also be hosting Seahorse Week, which will kick off with a live-streaming of baby seahorses at 11.30am (AEDT) on Tuesday, March 31. To watch, head here. On Wild Life Zoo's Facebook page you'll get to hang out with Davey the quokka at 3pm AEDT on Friday, March 27. Then, at 2pm AEDT on Thursday, April 2, you'll catch its two kangas from Kangaroo Island, Dot and Dusk, enjoy playtime with their keepers Shania and Caroline. Thankfully, these aren't the only live-streams the zoo and aquarium are planning. Keep an eye on future cute (and maybe slightly scary) content, including possible shark feedings, penguin hangs and tropical fish tours. [caption id="attachment_765633" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pig the Dugong[/caption]
Sydney's home of perfect-for-every-occasion artisanal gifts Sorry Thanks I Love You (STILY) has been hosting free in-store yoga classes for the past four years. Now, with the closure of gyms across the country and increased social distancing, it's bringing them online. And, yes, they'll still be free. Running every Monday night at 6pm AEDT (for the foreseeable future), the Instagram live classes will be streamed on STILY's Instagram page and hosted by Misch Gomez. They'll run for an hour and give you a chance to wind down and get out of that Twitter hole (at least temporarily). If you don't have a mat, you can even roll out a towel — and get ready to get bendy. A benefit of doing the class at home, as STILY has pointed out, is that there's "no one noticing if you pause to take a sip of your gin and tonic". Well, except your cat, dog or green baby. [caption id="attachment_739127" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joey Clark[/caption] Top image: Rita Ince
Despite the scale of Australia, Aussies love to walk. There's loads of scenery, our cities are optimised for walking, and we have some beautiful tracks nationwide that are worth the lengthy trips to get there. With thick jungles, red deserts and stunning coastlines, we're spoilt for choice. One of the most spectacular is the mighty Three Capes Track. The 48km trail, found in far southeast Tasmania, takes you through the spectacular wilderness of Tassie and along the highest sea cliffs in the country. If you want to level up an already stunning experience, you can book with the Tasmanian Walking Company to sleep in a private eco-lodge and campsite along the track (rather than the public huts) to rest and recover in style between walking stretches. Now the good part: you can win two spots on the Three Capes Adventure with the Tasmanian Walking Company. This adventure includes experienced guides, lightweight packs, private accommodation, chef-curated meals, plus local beer and wine throughout the adventure. We're also throwing in a $1000 flight voucher to get you there and home, so all you need to worry about are the awesome views. To enter the giveaway, complete the form below. [competition]895873[/competition]
When it comes to experiencing the natural world and all its animals, what could be better than going on safari? Well, not much — except perhaps going on safari and then coming back to a luxury camp at the end of the day. That seems to be the thinking behind Kenya's new Loisaba Tented Camp, anyway. Not only do they want you to explore the wonders of the East African wilderness, but they want you to get a bit of infinity pool action at the same time. The camp comes from African accommodation company Elewana, who have a collection of luxury camps and lodges in Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. Located in the in Laikipia region of Kenya just north of Nairobi, it sits on a small, elevated part of the 56,000-acre Loisaba Conservancy, which affords some absolutely killer views across the Laikipia Plains to Mount Kenya. Just look at the view from the infinity pool. While you're enjoying this 360-degree eye candy, you'll be reclining in total comfort. The camp has six double luxury 'tents' (if you can call them that), as well as three family tents and a private residence that boasts its own private infinity pool and bar. Everyone staying at the secluded camp can access the other infinity pool though, as well as the on-site restaurant. They even have 'Starbeds', which can be rolled outdoors so you can sleep under the stars. But you won't just be relegated to your tent all day — there's many an activity to do. Loisaba offers all guests the opportunity to partake in bushwalks, mountain biking, camel riding, lion tracking, horse riding, fishing and local village excursions, among other activities. And if your next question is (rightly) about the camp's impact on the environment and its wildlife, you don't need to worry. The camp was set up with the support of The Nature Conservancy, and aims to use tourism to further protect the Loisaba Conservancy, its wildlife and communities. As well as being a sanctuary for over 700 elephants, the area also provides refuge for one of Kenya's most stable lion populations and helps protect species like Grevy's zebra, wild dogs, leopards and cheetahs. If you're already picturing yourself in that infinity pool, you'll want to know how must this thing costs. It's not cheap — prices start from $670 AUD per person per night — but that includes accommodation, transfers, taxes, booze and all activities. For more information about Elewana's Loisaba Tented Camp, visit their website.
New South Wales residents, it's holiday time. After a year largely spent staring at your own four walls, you probably don't need much motivation to head absolutely anywhere else, but the State Government is giving you some anyway. In an effort to encourage everyone to take a staycation, it's handing out $100 vouchers for accommodation in the Sydney CBD — to the tune of $20 million all up. The idea has two obvious aims: enticing folks in NSW to go venturing throughout the city, and helping support local businesses. Following similar moves in Victoria and Queensland over the past few months, the plan was announced today, Thursday, March 25, by Premier Gladys Berejiklian, as part of a broader tourism and events support package. A hefty 200,000 vouchers will be available, all worth $100 — and all to be used in Sydney's inner city. They'll be put up for grabs on a first come, first served basis, which is expected to happen around June (when things are usually a bit quieter, tourism-wise, and also when Sydney's new winter festival is slated to happen). Details are scarce for now otherwise, though. The government has revealed that you'll only be able to use the vouchers at registered accommodation providers, with a callout due to be put out to businesses in the coming weeks. That's when folks keen on a night in a hotel — and taking advantage of the state's soon-to-kick-in eased restrictions while spending time in the city — will learn how they can get their hands on the $100 vouchers, and exactly when they'll become available as well. "With international, interstate and business travellers virtually non-existent for the past year, the CBD, and in particular the accommodation industry, has done it tough," the Premier said. "This new program will be in addition to our other stimulus measures such as the Dine & Discover scheme, and will provide a boost to accommodation providers in what is a traditionally very quiet period." Premier Berejiklian also announced a number of measures to help the tourism, live music and events sectors — again, in broad strokes, with the minutiae set to be revealed at a later date. $24 million has been earmarked for tourism agency Destination NSW to administer a live music support package with Create NSW and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, $5.5 million is going to a business events industry support package to help businesses in Greater Sydney and across NSW, and $2 million will be put into a tourism industry marketing support package through the Love NSW campaign. For more information about the $100 accommodation vouchers and the NSW Government's new tourism, live music and events support measures, head to the government's website. We'll update you with further dates and details when they're announced.
With just three months until we find out who will officially ascend the Iron Throne, Game of Thrones fans are facing a bittersweet farewell as the final season of the cult show looms ever closer. While we may be eagerly awaiting to see who'll ultimately survive the winter, saying goodbye to the show forever will be harder than watching the Red Wedding on repeat. However, living for the thrills that come out of all this Westerosi drama won't be totally lost. Alas, a musical parody (or shall we say homage) is coming to Sydney, gracing the stage of a venue befitting so epic a story: the Sydney Opera House. The A Song of Ice and Fire series from mastermind George RR Martin is given new life in musical form, telling the tale of a group of avid fans preparing to watch the final season. When one reveals they are a GoT virgin, the rest of the group tell the story themselves — with music. From the acclaimed producers at Spark Creative, the brains behind Baby Wants Candy, Shamilton and 50 Shades! The Musical Parody, the show comes to Sydney after selling out in Edinburgh, New York and Chicago. Featuring an original score, a vast array of costumes to cover the forty characters played by the ensemble and wit sharper than Valyrian steel, this show is sure to be a hit with fans and those unknowing John Snows, alike. So call your banners, mount your dragons, blow your horn three times and march down to the Opera House to see whether or not Theon, Grey Worm and Varys have the vocal range their characters should. This 'Long Night' of lust, laughter and lacerations (and surely a few White Walkers for good measure) runs from Wednesday, June 5 to Sunday, June 23. Tickets are on sale now and start at $45.
The game is ending. That the deadly contest at the heart of Squid Game just keeps going, continuing to pit new batches of 456 players against each other in a battle to the death to win 45.6 billion won, sits at the heart of the award-winning Netflix hit — but the show itself is wrapping up. That the series will say goodbye with its third season was announced in 2024, as was the fact that its final run will arrive in 2025. The streaming platform has now confirmed exactly when: Friday, June 27. Mark your diaries — and get ready to see what happens next in Seong Gi-hun's (Lee Jung-jae, The Acolyte) quest to bring down those responsible for the killer contest. If you've watched season two, which dropped on Boxing Day 2024, then you'll know that Player 456 went back in the game with new fellow competitors for company, and also found himself closer to the person pulling the strings than he knew. Season three will see Gi-hun keep at his pursuit to stop the game. It'll also feature more of his nemesis Front Man's (Lee Byung-hun, The Magnificent Seven) attempts to thwart his plan. However their respective efforts pan out, the show's last run is also set to feature a finale written and directed by series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk. Squid Game is now Netflix's most-popular non-English show of all time; in fact, it holds both the first and second spots on the list, for its first and second seasons respectively. Money Heist season four is third, Lupin season one is fourth, while La Palma, Who Killed Sara? and Berlin are also in the top ten. That Squid Game is a smash isn't new news, of course. It proved such a huge success in its first season that Netflix was quick to confirm that more was on the way — even if season two arrived after a three-year gap. In the show's second season, Gong Yoo (Train to Busan) returned as the man in the suit who got Gi-hun into the game in the first place, as did Wi Ha-joon (Little Women) as detective Hwang Jun-ho, but a series about a deadly contest comes with a hefty bodycount. Accordingly, new faces were always going to be essential — which is where Yim Si-wan (Emergency Declaration), Kang Ha-neul (Insider), Park Sung-hoon (The Glory) and Yang Dong-geun (Yaksha: Ruthless Operations) all came in. If you've somehow missed all things Squid Game until now, even after it became bigger than everything from Stranger Things to Bridgerton, the Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning series serves up a puzzle-like storyline and unflinching savagery, which unsurprisingly makes quite the combination. It also steps into societal divides within South Korea, a topic that wasn't invented by Parasite, Bong Joon-ho's excellent Oscar-winning 2019 thriller, but has been given a boost after that stellar flick's success. As a result, it's easy to see thematic and narrative parallels between Parasite and Squid Game, although Netflix's highly addictive series goes with a Battle Royale and Hunger Games-style setup. Netflix turned the show's whole premise into an IRL competition series as well, which debuted in 2023 — without any murders, of course. Squid Game: The Challenge has already been picked up for a second season. There's no dedicated trailer for Squid Game season three yet, but you can watch a teaser Netflix's big returning 2025 shows below — and revisit the trailer from Squid Game season two: Squid Game season three streams via Netflix from Friday, June 27, 2025. Season one and two are available to stream now. Images: Netflix.
Sometimes, enjoying the music festival experience involves gumboots, picking the best outfit with the most pockets and dancing in huge crowds. At other times, it spans making shapes at home while pretending you're at the real thing. Yes, the latter has become familiar during the pandemic, but it's also been a way to live the Coachella life without heading to Indio, California for a decade now. And, with the fest returning in 2022, so is its YouTube livestream. Boasting a lineup headlined by Harry Styles, Billie Eilish and Swedish House Mafia with The Weeknd — as announced back in January, albeit with the latter pair now taking over Ye's slot — Coachella is finally back for its first fest since 2019. It'll unleash its impressive bill over the weekends of April 15–17 and April 22–24, which is Saturday, April 16–Monday, April 18 and Saturday, April 23–Monday, April 25 Down Under. So, if you haven't been fortunate enough to make the trip to America, that's your long weekend sorted for two weeks in a row. Wondering who to watch when? Coachella has just dropped its setlists if you're wondering which acts will be hitting the livestream on which days. Styles headlines the first day, Eilish does the second and Swedish House Mafia with The Weeknd are now leading the charge on the third — on both weekends. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coachella (@coachella) And, they're joined by a bonafide metric fucktonne of squealworthy acts, including Australia's own Flume, The Avalanches and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, plus Phoebe Bridgers, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Jamie xx, Run the Jewels, Fatboy Slim, Finneas and Joji, just to name a few. Also, when it dropped its set times overnight, Coachella just casually added Arcade Fire to the lineup. Of course, livestreaming music fests is no longer a novelty in these pandemic times but, given the calibre of Coachella's roster, it's still a mighty fine way to spend a weekend or two. And, YouTube will be adding live chats and artist interviews, aka the kinds of experiences that you wouldn't get if you were at the fest IRL. Coachella's return is a 'nature is healing' moment for the music industry, after a tough few years for festivals in general — and this one in particular. Coachella's 2020 event was postponed less than a month out, and later cancelled completely. And, plans to make a comeback in 2021 unsurprisingly didn't happen either. Coachella runs from April 15–17 and April 22–24 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. To watch the livestream, head to YouTube from 9am AEST / 11am NZST on Saturday, April 16 and Saturday, April 23. Top image: Roger Ho.
Ah, the bottom end of Australia – 'tis the land of many a trail to be traversed by ferry, car, foot….or mouth. It turns out Tasmania, especially, is the place to head if you wish to eat and drink your way around the land. We at Concrete Playground know this, having teamed up with Spirit of Tasmania to curate a smorgasbord of cellar doors, breweries, wineries and markets to more than wet your whistle if you're having a spell off the mainland, via our foodie road trips in Tasmania's east, northwest and northeast. Now, we're offering you the chance to get amongst all of the goodness of the latter. We're giving away a bonanza of tastings, accommodation and lunch, all for two people – so word your friend or partner up and enter. Up for grabs is a return sailing for two (and your car) on Spirit of Tasmania in your own personal cabin, a Premium Arras tasting for two (including a bottle of sparkling) at Bay of Fires Wines, one night's accommodation at The Trig — in a fancy solar-powered studio, with an outdoor bath overlooking the rolling valleys and farms — organic brekky at the hotel and lunch for two at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe. Basically prime fodder for the most romantic mini-getaway of your life (what says "romance" more than sailing the seas and cheersing your glasses of bubbly?), this is one you're going to be crossing your fingers and toes to get on – plus, the whole escapade is valued at over $1500. And it's not just for Melbourne folk either, if you live up in the lands of the north you could road trip down via this route – what's wrong with a little more indulging on the way? To enter, see details below. [competition]667967[/competition]
Turkish eatery Anason is the first permanent restaurant to open its sleek navy doors in the Barangaroo precinct. Nestled neatly in an unassuming alcove, Anason is immediately warm and inviting inside and out; the indoor area is largely dedicated to an open plan kitchen and wine storage so most diners eat outside in the open-air terrace. The innovative menu is stridently Turkish, showcasing authentic mezze plates characterised by bold flavours and even bolder colour palettes. The generous dishes crafted from fresh, local produce are designed for groups to share, which may be bad news for people who like to eat tiny meals alone. Anason invokes the bustling atmosphere of the meyhanes of Istanbul, but unfortunately the decor and music aren't enough to disguise the fact that you're eating in the middle of the soulless, futuristic ghost town that is the still-in-progress state of Barangaroo. While you peruse the list of local and imported Turkish wines, we recommend starting with a few dips and breads to share. A sesame seed-studded simit ($3 each) is served with creamy tarragon labne, and is simultaneously chewy and soft — it tastes like the delicious carby love child of a bagel and a loaf of sourdough. Meanwhile, both the Atom dip — which is served with a pool of burnt butter and dried Marash chillies — and the creamy pumpkin hummus topped with crispy salted chickpeas are large enough portions to justify ordering several toasted pita breads to mop them up with. For the larger dishes, Anason is plating up some seriously fresh foods from the sea. There's stuffed mussels brimming with wild rice and sweet currants ($18); according to owner and chef Somer Sivrioglu, these moreish morsels — intended to be tackled in a single bite — are the street food of choice after a Turkish bender. For those who prefer to eat their seafare with cutlery, the octopus with beetroot kisir ($20) is perfectly balanced and a stunning shade of magenta, while the whole calamari dolma can barely contain its delectable stuffing of feta, pistachios and sweet barberries ($28). It's served on a bed of avo-ghanoush, a curious blend of avocado and baba ghanoush, presumably intended for those who can tolerate heated avocado. If you're after something that hasn't spent a lifetime at sea, the cauliflower with walnut tarator and orange zest ($19) is a robust accompaniment that proves vegetables don't need to be relegated to side dishes, while our favourite is the lamb backstrap ($27). Served roughly sliced on a thick schmear of pureed eggplant begendi, the succulent lamb is impossibly tender and that perfect shade of blush pink that you only seem to see on ads funded by lamb lobbyists. If you've managed to save some stomach real estate for dessert, the poached quince with tart green apple sorbet ($15) was wonderfully light, while the creamy sutlac — a Turkish rice pudding with a caramelised top sprinkled with crispy pastry bits and hazelnuts — is the pudding equivalent of a toasty heated blanket. Unfortunately though, once you've had your fill, you have the unenviable task of ejecting yourself from a beautiful evening tucked away in what feels like a patio in Istanbul and returning to the desolate construction site of Barangaroo, where you wait alone on the street for a cab to take you back to civilisation.
In Westeros, and in books and TV shows that head to the fictional location, some things are simply inevitable. People saying "winter is coming" is one of them. Creepy relationships, whether because of gross age differences or blood ties, is another. Flowing long blonde hair is yet another certainty. People stabbing each other in the back for the Iron Throne ranks right up there, too. Indeed, there are so many predictable eventualities, you could make a drinking game out of watching new Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon — and we did. Here's something we should've included but didn't, though: House of the Dragon proving such a hit straight away that HBO has already renewed it for a second season. If you already been enjoying the show's jump back into House Targaryen's history, to 172 years before the birth of Daenerys and her whole dragon-flying, nephew-dating, power-seeking story, then rejoice — like winter, more is coming. Again, the news is hardly surprising, especially given that House of the Dragon's debut episode, which arrived on Monday, August 22, gave the US cable network its largest American audience for any new original series in the history of HBO. Yes, House of the Dragon is basically a case of new show, same squabbles, as it was easy to foresee it would be. Yes, it's pretty much Game of Thrones with different faces bearing now well-known surnames — and more dragons. And yes, this latest adaptation of George RR Martin's popular fantasy books is bound to continue on for more than just two seasons, but that's all that's confirmed for the moment. If you haven't yet caught up with the series, it dives into the battle for the Iron Throne before the one we all watched between 2011–19. Paddy Considine (The Third Day) plays King Viserys — and it's exactly who should be his heir that sparks all the Succession-style fuss. The words "succession" and "successor" (and "heir" as well) get bandied around constantly, naturally. The king has a daughter, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (played by Upright's Milly Alcock, then Mothering Sunday's Emma D'Arcy), who is also his first-born child. But because putting a woman on the throne isn't the done thing, the King's younger brother Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith, Morbius) considers that spiky iron chair his birthright. And, this wouldn't be Westeros if plenty of other people didn't have an opinion, including Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans, The King's Man), the Hand of the King; his own daughter Alicent (The Lost Girls' Emily Carey, then Slow Horses' Olivia Cooke); and Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint, It's a Sin), who is married to Princess Rhaenys Velaryon (Eve Best, Nurse Jackie), who had a better claim to the throne when Viserys was named king instead. All that feuding over the realm's spiky metal seat will continue across House of the Dragon's ten-episode first season, of course, before returning for a second go-around. HBO hasn't announced a date for the show's second patch of episodes, but you could bet all the wine in King's Landing on it arriving around this time in 2023. House of the Dragon is the culmination of years of planning to extend the GoT franchise by HBO. Firstly, the American cable network announced that it was considering five different prequel ideas. It then green-lit one to pilot stage, scrapped it and later picked a contender to run withL House of the Dragon. It has also opted to give novella series Tales of Dunk and Egg the TV treatment, too, and to work on an animated GoT show. And, it's been reported that another three prequels are also under consideration — plus a Jon Snow-focused sequel series. Check out the full House of the Dragon trailer below: House of the Dragon streams Down Under via Foxtel and Binge in Australia and SoHo, Sky Go and Neon in New Zealand. Read our full review of season one. Images: Ollie Upton/HBO.
"You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?" Jack Nicholson's (How Do You Know) version of the Joker asked in 1989's Batman, just because he liked the sound of it. Here's another question: have you ever seen the Tim Burton (Wednesday)-helmed, Michael Keaton (The Flash)-starring classic caped-crusader movie on the big screen with a live orchestra playing its score? Whatever your answer to the first query, you can soon respond to the second with a hearty yes. To celebrate 35 years since the superhero classic initially reached cinemas, Batman is making a silver-screen comeback Down Under to see out 2024 and start 2025 — and in each of its six stops, beginning in Melbourne then heading to Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Hobart and Sydney, it's giving the film's tunes the symphonic treatment. It's Batman in concert, with the movie playing, plus John Foreman's Australian Pops Orchestra, Southern Cross Symphony, Perth Symphony Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and The Metropolitan Orchestra picking up their instruments as the flick screens. They'll be busting out Danny Elfman's Grammy-nominated score, which is just one of the feature's music highlights. The other: songs by the one and only Prince. As well as marking three-and-a-half decades since the picture debuted, these concert screenings also commemorate 85 years of the character on the page — and have been announced just as Burton and Keaton reteam again for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. For the Batman Live in Concert sessions, audiences can follow the bat signal to Melbourne's Regent Theatre across Thursday, October 24–Saturday, October 26; AEC Arena in Adelaide across Wednesday, November 13–Thursday, November 14; Perth's PCEC Riverside Theatre on Friday, November 29–Saturday, November 30; the BCEC Great Hall in Brisbane from Tuesday December, 3–Wednesday, December 4; MyState Bank Arena in Hobart over Friday December, 13–Saturday, December 14; and ICC Sydney Theatre on Friday, January 10. Keaton's stint in Bruce Wayne's slick suits by day and Batman's cape by night kicked off a big-screen four-movie series that ran from 1989–1997, and also saw Val Kilmer (Top Gun: Maverick) and George Clooney (IF) inhabit the role — a character played elsewhere by everyone from Adam West and Christian Bale (Amsterdam) to Ben Affleck (Air) and Robert Pattinson (The Batman). As part of a global tour of events, only Batman going the concert route so far, not Batman Returns, Batman Forever or Batman and Robin. If you're keen to dress up to attend, that's encouraged — and there'll also be merchandise on sale. Batman Live in Concert Dates: Thursday, October 24–Saturday, October 26, 2024 — Regent Theatre, Melbourne with John Foreman's Australian Pops Orchestra Wednesday, November 13–Thursday, November 14, 2024 — AEC Arena, Adelaide with Southern Cross Symphony Friday, November 29–Saturday, November 30, 2024 — PCEC Riverside Theatre, Perth with Perth Symphony Orchestra Tuesday December, 3–Wednesday, December 4, 2024 — BCEC Great Hall, Brisbane with The Metropolitan Orchestra Friday December, 13–Saturday, December 14, 2024 — MyState Bank Arena, Hobart with Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Friday, January 10, 2025 — ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney with The Metropolitan Orchestra Batman Live in Concert is touring Australia from October 2024–January 2025. Head to the event website for tickets and further details.
Whether it's being time poor or just a little bit lazy, relying on the big supermarket chains for your weekly grocery shop is all too easy. But if you're becoming conscious of where and what products you're buying, it may be time to return to a good ol' fashioned neighbourhood grocer. We've teamed up with American Express to highlight some of Sydney's most impressive local grocers — to help you shop small. Many of them are still family owned and run, so not only will you be supporting the small guys but you're also buying from families that have been in the fruit and veg biz for generations. They really know their stuff, and they're passionate about sourcing fresh produce locally and sustainably, which means your goodies will be seasonal, grown by Aussie farmers and (hopefully) free from nasty additives. Plus, many have expanded their product range beyond the green goodies to include bread, eggs, deli products, pantry staples and other household items, so you'll actually be able to cross more off your shopping list than you expected. But if you really can't justify the extra time it may add to your trip to the shops, some offer home delivery, too. You've really got no excuses to get your five a day in.
Besuto is another exciting addition to Sydney's quickly expanding repertoire of omakase restaurants. For the uninitiated, omakase restaurants take the decision out of your hands, serving up multi-course set menus created daily by the head chef. What sets Besuto apart is the size — both of its venue and of its menu — boasting just 12 seats, each of which is presented with a mammoth 18-course meal. The Circular Quay spot comes from Joel Best (Bondi's Best) and Finnish celebrity chef Tomi Björck who have enlisted Hirofumi Fujita to helm the kitchen, crafting the intricate dining experience for each of the restaurant's guests. The menu combines both traditional and inventive takes on Japanese cuisine, with some dishes coming and going day-to-day while others remain consistent. [caption id="attachment_844913" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] Some elements you can expect no matter when you go: Glacier 51 toothfish marinated in miso, torowith caviar, spiced coconut and cauliflower soup and yuzu sake sorbet. Visitors can also expect sashimi and sushi curated each day based on what fish the team has chosen. "My belief is that seafood done right is one of life's great joys," Joel Best says. "Besuto offers the perfect canvas for Hiro to really get out of the box and show off his world-class artistry." Dassai Beyond and Seven Junmai Daiginjo complete the dining experience with a reserved wine list designed around the seafood-heavy menu also on offer. [caption id="attachment_886842" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Declan Blackall Photography[/caption] Hidden on the second level of the AMP Building, a few doors down from multi-storey mega venue Hinchcliff House, Besuto hosts two dinner seatings each day and a lunch seating on Fridays and Saturdays. The sleek venue boasts a tasteful dining room designed by Sydney hospitality design experts Guru Projects and centres around a large honey-hued dining table. Shoji curtains block the outside world for the restaurant's 12 diners, making each sitting feel intimate and private. Since opening in late 2021, bookings at Besuto have been filling up weeks in advance. Plan ahead and head to the restaurant's website to secure a table. [caption id="attachment_886846" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Declan Blackall Photography[/caption] Top images: Kitti Gould Appears in: The Best Japanese Restaurants in Sydney
