"Time is an open-ended narrative — there's no right or wrong way to experience the space. People make their own story and every person will experience it differently." This is how international street artist Rone (Tyrone Wright) describes his latest and most expansive beauty-meets-decay exhibition, which opens to the public tomorrow, Friday, October 28. More than three years in the making, Rone's ambitious new work will completely transform Flinders Street Station's hidden third floor and ballroom. "Flinders Street Ballroom is one of those urban legends — you hear people talk about it, rarely could you find a photograph of it, and access to it was near impossible," Rone says of Time's location. "When I began the process back in 2019, no one had really been up here for 40 years." [caption id="attachment_875111" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Switchboard Room, RONE's Time[/caption] Running with newly-announced extended exhibition dates until Sunday, April 23, 2023, Time is a masterclass in storytelling and imbued with history. Like a sentimental love letter to mid-century Melbourne, it invites audiences to time-travel back to post-WWII, its 11 themed rooms sharing fictional histories that shine a light on the working class. "I let the space and architecture inform the installation. For each building, I try to do something that feels like it has always been there — or belongs," Rone tells Concrete Playground. [caption id="attachment_875112" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: The Classroom, RONE's Time[/caption] "One of the biggest challenges was just the logistics — it's up on the third level, it's five flights of stairs, everything has to come through a very narrow doorway on an active train platform — so you can only move things when there's not a train at the station," Rone explains. "From the very beginning, I wasn't able to be onsite because of COVID — so I've only been in the space for about eight weeks ... I had to do it all offsite and on the computer in 3D before we actually constructed anything. So I designed something that could be built, and then taken apart into small pieces, and then reassembled." Each chamber is brought to life via a curation of original — and carefully recreated — heritage artifacts, lighting, soundscapes and historic architectural features; with the haunting female portraits that have become Rone's trademark. Prepare to be transported back to the public libraries, typing pools and machine rooms of yesteryear as you wander through the intricately designed spaces, pondering the meaning of time, progress and loss. [caption id="attachment_875121" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: The Typing Pool, RONE's Time[/caption] The major installation has taken a team of over 120 people several months to deliver, including long-time Rone contributors such as interior set decorator Carly Spooner and sound composer Nick Batterham. "Nick, who is the composer and did the sound — he engaged 12-15 musicians to record the composition, plus there's a sound engineer who designs the speaker layout and installation. Then there are five or six people who install all that — so there ends up being 20 people just for sound." [caption id="attachment_875120" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: The Work Room, RONE's Time[/caption] "There's been a couple of pieces that have really surprised me — that have been quite simple but come out really well, and quite beautiful," Rone says. Time follows similar large-scale transformations from Rone's famed back catalogue, including The Omega Project, which took over an abandoned Alphington cottage, and Empire, which transformed a deserted mansion in the Dandenongs. Both of these works presented imagined stories of the wealthy upper-class of old. The mysterious, long-closed Flinders Street Ballroom has enjoyed an artistic revival these past few years, having recently played host to Patricia Piccinini's otherworldly exhibition A Miracle Constantly Repeated. Find Rone's 'Time' at Level Three, Flinders Street Station, Melbourne, from October 28, 2022—April 23, 2023. Tickets are available online. Top image: The Glasshouse, part of 'Time', photo by Rone.
A new Paddington venture has just opened from Phil Wood, the ex-executive Chef of Rockpool for eight years and previous culinary director of Mornington Peninsula's much-loved Pt. Leo Estate. Initially announced back in May, Wood's first independent restaurant Ursula's is named after one of his family members who lived in the suburb. The bistro showcases Wood's exciting approach to dining while centring staples of modern Australian cuisine. Highlights from the menu include snapper, dressed with a Keen's Curry vinaigrette ($44) and margra lamb rump with brussels sprouts and mint sauce ($49) and fried Aphrodite halloumi ($30). The beef carpaccio is another must-try on the menu ($29). The dish, served with makrut lime and parmesan, is a tribute to a beloved menu item from Darcy's, the famed Italian restaurant that occupied the site of Ursula's for nearly 40 years. Sydney rock oysters ($6-8) and LP's smoked mortadella with crispy potato ($25) will easy you into the meal, while sweet selections like the strawberry and coconut flummery ($18) and golden syrup dumplings, served alongside a rum, raisin and malt cream ($20) light up the desserts menu. The venue looks to honour Australian dining and the storied history of the building Ursula's occupies. 92 Hargrave Street has housed several other chefs throughout its lifetime. Originally built in the late 19th century as a house and shop, in its first half-century, it was run as a pub and a grocer. D'Arcy Glover was the first restaurateur to take up residency with a Swiss eatery in 1968 before Attilio Marinangeli and Aldo Zuzza took over in 1975 with the opening of Darcy's Restaurant. The most recent restaurant to occupy the corner building was Guillaume Brahimi's flagship Sydney restaurant Guillaume. Brahimi made the dramatic move to Paddington in 2013 after running Guillaume out of the Sydney Opera House for over a decade. While the restaurant didn't last on Hargrave Street, Brahimi went on to take over fellow Paddington venue Four in the Hand and opened a Guillaume in the CBD. "It is an honour to be opening in a building with such a strong dining history that goes back over 50 years. These corner sites dotted throughout Paddington are so special and part of what makes the suburb a vibrant part of Sydney's story," Wood said when the venue was first announced. The restaurant is the work of Wood and his wife Lis Davies, and they'll soon be joined by John Laureti (Pt. Leo Estate, Rockpool) and Luke Cawsey (Saint Peter, Rockpool) in the kitchen, and restaurant manager Emily Towson (Fred's, Kepos & Co, Sixpenny). Inside the building, you'll find a classically fitted and welcoming dining space created in collaboration with Melbourne-based designer Brahman Perera. "Lis and I are absolutely thrilled to finally share our little restaurant with our neighbours and Sydney," said Wood. "We can't wait to see people enjoying long lunches in the beautiful dining room, and families and friends celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and just the joy of once again being together." Images: Nikki To
Brisbanites already know the joys of living in the River City, and now the rest of the world is catching up. In 2023, the Queensland capital keeps being named among the globe's top places, first thanks to TIME magazine, then scoring the only Australian place to stay on the first-ever World's Best's 50 Hotels list and now getting the tick of approval from Frommer's. The travel guide publisher has unveiled its 'Best Places to Go in 2024' rundown, which isn't ranked but does compile Frommer's top spots to put on your itinerary next year. "This year, Frommer's selections for the 'Best Places to Go' combine our growing hunger for fresh discovery, balanced with a rising need for affordability and accessibility. Frommer's authors, researchers and staffers around the globe have selected destinations that shine in our time and are expecting rising fortunes in 2024," the publisher advised. "Whether it's forging new inroads to previously isolated attractions, marking milestones in sustainability or cultural heritage, or basking in a previously denied spotlight, each destination on our Best Places to Go list could play a pivotal role in our shifting travel sensibilities in 2024." Why yes, #Brisbane DID make our list of the top places on the planet to visit in 2024. Here's why: https://t.co/WTtkE3e1I7 pic.twitter.com/ESX5PzzMjP — Frommer's (@Frommers) October 25, 2023 Fifteen places have received the nod, with Brisbane the only Australian location on the list. It's named second in a selection that the publisher notes is "in no particular order". The city earned some love partly for converting "the river into a world-class asset, devising new ways to go over, under and around the waterway — and show it off at new entertainment districts with dazzling views". Also mentioned: everything from the upcoming Queen's Wharf precinct to the existing Howard Smith Wharves, and also K'gari and Minjerribah. And yes, the fact that Brisbane is hosting the 2023 Olympic and Paralympic Games gets a shoutout as well. "Brisbane's reputation as a generic Aussie backwater is over. It belongs to the world now," Frommer's also states. Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has been quick to celebrate the latest global tick of approval for the River City. "Brisbane residents already know our city is the best place in the world to live and now the world knows it's Australia's best place to visit," said the Mayor. "People are flocking to Brisbane in record numbers to live so it's no surprise our city is being recognised as a world-class destination to visit too." "Brisbane's suburbs are great places to live and our city's incredible climate and world-class destinations like South Bank and Howard Smith Wharves are capturing hearts across the world. Our river city is on an incredible trajectory and this is just further recognition that Brisbane just keeps getting better." Brisbane's company among Frommer's 15 picks for 2024 includes The Cook Islands, Seville in Spain, Dresden and Chemnitz in Germany, Guanajuato in Mexico, Scotland's islands, Nepal, Prince Edward Island in Canada and Panama City, Panama. America is well represented thanks to the state of Kentucky, Santa Fe in New Mexico, the Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho, Glendale in Arizona, Utqiagvik in Alaska and Maui in Hawaii. For the full Frommer's Best Places to Go in 2024 list, head to the publication's website.
Rugby usually involves a few schooners at the pub after the game, but George Gregan's latest hospitality venture (also backed by Phil Waugh, David Wenham and Sam Neill) couldn't be further from a footy club bar room. A relatively new addition to the Neutral Bay café/wine bar scene, The Local Bar is as good for a relaxed breakfast and flat white as it is for a pre- or post-dinner drink and nibble. Tucked away on Young Lane just off Grosvenor Street, inside is ultra-modern but intimate with small tables that curl around the pressed metal bar. The tables on the footpath outside are perfectly positioned for the morning sun and something off the breakfast menu. Try the novelty of "fancy Weet-Bix" (really just Weet-Bix, banana and honey but nostalgically satisfying nonetheless) or something more substantial like boiled egg, jamon and rocket on toast. Jamon and other charcuterie meats take pride of place on the menu, used as a toast topping in the morning and on generous platters in the evening complemented by quality cheeses, cornichons and spiced almonds. The menu encourages matching charcuterie with one of the Spanish sherries on offer, with a sherry "flight" of four different kinds available for $13. The wine list is extensive and favours an Australian drop ,while the beer and cider selection is more international. Cocktails deserve a special mention with their playful names and enticing combinations. 'Lucky Lips' ($16) is a caipiroska with mashed kiwi fruit and vodka, and the 'Chilli Jam Margarita' ($16) gets its name from a mix of Tequila, Grand Marnier, fresh lime and chilli. It's hard to go wrong, though, with 'The Fish House Rum Punch' ($38) for 4 - a heart-warming jug of rum, cognac and "love."
Whether you're keen to cross completing a marathon off your bucket list or you're just looking for a wholesome and endorphin-inducing way to spend the weekend, there are plenty of must-run events taking place around Australia during the second half of the year. So, chuck on your very best activewear and get ready to clock some serious — or not so serious — kilometres at these events along the east coast. CITY2SURF, SYDNEY The annual City2Surf has called upon all Sydneysiders since its humble beginnings nearly 48 years ago, and this year shall be no different. The world's largest timed fun run has raised around $36 million for more than 900 charities since 2008 — and is aiming to raise a jaw-dropping $5 million this year alone. With more than 80,000 participants expected to tie up their laces and join the race, the City2Surf is a must-do for running enthusiasts. Owned and organised by the Sun Herald in partnership with Westpac, the 14-kilometre-long course starts from Sydney's Hyde Park, winds through the city streets, up the notorious Heartbreak Hill and through the eastern suburbs until it comes to a finish at glorious Bondi Beach. As you can tell, this isn't just your casual stroll through the park. Beyond the finish line, a beachside event awaits participants. Live entertainment, food vendors and cold beers await you. The City2Surf will take place on Sunday, August 12. You can register for the race here. RUN MELBOURNE, MELBOURNE This year, Run Melbourne will celebrate its 11th birthday with a two-day running festival — and it features live music and delicious food pop-ups as well as the race. As one of Australia's most iconic winter running festivals, Run Melbourne attracts both super fit athletes and casual Tan strollers alike. More than 175,000 runners have participated in this famed Melbourne running event since its inception — raising roughly $12 million for more than 400 charities to date. Organised in partnership with Lululemon, the course includes three race options: five kilometres, ten kilometres and a hefty half marathon. Run Melbourne will commence in the heart of the city at Federation Square, taking participants past Melbourne landmarks including the MCG, Rod Laver Area and South Wharf before finishing up at Birrarung Marr. Run Melbourne kicks off with the Friendship Dash on Saturday, July 28 with the main race taking place the following day, Sunday, July 29. Register for the Run Melbourne events here. THE COLOR RUN, NATIONAL Founded as a way to promote happiness and health, this five-kilometre-long run involves splashes of colour to distract you from the fact that you're, you know, exercising. All participants are asked to wear white t-shirts and embrace the colour pigment that's blasted at them at various points during the race. This is sweaty exercise disguised as straight-up fun. With a party at the beginning, a party at the end, and four colour zones to dance your way through — the fun never stops, and neither do your legs. The Color Run now takes place in more than 35 countries worldwide, attracting six million runners across the globe. This year it'll run races in Melbourne, Sydney, the Gold Coast and Perth. The Color Run will happen on the Gold Coast on Sunday, August 19; Sydney on Sunday, October 7; and Melbourne on Sunday, November 25. You can register for the events here. SYDNEY RUNNING FESTIVAL, SYDNEY On this Sydney track runners are afforded postcard-like views of the city while running on one of Australia's most iconic landmarks: the Harbour Bridge. With four events — the Marathon (42.2 kilometres), Half Marathon (21 kilometres), Bridge Run (nine kilometres) and the Family Fun Run (3.5 kilometres) — it doesn't matter whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting your running journey. Post-event, all runners and their family and friends are invited to celebrate their achievements in the recovery village located in the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Blackmores Running Festival kicks off on Sunday, September 16. You can register for the races here. BRISBANE MARATHON FESTIVAL, BRISBANE A run is always made better by a scenic view — whether it's keeping you motivated, or distracted from your athletic endeavours, a pretty landscape makes all the difference. The Brisbane Marathon Festival provides running experts and novices with exactly that. Runners and walkers descend on the streets of the Brisbane CBD for this annual event, enjoying full closure of major city streets to experience a marathon event of epic proportion. The course has three duration options — the marathon, the half marathon and the ten-kilometre race — and whether you're from Brisbane or interstate, it's the best way to see the city in all its glory. The Brisbane Marathon will take place on Sunday, August 12. You can register for the marathon here. MELBOURNE MARATHON FESTIVAL, MELBOURNE The Melbourne Marathon Festival started back in the 70s and is a favoured annual running event for many Melburnians. The races vary in length and difficulty — the shortest event being a three-kilometre walk — and the flat course is perfect for less-experienced runners. The track spans the Melbourne CBD and gives runners an opportunity to experience the city's famous landmarks, feet first — from the St Kilda beach foreshore to the MCG, there's plenty to see. Take part on your own, as a team or with colleagues, and help raise funds for the Cerebal Palsy Education Centre, or a charity of your choice. The Melbourne Marathon Festival will take place on Sunday, October 14. You can register for the race here. [caption id="attachment_677471" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flickr.[/caption] PUB2PUB CHARITY RUN, SYDNEY The annual Pub2Pub is arguably one of the most scenic runs in Sydney boasting spectacular beach views. Celebrating its 27th birthday this year, the running festival has raised more than $3.5 million for local northern beaches' charities. Whether you consider yourself an avid runner or more of a leisurely stroller, Pub2Pub has three course options available to satisfy all types of runners: Dee Why Beach (13 kilometres), Warriewood (six kilometres), and Mona Vale (three kilometres). Beyond the finish line, on the shores of Newport Beach, a huge family-friendly festival awaits with live music, a licensed bar, an array of food vendors, fun rides and games. The Pub2Pub Charity run kicks off on Sunday, August 26. You can register for the run here.
Blackwattle Bay might not be anywhere near the Aegean Sea, but Hamsi Taverna brings the spirit of a Turkish seaside tavern to the new Sydney Fish Market. One of the flagship dining venues of the $836-million development, the (naturally) seafood-forward restaurant comes from chef Somer Sivrioğlu — Anason, Maydanoz and a co-host of MasterChef Türkiye — and channels the rhythm of relaxed coastal dining, from lingering lunches to breezy evenings by the water. Named after the Black Sea anchovy, Hamsi centres its menu on market-fresh seafood cooked over flame. Expect a lineup of generous, share-friendly plates, from a procession of crudo and mezze — think: oysters with sumac mignonette, poached prawns with taramasalata and pistachio, and house pide topped with pickled anchovies and cherry tomatoes — to larger signatures like baked vodka-sauce conchiglie with spanner crab, charred lobster with sujuk butter and swordfish steak finished with veal demi-glaze. Elsewhere, a handful of familiar dishes from Sivrioğlu's other venues appear in reworked form, including kadayif prawns with muhammara, imam bayildi and chargrilled whole fish with lemon butter. To drink, an extensive wine list balances Australian producers and Old World European bottles, while an impressive by-the-glass selection encourages exploration. The airy dining room, designed by Alkot Studio, leans into its waterfront setting with marine-toned interiors and an open kitchen that keeps things humming. By day, the venue works as a pitstop for shoppers and market visitors — come evening, when the lights lower and the mood shifts, it's primed for golden-hour cocktails and breezy dinners as DJs spin coastal beats.
For the second year in a row, Darling Harbour's Tumbalong Park is getting in on the Vivid Sydney action with the introduction of Tumbalong Nights. From Thursday to Saturday throughout the festival — plus Sunday, June 11 — you can enjoy performances from the very heart of the Light Walk. The 12 nights of free live music span exciting up-and-coming artists through to established Australian faves of all kinds of sounds and genres. The program will kick off with a night of hazy pop for fans of the sounds of Lana Del Ray and Lorde with the dynamic duo of shoegaze hitmaker Hatchie and local indie-pop group Egoism on Friday, May 26. [caption id="attachment_899339" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hatchie by Lissyelle[/caption] Other highlights include legendary Yolngu supergroup Yothu Yindi with Ziggy Ramo on Saturday, May 27; an R&B match made in heaven of Kaiit and Chanel Loren; a night of hook-heavy ballads with Dan Sultan and Cala Wehbe on Saturday, June 10; and Japanese cult-producer Cornelius with support from psych-rock band Nice Biscuit. On Friday, June 2, triple j is celebrating 15 years of Unearthed High with a one-off showcase of some of the best artists to come out of the annual program featuring Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Lastlings, JACOTÉNE and Arno Faraji. Plus, each Saturday during the festival, there'll be free kids music from 5pm as a curtain-raiser for the main acts, with Zindzi & the Zillionaires, Junkyard Beats, Peter Combe and the Bellyflop in a Pizza Band, and Tiptoe Giants all popping up. Explore the program at Vivid's website. Top image: Destination NSW
Callan Park, the beloved Inner West parkland that used to be home to a psychiatric hospital, is looking at a bright future thanks to the planned upgrades from Greater Sydney Parklands, which have now been finalised. The short version? More native greenery, a cafe, timings for the tidal baths and upgrades on the iconic Bay Run. The 61-hectare parkland on the harbour shore of Lilyfield, once known as Callan Park Hospital for the Insane, has been earmarked for upgrades for a while now. There's a major focus on maintaining the park's history, and adding new spaces and opportunities for the 300,000-and-counting residents who live nearby. The park's iconic green spaces are home to a lot of introduced species, and one of the sticking points for Lilyfield locals was the need to restore native bushland in the park. A special focus has also been placed on the area's cultural significance and First Nations archaeology, especially on the Parramatta River foreshore, which will be maintained with oversight from First Nations custodians. [caption id="attachment_892353" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Greater Sydney Parklands[/caption] The big issue for anyone who's been following this story is the park's strict ban on commercial activity, which could be scrapped entirely. Historically, only not-for-profit activity has been allowed in the park, but the management plan includes turning one heritage building into a cafe, which has been debated even at the parliamentary level. According to the ABC, the plan was brought before the NSW Parliament, where the Minister for Planning and Public Space, Paul Scully, said the public now expects commercial sites in public spaces (right now, you have to head to Balmain Road for the nearest food and drink options). While the Member for Balmain, Kobi Shetty, was concerned the changes undermine the park's identity, Liberal MP Mark Hodges argued that limited commercial activity "can, and should, play a role in supporting the long-term maintenance and activation of these spaces." [caption id="attachment_1103250" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] DoNk3y via Flickr[/caption] Whether visitors want coffee close by or not, the majority want to run. In 2023, half of all visitors to the park were on the popular Bay Run path. Now, those regulars (about 5,000 a day) can expect less cars, dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, more shade and a cooling off spot at the previously announced tidal baths. As confirmed last month, those baths are still on track to begin construction in June, adding a new spot for harbour swimming to the area sometime this summer. There's also a planned community sports facility in an old repatriation ward, which will add to the sports fields and facilities that are already used year-round. Visitors will also be able to enjoy an extra 1.6 hectares of open green space after nine derelict buildings are removed, giving you even more space to enjoy one of Sydney's most popular parks. Community consultation on the plan, which you can read in full here, is open until Sunday, June 21. Lead image: Warwick King via iStock
CONCRETE PLAYGROUND: In The Guest Edit, we hand the reins over to some of the most interesting, tasteful and (or) entertaining people in Australia and New Zealand. For this instalment, we've enlisted help from Sheet Society founder and interior design extraordinaire Hayley Worley. The Melbourne-based owner and creative has put pen to (digital) paper, outlining the biggest colour and pattern trends of the year, as well as tips on how to incorporate them around your home. HAYLEY WORLEY: The best part of my job is that I get to surround myself with inspirational fashion, interiors and design. While I'm a big fan of staple colours that will never go out of style, I'm equally excited by new, fresh and fashionable prints. It's really important to me and for my creative and design process, that I love and find joy in the things I surround myself with. There's nothing quite like putting on your favourite dress or jumping into a new bed of fresh sheets as a moment of pleasure. My picks for Concrete Playground are all things that have recently made me happy — including making my kids happy too! CHECKERBOARD PRINT This is a huge trend that we don't see going anywhere, anytime soon. If you're looking for an easy place to start, the Sheet Society Margot print is the perfect fashionable update to your bed in a really easy-to-style Camel colour. I've got lots of Sheet Society colours (as you can imagine!) and Margot pairs with pretty much anything. I've currently got it on my bed with Sage and Blush. HAND-PAINTED MOTIFS Sheet Society collaborated with Annie Everingham last year on a beautiful bedding collection, and her latest collaboration with Alemais is such a goodie. Her hand-painted motifs have been used across a wide range of fashion styles and I wore this pink one to my birthday a few weeks ago. It's currently out of stock on Alemais, but is available on Selfridges & Co here. Sheet Society also releases a limited edition collaboration each year and this year we partnered with local artist Lahni Barass, on a collection called Sleep Patterns. It's available here. BLUSH We have a one- and a three-year-old and it's often hard to find kids clothes that are bright or have loud prints. I adore the Aussie brand ByBillie, they've got a really great palette to choose from and a strong range of styles. I recently bought both kids matching Joey Jackets in blush and they are just so adorable. SAGE I've currently got our Sage blanket on, which not only looks great, but it's the extra cosiness I need (and grab for) in the middle of the night. Right in the middle of Melbourne winter, I definitely need to add a few extra layers. It has two layers of our French Flax Eve Linen with a plump quilted wadding inside and feels super lush. Pictured here with a divine Ella Reweti vase. OFF-WHITE I had an absolute blast picking out furniture for our new store in Armadale. Our interior designers, Golden, worked really well and collaborated closely with us to develop a soft furnishing plan that spoke to the Armadale customer, while staying true to Sheet Society. This Gatto lamp, designed by Floss, was one of our 'splurge' items. We also used it in our latest winter campaign, styled with our new-season teal colour. Perfection!
The first stage of The Royal, the long-running Bondi pub, reopened in September, with punters able to quench their thirst yet again with daiquiris, espresso martinis and many take-home wines from the attached bottle-o. However, it's the pub's eatery we had all been waiting patiently for — and with Merivale steering the ship, we knew it wasn't going to be a half-hearted effort. And you'll be happy to know, now that it's open, it's suitably impressive. Chefs Mike Eggert (Mr Liquor's Dirty Italian Disco, Pinbone) and Khan Danis (who worked at Rockpool alongside Neil Perry for 20 years) are heading up the kitchen of the Totti's, a casual Mediterranean-style eatery serving up pasta aplenty, woodfired breads and classic Italian cocktails. The food is a more mature version of that served at Dirty Disco — the six-month pop-up at The Tennyson Hotel, and the first collab between Eggert and Merivale — with the menu aimed at convivial sharing. Cooked-to-order Italian flatbreads come straight from the woodfired oven to the table, to rip and tear alongside small plates of house-made charcuterie and Italian cheeses. Pasta, a focus at Dirty Disco, is also central to the food offering here, with dishes like rigatoni with milk-braised pork belly, prawn casarecce and twists on classics, such as lamb ragu. A Josper oven (part grill, part oven) fires most of the proteins, including fish, Bannockburn chicken and schnitzels charred to perfection, and sides include a radicchio and orange salad and baked eggplant with chilli. And remember that polenta, corn and chervil side that stole our stomachs at Dirty Disco? We can confirm that's made a comeback, too. Another aspect of the eatery similar to Dirty Disco is the drinks. While there's no walk-in fridge — you'll have to head over to The Tennyson's latest pop-up for that — the pub's in-house bottle shop allows the eatery to have an extensive wine list, with house wines, naturals, biodynamics and higher-end varieties, all available by the carafe. Hop fans are taken care of with a long list of local beers and Mediterranean classics, such as negronis, and peach bellinis, will please the cocktail devotees. The 185-seater restaurant and courtyard might seem mammoth, but Eggert maintains that it still feels like your local. "It's a big version of a small trattoria", says Eggert. "We want people to come in and be able to have a great bottle of wine with a steak, and still be in their clothes from the beach." The skylight and big alfresco area take inspiration from a taverna on the Mediterranean sea, with huge olive trees taking centre stage to really set the scene. Images: Nikki To. You'll find Totti's in our list of the best degustations in Sydney. Check out the full list here.
Forget grey. Come October-November, the Northern Rivers of New South Wales will be covered in 50 shades of purple when the historic town of Grafton gives off big main character energy through its annual showcase of violet-hued blooms. With roots as the oldest floral festival in the country, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival really knows what it takes to celebrate one of Australia's most-loved flowers. And, for one week between Friday, 27 October and Sunday, 5 November, visitors and locals alike will line the main street of Grafton to watch the annual float parade, settle in for a round of drag queen bingo (complete with lavender eyeshadow), enjoy a lazy long lunch underneath a floral lilac canopy or watch the beautiful trees of See Park illuminated as the sun goes down. While the fest will feature a mix of ticketed and free activities, if there's one event which we recommend committing to, it's Jacaranda Thursday. On this day Grafton's main street will close down as people meander throughout the CBD, soak up the atmosphere and simply stop and smell the jacarandas. The Grafton Jacaranda Festival will run from Friday, 27 October and Sunday, 5 November 2023. For the full event program visit their website.
Sydney's cultural scene hits full stride in summer, when theatres, galleries, parks and inner-city streets light up with blockbuster musicals, bold new exhibitions and major festivals. Whether you're in the mood for a time-travelling stage spectacular, a boundary-pushing gallery show or a night out at one of the city's biggest cultural celebrations, there's something happening in nearly every corner of Sydney. To help you plan your season, we've pulled together six standout events and paired each one with nearby places to help you make a day — or night — of it. Consider this your roadmap to experiencing Sydney at its most creative and colourful. [caption id="attachment_1048999" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] Back to the Future: The Musical Why it's unmissable Great Scott! The DeLorean has arrived in Australia, bringing high-voltage sets and nostalgia-driven humour to the Sydney Lyric. Featuring music and lyrics by OG Back to the Future composer Alan Silvestri and acclaimed songwriter Glen Ballard (Jagged Little Pill the Musical), plus a book by Gale — who co-penned all three Back to the Future film scripts with filmmaker Robert Zemeckis — the Olivier Award-winning Back to the Future: The Musical is summer's blockbuster musical moment. Find out more here. Make a night of it Start your evening with pasta and a spritz on the breezy waterfront terrace — the largest in Barangaroo — at Gina. The sun-washed venue takes its cues from the classic coastal trattorias of the Amalfi Coast, serving daily handmade pasta, cold cuts sliced to order and crowd-pleasing Italian classics. Its position on the ferry pier also means a swift (and scenic) trip across the harbour will set you down in Pyrmont just steps from the theatre. Extend your stay Extend your night out with a stay at Sofitel Darling Harbour, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the skyline and the rooftop infinity pool delivers some of the best sunrise views in the city. It's an elegant, easy base just a short stroll from the theatre — and puts you right in the heart of Pyrmont and Darling Harbour's buzzy dining and lifestyle scenes. RELICS: A New World Rises Why it's unmissable Running at the Australian Museum, RELICS: A New World Rises goes far beyond your average LEGO® exhibit. Created by Alex Towler and Jackson Harvey (2020 winners of Channel 9's LEGO® Masters), it blends the iconic bricks with real-world objects like you've never seen before, transforming pre-loved everyday items into 14 immersive mini civilisations. Find out more here. Make a day of it After the exhibition, take things sky-high at Infinity by Mark Best — a scenic stroll through Hyde Park from the museum — where, from the 81st floor of Sydney Tower, the Harbour City feels like its own miniature civilisation. Its elegant Modern Australian menu showcases local produce in clever, technique-driven dishes — a fitting follow-up to an exhibition that asks you to look closer at the worlds we build. [caption id="attachment_1018817" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Loucas[/caption] Then, ease back down to street level and wander over to Library Bar, the State Library's rooftop hideaway overlooking the treetops of Macquarie Street. It's an easygoing spot for a summer sundowner, with spritzes, snacks and views that pair perfectly with a slow end to the afternoon. Sydney Festival Why it's unmissable Sydney Festival turns 50 in 2026, and it's marking the milestone with a citywide celebration of culture and connection. From January 8–25, the annual summer spectacular will take over stages, parks and galleries — plus unexpected spaces like alleyways, pools and even a working funeral home — for a three-week program spanning theatre, dance, music, cabaret, visual art and immersive experiences. It's one of the most exciting times to be out in the city, with something happening in nearly every corner. Find out more here. Make a day of it Sydney Festival is built for days spent wandering between performances and pop-ups, so start early with brunch or a breezy lunch in whichever pocket of the city your show is in. If you're headed to Walsh Bay, a waterside spot like Barangaroo seafood favourite love.fish sets the tone; for a show in the CBD or around Town Hall, enjoy a pre-show snack and sip at contemporary Greek spot Ela Ela, or slip into elegant fast fine-dining spot Ette for an aperitivo and creative snack before the curtain goes up. Follow the festival trail Post-show, drift along the Festival trail and hop between neighbourhoods as the night builds. That could mean a sunset drink at InterContinental Sydney's rooftop stunner Aster before an event in The Rocks, or a stop at vibey Chippendale fave Bar Freda's for a spicy watermelon marg slushie — and maybe even a cheeky boogie — ahead of a late-night gig at Carriageworks. [caption id="attachment_1046924" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of the 'Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890–1940' exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, 11 October 2025 – 15 February 2026, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Anna Kučera[/caption] Dangerously Modern Why it's unmissable The Art Gallery of NSW is spotlighting an often-overlooked chapter of Australian art history with its summer blockbuster Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890–1940. This landmark exhibition showcases more than 200 works by 50 pioneering women who left Australia to embed themselves in the studios, salons and artist colonies of Europe's cultural capitals, where they experimented and exhibited long before modernism took hold back home. The show traces how these experiences shaped their practices, and how they returned with ideas that helped reshape Australia's artistic landscape. Find out more here. Make a night of it With two-for-one tickets on offer for Art After Hours on Wednesdays, the gallery is an ideal spot to kick off a chic midweek date night. Afterwards, channel the spirit of Europe's late-night salons and slip into Letra House, Kent Street's moody underground tapas bar. Head in for a pick from its ever-evolving 50-bottle wine list, and pair it with a selection of ingredient-driven small plates like raw scampi tostada, duck liver parfait with pickled rhubarb and brandy snap, or socarrat with firefly squid, broadbean and garlic. Nightcap? Take a short stroll around the corner to Bar Herbs, which pours classic and flavour-forward martinis in a neon-hued subterranean space that hums until the small hours. Extend your stay Turn your date night into a mini-escape with a stay at W Sydney, where boundary-pushing design and statement-making interiors pick up right where your gallery visit left off. The hotel's striking architecture, curated art moments and rooftop infinity pool overlooking Darling Harbour will keep you perfectly primed to carry that creative spark into the next day. Tropfest Why it's unmissable Following a six-year hiatus, the world's biggest short-film festival returns to Centennial Park this summer. And while the world has changed quite a bit since its last outing in 2019, Tropfest's core mission remains unchanged: to give filmmakers at any stage of their careers a genuinely global platform — and to do it at a free, openair event that welcomes everyone. Find out more here. Make a night of it Centennial Park's position smack-bang in the middle of the eastern suburbs means you're on the doorstep of Double Bay's buzzy dining scene. Stop by Neil Perry's big-swinging Italian restaurant Gran Torino for handmade pasta and a show-stopping tiramisu in a historic setting, or settle in for a perfectly cooked steak at Perry's sleek Mod Oz fine diner Margaret, just up the street. [caption id="attachment_1017635" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yusuke Oba[/caption] If dinner by the sea is more the mood, head east and grab a table at Rocker, North Bondi's breezy all-day diner featuring coastal Mediterranean-inspired plates, natural wines and a solid cocktail lineup that includes eight types of margarita — plus one of the more impressive Sunday roasts in town. [caption id="attachment_978660" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joseph Mayers[/caption] Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade Why it's unmissable Sydney's most colourful pride parade returns to the streets of Darlinghurst for its 48th edition in February, transforming Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade into a glittering celebration of visibility, power and joy. With thousands of marchers and dozens of flamboyant floats, the night pulses with energy — and it's completely free to watch, making it one of Sydney's most accessible major events. The theme guiding the parade's 48th edition is ECSTATICA, which celebrates joy as power, protest and connection. Find out more here. Before the parade Set the tone early in Darlinghurst, where street-front tables start filling long before the first float hits Oxford Street. Ease into the night at The Waratah, the cosy two-storey bar known for its native ingredient-starring cocktails and fun bar snacks (pictured below). Or, take a seat at L'Avant Cave, Oxford Street Paddington's charming courtyard wine bar pouring standout drops by the glass and nostalgic French-leaning bites. If you're coming in via Surry Hills, The Art Syndicate serves wines, beers and spirits exclusively from NSW in an intimate art gallery just behind Taylor Square. For a more low-key warm-up, 40Res offers a seasonally evolving menu built around local ingredients and a sharp list of Australian and European from boutique producers — all in an understated, dimly lit room that contrasts beautifully with the technicolour chaos of the festivities outside. [caption id="attachment_929493" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Loucas[/caption] After the parade When the glitter settles, head up to Monica, Paddington's 1960s Hollywood-inspired rooftop bar overlooking Oxford Street, for skyline views and a party-ready drinks list. It's perched above the personality-packed 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia, a handy spot to crash after one of the city's biggest parties. When you resurface, stroll down to Surry Hills stalwart Bills for a breezy brunch — the signature ricotta hotcakes, corn fritters and velvety scrambled eggs are an ideal way to fuel your debrief from the night before. Ready to feel the Sydney side of summer? Discover the full calendar of what's on across the city at sydney.com. Top image: Anna Kučera.
A Bondi institution for more than two decades, the Beach Road Hotel is one of the only venues the eastern suburbs for free live music, with bands blowing the roof off their bandroom most nights of the week — they get some pretty great acts, and they're almost always free. On the weekend you'll find the front bar packed with enthusiastic sports fans watching their game of choice on one of several screens, while outdoors you'll discover the venue's enormous, sun-soaked beer garden. The latter has long been a preferred destination of locals and backpackers looking to enjoy a few bevs in the sunshine — and with more than 20 different beers available by the bottle, plus a recently refurbished cocktail bar, you shouldn't have any trouble finding something decent to drink. If you're hungry, they've got a rock solid menu and their daily specials include all your typical pub favourites, including tacos, cheeseburgers and, of course, the humble parma.
Run by couple Carla Soriano and Ben Mora, Paper Plane whisks you away from Parramatta's busy city streets into a cosy farmhouse, dotted with fresh flowers and warm timber. Back in 2013, the two quit their fast-paced corporate jobs and spent a year travelling overseas, before deciding to devote themselves to cafe life. Slide into your morning with a cup of Picasso Blend, a buttery brew with sweet caramel notes, created by Beaconsfield's Numero Uno Coffee Roasters. When it comes to ordering food, chances are, you'll be eyeing off everyone else's plates, loaded with piles of bright, colourful deliciousness, before making your decision. If you're ravenous, go for the Big Breakfast, a mountain of eggs, bacon, chorizo, hash brown, mushrooms and tomatoes on sourdough. For lighter eaters, there's a bunch of delightful morsels to choose from, including the Monte Cristo – a toastie filled with turkey, ham, Swiss cheese and cranberry sauce – and a fun take on French Toast, with custard, rhubarb, strawberries, pistachio and cinnamon. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Two Australian music legends, one must-attend 2022 tour: now there's some news to come sail your ships around. In November and December this year, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis will bring their Carnage tour home — although if you subscribe to Cave's perfectly named The Red Hand Files emails, you should already know that. An official announcement is bound to arrive sooner rather than later with crucial details such as cities, exact dates and venues, but for now, Cave has shared the tour news himself. "I can see, glowing lovely, glowing redly, a Nick and Warren Australian Carnage tour that has been recently added. This has not yet been announced — and I will no doubt be reprimanded for doing so here on The Red Hand Files — but I can see it there, that bright, red block, beginning mid-November and ending mid-December. This new addition makes me very happy. In fact, quite literally, it brings tears of joy," Cave wrote in the fan email's 184th issue. [caption id="attachment_716220" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matthew Thorne[/caption] The upcoming Australian Carnage run earned a mention amid musings on Cave's other tour dates this year — first overseas on the American Carnage tour with Ellis, and then with the Bad Seeds in Europe. "I am sitting here looking at this year's calendar. My assistant, Rachel, has helpfully laid it out in various child-friendly, primary-coloured blocks. A red block means touring, a blue block means other extracurricular creative stuff, and a yellow block means time off. The year is largely big, red blocks, with some sudden moments of blue, and a little lonely threadbare patch of yellow," Cave explained. Bandmates across several projects since the 90s — including Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and Grinderman — Cave and Ellis are Aussie icons, with careers spanning back decades. Together, they also boast more than a few phenomenal film scores to their names, including for The Proposition, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The Road, West of Memphis, Far From Men, Hell or High Water and Wind River. When Carnage released back in early 2021, it actually marked Cave and Ellis' first studio album as a duo — and picked them up an ARIA nomination, naturally. Nick Cave and Warren Ellis' Australian Carnage tour will run throughout November and December 2022, with cities, exact dates and venues still to be announced — we'll update you when more details are revealed. Top image: Kerry Brown.
Comfort food, Greek taverna style, has never been so hip. In a room stripped almost bare with vaulted ceilings, peeling cream plaster and warm lighting, The Apollo is the newest dining hotspot in Potts Point. Once you've tasted the food, you'll wish everyone else wasn't so clued in and that it was simply your local Greek. For those who have had a run in with Greek food that was heavy, oily and served with a cucumber-saturated Greek salad, now is the time to give Greek a chance. This is food that it would be tempting to eat most nights: lemony, zesty and full of fresh herbs. Jonathon Barthelmess, last seen serving his fabulous Italian-accented food at Manly Pavilion, has the lightest of touches when it comes to the food of his heritage. Cocktails form a small part of the drinks list but are among the best in town. There are, of course, nods to Greece, including rosewater, and figs and honey. Similar references are dotted through the wine list, although this features fewer Hellenic inclusions. Back to the food. You can go 'The Full Greek' and be sent out all the signatures as part of a very affordable feast for $55, or pick and choose from the small but perfectly formed menu with all dishes designed for sharing. We suggest trying a series of smaller dishes to start. Taramasalata ($12), served in a small Greek style yoghurt pot with warm, slightly charcoaled pita bread, is pale, creamy and topped with pearly mullet roe. It will well and truly ruin you for the bright pink supermarket versions. Deep-fried king prawns ($6 each) are worth the fiddling to remove the shells for fleshy, juicy meat with a hint of charcoal, and grilled octopus with chickpeas and pickled cucumber is as tender as they come. The already renowned wild weed and cheese pie ($18) is a must, like no spanakopita you've ever eaten. It's lemony and light, full of the good weeds. You have gone Greek, so for the main you really should go with the slow-cooked lamb rib. You won't regret it or the lemony potatoes which help to mop up the juices. It might just finish you off and ruin you for a good Greek dessert, but the walnut filo pastry ($12) or, if you fancy boozy fruit, the ouzo-marinated watermelon are worth making room for. You'll find The Apollo in our list of the best degustations in Sydney. Check out the full list here.
Group catch-ups: fun while they're happening, but a nightmare to organise. Conflicting availability. Wildly varying budgets. Throw a few different dietary requirements into the mix and you might find yourself thinking it'll be easier to stay home. Don't give up just yet. We've teamed up with Inner West Council to select eight local spots that'll make planning the next birthday bash, celebratory dinner or casual catch-up a breeze. These cosy restaurants have plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans and those with gluten, dairy or nut intolerances. And, in fact, most of them are pretty affordable, too. But finding a time and date when every person in your group is free? We're afraid you're on your own there.
If you're wistfully dreaming of a Parisian jaunt but the purse strings aren't allowing it, there is a solution a little closer to home. Jardin St James not only boasts a delightful menu of French fare but also has one of the best locales in the city — the café set up in the courtyard and crypt of the St James' Anglican church on King Street back in 2015. Sydney Restaurant Group (Aqua Dining, LuMi, Ripples) is behind this venture and ensures the menu extends well beyond the traditional religious diet of fish and loaves of bread (although baguettes make an appearance, of course). Breakfast diners can enjoy all manner of pastry-laden delights. The Seine won't seem so far away when you're feasting on a pain au chocolat and Little Marionette coffee. Meanwhile, lunch features more French classics — Niçoise salad, beef tartare and several varieties of the aforementioned baguettes.
We hate to break it to you Australia, but there’s yet another reason to lament the current dominance of the fun police. As of March 7, drinking in the street in New York City's Manhattan will no longer be a criminal act. Start spreading the news. Yep, whether you’re lazing about in Central Park, strolling through Harlem or reliving the '60s in Greenwich Village — that is, anywhere on the island of Manhattan — you can crack open a cold one and enjoy it at your leisure, without fearing arrest or a criminal record. That said, drinking’s been decriminalised, not legalised — and only in the borough of Manhattan. In practice, decriminalisation usually means you can expect the police to turn a blind eye to minor offences, and to give warnings rather than make arrests. Strictly speaking, you could still cop a fine and/or summons. So, if you’re contemplating kicking back with a glass of champagne or two on a SoHo stoop, don’t go making any trouble. The idea behind the policy change is to redirect New York City’s resources towards weightier and more dangerous matters. "Using summonses instead of arrests for low-level offenses is an intuitive and modern solution that will help make sure resources are focused on our main priority: addressing threats to public safety,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a media statement. “Today’s reforms allow our hardworking police officers to concentrate their efforts on the narrow group of individuals driving violent crime in New York City. This plan will also help safely prevent unnecessary gaol time for low-level offenses.” If this news has you booking a one-way flight to NYC, you might be interested to know that drinking’s not the only pastime to have been decriminalised. Others include littering, riding between subway cars, taking up more than one subway seat and — wait for it — urinating in public. Via The Observer. Image: Ben Duchac.
It starts as a riot, the roar of young voices working themselves up into a frenzy of swearing, singing and stamping. They're demanding many things of you already: yes, that's right, teenagers are messy and loud, and they're going to ruin your night with a piece of angsty theatre, so grit your teeth and prepare for music that's too loud and streams of conciousness about drugs and underage sex being awesome.But the moment 17-year-old Charlotte De Bruyne walks onto the stage, the racket stops and you realise that there's something else happening here. Those voices, now quiet, already know that people are sick to death of pre-packaged adolescent cliches. Instead, the thirteen stars of Once and for all... want to share some of their own thoughts on what teenagers are, and what they think of what we think of adolescence, and then they'll pretend to be on drugs, because they know we want that, and...These Belgian teenagers, guided by director Alexander Devriendt, have created a wonderful piece of theatre that achieves the holy grail of performance - they actually excite the audience. Through the inventive uses of a simple, repeated sequence, Once and for all... rejuvenates those who see it, awakening their inner adolescent and filling the post-show foyer with a sea of giddy, enthusiastic faces. Brought to Sydney by award-winning Belgian company, Ontroerend Goed, Once and for all... can sit proudly beside its cousin, The Smile Off Your Face, which made a moving connection with theatre-goers back during the Sydney Festival in January this year. Take advantage of the wonderful stroke of serendipity that brought this show to Sydney and see Once and for all... before it finishes at the end of the month. It will leave you with an energised youthfulness that is more joyful than puberty and longer-lasting than Botox.Photo by Phile Deprez https://youtube.com/watch?v=irL5XeAikxw
It's official, Glebe Markets have been saved with a new interim manager stepping in to stop its closure, after longtime custodians David and Naomi McCumstie decided to step away earlier this month. Following citywide sadness at the news and a petition to save the longstanding community market, Organic Food Markets has now stepped up to the plate. The market will take a week off on Saturday, March 4 for schoolyard maintenance at Glebe Public School before it officially recommences under its new manager on Saturday, March 11. Organic Food Markets has confirmed it will continue to run Glebe Markets weekly, making minimal changes to the system that's made the Sydney institution so popular. Known for its variety of second-hand clothes stores as well as food trucks, live music and local artisans, the market has been run out of the Glebe Public School by the McCumsties for more than 30 years. As well as a beloved weekend activity for many Sydneysiders, it also plays an integral role for its regular stallholders, local Glebe businesses and the public school, which relies on money from the markets. Glebe will join Organic Food Markets' current family of events that includes weekly markets across Sydney and Newcastle including Marrickville, Kings Cross, North Narrabeen, Hornsby and the Central Park Farmers' Market. "Organic Food Markets have had a long and cordial relationship with David and respect the McCumstie's decision to retire after almost three decades," the statement from the organisation reads. Glebe Markets' regular traders, as well as anyone looking to organise a stall at upcoming editions of the markets, need to head over to the Organic Food Markets website and register as soon as possible. [caption id="attachment_707153" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flickr.[/caption] Organic Food Markets has been appointed interim manager of the Glebe Markets. The weekly market will be closed on Saturday, March 4, before it returns to regular programming from Saturday, March 11.
This French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant at the recently renovated Sofitel Sydney Wentworth channels the vibrant old-world spirit of Hanoi but with a refined sense of luxury. With seating for 150 diners, plus space for an additional 60 on the sweeping horse-shoe terrace, this impressive restaurant seamlessly blends al fresco charm with indoor elegance. On arrival, guests can visit the intimate champagne bar, where seven by-the-glass sips — from single-village grower champagnes to vintage selections — are on offer. The 390-square-metre dining room's interior design, by Fender Katsalidis, also sets a luxe tone, taking its cues from French-colonial architecture and Vietnamese-style textiles and prints. "In this space, east meets west, vibrancy and structure collide, and there's a magical balance of neutrals and colour," says Karen Morris of Fender Katsalidis. A soft, nature-inspired palette of muted greens and greys counterpoints the verdant wallpaper, designed by artist Kerrie Brown, featuring lush foliage and exotic birds, while seating crafted from solid reclaimed teak with woven rope backs underlines the 1920s colonial-era look. On the menu, fresh, crisp, quintessentially Vietnamese flavours take centre stage. Crafted by the hotel's Executive Chef Elliott Pinn, who has formerly overseen the dining offering at House Made's other major dining hub Hinchcliff House, there are some playful flourishes for diners to enjoy, such as the bánh mì trolley, which constructs the crowd-pleasing Vietnamese sandwich tableside to the diners' taste, before it's sliced into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing. Many of the mains are also social affairs designed to share. Guests can get hands-on with roasted duck legs, a whole roasted snapper or a dry-aged steak, accompanied by nuoc cham, rice paper, butter lettuce, and pickles, to create classic Vietnamese wraps. A fresh crab and green mango salad loaded with fresh herbs or a banana blossom salad featuring a textural mix of shaved banana blossom, pineapple, and chilli make for the perfect side dishes. Washing that down is a wine list that skews 70 percent French alongside a range of local and international fortified and dessert wines. The cocktail list is also French-leaning with some homegrown winks thrown in, such as the French 75 featuring Pommery champagne, Unico Zelo pomelo vermouth, pear eau de vie and finger lime extract.
CBD business lunch stalwart de Vine was an outmoded Market Street spot that you could easily walk by without ever noticing its presence. Then in 2023, in its 21st year of trade, the wine bar and restaurant underwent a million-dollar renovation and an overhaul thanks to restaurateur brother duo, Anthony and Julian Izzillo. The swanky interior, divided up between front bar seating and moody restaurant out back, features exposed brick, a curving granite bar, champagne-tinted mirrors and green velvet banquette seating. The look is very 'big city style', but the warm, personable hospitality is akin to a small neighbourhood restaurant. Anthony is usually front of house, while Julian leads the drinks program — which includes a showstopping selection of Amaro all on show a brass wall display. The wine offering is equally impressive with some 500 bottles available from the cellar, with a focus on artisan wines primarily from the wine regions of Italy, with a more tightly curated edit from the rest of the world. Head Chef Timothy Fisher *previously of Michelin-starred Osteria Lucio in Dublin) has created a reassuring menu of classical Italian dishes executed without fault (vitello tonnato, polpette and zucchini flowers), excellent house made pastas including a signature risotto with king prawn and Balmain bug, and stand-out mains like pork cotoletta. Then, once the plates have been cleared, if amaro is your pleasure, just sit back and let Julian pick a match for your palate or treat yourself to a tasting flight. If you've still got room, the tiramisu is worth your attention.
Some subjects are just perfect for the medium of cinema. A world where dreams bleed into reality, where reality seems like a dream, where a window is cracked open to reveal an alternate existence pushing up against ours — the world of mental illness — is one of them. Jeff Nichols' Take Shelter is set in the American Midwest, in a small town where men sit in bars, women sit in sewing circles, pastures are mottled green and skies are threatening. Lowly sand miner Curtis LaForche (Michael Shannon — you know, the awesome, faintly bug-eyed shapeshifter you loved in Boardwalk Empire and Runaway) dreams of a massive storm with motor-oil rain, and he wakes up shaken. As the nightmares return night after night, they get more vivid, more violent and more reluctant to release him from their grasp — they cause him real injury, and their motifs creep into reality as hallucinations. He is gripped by fear on two conflicting fronts: he fears the apocalyptic storm he believes to be coming, from which he begins building an elaborate tornado shelter; and he fears he is mirroring his mother's decent into paranoid schizophrenia, which began when she, too, was in her thirties. Meanwhile, his observant and strong-willed wife, Samantha (Jessica Chastain), tries to keep him present in reality. If this sounds intense and slow burning, well, it is. It's also exquisitely, unostentatiously made, getting under your skin to make you feel jumpy, much like Curtis is. You're never really sure which eerie, pastoral scene is dream or reality until it's already gone way off-kilter. Take Shelter is out to make us rethink what we know about mental illness. It poses the question of whether Curtis is a patient or a prophet, and it opens the door to the latter prospect more than you might expect. It also builds to an unforgettable ending that may cause some controversy in the car on the way home. https://youtube.com/watch?v=1dzsmKv1GrA
Approaching its 100th year in Darlinghurst, The Strand is set to have a huge makeover, with the longstanding corner pub being transformed into a multi-venue hotel, bistro and rooftop bar. Part one of this transformation is already complete, with the French bistro occupying the pub's ground floor now open to the public. At The Strand Bistro, you'll find all the trimmings of a classic French diner. Inspired by 1920s Paris, the venue boasts a sleek wood and gold fit-out with a menu that rolls out expected favourites from the region's cuisine. There's caviar service ($30-260), steak frites with bearnaise sauce ($38-46), creamy garlic mussels ($26) and a French leek tart ($24). It's a far cry from standard pub fare. The mussels are a real highlight, presented swimming in sauce, as is the steak tartare ($22), anchovy and caramelised onion pissaladiere ($8 each) and the roasted magret duck breast paired with grilled radicchio and plum ($42). There are also two midweek specials available for anyone looking to add some Parisian charm to their work week. The first is The Strand's le burger gruyere, served with fries and a beer for $30 for lunches Monday through Friday. Alternatively, come in on a Tuesday and you can order the duck pie with a glass of pinot for $40. As with the food, the drinks menu has undergone a similarly dramatic change. There is still a selection of standard beers on tap, but diners looking for something more adventurous can take their pick from the bistro's expansive Australian and French wine list, or opt for a selection from the aperitifs and cocktails. A 49-strong whiskey list is also on hand, featuring highlights from Japan, Scotland and Ireland. The bistro is set to be joined by a second new space inside The Strand. Head up to the William Street building's rooftop and you'll discover a casual al fresco bar. Expected to open during winter, the rooftop will facilitate snacks and cocktails with sunset views and DJ sets.
Sorry Sydney. Melbourne is getting the country's first-ever 67 Pall Mall outpost, due to launch some time in mid-2025. This incredibly luxe, global private members club is set up exclusively for wine lovers who want to sample the very best drops out there. It's not for those of us hunting down $15 bottles of ok wine at the local bottle shop; it's for top-tier wine drinkers who are willing to spend big. The joining fee is $3500 per person (being waived for a limited time!) and the current discounted yearly fee for members who sign up early is $2300 on top of that. If this is beyond your spending limits, perhaps shoot this article over to your rich sister or that well-to-do mate who always shouts the good drinks — because they might be able to bring you in as a guest. [caption id="attachment_942250" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 67 Pall Mall Singapore[/caption] So what's the deal with 67 Pall Mall? Memberships for 67 Pall Mall are highly sought after around the world. The group has sites in Singapore, London, Switzerland, France and Hong Kong. The venues are known for being some of the most incredibly designed spaces, filled with the world's greatest wines that are served and chosen by accredited master sommeliers. A huge selling point for wine connoisseurs is the fact that 67 Pall Mall offers an unmatched selection of wines by-the-glass to members — 1000 to be exact — and sells them with very minimal markup. Most of these drops are never offered by the glass so it presents a rare opportunity. What's in store for Australia's first club? The first Australian site is touted for Melbourne's Spring Street. Spread across the top three floors of the 16-story building, the private members club will let folks sip on fine wines while taking in views across the Treasury Gardens, MCG and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Floor 14 will boast a wine bar and all-day dining room with impressive 270-degree views of the surrounding area. One level up, members will get access to private rooms and semi-formal dining experiences. And the top floor will feature an extensive champagne menu, a raw bar, open air balconies, and a secluded whisky bar. This is top-end luxury stuff that's hard to come by in Australia. 67 Pall Mall's CEO Grant Ashton says, "Melbourne was chosen above all other cities as our first outpost in Australia due to its close connection to independent and outstanding wine producers, allowing us to engage with a passionate wine culture and a knowledgeable collector community." Peter Gago, chief winemaker of Penfolds, whose wines are poured in 67 Pall Mall Clubs across the globe, also commented: "From London to Singapore, 67 Pall Mall has evolved into the world's premier wine Members' Club. Now, expanding to a prime site overlooking the MCG in Melbourne, it's truly remarkable. "Melbourne, a strategic gastronomic hub, with Yarra Valley vineyards and Mornington Peninsula nearby, will soon boast 67 Pall Mall as a wine mecca. It'll attract wine enthusiasts and curious minds alike, continuing the Club's tradition." 67 Pall Mall is set to open in mid-2025 at 85 Spring Street and is currently taking applications for new members (at heavily discounted prices). For more information, head to the club's website here.
If you're after a traditional Italian grocer, look no further than Quattro Deli in Chatswood Chase. The delicatessen sources local and imported specialty items, offering a huge range of cheeses — think Italian gorgonzola, buffalo mozzarella and plenty of washed-rind numbers — and heaps of Italian cured meats, including salami, mortadella and prosciutto. Its impressive selection also extends to olives, antipasti, jams, spreads, fresh pasta and sauces. You can grab desserts aplenty, too, including Italian nougat, biscuits, chocolates and other packaged sweets. If that's not enough, a huge cellar features vinos from Italy, France, South America and Spain, along with Australia and New Zealand. Images: Trent van der Jagt.
Newtown's 28-seat no fuss cafe One Another has garnered quite the following since opening in March 2019. Its casual 'non-trendy' vibes are matched by an accessible menu that locals can't seem to get enough of — the place is packed most weekends. "We want it to be a place with quality food where everyone can find something to eat, but without slavishly following trends," says co-owner and chef Louis Spangaro-McAllan, who jokes he's cooked at over 40 cafes in Sydney. He's joined by Mitchell Antman, who has made the rounds through some of the best cafes in the city, including Fleetwood Macchiato, Cornersmith and Sample Coffee — which now supplies the coffee for One Another. The duo has been through the ringer trying to open this joint, having first shown interest in the building back in early 2016. Both owners live nearby, and saw this as an opportunity to open a quiet neighbourhood spot on the back streets of Newtown, tucked away from bustling King Street. Though the cafe's '$20-and-under' menu has received much press, it is by no means a mantra at One Another. "We're lucky enough to have Mr. Shane Roberts as our veg merchant, which allows us to get away with serving a vegetable-heavy menu without compromising quality, and this has kept the price point below $20 so far," says Spangaro-McAllan. "But this is by no means our mission statement and I'm sure at some point there will be dishes over $20." At the moment, that menu includes regularly changing weekend specials. Take the wild asparagus — it's pan-roasted in miso butter and tarragon oil, paired with crispy potatoes and a poached egg, then sprinkled with pretty purple chive flowers. Other specialties include the burrata with cavolo nero salsa and chickpea pangritata, and the lamb sausage with roasted dutch carrots, black barley and a poached egg. The cafe's signature hot-smoked ocean trout can become a protein accompaniment to any dish — the gents recommend adding it to the potato croquettes with charred brussels sprouts, capers and anchovy dressing. Staples that have stood the test of the cafe's (short) time include bacon and egg rolls, silken tofu rolls and smashed avo on toast, topped with granny smith apples, pickled ginger and coriander. Simple comfort dishes like the cheese and pickle sandwich also makes the cut. One Another's version is stuffed with melted maffra cheddar and swiss cheese, piled high with bread and butter pickles and schmeared in house mustard. The attractive tables, chairs and stools have been lovingly made from recycled Australian hardwood, sourced from old warehouses down the coast. Images: Kimberley Low.
It seems almost ridiculous to introduce bills: these cafes are an institution. The first, in Darlinghurst, introduced the concept of communal dining to our nation, reputedly as a way to get around council restrictions. Bill Granger, namesake and chef, is well-known in his own right, with more than one signature dish under his belt and a plethora of cookbooks in stores worldwide. So it's with more than a touch of guilt that I admit this is my first visit. Thankfully, the casual reputation of bills lives up to expectations, and my shyness quickly gives way to enthusiasm. It's Saturday morning in the Darlinghurst edition, and I'm glad we've decided to come early. Within five minutes of our arrival, the entire room is buzzing with breakfasters. The small room, sparsely decorated, is filled with warm sunlight. We sit at a large table in the centre of the room (the famous communal table), and begin our meal with Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice ($6.50) and a Flat White ($3.90). Choosing our meals is slightly more difficult. After deliberating, we decide that signature dishes are in order for our virgin visit. We pick Sweet Corn Fritters with Roast Tomato, Spinach and Bacon ($18.50) and the Ricotta Hotcakes with Fresh Banana and Honeycomb Butter ($17.50) to share. Our waiter recommends sides of Avocado Salsa ($4.50) and Bacon ($5) to match each dish respectively, and we don't need much persuasion to agree. The serves arrive quickly and are fresh, enormous and delicious. That said, I suspect that this menu would be hard to go wrong with - definitely worth a repeat visit or two. Breakfast (or any other meal) at bills isn't cheap, but the relaxed luxury of the food and atmosphere makes this a treat worth partaking in. Any wait will be well worthwhile, but if time is scarce, opt for some Daily-Baked Bran Muffins ($4.50) to take with you.
While you're probably champing at the bit to head overseas, the past two years have definitely sparked a resurgence in regional travel — and there is a vast array of incredible country escapes right on our metaphorical doorstep. Enter Talbingo. Sure, you might not have ever heard of it, but there's a whole host of reasons for you to go check it out for your next vacay. This little town in NSW's Snowy Mountains region is full of great outdoor adventures and activities from fly fishing to rewarding hikes. We've teamed up with Wild Turkey to put together a list of our favourite ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Talbingo. [caption id="attachment_841377" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lumi1023 (Flickr)[/caption] GO FISHING AT TALBINGO DAM Talbingo Dam is one of the largest bodies of water that make up the Snowy Mountains Scheme, and one of the enduring drawcards of this part of the world is its popularity as a recreational fishing destination. The deep waters of the dam are home to a variety of species including rainbow trout, golden perch, redfin and more. It's also one of the few places that allows catch-and-release sportfishing for the elusive trout cod. If you're planning on dropping a line here, a small recreational fishing fee must be paid. It goes towards the ample restocking of the dams with sustainable species as well as helping to fund research and maintenance about sustainable recreational fishing. [caption id="attachment_841378" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brendan J Murphy (Flickr)[/caption] OR, HEAD TO THE DAM FOR WATER SKIING, CANOEING OR SWIMMING The sheer size of Talbingo Dam means that there's plenty of space for aquatic activities in the pristine water. There's a cordoned-off area for swimming and plenty of signage so you can't miss it. Or, if you're more of a thrillseeker, there are long stretches of deep flat water perfect for jet skiing — and the calm nature of the water makes this spot a great place to learn. If jet skis aren't your jam, then perhaps hire a canoe and set your own pace to blissfully take in the breathtaking mountain scenery that surrounds the dam. Whichever you choose, there are plenty of ways to experience this impressive body of water. [caption id="attachment_843933" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] TAKE IN THE VIEWS FROM THE OLD MOUNTAIN ROAD WALK This four-kilometre walking track follows Talbingo's first mountain road — a remnant of the Kiandra Gold Rush of the 1860s — and takes you up a short but reasonably challenging track, so be prepared to get the heart pumping. At the top, you'll find yourself at one heck of a lookout offering stunning views of the surrounding areas such as Bogong Peaks, Jounama Pondage and Blowering Reservoir (pictured above). Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for mountain wildflowers, grey kangaroos and all manner of native birdlife. [caption id="attachment_841376" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josh Mitterfellner (Flickr)[/caption] JUMP IN THE 4WD AND MAKE YOUR WAY TO A LOOKOUT POINT While there's plenty to explore on foot, avid gearheads will be pleased to know that Talbingo forms an excellent base from which to set out on road adventures. You could hit up the nearby Black Perry lookout or traverse slightly more perilous terrain to Landers Falls (pictured above), both of which offer extraordinary views of the surrounding bushland. If you're keen to make more of a day of it, set off early and drive to the northern end of the Kosciuszko National Park to check out the region's impressively diverse landscape. [caption id="attachment_624129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Murray Vanderveer[/caption] EXPLORE THE DRAMATIC YARRANGOBILLY CAVES AND TAKE A DIP IN A THERMAL POOL Live your Morlock dreams or pretend you're Gandalf leading the fellowship through the mines of Moria whilst you explore the hauntingly beautiful Yarrangobilly Caves. Of the 60 or so underground caves that were formed from a massive limestone belt around 440 million years ago, six are currently open to the public for guided and self-guided tours. Check out the massive stalactites and stalagmites, rare black flowstones and spacious, majestic caves, before heading back above ground to take a dip in the thermal pool which is fed by a natural spring and stays at a perfect 27 degrees all year round. [caption id="attachment_843931" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] PITCH A TENT AT BUDDONG FALLS CAMPGROUND If you're looking for some peace and tranquility among the mountains then head straight for the idyllic Buddong Falls campground. This remote patch of land is a great base to explore the surrounding national parks and maybe catch a glimpse of some of the local wildlife that make their homes within the surrounding ribbon gums and along the nearby creek and waterfall. If you're not the most seasoned camper then fear not — picnic tables, barbecues and public toilets are all readily available to make things a little more comfortable. Find out more about Wild Turkey's Discovery Series at the website. Top image: Elliot Kramer
When March arrives, the Murray River transforms into a wonderland of reds, oranges and golds. It's the ideal season to visit. While outdoorsy types can walk, cycle and paddle, wine aficionados can linger over autumnal releases, with rolling vineyards and river sunsets as their backdrop. Here are five dreamy ways to enjoy the Murray's changing colours, from drifting down the river on a houseboat to cycling along share paths scattered with sculptures and cantering on horseback through red river gum forests. SLEEPOVER ON A HOUSEBOAT To completely immerse yourself in the river – from dawn till dusk – stay on a houseboat. All you have to do is sit back, relax and watch the day roll by (unless, of course, you're captain). Or, you can get as adventurous as you like, mooring at riverside villages, stopping by wineries for tastings, embarking on kayaking escapades, jumping in the water for dips and trying your hand at fishing. Most vessels come with a variety of spaces, including sunny decks, glass-walled lounge rooms and outdoor spas. If you've cash to splash, go for a luxury model, such as Magic Murray Houseboats' Magic or Murray River Houseboats' Decadence, which each feature four queen or king bedrooms, luxurious linen, TVs galore, a spa and sun deck. Meanwhile, Mildura Houseboats' fleet ranges from back-to-basics to total extravagance, so there are options for any budget. Stacks more boats are listed on the Wander Victoria website. JUMP ON A BICYCLE It's possible to ride the entire length of the Murray, from its source on the slopes of Mount Kosciuszko to its mouth in Coorong, about 75 kilometres southeast of Adelaide. However, if you don't have weeks to spare (and Amazonian legs), then there are plenty of shorter cycle paths to explore. In Echuca, the Food and Wine Trail takes in numerous cellar doors and local producers, including Morrisons Winery and Cape Horn Vineyard, which both afford expansive views of the river. If you're heading to Albury, conquer the Wagirra Trail, a six-kilometre roll dotted with river-inspired sculptures created by local Indigenous artists. And in Mildura, you'll find several options, including the 12.5-kilometre Riverfront Highlights route, which passes Mildura Arts Centre, Old Mildura Homestead and Ornamental Lakes. PADDLE A CANOE, KAYAK OR STAND-UP BOARD Another way to see autumn from the water – apart from hiring a houseboat – is by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. For red river gums, koalas and cockatoos, make tracks to Barmah National Park, where there are four paddling trails, between 2.7 and 17.4 kilometres long. Nearby lies Murray Valley National Park, home to the Edward River, a tranquil tributary of the Murray sprinkled with picnic areas and swimming spots. You'll find hire facilities in many riverside towns, including Echuca (Echuca SUP and Echuca Boat and Canoe Hire), Cohuna (Murray River Adventours) and Albury-Wodonga (Canoe the Murray). If you're not confident paddling on your own or would like someone else to take care of the organising, book an adventure with Southern Side Eco Tourism, who'll take you to remote terrain and put you up in a bell tent, or River Country Adventours, whose canoe safaris run on the Goulburn River. HORSE RIDING THROUGH RED RIVER GUM FOREST If reading Black Beauty changed your life forever, then make your equine dreams come true at Billabong Ranch. This 390-acre property just ten minutes' drive from Echuca is an adventure park, where you can jump on a horse's back and canter alongside rivers and through red river gum forest. There are four journeys to choose from: a one-hour bush and creek ride, a two-hour journey beside Goulburn River, a three-hour escapade taking in the Goulburn and the Murray, and a winery ride, which carries you to a local cellar door. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, then the latter can be turned into an overnighter, with extra activities, such as a longer ride to a local pub, a mini cattle muster, a cruise on a paddle steamer and a tour of the Great Aussie Beer Shed. GO WINE TASTING What better way to admire dazzling autumn leaves than with a glass of wine in hand? There are several places to sip and sample along the Murray. If you're Mildura-bound, then begin your explorations at the Sunraysia Cellar Door, where more than 250 wines await your review. Just 15 minutes' drive away in Trentham Cliffs is Trentham Estate, a family-owned winery and restaurant on the banks of the Murray. It's one of many waterfront wineries along the river. Drive southeast for two hours to reach Piangil, where you'll find Andrew Peace's cellar door, then another two-and-a-half to Echuca Moama, home to Cape Horn Vineyard and Morrisons Winery. While you're in the area, get off the beaten track with a trip along the Backroads Trail, stopping at The Old School to try some small-batch meads and Restdown for organic drops. For more ideas on how to spend your autumn getaway in the Murray River region and across the state, check out the Wander Victoria website.
Peering at ancient pyramids isn't normally a Sydney pastime, but it will be come September 2024 without needing to leave the city — or country. At virtual-reality experience Horizon of Khufu, you'll get immersed in the past like it's all around you. Patrons will see the Great Pyramids of Giza, including flying over the Giza Necropolis. You'll climb to the top of the Pyramid of Khufu, in fact, and gaze out over Egypt with a 360-degree view. Getting a glimpse of burial chambers and embalming ceremonies, finding the queen's chamber, sailing down the Nile, attending Khufu's funeral: that's all also on the agenda, as is checking out the Great Sphinx of Giza and witnessing these ancient wonders by night. That's where your eyes will be heading, at least, via a VR headset that'll take you into a shared play space. Your peepers will also be checking out recreations of sights dating back 4500 years, to the time of Khufu, the second pharaoh of Egypt's fourth dynasty. He's the figure that's believed to have commissioned the largest of the pyramids, which was also his tomb. Your body will need to be at the Harbour City's Fever Pavilion, where Horizon of Khufu is making its Australian debut from Thursday, September 5, 2024. Once you've popped on your headsets, attendees will be led through Horizon of Khufu by a virtual guide, all while benefiting from design by Egyptologist and Harvard University professor Peter Der Manuelian. If you're with your date or mates, or family, the 45-minute experience also lets you visuals others in the VR space, so you won't all just be off on your own wander through bygone years. Australia joins France — where Horizon of Khufu debuted in 2022 — as well as the US, Canada and the UK in being able to enjoy this blast from the past. Unsurprisingly, it has proven popular around the globe, notching up more than one million visitors so far. If you've seen plenty of other Egypt obsessives at Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs and Pharaoh, you'll know that Aussies will help boost those numbers.
The original Assassin's Creed video game was a sublime blend of world design, innovative mechanics and thrilling gameplay. While high-octane action was available, stealth was definitely favoured as the most useful mode of play, and almost always proved the most gripping. The game's story centred upon a technological breakthrough that allowed direct descendants of an ancient assassin's guild to revisit the memories of their ancestors, essentially re-living their darkest and most dangerous endeavours in order to ascertain the location of a long-lost relic. While some time was spent in the modern world, the lion's share was spent inside the machine, allowing the gamer to experience all the exhilaration of exploring and causing chaos in the age of Renaissance Europe. The film adaptation, by contrast, makes the same ill-conceived decision that doomed the third instalment of the Matrix trilogy, in that it spends far too much time in the real world at the expense of everything that made its source material so innovative and engaging. Worse, when inside the 'Animus', the focus is almost entirely on action, meaning there's almost none of the signature stealth assassination that made the gameplay so tense. Overly-coreographed and devoid of tension, these periodic action scenes depict the assassins as mostly ineffective killers who spend most of their time running away from far superior fighters. Perhaps the greatest disappointment, however, is that Assassin's Creed boasts an outstanding cast whose talents are almost entirely wasted. Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson and Charlotte Rampling are all tasked with delivering exposition-heavy drivel and/or cringeworthy clangers like "Welcome…to the Spanish Inquisition". Truly, the only line that earns a non-ironic laugh and feels genuine to both the film and the actor who delivers it comes about halfway through the film, when Fassbender looks around, laughs to himself and mutters: "What the fuck is going on?" You'd be hard-pressed to find a more fitting tagline to slap on the posters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfJVoF5ko1Y
The Camelia Grove Hotel, formerly known as 'The Cammy' to the Alexandria locals who frequented its once-unremarkable front bar, has taken on a whole new personality after undergoing major renovations and a change of ownership in 2020. What was once, arguably, the least appealing and least patronised of establishments in Alexandria's pub scene is now a bright, highly appealing suburban pub with a deliberately family-friendly feel and notable Italian-inspired kitchen and trattoria. In addition to the welcoming dining room that opens up into a light and leafy courtyard, the most transformational change at the Camelia Grove is in the kitchen. Headed up by Head Chef Giuseppe Fuzio, the kitchen is delivering several cuts above what you'd expect from the average pub menu. Chef Giuseppe's approach combines premium Australian ingredients with inspiration and flavours from his Puglian heritage for a terrific lineup of elevated pub classics (yes, you can still get your schnitty), but the real star of the show is his carb-forward Italian fare. House-made pasta, wood-fired pizza and one of Sydney's best focaccias. "Being from Bari in Puglia, I like to bring tradition into the menu but also feature less common recipes from the regions. For Camelia Grove, the experience is just like walking into a warm dining room or friend's sunny courtyard," Fuzio shared with Concrete Playground. "My vision was to create a menu that helped this with great produce, traditional-style Italian recipes and heart." Highlights include the hand rolled gnocchi with wild mushrooms, the Kinkawooka mussels "impepata di cozze" with garlic and chilli served with a grilled sourdough off the secondi section of the menu ("a dish that reminds me of home in Puglia," says Fuzio), and a winning kingfish crudo that comes dressed with Italian colatura di alici (anchovy brine), served on buttermilk with pickled pomegranate, dill and lemon zest. It's not just about the food, though. The Cammy's still got ample room for just downing schooners while you watch a game with a crew. On the whole, this pub promises a lovely vibe, strong local patronage and warm community atmosphere. And like all good neighbourhood pubs it's open every day of the week.
Don't quite have enough dosh to afford a tropical island getaway this summer? Do not fear, for you no longer need to travel far for your secluded island experience. Dubbed a "Papua New Guinean dancehall", The Cliff Dive is the tiki bar with a difference, with distinctive flavours from East Timor and PNG complete with authentic, hand-turned wooden artefacts, novelty cocktails and a sunken dance floor. It was conceived by Jeremy Blackmore and Alex Dowd (of Tio's fame), two fellas who can't seem to help but get it oh so right. This time they have built the bar up with their bare hands. And the result is certainly worth their efforts. Pass by kitsch neon graphics and down the darkened stairwell to reach what is a tropical oasis: a hub of beats, beards and novelty-sized tiki mugs. Previous home of The Gaff, Cliff Dive is Oxford Street's new kid on the block, within spitting distance of most of Sydney's bar scene, as well as just about every other happening Sydney scene. And the vibe is electric. DJs are scheduled most nights of the week and the dance floor begs for inappropriate, early morning grinding. Although at first glance the drinks menu may appear somewhat basic (and perhaps a little exxy for those on a tighter budget), there really is something for everyone on offer at the two functioning Dive bars. Cocktails, starting from $10, are unique tiki concoctions with a very serious rum focus. For $10 there's a Mojito, but more interesting is the Pandang – a sweet hit of rum, fresh apple juice and pandan syrup, which lingers long after each sip. Probably the most notable Cliff Dive bev is the Supa Colada ($17 for rum, coconut cream, coconut sugar syrup and pineapple juice). It's a few dollars extra, which becomes ever more acceptable as the night kicks on. For the tinnie lover comes an impressive range of beers — affordable options like Tiger ($8) and SP Lager ($6) from PNG to fit the theme, as well as pricier imports, such as Yo Ho Black Porter from Japan ($12). There's food too (as if things could get any better). Bite-size barbeque pork buns (two for $8) come from the pan-Asian kitchen behind the main bar and run all night long (cue Lionel Richie sporting a lei). With the only real drawback being its already epic popularity (seriously, come on a Friday or Saturday night and expect a line curling right around Oxford Square) the only danger in this dive is how much fun you're going to have. And perhaps the size of your hangover the next day. Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
Phil Wood, an ex-Executive Chef of Rockpool for eight years and previous Culinary Director of Mornington Peninsula's much-loved Pt. Leo Estate, has opened a new venture in Paddington. Initially announced back in May, Wood's first independent restaurant is named after one of his family members who lived in Paddington. Ursula's is a bistro that showcases Wood's exciting approach to dining while centring staples of modern Australian cuisine. Highlights from the bistro include snapper, dressed with a Keen's Curry vinaigrette; margra lamb rump with brussel sprouts and mint sauce; a strawberry and coconut flummery; and golden syrup dumplings, served alongside a rum, raisin and malt cream. You'll also find beef carpaccio on the menu. The dish, served with makrut lime and parmesan, is a tribute to a beloved menu item from Darcy's, the famed Italian restaurant that occupied the site of Ursula's for nearly 40 years. The venue looks to pay homage to Australian dining and the storied history of the building it occupies. 92 Hargrave Street has housed several other chefs throughout its lifetime. The building was originally built in the late 19th century as a house and shop, and in its first half-century, it was run as a pub and a grocer. D'Arcy Glover was the first restaurateur to take up residency with a Swiss eatery in 1968 before Attilio Marinangeli and Aldo Zuzza took over in 1975 with the opening of Darcy's Restaurant. The most recent restaurant to occupy the corner building was Guillaume Brahimi's flagship Sydney restaurant Guillaume. Brahimi made the dramatic move to Paddington in 2013 after running Guillaume out of the Sydney Opera House for over a decade. While the restaurant didn't last on Hargrave Street, Brahimi went on to take over fellow Paddington venue Four in the Hand and opened a Guillaume in the CBD. "It is an honour to be opening in a building with such a strong dining history that goes back over 50 years. These corner sites dotted throughout Paddington are so special and part of what makes the suburb a vibrant part of Sydney's story," Wood said when the venue was first announced. The restaurant is the work of Wood and his wife Lis Davies who will be joined by John Laureti (Pt. Leo Estate, Rockpool) and Luke Cawsey (Saint Peter, Rockpool) in the kitchen, and Restaurant Manager Emily Towson (Fred's, Kepos & Co, Sixpenny). Inside the building, you'll find a classically fitted and welcoming dining space created in collaboration with Melbourne-based designer Brahman Perera. "Lis and I are absolutely thrilled to finally share our little restaurant with our neighbours and Sydney," said Wood. "We can't wait to see people enjoying long lunches in the beautiful dining room, and families and friends celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and just the joy of once again being together." Ursula's Paddington is open at 92 Hargrave Street, Paddington. It's open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday–Saturday. Images: Nikki To
Australia's cost-of-living crisis continues to escalate, expanding into different areas of life and affecting needs and habits across the country and all walks of life. The latest victim is an Aussie tradition, as revealed by findings in The Great Aussie Debate, the pub shout has fallen on hard times as drink costs keep climbing. There might have been a time when shouting a round at the pub was done without question. But survey respondents are mixed on whether or not they would, or could, still commit. Of the 53,000 Australians who took part in this year's survey, only 22 percent said they shout without question. The majority response, at 44 percent, says yes, but only with close friends and loved ones. Then a notable 33.6 percent admitted they won't shout anymore, citing costs as the main issue. Of that group, most respondents fit into the Baby Boomer age bracket, with 44 percent of respondents aged 70 and older refusing the shout. Millennials were on the other end of the spectrum, 70 percent of whom replied yes to either shouting outright or with loved ones. [caption id="attachment_1018342" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dominic Xavier[/caption] The prices listed on pub menus reflect strained supply chains in the alcohol industry. According to Yahoo! Finance, 85 percent of Australia's beverage market share is controlled by either Lion (owners of XXXX Gold, Hahn, James Boag and Stone & Wood, to name a few) or Asahi (brands like Victoria Bitter, Carlton Draught, Great Northern and Pure Blonde). Both companies have stated intent to raise prices by 3.4 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively, citing transport, labour and material costs as the main reasons for the hike. That price increase at the supplier level will affect consumers in different ways, but last month the Australian Hotels Association advised venues to raise schooner prices for VB, XXXX Gold and Carlton Draught by 40 cents. And as costs continue to climb at the venue level, hospitality groups and owners are forced to increase prices across the board to break even, with everyday costs almost negating the Federal Government's February freeze on tax excise on Draught Beer. [caption id="attachment_1009223" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Blute Bar[/caption] Despite that, a spokesperson for Lion told Yahoo! Finance, "the brewing and hospitality industries have continued to experience cost inflation over the last couple of years, and market conditions remain difficult." "Lion is committed to striking the right balance between competitive pricing and recovering some of the costs passed onto us from our suppliers in a stubbornly high inflation environment."
Woolloomooloo's Manta Restaurant offers reasons aplenty to make a booking. Iconic waterfront location: tick. Incredible wine list: tick. And an impressive menu with a focus on sustainability, seasonality and Sydney's freshest seafood dishes: tick, tick and tick. But, just in case you're a tough cookie to impress and need a little more incentive to check it out, the waterfront venue is offering it by way of two exclusive degustation dinners. First up is the Manta x Veuve Clicquot Degustation Dinner on Wednesday, October 26. Break up your work week and give yourself something to look forward to on humpday by making a reservation to enjoy this truly indulgent dining experience. For $295, you'll be treated to four delicious courses featuring oysters, scallops and lobster — designed to pair perfectly with a glass of Veuve Clicquot. Have a weakness for wine from New Zealand? Secure your spot at the Manta x Cloudy Bay Degustation Dinner on Wednesday, November 4 for $159. Offering a similar four-course and wine pairing concept — the evening will see drops of Cloudy Bay's new 2022 Sauvignon Blanc complemented by a selection of signature flavours. Expect kingfish ceviche, New Zealand rack of lamb with saltbush, macadamia and Davidson plum, and a delicious dessert of coconut, mango and passionfruit pavlova (that we'll give the Kiwis credit for this time). To reserve your seat at either (or both!) of these degustation dinners, visit the Manta Restaurant website.
Beachwood Designs brings bespoke timber furniture to Avalon, and has been doing so since the early 90s. At the Avalon Parade shop, you'll find side tables made from elm next to driftwood floor lamps and more. Luckily for you, the local furniture company offers custom-made pieces, made from sustainable materials where possible — from reupholstered ottomans to dining tables hand-carved from oak or reclaimed timber. For something a little easier to transport, you'll find homewares to match, including dainty ceramic pieces, raffia bags and artwork by local artists. For those keen to really take a slice of Avalon home, or for the indecisive out there, Beachwood offers an interior decorating service for both locals and those a little further away. Images: Sam Mackie.
Located across from Narrabeen Beach, this Asian-fusion diner from the team behind Paddington favourites Chubby Cheeks and Armchair Collective showcases a menu developed by ex-Mimi's chef Julian Laczyc-Wyhowski. Featuring a mix of contemporary twists, Fat Pomelo offers small 'chubby bites' and hearty mains reflecting its warm and inviting atmosphere. Stunning interiors from Giant Design take their cues directly from the venue's name. The pomelo, a large citrus fruit often displayed and consumed for good luck over Lunar New Year, is a symbol of prosperity and fortune and the heart of this venue's concept. With a bright and lively main dining space as well as intimate private rooms, Fat Pomelo offers an ideal and welcoming space for any occasion.
Tucked between Burwood's bustling streets, Ford Lane has undergone a transformation that's turning heads. Once an overlooked laneway designed around cars, it's now a vibrant place to gather, celebrate, and discover something new. Complete with large-scale murals and impressive lighting installations, it's quickly becoming one of Burwood's must-visit destinations. And now, the story continues. This spring, it'll transform again into Sydney's newest outdoor live music venue with the launch of Fridays at Ford Lane, a free series of live music, food, and cultural events designed to transform Friday evenings into something extraordinary. Each edition will have its own flavour, kicking off with an eclectic showcase of sounds inspired by Asia's thriving pop scene. Local selectors DJ Hideoboo and DOOFus will be on the decks, and they'll be joined by singer Venice Qin and dance crews TODAY&ALWAYS and DanceKool. Expect a night of C-Pop, K-Pop and hip hop fusion, with street eats and a pop-up bar keeping things fuelled. Future instalments are already locked in. Roll up on October 31 for a hip hop block party with DJ Rydeen, MC Mari and beatboxer Voltak. On November 28, gypsy jazz and world beats will take over with performances by turntablist DJD and Scratch Band, plus multi-instrumentalist Marcus Holden + Friends. Each outing is designed to spotlight local talent and celebrate the suburb's cultural diversity, with lineups curated by DanceKool, creative incubator opnsrc.co and Burwood Council. The series is part of Burwood Council's Ford Lane Transformation Project, backed by Transport for NSW's Permit Plug Play Pilot Program. The initiative has activated the laneway as a permanent stage for arts and entertainment, framed by large-scale commissions by artists including Drez, marking the Melbourne creative's first Sydney artwork, Georgia Hill and Okto Studio. Upgrades like a new power supply and removable bollards also mean the laneway is fully equipped for regular events like the new Friday night series. And if you're looking for a unique backdrop of your own, Ford Lane is now a bookable space ideal for everything from private events to video shoots. Just get in touch with Burwood Council if you're keen. Entry to Fridays at Ford Lane is free, but capacity is capped. Walk-ins are limited, so the best way to ensure entry is to register at the event's website.
Welcome to the joys of major film festivals in spring, Sydney. Getting holed up in a cinema for a week or so is usually a winter activity in the Harbour City, because that's when Sydney Film Festival takes place; however, the first-ever SXSW Down Under is arriving in 2023 with its very own celebration of peering at screens. So, for eight October days, movie lovers can wander in and out of darkened rooms while the weather is pleasant outside, not frosty — and see everything from Saltburn, the new Jacob Elordi (Euphoria)-starring thriller from Promising Young Woman director Emerald Fennell, to the freshly remastered 4K version of iconic Talking Heads concert flick Stop Making Sense. After dropping a number of screening highlights over the past few months, SXSW Sydney's debut Screen Festival has unveiled the full 75-plus session bill that'll get projectors a-flickering from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22. So, opening night's Australian thriller The Royal Hotel from Casting JonBenet and The Assistant director Kitty Green (and starring the latter's Julia Garner) now has more company than just the world premiere of documentary Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles, plus nine other titles announced back in July that span everything from features starring Indonesian rappers and docos about Tokyo Uber Eats riders. Saltburn will enjoy its Australian premiere at SXSW Sydney, while Stop Making Sense will get The ICC's Darling Harbour Theatre echoing in glorious 7.1 surround sound. The venue will be home to the fest's biggest titles, which also includes opening night and The Wiggles doco; ONEFOUR: Against All Odds about the eponymous drill rap band; and Ryuichi Sakamoto|Opus, which covers the recorded concert by the late, great The Revenant composer, who passed away in March 2023. Also on the bill: supervillain parody The People's Joker, which gives the caped-crusader realm a queer coming-of-age spin; TLC documentary TLC Forever; Sleep, a Korean horror-comedy by Bong Joon-ho's former assistant; the Hugo Weaving (Love Me)-starring The Rooster, which follows a hermit and a cop who form a bond during a crisis; and a retro session of Aussie classic Lake Mungo. Or, SXSW Sydney's film fans can see Black Barbie, a Barbie flick that isn't filled affection; the Indian Australian Sahela, which tells a queer tale set in Western Sydney; Satranic Panic, a homegrown road movie and a creature feature; Milli Vanilli, another of the event's music docos; and Uproar, as starring Hunt for the Wilderpeople's Julian Dennison, Our Flag Means Death's Rhys Darby and Starstruck's Minnie Driver. As part of the fest's First Nations program, Fancy Dance explores being pushed to the margins with star Lily Gladstone just as she'll also be in cinemas in Killers of the Flower Moon — and, from the main program strand that heroes pushing boundaries and serving up surprises, attendees can see This Is Going to Be Big, about Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School in Bullengarook staging a John Farnham-themed musical. For fans of cult fare in the making, the SXSW Sydney Midnighters lineup includes the 16mm-shot Riddle of Fire and the Steven Soderbergh (Full Circle)-produced thriller Divinity, while the music selection will also celebrate Cyndi Lauper via Let the Canary Sing. Among a feast of screen content that also encompasses 40 shorts, plus 20 music videos and 13 XR projects, TV will get some love — that's why the event is called a Screen Festival, not a film fest. Standouts span Night Bloomers, a horror anthology from both Korea and Australia; Erotic Stories, another anthology that'll deliver exactly what it sounds like; and Doona!, a Korean rom-com led by Suzy Bae. If you recall hearing about SXSW winners from its Austin fests, Sydney's version is doing the same, with ten movies competing in its feature competition, another ten vying in the shorts field and eight XR works also seeking some extra love. Alongside indoor sessions at Darling Harbour Theatre and Palace Cinemas Central, free outdoor screenings are also on the bill at the SXSW Sydney 2023 hub in Tumbalong Park. The complete lineup there is still to come, but the program will survey the OG fest's best and brightest, starting with Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's What We Do in the Shadows — the movie, not the also-ace TV show — as well as classic anime masterpiece Ghost in the Shell and Richard Linklater's Dazed & Confused. "The first ever SXSW Sydney Screen Festival aims to platform the most exciting new voices, new forms and new ways of creating on screen. We hope to inspire our audiences and industry, by unwrapping the future of Screen innovation as it emerges," said Ghita Loebenstein, the event's Head of Screen, announcing the 2023 program. "Like our Austin counterparts, our festival presents global programming from leading creators, and our unique offer is this distinctive Asia Pacific lens. We also thematically lean into our sister pillars across music, games and tech, celebrating where our forms and communities converge. Most of all, SXSW Sydney is a festival which earnestly centres vision, irreverence and fun." Can't wait to watch your way through the everything that you can? SXSW Sydney Screen Festival wristbands are on sale now and will get you into unlimited screenings. [caption id="attachment_917938" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Netflix[/caption] As well as viewing movies and TV shows aplenty, the 2023 SXSW Sydney Screen Festival also features an array of speakers. Black Mirror's Charlie Brooker is one of the headliners — not just of the screen component, but of SXSW Sydney overall. Similarly getting chatting: Indigenous filmmakers Leah Purcell (The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson), Kodie Bedford (Mystery Road: Origin) and Jub Clerc (Sweet As); Osher Günsberg recording an episode of his podcast Better Than Yesterday with a yet-to-be-announced special guest; and Gone Girl, The Nightingale, The Dry, Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers producer Bruna Papandrea and Binge's Executive Director Alison Hurbert-Burns. Queer Eye star Tan France was also slated to attend, but has had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. SXSW Sydney will run from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 at various Sydney venues, with the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival running from Sunday, October 15–Saturday, October 21 at The ICC's Darling Theatre and Palace Cinemas Central. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. If you're keen to make the most of Australia's first SXSW, take advantage of our special reader offer. Purchase your SXSW Sydney 2023 Official Badge via Concrete Playground Trips and you'll score a $150 credit to use on your choice of Sydney accommodation. Book now via the website.
The annual reason to not entirely obliterate yourself on New Year's Eve, Field Day, has announced its return for 2022. And while international touring isn't quite back to normal — so there's no Cardi B or Tyler, the Creator leading the bill this year — the New Year's Day festival will bring some of Australia's biggest live acts to The Domain. Field Day's 2022 lineup features a heap of festival favourites: Peking Duck, Hayden James and Mallrat, for starters. You'll also be listening to Masked Wolf, Allday and Hot Dub Time Machine — and they're just a few of the highlights (full lineup below). Adapting to the times, and to New South Wales' pandemic rules, this year's Field Day will require all patrons to either show proof of double COVID-19 vaccination to enter, or to show a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken within the 72 hours before arriving at the festival. [caption id="attachment_579492" align="alignnone" width="1279"] Aleksandar Jason[/caption] FIELD DAY 2022 LINEUP Allday Anna Lunoe ASHWARYA Choomba Golden Features Hayden James Hot Dub Time Machine Mallrat Masked Wolf MAY-A Peking Duk Image: Field Day/AP Photography.
Black Star Pastry has reached institution status after more than a decade creating world-class, Instagram-famous delicacies. The popularity of Black Star's singular pastry creations has seen the brand expand across multiple Sydney outposts, a Melbourne shop in St Kilda, as well as a flagship patisserie in Shanghai. But the ever-growing butter-fuelled empire started right here in Newtown back in 2011. The intimacy of this space belies its pedigree. Christopher Thé, of Claude's fame, is at the helm of this project, which takes classic delights and reworks them through inventive experimentation. The results remain whimsical, sometimes challenging and a sweet tooth's fantasia. Favourites from the menu include the now-iconic strawberry watermelon cake, the orange cake with Persian figs, and the lemon myrtle chiffon cake. Like all good things, the only fault of Black Star is its popularity. Outside seats and take-aways are always an option though — it's not worth missing out on, no matter how busy this little shopfront happens to be.
On the 25th November, 1987, ten artists came together for a group exhibition in Meagher Street, Chippendale, called “Boomalli Au Go Go”. This is where the story of “Ripple Effect”, curated by Keith Munro, starts: with the formation of what is not just one of Australia’s most enduring artists’ collective, but one of the country’s most important spaces and groups of Aboriginal artists. It’s a story that’s still unfolding. Since that first exhibition, the artists - Bronwyn Bancroft, Euphemia Bostock, Brenda L Croft, Fiona Foley, Fern Martins, Arone Raymond Meeks, Tracey Moffatt, Avril Quaill, Michael Riley and Jeffrey Samuels - have forged their own careers and joined the Australian art canon. Boomalli itself - as a space and a cooperative of like-minded artists - has evolved and endured across locations, hauled itself out of debt and dodged bureaucratic red tape. It’s a space that is amorphous as it is influential. Although much of the large state galleries' collections have, until recently, focussed on Western Desert art as the principal example of Indigenous art, “Ripple Effect” takes us to the limit of the diversity of the media, themes and disciplines Aboriginal artists are working in. Munro says his curatorial directive was to voice “an interesting conversation between the beginning of Boomalli’s history and the present. In the last twenty-five years, the artists have branched out to explore new media and scale, and become bold and confident” in their respective fields. And so, “Ripple Effect” sweeps across painting, photography and works on paper; installation, moving image and print media. Moffat’s spliced, diced video clippish Others sits alongside Bancroft’s Galaxy Gateways, an abstract painting that allows the eyes to slide and wander. Foley’s photo etching and collage photography, Survival, faces Bostock’s more traditional, expressive cotton screen print, Possum Skin. Across from a wall of Boomalli’s early exhibition posters is a collection of ephemera - notes, archives and photographs that document Boomalli’s rich living history. Together, it all makes sense. “All those threads are part of this journey of Boomalli - the genesis of the space and the practices of the ten founding members,” says Munro. Despite, or because, of this diversity, Boomalli has provided a common place for the common narratives of the ten artists. All told, the exhibition is startlingly contemporary. “Ripple Effect” is not just a 25th anniversary retrospective, but a demonstration of how Aboriginal artists are intervening into the art world, bringing the weight of their traditions into a contemporary framework. The show looks outward rather than backward, balancing country, culture and lore with dynamism, regeneration and innovation. “Ripple Effect” is a new part of the living history of a community, its people and events, and the exchanges and dialogues that it has sparked, a history that cannot be contained in the artworks themselves. Image by Fernanda Martins, Avril Quaill and Jeffrey Samuels, from original 1987 Boomalli Exhibition, Boomalli Au Go Go.
Tucked away on the first floor of the recognisable Salesforce building is Bourke & Ward, an elegant all-day eatery dedicated to Southern Italian cuisine with modern flair. This triple-threat venue operates as a cafe for that early morning rush, a buzzy lunch spot come the afternoon and a moody restaurant after dark. So whether you're in for an intimate date night or swinging by for a hearty lunch, Bourke & Ward has got you covered. Peruse the menu and you'll be met with a wide array of top-quality dishes. For breakfast, take your pick from cafe classics like a hefty B&E with sauce of your choosing, an avocado stack elevated with a diced lemon confit, chilli scrambled eggs with three kinds of spice and fried Tuscan kale and an Italian take on Turkish poached eggs that features whipped ricotta, sauteéd spinach and mushrooms with a burnt butter and tomato vierge. Post-breakfast, you can opt for antipasti like the pillowy focaccia and the crispy polenta paired with calabrese sugo and stracciatella. Then, make your way to the heartier selection — it's recommended that you try a pasta and a pizza, if you've got room for both. Standouts from the pasta selection include a lasagne that would make even the fiercest of nonnas proud, squid ink linguine with garlic-coated prawns and pesto casarecce with Calabrian chilli, sundried tomato, stracciatella and smoked almond. The showstopper, though, is the traditional pinsa. What sets this pizza apart from its fellow dough-centred siblings is its crust, which consists of a six-protein dough that is proofed for 72 hours before it's turned into a lighter and crisper alternative to the familiar slices we know and love. Here, you can choose between five styles of pinsa romana, from a tomato-base Siciliana with eggplant or a four-cheese pie, to prawn-starring gamberi drizzled with nduja oil or the ham-, mushroom- and olive-topped cotto. You'll want to finish your night with a sweet treat if you've still got room, whether it be the indulgent matcha tiramisu, the Nutella pizza or the fruity apple and peach crumble with ice cream. Plus, you can pair each dish with a glass of top-notch vino from the international wine list — there's a decent selection available by the glass — or one of the restaurant's plethora of fun cocktails. From a sour mango marg and stiff blood orange negroni to a selection of seven spritzes, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Zaffi is a multi-level dining and party space on Little Hunter Street that's arrived in Sydney right as the city is in the swing of a late-night revival. Joining the likes of The Abercrombie, Club 77 and Pleasure Club on the list of new and revamped venues pushing Sydney's nightlife into the early hours of the morning, Zaffi is a versatile space boasting a 42-seat ground-floor restaurant and a 122-capacity basement bar that's committed to keeping the party rolling until 4am on weekends. Owner Chady Khouzame has enlisted the help of ex-Chin Chin and Rockpool chef Graeme Hunt to create a refined Australian-Lebanese menu for the street-level dining room. It's a sharing affair at Zaffi, with plenty of mezze options including dips and veggies paired with mains like Aleppo pepper roast prawns and char-grilled spatchcock. The two banquets menus are highly affordable, with the $60 option bringing a table-covering feast of saj, hummus, baba ganoush, eggplant fatteh, labneh, haloumi, kofta, cauliflower, spatchcock, pickles and chips — or, for an extra $29 per person, you can basically sample the entire array of eats on offer, with the addition of pan-fried snapper, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, panna cotta and cheesecake. Downstairs in Zaffi's party bunker, you'll find pink velvet-cushioned booths, neon lighting, communal tables and upbeat tunes encouraging late-night revellers to stay well past midnight. The snacks also keep coming, with highlights from upstairs including kofta, dips, chips and grilled honey and za'atar halloumi all available on the after-hours menu. Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
