UPDATE, JULY 30, 2018: Sydney's new music and snow sports festival was ambitious. It had plans to bring the world's best snowboarders to Sydney and to construct a 16-storey snow-covered ramp in the middle of The Domain. Unfortunately, it seems plans may have been too ambitious, with the company announcing via Facebook that the inaugural Australian event has been cancelled. While it's not mentioned in the post, the event's local promoter Moore Snow Sports went into liquidation earlier this month, which most likely contributed to the event's demise. Air + Style has assured customers that all tickets will be fully refunded through Moshtix. Both big air and big bands are on the agenda for Australia's newest festival offering. This August, the global Air + Style Big Air Competition is set to make its southern hemisphere debut, descending on The Domain for three huge days of snow sports, live music, culture and fashion. And it's being headlined by none other than Irish/Scottish alt-rockers Snow Patrol and US artist Flo Rida, each heading to town for their first Aussie shows in over five years. From August 3–5, the 34-hectare space on the edge of Sydney's CBD will be sporting a very different look than what locals are used to, featuring a 16-storey snow-covered ramp and multiple music stages. More than 60 of the world's best snowboarders and skiers will land here, to compete as part of the 2018 Air + Style Global Tour. Plus, the event has quite the pedigree — three-time Olympic gold medallist and all-round champion snowboarder Shaun White has been the majority shareholder since 2014. But let's not forget about the equally tempting music component. Previous incarnations of Air + Style in the likes of Beijing, Los Angeles and Austria's Innsbruck have drawn big-name artists such as Flume, Major Lazer, Portugal. The Man and Kendrick Lamar. The Sydney outing promises to follow in their footsteps, with Snow Patrol and Flo Rida just the first of many acts to be announced. Both single day tickets and multi-day passes are available, starting at $150.
Next time you slather your hands with sanitiser, you could be covering them with your favourite booze as well. With alcohol a crucial ingredient in the now-essential product — especially sanitiser that's effective against COVID-19 — distilleries and breweries are doing their part to help boost supplies. To the delight of coffee liqueur lovers, that now includes Australia's much-loved Mr Black. While gin aficionados can splash their digits with Manly Spirits Co's gin-infused hand sanitiser and fans of distilled and fermented sugercane can disinfect with hand sanitiser from Queensland's Bundaberg and Beenleigh rum distilleries — and plenty of other boozy outfits are jumping on the trend, too — fans of caffeinated booze can look forward to freshening their fingers with their preferred tipple. Mr Black has whipped up its own sanitiser and is shipping it around the country. It's also donated a heap of bottles of its A-class sani to a bunch of charities, medical centres and COVID-19 testing clinics. You can grab a maximum of two 500 millilitre bottles, for $19.95 each, plus a $10 flat-rate national shipping fee. The hand sanitiser is made using a World Health Organisation recipe with 80 percent ethanol, and as bottles don't come with a pump they're designed to be used as refills. If you decide to invest in some actual coffee liqueur while you're on the site — the OG ($60), single-origin ($75) and amaro ($80) versions are all for sale, as is the most adorable 50-millilitre bottle ($5.99) — or some sweet merch, and spend over $100, you'll get free shipping. We think this hand sanitiser is going to sell out super fast, so head over to the website and order yourself a bottle quick smart if you're keen. Mr Black hand sanitiser is available for $19.95 per 500 millilitre bottle, maximum of two per person.
On September 25, 1981, Sydneysiders got their first look at the revolving restaurants inside Sydney Tower. Exactly 39 years later, the restaurants have reopened after a $12-million renovation, with new looks, A-plus cocktails and a star cast of Sydney hospitality elite. The tower's dining precinct is split into three levels: 70s-inspired Bar 83, opulent fine-diner Infinity and casual buffet restaurant Sky Feast. Each space has a unique design by Loopcreative, pulling inspiration from the likes of space odysseys, Aussie backyard pools and bygone Kings Cross bars. Here, we'll walk you through each level. BAR 83 Part-retro, part-futuristic with circular red and white lounges, gold lights and striking mirrors, Bar 83 is officially Sydney's highest bar. Some have suggested the bar looks as if it was pulled straight from an episode of The Jetsons, but Loopcreative director Rod Faucheux says the design is a nod to the building's history and Sydney bars from the 70s and 80s, such as Baron's in the Cross. As the name suggests, it's towering above the city on level 83, with views across to the edges of the suburbs. While there's no denying the bar's main drawcard is the views, the cocktails are equally impressive. Award-winning bartender Jenna Hemsworth (Restaurant Hubert, The Baxter Inn) has stepped in as venue manager, and is stirring up outstanding cocktails including Pain Pleasure Principle (with cognac, cacao and lemon myrtle) and the Ignore All Rules (tequila, sherry, tomato and basil). Snacks don't push the boundaries too much (oysters, bread and olives, roasted nuts) but you're not here for the food — that's all happening on the levels below. That said, it'd be remiss not to order at least one of the lamb and harissa sausage rolls while you're there. INFINITY While Bar 83 is playful, Infinity is dark, moody and sophisticated, with leather banquettes, deep purple carpets and brass details. It's where you come when you're ready to do some serious eating. In the kitchen is Chef Mike Dierlinger (The Bridge Room), who is plating up five- and seven-course degustations. The menu is decidedly international, with raw swordfish paired with miso and enoki mushrooms, Shanghai-style drunken chicken served with yellow beets and brioche, and lamb belly coming with a side of Yemeni sauce called zhoug. It's not the cheapest degustation in the city — five courses come in at $115, seven at $145 — but it's far from the most expensive (eight courses will set you back $290 at Quay). And you're paying for the views, which, on this level, are 360 degrees. Like its predecessor 360 Bar and Dining, Infinity rotates. SKY FEAST The final restaurant in Sydney Tower is Sky Feast, which, according to the team, caters to a broader tourism market. Its design is a throwback to suburban Aussie backyards of the 70s and 80s with pebblecrete, breeze blocks, terracotta tiles and plenty of blonde furniture by Melbourne's Ross Didier. Food here is served buffet-style, but at the moment, because of COVID-19, it's a buffet that the staff bring to you for $80 a head (or $60 for lunch). There are more than 30 dishes on the menu, which we won't run through here, but expect plenty of seafood (oysters, mussels, baked barramundi), curries, noodles and six different desserts. If you've got a hunger that a regular dinner just won't fix, a big feed here might be just what you need. Bar 83, Infinity and Sky Feast are now open at Sydney Tower, between Pitt and Castlereagh streets, Sydney CBD. Images: Robert Walsh, @robertwphoto.
They're acting icons with four decades of work to their names. They also each played a part in the delightful Paddington movies — but in different films. We're talking about Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, who finally share the screen in six-part mini-series The Undoing. As married couple Grace and Jonathan Fraser, a renowned psychotherapist and a celebrated children's oncologist respectively, they seem to have the perfect New York City life. The drama's title tells you that change is coming, though. When a woman connected to the ultra-expensive school attended by their teenage son Henry (Noah Jupe) turns up dead, the Frasers' existence begins to unravel. Or, as Big Little Lies writer David E Kelley and The Night Manager director Susanne Bier make clear, perhaps it was already unfurling but Grace and Jonathan just didn't realise. Also starring Donald Sutherland as Grace's father and Edgar Ramirez as the police detective with many a suspicion about the Frasers, The Undoing serves up twist after twist as it investigates not only a crime and a marriage, but the lives of the wealthy and privileged.
Prepare to party like it's 1945 at Bopp & Tone on Carrington Street. The first CBD venture from hospitality group Applejack (Della Hyde, The Butler, Endeavour Tap Rooms), the bar and eatery takes both name and inspiration from the founders' grandfathers — Keith 'Bopp' Evans and Anthony 'Tone' Adams — revisiting the era of optimism and opulence enjoyed by post-WWII Australia. Without the food rationing, we hope. Inside, award-winning design firm Luchetti Krelle (responsible for a tonne of restaurants, including Manly Greenhouse, ACME and Matinee Coffee) helped to create a welcoming old-world space that nods stylishly to the past, combining marble, panelled timber, velvet booths and hanging light fittings, as we've come to expect from most Applejack venues. It looks similar to the CBD's other post-WWII bar, Kittyhawk. In a plus, it also has a sizeable terrace filled with greenery for al fresco dinners and drinks. From the kitchen comes a contemporary Australian menu, prepared by chef Sa Va'afusuaga (The Botanist), with influences from across the Mediterranean. The woodfired grill and charcoal oven get a thorough workout, and are used to deliver dishes like free-range spatchcock and chargrilled whole calamari from the Hawkesbury River. The cocktail offering works to the same Oz-Mediterranean brief, featuring classics reimagined with Aussie ingredients while the wine list champions sustainably produced drops from both overseas and closer to home.
One of the most exciting and strange musical announcements of 2012 was that Blondie would headline Homebake for their first ever Global Edition. An equally exciting but less unexpected announcement is that she's playing a string of sideshows, one of them taking place at Sydney's Enmore Theatre on Thursday, 6 December. At 66 years of age Debbie Harry is on such top form that she was recently mistaken for a 25-year-old (okay so that 25-year-old was Lindsey Lohan but hey, Harry's almost 70). Her presence on stage is equally well preserved, with new wave classics such as "Heart of Glass" and "Call Me" continuing to transport fans 30 years after they were first written. For their Enmore Theatre show Blondie will be accompanied by The Stranglers (UK) and our own Machinations. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, 9 October. https://youtube.com/watch?v=sxTP4WLA_ig
UPDATE: July 13, 2020: The Goldfinch is available to stream via Netflix, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. A best-selling, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. A filmmaker fresh from directing another literary adaptation to three Oscar nominations. A cast of high-profile faces spanning Nicole Kidman, Jeffrey Wright (Westworld), Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) and Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver). Regardless of whether screenwriter Peter Straughan counts as a strength or a weakness — he scripted the excellent recent version of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, but was also responsible for the horrendous The Snowman — The Goldfinch definitely doesn't lack in pedigree. Alas, as based on Donna Tartt's 2013 book and directed by John Crowley (Brooklyn), the result is a curious film. It's easy to see how this neo-Dickensian coming-of-age tale about a traumatised teen, an explosion, a stolen painting and the chaos that follows could enthral on the page; however it's just as easy to remain distanced from it on the big screen. When viewers first meet Theo Decker (Elgort), he's a suave, drug-addicted twentysomething in Amsterdam. How he got there, why he's so stressed and strung out, and why he's muttering about an artwork called The Goldfinch are all soon relayed via flashbacks. At the age of 13, Theo (Oakes Fegley, Pete's Dragon) visits the Metropolitan Museum of Art with his mother, survives a bombing that claims her life, and leaves with a ring he's asked to return to an antiques dealer (Wright) — as well as the famed 1654 piece by Carel Fabritius that gives the movie its name. When he's happily bunking down with the wealthy family of one of his private school classmates, and hoping that their matriarch (Nicole Kidman) will adopt him, Theo hides the stolen painting. As he's struggling through a strained Las Vegas reunion with his compulsive gambler dad (Luke Wilson) and bartender girlfriend (Sarah Paulson), the portrait haunts him. And, after he's all grown up, back in New York and trading in antiques himself, the picture remains out of sight but never out of Theo's mind. While The Goldfinch takes its moniker from the beloved masterpiece and tasks its protagonist with fixating on it, the priceless artwork means more here as a symbol than as an object. A knowledge of art history will help audience members, but the film does eventually explain the painting's fascinating background, its parallels with Theo's journey, and why it represents the enduring nature of beauty in shaping both individual and collective memories. That said, on a narrative level, the piece is hardly crucial — especially given the hectic wave of unlikely events that keep befalling Theo both as an adolescent and as an adult. Indeed, as their lead character befriends a rebellious Ukrainian (Wolfhard), obsesses over a flame-haired fellow survivor (Ashley Cummings), reignites old acquaintances and gets immersed in shady dealings on opposite sides of the world, Crowley and Straughan can't be accused of skimping on plot. Story-wise, there's rarely an empty moment. What the feature lacks, however, is the space to truly value anything of importance — and space to appreciate why its namesake is so emotionally and thematically pivotal. Much of The Goldfinch's troubles stem from its on-screen structure, which, ditching the novel's linear timeline, flits back and forth between the younger and older Theo. While it's an expressive choice, designed to convey the adrift and uncertain inner state plaguing its central figure, it largely plays as needlessly convoluted. As a result, the movie feels simultaneously laborious, rushed and distracted across its 2.5-hour running time — like it's packing as much as possible onto its large canvas in a purposeful, painstaking way, then devoting its time to watching paint dry rather than soaking in the details. In the film's visuals and performances, there's still something to relish. It helps immensely that The Goldfinch has enlisted one of the best cinematographers in the business, with Roger Deakins as talented at making his peach and gold-tinted frames resemble great art as he was at navigating a neon-hued futuristic world (and winning an Academy Award, too) in Blade Runner 2049. Fine-tuned portrayals by Kidman, Wright and Fegley also assist, although Elgort comes across as opaque rather than conflicted, Wolfhard is blighted by his cartoonish accent, and Wilson and Paulson seem like they've stepped in from another movie entirely. What ultimately lingers, though, is an unfortunate comparison. It's an obvious one, as happens whenever a movie calls attention to a far superior work, and it doesn't serve Crowley's film well. It never escapes attention that Fabritius' painting depicts a creature capable of flying high, but firmly stuck in place — a feat that, despite seemingly boasting all the right elements, The Goldfinch mirrors in all the wrong ways. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_nRqgk1HgM
One of the many casualties of last year's pandemic fallout was Melbourne Museum's much-anticipated Treasures of the Natural World exhibition, which is set to feature a monumental collection of rare, ancient and fascinating artefacts curated by London's iconic Natural History Museum. The blockbuster installation was originally slated to make its debut Down Under in May 2020, but was instead postponed as COVID-19 restrictions swept in. Now, the wait is almost over, with news of a new opening date — Saturday, June 12. Come winter, Melbourne Museum will finally play host to this Australia exclusive, showcasing more than 200 groundbreaking items that have each helped change the course of scientific history. The exhibition is once-in-a-lifetime stuff, packed full of artworks, specimens and other objects that give insight into the mysteries of the natural world, and also mark the biggest moments in human discovery. Visitors will have the chance to see the 400,000-year-old hand axe that was discovered next to the bones of a woolly mammoth, check out the 200 million-year-old Ichthyosaurus fossil that Mary Anning unearthed at the tender age of eleven (as mentioned in the recent film Ammonite), and even explore some of the pieces from Charles Darwin's personal collection that were seminal to informing his theory of evolution. Among its many stories, the exhibition also has a strong focus on sharing First Peoples' narratives from across the globe, taking an important deep dive into the histories and relationships that Indigenous people have with the natural world. London's Natural History Museum is one of the world's top five most visited museums, and is renowned as a global leader in the areas of taxonomy and biodiversity. This is your chance to get up close and personal with some of its coolest scientific finds — all without having to wait for those international borders to reopen. Tickets that were purchased for the original dates of the Treasures of the Natural World exhibition automatically remain valid for the new run — you'll just need to show them at the Museum's ticketing desk. Treasures of the Natural World will launch at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, from Saturday, June 12. To find out more and grab tickets, check out the website. Images: Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Butterfly, the Latrobe Nugget and the Cursed-Amethyst — all via Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London.
"Movies are dreams that you never forget," says Mitzi Fabelman (Michelle Williams, Venom: Let There Be Carnage) early in Steven Spielberg's The Fabelmans. Have truer words ever been spoken in any of the director's 33 flicks? Uttered to her eight-year-old son Sammy (feature debutant Mateo Zoryon Francis-DeFord), Mitzi's statement lingers, providing the film's beating heart even when the coming-of-age tale it spins isn't always idyllic. Individual pictures can come and go, of course. Only some — including on America's most populist filmmaker's own resume, packed as it is with Jaws, Indiana Jones, E.T., Jurassic Park, West Side Story and the like — truly stand the test of time. But as Mitzi understands, and imparts to her on-screen Spielberg boyhood surrogate, movies as an art form are a dream that keeps beaming in our heads. We return to theatres again and again for more. We glue our eyes to films at home, too. We lap up the worlds they visit, stories they relay and fantasies they incite, and we eagerly add our own. To everyone that's ever stared at the silver screen in awe and wonder, The Fabelmans pays tribute far more than it basks in the glow of its director. Because everyone is crafting cinematic autobiographies of sorts of late, Spielberg adds this tender yet clear-eyed look at his childhood to a growing list of similarly self-reflective flicks; however, he's as fascinated with cinema as a dream-sparking and -making force as is he with fictionalising and mythologising his own beginnings. Slot The Fabelmans in alongside James Gray's Armageddon Time, Kenneth Branagh's Belfast, Paul Thomas Anderson's Licorice Pizza and Alejandro González Iñárritu's Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths from the past year or so, then, and easily. Don't consider it merely Spielberg jumping on a trend, though. This is a sincere, perceptive and potent movie about how movies act as a mirror — and a vividly shot and engagingly performed one, complete with a pitch-perfect late cameo that's pure cinephile heaven — whether we're watching or creating them. First comes the viewing, as it does with us all no matter if we end up picking up a camera. While The Fabelmans charts Sammy's film fixation as it quickly expands from devouring celluloid dreams to fashioning them — giving Spielberg's career an origin story, clearly — that initial dalliance with the big screen in the 1950s couldn't be more pivotal. Heading to catch Cecil B DeMille's The Greatest Show on Earth with Mitzi and dad Burt (Paul Dano, The Batman), the boy is anxious. And, when his debut experience with cinema involves witnessing a train crash in the movie, he's haunted afterwards. The Fabelmans makes that obsession the source of nightmares as well as inspiration, but once Sammy begins working through and rewriting his feelings by restaging the scene using a model train set, plus capturing it on Burt's Super-8 camera, the latter wins out. Both before and after Sammy hits his teen years (where he's played by The Predator's Gabriel LaBelle), The Fabelmans adores staging the wannabe filmmaker's DIY shoots. The horror of the dentist, mummies wrapped in toilet paper, westerns, war flicks: enlisting his sisters Natalie (Sweet Magnolias' Alina Brace as a kid, then Hunters' Keeley Karsten) and Reggie (Pivoting's Birdie Borria, then Once Upon a Time in Hollywood's Julia Butters), and his Boy Scout troupe, he's constantly filtering what he spies in darkened rooms into his enthusiastic work. There's a touch of Be Kind Rewind to these moments, joyously, but Spielberg highlights technique, too, such as Sammy's genius idea to make gunfights look more realistic. Cinema isn't just about storytelling, he reminds, but also science — even if career-minded computer engineer Burt can't see past the art, disapprovingly and to Mitzi's dismay, to the technique behind dolly tracks, camera angles that convey meaning and careful editing. Every filmmaker wants their audience to forget they're watching a movie, getting so immersed that everything else fades from mind while the projector whirls, but Spielberg loves the dream as well as the method behind it. He highlights the push and pull between the two into The Fabelmans from the outset, from the instant that the young Sammy stands in the middle of the frame outside the cinema, putting his creative, emotive, ex-concert pianist mum on one side and his analytical, data-driven, workaholic dad on the other. That's a gorgeous and intelligent touch, benefiting from luminous lensing by Janusz Kamiński, Spielberg's regular cinematographer. As built into the screenplay co-penned with fellow returning collaborator Tony Kushner — the helmer's first script since 2001's A.I. Artificial Intelligence — it also speaks to the family chaos that keeps thrusting Sammy and the Fabelmans in an array of directions. This movie isn't called Sammy, after all. Filmmaking is a communal experience — again whether you're enjoying the end result or toiling for it — and Sammy's pursuit of it doesn't occur in a vacuum. That maiden cinema visit wouldn't have happened without his mother and father. His response to it, right through to wanting to make the pictures his career, couldn't have either. Just like the nocturnal kind, cinema's reveries flow from an everyday reality, with The Fabelmans deeply invested in Sammy's. That spans hopping around the US following Burt's work, from New Jersey to Phoenix and then California; Mitzi and Burt's fragile chalk-and-cheese pairing, plus her obvious fondness for his best friend Bennie (Seth Rogen, Pam & Tommy); fitting in as a Jewish family amid antisemitism; words of wisdom from a long-lost uncle (Judd Hirsch, The Goldbergs) with a Hollywood background; high-school romances, bullying and other dramas; and sibling rivalries and complicated parent-child bonds. As a memoir, The Fabelmans isn't nostalgic about anything except cinema's undying allure — crucially so for the film's performances. Spielberg's mother was a pianist. His dad was an engineer. They moved to same spots seen in the movie, and their relationship didn't survive the director's childhood. Every choice in The Fabelmans is warm, including the John Williams score, but that doesn't mean sweeping past Mitzi's unfulfilled professional and romantic desires, overlooking Burt's work focus or ignoring the restlessness simmering within the family. Embracing those complexities gives Williams, Dano and LaBelle ample fuel for thoughtful, moving and multi-layered portrayals that always feel personal. Playing your director's mum, dad or younger self isn't guaranteed to have that impact, but Spielberg's compassionate direction makes it a given. His clever, insightful, funny and oh-so-astute ending here also makes The Fabelmans unforgettable; "how would you like to meet the world's greatest director?" indeed.
It's getting easier and easier to break free from your pesky plastic bag habit, especially now that the Victorian Government has followed through with its promised statewide ban on single-use plastic shopping bags. Confirmed 12 months ago, the new legislation was introduced to parliament today and, if passed by both houses, the ban will come into effect from November 1, 2019. That means in just four months, all single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags (with a thickness of 35 microns or less) could be given the boot — even those made from biodegradable or compostable plastic. The single-use bags will be removed from all Victorian retail outlets, which includes supermarkets, corner stores and even your favourite local vintage shop. Best make sure you've got a solid collection of reusable bags ready to go. [caption id="attachment_663522" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Queen Victoria Market banned plastic bags earlier this year.[/caption] Plastic bags that won't be included in the ban include garbage bags, bin liners, animal waste bags and those thin 'barrier bags' you get with your fruit and veggies. The legislative shakeup comes off the back of extensive community consultation, which found an overwhelming number of Victorians supported a ban ban on single-use bags. Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths enforcing their own nationwide plastic bag bans just under a year ago, while local shopping spots including The Queen Victoria Market and South Melbourne Market have also scrapped the plastic. As well as being a big win for the environment, the move brings Victoria into line with South Australia, the ACT, the Northern Territory, Tasmania and Queensland, who have all banned single-use plastic bags. NSW is now the only state that hasn't committed to a ban. If passed by both parliament houses, Victoria's statewide ban on single-use plastic bags will come into force on November 1, 2019.
Truck Stop by Lachlan Philpott was commissioned by Q Theatre, developed in Penrith, and is playing at the Seymour Centre in Sydney until late June. In 2011, Philpott's Silent Disco was so well received that students danced on the stage during interval in a rush of theatrical bonhomie. Truck Stop doesn't have an interval, so control yourselves. Also, it's a bit hard to jive to the theme of teenage prostitution. Philpott is tackling a brittle topic in Truck Stop, using real stories and interviews with Penrith high school students as the basis for this dramatisation. Sam (Eryn Jean Norvill), Kelly (Jessica Tovey), and Aisha (Kristy Best) are a trio of self-named SKANKS (lending their initials to the acronym) whose lives are dominated by the sexualisation of pop culture and advertising. Ringleader Sam's overt raunchiness is reflective of a wider raunch culture, also described by Ariel Levy in her book Female Chauvinist Pigs. Levy points out that now it's girls as well as boys who notch up sexual quantity in favour of quality. Sam and Kelly take this to the next level when they leave school one recess to hang out at the local truck stop. Philpott has mentioned elsewhere that he's trying to avoid a moral stance on the story, but he doesn't quite manage to do so. The piece is didactic insofar as the general structure is a psychological whodunnit — what made them do it? It searches for a cause that we can learn from and blame. Philpott's text treats the protagonists as patients rather than agents, which is thankfully counteracted by well-rounded characterisations from the cast. There's a kind of paternalism in Truck Stop that is absent in shows like Once and for All We're Gonna Tell You Who We Are so Shut Up and Listen by Ontroerend Goed, which is much more by teenagers for teenagers. That said, the piece is as entertaining as it is educational, and the performances are all together great, with the shapeshifting Elena Carapetis (who plays all the supporting roles) acting as the real binding agent for the ensemble.
The Icelandic Government ushered in the new year with a legal first when, on January 1, it became the first nation in the world to outlaw unequal pay for women. Any company or government agency that employs 25 people or more must prove their equal pay policies through government certification or face hefty fines. "[They] evaluate every job that's being done, and then they get a certification after they confirm the process if they are paying men and women equally," Dagny Osk Aradottir Pind, a board member of the Icelandic Women's Rights Association, told Aljazeera. Even before the passing of the law, which was announced on International Women's Day 2017, Iceland was ranked number one in the world for gender equality according to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2017. (In case you're wondering, Australia came in at 35, while New Zealand took out 9th spot). Iceland's current leader, Katrin Jakobsdóttir, who was elected in November 2017, is the nation's second female Prime Minister — and since 2016, women have held 48% of parliamentary positions. "I think that now people are starting to realise that this is a systematic problem that we have to tackle with new methods," said Aradottir Pind. "Women have been talking about this for decades and I really feel that we have managed to raise awareness, and we have managed to get to the point that people realise that the legislation we have had in place is not working, and we need to do something more." The Icelandic Government is hopeful that the gender pay gap won't exist beyond 2020. Here's hoping other countries around the world start to follow their lead.
The Hills has a new American-style barbecue joint. Resting on the rooftop of the newly renovated Hillside Hotel, Fire and Brimstone is serving up smoked meats and smoky whiskeys. Behind the impressively large smoker is pit master Brad Shorten. He's preparing 12-hour slow-cooked brisket, pork belly, pulled pork and a range of hot links (a variety of sausage common in southern American barbecue). Alongside the extensive meat lineup, there's also a host of sides — including house slaw, homestyle mac 'n' cheese and tangy garlic dill pickles. To get the "full" southern barbecue experience, Shorten recommends pairing your meaty feast with a whiskey — specifically Buffalo Trace. To further complement the experience, the rooftop will also regularly play host to bands and DJs spinning soulful tunes. While Sydney has a neat selection of barbecue joints, the north-west is noticeably lacking in smoked goods. Luckily, Fire and Brimstone fixes that — for now. While there's no word yet on how long the barbecue joint will hang around for, Hillside Hotel is known for regularly mixing up its rooftop antics, so we suggest heading in sooner rather than later. Fire and Brimstone is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6:30pm until sold out.
Exploring the sprawling, popular metropolises of Tokyo and Osaka undoubtedly makes for a great holiday, but your visit to Japan isn't complete until you escape the crowds and experience the countryside. The stunning vistas are the perfect antidote to the hectic buzz of the major cities, and give you the chance to explore sacred mountaintops, luminous lakes and soaring waterfalls. Located just a couple of hours north of Tokyo via shinkansen (bullet train), the region of Tohoku — which literally means 'northeast' — is an ideal escape for your next visit to Japan. It makes for a special destination all year round with some of the nation's most striking landscapes dotted throughout six prefectures: Aomori, Akita, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi and Yamagata. So, to provide you with some inspiration, we've picked out five unbeatable nature trails that won't have you missing the city anytime soon. GOSHIKI-NUMA It might come as a surprise to learn that a place as beautiful as Goshiki-numa can be just 100 years old. Also known as the Five Coloured Lakes, they sprung to life in 1888 when the nearby Mount Bandai erupted, spewing aluminium and silicon into the water and resulting in the clear, turquoise lakes that are a a major attraction for locals and tourists today. A four-kilometre path that links the lakes is a relaxing walk, with plenty of elevated viewing platforms to snap some great shots. There's also the chance to rent a rowboat and live our your Studio Ghibli dreams as you push across Bishamon-numa, the largest of the lakes on offer. LAKE INAWASHIRO In the shadow of Mount Bandai, Lake Inawashiro is another picturesque spot that offers visitors some incredible outdoorsy opportunities. Throughout the warmer months of the year, the lake is a popular spot for locals to carve up the water on a jet ski, while winter brings a raft of snow sports enthusiasts out of the woodwork. If the weather's nice and clear, take the 3.6-kilometre path on the north side of the lake for some of the best views of Mount Bandai. And, once you've taken a dip in the pristine waters and dried off on the sandy lake beach, your next stop has to be the nearby Morohashi Museum of Modern Art. It has the third largest collection of Salvador Dali artworks in the world, with around 330 of his pieces on display. TATSUZAWA FUDO FALLS As you explore Tohoku, you'll quickly realise that the region is home to many of Japan's most epic waterfalls. Located deep in the forests east of Lake Inawashiro, the Tatsuzawa Fudo Falls provide a tranquil pit stop during your trip. The short walk to the falls is surrounded by steep hillsides with trees clinging to the side, and, as you make your way to the end of the trail, you'll be welcomed by a free-flowing stream coming over the rocks from high above. These hidden falls are particularly special to visit during the warmer months, as the thick treetops provide a great escape from the humidity of the countryside. MOUNT HAGURO Considered one of the most sacred mountains in the region, Mount Haguro is one of the must-do hikes in Tohoku. The walk starts at the Zuishinmon Gate — from there, you'll delve into this ancient forest of cedar trees and climb up 2446 stone steps that have been designated a Japanese national treasure. Along the serene two-kilometre path that winds its way through the forest, there are some fascinating sights to explore. But the Five-Storey Pagoda is certainly the most impressive. Constructed in the iconic Kokerabuki-style over 600 years ago, it's especially notable due to its earthquake-proof design, which features an ingenious wooden pendulum that counterbalances the structure as it sways. [caption id="attachment_751830" align="alignnone" width="1920"] ChiefHira via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] MOUNT GASSAN For more than a thousand years, pilgrims have climbed to Mt. Gassan's 1984-metre summit. The tallest of the Dewa Sanzan, Yamagata's three sacred mountains, it's not uncommon to catch the Yamabushi mountain monks scaling its hillsides to this day. While Gassan might be the toughest climb in the region, it's well worth the effort once you witness the views from the top. While there are loads of ways to get to the peak, the four most popular routes range from nine to 15 kilometres, making for a very achieveable sunny day out on the mountainside. Note that it's only opened from July to September due to the weather. Need more reasons to visit Japan's stunning Tohoku region? For more travel inspiration and to start planning your adventure, head this way.
Italian restaurant Secolo has joined Chez Blue, Casa Esquina and The Dry Dock in the wave of new openings coming to the Balmain/Rozelle area, moving into the former Fabbrica Balmain space at the historic Exchange Hotel. After closing down due to the pressures of the pandemic, the project of Anthony, Tanja and Robert Arienzale is back for a limited time as a pop-up while The Exchange gets ready for its next phase. The heritage-listed Inner West pub is slated for renovations later in the year, but in the meantime, Secolo has stepped in to bring antipasti, bowls of pasta, Italian wines and weekday aperitivo hours to the digs until at least May. When Fabbrica first opened in February 2023, it was also slated as a pop-up, as Public Hospitality moves towards a full-venue transformation at The Exchange. "We saw how popular the site was with locals and how much of a void the previous departure left in the community, so when we were given the opportunity to bring our authentic Italian dining experience to the area, we jumped at it," says Tanja Arienzale. Not messing with the classic look of the historic pub, not much about the design has been changed from Fabbrica's residency to Secolo's. The menu skews more traditional than Fabbrica, with a classic array of vino as well as grappa available in place of Fabbrica's more boundary-pushing wine list. The recommended way to kick off a meal at Secolo is with a Venetian Spritz, swapping out Aperol in the classic summer cocktail and replacing it with Select Aperitivo 1920. From there, fill the table with share plates like crumbed zucchini flowers, nduja, beetroot carpaccio, kingfish crudo, herb-crusted bone marrow, and a trio of house crostini topped with ricotta and anchovies, chicken pate and ciambotta. The pasta dishes on offer include blue swimmer crab spaghetti, fettuccine carbonara, and a zucchini pesto, nduja and ricotta gnocchi. Plus, vitello alia milanese (fried veal cutlet) and fish of the day are available for hungry groups. There are also a few set menus on offer. Groups of six or more can opt for either the $75 or $95 per person feasts, both of which run through plenty of menu highlights alongside your choice of two pastas. And, on Saturdays, there's a $45-a-head lunch available, which includes focaccia, an entre of your choice and your favourite from the pasta menu, all for under $50. As for the aforementioned Aperitivo Hour, it's available 5.30–6.30pm Monday–Thursday and includes $12 spritzes, $10 glasses of prosecco and $8 house beers. While Secolo is only scheduled to operate out of the space for a few months, the team is hoping it will find another location in the area to move to after this pop-up. As for The Exchange Hotel, keep an eye out as Public announces plans for its future — we'll be sure to let you know when we find out. Secolo Balmain is located at 94 Beattie Street, Balmain. Head to the venue's website for more information.
Once the exclusive domain of snap-happy tourists, 360 Bar and Dining has been reborn and relaunched into the local dining scene with a hearty, Italian-style menu brought to life by Ashley Hughes, former owner of Surry Hills’ Alio. On arrival, you can’t help but be blown away by expansive views of a sprawling city that will surprise you with her beauty no matter how well you think you know her. Arrive at dusk to sip an aperitif while sunset colours glint against the harbour and all the way out to the Blue Mountains before melting into the night to make way for the city lights. The decor overflows with old-school grandeur and a comforting nostalgia that conjures up that time you visited Sydney Tower as a child and were blown away at how the cars looked just like ants. But even as the restaurant (literally) revolves, the staff will encourage you to “pretend we’re just a regular restaurant on the ground”; to forget the gimmicky surroundings (while remembering to keep an eye on that view), and to focus on the simple but dynamic food, the carefully curated wine list and the attentive, personal service. To do so is easy. Hughes’ commitment to showcasing fresh, sustainable ingredients simply and honestly makes the new menu as impressive as it is charmingly unassuming. Unsurprisingly, the seasonal Alio-style degustation menu is the clear way to go. A highlight of the winter degustation is a scrumptious rotolo of baby spinach, ricotta, porcini mushrooms, aged parmesan, crispy sage and fleshy chestnuts. Also impressive is the roasted rack of lamb, cooked to perfection and carefully balanced with parsnip puree, mixed mushroom ragu and thyme jus. Sweet-toothed diners won’t be disappointed with a dark chocolate tart, sticky and crunchy in all the right places and punctuated with fresh raspberries. A glass of Ramos Pinto 10 year old Quinta da Ervamoira tawny port marks the time for a sigh of satiated contentment at the end of a thoroughly delectable meal. Also recently relaunched is an inviting bar section, with a sprawling back bar that offers ingenious concoctions perfect for an elegant post-work few. The deliciously girly Scarlet Letter matches Tanqueray gin and elderflower liqueur with hibiscus flower syrup, citrus and vanilla ($19). Or, for a more serious libation, opt for a bacon-infused bourbon, steeped in-house and served neat or enlivened with dark chocolate bitters ($20). An extensive range of by-the-glass wine options, boutique beers and elegant aperitifs and digestives guarantee a tipple for every taste. 360 Bar and Dining has reinvigorated one of the stalwarts of Sydney’s skyline. But as you look out over the city, martini glass in hand, you’ll still be amazed at how the cars really do look just like ants.
This time last year, everyone was watching one thing — and talking about it too. Now, twelve months since Netflix's '80s-set sci-fi/horror series Stranger Things became everyone's favourite new show, the streaming platform has released the full-length trailer for its second season. In the words of Hawkins police chief Jim Hopper (David Harbour), "nothing is going to go back to the way it was." Managing to dose up on even more nostalgia and find a clever way to work the ultimate '80s horror-themed track into the mix — yes, we're talking about Michael Jackson's 'Thriller', complete with Vincent Price's iconic voiceover — the trailer shows that the Upside Down isn't done with this band of bike-riding kids yet. Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) can't stop seeing all things creepy, everyone is definitely on edge, and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) is reaching out to find her way home. Throw in some '80s arcade games, the expected unsettling vibe, that instant-classic theme tune and Winona Ryder, of course, and the scene is set for quite the second run. The trailer premiered as part of San Diego Comic Con's current explosion of pop culture, with the full series due to drop on Netflix on October 27 — just in time for Halloween, naturally. Watch it and try not to get goosebumps.
Following yesterday's indefinite, effective ban on all international travel, in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19 across Australia, Qantas and Jetstar have announced they will suspend all scheduled international flights from late March until the end of May 2020. As a result, the airlines will temporarily step down two-thirds of their 30,000-person staff until at least the end of May. In a statement, the Qantas Group says the decision was made "in order to preserve as many jobs as possible longer term". Employees will be able to draw on "annual and long service leave" and additional support will be introduced, including leave at half pay and early access to long service leave. Qantas says it is also talking to Woolworths about temporary jobs for its stood-down staff. The decision comes after Qantas and Jetstar earlier this week announced they'd be cutting back international flights by 90 percent and domestic flights by 60 percent. For now, domestic flights will continue running at a 40 percent capacity, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison saying "domestic air travel is low risk". We could see domestic flights cut further in the near future, however, with Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein this morning announcing that from midnight this Friday, March 20 only essential travellers will be allowed into Tasmania without quarantine. Non-essential travellers, including Tasmanian residents returning to the island from mainland Australia, will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Essential travellers include health care workers, emergency workers, defence personnel and air and ship crew. These measures are similar to those currently in place for international travellers arriving into Australia, which mandates compulsory 14-day isolation periods for everyone arriving from overseas. Virgin Australia will also suspend all international flights from March 30, and will cut domestic flights by 50 percent, too. For further details about Qantas and Jetstar's plans, visit the company's website. For more information about Virgin Australia's reductions, visit its website. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
As it turns out, there’s only one thing better than a pitcher of margarita – and that’s a margarita with cucumber, agave and jalapeno chilli salt. The people responsible for these dangerously good concoctions (and for your 3-day hangover) are the owners of Barrio Chino, the newest thing in Mexican to hit the Cross. Don’t mistake what the chefs are doing here for any run-of-the-mill Mexican fare. Barrio Chino replaces the humble burrito with tapas-style serves of Tuna and Avocado Tostada ($12), Glazed Baby Back Pork Ribs ($18) and White Fish Cerviche ($15). The simple taco has also undergone a facelift; mouth-watering Crispy Braised Pork, Chipotle Beer Braised Chicken or Seared Yellow Fin Tuna (all $6) comes neatly parcelled in a soft cornflour base. Make sure you keep an ear out for the specials, too. The most recent Taco of the Week came with prawns and a kiwi-fruit garnish, and caused a sudden spat of food envy around the table. While the portions are small, they’re flavoursome and surprisingly filling. Having said that, any meal here wouldn’t be complete without some sugary sticks of Churros. (Don’t be embarrassed to ask for a spoon to polish off the dulche de leche, either - our party already broke the ice on that one.) To get an accurate picture of the space, throw away any images of piñatas, fake cacti and other gaudy paraphernalia. Barrio Chino’s fit out is stylish and low-key, with a long bar that stretches between the restaurant and front lounge area. Bar seating, big dining tables and an outdoor back area makes it an ideal precursor to a night out with friends. Although, given the bar stays open till the wee hours with DJ’s spinning Friday through to Sunday, you can pretty much have your night handed to you without having to step foot into the Cross. While Barrio Chino is already enjoying an early success, this place will really hit its stride in summer. In the meantime, it’s an ideal hangout for blowing off the rest of winter with plenty of tequila. Read full review and details
We know that we can't grow outwards forever. So coming up with new and better ways of growing upwards is high on the global architectural agenda. That's why, for nine years now, eVolo magazine has been running an international skyscraper competition. Designers from all over the world are invited to come up with groundbreaking visions for vertical living. This year, 525 entries were submitted from 43 nations. Here's what came out on top. First Prize: Vernacular Versatility Designed by Yong Ju Lee, this skyscraper can be built without a single nail. It's based on the Hakon, a traditional Korean housing style known for its curved wooden roofing, which is adjustable according to sunlight intensity. So far, it has only been applied to single-storey buildings, but contemporary software modelling is enabling the exploration of multi-storey possibilities. Second Prize: Car and Shell Skyscraper: Or Marinetti's Monster Envisioned by US-based creatives Mark Talbot and Daniel Markiewicz, the Car and Shell is a city in the sky, planned with Detroit in mind. All the elements of a regular suburb (footpaths, streets and constructions) are contained in a single cube. Third Prize: Propagate Skyscraper: Carbon Dioxide Structure Goodbye, construction team. The Propagate grows all by itself. It's made of hypothetical materials that are able to absorb carbon dioxide and transform it into, well, architectural extensions. Definitely the ultimate in sustainability. Honourable Mention: The Seawer This underwater UFO doesn't house people, but it does capture trash floating in the ocean and recycle it. Honourable Mention: Sand Babel These part underground, part aboveground solar-powered towers present a new way of living in eco-friendly comfort (and style) in the desert. Honourable Mention: Climatology Tower Not only is it the best terrarium ever, the Climatology Tower functions as a research centre where the focus is on healing our sickly environment through the analysis of microclimates and urban meteorology. Honourable Mention: Launchspire It might look like the set for the next Star Wars remake, but the Launchspire is actually an "electromagnetic vertical accelerator to eliminate the hydrocarbon dependency of aircraft during takeoff".
Forget the "find someone who looks at you like…" meme. That's great advice in general, and absolutely mandatory if you've ever seen a Céline Sciamma film. No one peers at on-screen characters with as much affection, attention, emotion and empathy as the French director. Few filmmakers even come close, and most don't ever even try. That's been bewitchingly on display in her past features Water Lillies, Tomboy, Girlhood and Portrait of a Lady on Fire, any of which another helmer would kill to have on their resume. It's just as apparent in Petite Maman, her entrancing latest release, as well. Now 15 years into her directorial career, Sciamma's talent for truly seeing into hearts and minds is unshakeable, unparalleled and such a lovely wonder to watch — especially when it shines as sublimely and touchingly as it does here. In Sciamma's new delicate and exquisite masterpiece, the filmmaker follows eight-year-old Nelly (debutant Joséphine Sanz) on a trip to her mother's (Nina Meurisse, Camille) childhood home. The girl's maternal grandmother (Margot Abascal, The Sower) has died, the house needs packing up, and the trip is loaded with feelings on all sides. Her mum wades between sorrow and attending to the task. With melancholy, she pushes back against her daughter's attempts to help, too. Nelly's laidback father (Stéphane Varupenne, Monsieur Chocolat) assists as well, but with a sense of distance; going through the lifelong belongings of someone else's mother, even your spouse's, isn't the same as sifting through your own mum's items for the last time. While her parents work, the curious Nelly roves around the surrounding woods — picture-perfect and oh-so-enticing as they are — and discovers Marion (fellow newcomer Gabrielle Sanz), a girl who could be her twin. The Sanz sisters are identical twins IRL, and why they've been cast is right there in Petite Maman's name. Spelling out anything further would be saying more than is needed going in; flitting through the story's intricacies alongside Nelly is one of its many marvels. Like all kids, she's naturally inquisitive about her parents' upbringings. "You never tell me about when you were children," she complains to her dad, who counters that, actually, he and her mother do. Like all kids, she's also keenly aware of the special alchemy that comes with following in your mother and father's youthful footsteps, all just by being in the house and roaming around the woods where her mum grew up. There's nothing as immersive in helping to understand why one of the people that brought you into the world became who they are. Indeed, it's no surprise that Sciamma and her cinematographer Claire Mathon (Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Spencer) shoot the film in golden and glowing autumnal hues. Nelly has questions for Marion, too, and vice versa; however, spending time in each other's company, watching the connection that springs and embracing every emotion it evokes is Sciamma's plan for the quickly thick-as-thieves pair. Explanations about what's happening are unnecessary; only the experience itself, the mood and the resonance it all holds are what matters. So, the girls do what kids do, whether amid all that ethereal greenery or inside Marion's home, decked out in vintage decor as it is, where Nelly meets her new pal's mother. The two girls play, including in a teepee-like hut made out of branches. They write and perform their own play, costumes and all. They share secrets, talk about their dreams for the future, make pancakes, bust out boardgames, and also float through their new friendship as if they're the only people who matter — in that intimate, serious and earnest way that children do with their friends. Sciamma is exceptionally skilled at many things, creating richly detailed and textured cinematic worlds high among them. She doesn't build franchises or big fantasy realms, but surveys faces, spaces, thoughts and feelings — exploring them like the entire universes they are. The Sanz duo's pint-sized features whisper and bellow about the world whenever Mathon's lens looks in their direction, as Sciamma is well-aware. The young actors welcome Petite Maman's audience into their own insular zone, in fact, and it's a revealing place to inhabit. The landscape that surrounds them is just as laden with meaning and mood, brimming with possibilities as it is to Nelly and Marion. It's a playground, as all forests are to young hearts, minds and limbs. It's also the place that brings them together. That it never appears anything short of magical is hardly astonishing, even for a filmmaker as acutely attuned to her characters' relationship with their scenery as Sciamma has always been. That love for observing, soaking in the minutiae and letting what's seen speak louder than what's said — and doing all of the above with sensitivity and matter-of-fact naturalism — pulsates through every frame of Petite Maman like a heartbeat. The film resembles a gentle but soul-replenishing breeze in its rustic look and serene pacing, but it thrums with feeling and insight about forging one's sense of self and navigating generational angst at every moment. It's a modern-day fairy tale, too, complete with its glorious twist, musing deeply on mothers, daughters and the ties that bind in the process. It predates them on the festival circuit, but it'd make a heartfelt triple bill with Turning Red and Everything Everywhere All At Once. With Sciamma returning to the adventures and emotions of childhood again after dancing with adult longing in her breathtaking last movie, Petite Maman is as radiant, affecting, smart and perceptive a reminder there is that the links between parents and kids are their own unique realms. With French cinema's abundant array of coming-of-age tales — from François Truffaut's French New Wave masterpiece The 400 Blows through to Sciamma's pre-Portrait of a Lady on Fire films — Petite Maman springs from a rich history. It's a movie about history, in its own manner, but it also never treads in anything else's footsteps. That's one of its filmmakers many gifts, because no story she's brought to the screen yet has ever felt like it's been told this way before (and if Petite Maman had to be compared to another director's work, it'd by the enchanting and spellbinding visions of youth that Hayao Miyazaki has committed to animation). Here, Sciamma is clearly working in miniature. Her protagonists are petite, as the title makes plain. Her choice of locations is condensed, and her style and storytelling is modest. The movie itself only runs for a concise 72 minutes, not that it ever feels rushed. There's nothing tiny about a film that's as potent and wondrous as this, though, or as deeply moving.
Combining modern art, live performance and philanthropic fundraising, the MCA Social has been likened to 'a killer New York museum party without the fancypants elements'. Yes, the dress code is 'Cocktail Glamour', but don't let that fool you. We have been assured that the evening will transform the contemplative art space into a loud and young party house. Overlooking one of the world's most ridiculous rooftop views, party-goers will be privy to tunes from Melbourne synth-pop-sensations Client Liaison, Alaska Projects' orchestral-concoction Musical Alaska and DJ Annie Conley. The night will also feature a site-specific installation by local sculptor/inventor/cucumber-wearer Tully Arnot. It will be a brilliant opportunity for modern-art-loving young professionals to connect, make pithy comments and enjoy the open bar. Oh yes, there's an open bar. Tickets are a little exy, but rest assured in the knowledge that all profits from the social will support Primavera, the MCA's annual exhibition for creatives under 35. In the past, Primavera has helped launched the careers of Australian artists David Griggs, Nell and The Kingpins. In a city where young artists struggle to break through (and break even), initiatives like Primavera are an absolute godsend for our local creative culture. In fact, attendees of the MCA Social will not only gain access to the live music, performance art and open bar but receive an exclusive sneak preview of Primavera 2013. Tickets are on sale now at the MCA website.
While Christmas is undoubtedly one of the best holidays of the year for most, pulling off said celebration ain’t the easiest of tasks. You’ve done the presents, sent the cards, but this year there’s 15 coming over, two are vegetarian and uncle James is big into wine. Like crazy big. The Solution? WineMarket has made playing sommelier easier than convincing yourself to pop the champers at 11am on Christmas morning, with a wide range of drops to match any menu and suit even the fussiest sniff and swillers. TURKEY:EVANS & TATE CLASSIC SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC Leaving aside the vegetarians for a moment, ain't no one going to say no to some turkey. Similarly, a semillon sauvignon blanc blend is a people-pleaser. The perfect middle ground between semillon structure and weight, and the herbal, punchy fruit highlights of Sav Blanc, it's perfect with white meat and lighter condiments. Try the take on it from Margaret River's Evans & Tate. $150 for a case from www.winemarket.com.au. BBQ PRAWNS: TEMPUS TWO PROSECCO Nothing complements a juicy, flame-grilled prawn or yabby off the barbie like a glass of something cold and sparkling. Prosecco is your go-to here. Try the cool-climate, lemon-zesty Adelaide Hills Tempus Two variety to match seafood. Oh, and don’t forget this fresh and clean Italian-style bubbly makes the ideal pre-dinner tipple, so be sure to stock up. $89.94 for a six-pack from www.winemarket.com.au. CHRISTMAS HAM: BLEASDALE SPARKLING SHIRAZ Unless, of course, you’re super into pork, that hunk of scrumptious piggy steaming on the table usually only comes out once a year. So why not go with the flow and crack open a bottle of sparkling shiraz to give it that extra special-occasion kick? Aussie legends Bleasdale have a great sparkling shiraz (their drops regularly score 90+ points), but it’s not exactly surprising seeing as they’re Australia’s second oldest wine growing family. $135 for a six-pack from www.winemarket.com.au. TURDUCKEN: ALEXIA BY JANE COOPER PINOT NOIR A hybrid of turkey, duck and chicken, this big meaty beast is probably best suited to a slightly lighter bodied red (especially on a hot summer’s day). Jane Cooper's 'Alexia' Pinot Noir will suit game meats with its earthy, dark cherry flavours, plus a dozen of these babies comes in at just $11 a bottle. $132 for a case from www.winemarket.com.au VEGAN TURDUCKEN: GEMTREE GREEN JADE ORGANIC CHARDONNAY Anyone going for a vegetarian or vegan roast (yes, it’s a thing) should think about a chardonnay. We know this poor ol’ drop somewhat went out of fashion, but the pesticide-free, medium-bodied dry Gemtree Green Jade Organic Chardonnay, with a whole bunch of pure fruit flavours sans oak, will add delicious textures to the vego’s delight on your plate. $99 for a case from www.winemarket.com.au. POTATO SALAD: BALLAST POINT 'BIG EYE' INDIA PALE ALE Of course, sides shouldn’t be forgotten, and neither should beer. In the hotter months you’re gonna want something bitter and hoppy (and cold, obvs), and a frosty Ballest Point 'Big Eye' India pale ale has your name, and those creamy carbs, written all over it. $79.99 for a case from www.winemarket.com.au.
Few things will ever be better than seeing Mads Mikkelsen get day drunk and dance around while swigging champagne in an Oscar-winning movie, which is one fantastic film experience that 2021 has already delivered. But the always-watchable actor is equally magnetic and exceptional in Riders of Justice, a revenge-driven comedy that's all about tackling your problems in a different and far less boozy fashion. In both features, he plays the type of man unlikely to express his feelings. Instead of Another Round's mild-mannered teacher who's so comfortably settled into his adult life that his family barely acknowledges he's there, here he's a dedicated solider who's more often away than home. Beneath his close-cropped hair and steely, bristly beard, he's stern, sullen and stoic, not to mention hot-tempered when he does betray what's bubbling inside, and he outwardly expects the same of everyone around him. Mikkelson excels at transformational performances, however. He's also an exquisite anchor in films that dare to take risks. The aforementioned Another Round and Riders of Justice make a great double on his resume, in fact, and they're both bold and glorious in their own ways. In, Riders of Justice, Mikkelson's Markus isn't just the strong, silent type from the feature's first frame to its last. No matter what part he's playing, the Danish star is gifted at conveying subtlety, which is ideal for Markus' slow realisation that he needs to be more open with his emotions. And, while Mikkelson is usually expertly cast in most entries on his resume — the misfire that is Chaos Walking being one rare exception — he's especially in his element in this genre-defying, trope-unpacking, constantly complex and unpredictable film. With a name that sounds like one of the many by-the-numbers action flicks Liam Neeson has starred in since Taken, Riders of Justice initially appears as if it'll take its no-nonsense central figure to an obvious place, and yet this ambitious, astute and entertaining movie both does and doesn't. After a train explosion taints his life with tragedy and leaves him the sole parent to traumatised teenager Mathilde (Andrea Heick Gadeberg, Pagten), Markus returns home from Afghanistan. Talking is her method of coping, or would be if he'd let her; he refuses counselling for them both, and opts not to discuss the incident in general, because clamming up has always been his PTSD-afflicted modus operandi. Then statistician Otto (Nikolaj Lie Kaas, The Keeper of Lost Causes), his colleague Lennart (Lars Brygmann, The Professor and the Madman) and the computer-savvy Emmenthaler (Nicolas Bro, The Kingdom) arrive at the grieving family's door. They're a trio of stereotypically studious outsiders to his stony-faced military man, but they come uttering a theory. Mathematically, they don't think that the events surrounding the accident add up, so they're convinced it wasn't just a case of pure misfortune — because it's just so unlikely to have occurred otherwise. The nervy Otto, who was on the train with Mathilde and her mother Emma (Anne Birgitte Lind, The Protector), has even started to narrow down possible culprits with his pals. Markus, with his action-not-words mindset, is swiftly eager for retribution, but again, this isn't like most films of its ilk. Writer/director Anders Thomas Jensen (Men & Chicken) and screenwriter Nikolaj Arcel (A Royal Affair) do take the movie to its blatant next destination, yet never in the routine and formulaic sense. Narratives about seeking justice often ride the expected rails on autopilot, getting from start to finish on the standard vengeance template's inherent momentum; this one questions and subverts every usual cliche, convention and motif along the way. Its chief tactic: putting characters first. Jensen and Arcel don't just twist and turn a recognisable setup for the sake of it, but ground every change and choice in the personalities and backstories of their protagonists. Accordingly, Markus isn't just taciturn because that's the kind of figure that always stalks around reprisal-centric flicks, Otto and Lennart aren't merely booksmart geeky sidekicks eager for attention, and Emmenthaler is keenly aware of how the world sees him, not only because of his fondness for technology but also due to his weight. Riders of Justice doesn't add flesh to its characters to neatly explain away their decisions, either, diving into the myriad of factors that push and pull people in various directions without them even knowing it. The term 'emotional intelligence' might be so overused in self-help speak that it now feels largely meaningless, but it genuinely applies to this attentive and layered film. With calm and control, Jensen and Arcel also take a darkly comedic approach to Riders of Justice's storyline, as plenty goes wrong on their retaliatory quest. While that's where the movie's anarchic plot developments come in, and its witty dialogue as well, the film never jeopardises its investment in its characters' depth. In one case in point, the four men decide to hide their plans from Mathilde. Needing a cover, Otto and his friends claim to be counsellors dispatched to help after all. "I've had over 4000 hours of therapy," exclaims Lennart, who is quick to both embrace the ruse and spit out the appropriate terminology — and this scenario not only speaks volumes about him, but leads the feature to keep unpacking what that means. Indeed, this is a picture with a thoughtful and tender core, particularly when it comes to men facing their troubles. It's also shrewdly aware that that's what its chosen genre is always about amidst the overblown violence, and purposefully opts for a different alternative. Action, thrills and confrontations still lurk in Riders of Justice, of course. Blood and brutality do as well, as does a definite body count. But, although convincingly shot and staged, these scenes are never the picture's reason for being, or its point. Riders of Justice packages hilarity with its payback, understanding and empathy with its bullet-riddled affrays, and morality and ethics with its showdowns. It's set at the end of the year, too, so it also counts as a screwball Christmas movie — and it uses the visual references that come with that merry period to underscore its musings on togetherness, redemption, and valuing what really matters most. Another movie it'd make a stellar double with: the Nicolas Cage-starring Pig, because this year has been great for star-led revenge crusades that delight, surprise and ruminate on much, much more than getting even.
When late October rolls around in Australia, Monopoly will no longer just be a game: it'll be a theme park as well. Already open in Hong Kong, Monopoly Dreams is heading Down Under, setting up its second Monopoly attraction in Melbourne Central. On the agenda: feeling like you've just stepped into the board game IRL in a 1700-square-metre space filled with all things Monopoly. Expect to hear the word Monopoly a whole lot — right now while reading about this news, and in general at this Monopoly haven. Monopoly Dreams launching in the Victorian capital isn't a new development, but the official opening date is. If you're keen, mark Saturday, October 21 in your diary. Also, you can start buying tickets now, too. It's the game that's caused many a childhood dispute, and plenty more between adults as well. Thanks to its ever-growing range of themed versions, it has let players buy everything from Game of Thrones' King's Landing to AFC Richmond's Nelson Road Stadium from Ted Lasso. And, it's now going the IRL bricks-and-mortar route on Melbourne Central's lower ground level. If you're wondering what a Monopoly theme park entails, that's hardly surprising — and the answer isn't just a life-sized version of the game that everyone has played more than once. Rather, the venue is taking a chance on bringing Monopoly elements beyond the board, building a Monopoly city that includes water works, the electric company, the bank and Mr Monopoly's mansion. And yes, there's a jail. Presumably you don't go directly there upon entering, but you can get your mugshot taken within its walls. When you walk through the doors, you'll also find carnival games. It wouldn't be a theme park based on a board game if playing games wasn't a big part of the attraction, of course. Expect challenges as well — and, in the mansion, there'll also be a vault and gallery, alongside a 4D cinema screening a movie about Mr Monopoly and his dog Scottie touring Melbourne locations — plus the opportunity to create your own customised Monopoly title deed. [caption id="attachment_918250" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tony Gough[/caption] For bites to eat, patrons can hit up the Monopoly cafe. And if all this Monopoly talk has you wanting to play Monopoly or buy Monopoly merchandise, Monopoly Dreams will also feature Australia's first and only dedicated Monopoly store. Catering for audiences of all ages — so, you'll have kids for company, but it's open for adults without children in tow — Monopoly Dreams will take visitors around 60–90 minutes to enjoy the full experience. "Our team has worked tirelessly to create an immersive experience that captures the essence of Monopoly and transports guests into a magical world of excitement and imagination," said Monopoly Dreams General Manager Mark Connolly. "We are thrilled to announce that tickets are now available, giving fans the opportunity to be a part of this extraordinary adventure." Monopoly Dreams will open on Saturday, October 21 at Melbourne Central, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Head to the venue's website for tickets and further details. Top image: Tony Gough.
You may be part of the regular after-work crowd that frequents the dapper Mode Kitchen & Bar, but on Tuesday, November 6, you'll want to sneak out of work a little earlier. The glam CBD space — designed by Luchetti Krelle (ACME, Banksii) — will take things up a notch and host a sumptuous three-course feast featuring oysters, angus beef, Champagne and Pimms cocktails. You can enjoy a day away from the desk (thanks, Melbourne Cup), settle into plush velvet banquettes and tuck into some tiptop local produce. The best part? We've got two tickets to the event (valued at $95 per person) to give away. With luxe marble and brass accents, Mode Kitchen & Bar boasts a decadent atmosphere, which is reflected on the menu — think baked zucchini flowers and beef tartare to start, your choice of woodfire-roasted toothfish, mushroom risotto or Coorong Angus medallions for a main and mango meringue with coconut sorbet to finish. And make sure you dress for the occasion — there will be prizes for the best dressed. To enter, see below. [competition]695740[/competition]
There are many, many excellent and very familiar things to do in New South Wales — from climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge to watching the sunset from the Cape Byron Lighthouse. But there are loads of other, more unusual possibilities, too. And some of them might never have crossed your mind. How about snorkelling with fur seals in the wild? Riding a camel along a beach? Crawling through an 1880s mine shaft? Get ready to throw out your old adventure playbook and re-write it. Here are seven things you didn't know you could do in Australia's most populated state. RIDE A CAMEL ON THE BEACH You might be aware that Australia has the biggest herd of wild camels in the world — there are over one million roaming around out there. But, did you know that, in New South Wales, you can ride one of the mighty humped beasts with waves crashing at your feet? This wondrous adventure is less than three hours away from Sydney. In Port Stephens, Oakfield Ranch leads camel rides along sweeping Stockton Beach. Should you be contemplating further escapades in the area, check out our weekender's guide to the area. SAND BOARD THE BIGGEST MOVING SAND DUNES IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE Just behind Stockton Beach are the Stockton Sand Dunes, the biggest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Once you're immersed, you'll feel as though you're in some far-off desert. That's one of the reasons why the first Mad Max film was shot here. Hands-down, the most fun way to experience them is with a sand board under your arm. After climbing your way to the top, slide back down head first (or, if your balance is good, standing) at epic speeds. You'll need to book with a local operator — or, to avoid enormous tour groups, go with the small, family-owned Sand Dune Safaris. SNORKEL WITH FUR SEALS IN THE WILD Around five hours south of Sydney is the coastal town of Narooma and, nine kilometres offshore, lies Barunguba (otherwise known as Montague Island). This pristine nature reserve is home to around 90 bird species, 12,000 little penguins and the biggest fur seal colony in New South Wales, which attracts 2500 seasonal residents — some of which you can snorkel with. Several tour operators are available and it's possible to add time exploring Montague Island. If you're keen to spend more time on the Far South Coast, our road tripper's guide might come in handy. GO HOT AIR BALLOONING ABOVE A 23 MILLION-YEAR-OLD VOLCANIC CRATER North and west of Byron Bay is the Tweed hinterland, a land of ancient rainforest, wild rivers and rugged mountain peaks. Twenty-three million years ago, a volcano erupted here, creating a caldera 40 kilometres wide and 1000 metres deep. To see it in all its lush beauty, wake up before sunrise and ride a hot air balloon with Byron Bay Ballooning. This dreamy escapade takes you way up into the air for an hour or so and, on landing, treats you to a champagne breakfast. EAT DOUBLE-HATTED FARE OVERLOOKING THE TASMAN SEA There's no shortage of delicious fare wherever you go in New South Wales, but there aren't many spots where you can feast on two-hatted dishes while gazing at the Tasman Sea. Paper Daisy Restaurant, within Halcyon House, near Cabarita Beach on the Tweed Coast, is one of them. Here, Executive Chef Jason Barratt (ex-Circa, The Prince, Attica) is in the kitchen whipping up ocean-inspired combinations. Start with lobster, white radish and granny smith apple, before moving onto kingfish baked in local kelp, sweet corn, smoked onion and dried prawn. Then, for dessert, pear with spiced date, almond and roasted fennel ice cream. CRAWL THROUGH AN 1880s COAL MINE On the road between Broken Hill and Silverton — around 1200 kilometres west of Sydney — lies Day Dream, one of Australia's first coal mines. Built in the 1880s, it's now a tourist attraction, where you can experience a day-in-the-life of a 19th century miner. Prepare for darkness, dust and lots of squeezing through teeny-tiny spaces — all 30 metres underground. Mining is still a dangerous business, but was way more terrifying back then. In fact, workers did it so tough that their bosses handed out opium to ease the pain. When that wore off, horehound beer, which caused temporary blindness, was the next refuge. You'll hear these and other tales on a 1.5-hour tour. Find more tips for exploring Broken Hill over here. VISIT THE (HUGE) TELESCOPE THAT HELPED BROADCAST MAN'S FIRST WALK ON THE MOON You might recognise this one from The Dish, the 2000 indie comedy by Australian writer-director Rob Sitch, who's also responsible for The Castle. Located around 360 kilometres west of Sydney near Parkes, the 64-metre-wide telescope helped broadcast man's first moonwalk and has since found more than half of the 2000 known pulsars. When you're finished marvelling at its architecture, feast on a beef and red wine pie in the on-site cafe and check out the memorabilia in the gift shop. Should you be travelling by vehicle, our road tripper's guide to Central NSW might help. Discover more adventures around NSW at visitnsw.com. All images: Destination NSW
If you've ever worked in a restaurant where you've had to throw out the still-good offcuts the kitchen doesn't need at at the end of a shift, worked at a supermarket where expired food has at to be tossed in the bin or simply opened your crisper to find a browned and shrivelled iceberg lettuce that you bought and promptly forgot about last week, you'll know that food wastage is rife basically everywhere. And even if you haven't been privy to all that, know that roughly four million tonnes of food is wasted in Australia each year. That's why food rescue charity OzHarvest exists — each day, they go around to cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, airports and hotels to collect the food they don't want and deliver it to people who need it. OzHarvest has been hugely successful at doing this. Since its creation in 2004, the charity has been instrumental in changing how food waste is handled in Australia. Led by founder Ronni Kahn, the organisation has successfully lobbied state governments to alter legislation to allow potential food donors (that is, the supermarkets, restaurants, etc.) to legally donate surplus food to charitable organisations. And now OzHarvest has taken their operation to the next level, by opening a 'rescued food' supermarket in Sydney. The OzHarvest Market is a physical store for all the rescued food the organisation collects. Rather than being delivered directly to charitable groups, the market makes some of the produce available to members of the public, and particularly those in need. That's because nothing at the market has a set price — it operates on a "take what you need, give if you can" model. "The OzHarvest Market is our latest innovation to tackle food waste and eliminate hunger," said founder Ronni Kahn. "It supports OzHarvest's purpose to nourish our country, by making sure good food does not go to waste and is available to everyone." The market is located on the ground floor of the Addison Hotel, which is currently being used as a refuge for homeless youth while the building owners TOGA await approval for a development. OzHarvest will inhabit the space for as long as it is available. The OzHarvest Market is open Monday to Friday from 10am till 2pm at 147 Anzac Parade, Kensington, Sydney. For more information, visit ozharvest.org/market.
Family dramas are always told best with a bit of humour, especially when wrestling is involved. Set in New Jersey, Win Win director Tom McCarthy delivers an offbeat comedy-drama about Mike Flaherty (played by Paul Giamatti), a family man who tries to stay afloat of financial and familial woes by volunteering as a wrestling coach at the local highschool. Flaherty attempts to keep his law practice from going under by posing as the legal guardian of an elderly client Leo Poplar (Burt Young) while coaching a team of high school wrestlers. But when the client's grandson Kyle Timmons (Alex Shaffer) shows up looking for somewhere to stay, Flaherty's plans are altered; Timmons proves to be an asset to his wrestling team. But things take another turn when Timmon's mother turns up to claim him. McCarthy's directing caliber includes indie films The Station and The Visitor and critics are calling his latest installment a funny and humane portrayal of American suburbia. Win Win opens on August 18. Concrete Playground has twenty double passes to giveaway to our readers courtesy of Fox Searchlight. To get your hands on one, simply make sure you're a CP subscriber then email us at hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ci_I6n2j5Uw
Fans of glamping and remote cabins have a new luxurious retreat to look forward to as Cabn expands to Kangaroo Valley. Positioned as places to unplug and recharge, the off-grid accommodation launched its first eco-home in the Adelaide Hills back in 2017 and has now opened its second location — and it's fit for queens and kings. Despite some of the connotations the term 'off-grid' may have, this cabin is a far cry from roughing it. This solar-powered tiny house sits on 140-acres of bushland, on the site of a former dairy farm in the Cambewarra Range, just a 15-minute drive from Kangaroo Valley and about three hours south of Sydney. The secluded location is perched high above the valley and overlooks a sea of endless clouds, on certain days. The cleverly designed, timber fit-out includes a loft with king bed, a fully stocked kitchen, indoor gas heaters and built-in air con units. Plus large bi-fold glass doors and windows that offer views aplenty. A big draw is the glass-walled, 'outdoor' soaking tub, which is set in the bush adjacent to the house and offers a rare occasion to (sort of) bathe in the great outdoors — with all of the luxury of a five-star hotel, of course. Outdoor amenities include a gas barbecue and picnic area, as well as an adjacent fire pit that sits a few metres away from the house. And its dog-friendly to boot. Remember this place is all about 'digital detoxing', though, so expect limited cell service and absolutely no wifi to speak of — this is certainly not a working holiday type of place. The retreat is lovingly tucked away, so the only living beings you'll share the space with is the local wildlife. Think wombats, families of echidnas, kangaroos and a local Lyrebird, along with wandering sheep and cows from the nearby working farm. There are plenty of walking trails to explore, too. If you're strapped for time or just too lazy to pack your own esky for the trip, Cabn also offers a variety of food packages, which can be pre-ordered and picked up from the Hampden Deli in town. Options include grazing boards ($55) or breakfast, lunch and dinner packs ($35–45) — the latter of which includes the likes of curries, braised meats and salads. A second Kangaroo Valley Cabn location is set to launch later this year, too, along with several other sites around Australia, so keep an eye on this space for future updates. Kangaroo Valley rates start at $289 per night for two on weekdays and $325 on weekends. Rates start at $399 on public and NSW school holidays. The cabin can comfortably sleep two, with room for four if extra guests ($45 each per night) are happy to share a king single. To book, head over here. Looking for more to do around Kangaroo Valley? Check out our weekender's guide to the region.
This exciting double bill sees painter Andre Hemer and designer Elliott Bryce Foulkes up on the walls of Darlinghurst’s Chalk Horse gallery. Hemer is known for his exploration of the intersections between painting and digital media, with works that look a bit like really advanced Kid Pix experiments (in the best way possible). Foulkes is inspired by techniques of graphic design, with a flat, collaged pop art approach to making, having previously worked in print magazines and advertising. Opening night for these exhibitions is Thursday, February 5, at 6pm. Image by Elliott Bryce Foulkes.
Unhealthy habits add up. A soft drink here, a packet of potato chips there, week after week. Before you know it, you've got some serious health problems on your hands. For many people, getting healthy and eating clean means swearing off deliciousness altogether — embarking on the monk-like tedium of a broccoli-watercress-brown rice kind of diet. But we all know what happens here — a day or two of self-inflicted torture later, desperate for a modicum of joy, they tear into the nearest packet of chocolate biscuits. And another. Luckily, it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, pendulum-like feasting and fasting is the most ineffective way of kicking a noxious lifestyle. The trick is baby steps. Swap one ingredient for another, one at a time. New Australian delivery service Youfoodz are pros at this, they're delivering healthy versions of your favourite indulgences every night of the week — from fish and chips to raspberry and coconut protein pancakes. And they make sure the substitutes are tasty, so you don't even notice you're going healthy. Here are ten super easy ideas to get you started — that you'll actually want to give a chance. SWAP VEGE OIL FOR COCONUT OIL Shortly after the UN revealed that bacon had graduated to its cancer hit list, vegetable oil took a beating. Leading scientists told us many vege oils, when heated, contain dangerous concentrations of aldehydes — chemicals linked, not only to cancer, but to heart disease and dementia, too. The good news is that coconut oil isn't anywhere near as nasty — in fact, it can help to sort out cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. What's more, it doubles nicely as a moisturiser. SPREAD WITH AVO SMASH RATHER THAN BUTTER Science's many contradictory studies of butter have left us confused as to just how bad — or good — it is. According to the latest research, it's okay in small doses. But you don't want to go lathering everything in it. So smash and spread an avocado instead. This little green powerhouse is packed with goodness, from vitamins and minerals galore to potassium to fibre. Plus, it tastes mighty, mighty fine. ASK FOR BROWN RICE INSTEAD OF WHITE If you don't ask, most restaurants will pile white rice on your plate. But, in most cases, the brown variety is available. Even if it costs you a little extra, it's cheaper than medical bills from long-term health problems. Brown rice is crowded with nutrition that's been stripped from its white equivalent — Youfoodz do brown rice with their Moroccan chicken tagine. With every cup of brown rice, you'll score 80 percent of your daily manganese requirements (great for your nervous system), a burst of antioxidants, stacks of selenum (keeps arthritis away) and loads more healthy things. GO ITALIAN WITH SPAGHETTI SQUASH RATHER THAN PASTA Spaghetti squash looks, feels and even tastes so much like pasta, it's spooky. All you have to do is buy it, season it and bake it in the oven for 40 minutes or so (until it's soft). Scrape out the flesh with a fork and voila! Your pasta substitute is ready to go. Every serve delivers omega-3, omega-6, beta carotene, potassium, antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamin C. SNACK ON AIR-POPPED POPCORN INSTEAD OF POTATO CHIPS There's no doubting the addictiveness of salty, crispy potato chips. But there's even less doubting their detrimental effects. The low nutrition to high calorie ratio makes them a fast track to weight gain. Add to that their generous doses of sodium and saturated fat and you're in sky-high blood pressure territory. One easy way to break your chip-munching habit is by replacing it with an air-popped popcorn routine. You still get all the crispiness and morishness, but without the baddies. DESSERT ON YOGHURT INSTEAD OF ICE CREAM The unhealthiness of your ice cream does, of course, depend on where you're getting it from. Some scoops are chock-full of sugar and additives, while others are made using clean, natural ingredients. Either way, though, your body will thank you for choosing yoghurt instead. That's not any old, sugary yoghurt laden with gelatine and food acids, by the way, but the high-quality, sugar-free gear. If you're craving creamy satisfaction, Greek yoghurt's the way to go. Whichever you choose, find one that's made using old-school, set-in-the-pot methods. EAT PROTEIN BALLS, NOT CHOCOLATE Of all food addictions, chocolate can be the hardest to kick. In fact, one study at Drexel University demonstrated that, for some people, chocoholism inspires similar reactions to those experienced by drug addicts. If feel like your habit is taking over, get it gone by swapping it for protein ball snacking — and variations like Youfoodz's rocky road protein balls will make you forget they're good for you. When you're feeling tired or low, they pack an energy punch, while reducing cravings. TRAIL MIX INSTEAD OF SWEETS Like chocolate, sweets tempt us when our energy levels are sinking. Ignoring cravings altogether is tough — you'll overcome them much more easily by replacing sweets with fruit and nut mix. You'll get the pick-me-up you need, but without a sugar-inspired crash and burn, and with a whole pack of healthy stuff — like magnesium, zinc and fibre. You can even snack on trail mixes made up into bars if you're on the go, like YouFoodz's supa food bar. ADD VANILLA IN PLACE OF SUGAR This one's for the bakers in the house. Biscuits and cakes packed with sugar and fat can be tasty — there's no denying that — but, to get some sweetness without slowly killing your audience, cut back on sugar and add vanilla. You can use extract or, for a really intense flavour boost, try beans. They're pricey, but worth it. DRINK SPARKLING WATER, NOT SOFT DRINKS When the sun's beating down, we often reach for a soft drink, hankering for its cool, effervescent rush and sugary high. But next time you're feeling hot and thirsty, go for sparkling water. You'll get all the refreshment with none of the calories. If plain water doesn't appeal to you, add a dash of sugar-free juice. Lemon is especially effective in summer. Images: Youfoodz, Dollar Photo Club, Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons, Cary Bass-Deschenes (Flickr).
As COVID-19 cases in New South Wales continue to increase — including those via community transmission, and those linked to the Crossroads Hotel cluster in Casula — the NSW Government has asked the state's residents to avoid leaving the house for non-essential reasons. In the daily coronavirus update on Sunday, July 19, NSW Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Jeremy McAnulty advised that "people are urged to avoid non-essential travel and gatherings". Announcing 18 new cases diagnosed in total in the past 24 hours, he also noted that community transmission in venues such as hotels, restaurants and gyms, and at social gatherings, is "of particular concern". The government's current advice asks NSW residents to stay at home if you have any symptoms, except to get tested — and to get tested even if you have "the mildest of symptoms". It also requests that everyone continues the social-distancing requirements that have been in place for months now: staying 1.5-metres away from other people at all times, refraining from going to crowded areas, washing your hands regularly with soap and running water or an alcohol-based hand rub, and coughing and sneezing into your elbow. And, in situations where you are unable to social distance, NSW residents should consider wearing masks. Dr McAnulty also stressed that no one should host or attend gatherings of more than ten people at home, even though the present restrictions allow 20 people — or go to the gym unless the equipment has been thoroughly cleaned before and after you use it either by supervising staff or yourself, and the machines and customers are well-spaced. https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1284670086502965248 The strengthened advice comes just days after NSW announced tightened restrictions for pubs and hotels from Friday, July 17, and for indoor gatherings from Friday, July 24 — all in a bid to contain the virus. In "all indoor hospitality venues", group bookings will now reduced from 20 to ten, and large venues will be capped at 300 people (compared to the previous one person per four-square-metre rule). Stricter rules around the collection of patron's contact details are also now in place, and COVIDSafe Plans and a COVIDSafe Hygiene Marshalls are mandatory. Weddings and corporate events will also be limited to 150, and funerals and places of worship 100. Everyone must be seated and there must be "no dancing, no singing, no mingling". From 12.01 am on Monday, July 20, NSW is also capping overseas arrivals in Sydney at 350 passengers per day. "Our number one priority is the health and safety of the people of NSW, and this new cap will help us protect our state from COVID-19," said Premier Gladys Berejiklian. "It is important that passengers returning home do not overrun the capacity of NSW Health and hotel quarantine." For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and to download a COVIDSafe Plan, head to the NSW Government website.
In 2025, Sydney Opera House's annual All About Women festival is welcoming than 50 speakers, including artists, thinkers and storytellers from both Australia and overseas, to explore gender, equality and justice. This year's lineup will participate in sessions that span women in sport and the influence of the Matildas, racism and sexism in the music industry, the impacts of skincare routines, and plenty more. For 13 years, marking International Women's Day with talks, panels, workshops and performances has been as easy as attending this highlight of the cultural calendar — a must-attend event not only in Sydney, but also nationally in recent years, thanks to the streaming of sessions online (which continues in 2025). For this year, Kate Berlant and Gina Chick joined the All About Women bill first, as did the return of the Feminist Roast. Kara Swisher, Rachel House, Jaguar Jonze and Grace Tame are among the folks joining them come Saturday, March 8–Sunday, March 9. Berlant is making her first trip Down Under, with the comedian and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Don't Worry Darling and A League of Their Own actor set to debut a new stand-up show. Alone Australia's first-season winner Chick is on the bill fresh from releasing her memoir We Are the Stars in October, and will chat about following your own path, grief and resourcefulness. On a lineup overseen by the Sydney Opera House Talks & Ideas team — as led by Chip Rolley, alongside 10 News First's Narelda Jacobs and actor and writer Michelle Law — journalist and Burn Book: A Tech Love Story author Swisher will dig into the social-media platform formerly known as Twitter, while Heartbreak High star and The Mountain director House will chat through the importance of community and her Māori culture in her career. Jonze is on the panel discussing the present state of the music industry, as is Barkaa. And Tame is part of the Feminist Roast alongside Michelle Brasier, Nakkiah Lui, Lucinda 'Froomes' Price and Steph Tisdell. The Tillies are on the roster via former Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams, plus Football Australia, the Matildas and the ParaMatildas Media Manager Ann Odong, with their session exploring the current situation for women in sport. Elsewhere, Dr Michelle Wong, Jessica DeFino and Yumi Stynes — plus Price again — will examine the impacts of beauty standards, especially upon younger generations. All About Women's 2025 program also spans sessions on the women who gave testimony at the Ghislaine Maxwell trial, the rise of domestic violence-related deaths in Australia, systems that are meant to protect First Nations children, perimenopause and how women's health is being commercialised, tradwives, grief, motherhood, the nation's declining birth rate, bodily autonomy and abortion, and being friends for life.
If you're curating an exhibition about big names and what gives them that status, here's one that ain't nuthing ta f' wit: Wu-Tang Clan and their Once Upon a Time in Shaolin album. Almost no one has heard the record, but everyone should've heard of it. Only one physical copy was ever created, with the physical masters then deleted. The CD was sold — twice now — under the strict stipulation from RZA and company that it cannot be commercially exploited for 88 years. That condition means that the 2015 release can't be made available to the public en masse in any form until 2103. But trust Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art to do what it can to give fans a Once Upon a Time in Shaolin experience. During its gap year from Dark Mofo, Mona will get its hands on the album for ten days, put it on display for visitors to peer at and hold a select number of listening parties — eight in total, two daily across two four-day weekends — that feature a 30-minute mix from the record. Not only do albums not get much rarer than the hip hop collective's seventh studio record, but chances to get a glimpse of it and hear some of it don't, either. When it hits Namedropping, the site's exhibition about status, perception and trying to look good for others, Mona will become the first museum to receive Once Upon a Time in Shaolin on loan since the album was first sold. While the overall showcase, which spans 200-plus artistic works, will fill Mona for the better part of a year — from Saturday, June 15, 2024–Monday, April 21, 2025 — Wu-Tang Clan's record will only feature from Saturday, June 15–Monday, June 24, 2024. To see the two-CD release, you'll need to make a date with the exhibition. To hear that curated half-hour selection, you'll need one of the limited free tickets to listening event Namedropping the Wu-Tang Clan, where the mix will play in Mona's Frying Pan recording studio off of a personalised Wu-Tang PlayStation 1. "Every once in a while, an object on this planet possesses mystical properties that transcend its material circumstances. Once Upon a Time in Shaolin is more than just an album, so when I was thinking about status, and what a transcendent namedrop could be, I knew I had to get it into this exhibition," explains Mona Director of Curatorial Affairs Jarrod Rawlins. "Ten years ago, the Wu-Tang Clan had a bold vision to make a single copy album as a work of fine art. To 'put it in an art gallery…make music become a living piece like a Mona Lisa or a sceptre from Egypt'," added digital art collective Pleasr, which now owns the record. "With this single work of art, the Wu-Tang Clan's intention was to redefine the meaning of music ownership and value in a world of digital streaming and commodification of music. Pleasr is honoured to partner with Mona to support RZA's vision for Once Upon a Time in Shaolin". Amid an exhibition that's set to drop names such as Ai Weiwei, Vincent Namatjira, Jacqueline Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Marie Antoinette, J Robert Oppenheimer, Pablo Picasso, Sigmund Freud, Charles Dickens, Andy Warhol and Hello Kitty — and also Victor Hugo, Greg Chappell, Heath Ledger, Jimi Hendrix, Alan Turing, Ned Kelly, Thomas Edison, John Lennon, William Shakespeare, Henry VIII, Chopper Read, Alexander the Great, Queen Elizabeth II, Romance Was Born and Vincent van Gogh, among a heap more — another big Namedropping drawcard is the original handwritten lyrics for David Bowie's 'Starman', which Mona owner David Walsh purchased in 2022. 'I like David Bowie. If you like Bowie, it's a pretty good bet you'll like Mona. That's why we namedrop," said Walsh. "So why might this rendition of only the lyrics (after all, it's the performance that made it famous) be worth the £40,000 that the auction house estimated? Well, it makes the point about Namedropping, so it has come in handy for this exhibition." [caption id="attachment_950179" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy of the artists and Mona, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] Once Upon a Time in Shaolin will be on display at Namedropping at Mona, 655 Main Road, Berriedale, from Saturday, June 15–Monday, June 24, 2024. Namedropping the Wu-Tang Clan will run twice daily Friday–Monday across the same dates — and free tickets for the listening parties are available from 10am AEDT on Thursday, May 30. Namedropping displays at Mona from Saturday, June 15, 2024–Monday, April 21, 2025. Head to the Mona website for more details. Images: courtesy of the artist, Pleasr and the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona).
It's official: for only the second time in the more than three decades that the country's professional Aussie Rules competition has called itself the Australian Football League, the AFL grand final will be hosted outside of Melbourne. The game will move outside Victoria for the second year in a row, too. After flagging last week that Perth's Optus Stadium would hold the biggest match of the 2021 season if the Melbourne Cricket Ground was unable to welcome in spectators, AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has now confirmed that the grand final will indeed be held in Western Australia. Given that Melbourne is currently under lockdown for the sixth time during the pandemic, and that those stay-at-home conditions won't be ending this week as last outlined — and, even if Victoria's lockdown does end by grand final day, Melbourne's stadiums may not be permitted to host crowds under post-lockdown restrictions — the news comes as absolutely no surprise. The game will still go ahead on Saturday, September 25, although exactly what time it'll kick off is yet to be revealed. Moving the match to Perth does means that 2020's night grand final won't be repeated, due to the time difference between Australia's west and east coasts — and McLachlan said that the AFL is looking at an afternoon or twilight time slot. Also yet to be announced: the crowd capacity under Western Australia's restrictions. Optus Stadium can host 60,000 people, however. The move comes after the 2020 grand final was held at the Brisbane Cricket Ground, aka the Gabba, thanks to Melbourne's lengthy stint of stay-at-home conditions at the time. This year, Perth will also host a Brownlow Medal function in the lead up to the decider. Still, the grand final won't feature any Western Australian AFL teams, with both the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers failing to make the code's finals season. At the time of writing, Melbourne, Port Adelaide, the Brisbane Lions, Geelong, Greater Western Sydney and the Western Bulldogs remain in the running. [caption id="attachment_823646" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Optus Stadium, Government of Western Australia[/caption] Just like last year, it really shouldn't have taken three decades for a competition that's not only named after the entire country, but that changed its moniker in 1990 to reflect the fact that it was no longer just about Victoria, to host its deciders in other cities. Before 2020, the grand final had actually been played at venues other than the MCG before — but still in Melbourne. The MCG remains contracted to host the grand final for a significant period moving forward, however, with its agreement originally running through until 2057, then extended until 2058 as part of the arrangement to allow the game to be played at the Gabba in 2020. With the move to Perth, that contract with the MCG will be extended again until 2059. If you're a Victorian — whether you've been missing the footy over the past month, or you're not fussed about the sport at all — you might be wondering about the usual pre-grand final public holiday. Although an official announcement hasn't been made as yet, Victorian Sports Minister Martin Pakula said during the press conference about the move to Perth that he expected that the public holiday will still go ahead, as happened last year when the game was played in Brisbane. The 2021 AFL Grand Final will take place on Saturday, September 25 at Optus Stadium in Perth. For further information, head to the AFL website.
In its very first moments, BPM (Beats Per Minute) purposefully withholds details from the audience. Adopting the perspective of the film's unseen characters, the camera waits in the wings as a man gives a speech that isn't subtitled for viewers, until the deafening blast of an airhorn interrupts his talking. It's a jarring opening, but the movie is made all the more jolting by its second scene. Sat in a classroom with the Parisian members of HIV and AIDS activism group ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), BPM positively swamps the audience with information as the group analyse their last public campaign and argue about their next mission. The chatter is loud, fast and passionate, discussing medical specifics, marketing tactics and everything in-between. To provide further detail, the film intertwines glimpses of their activist actions into their heated conversation. Starting the movie in such a fashion, writer-director Robin Campillo achieves several things. BPM's initial 15 minutes are an immersive onslaught completely by design, plunging viewers into a frenzied, hectic headspace. The two scenes give an indication of how the film will progress stylistically and tonally. More than that, they also ensure the audience truly appreciates the mindset of the characters — allowing viewers to not only watch, but to experience the chaos, anger and uncertainty for themselves. Campillo doesn't stop there, adding a third component. In an ecstatic club-set dance sequence that's as pivotal as everything that precedes it, the audience sees joyous faces moving to the music. After first showing viewers what it feels like to be ignored, then demonstrating the overwhelming nature of the fight for AIDS treatment in the early 1990s, BPM provides a crucial moment of catharsis. The sidelined, the relentless, the sublime — if Campillo's film has a rhythm, that's it. The movie also has a narrative, charting ACT UP's quest to secure medication at a time before HIV drugs were affordable and easily accessible, from a French government and a pharmaceutical industry that are apathetic at best and cruel at worst. As the group storms into conferences, throws fake blood during office invasions and employs other protest tactics, BPM gets to know several figures on a deeper level. Haemophiliac Marco (Theophile Ray) comes to meetings with his mother Helene (Catherine Vinatier). Organiser Sophie (Adele Haenel) advocates for diplomatic options. Jeremie (Ariel Borenstein) deteriorates, and quickly. Leader Thibault (Antoine Reinartz) and the AIDS-inflicted Sean (Nahuel Perez Biscayart) bicker about peaceful versus aggressive tactics — and Sean also falls for newcomer Nathan (Arnaud Valois), who isn't HIV-positive. Set to a soundtrack that flits from electronic beats to sorrowful piano, to the pleading chants of ACT UP taking to the streets, what emerges is a movie that's both intimate and expansive. Just as BPM's first scenes leave a definite imprint, so does the cumulative effect of its 143 minutes, weaving personal tales into a sprawling snapshot of a real-life movement. The reverse applies too, with the picture's broader view, particularly in its documentary-like moments, giving context to each character's struggle. It's little wonder that the cast's performances feel both intricate and part of something bigger, particularly Biscayart and Valois' efforts to convey Sean and Nathan's complex romance. Finding the right actors for the job — actors who can not only deliver stellar work, but can make their roles seem so real that you half expect them to walk off the screen — was one of the hallmarks of Campillo's last film, Eastern Boys. So was an astonishing command of mood and aesthetics, with every directorial choice keeping viewers glued to every frame. BPM shares those traits, but it also boasts something that's all its own: an unwavering, devastating sense of authenticity. Both the filmmaker and his co-writer Philippe Mangeot are alumni of ACT UP, as audiences could probably guess just by watching. A movie this well observed, this drenched in naturalism, this candid and poignant, can only spring from reality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4_79dnJeNU
Remember Who Framed Roger Rabbit? 1988's mismatched buddy comedy about a washed-up private eye (Bob Hoskins) and an animated rabbit was (and remains) a remarkable piece of cinema: groundbreaking in its special effects, hilarious in its comedy and note-perfect as a noir pastiche. It set the standard for movies that seamlessly entertained both adults and children alike, almost as if there were two separate audio tracks where only those over a certain age could hear the gags about sex, drugs and violence. Watching the trailers for Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, it was hard not to get excited that we might be on the verge of another Roger Rabbit-esque classic. Sumptuous special effects, a murky detective story, mismatched buddies and, as the pièce de résistance, master of deadpan Ryan Reynolds providing the voice of the eponymous Pikachu. Whether as a newcomer or a die-hard fan of the Pokémon franchise (which began as a video game and collectable-card craze), it seemed there was ample room for everyone to get beside the wise-cracking chubby rodent with the eyes of an angel and the mouth of a pirate. Alas, no. A convoluted plot, countless first-draft jokes and constant exposition dumb down the film to a level that even kids will find silly. It's not without its merits, but the overwhelming feeling is one of frustration at what might have been had they either embraced the world of Pokémon in earnest, or gone all-in on the detective story. Instead, it's a bit of everything and not a whole lot of anything. And to think, it all started so well. Detective Pikachu kicks off dramatically with a secret laboratory meltdown of sorts, prompting a prisoner escape, a car chase and a spectacular crash. The action then pivots to a delightful sequence involving a young man in a field, Tim (Justice Smith), attempting to catch and bond with a grumpy little Pokémon named Cubone. If the dynamics of human/Pokémon relations mean nothing to you, however, you'll quickly find yourself floundering from this point onwards, as the film all but glances over the details of what, for the franchise, were its core principles, rules and objectives. In fact, the film almost dismisses them entirely, setting its main story in Ryme City where the traditional sport of Pokémon combat is outlawed and humans and Pokémon instead live, work and play alongside each other as equals. Tim is there to finalise the affairs of his late father, Harry, whose death from the crash at the beginning of the film raises numerous unanswered questions. It's here where he also encounters Pikachu, and, to their mutual surprise, they discover they can communicate with each other. Pikachu has amnesia, remembering nothing except that he was Harry's former partner, and that he's convinced the death was fabricated. The stage is hence set for some classic sleuthing — but instead of going down that road, or even just following the story of the video game from which the film is based, Detective Pikachu simply jumps from one half-explored plotline to the next in a narrative that feels increasingly disjointed and rushed. It's such a shame, too, because in addition to the stunning visuals, Detective Pikachu boasts a pretty solid cast. Alongside Reynolds and Smith, there's Bill Nighy, Ken Watanabe and Kathryn Newton, all of whom receive either far too little screen time, or not nearly enough character development. Being a kids movie doesn't mean its leads have to be basic or cliched (consider, for example, the complexities of some of Pixar's leading characters). Yet here only Pikachu and Smith get anything even close to resembling a back-story. From the audible gasps at various stages of the film, it's clear there's some joyous content for the true Pokémon fans out there, but for the uninitiated Detective Pikachu doesn't offer nearly enough to sink your teeth into. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1roy4o4tqQM
The way people talk about food has changed. With a lot of the focus shifting to the 'paddock-to-plate' movement, people are putting more onus on where their food is coming from and are being encouraged more and more to support local and sustainable farming operations. Transparency on sustainability, provenance and 'food miles' is becoming increasingly meaningful to consumers. And this movement hasn't just stopped at food. It's trickled into the world of drinks, particularly in brewing, with beer drinkers and makers raising their glasses to a 'paddock-to-pint' movement. Tracking a beer's creation every step of the way is a rich and rewarding way to ensure its quality, as well as gain a greater understanding of its flavour. So, it's this experience that's captured the hearts and tastebuds of many brewers in Australia and around the world — and it's the story of these beers that's captured the hearts of consumers. Everyone loves a good tale. So, getting to know the narrative of a product, be it the eye fillet on your plate or pint in your hand, has allowed for another layer of appreciation. Family-owned and with a reputation for winning over beer drinkers with its high-quality brews, Coopers has released its 2018 seasonal Vintage Ale, which this year, channels this paddock-to-pint movement. We chat with Dr Tim Cooper, chief brewer, to find out more about the brewery's approach to the movement and how it plays into this year's seasonal release. THE FIRST STEP The first step of the brewing process is the sourcing and preparation of malts typically sourced from barley, though wheat and rye are also used for certain styles. High-quality malt is a vital base for creating good beer, and being certain of where your malt comes from is a great place to start. Recently, the independent, family-owned Coopers reopened a maltings facility next to its Regency Park brewery, placing it in a "relatively small group of brewers worldwide with their own maltings". Having carefully sourced Westminster barley from nearby Kangaroo Island, Dr Cooper remarks on the brewery's "enviable advantage" of not only being able to source its malt locally but also being able to then manage the full process from the paddock to the maltings facility, from the brewery and into your glass. Another vital ingredient in the beer making process is the hops. The variety used for this year's Vintage Ale, though not local, is the high-quality Aramis hops, originating from eastern France and known for its herbal, citrus and spicy notes. The specialist hop is a blend of Strisselpalt and Whitebread Golding, which typically offers medium spice and a stable, refreshing bitterness. Just a small quantity was imported for this year's vintage release to provide "an elegant hop flavour". This was achieved by adding the hops during fermentation, as well as late in the brewing stage to give the beer notes of dried fruit, spice and a hint of vanilla, complete with a herbal, aromatic bitterness to round everything out. THE RELEASE Speaking of the seasonal vintage brew, this year marks the 20th anniversary of Coopers' iconic annual release. The recipe and base ale yeast have both grown and developed over time depending on what ingredients were best available at the time of brewing each year — not on what's trending. As Dr Cooper explains, "creating Coopers Vintage is not a matter of following trends, but about the Coopers brewing team experimenting with what they think is good". The beer style that best befits Coopers Vintage is that of an English strong ale, expect malt-driven flavours of honey, toffee and caramel, contrasted by moderate spiciness and a refreshingly earthy bitterness from the presence of the Aramis hops. Pouring a deep amber colour with a creamy white head and weighing in at a hefty 7.5% ABV, this is a rich, but well-balanced beer that has plenty of character from the first sip to the last. THE AFTER PARTY Like fine wines, beers with a higher ABV (like 7.5%) can be aged, so over time, they develop idiosyncratic qualities resulting in truly unique beers whose flavour profiles shift and become more complex with age. With carefully monitored and selected ingredients, each vintage of Coopers Vintage Ale offers a different experience when aged correctly, from day one to year one to year five. Dr Cooper advises that the journey of flavour, much like the paddock-to-pint process, is a rewarding step-by-step adventure for the more discerning drinker. "I recommend buying a carton and savouring the Vintage Ale over a period of time, to enjoy the flavour journey and to see how the flavour evolves...Depending on the storage conditions, I think five years is enough time to enjoy a carton this way." Keen to know more about cellaring beer? Grab a carton of this year's Vintage Ale and read up on why and how you should be cellaring more beer.
My, my, Alexandria certainly is becoming quite the foodie hotspot. It seems now the locals here are spoilt for choice, much like their fellow inner-westies over in Marrickville. Keeping in harmony with Alexandria's business district and concrete jungle theme, the Copper Mill is a spacious and stylish spot, perfect for the locals to grab a coffee or some lunch to escape the suburban mayhem. Formerly serving at Chippendale cafe, Shortlist, Jake Thomas, Hugh Piper and Rebecca Keane have continued with their impressive set-ups and effortless appeal, with no small detail being overlooked. Walls are painted in grey slate and exposed brick and copper pipes are a reflection of the industrial area. The raw and casual appeal is maintained with wooden tables and benches that are adorned with help-yourself cutlery buckets and Young Henry flagons of water. Window seats are available too, where you can watch the daily thrum of dog walkers and fitness gurus en route to Sydney Park. These coffee pros are pouring a not-too bad Human Canonball, roasted by Golden Cobra ($3.50), as well as a rotating single origin from Moccamaster ($3.50). The real star of the show though is the simple, healthy, rustic menu that is served up quick smart from the open kitchen. Their culinary skills do not go amiss here: a sure-fire Peruvian influence evident with a bacon and egg roll spiced up with pork chicharron, egg, kumera, salsa criolla and lemon mayo ($10). Furthermore to this latino swinging, the ancient Peruvian grain quinoa is puffed up in a cereal topped with dates, coconut flakes, yoghurt and a sweet pear and cardamom milk ($9.50). More straightforward options such as sourdough toast, come courtesy of Brickfields bakery — thick slices with homemade jam ($4.50) are classic winners. The strength of the fare comes at lunchtime, when humble salads are assembled with fresh ingredients and unusual dressings drizzled over to complete the package. Beet-cured salmon with garden peas, quinoa, cherry tomatoes ($15) and chilli yoghurt is a beseeching option; but the real chart-topper is a delicious plate of broadbeans, chorizo and a sunnyside egg, with parsley and lemon zest adding a zing and a side of sourdough balancing it all out ($13). So tasty is this bread in fact, that it's also hard to overlook the daily sandwiches ($9). Who doesn't love Christmas ham, especially when gruyere cheese and an eggplant pickle are its companions? Speaking of eggplant pickle — let's hope this homemade condiment gets kept on rotation. Decidedly the champion in a vegetarian sarnie, it perfectly complements the roast cauliflower, butter lettuce and feta cheese. But we'd like a tad more on our sarnie please — actually no, the whole jar to lick clean the contents. Sweet-tooths will be pleased to see a small array of pastries on offer, otherwise an iced chocolate ($5) or a coconut hot choccie ($4.50) will seal the deal. The Copper Mill is offering up decent food and coffee, service with a smile, and an ideal opportunity for locals to avoid chaotic King Street or the exhausting queues at the Grounds.
Pearl Jam finally returning to Australia and New Zealand for the first time since 2014 was always going to be big news. Tickets to their shows were always going to get snapped up fast, too. So, it comes as no surprise that the Eddie Vedder-led band's Down Under leg of their Dark Matter tour has added new gigs on the day that tix went on sale — because Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland's concerts have proven that popular. In NZ, the group will now hit up Go Media Stadium in Mt Smart on Sunday, November 10 as well as the already-announced Friday, November 8. In Melbourne, Monday, November 18 joins Saturday, November 16 on Pearl Jam's trip to Marvel Stadium. And in Sydney, the band will play Giants Stadium on Saturday, November 23, after their first show there on Thursday, November 21. [caption id="attachment_940860" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Flickr[/caption] At each of the new gigs, as well as the rest of the tour's stops in Sydney and on the Gold Coast, audiences will be treated to two hefty names in 80s and 90s music thanks to Pixies in support. Vedder and Black Francis taking to the same stage? That'll make you feel alive and ask "where is my mind?". Pearl Jam are the headliners, returning after last hitting our shores on a tour a decade back that included the final-ever Big Day Out. Dark Matter, the band's 12th album, will release in April — which gives fans plenty of time to know it by heart before the group take to local stages. [caption id="attachment_940849" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wp72 via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Expect to hear tunes from Dark Matter, plus past hits 'Alive', 'Black', 'Jeremy', 'Better Man', 'Last Kiss' and 'Daughter' from previous albums such as the iconic Ten, Vs and Vitalogy from the early 90s, plus No Code, Yield and more since. Pixies, who were last Down Under in 2022, are responsible for a helluva one-two punch with their first two albums: 1988's Surfer Rosa and 1989's Doolittle. The first gave the world the track that's been linked with Tyler Durden courtesy of David Fincher's Fight Club since 1999, aka 'Where Is My Mind?', as well as 'Gigantic' and 'Cactus'. The second is home to 'Here Comes Your Man', 'Monkey Gone to Heaven', 'Debaser' and 'Wave of Mutilation'. Tickets to the tour required registration first, which has already ended. But, if you have received a code as part of that process, it's now valid for the new gigs. [caption id="attachment_940844" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Danny Cinch[/caption] Pearl Jam Dark Matter World Tour 2024 with with Special Guests Pixies — Australia and New Zealand Dates Friday, November 8 + Sunday, November 10 – Go Media Stadium, Mt Smart, Auckland Wednesday, November 13 — Heritage Bank Stadium, Gold Coast Saturday, November 16 + Monday, November 18 — Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Thursday, November 21 + Saturday, November 23 — Giants Stadium, Sydney Pearl Jam and Pixies are touring Australia and New Zealand in November 2024, with ticket sales from Friday, February 23 — head to the Pearl Jam website for further details. Top image: Raph_PH via Flickr.
Whatever you were planning to see at this year's Sydney Film Festival, it now has company — and you have some juggling to do with your movie-watching schedule. The city's annual major cinema celebration returns from Wednesday, June 8–Sunday, June 19, and it'll now be screening 12 more films than originally announced, including a heap of newly minted award-winners straight from the Cannes Film Festival. If you're a seasoned SFF attendee, you'll know that this is part of the festival's usual routine. First, it reveals a smattering of flicks in its program in early April. Then, it drops its full lineup at the beginning of May. But, after Cannes is done and dusted for the year, it adds the best movies it can nab from that prestigious French event, too. This year is no different, and the haul of Cannes titles is impressive. And yes, Palme d'Or winner Triangle of Sadness — which satirises the mega rich, is directed by Force Majeure's Ruben Östlund, and marks his second Palme win after The Square — is on the bill. Also heading Sydney's way: Broker, the latest from acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, who won the Palme d'Or back in 2018 with the sublime Shoplifters. This time, he's made a movie in Korea — his first Korean-language film, in fact — with Broker again exploring the ties that bind and the connections of family. Starring Parasite's Song Kang-ho, who won Cannes' Best Actor Award for his work here, it'll close out this year's SFF. Other Cannes award-recipients just added to the program include joint Cannes Grand Prix-winner Stars at Noon, which sees Claire Denis (High Life) direct Margaret Qualley (Maid) and Joe Alwyn (Conversations with Friends) in an erotic espionage tale; Tori and Lokita, which nabbed the Cannes 75th Anniversary Prize for Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (Two Days, One Night); Holy Spider, an Iran-set true-crime serial killer thriller by Ali Abbasi (Border), and the recipient of Cannes' Best Actress Award for star Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Tehran Taboo); and Boy From Heaven, a Cairo-set political thriller that picked up Best Screenplay. And, from Cannes Un Certain Regard, there's also The Blue Caftan, about a love triangle between a young gay man and a middle-aged couple, which won the FIPRESCI Award; Joyland, which nabbed the Cannes Jury Prize and Queer Palm, and also marks the first Pakistani film to make the Cannes Official Selection; and Mediterranean Fever, winner of Un Certain Regard's Best Screenplay Award. Plus, Portuguese writer/director João Pedro Rodrigues' musical Will-O'-The-Wisp arrives from Cannes Director's Fortnight — and there's also The Night of the 12th, a police procedural set in Southern France, too. SFF already added Baz Luhrmann's Elvis to its lineup as well, thank you very much. Not hailing from Cannes, documentary Nothing Compares also joins the bill, exploring the life and career of Sinéad O'Connor. The 2022 Sydney Film Festival runs between Wednesday, June 8–Sunday, June 19 at the State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Newtown, Palace Central, Palace Norton Street, Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne, Ritz Cinemas Randwick, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and Art Gallery of NSW. To check out the event's full program, or to buy tickets, head to the festival's website.
Darlinghurst is the beating heart of the inner city, bursting with things to see and do. Head to its spiritual home of Oxford Street, lined with an eclectic mix of restaurants, clubs and shops, to explore the best of the independent retailers that call this suburb home. With so much to see and do in the area it can be tricky to know where to start, so we've teamed up with American Express to bring you this definitive guide to Darlo's local gems. From the choicest places to kit out your wardrobe to a chic neighbourhood wine bar, here's where you can shop small with your Amex Card.
Bunnings Warehouse is supercharging its usual sausage sizzle to support a few Aussie communities that are doing it pretty tough right now. On Friday, March 11, all of the hardware giant's stores will host a special pre-weekend edition of the chain's legendary snag sessions, raising coin for those across Queensland and New South Wales that've been impacted by the recent floods. All of the day's sausage profits will go to the Givit Storms and Flooding Appeal. So, on Friday, grab a snag in bread and show those in need some love — the sausage sizzles will run from 9am–4pm across all Bunnings Warehouses in NSW (and the country). There'll also be donation tins at Bunnings registers, if you don't have time for a snag while you shop for hardware. And, if you can't make it along at all, you can also chuck a few dollars into the Givit collection tin online.
Maybe it's the twilight glow. Perhaps it's the stars twinkling above. Or, it could be the cooling breeze, the picnic blankets and beanbags as far as the eye can see, and just seeing a movie grace a giant screen with a leafy backdrop. When the weather is warm enough Australia-wide, a trip to the cinema just seems to shine brighter when it's outdoors. That's Sunset Cinema's whole angle, in fact, and it's returning for another season across the east coast. Over the summer of 2022–23 — and into autumn, too — this excuse to head to the flicks in the open air has seven stops on its itinerary: one in Canberra, three in New South Wales, two in Victoria and one in Queensland. In each, movie buffs can look forward to a lineup of new and classic titles, and a setup perfect for cosy date nights or an easy group hangs outdoors. NSW's run gets started on Friday, December 9 at St Ives Showgrounds, screening through till Saturday, January 28 with a lineup that includes box-office behemoths Top Gun: Maverick and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Disney's Strange World, Aussie drama Blueback and Olivia Wilde's Don't Worry Darling. Also on the bill: a heap of festive flicks leading into Christmas, such as Elf, Love Actually, Home Alone and The Nightmare Before Christmas; and three dog-focused films in January, spanning Marley & Me, Scooby-Doo and 101 Dalmatians. Sunset Cinema will also head to North Sydney Oval from Wednesday, January 11—Saturday, April 1, featuring the likes of 2022 hits The Menu and Everything Everywhere All At Once, Steven Spielberg's latest The Fabelmans, Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody, throwbacks such as There's Something About Mary and Crazy Stupid Love, and more. And, at the Wollongong Botanic Garden from Thursday, December 15–Saturday, March 11, the season covers many of the aforementioned titles — the Christmas lineup included — and also Mean Girls, Freaky Friday and The Parent Trap as part of a Lohan Fest. In Victoria, Mt Martha is first on the agenda, with Sunset Cinema hitting The Briars from Wednesday, December 21—Friday, January 20. Those festive films get a run here, too, as do classics Dirty Dancing and The Princess Bride — and many of the new titles showing at other venues. Melburnians don't miss out, however, thanks to a new St Kilda run from Friday, February 1—Saturday, March 4 at St Kilda Botanical Gardens. The lineup for that spot hasn't yet been revealed. And, in Brisbane, mark April in your diaries — with the exact dates, venue and program to be announced. At all stops around the country, BYO picnics are encouraged here, but the event is fully licensed, so alcohol can only be purchased onsite. Didn't pack enough snacks? There'll be hot food options, plus plenty of the requisite movie treats like chips, chocolates, lollies and popcorn. SUNSET CINEMA 2022–23 DATES: Canberra, ACT: Thursday, November 24—Saturday, February 25 at Australian National Botanic Gardens St Ives, NSW: Friday, December 9—Saturday, January 28 at St Ives Showgrounds Wollongong, NSW: Thursday, December 15–Saturday, March 11 at Wollongong Botanic Garden North Sydney, NSW: Wednesday, January 11—Saturday, April 1 at North Sydney Oval Mt Martha, VIC: Wednesday, December 21—Friday, January 20 at The Briars, Mt Martha St Kilda, VIC: Friday, February 1—Saturday, March 4 at St Kilda Botanical Gardens Brisbane, QLD — from April 2023, exact dates and venue TBC Sunset Cinema's 2022–23 season runs at various venues around the country from November 2022. Head to the Sunset Cinema website for further details.
Sure you can smell the dust on an old vinyl, but can you stare into it and zoom out like the planets but also zoom into the atoms and in that way aesthetically sympathise with sound and how sound moves and physics of sound and how notes in a room behave? And how they bounce off walls and between objects and its kind of more similar to how planets and microscopic things work? Well you can if you have a) DMT or b) an Apple iOS device. Björk’s Biophilia album/multimedia project/educational program has been available for a few months now on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, but those operating on Android or Windows 8 platforms have been left out of this brave new digital world. That's about to change if Björk has her way, with the musician turning to Kickstarter to make the app more accessible to kids in low-income households and schools with underfunded art budgets (ie reprogramming it for those who, to sound like a massive douche, can’t afford iPhones). The app is being used as part of the Biophilia Educational Program, developed by Björk to teach children about making music and finding out about natural phenomena. Comprising an album, a series of apps housed in one mother app, a live show, and an educational program for children from all backgrounds, it's about exploring the areas where music, nature, and technology meet. Ten in-app experiences are accessed as you fly through a three-dimensional galaxy, with all the album’s songs available for purchase as interactive experiences. At $13.99 on iTunes, it’s a truly phenomenal way to experience an album for around the same price as a physical CD. The Kickstarter's funding goal is £375,000 and pledging ends on February 27. Those who pledge will receive rewards including the app itself, T-shirts picture discs, lithographic prints, and DVDs. Those who pledge £800 or more will get a VIP pass to Björk’s live Biophilia experience in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Tokyo, or Paris. Plus the reward of, you know, helping people.
For three years, Night at The Barracks has popped up in Manly in Sydney with a lineup of live tunes under the stars. For Harbour City residents, that's continuing in 2025. But the New South Wales capital is no longer the only city with a concert series from event promoter Second Sunday to look forward to this spring. Brisbanites, meet Night at The Parkland. Sydney's returning event is again headed to North Head, taking place across Friday, September 12–Sunday, October 5. In Brisbane, Night at The Parkland has a date with The Amphitheatre at Roma Street Parkland from Friday, September 5–Sunday, September 14, 2025, and falls into the still-to-be-announced Brisbane Festival program. Music lovers in both cities will be treated to a packed roster of Australian acts, including Icehouse, Lime Cordiale, Amy Shark, Grinspoon, Cut Copy and James Johnston playing Brisbane and then Sydney. The Sunshine State is also welcoming Xavier Rudd, while the NSW bill features Kate Ceberano, Hoodoo Gurus, Ian Moss and Mark Seymour, and Missy Higgins among its other headliners. Weekends are the focus for Night at The Barracks and Night at The Parkland alike, primarily with Friday–Sunday shows — but given that Brisbane's series is condensed across two weeks, there's also a Thursday gig. "We're absolutely thrilled to build on the incredible success in Manly and bring the magic to Brisbane," said Second Sunday co-Founder Cameron Coghlan. "Pairing a stunning, iconic venue with world-class artists and a premium experience — we can't wait." "We are proud to be able to showcase to audiences in Sydney and Brisbane a quality all-Australian artist lineup that showcases the true depth of musical talent in this country. This not only includes our brilliant headliners but also a great roster of support artists that will grace our stages across the series," added fellow Second Sunday co-Founder Brendan Maher. "Brisbane deserves world-class music experiences in extraordinary settings, and Night at The Parkland delivers just that. We're thrilled to welcome this epic outdoor concert series to Roma Street Parkland as part of Brisbane Festival. It's going to be seven unforgettable nights under the stars," said Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzin. Night at The Parkland Lineup Friday, September 5 — Icehouse with Rolling Holy Saturday, September 6 — Lime Cordiale with Jack River Sunday, September 7 — Xavier Rudd with Birren Thursday, September 11 — Amy Shark with Chloe Parché Friday, September 12 — Grinspoon with Bad//Dreems and Loose Content Saturday, September 13 — Cut Copy with KLP Sunday, September 14 — James Johnston with Zac & George Night at The Barracks Lineup Friday, September 12 — Cut Copy with KLP Saturday, September 13 — Icehouse with Rolling Holy Sunday, September 14 — Kate Ceberano with Mahalia Barnes and Gypsy Lee Friday, September 19 — Hoodoo Gurus with Dallas Crane Saturday, September 20 — Lime Cordiale with Lola Scott Sunday, September 21 — Amy Shark with Chloe Parché Friday, September 26 — Ian Moss and Mark Seymour with Sam Buckingham Saturday, September 27 — Furnace and the Fundamentals with Nicole Tania Sunday, September 28 — Yesterday's Gone: The Fleetwood Mac Legacy Featuring Kav Temperley (Eskimo Joe), Fanny Lumsden, Charlie Collins and Karen Lee Andrews with Phoebe Over Friday, October 3 — James Johnston with Zac & George Saturday, October 4 — Grinspoon with Bad//Dreems and Purple Disturbance Sunday, October 5 — Missy Higgins with Rachael Fahim and Tilli Kay [caption id="attachment_1004776" align="alignnone" width="1920"] www.charliehardy.com.au[/caption] Night at The Parkland runs between Friday, September 5–Sunday, September 14, 2025 at The Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parkland, Roma Street, Brisbane — with ticket presales between Monday, May 19–Monday, May 26 and general sales from 9am on Tuesday, May 27. Head to the event's website for more details. Night at The Barracks runs across Friday, September 12–Sunday, October 5, 2025 at North Head, Manly, Sydney — with ticket presales between Friday, May 16–Tuesday, May 20 and general sales from 9am on Wednesday, May 21. Head to the event's website for more details. Top image: Charlie Hardy.
Tucked away down Little Eveleigh Street, Redfern's Duckrabbit is a must visit for art lovers. Don't let its size fool you either; the tiny gallery space packs a big punch. Located behind a brightly graffitied roller door, the hole-in-the-wall gallery puts on some stunning exhibitions, which often only run for a few days at a time — so, best to get in quickly. But we guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised by what you find at Duckrabbit. Be prepared to discover an emerging artist that you've never heard of — and fall in love with this pint-sized art space. Duckrabbit is usually open 11am–6pm daily, but it's advised you check out Instagram for exhibition details and hours.
Another Sydney bar is throwing its hat in the boozy brunch ring — and you don't need to wait until the weekend to enjoy this one. Running daily from late-May until late-July, Bungalow 8's new brunch, available in its upstairs cocktail bar The Loft, has a decidedly smoky theme that's perfect for shaking off that winter chill. Despite the name, there is no trickery happening here — just tasty food and cocktails. The brunch is a four-course Japanese-inspired feast with a smoky twist — think flamed salmon nigiri topped with crispy bacon and onions, karaage chicken with smoked black garlic dip and smoked strawberry pavlova. Each dish will arrive with a paired smoky cocktail. Some of the tipples that could turn up include the She So Miso, with rum, coffee, vanilla chai tea and smoked miso caramel foam, and Oaxacan Cigar, featuring coffee-infused tequila, smoked and salted agave and vanilla bitters. Perfect for any celebratory affair, the Smoke and Mirrors brunch is a fun, yet sophisticated, way to kick off your day. And if you want to keep the party going, you can enjoy a $99 GH Mumm magnum as part of Bungalow 8's Mumm happy hour from 4–6pm daily. The Loft's Smoke and Mirrors Brunch is available every day until Wednesday, July 31. To make a booking, visit the website. Image: Jasper Avenue.
When I was a kid I was convinced that everyday objects had lives of their own and got up to amusing hijinks whenever I wasn't looking. When things got lost, I used to imagine they'd taken themselves off to a kind of ramshackle clubhouse of 'stuff', where the chairs and the tables were having a fantastic party and exchanging witty banter about things I didn't understand. And in my mind that place looked exactly like Doug Up On Bourke. It's where industrial, commercial and rustic antiques all come together in one space, and where you can spend hours walking around in wide-eyed fascination. Doug Up On Bourke was established back in 2003, and sources items from all over Australia, with everything lovingly restored by hand. It's the place to go if you're after shipping trunks, industrial work tables, watering cans, church pews or old bakelite phones. The place is huge, so you need an hour or so to browse through everything, but you're guaranteed to find something amazing.
