Few dishes in the history of fast food, nay, mankind, have been as divisive as the humble Filet-O-Fish. Tracing its roots back to 1962, the seafood-centric McDonald's burger was actually born from an Ohio McDonald's that saw meaty hamburger sales drop on Fridays due to the local customers abstaining from meat. Now, the combo of breaded fish, tartar sauce and pasteurised cheese remains one of the most polarising burgers of all. Nobody can stop the march of progress, so why not sample a luxurious Greek spin on it this summer? You can do just that at Homer Rogue Taverna, the new seasonal home of, frankly, a much nicer-sounding version of the burger. Homer's take on the dish — the Filletto Fish — is a mini gyro made with Blue Eye Trevalla that's battered in-house using the venue's own ouzo batter, skordalia, pickled cucumber and dill. They come served individually, but you might want to grab a few. Homer Rogue Taverna opened earlier this year in Cronulla. It's a deliberately laidback — and pared-back — affair, with a raw contemporary fitout that juxtaposes exposed brick and concrete, chicken wire glass and graffitied walls with elegant mid-century furniture, terrazzo flooring and a rocaro granite chef's counter that frames the stainless steel open kitchen. The 100-seat venue is primarily open for walk-ins — a spot, says co-owner Harry Kapoulas, "where you're welcome whether you're still in your thongs after a day at the beach, enjoying a family meal or celebrating a special occasion". No matter the occasion, you'll be able to order the Filetto Fish alongside the rest of the unconventional menu. There are no starters or mains here, but instead a generous lineup of dishes designed to be shared as they're ready. [caption id="attachment_1015973" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] Homer Rogue Taverna can be found at 3 Surf Road, Cronulla. Visit the website for more information or to make a booking. Images by Trent van der Jagt
Matt Moran's greenhouse-inspired restaurant at Chiswick Woollahra is ready to welcome you in from the cold with weekly winter roasts, accompanied by live jazz performances. The dinner-and-a-show offer will run on every Sunday in July, with jazz from The Tilly Street Trio kicking off at 3.30pm, followed by the feast at 6pm. Each week's roast comes complete with a meat, three sides and a dessert — and each week, it's a little different. Kicking things off on July 7 is a rolled suckling pig with baked apples stuffed with onion and sage, served with treacle tart and clotted cream for dessert. On July 14, tuck into roast beef and yorkshire pudding topped with fresh horseradish and roast gravy — this one is paired with an apple and cinnamon jaffle. Then, July 21 will see the kitchen dishing up roasted fennel seed pork belly with red cabbage and quince, plus steamed golden syrup pudding for dessert. And, on July 28, a Christmas in July-themed feast will be on offer — expect roasted turkey served with pigs in a blanket and all the fixings (stuffing, cranberry sauce and bread sauce), along with a rhubarb crumble with vanilla custard. Each roast will also come with duck fat and thyme roast potatoes, mashed carrot and swede and wilted greens, too. The meal will cost you $75 per person and is designed for sharing — so make sure to bring along a date, mate or family member to this one. Jazz starts at 3.30pm followed by the meal at 6pm.
Set sail for summer with sunshine, spritzes and Sydney Harbour views aboard one of the city's most luxe superyachts. The Jackson is kicking off the sunny season with a series of glamorous events that'll have you feeling like you've stepped into an episode of The White Lotus (minus the drama). From October to April, hop aboard the three-level yacht for chef-crafted bites, live music and bountiful tipples as you cruise around the harbour. Starting off the series is the Chandon Harbour Long Lunch, which returns by popular demand for another year on select Saturdays until December. Guests will be greeted with canapés such as fresh oysters and Thai citrus-marinated prawns before choosing a main from the roasted pork belly, Barramundi or spice-roasted cauliflower, accompanied by sweet potato fries with truffle aioli and an orange and fennel salad. To top it all off, there's a gelato cart on deck and — the clincher — free-flowing Chandon Garden Spritz and Chandon NV Sparkling Brut for the three-hour sail. Tickets start from $175, with options to add on a pickup or upgrade to a VIP experience. If you miss out or just can't get enough, there are plenty of events to see you through to 2025, kick off the silly season with a four-hour Melbourne Cup cruise or a Christmas-themed event in November and December. Both events include unlimited Chandon bubbly, a three-course menu by chef Nelly Robinson and live tunes. From January–March, it's all about champagne and oysters for Veuve Clicquot in the Sun. Guests will be treated to a glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival before enjoying canapés, an oyster bar and a gelato cart for three hours. Tickets start from $145, or you can close out the summer with a bang in a premium window booth with a magnum of Veuve Clicquot with the VIP upgrade. Find out more and book your tickets now at The Jackson's website.
As part of the Art Gallery of NSW's multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion, the main entrance directly outside the gallery's historic building is set for a makeover which will include new greenery, architectural pools and additional gathering spaces. Dubbed the Sydney Modern Project, the AGNSW renovation is set to be completed in 2022 and will see the cultural institution double its current exhibition space, incorporating an entirely new 7830-square-metre building and a gallery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. The current forecourt is mainly occupied by parking spots, located metres away from The Domain. The new plan will see this space make way for expanded public gathering spaces including two shallow reflection pools. The pools will be created from polished granite to reflect the front facade of the iconic Sydney building. Designed by landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson and architecture firm GNN, the forecourt aims to revitalise the AGNSW's main entrance as a welcoming space for the public and connect it to the Sydney Modern Project's new gallery and outdoor art campus. "Kathryn Gustafson's design for our new civic forecourt will provide visitors to the Art Gallery more space to gather and better connects our magnificent site on Gadigal Country to The Domain, the Royal Botanic Garden and the city," AGNSW director Michael Brand said. [caption id="attachment_698852" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sydney Modern Project 2018 render[/caption] Funded by a $344 million public and private collaboration comprised of $244 million from the NSW Government and $100 million raised by private donations, the Sydney Modern Project has been in the works since 2017 and was officially given the go-ahead by the government in 2018. It remains on track to be completed next year, despite any delays the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused. The gallery has managed to stay open during construction, however is currently closed due to Greater Sydney's current lockdown. If you're craving a trip around the Art Gallery of NSW, the home of the Archibald Prize is looking to help as much as possible with virtual tours of this year's Archie available for free online. Construction on AGNSW's Sydney Modern Project is slated for completion in 2022.
There's no one quite like Frank, the person, and there's nothing quite like Frank, the film. The former, as played by Michael Fassbender while wearing a papier mache mask, is a soul seemingly eccentric but really just looking for the essence of creation and contentment. The latter is quirky by design but beautifully bittersweet by execution, revelling in all life's failures and flaws. Frank leads an experimental rock band with the fittingly unpronounceable name of The Soronprfbs, and that's exactly where Jon (Domhnall Gleeson) finds him. Downtrodden in his dismal everyday routine, Jon wants desperately to be a musician but lacks the opportunity and the ability to extend himself. His unlikely encounter with his new friend with the obscured face brings both, one fruitful, the other less so. As the reconfigured group ventures from the Irish wilderness to the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas in search of musical fulfilment, the solace they find comes from internal, not external, forces. Journalist turned screenwriter Jon Ronson, of The Men Who Stare at Goats fame, turns fact into fiction in Frank, taking his characters and narrative from his own experiences. With co-scribe Peter Straughan and director Lenny Abrahamson, he spins a story inspired by Frank Sidebottom, the comic persona of musician Chris Sievey, as fine-tuned and fleshed out where necessary. The basics remain, including the large and unusual headwear that demands attention in every scene that it appears in. Added in the tinkering with the tale is thoughtfulness that resonates like a homage while investing a layer of universality. That relatable spirit weaves through a film that ponders the oft-contemplated contrast between reality and perception in an interesting and endearing fashion. While Frank must resort to announcing his emotions on screen for the benefit of Jon, and to the disdain of his other avant garde band mates — Hysteria's Maggie Gyllenhaal and The Rover's Scoot McNairy among them — the sentiment of his every sentence is always clear, heightening the feature's commentary on communication and identity. Of course, much of the success stems from casting, including Fassbender in the titular role. Gleeson is wonderfully uncertain, Gyllenhaal convincingly curt and McNairy ever eclectic; however, it is the hidden figure that combines all their traits and more into a singular yet complex package. Again, it is his words that do all the talking, offbeat charm oozing from every wide-ranging conversation and progressive tune. Indeed, whilst shot with the same anarchic energy that adjusts to the mood of the story, Frank is a film to listen to as keenly as to watch — from every inflection in Fassbender's sometimes strange, sometimes touching dialogue to the diverse array of noisy, catchy, cute and unconventional songs. https://youtube.com/watch?v=IblHV2x64f8
After throwing open the doors to its new development in Brisbane in 2018 and announcing it'll be laying foundations in Sydney as well, the next destination on the horizon for luxe hotel chain W Hotel will be Melbourne. W Melbourne is slated to open in December 2020 on Collins Street in the middle of Melbourne's shopping heartland. Following Brisbane's ten-gallon baths and Sydney's flashy pool deck overlooking the harbour, the Melbourne digs look to be no less indulgent. W Melbourne will encompass 294 rooms and 29 suites, including an 'Extreme Wow Suite', which has its own 40-square-metre balcony with views of the Yarra, a jukebox and cocktail bar. Designed by New York-based Shop Architects, global design firm Woods Bagot and interior designers Hachem, W Melbourne will also house a 14th-floor spa, gym and a heated indoor pool with a gold-adorned roof, as well as a poolside bar and DJ decks. And, for those needing function space, W will have more of it than you can physically fill (under current COVID-19 restrictions, at least) — a 830-square metre space for conferences, meetings or holding lush balls. [caption id="attachment_673553" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Collins Arch[/caption] On the food and drinks front, you'll have four in-house venues to choose from. The 30-seat Warabi will be your go-to for Japanese fine dining, while Lollo will be run by a "renowned local chef" — we'll let you know exactly who that is when it's announced. Curious bar promises an "all-night experience" like "falling down a rabbit hole" and Culprit will flip from a cafe during the day to a wine bar at night. Functioning, too, as the bottom 20-storeys of a towering new precinct called Collins Arch, W Melbourne will sit on Flinders Lane. The $1.3 billion new precinct will be comprised of two towers of commercial, residential and retail spaces, joined at the top by a dramatic sky bridge. With international travel looking like it'll be off the cards for Australians for a little while longer, the opening of the dramatic W Hotel may be a good excuse to plan a trip to Melbourne or staycation when the hotel opens. W Melbourne is slated to open on Flinders Lane in December 2020.
In just one year, Odd Culture has cemented itself as one of King Street's most exciting and popular bars. Its extensive wine list, next-level bar snacks and immaculate vibe have had Inner Westies flocking to the Newtown venue. To celebrate the success of its first 12 months, the bar is throwing an old-fashioned birthday party. As part of the first birthday celebrations, the Odd Culture team will be spotlighting a range of their culinary favourites. Head Chef Jesse Warkentin has compiled a retrospective menu that features highlights that have emerged from the Odd Culture kitchen throughout the year, alongside a few new surprise dishes. And, what's a good party without a keg? The bar will be tapping a range of Belgian kegs from the likes of Brasserie Fantôme, De Ranke, and Brasserie de Blaugies to complement the impressive selection of wines on offer through the night. Said wines will come in the range of magnums from respected producers ranging from Australian natural wine trailblazer Lucy M to cult-favourite Gut Oggau. Odd Culture's Head Sommelier Darcy Ellis will be in attendance, roaming the venue throughout the night to help guide guests through the drops they're tasting. Plus, the tunes will bring big birthday energy, with DJ Charlie Chux hitting the decks. Entry to this celebratory shindig is free, and while reservations are recommended, walk-ins will also be welcome.
Across the past eight years, Sydney's All About Women festival has featured sessions on everything from hip hop and toxic masculinity to the post-#MeToo era — and, for its ninth iteration in 2021, it's once again presenting an exciting and eclectic program. When the event returns on Sunday, March 7, it'll feature talks, panels, workshops and films about the evolution of the feminist movement, its limitations, the gendered nature of household responsibilities, misogynistic online communities and the judgements built into artificial intelligence. There's also a session about coping with doomscrolling, because that topic couldn't be more relevant after the past 12 months. Once again, the fest will take place around International Women's Day — happening the day before, though, so it can still be held on a weekend. And while AAW has always covered a huge array of bases each and every year, there is a particular focus on power structures that limit the female experience in 2021. That subject will come through in sessions about identity, sexuality and resilience, and others that explore technology, entrenched inequalities and feminist futures. Talks about sex work and mindfulness are also on the bill, too. Leading the lineup of speakers is writer Isabel Allende, who'll be discussing her 2021 memoir The Soul of a Woman — which explores her role in the feminist movement across continents, cultures, and centuries. She's joined on the program by How to Be A Woman and More Than a Woman author Caitlin Moran, who'll examine the realities of of middle-aged life; Koa Beck, the ex-Jezebel editor-in-chief who penned White Feminism: From the Suffragettes to Influencers and Who They Leave Behind; and Laura Bates, author of Everyday Sexism and Men Who Hate Women and founder of the Everyday Sexism Project — with the ways in which the individual is often valued over the community and the corners of the internet swaying the mindsets of boys and young men all on the agenda. [caption id="attachment_797616" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Isabel Allende. Image: Lori Barra[/caption] For folks interested in AI, researcher and professor Kate Crawford will chat about machine classification and its role in entrenching inequality. Covering completely different subjects, one panel session will examine the often-complicated relationship between sex work and feminism, too, while another talk will help participants learn to cope with uncertainty in today's COVID-afflicted world. Or, attendees can head to workshops about making zines, weaving baskets — as led by Yorta Yorta woman Tegan Murdock and her mum Margaret Murray — and using music to help let go of the past. Unsurprisingly given the state of Australia's international borders, speakers from overseas will appear via video, rather than in-person. For those who can't attend AAW in person — including those located outside of Sydney — some sessions will be live-streamed as well, and made available to watch on-demand afterwards. The jump to online also includes AAW's film component. Two documentaries, Brazen Hussies and Coded Bias, will screen at the Opera House — and they'll also be available to stream online, alongside a lineup of short documentaries from female Australian filmmakers. All About Women 2021 will take place on Sunday, March 7 at the Sydney Opera House. Livestream tickets and event multipacks are on sale from 9am on Wednesday, January 20, with single-ticket pre-sales starting at the same time — and general public tickets available from 9am on Friday, January 22.
If the beaches and ocean views weren't enough to have you packing your car and heading up to Port Stephens, Bannisters is sweetening the deal this summer by expanding its already-stacked lineup of dining options to include a new Mexican bar. From Friday, November 6, Bannisters' Terrace Bar will be transformed into Julio's: a poolside bar and restaurant committed to showcasing the freshest produce Port Stephens has to offer. Julio's menu has been created by Head Chef Mitch Turner who has been working alongside Rick Stein for over a decade. Stein's seafood restaurant operated out of Bannisters Mollymook for nearly ten years before expanding to Port Stephens in 2018. Turner shares Stein's passion for fresh, local seafood which has been reflected in the Julio's menu, which also features traditional Mexican flavours and techniques. You'll find fish, lamb barbacoa, slow-roasted pork and smoky eggplant tacos with house-made tortillas as starters, while banana leaf-wrapped market fish and steak carne asado are the centrepieces of the mains, and churros and sweet corn cake round out the meal as dessert. If you're a fan of sipping frozen margaritas by the water, Julio's also has you covered with a drinks menu designed for warm coastal nights. On the decision to expand Bannisters' dining options, beyond the existing Rick Stein and Cheeky Dog Bistro, Turner said: "with Rick's and Cheeky Dog doing so well at Bannisters, we wanted to provide our guests and the local community with another food venue through summer. I'm a big fan of Mexican cuisine and it seems like the perfect fit, poolside on a warm summer night." As they say, Julio's is here for a good time, not a long time — so, if you're keen to check it out, book in a road trip and stop in at Bannisters for a poolside treat. You can check out our guide to Port Stephens here to plan out your perfect getaway. Find Julio's at Bannisters, 147 Soldiers Point Road, Soldiers Point from Friday, November 6. It's open from 5.30–9pm daily.
Over half a century ago in Sydney, Rob Hirst and Jim Moginie formed a band. Soon, they'd add Peter Garrett and Martin Rotsey, and take Midnight Oil as their name. Back then, none of the group could've predicted the fame they'd have and the millions of records they'd sell worldwide — or the fact that a documentary about them will open the 2024 Sydney Film Festival. Making its world premiere, Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line will kick off this year's SFF when it starts its projectors on Wednesday, June 5. Unsurprisingly, the State Theatre screening will be followed by a celebration in Sydney Town Hall — and we all know what'll be on the soundtrack. "We are thrilled to present Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line as the opening film for this year's Sydney Film Festival," said Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley. "This documentary not only chronicles the formidable journey of one of Australia's most influential bands but also captures the spirit of an era that reshaped our cultural and political landscapes. It's a fitting tribute to their legacy and a profound reflection on their impact that continues to inspire audiences around the world." Written and directed by Paul Clarke (who also co-helmed fellow documentary Between a Frock and a Hard Place, about the making of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert), Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line steps through the band's story from those 70s beginnings onwards. There'll be power. There'll be passion. There'll be a chronicle of a group who gave Australia — and the globe — songs such as 'US Forces', 'Beds Are Burning', 'Blue Sky Mine' and 'Redneck Wonderland'. Audiences can expect live and studio footage that's never been seen before, and interviews that haven't been heard until now as well, covering chats with every band member. Clarke's doco also weaves in The Oils' "sorry" suits at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, their outback tour with Warumpi Band and the Exxon protest gig in New York. A major theme: the fact that Midnight Oil stands apart in the country's music history, with the film the product of Clarke following the group for seven years. "With strong management, a tough crew and a sabre-tooth lawyer, bands can often dwell in a kind of mobile Faraday cage — the lightning striking all around, while the musicians remain high and dry in a studio, on a stage or wedged inside a Tarago. Thus it was for Midnight Oil: rarely were we able to focus on the horizon and see the 'big picture', if there was such a thing," said drummer Hirst. "So a film such as The Hardest Line is as much a revelation as a chronicle. Perhaps at last we can frame the last 50 years, make some collective sense of it, wrap it in a box marked 'the luckiest band ever'." SFF 2024 will run until Sunday, June 16, with The Hardest Line joining the lineup alongside the previously announced Bondi Icebergs documentary The Pool, a retrospective paying tribute to Senegalese filmmaker Ousmane Sembène, horror classic Hellraiser with a new live score and 15 other already-unveiled flicks. If that's not enough motivation to get you clearing your schedule for 12 days in June, the fest's full program will drop on Wednesday, May 8. [caption id="attachment_938017" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Levy[/caption] [caption id="attachment_938016" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Levy[/caption] Sydney Film Festival 2024 takes place from Wednesday, June 5–Sunday, June 16 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. For more information, head to the festival's website — and check back here on Wednesday, May 8 for the full 2024 lineup. Midnight Oil images: Tony Mott, Daniel Boud and Andrzej Liguz.
With an olive (or preferrably three) or a twist of lemon, the martini has remained a tippler's favourite for over 100 years, taking many variations. The classic martini alone can come dry, wet, perfect and dirty; made with gin or vodka; shaken or stirred; and garnished with olives, lemon or even cocktail onions. But one thing remains the same for the classic — it's one of the most recognisable and classiest cocktails out there. And that isn't said without giving thanks to a certain Bond, James Bond. Beyond the classic, the martini has taken several forms, but for a real twist, we enlisted ex-This Must Be The Place bartender and Dan Murphy's Spirit Ambassador Charlie Ainsbury to give us a new take on the well-loved cocktail. And while it's always nice having someone behind the bar shaking and stirring your drinks for you, it's even better when you can be that person at home and really impress your guests.In the video above, Charlie Ainsbury teaches you the tips and tricks to making the classic martini and something a bit different. Study these recipes, stock up on the boozy drops and garnishes of your choice, and start wowing your friends with your newly learned martini know-how. And if having your cocktails made for you is more your thing, head to Dan Murphy's House of Discovery, direction 1950s Martini Room, to immerse yourself further in the world of the martini. THE CLASSIC — 50 ml gin — 10 ml dry vermouth like Noilly Prat — Three olives or a lemon twist Stir the gin and vermouth over ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with olives or a twist of lemon. Charlie's tip: Martini's are best served bracingly cold, so if you have the room, keep your spirits and glassware in the freezer. There's nothing worse than a watery and warm martini. THE FLAME OF LOVE — 50 ml vodka — 10 ml sherry like Tio Pepe Fino Sherry — A dash of orange bitters — Three orange peels — Matches Stir the vodka, sherry and bitters over ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Flame the three orange peels. Run two around the rim and add one to the drink. Charlie's tip: Keep your vermouth or sherry in the fridge. They're fortified wines and, like wines, will eventually spoil. Sip, savour and boost your cocktail savoir-faire at Dan Murphy's House of Discovery from March 8–10. Get your tickets here.
The doors to some of Sydney's most impressive historic and contemporary buildings will be thrown wide open for observation on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 November. It's all for the 12th annual Sydney Open. Sydney Living Museums run the event each year, and they've arranged for just over 70 sites across the city throughout the CBD, the Rocks, Walsh Bay and Barangaroo to open for the weekend. Ticket holders will be able to access them by themselves, or with a guided tour. The event celebrates Sydney's history, opening the doors to buildings such as Parliament House, Sydney Hospital, the Mint, St James' Church and Harry Seidler's Grosvenor Place. It will also showcase new additions to Sydney's architectural landscape, such as Macquarie Banks' new offices at No. 1 Martin Place, Tower Two at Barangaroo, and PTW Architect's Calyx structure at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Upgrading your ticket to include a Focus Tour could also get you inside the Money Box building at 5 Martin Place or up the St James' Church Bell Tower or Town Hall Clocktower. And if you happen to win a golden ticket, you might find yourself exploring the St James Station tunnels underneath Hyde Park or overlooking the city from the rooftop of Two International Towers, Barangaroo. Sydney Open runs from November 5-6. Tickets range from $35-$220, and are available here.
Many people travel overseas in order to partake in a process of self-reflection and immerse themselves in foreign cultures that will somehow alter their character when they return home. Others love to travel overseas to undergo extensive retail therapy and eat food in humourously large quantities and levels of deliciousness never experienced in Australia. After the recent explosion of interest in the In-N-Out pop-up store at Barrio Chino in Kings Cross, we decided to compile a list of businesses and brands that Australia not only wants, but needs. Let's face it - travelling across national borders to grab a burger or an item of clothing is deadset ludicrous, but we've all been tempted to do it (or actually have). Keep your fingers crossed and pray for one of these to land on our streets sometime in the near future. Muji Muji is Ikea's younger and slightly more efficient Asian brother. In compliance with everything that is produced by our beloved Japanese friends, Muji's products are focused on minimalism and practicality. They stock everything from stationary to storage units, all with a delightful simplicity that espouses neatness. Furthermore, their products are also environmentally friendly. With the company's expansion into South-East Asia, let's hope that Australia is the next stop on their global tour. Shake Shack Shake Shack describe themselves as a "modern day roadside burger stand," and we'd be delighted if one of these joints opened up on our local streets. Offering hot dogs, burgers and shakes, it's distinctly American and don't we love it. Shake Shack even have their own Shack Cam, which streams footage of their store in Madison Square Park in NYC to visitors on their website. The purpose? Allowing potential customers to check the size of the queue before heading down for lunch. Tasty and amazingly considerate. Pinkberry With the immense popularity of stores such as Wow Cow and Gelato Messina in Darlinghurst, we can only assume that Pinkberry would also draw massive crowds over on our shores. After initially opening in Los Angeles in 2005, the store has since gained an international cult following. Offering frozen yoghurt in a host of vibrant flavours with fresh fruit toppings, Pinkberry's menu would be a perfect accompaniment to sweltering summer days at any beachside suburb. Their products will have even the most dedicated and masculine carnivores digging into a wonderfully light pomegranade treat. Denny's Sydney and Brisbane are severely lacking when it comes to late night feeds, and a lot of the time the only option you'll have is a cold meat pie from the local convenience store. Enter Denny's, a restaurant which prides itself on being always open, serving meals around the clock. You'll find everything from steaks to banana splits, all at a reasonable price. This is definitely what the doctor ordered for those inevitable midnight cravings. Billionaire Boys Club/Ice Cream Pharrell Williams has not only crafted some of the most memorable beats in recent hip-hop history as a member of the Neptunes, but he has also dressed rap royalty with his BBC/Ice Cream brands, a collaboration with A Bathing Ape founder, Nigo. You may recognise some of their prints after they were bootlegged extensively at markets across the nation, but these items are of the highest calibre in streetwear. They'll cost you an arm and a leg too. However, as the recent Odd Future pop-up store and Adidas x Jeremy Scott sneaker launch have proven, Sydney definitely has its fair share of dedicated urban fashionistas. Ichiran Ichiran is for those who want a no-frills feed with no fluffing about. You order ramen noodles by filling in a questionnaire detailing exactly how you want your meal cooked. Each seat is fitted with a sensor, which allows queuing customers to know when a seat becomes available through an electronic panel. Each "table" is actually a small booth isolated from the wandering eyes of other customers. This might not be the most social eatery about, but it's ideal for those nine-to-fivers who want to get in and get out. ASOS With Zara and Topshop opening their doors to hungry audiences in Australia, there are murmurs that ASOS could be the next to follow suit. After recently launching a dedicated Australian site which includes free shipping on all orders, ASOS have a healthy following that would also transfer to any offline stores. Presenting customers with their own adequately-priced clothing line as well as premium fashion brands, news of an ASOS store anywhere in Australia may be the cause of numerous hipster heart attacks. In-N-Out Burger You guys all heard about it on Concrete Playground. Some of you may have turned up to Barrio Chino only to be told that capacity had been reached, and walked away hungry and emotionally shattered. But we can only hope that last week's In-N-Out pop-up store will be a sign of permanent residence in Australia. After successfully taking over the American West Coast, In-N-Out has gained global fame with their simple menu of undisputed classics. After living off their burgers for four days on my recent trip to Los Angeles, I can say with complete confidence that a Quarter Pounder just doesn't cut it. Legoland Lego is an integral part of everybody's childhood, and no child should be deprived of hours of countless fun building castles and all sorts of other cool stuff. But kids across the globe have been experiencing Lego on a whole new level at Legoland. These theme parks are made to appear like the rides are made out of the famous building blocks, and sections of Legoland are themed after existing Lego sets. The theme parks are owned and operated by Merlin Entertainments, a British company who recently purchased a handful of Sydney attractions and are set to open Madame Tussaud's in May. Legoland should be next on their list. H&M Over 2,300 stores and not one in Australia? I know we're tucked away at the bottom of the global map, but Australians need to be dressed too. H&M began in Sweden but has expanded exponentially across the globe, to pretty much everywhere except Down Under. Several years ago they launched a collaboration with Kylie Minogue, but the pop princess wasn't enough to entice them to open up our own store. Offering complete outfits from underpants to overcoats at reasonable prices, H&M would be a Godsend.
Do not rush to judge this blasphemous heathen, good believers; the last person to lie claim to being bigger than Jesus was John Lennon, and, well, he had a point. Bigger Than Jesus is a self-labelled 'multimedia mass' that uses one man and a high-tech toolbox to explore the role religion plays in our lives. Devised by performer Rick Miller and director Daniel Brooks, it is funny while thoughtful, challenging without giving total offence, and even has an eye on stirring interfaith dialogue, having already been performed in five countries and four languages. (You can catch two of these additional languages, French and German, during the Sydney Festival.) Regardless of the traditionally not-suitable-for-convivial-dinner material, you can trust Miller to keep the evening fun. Last seen here in MacHomer, the theatrical marriage of Shakespeare and The Simpsons, he has a singular talent for slipping from character to character and creating a high-octane atmosphere on an otherwise unpeopled stage. This time around, he'll be a sceptical New York Jew, a southern evangelist and, of course, Jesus Christ himself, while a supporting cast of action figures will come to his aid to re-create the Last Supper.
Like karaoke? Fond of singing along to well-known songs, whether you're solo or in a group? Happy to belt out a tune from your couch? If you answered yes to all of the above questions, then it's time to up your crooning game during Australia's Biggest Singalong. If you love singing when you're in a pub with a beer in your hand, too, then you'll want to join in as well. Since early 2017 in Brisbane, Pub Choir has been amassing brew-loving music fans in venues around the city. The regular event asks its attendees to learn a particular song in three-part harmonies, with talented professionals on hand each time to show everyone the ropes and lead the way. Every evening then culminates in a big boozy singing session, with the event making its way to bigger Brissie locations over the years, as well venturing around the country. Now, it's heading to television. Set to air on SBS, NITV and SBS On Demand at 8.30pm AEST on Saturday, June 5, Australia's Biggest Singalong transports the Pub Choir format to TV — with a few adjustments, obviously. While still feeling like a far more organised version of exactly what happens whenever someone puts 'Wonderwall' or 'Weather With You' on the pub jukebox, it'll have big-name hosts in Julia Zemiro and Miranda Tapsell — and it's asking for viewers at home to record their own videos in advance, upload them and hope they'll be screened during the two-hour-long special. Multiple songs will be covered, but Hunters and Collectors' 'Throw You Arms Around Me' is the big track that eager crooners can film themselves singing in advance. Entries close on Monday, May 17, with all of the details available on the Couch Choir website — which belongs to Pub Choir's pandemic-era spinoff from last year, as you might already be aware. Hunters and Collectors lead singer Mark Seymour will be part of the broadcast, and Pub Choir co-founder and choirmaster Astrid Jorgensen will be guiding the singing, too. So, you just need to decide whether you're fine to take part from home while pouring yourself something cold from your own fridge, or if you'd rather head to the pub and sing with your mates during the show. Pub Choir's IRL events are mighty popular, with tickets getting snapped up very quickly each time, so that's something you don't have to worry about in this format. Australia's Biggest Singalong will screen on SBS, NITV and SBS On Demand at 8.30pm AEST on Saturday, June 5, Australia's Biggest Singalong. For more information, head to the SBS website. To upload your own video before Monday, May 17, visit the Couch Choir website. Images: Jacob Morrison.
In January 2007, Joe Klein wrote a fascinating Time piece on Hilary Clinton, noting: “she is prohibitively rational and unclouded by undue emotionality….She doesn't feel your pain; she understands it. Rationality breeds caution, and caution breeds a lack of spontaneity which can make her seem cold and calculating.” Given Clinton was on the cusp of becoming the first viable female candidate for President it’s more than likely a few people read Klein’s piece and found his characterisation eerily reminiscent of the famously phlegmatic Margaret Thatcher – perhaps the most divisive (and derided) western political figure of the modern age. ‘Cold and calculating’ is a sadly familiar description of women in higher political office, just as it’s a characteristic unfairly applied since the same quality in men is so often deemed ‘Presidential’. For screenwriter Abi Morgan, however, such unsentimental obstinacy represented the ideal cornerstone for her Thatcher biopic, The Iron Lady. The key scene occurs about an hour into the movie. Here we find an elderly Thatcher chiding her physician for simply asking her how she feels, saying: “One of the great problems of our age is that we are governed by people who care more about feelings than they do about thoughts and ideas.” Such is the Thatcher that Morgan chose to present: stubborn, principled and proudly unsentimental. Indeed, the film’s title takes its name from the sobriquet given to Thatcher by the Soviet media due to her unwavering opposition to communism, and director Phyllida Lloyd (Mama Mia) gleefully indulges. Thatcher was a thinker, not a feeler, and her eleven-year tenure as Prime Minister wholly reflected that. Meryl Streep is quite simply phenomenal in the lead, with her dual portrayal of Thatcher, both as a grandmother slipping into Alzheimer’s and as her younger self entering (then commanding) parliament, utterly captivating. Her performance certainly outshines the film on a whole, which sadly only presents a broad strokes review of Thatcher’s life rather than focusing on just a few key moments and exploring them more rigorously. It’s a sort of ‘Thatcher sans Thatcherism’ approach that regrettably robs audiences of the kind of in-depth character analysis they might have been hoping for. In particular, Lloyd provides only scant mention of the infamous miner’s strike that forever soured Thatcher’s image for millions of Britons, and almost all of her defining moments are presented in a distinctly feminist light such that even the Falklands War somehow comes across as a story about an audacious women taking on the status quo. Despite its failings, The Iron Lady remains a fascinating film about an extraordinary woman (regardless of one’s feelings towards her) and offers a sublime showcase of Meryl Streep’s astonishing abilities that already have her odds-on favourite for the 2012 Academy Award.
It has been less than two years since Ridley Scott told the tale of Moses leading the Hebrews from Egypt using a cast of white actors. Controversy surrounded Exodus: Gods and Kings, yet that hasn't stopped the latest Hollywood effort to spin a mythical story set in the region from following in its footsteps. Gods of Egypt asks audiences to accept Game of Thrones actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Olympus Has Fallen star Gerard Butler as a pair of Egyptian deities. Australians also feature, with ex-Home and Away star Brenton Thwaites as the human caught in the middle of their feud, and national treasure Geoffrey Rush also popping up, all under the guidance of local writer-director Alex Proyas. That a modicum of controversy has resulted from the casting could be a blessing in disguise, since the film offers little else to inspire much in the way of conversation. Aussie audiences might get a thrill out of spotting the likes of Bryan Brown and Tiriel Mora amidst the action, albeit only briefly. Video game fans might enjoy the movie's glossy, CGI-heavy visuals, which look as if they should be interacted with, rather than watched. Few will find much of interest in the overarching story, which sets Coster-Waldau's Horus against Butler's Set in a battle for the Egyptian throne. When the latter interrupts the former's coronation, he takes control of the nation, threatens his fellow gods into submission and enslaves his subjects. Enter Thwaites' Bek, a thief more interested in his girlfriend, Zaya (Courtney Eaton), than his divine overlords — but willing to help Horus regain his rightful place, initially simply to please the object of his affections. Gods of Egypt might sound like a sombre affair, but it soon proves anything but. Hammy performances and cheap looking special effects aren't the norm, though someone obviously forgot to tell that to the scenery-chewing Butler and whoever was responsible for the painfully unconvincing CGI flames. Elements like these are indicative of the film's cheesy, light-hearted tone. Trying to have fun with the material can't save or even significantly improve the film, but it does make it slightly easier to endure. If the feature isn't taking itself too seriously, audiences can follow suit. In fact, in making a pseudo swords-and-sandals adventure that's also an odd couple buddy comedy and a clichéd romance, perhaps Proyas isn't just fashioning a fantasy version of the past. Perhaps he's also dreaming of the future. After all, both The Crow and Dark City, the two features the filmmaker remains best known for, largely became cult hits through repeated home video viewing. Gods of Egypt is unlikely to join them, but years from now, viewers might be laughing, Flash Gordon-style, at the ungodly mess Proyas has made.
Since Sydney's lockout laws were introduced back in 2014, many aspects of the legislation has been criticised. One of those criticisms has been that those invested in Sydney's nighttime economy — that is, venue owners, musicians and people going out late at night — have not been consulted in these changes that have, in some cases, greatly affected them. But it seems as though the City of Sydney is trying to change that, this morning announcing that it will create a brand new Nightlife and Creative Sector Advisory Panel. The panel will offer advice on new nightlife initiatives and help to identify issues, as the City of Sydney — who has been vocally opposed to the laws, which it describes as a "sledgehammer blow" — sets out to improve its engagement with the local cultural, creative and nightlife communities. It's not dissimilar to systems in place in other major cities, including Amsterdam who has a Night Mayor. It hopes the panel will be able to help it understand "the challenges and opportunities facing Sydney's nighttime economy" to "realise our vision for Sydney as an exciting and diverse 24-hour city" even with the lockout laws in place. And anyone can apply to be on it. It's after a crack team of experts to jump on board, inviting those working in hospitality, live music and performance, business, retail, urban planning, public safety and property development to voice their interest in joining the team. The submissions are open from today until Monday, February 26. The panel will have up to 16 representatives, with at least two under the age of 30. Of course, the City of Sydney can't change the lockout laws — that's up to the NSW Government. But Lord Mayor Clover Moore sees this as the next step in the fight to get Sydney's nightlife offering back up to scratch."Unfortunately, there is no escaping the fact that the NSW Government's lockout laws have put the brakes on Sydney's night-time economy," she said today in a statement. "We have long maintained it's possible to have a nightlife that is both safe and vibrant." "We will keep advocating for changes to the laws, but in the meantime we need government, business and industry to work together to identify practical ways to boost our night-time culture and support businesses operating in the night-time economy." The Nightlife and Creative Sector Advisory Panel is taking applications until 6pm on Monday, February 26. You can apply and find more information here. Image: Sian Sandilands.
Kitchen by Mike's casual approach to fine dining was game changing when the restaurant first opened in Rosebery all those years ago (way back in 2012). It combined casual eating, American high school lunchrooms, locally sourced ingredients and an acclaimed chef — Mike McEnearney — to create a flexible, no frills restaurant that sold itself through the main event: food. The canteen-style restaurant then closed — to much despair from fans — in 2015. But, now, it's back. This time, it has reopening in the CBD, which means city workers' lunch and breakfast options have just improved tenfold. Moving into the digs of McEnearney's now-closed fine diner No.1 Bent Street — located, fittingly, at 1 Bent Street — Kitchen by Mike is serving fresh, nourishing food from breakfast through dinner. Those familiar with the now-closed flagship KBM in Rosebery, or the new canteen at Sydney International Airport, will be pleased to know that well-loved breakfast favourites are still on the bill, such as McEnearney's bacon butty and avo toast with buckwheat, miso and nori, which are joined by new dishes like bone broth shots and handmade crumpets with honeycomb. His famed woodfired sourdough is also available — at all times. For lunch, you can browse an array of salads, woodfired and slow-cooked meats, tartines, pizza and puddings. Many vegetarian options are on offer, too, including cauliflower, sheep's curd, green apple and radicchio on sprouted buckwheat toast, and the famed cucumber, mirin, ginger and sesame salad. Salads will be made using all-Aussie produce — sourced at the markets that morning — and rotate daily. To check what's on that day's menu, check Kitchen By Mike's Instagram Story after 10am. While breakfast and lunch are only available on weekdays, dinner will also be available on Saturday nights. It includes more produce-led dishes such as burrata with grilled lemon, ash-baked eggplant, whole-baked cauliflower with chermoula and wood-roasted groper. The restaurant's drinks list is equally extensive, with Five Senses coffee, cold-pressed juices and kombucha available during the day — and all-Australian wines, beers and spirits available at night. Keeping with McEnearney's environmentally friendly approach to running venues, the restaurant is also low waste and single-use plastic free. Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable takeaway containers — and coffee cups, of course — when ordering food to-go (and will receive a 10-percent discounts for their efforts). And there are plans to rebuild the Physic Garden on Bent Street, which was once attached to the Rosebery KBM outpost. At its biggest, the urban garden contained 100 different plant species, 50 of which were grown for their medicinal properties. Find Kitchen by Mike at 1–7 Bent Street, Sydney. It's open for breakfast and lunch from 7–11.30am and 12–3pm, Monday–Friday and for dinner from 5.30–11pm Monday–Saturday.
The Wild Herring is The Anchorage's flagship restaurant, situated overlooking the resort's pool and the marina and ocean beyond. Open for dinner service from Thursday to Saturday, the restaurant is the sophisticated, fine dining option that a romantic weekend away no doubt calls for. Executive chef Michael Jenkins' menu gives diners the choice of two courses for $68 or three for $86, plus the choice to add in matching wines, too. By this point, it shouldn't come as a surprise that this menu also heavily features the region's seafood, which you can find celebrated well in starters like spanner crab tortellini with crab bisque and oysters poached with miso and mains like Moreton Bay Bug risotto. Finish your meal on a decadent high with red wine poached pear with olive oil sponge or dark chocolate cremeux with cherry confit. Then, after dinner, pop over to Moby's Bar, get cosy in one of the leather armchairs and end your evening by sampling some of the world's finest whiskies.
The endless buzz, 24-hour culture and chaotic energy of New York City is a major part of its appeal. But if you want a change of pace without venturing too far beyond the concrete jungle of the five boroughs, you've got options aplenty. Whether you prefer charming villages, counterculture havens or beachfront getaways, adding an extra dimension to your NYC holiday is an easy train or rental car's ride away. Ready to book your journey? We've teamed up with New York State to highlight some of the best spots to visit that ensure your time outside the Big Apple is well spent. [caption id="attachment_853428" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED , Darren McGee[/caption] WOODSTOCK, THE CATSKILLS Woodstock has a permanent place in the annals of music history, having lent its name to the legendary counterculture music festival of 1960 (which actually went down about 60 miles away at a dairy farm in Bethel). Nevertheless, this small town in the Catskills is still overflowing with the same free-spirited creativity that people associate with the Woodstock name. There's the Woodstock Art Exchange which shows work by diverse artists living across the region; The Center for Photography which supports emerging and established photographers; and Levon Helm Studios, where local musicians perform a few nights a week, in the space founded by the bonafide rock legend from The Band. The town's culinary scene also has a legit claim to fame. Head to Garden Cafe for farm-fresh vegan cuisine or Silvia when you're in the mood for Modern American food and cocktails. Woodstock is also bursting with outdoor adventures, like Overlook Mountain's summit hike, which plays host to unbeatable views of the Catskills. How far? Woodstock is about two hours from Manhattan. [caption id="attachment_846970" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] COLD SPRING, HUDSON VALLEY Cruise alongside the Hudson River for a little over an hour to find yourself in Cold Spring, a wonderfully charming waterfront village with a strong hipster energy. Main Street is where you'll find most of the action — a leafy avenue lined with quaint storefronts showcasing local clothing designers, homewares and antiquarians. Also along this thoroughfare is a cluster of restaurants, pubs and cafes including the Hudson House Inn, a top choice for steaks and seafood overlooking the river. For a hit of nature and highland views, head to the bucolic Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary (about five minutes out of town by car), or hike the Breakneck Ridge Loop and explore the Stonecrop Gardens to find native plants and farm-fresh air. How far? Cold Spring is about 70 minutes from Manhattan. [caption id="attachment_853510" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] FIRE ISLAND, LONG ISLAND Fire Island is the ideal day trip for those after a complete departure from the city. Getting there requires a ferry ride from mainland Long Island which feels like an adventure in itself. Its major attraction is the landscape and surrounding coastline, which offers ample opportunity for hiking and swimming. Robert Moses State Park is especially impressive, with its five-mile-long beach and historic lighthouse. Meanwhile, the captivating Sunken Forest is also a must-see destination, featuring a boardwalk that traverses through a rare ecological phenomenon. How far? Fire Island is about 90 minutes from Manhattan. [caption id="attachment_846976" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] NEW PALTZ, HUDSON VALLEY Visiting New Paltz from NYC is simple, with a drive straight up the New York State Thruway delivering you right into this classic collegiate town. While the student population ensures plenty of bars and live music venues exist across town, the area is also renowned for its world-class hiking and mountaineering locations. Mohonk Mountain House is a National Historic Landmark resort that provides guests with an award-winning spa, a range of dining options (from al fresco lakeside eating to an old fashioned soda fountain), and is the perfect stay to access some of the region's best hiking — including the famous Labyrinth rock scramble and Lemon Squeeze crevice which demand a challenging climb through massive boulders for the reward of spectacular views of the Hudson valley. This part of the Hudson Valley is also celebrated for its vineyards and breweries with highlights including Robibero Winery and Kettleborough Cider House. How far? New Paltz is about 90 minutes from Manhattan. [caption id="attachment_846977" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NYSDED, Darren McGee[/caption] ALBANY, CAPITAL-SARATOGA If you're still getting up to speed on your New York geography, Albany is the capital city of New York State. Head to the venerable Albany Institute of History and Art to deep dive into this historic city's storied past. Once you've brushed up on your local history, you can experience the region's scenic landscapes and native wildlife with a trip to the striking Albany Pine Bush Preserve. For your many pit stops in Albany, the city has a handful of stellar breweries for beer lovers with options like Fort Orange Brewing and Druthers Brewing Company offering excellent local brews and hearty meals. How far? Albany is about 2.5 hours from Manhattan. To start planning your trip to New York State, head to iloveny.com. Also, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best food and drink stops, cultural experiences, outdoor adventures and places to stay. Top image: NYSDED, Darren McGee
Meatball-dedicated eatery the Original Meatball Company is set to open on York Street next month, and to celebrate, there'll be free balls up for grabs. Riding the wave of Sydney's current US food trend, co-founders Jay Lyon and Dominic Lopresti (founder of Gelatissimo) have teamed up with award-winning chef James Kidman (formerly of Otto Ristorante) in order to reintroduce Sydneysiders to the humble meatball. Taking cues from New York's popular Meatball Shop, the eatery will focus on high-quality produce and gourmet standards paired with quick service. "We wanted to create a brand that is fun and accessible yet not compromise on taste, and I am certain we will not disappoint," explains Lyon. Taking a look at the planned menu, OMC doesn't disappoint in the variety stakes. The large range of gluten-free balls caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians and feature names punning on international flavours. Of the 'heroes' (balls on buns), you'll be able to choose between such options as Mamma's Balls (pictured), The Yankee, You Beaut', Svedish Ja, Coco Samui and Pesto Prima Donna. Alternatively, opt for a salad bowl and balls, like The Geisha, The Italian Job or the Miss Saigon. But what about those free balls, I hear you say? OMC is offering a free lunch to convince us of their standout ball skills. To claim yours, download the OMC App, join its Loyal Baller club and head to the eatery on opening day to scan the barcode and claim a hero or salad Bowl, as well as fries and a drink. Amazeballs, you might say. The Original Meatball Company will open on July 1, 2014, at Shop 3, 56-58 York Street. Get in quick for free balls from 11am-3pm on the day.
With seven EPs and three full-length albums between them, Jack Carty and Jordan Millar, both 26, have a lot of music in their hands. They’ve also clocked up many a mile on Australia’s national highways. In fact, it’d be fair to say that they’re among the most committed singer-songwriters on the national scene. Since March, the two ‘acoustic poets’ have been on the open road together, pursuing their ‘Cold Lights on a Modern Life’ tour from Adelaide to Byron Bay, and this weekend, they’ll be bringing their melodic musings and lyrical ramblings to Sydney’s Brighton Up Bar. The multi-awarding winning Millar, who’s supported the likes of The Fray, Xavier Rudd and Lisa Mitchell, dropped his self-produced sophomore LP, Cold Lights on Curious Minds, on February 15th. He has described it as “much more focused” than previous recordings. Meanwhile, Carty is gearing up to release his forthcoming EP, Modern Life.
Have you ever noticed the effervescent trail of light that follows your mobile phone screen when you move it in a dark room? Or how you can create shapes by whirling a glow stick around at night? Both are rudimentary examples of a recent trend: light painting. Light painting essentially consists of capturing light moving by using high exposure photography; the result is an image of the moving lights' path through the air. According to geek.com, the trend began "with a group of artists that wanted to map urban WiFi signals. This project created a visual landscape of technology we couldn’t see before, giving perspective on something we use everyday." Since then, artists and technology nerds alike have been creating floating works of light. In order to 'paint' properly, the painter must have an understanding of both the creative and scientific elements involved. The photography must be spot-on, and the hardware and software well-managed. Introducing the LightScythe: one of the first light-painting devices designed specifically with artistic endeavors in mind. The hardware is simply a long staff covered in LED lights, controlled by arduino boards and software the Mechatronics Guy designed. Watching the process, it may seem as though someone is just walking slowly with a large stick in hand, but the photographs reveal much more. The Mechatronics Guy uses the LightScythe to create floating images and text, and he wants you to, too. Check out the directions online and get to painting for yourself.
For some, The Jungle Book inspires fond memories of pouring over Rudyard Kipling's stories. For many others, the 1967 animated film springs to mind. But whichever one you think of first, they're both covered in the new live-action take on the tale. Directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man), consider this latest version a best-of package fans of each might have hoped for. It's no easy feat, balancing the darker material seen on the page while still embracing the fun and amusement experienced in the cartoon. But Favreau and company certainly don't shy away from a challenge. Indeed, from the moment the introductory Disney logo gives way to a zoom back through intricately rendered wildlife, The Jungle Book's ambitions are clear. The first frames of the film look so authentic that audiences might just have to resist the urge to reach out and touch them. Of course, viewers aren't the only ones steeped in such a striking environment. On screen, man-cub Mowgli (Neel Sethi) has spent his entire childhood in the jungle. Found as a baby by wise panther Bagheera (voiced by Ben Kingsley), and raised by wolves Raksha (Lupita Nyong'o) and Akela (Giancarlo Esposito), he's happy and at home in the animal kingdom. But tiger Shere Khan (Idris Elba) has murder on his mind. To keep Mowgli safe, Bagheera endeavours to escort the boy to the nearest human settlement, a trek that intersects with seductive snake Kaa (Scarlett Johansson), laid-back bear Baloo (Bill Murray) and giant primate King Louie (Christopher Walken). As Mowgli's story deepens, so does The Jungle Book's aesthetic wizardry. The film's hordes of special effects experts haven't just made every swinging vine, stream of water and glimmering ray of sunshine look just like the real thing; they've made the talking animals seem believable as well. Using 3D to add depth within the frame further enhances the sense of photo-realism, as does the seamless blend of Sethi's performance with his motion-captured creature counterparts. In fact, believing that the entire feature was filmed on a sound stage in Los Angeles, and not on location, is practically impossible. Appearing the part isn't just crucial as far as the entire concept is concerned. It also helps the narrative, episodic as it may be, glide along. It also ensures that when a bear starts singing with the voice of Murray, or a snake's hissing sounds like Johansson, it feels fitting. Favreau understands the need to use everything at his disposal to immerse audiences in another world, be it a rousing score sprinkled with a few familiar tunes, or a fresh face who embodies a winning sense of adventure. Accordingly, when it comes to turning The Jungle Book into a live-action spectacular, his engaging attempt more than covers the bare necessities. And of course, it'll get that catchy track stuck in your head too.
It's only a few years young, but Australia's most inclusive music festival just keeps getting bigger and better. Case in point: Ability Fest just announced the jam-packed lineup of artists that'll be joining in the fun for its next instalment on Saturday, March 25 — and it's a cracker. Leading the talent firing up the crowds at Melbourne's Birrarung Marr this autumn: Aussie hip hop legends Hilltop Hoods, dance duo Mashd N Kutcher and ARIA Award-winning songstress Sampa the Great, along with names like Paris, Meg Mac, DZ Deathrays, Linda Marigliano and dameeeela. Unfolding across two stages, including one devoted to dance acts, there's something on this program for all kinds of music fiends — with SHOUSE, Telenova, Juno Mamba, Mulalo and Latifa Tee just some of the other artists who'll be working their magic at Ability Fest 2023. The brainchild of 2022 Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott and Untitled Group (the crew behind Pitch Music & Arts and Beyond the Valley), Ability Fest is carefully designed to be completely accessible and as inclusive as they come. It'll feature ramps and pathways for easy access, Auslan interpreters working alongside the artists, and elevated platforms to give everyone a shot at seeing the stage. Plus: quiet zones, a dedicated sensory area, ticketing for companions and accessible toilets. And tickets start from $89. During its life, the not-for-profit fest has raised close to $500,000 for the Dylan Alcott Foundation, while continuing to dish up primo live tunes and music experiences to Aussies of all abilities. "I'm so proud to see the path Ability Fest has already paved for inclusive events across the country," says Alcott. "First and foremost, our main priority is to create a kick-ass festival that happens to be accessible. And that's something I think we've achieved since launching in 2018." Here's the full lineup: ABILITY FEST 2023: Alex Lahey Alter Boy BROODS Daine Dameeeela DJ Cooper Smith DZ Deathrays Hilltop Hoods Juno Mamba Latifa Tee Linda Marigliano Mashd N Kutcher Meg Mac Mulalo PARIS Sampa the Great SHOUSE Telenova The Journey Tiff Cornish Tyson O'Brien YO! MAFIA Ability Fest 2023 will hit Birrarung Marr in Melbourne on Saturday, March 25. Pre-sale tickets are available from 6pm AEDT on Monday, January 23 (register online), with general tickets selling online from 12pm on Tuesday, January 24.
In news that'll come as little surprise given Melbourne's status as Australia's coffee heartland — and its predilection for complete coffee snobbery, too — a barista from the Victorian capital has taken out top honours at the Australian Specialty Coffee Association (ASCA) National Coffee Championships. Anthony Douglas of Axil Coffee Roasters has nabbed the title of Australia's National Barista Champion for 2022. Douglas beat out scores of other Aussie hopefuls in the annual competition, which was held at North Melbourne's Meat Market last month. His winning offering on the day consisted of an espresso, a milk-based coffee and his own coffee-based signature drink — a concoction featuring pomegranate and feijoa syrup, a juniper reduction, barhee dates and honey. Your morning latte's got nothing on that bad boy. [caption id="attachment_869967" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anthony Douglas[/caption] The newly crowned coffee king will now go on to represent Australia at the World Barista Championship, which is happening at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 27–30. It's been seven years since Australia last claimed glory in the international competition, when Ona Coffee's Sasa Sestic was named World Barista Champion in 2015. Douglas has been in the coffee industry for 12 years, and names two-time National Barista Champion Dave Makin as his boss and mentor. Catch the World Barista Championship at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 27–30. Axil has a swag of cafe locations across Melbourne — find your local by jumping to the website. Top Image: Fahmi Fakhrudin via Unsplash
If your idea of a Mexican food experience is a little less ‘overstuffed burritos washed down with tequila while waiting for your turn at the pinata' and a little more gourmet, this Cinco de Mayo celebration might be more up your alley. Acland St Cantina is known for its wholesome and authentic Mexican fare, not to mention the cognitive dissonance you experience when you’re able to order pretty-sure-they-don’t-have-that-in-Mexico salted-caramel ice-cream churros tacos for dessert. For Cinco de Mayo, the folk from Acland St are teaming up with Corona for a night of eats, beats and a sweet drink special called Cinco de Drinko. Get together with your amigos for that one; cinco means five in Spanish, so that’s five drinks at $5 a pop. We’ll let them slide on the lack of a mariachi band, because there’ll also be a DJ pumping out tunes from 7pm onwards.
The Mother Road itself might have morphed into a rather redundant stretch of highway since its 1930s glory days, but you can still rally into the depths of wild Americana thanks to Goodgod and Sydney’s very own Route 66. For this Wolf Call, Goodgod’s danceteria will be transformed into a clangin’, bangin’, swampy blues and country paradise reminiscent of moonlit nights in a pine-log cabin, chasing spit-roasted animal with cans of PBR, and engaging in banjo combat with an inbred redneck à la Deliverance. Assisting them in this endeavour will be the mad garage swamp surf of Mother and Son, some instrumental 1930s Chicago blues from Wailing Wall, EmmyLou Harris numbers sung by Madelaine Lucas, and more rare and classic American 45s than you could spit a wad of chewing tobacco at. Australia Day will provide plenty of excuses for knocking back beers in the name of national pride, so sink a few in the name of wild Americana this Friday. Image: Mother and Son
No trip to Tokyo is complete without a visit to Shinjuku's Godzilla head, which towers down on the popular district from Hotel Gracery Shinjuku. If you're a fan of the King of the Monsters, you'll now need to add another stop to your next Japanese itinerary once international travel resumes: amusement park Nijigen no Mori, on Awaji Island in Hyogo prefecture. First announced in 2019 and open for business since October 10, 2020, the theme park has just become home to a life-sized version of the scaly creature — even if Godzilla's actual size has changed over the course of its 65-year history. The kaiju was 50 metres tall in the 1954 Japanese classic that started the long-running monster franchise, and measured nearly 120 metres in the most recent US film. In 2017's animated Netflix flick Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters, it even spanned a whopping 300 metres. At Nijigen no Mori, good ol' Zilly measures 120 metres, and that's in length. You'll find Godzilla on its stomach, mouth open and presumably roaring, with amusement park patrons able to zipline into it. Usually folks are trying to avoid the huge creature and his fire-breathing gob, but that's obviously not the case here. https://www.instagram.com/p/CGCs7IWHRNu/ Called Godzilla Intercept Operation National Godzilla Awajishima Research Centre, the attraction is part of a 5000-square-metre zone dedicated to the famed critter, asking attendees to take on the role of island scientists. In that guise, the ziplining occurs in the name of science, because the huge beast has become trapped in the earth. Shooting games are also part of the Godzilla zone, and so is Zilly-themed food. If you haven't tucked into hot dogs, curries, burgers and cream puffs shaped like Godzilla, Mothra and their fellow kaiju, well, you clearly can't really call yourself a true Godzilla fan. Nijigen no Mori also now boasts a Godzilla museum, which is the world's first permanent exhibition dedicated to the scaly creature. Here, you'll find dioramas, props from the films and over 80 monster figures, as well as prototypes, artwork and other movie materials. And yes, there's merchandise for sale, naturally. Also, if you're wondering which Zilly this giant one resembles — Godzilla's appearance has often changed from film to film, too — it's the version of the lizard-style gargantuan from 2016 Japanese movie Shin Godzilla. If Godzilla Intercept Operation National Godzilla Awajishima Research Centre is now on your post-pandemic must-visit list, entry costs ¥3800, which equates to just over AU$50. For more information about Godzilla Intercept Operation National Godzilla Awajishima Research Centre, which is now open, visit the Nijigen no Mori website. Via Nijigen no Mori. Images: Nijigen no Mori.
What if a bomb had taken out Adolf Hitler in 1939? That's the question that haunts Georg Elser (Christian Friedel) after his assassination attempt fails due to timing. He hatched a plot, built explosives and set a timer, but it all went off too late. As the English-language name of the film that unfolds his story foreshadows, just under a quarter of an hour proved the difference between the past everyone knows and a World War II-free alternate timeline. In telling his tale, those titular 13 minutes are influential; however this measured, methodical feature is more concerned with the state of affairs that led Elser to such drastic deeds, instead of a well-worn account of what happened next. How did a mild-mannered pacifist and seemingly ordinary German citizen become the would-be killer of the 20th century's most despised figure? What injustices did he witness? What paved his path towards trying to save his country through a potentially revolutionary act of violence? Again, many of the broad strokes of life at the time are known, but 13 Minutes filters a familiar situation through one man's experience. After the blast, Elser is detained, interrogated and tortured by the Gestapo, his brutal treatment intercut with his preceding years. First, he's a carefree musician; then, he's a carpenter trying to save his family farm; next, he's fooling around with a married woman (Katharina Schuttler). Around him, society and sentiment changes under the Nazi party's influence. Best known as the director of Downfall, the Hitler film that launched a thousand memes, Oliver Hirschbiegel has explored this chapter of history before. That he does so again in meticulous detail isn't surprising, nor are the handsome images he works with. Though his last feature — the abysmal Diana — might indicate otherwise, the filmmaker shows an assured hand with conflict-riddled, based-on-real-life material. Indeed, 13 Minutes looks, sounds and feels the part. Yet it's never anything more than interesting, rather than gripping. Workmanlike best describes Hirschbiegel's effort, hitting all the right notes but playing a standard tune rather than a truly affecting melody. Given the rollercoaster ride his last decade of filmmaking has provided, perhaps he's just happy to play it safe. To the director, splitting the difference between the intense heights of his biggest hit and the considerable lows of his most recent biopic probably doesn't seem like such a bad outcome. Thankfully, the committed, charming Friedel is marching to his own beat, his performance as impassioned as the rest of the movie is restrained. That the film around him is just competently going through the motions of an important story doesn't seem to sway his complex portrayal. Of course, shining a bigger spotlight on a figure barely remembered in the official record, let alone seen in cinema (with a 1989 film called Seven Minutes Elser's only other big screen depiction), is a feat worth applauding regardless of the muted end result. And that's what lingers in 13 Minutes: the true tale surrounding the greatest act of WWII heroism that never was.
Rise up, Hamilton fans — whether you're a Sydneysider counting down the days until the biggest musical of the past decade finally makes its way to our shores, or you're an aficionado elsewhere in the country that's been spending the past couple of months streaming the filmed version on Disney+. Whichever category you fall into, you won't want to throw away your shot at glory at Totally F*ct Trivia's Hamilton night. You don't need to be young, scrappy and hungry to succeed at this trivia evening. You don't need to have seen oceans rise and empires fall, either. You will need to know plenty about Hamilton, though, of course. And, there are two ways to get some skin in the game: by heading along in-person and taking part in the room where it happens, or by live-streaming the fun when push comes to shove. As hosted by The Chaser's Julian Morrow, Totally F*ct Trivia: Hamilton Edition will next take over the Giant Dwarf Theatre in Redfern from 6.30pm on Tuesday, October 20. Yes, it was a such a hit when it last took place in September that it's coming back — like that oh-so-catchy King George III song told us. Tickets to attend physically cost $20, or $30 with two drinks included. Connect virtually for $10 for one person, $15 for a couple and $20 for a group of three or more if you want to get involved from home. And if you need a refresher, check out the Hamilton Disney+ trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSCKfXpAGHc Totally F*ct Trivia: 'Hamilton' Edition takes place from 6.30pm on Tuesday, September 8 — live at the Giant Dwarf Theatre in Redfern, or you can play along via live-stream from around the country as well. Top image: Hamilton filmed version courtesy Disney+. Updated September 26.
Sydney's southern suburb of Kogarah suffered a devastating loss to its culinary community when Pino's Dolce Vita caught fire and ultimately closed back in 2016. The award-winning Italian deli was founded by Pino Tomini Foresti back in 1978 and was the heart of the local food scene for decades. Now, after much deliberation and over one year's worth of renovations, the butcher, deli and cafe has returned to its original President Avenue location. Pino's reopened in December 2018 with a brand new fit-out and an extended offering of authentic Italian fare. The shop now sells over 100 types of handmade Italian sausages and salumi, plus cuts of meat that are exclusive to the butchery. There's also an extensive collection of local and international cheeses and a huge range of artisan small goods, too. In the cafe, the team is slinging freshly brewed coffee, breakfast and lunch, plus homemade cakes and pastries — including these cannoli. It's a true family affair here, with Foresti's wife Pia, daughter Carla, son-in-law Michael and sons Fabiano and Marco all taking part in the business. The new digs put emphasis on this family-friendly atmosphere and emulate the bustling vibes of a true Italian deli. If you're looking to book your next gathering, Pino's now offers a catered, warehouse-style event space, too — packages including grazing boards and Italian wines that'll transport your party to the European coast. Pino's Dolce Vita has reopened at 45 President Avenue, Kogarah. Opening hours for the butcher and deli are Tuesday through Friday from 8am–5pm and Saturday from 8am–3pm. Opening hours for the cafe and kitchen are Tuesday through Friday 7am–4pm and Saturday 7am–3pm.
This newly renovated Californian motel is run by the famous US drag queen, Trixie Mattel, and is just as bright and fun as you can imagine. You will overdose on sensory inputs, no matter what room you stay in. That's because every Trixie Motel room is bursting with bright colours and loud patterns (more is most certainly more). What else would you expect from a drag queen motel in the sunny California desert? Like Trixie Mattel, the owner and famous Drag Race queen, the entire facility is 60s and 70s flower power themed. You'll feel like Malibu Barbie, as you spend the days roaming from your unique room to the pink and white outdoor pool. This place is so extra! And why should it be anything else? The Trixie Motel has a little on-site cafe and bar which serves up a few creative snacks and small bites alongside plenty of speciality cocktails and beverages. It's mostly stuff you can enjoy while sitting around the pink and white tiled outdoor area by the pool – but they do provide private dinners too. They just need to be pre booked – and can be served in most places on the property. Alternatively, head to the local restaurants for more substantial food options. Most people come Palm Springs to experience the resort spa lifestyle. But this area has also developed into a real culture hub. Check out the Palm Springs Art Museum, McCallum Theatre and Palm Springs Design Centre in between taking hikes around the local national parks and shopping at the countless boutique stores. Or do none of this, just spending the whole day sitting by the pool, sipping on cocktails. The choice is all yours. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
By the beard of Zeus, everyone's favourite TV newsman is back — in podcast form. Not content with his regular job at KVWN Channel 4, or with being the star of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Ron Burgundy is giving another medium a whirl. Co-produced by Funny or Die, The Ron Burgundy Podcast is headed to the iHeartRadio platform in 2019, with two 12-episode seasons on their way. The first batch will hit your ears in the first quarter of the year, with Burgundy telling everyone why it's kind of a big deal, we expect. If you want to stay classy with the second season — and likely hear the anchorman chat while sipping scotchy scotch scotch and talking over his beloved dog Baxter — it's due mid-year. Fans can reasonably expect that Will Ferrell will reprise his role as the fictional San Diego newscaster, although that's not actually mentioned in iHeartRadio's announcement. As well as playing the character in two films, Ferrell is one of Funny or Die's co-founders, so it's a safe assumption that the actor will be involved. In true Ron Burgundy style, he had some words about the news. "Listen, I don't know what a podcast is, but I currently have a lot of time on my hands and a lot to talk about. I am also broke. Therefore, I am very excited to do this podcast. It is literally saving my life." If you're now in a glass class of emotion, a trailer for the show will drop in the coming months. The Ron Burgundy Podcast will be released on iHeartRadio in 2019.
While Petersham stalwart The Oxford Tavern has long been able to pour pints for patrons till 3am, it hasn't, until now, been able to play live music after 11.30pm. In fact, a condition on its liquor licence prohibited it from having any form of entertainment after the time (which wouldn't have boded well back in the venue's strip club days). Thankfully, that has all changed, with the Tavern just receiving the go-ahead to have live music and DJs until 3am. It's a big win for the live music industry. And the second win in as many weeks, with Chippendale favourite Freda's just last week having its licence extended till 4am. While Newtown isn't in the lockout zone, its bars have still been impacted by the State Government's strict late-night and live music policies. In the four years since the lockout laws were introduced to curb alcohol-fuelled violence, a reported 176 venues across Sydney have closed. A year-long parliamentary inquiry into the state of the city's music and nightlife economy also found that the industry was in "peril" due to the NSW Government's history of neglect, and lack of funding. The two licence extensions were approved by the Liquor & Gaming NSW — which comes under State Government jurisdiction — so, hopefully, we're about to see some of this damage (slowly) reversed. Even with pro-lockout law NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian in government. Canterbury Road's Oxford Tavern was once a den of debauchery — with topless barmaids, strippers and very cheap booze — but was taken over and given a new life by the Drink 'n' Dine Group (which, when it was still operational, was run by Jaime Wirth, who just re-did The Duke) back in 2013. Then, this January, it was taken over by brothers James and Josh Thorpe — who currently own Darlinghurst beer pub The Taphouse and, more recently, its sour ale and natural wine bar Odd Culture. They've filled it with heaps of craft beer, including its own craft beer bottle shop, a leafy courtyard and — now — late-night tunes. The Oxford Tavern is located at 1 New Canterbury Road, Petersham. Its live music licence has been extended until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays nights, effective immediately.
Head over to the revamped Australian Museum after work for DJ tunes, dinosaurs and more thanks to its much-loved after-hours series. Running every Thursday evening from 5–9pm, Nights at the Museum is part of the NSW Government's Culture Up Late initiative, which sees cultural institutions opening with extended hours. The best part? It's completely free. Kidults and kids alike can unleash their creativity in the Prehistoric Playground or spend time exploring the Museum's new and permanent collections after dark. If you're keen to see something new, book into a tour of the newly opened First Nations-curated exhibit Unsettled for an undiluted perspective on what life has been like for First Nations peoples since European invasion. Then, check out fellow new display Spark to learn about the Australian inventions and innovations that are providing positive solutions to the climate crisis. Here, you'll get a first-hand look at some of the technologies helping us work toward a liveable future through creating affordable and clean energy, reducing pollution and supporting our plant and animal life. After checking out the Museum's collections, you can kick back with drinks from the pop-up bar and catch live music from local favourites. Want a souvenir to remember your after-dark experience? The on-site shop is also staying up, so you can do some late-night shopping. Tickets are not required for Nights at the Museum. All you need to do is rock up, check in for COVID-19 contract-tracing purposes and enjoy the free, after-hours museum experience with your mates. Nights at the Museum runs every Thursday from 5–9pm. For more details, head to the website. Images: Anna Kucera
"If any one unwarily draws in too close and hears the singing of the Sirens, his wife and his children will never welcome him home again, for they sit in a green field and warble him to death with the sweetness of their song." With The Odyssey, Homer essentially created the epic. But with the above passage, he also created something much more insidious — the femme fatale, a stock female character who tempts men with the ultimate goal of destroying them. Victorian Opera's latest project, Lorelei, shoves a cabaret skewer through this idea and roasts it over an operatic blaze. Sopranos Ali McGregor and Antoinette Halloran with mezzo-soprano Dimity Shepherd have been spicing up the classics for a while as the Opera Burlesque collective. Now, they take to a cliff-top on a tricky bend in the river Rhine to explore how women are represented in literature and opera. But wouldn't you know it — just as they're getting down to business, a ship begins to approach. And it seems to be having a little trouble on those bends. Part cabaret, part opera and with a stinging libretto by Casey Bennetto (Keating! The Musical) and Gillian Cosgriff (8 Songs in 8 Weeks), Lorelei takes its cues from the sirens of German folklore. It's happy enough to toy with the trope — but it's not going to stop until it's smashed to matchsticks on a rock. Lorelei will run from November 3–10 at The Coopers Malthouse, Merlyn Theatre. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Victorian Opera website.
The Rocks is a big Sydney drawcard for both tourists and locals alike. The area's colonial history, evident in the iconic cobbled laneways and heritage pubs, gets most of the attention. But unmistakably interwoven into these storied streets is the culture and history of the earlier land custodians. The Rocks Dreaming Aboriginal Heritage tour allows you to take a step into the rich history and culture of Indigenous Australia. Owned and operated by Dunghutti-Jerrinjah elder Margret Campbell, this 90-minute tour takes visitors through The Rocks while providing commentary on Aboriginal Dreamtime and customs. It will lead to a deeper appreciation of the area and of how indigenous culture still thrives today. Tours depart daily at 10.30am.
Plenty of music polls have claimed to name the best songs ever made and, whatever they've chosen, they've sparked a heap of debate in the process. It's a tough, tricky and supremely subjective task, of course. But if 'Lick My Love Pump', 'Sex Farm' and 'Hell Hole' isn't on these lists, can you really trust them? If you're a This Is Spinal Tap fan, then no. Come 2024, those tunes just might have some more company — because the team behind the iconic 1984 music mockumentary is getting the band back together. Get ready to spend more time with David St Hubbins (Michael McKean, Better Call Saul), Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer, The Simpsons), and Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest, Mascots), aka the loudest, most explosive band in the world — at least according to their original movie outing. If you're new to all things Spinal Tap, the fictional English heavy metal band first debuted on American TV in 1979; however, it was This Is Spinal Tap that made them legends. With this trio, there is indeed a fine line between stupid and clever — and turning it up to 11 is a must. They've reformed IRL a number of times, too, and released albums. As reported by Variety and Deadline, filmmaker Rob Reiner (The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men) is returning to direct this four-decades-later on-screen followup, which'll release in 2024 to mark the OG flick's 40th anniversary. He'll also resume his role on-camera in Spinal Tap II as well, playing fictional filmmaker Marty DiBergi. The plot will follow the band as they reunite yet again to do one last in-film concert. They contractually owe it to their manager, who has passed away but his widow is insistent. This Is Spinal Tap isn't just an 80s comedy gem that everyone needs to see at least once, and actually several times more than that. Every music documentary since for the past four decades has followed in its footsteps, straightforward and satirical alike. Also, Spinal Tap's name has become shorthand for OTT bands who take themselves too seriously. Like all sequels made oh-so-many years later, Spinal Tap II is the kind of film that you'll believe is actually, genuinely, really happening when you're sitting in a cinema watching it, though, and coming up with your own two-word review. Still, best mark March 19, 2024 in your diaries now. And, in the interim, you can check out the trailer for the OG This Is Spinal Tap below: Spinal Tap II is set to release on March 19, 2024. We'll update you with further details when they're announced. Via Variety/Deadline.
Material Rites is a group show that fills MOP Projects with objects that seem to have pushed their way in from the wider world to perch in the gallery space. It's a mixed bag of works that seem to take their inspiration from mountains, organisms and its neighbouring den of construction. The juxtaposition Sophie Clague and Tom Mason's work by the front door makes the space feel like a bit of a construction zone. A feeling not entirely out of place as the construction of the former brewery site finishes up across the road. Sophie Clague's origami'd hazard signs feel like a hive of building sites have escaped their bounds to push into the gallery space. They decorate the walls with triangular, orange geometries and flower-like, casual blossoming, seeming to flit between the two and three dimensional like some of the motive drawings in the film Mirrormask. Opposite, Tom Mason's chunks of stoneware gas cans complement the building site vibe nicely, staining the floor with white dust. Lisa Sammut's for all the other elevations suspends a blue disc above a field of craggy mountain cutouts. Suspended on a pendulum from a balsa wood platform, the motion and dominant blue colour give a sense of endless, calm, cool days in the alpine sun. Two other moving alpine art pieces sit on the wall behind it. Nearby, Angela Welyczko's four photos are low key portraits of waiting rooms. Tiny details of motion, the washed out light and empty seats, endlessly staring, capture all the right interminable details of the boredom and importance at play in a doctor's office. Jack Stahel keeps up his habit of taking the fantastic from nature, as strange creatures — bulbous and alert — emerge from the branches, wire and wood of their materials. Meanwhile, in Gilliam Lavery's Fuel, a loom is ready for action, but holds only a cloth with rows of long stitches. MOP Projects is open Thursday to Sunday, 1-6pm. Image: still from Imaginary Exhibit 1 by Jack Stahel.
Spring has landed at last. And, if you're a Sydneysider, you'll know it's never too early to make the most of our city's glorious sunshine, with plenty of surf sessions, coastal strolls and cocktails by the beach on offer. Want all three? Make tracks to Bondi — the world's most famous stretch of sand — for a day in the sun, then head to Sydney's ultimate beach bar: Icebergs Dining Room and Bar. It's got world-class cocktails, top-notch food and million-dollar views, making it the perfect spot for a post-dip wind-down. Plus, the famed Bondi spot has teamed up with Johnnie Walker to bring you a decadent new take on the highball cocktail. And we're not talking about the whisky highball as you've always known it, with plain soda and any old whisky in the rail. We're talking about a reinvention. What else would you expect from one of Sydney's most celebrated spots? Bartender Matt Whiley has created a refreshing tasting, summery interpretation of the classic. Dubbed 'Walking on Thin Ice' ($20), Whiley's cocktail is made with just four ingredients: anise soda, verjus, bergamot syrup and Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky, of course. So, think a touch of floral earl grey tea in this one, with Whiley's interesting use of the citrusy bergamot — a fruit indigenous to southern Italy. If you're keen to try it, get yourself to Bondi Beach any day from Tuesday, September 17. Plus, in case you're hungry after a day of sun and surf, Icebergs Dining Room and Bar will be pairing its new cocktail with a raw seafood cracker for $24.
Australia, we're now one step closer to the potential music collaboration of the year: Lil Nas X and The Wiggles, that is. After the rapper tweeted about his wish to tour with the Aussie national treasures mere weeks ago, Falls Festival is now making that dream a reality — for one of its big headliners, and for audiences. At the beginning of 2022, plenty of people tipped that The Wiggles would win the Hottest 100. That's been just the start of the skivvy-loving group's huge year, though. Embracing their love of rainbows, they also played Mardi Gras. And, because folks who definitely aren't toddlers love the band, too, they've been touring a string of adults-only shows, too. So, taking to the stage at all three Falls Festival events over the summer of 2022–23 is clearly the next logical step. We're ready to wiggle with you! 💛💜💙❤️ — The Wiggles (@TheWiggles) April 27, 2022 Whether you're heading to Falls at Pennyroyal Plains, Colac in Victoria from Thursday, December 29–Saturday, December 31; North Byron Parklands, Yelgun in New South Wales from Saturday, December 31–Monday, January 2; or Fremantle Park, Fremantle in Western Australia from Saturday, January 7–Sunday, January 8, The Wiggles will be on the bill. The fest will host the group's OG lineup, too — aka Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Jeff Fatt and Greg Page. Naturally, they'll be playing all the usual songs — and Falls attendees can expect cameos from characters such as Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus as well. The words you're looking for: yummy yummy. Whether The OG Wiggles and Lil Nas X will share the stage at the same time is yet to be seen, but we're betting that punters will hear the words "wake up Lil Nas X" at some point. When Lil Nas X' tweeted about wanting to tour with The Wiggles back at the end of April, the group responded that they were keen — and now they're taking their big red car on the road. The news comes just as Falls tickets go on sale — at 9am today, Thursday, May 12. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Wiggles (@thewiggles) And if you're keen for the full Falls Festival lineup, here's the rundown as it currently stands: FALLS FESTIVAL 2022 LINEUP: Arctic Monkeys Lil Nas X Peggy Gou Chvrches Jamie xx Aminé Ocean Alley Camelphat Spacey Jane DMA's G Flip Pinkpantheress Rico Nasty Amyl and the Sniffers Mall Grab Ben Böhmer DJ Seinfeld Genesis Owusu TSHA CC:DISCO! Young Franco Anna Lunoe Luude Lastlings MAY-A Choomba The Vanns King Stingray Peach PRC Beddy Rays Jean Dawson Telenovela Biscits Barry Can't Swim Elkka Floodlights Wongo Yng Martyr 1300 Moktar Magdalena Bay Dameeeela Ebony Boadu Rona. Elsy Wamayo Juno Mamba The OG Wiggles and more FALLS FESTIVAL 2022 DATES: Pennyroyal Plains, Colac, VIC — Thursday, December 29–Saturday, December 31 North Byron Parklands, Yelgun, NSW — Saturday, December 31–Monday, January 2 Fremantle Park, Fremantle, WA — Saturday, January 7–Sunday, January 8 Falls Festival 2022 will take place in December 2022 and January 2023 in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia. General ticket sales kick off at 9am on Thursday, May 12. For more info and to buy tickets, visit the festival's website.
Western Sydney's annual Parklands Food Fest is back for its ninth year this spring. Usually, you'd head to Western Sydney Parklands for food stalls and cooking, but now it's bringing the festivities to you on Saturday, September 5. Yep, it may be different but not even a global pandemic is enough to stop this epic event. So, what's in store? The festival is going virtual for 2020 and, while it may not be the big bonanza you've come to know, it's sure making up for it in talent. None other than top Aussie chef Matt Moran, known for his love of local, fresh produce and his mini-empire of paddock-to-plate restaurants, will be teaching you all the tricks of the trade via Facebook Live. Best of all, it's free. There'll be two 40-minute sessions, at 11am and 1pm, which you can stream on the day. In the first session, you'll be learning how to make some of the renowned cook's favourite dishes. You can also purchase a produce box ($55–90) from one of the parkland's 12 urban farms for your cook-along session, or to recreate at a later date — just sign up to the event for details. For the 1pm session, Moran is teaming up with OzHarvest's Executive Chef Travis Harvey for an insightful masterclass on food waste, before demonstrating how to cook a tasty meal from food scraps. If you'd like to support the charity, you can make a donation over here. Parklands Food Fest 2020 is going digital, with two live-stream sessions at 11am and 1pm on Saturday, September 5. To sign up, head here — then order yourself a seasonal produce box, available both prior and after the event for delivery across Sydney metro.
UPDATE: September 23 2020: A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. Fred Rogers never made a splash in Australia. But watching A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood, it's easy to see why the ordained Presbyterian minister turned children's television host is so beloved in the US, even 17 years after his death — and why adults who grew up watching Mister Rogers' Neighbourhood still hold him in such high regard. This thoughtful, full-hearted film doesn't merely tell viewers that Rogers was universally adored, or show the widespread devotion among his fans. As she proved in both The Diary of a Teenage Girl and Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Marielle Heller is far too soulful and observant a filmmaker for such a blunt approach. Rather, in a sensitive and astute manner reminiscent of Rogers himself, this delightful movie explores his appeal by examining his impact on one reluctant and cynical man. If you're a newcomer to Rogers, or you're jaded or skeptical by nature, consider Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) your on-screen surrogate. A writer for Esquire in 1998, he's the fictional stand-in for journalist Tom Junod, whose article 'Can You Say ... Hero?' inspired the film. Known for hard-hitting reporting, Vogel is taken aback when he's assigned to profile Rogers. He's also nowhere near as enamoured with his subject as everyone else, including his starstruck wife Andrea (Susan Kelechi Watson). Indeed, he's still hesitant when Rogers (Tom Hanks) engages in a generous chat on the phone and appears genuinely interested in getting to know him. Taking its cues from Rogers' puppet-filled TV show in inventive ways, A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood begins by recreating Mister Rogers' Neighbourhood's opening. To the sounds of a gentle theme sung by Rogers, a model town fills the screen, before cutting to the show's star arriving home, popping on his famous red cardigan, swapping his dress shoes for sneakers and addressing the camera. Purposefully affable and inviting when watched by kids on weekdays for 33 years, it remains just as cosy here. To segue into the bulk of the film, Hanks' pitch-perfect version of Rogers says that he's going to tell a story about his hurt friend Lloyd — and while that might seem like cutesy gimmickry, it works perfectly in Heller's hands. With screenwriters Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil), she understands that Rogers left such a lasting imprint on so many people because he made kids feel like he really saw them. Accordingly, treating Vogel in the same way isn't just a creative flourish — it's essential. The same idea applies to A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood's audience, who the film never forgets. This movie is well aware that viewers are experiencing the famed figure through Vogel's eyes — and it wants you to feel like you're in his shoes, being seen, welcomed and accepted by the kindly host as well. A new father struggling with issues with his own long-absent dad (Chris Cooper) that stem back to childhood, Vogel's backstory assists. While somewhat generic, it's also immensely relatable. Everyone has pain from the past they haven't fully processed, which was Rogers' whole remit. His show helped kids express their emotions and personalities in healthy ways, and tackle topics as dark as death, divorce and war. Even though Vogel is much, much older, it's a role Rogers is still eager to play for his new friend. Conveying that compassion, grace and sincerity is a task only Hanks could've mastered. It's a case of getting a beloved, benevolent icon to play just that — although Hanks ensures that Rogers is a person rather than a shining picture of perfection. This isn't a warts-and-all tell-all and, as 2018 documentary Won't You Be My Neighbour? demonstrated, that film will never exist. Instead, A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood remembers a man who considered himself ordinary while having an extraordinary effect on others. You could say the same about Hanks, which is what makes his casting so sublime. His is a superb, deservedly Oscar-nominated performance that's never an act of simple mimicry, but that he's as revered — and has been a reliable screen presence for decades, too — is never forgotten. Amidst cardboard backdrops recreating Mister Rogers' Neighbourhood, talking puppets and scenes of Rogers making adults wait so he can spend more time with his child fans, A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood doesn't completely or even primarily belong to Rogers. His influence looms large, but this is really Vogel's story — and that makes the film all the better. Rhys finds his character's world-weary centre, then allows it to slowly crumble as his bond with Rogers grows. In the process, the movie mirrors the way the TV host found a place in millions of children's hearts, and cracks the cloak of cynicism hanging over some of its own viewers, too. It's easy to think that a feature like this will be too sappy, kitschy or hokey, just as Vogel thought about Rogers — but a man brimming with empathy and this charmingly made movie about his impact are both the perfect antidotes to distrust and disillusionment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CELbK9q_ZeA
Back in May, Quay Quarter Lanes officially opened, boasting twelve new restaurants and bars. Among the exciting new additions to Sydney's hospitality scene was Zini, a gelateria from charming dessert enthusiast Matteo Zini. While the shop nails classic Italian flavours, it doesn't shy away from trying to do things a little differently. The gelato is created right in front of you in an old-school vertical Cattabriga machine, yuzu sake gelato is continually being churned out for neighbouring Omakase restaurant Besuto, and there are regular gelato degustations for those that want to dive into different sides of gelato. Following a successful vegan degustation, Zini's next variation will focus on truffles. Attendees will be able to taste their way through Matteo's range of truffle-heavy recipes and flavour creations. The four gelatos are a yolk-based custard gelato with truffle shavings, a portabello mushroom and truffle gelato, pecorino cheese gelato topped with truffles and a white chocolate, truffle and pistachio creation. Tickets are $52 and include a coffee to perk you up on arrival, a guided tour through the flavours with Matteo himself and a take-home tub containing all four of the limited-edition gelato creations.
2023 might be mere weeks in, but it's already the year of Pedro Pascal. His new HBO series, a spectacular adaptation of hit video game The Last of Us, has just started airing — and it's already one of the best new shows of this year. And, come autumn, he'll be back bounty hunting and hanging out with Baby Yoda in The Mandalorian season three as well. Hanging out for more of Disney+'s space western? Keen on another dose of Pascal as Din Djarin? Can't wait to see the adorable Grogu again? The new season will start streaming from Wednesday, March 1, and has finally unveiled its full trailer in the interim. Pascal narrates the just-dropped sneak peek, explaining that being a Mandalorian isn't just about learning how to fight, but also about being able to navigate the galaxy. Mando, as he should definitely be nicknamed, is also off to Mandalore to be forgiven for his transgressions — although, as viewers of the show so far will know, and just of all things Star Wars in general, little in this galaxy far far away ever goes smoothly. Season three promises to also follow the New Republic's struggle to move past the galaxy's dark past, reunite Mando with old allies and also throw new enemies his way. And, of course, to have Grogu back by his side, as viewers love. There's also multiple bounty hunters, and "may the force be with you" is indeed uttered in the new trailer. The Mandalorian's latest batch of episodes will arrive more than two years after the show streamed its second season back in late 2020, and after 2022's first season of Andor just became Star Wars' best TV series yet. If you've somehow missed it before now, the Emmy-nominated show follows the titular bounty hunter (Pascal, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent); however, it's his encounter with a fuzzy little creature first known as The Child, affectionately named Baby Yoda by everyone watching, and officially called Grogu, that's always had everyone talking. So, it comes as zero surprise that one of the Star Wars universe's best-ever double acts keeps being pushed into the spotlight — including when The Mandalorian dropped its first season-three trailer a few months back, and in this new glimpse. Check out the full trailer for The Mandalorian season three below: The Mandalorian's third season will hit Disney+ on Wednesday, March 1. Images: ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
Whether you're a lifelong NRL fan or just someone chasing sporting highs after the Women's World Cup-sized hole left in your life, this Friday's semi-final promises to be a thrilling watch that'll take the Melbourne-Sydney rivalry to new heights. It's a clincher for the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters, who will either move on to the Preliminary Finals against the Penrith Panthers or be eliminated for the year. After a close 13-12 victory against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, the Roosters will head to the Storm's home turf at AAMI Park for their fifth Finals face-off against the Melbourne team. It'll be a real nail-biter — the Storm previously defeated the Roosters 28-8 in round six, but were bested by the Broncos in a whopping 26-0 last week. You can expect some sparks on the field with former Storm player-turned Roosters' hooker Brandon Smith facing up against his old Storm teammate and close friend Harry Grant. It's also a clash between two of the most highly regarded coaches in the sport, though Roosters' coach Trent Robinson has the 2018 Grand Final and 2019 Prelim victories under his belt. Kickoff is at 7.50pm this Friday, September 15 at AAMI Park. With tickets starting from only $35 for adults and $25 for kids and concession, there's no excuse not to catch the action live. Get your tickets to the unmissable game at the NRL website.
Adora Handmade Chocolate stores are found throughout greater Sydney, but the Blight Street store and cafe is a small slice of calm paradise in a bustling metropolis. Adora makes their impressive range – there's more than 40 different types – of chocolates from Belgian Callebaut chocolate, and once you try one it's very, very difficult to say no to another. Adora's goods are distinct – they don't use moulds or busy decorations, and instead choose simple, rustic designs. If you're looking for a last-minute gift, you'll be spoiled for choice here – but make sure you sit down and have a truffle and one of their signature hot chocolates for yourself, too.
In February, the Beasts of Bourbon reunited for their first gig in five years, when good friends The Drones asked them to play ATP's I'll Be Your Mirror Festival in Altona. Despite guitarist Spencer P. Jones's previous conclusions that the group had "dissolved", something must've proved him wrong, because they went on to appear at the Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival and tour nationally with the Stooges. Now it's exactly 30 years since Jones, Tex Perkins, James Baker, Boris Sujdovic and Kim Salmon first created the Beast. To mark the occasion, a triple album, 30 Years on Borrowed Time, has been released. It'll be celebrated this month with six concerts, to be held on three consecutive nights in Sydney and Melbourne. Each evening will see a different lineup (i.e. the original, the Low Road and the current), as well as a different set. Tickets are selling in the form of one-, two- and three-show packages. https://youtube.com/watch?v=vy9oLsN5qzk
