In March 2010, a decade-long ban on beekeeping was overturned in New York causing a boom in the instances of bee hives on rooftops across NYC. This popularity was highlighted in August this year when beekeeping communities fought over a beehive in Fort Green Park, Brooklyn, after Hurricane Irene destroyed its host tree. Now, as part of the Microbial Home Probe Project, Philips has tapped into the growing trend and designed a sleek looking urban beehive that makes the most of the impressive way in which honey bees work, housing the hive inside an attractive glass shell. According to the manufacturer, the concept beehive 'is designed to allow us a glimpse into the fascinating world of these industrious creatures and to harvest the honey that they produce', and was designed to 'respect the natural behaviour of bees.' [via PSFK]
With a highly anticipated album (finally) near completion, and the timely opening of a new Sydney small bar affectionately named Since I Left You, it's easy to forget that The Avalanches have spent the last few years being a little too quiet. Or maybe they were just hording a new collection of vinyls to deface for their next DJ set — Since I Left You (the album) used no less than 3500 of them. The time for that set has arrived. This Friday The Avalanches will be joined by Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Canyons, Andee Frost and Shameless DJs in what looks certain to be the Vivid event with the highest number of black plastic casualties. Masses of records being sacrificed in the name of extreme sample-mashing is about the only thing that be safely assumed about an Avalanches gig — past concert antics have included elaborate stage-dives and shattered ankles. If you like surprise guests, surprise acts, and surprise music mix-ups, this event is not one to be missed. If you believe that records should stay in their original sleeves and only be handled by the outer edge and middle label, it's probably best to pay tribute to The Avalanches from the safety of Sydney’s newest small bar.
From today, the launch of Reservations by DoorDash gives you exclusive access to tables at your favourite restaurants across Sydney and Melbourne — even when they are fully booked. This innovative new feature means that your go-to app for dining in can now be used for dining out. DoorDash Vice President APAC, Simon Rossi, says, "The launch of Reservations marks an exciting evolution for DoorDash in Australia. We're not just delivering meals, we're helping diners connect with some of the most sought-after restaurants. Whether it's securing a table at a hatted venue or discovering a hidden local gem, this feature makes it easier than ever to enjoy unforgettable dining experiences. For our restaurant partners, Reservations is another way we're helping them showcase their venues, attract new guests, and foster lasting relationships through exceptional hospitality." The Reservations system is being rolled out across two major cities now, with further launches coming soon. And it's stupidly simple. All you need to do is locate the Reservations icon in the DoorDash app, browse what's available, and confirm your booking, all in the one app. DashPass members will also have access to exclusive tables held especially for them during busy days and time slots. And the best part is that booking through this system allows you to earn redeemable credits that can be used for future orders. Prestigious restaurants across Melbourne and Sydney have embraced this new booking system, including Bar Julius, Di Stasio, Embla, Harriot and Lottie. James Bradey, founder of Liquid & Larder, says, "Bar Julius is proud to be part of DoorDash's Reservations debut. We're excited to welcome more guests from the greater network into our little corner of Redfern and provide the welcoming, detail-driven experience that's become a hallmark of Bar Julius and the Liquid & Larder family." "The DoorDash partnership will open the doors to a diverse bunch of potential new regulars that we might not otherwise have been able to reach. We're always on the lookout for more people who have been searching for a place like ours, and being on the platform will help us to continue to grow as we start our second decade in business," says Christian McCabe, General Manager at Embla in Melbourne. Images: George Roske. Reservations on DoorDash rolls out across Melbourne and Sydney from November 20. If you're looking for ideas of where to dine, check out the best restaurants in Sydney, and the best restaurants in Melbourne.
High school ends and, soon, so will one of Netflix's big hits that's set in and around that very setting. Since 2019, the streaming platform has taken viewers to the fictional Moordale Secondary School, where Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield, Flux Gourmet) followed his sex-therapist mum Jean's (Gillian Anderson, The Great) lead and started giving advice to his classmates. In September, the series will move the action over to Cavendish Sixth Form College. But after the show returns for its fourth season in its new surroundings, classes will be out — permanently. Good news, bad news, basically: the hit series will be back within mere months (and has just dropped the first teaser trailer to prove it), but will only return for one last go-around. Announcing the news, Sex Education creator, lead writer and executive producer Laurie Nunn said that "a lot has happened since our first writers room in 2017, when we spent a month in a cramped office above a sex shop, talking about what it felt like to go through puberty". "We wanted to make a show that would answer some of the questions we all used to have about love, sex, friendship and our bodies. Something that would have helped our inner teenagers feel a little less alone. It's been overwhelming seeing how the show has connected with people around the world, and we hope it's made some of you feel a little less alone, too," Nunn continued. "This was not an easy decision to make, but as the themes and the stories of the new season crystallised, it became clear that it was the right time to graduate." Sex Education will drop its fourth and final season on Thursday, September 21, complete with the show's familiar faces — Butterfield and Anderson, of course, as well as Ncuti Gatwa (the next Doctor Who), Aimee-Lou Wood (Living), Emma Mackey (Emily), Connor Swindells (Vigil), Kedar Williams-Stirling (Small Axe) and more. Helping them say farewell: Schitt's Creek favourite Dan Levy, Thaddea Graham (Doctor Who), Lisa McGrillis (Last Night in Soho), Marie Reuther (The Kingdom), Jodie Turner Smith (White Noise) and Eshaan Akbar (Spitting Image). Plot-wise, the final season will follow Otis and Eric (Gatwa) at their new school, with Otis worrying about setting up his new clinic, Eric hoping they'll be more popular, and all ex-Moordale students getting a culture shock. Check out the first teaser trailer for Sex Education season four below: Sex Education season four will stream via Netflix from Thursday, September 21.
Life in plastic may not turn out to be 100-percent fantastic in the upcoming Barbie movie, with not one, not two, but three trailers for the Margot Robbie (Babylon)-starring film showing the popular toy-turned-cinema star yearning to escape Barbie World. Life in the IRL version of Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse looks mighty spectacular, however. Decked out in pink, pink and more pink — and then even more pink after that, if you're wondering how much pink one home can feature — the playset has made the leap to reality, and it's available for bookings. Come on Barbie fans, let's go party — because Airbnb has just added Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse to its listings. Like the Ted Lasso pub, Hobbiton, the Paris theatre that inspired The Phantom of the Opera, the Bluey house, the Moulin Rouge! windmill, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion, the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop and the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage before it, plus Japan's World Heritage-listed Suganuma Village as well, this isn't your usual stay. Rather, it's welcoming in two sets of two guests, each staying for one night: on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22. If you've been obsessed with all things Barbie on the big screen even though the flick itself is still a month off, that's understandable. Enlisting Robbie as the eponymous doll and Ryan Gosling (The Gray Man) as Ken, with Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird, Little Women) directing, then stacking the rest of the cast with Issa Rae (Insecure) as president Barbie, Dua Lipa (making her movie debut) as a mermaid Barbie, Emma Mackey (Emily) as a Nobel Prize-winning physicist Barbie, Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live) as a Barbie who is always doing the split, and more — yes, that's enough to earn anyone's attention. So, if that's you, you'll also know that the Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse stays are timed around the movie's release, given that it hits cinemas Down Under on Thursday, July 20. While the film follows Barbie as she searches for something more than her seemingly perfect existing life, Ken is quite happy with the status quo — well, that's the tale being spun around this chance to slumber in a Barbie dream, at least. In fact, he's the host of the Airbnb stay. And no, we don't mean Gosling, but Ken. "We all have dreams, and Barbie is lucky enough to have a house full of them," said Ken in Airbnb's press release, presumably while wearing rollerblades and trying to keep up with Barbie. "But now, it's my turn, and I can't wait to host guests inside this one-of-a-kind — dare I say, one-of-a-Ken? — digs." This toy-inspired abode has been up on Airbnb before, but the site has undertaken a Barbie movie-inspired makeover since then. Yes, it really is a life-sized version of the coveted dollhouse. Yes, it's located in Malibu. The beachfront mansion boasts panoramic ocean views, too, as well as plenty of spots to enjoy the vista, including an infinity pool. If you manage to score one of the two bookings at 3am AEST / 5am NZST on Tuesday, July 18, you won't pay a cent for your accommodation. "Ken couldn't figure out how to put a price on Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse – after all, Ken's thing is beach, not maths," Airbnb advises. Included in your stay: finding a beach outfit from Ken's wardrobe, learning to line dance on Ken's outdoor disco dance floor, performing a sunset serenade on Ken's guitar, and having a "beach off" while sunbathing and enjoying a dip. You'll also get your own yellow-and-pink Impala skates and surfboards to take home with you. The usual caveat applies, of course: if you score a reservation, the cost of getting to Malibu and back again is all on you. For more information about Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse on Airbnb, or to apply to book at 3am AEST / 5am NZST on Tuesday, July 18, head to the Airbnb website. Images: Hogwash Studios / Joyce Lee. 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.
Our experience of the world and its events is a complex, often cacophonic relationship between a non-stop feed of information and what is immediately important to us in our daily lives. As choreographer Lucy Guerin acknowledges in her program notes, the common result of this relationship is that "the trivialities of daily life tend to overtake so easily the infuriating and heart-rending events which are reported to us everyday". How can we not let slip news of uprisings, bombings and invasions in distant countries when faced with the pressing dilemma of what to eat for dinner? Guerin's work, Human Interest Story, grows out of this tension. Six performers begin in a familiar scene: staring emptily at a giant, glowing television screen that feeds them an endless gruel of information. Their response is to parrot newsreaders, robotically articulating the gestures and vocal qualities of the sanitised news anchor, reporting atrocity and controversy without marked emotional comment. As a trigger, this is a necessary scene for Guerin's audience, and it is from here that the dancers unfold into unpacking our mutable relationship with the mediated world. As an audience, we are drawn to the lighter moments, when dancer Stephanie Lake performs a solo sequence broken up by mundane commentary about her life, her routine while on tour and her lack of definite opinion on Australian politics. In contrast, when in later sequences we see a repetition of fractured, violent events that could have been picked from footage of riots across the world, our attentions phase out. The scene has slipped away because there is no human interest for us to grip. For Sydney viewers, it is a lovely coincidence that Human Interest Story and UK company, DV8's Can We Talk About This? have opened so close together. Both pieces bring out the tensions of our current media landscape, and do so through introducing spoken word as another form of physical, rather than linguistic, expression. Whether seen together or individually, these works are effective in drawing our focus to the specific moral dilemma of how we can balance news of the world with our own routines. That Human Interest Story relates a mixed expression of this dilemma, rather than hammering a single view, makes it all the more effective in allowing you to prepare your own response to the chaos of the world.
How do you find a single missing person in a country of over a billion? That's the terrifying dilemma faced by a desperate father, after his 12-year-old son goes missing. A sobering portrait of a pandemic concern in poverty-affected India, Richie Mehta's film works thanks to his unexaggerated approach to the subject matter. There's not a hint of melodrama here, and the tale is all the more compelling for it. For a film set half a world away, Siddharth hits very close to home. The film takes its title from the name of the missing boy, who in the opening scene we see being loaded onto a bus by his father, Mahendra (Rajesh Tailang). Siddharth is on his way to Ludhiana, hundreds of kilometres away, where he's due to start work in a trolley factory. Child labour is illegal in India, but commonplace nevertheless. And for the family of four, no longer able to survive on Mahendra's meagre wages as a street corner zipper repairman, the second source of income will be crucial. When Siddharth fails to return to Delhi for the Diwali festival a month later, the assumption is that he simply couldn't secure passage home. But as time passes without any word, Mahendra and his wife, Suman (Tannishtha Chatterjee), grow increasingly concerned. When they finally call the owner of the factory, he tells them that the boy ran away more than a fortnight ago. Unable to believe Siddharth wouldn't simply return home, the fear then becomes that he has been kidnapped. Based on a first person anecdote Mehta — a Canadian filmmaker of Indian descent — heard while travelling in Delhi, the story examines multiple social issues facing India. Recent statistics show that nearly 40,000 children disappear in the country each year, many of them sold into slavery or prostitution or forced out onto the streets to beg. Indeed, the problem is so endemic, so normalised, that at one point someone suggests that Mahendra simply have another child. Such callous pragmatism extends to the police force and child protection agencies, overworked and undermanned as they are. But so too does it extend to Mahendra himself, who is soon confronted with the financial cost of continuing the search for his son. It costs him a month's savings just to pay for a train ticket to Mumbai. Suman blames him for sending Siddharth away, and it's easy to agree with her. But then again, did he even have a choice? The grim economic reality of the family's situation is the stark spotlight under which Mehta's film unfolds, and ultimately makes it that much more confronting. https://youtube.com/watch?v=wNMDwpMrxmQ
Everyone has a childhood memory about discovering chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. A staple at several ice cream chains, the flavour is as simple as it sounds. Take some ice cream, add chocolate chip cookie dough, then mix it all together — with dessert fiends then able to lick their way through a creamy but also chunky mashup of two sweet treat favourites. Ben & Jerry's is one of the brands that has been dishing up the frosty treat for years, introducing it in 1984. In 2021, however, it has just launched a range of cookie dough chunks that don't come with ice cream. Available for a limited time only, you can snack them from the packet rather than enjoy them in a cone or cup. Two types are on offer, in 180-gram and 227-gram pouches. If you're all about choc chips, you can grab a whole packet of doughy chunks filled with them. If you're keen to mix it up, you can opt for both chocolate chip cookie dough and fudge brownie pieces in the same packet — so a version of Ben & Jerry's Half Baked flavour, sans ice cream. The separate packs of cookie dough chunks are only available until sold out, with the range on offer in select Ben & Jerry's Scoop Stores now — in Manly, Bondi and Chatswood in Sydney; Flinders Lane, Burwood Brickworks and St Kilda in Melbourne; Mooloolaba, Noosa, Surfer's Paradise and Pacific Fair in Queensland; and Hillarys, Joondalup, Fremantle and Northbridge in Western Australia. Ben & Jerry's cookie dough chunks are available at select Ben & Jerry's stores in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia for a limited time — in 180-gram and 227-gram packs.
If you've ever found yourself wondering how certain foods and recipes are made, you're not alone. After all, the great Australia vs New Zealand pavlova debate fails to answer the question of who in their right mind thought whipping egg whites was a good idea. Most foods go through several iterations to come to the form we know them in today. Maybe it's because we have too much time on our hands with nearly 12 million of us locked down right now, but we decided to delve into the weird and wonderful history of some of Australia's most-loved food and drinks. From dinner party favourites to footy game snacks, here are a few brief backstories that took these foods to where they are today. PRAWN COCKTAILS Prawn cocktails reigned supreme at dinner parties in the decades leading up to the turn of the century, but the legend of this dinner party delight harkens back to the 19th century. Folklore has it that a worker came to a bar in California and ordered a plate of oysters and a whiskey after a day in the mines. After downing the whiskey, the prospector emptied the oysters into the glass and combined them with ketchup, horseradish, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. When asked what he was doing, the worker replied that he had created an 'oyster cocktail'. Somehow the bar owner thought this was a winning idea and begun selling oyster cocktails, launching the seafood cocktail. The dish popped up in Australia around the 1930s. In 1936, Adelaide's The Mail newspaper published a recipe for the seafood cocktail under the title 'Drinks For The Beach'. The recipe featured grilled shellfish in a small glass of sherry with "two dashes Tabasco sauce, a teaspoon lemon juice, two tablespoons tomato sauce or catsup, a teaspoon Worcester sauce, half teaspoon chopped chives" which would be mixed well, served over ice and with brown bread. BANH MI The Vietnamese banh mi's history is tied closely to European colonialism. The French invasion in the 1800s and subsequent global trade brought France's bread and European ingredients including cold cuts into Vietnam. This would eventually lead to the banh mi's crispy bread roll, reminiscent of a French baguette. The first banh mi was a simple sandwich featuring butter, cold cuts and paté. More traditional Vietnamese fillings became popular later, but the butter and paté stayed. The sandwich was most popular in the southern warmer parts of Vietnam as an alternative to Vietnamese staples like pho. Banh mi begun to spread far and wide in the 1960s and 70s following the Vietnam War, arriving in places like Australia where the warm climate mirrored that of south Vietnam. FOUR'N TWENTY PIES In March 2020 the Four'n Twenty pie became the Official Pie of the AFL. The crowning of this humble Australian pie brand had been a long time coming, but it was a long road to get there. The Four'n Twenty was created in Bendigo in 1947 by Les McClure, a dairy farmer who opened the Dad & Dave cafe. The pies were originally named after McClure's cafe before they were, apparently, renamed as a nod to the nursery rhyme 'Sing a Song of Sixpence' and its "four and twenty blackbirds backed in a pie". The pie's ability to be eaten with one hand while you hold a beer in the other no doubt contributed to its popularity as a stadium food, with the Four'n Twenty a frequent supplier to AFL food stands after its purchase by Peters Ice Cream in 1960. The thing that really solidified this particular brand of pies in the minds of footy fans was iconic ads that ran through the 1980s and 90s featuring catchy jingles and AFL stars. ESPRESSO MARTINI While some drinks have been around for centuries, the fun-lovin' espresso martini is fairly new to the bar scene. First created by revolutionary London bartender Dick Bradsell back in the early 80s, the cocktail's birth is attributed to a supermodel asking for a booze-fuelled drink that would simultaneously wake her up. As vodka back then was the spirit a la mode, Bradsell threw a generous shot of it in with a shot of coffee pulled from the barside espresso machine, plus some coffee liqueur (our money's on Kahlúa) and sugar syrup, then shook away before pouring it into a martini glass. It's rumoured that Kate Moss or Naomi Campbell could be the model behind the birth of the espresso martini. Initially, the drink was simply called a vodka espresso, before being known as the Pharmaceutical Stimulant in the late 90s and then the espresso martini. BOMBE ALASKA The bombe Alaska, or baked Alaska as it's known in its country of origin, has a storied past featuring former presidents and the sale of Russian land. Reports date dishes similar to the baked Alaska back to 1800s USA where President Thomas Jefferson dined on ice cream encased in a dried crust at the White House. It was apparently US inventor Sir Benjamin Thompson, the inventor of the kitchen range and a British loyalist in the American Revolutionary War, that was the first to discover meringue could be used as an insulator. The dessert's name comes from Parisian-American chef Charles Ranhofer who created a banana ice cream and walnut spiced cake version of the meal Jefferson had eaten and labeled it the Florida-Alaska. DOUGHNUTS The Smithsonian Magazine claims doughnuts have been around in some form or another for thousands of years, with archaeologists discovering fossils of doughnut-like cakes in prehistoric settlements. References to the doughnut can be found in publications as far back as 1808. A recipe from 1896 combines flour, salt, soda, cream tartar, nutmeg, cinnamon, butter, sugar, egg and sour milk to create its doughnuts. There seem to be two stories surrounding how doughnuts got their famous shape. The first is simply that the dough wouldn't cook all the way through to the middle when they were first being made so they were hollowed out. The second is a much more interesting story, involving adventures of the high seas. A New England ship captain had been given cakes from his mother to eat on a journey across the sea in order to ward off scurvy. When the captain needed to hold the wheel with both hands, he speared one of his mother's cakes onto the wheel, gifting the world the hollowed-out shape of the doughnut. MANGO PANCAKES The story of mango pancakes is one of mystery more than certainty. The bright yellow desserts are such a staple of Australian yum cha, some locals may be surprised to find out they are, for the most part, a uniquely Australian thing. The only other place across the globe that seems to have the same level of deep adoration for these creamy mango delights is Hong Kong. The dish is the signature dessert of Honeymoon Dessert, who have a strong claim to starting the craze in Hong Kong, however Honeymoon was established in 1995 and reports of Mango Pancakes online date back to the early 90s in Australia. This is all anecdotal of course, but, if there are any pancake detectives on the case, reach out as the mystery remains unsolved. Illustrations by asu_ad
As fans across the globe gear up for the Arctic Monkeys' sixth album to drop later this week, the acclaimed English rockers have pushed the excitement levels even further, announcing a series of international pop-ups and film screenings to coincide with the launch. And even Australia's getting a look-in, with the local edition of the store — named after the forthcoming album Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino — is popping up at Sydney's Golden Age Cinema and Bar, this Friday, May 11, and Saturday, May 12. According to the Arctic Monkeys' website, the TBHC pop-ups will offer a range of "unique and limited album and merchandise items", alongside screenings of the band's favourite 70s flicks. Titles include Le Cercle Rouge, Inherent Vice, The Last Waltz and Michelangelo Antonioni's L'Eclisse. The event's running at the Surry Hills theatre from 11am until 8.30pm each day, though as you can imagine, tickets to the screenings are already selling fast. Only a handful of other lucky cities will also host these Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino pop-ups: Berlin, Tokyo, Paris, New York and the band's own hometown of Sheffield. The Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino will pop up at Sydney's Golden Age Cinema and Bar, 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills. Tickets to the Sydney screenings are on sale here.
Combining the savage and the sublime, On Body and Soul enters a slaughterhouse to tell an unconventional love story. Here, animals become meat for humans to consume, while people become animals to live out their deepest fantasies. The first part is literal, as depicted in stark abattoir scenes that don't shy away from blood and butchering, and might make carnivores think twice about their eating habits. The second part doesn't really involve the movie's characters turning into actual critters, but to the film's star-crossed protagonists, their animal transformation might as well be real. Human resources manager Endre (Géza Morcsányi) and new hygiene inspector Maria (Alexandra Borbély) work at the facility in question, with chopped-up cattle an ordinary aspect of their everyday routines. Both are unfazed about the gory nature of their workplace, although neither are particularly happy in general, gravitating towards each other because they're each a little lost and more than a little lonely. During the day, their conversations are polite and restrained, but loaded with unspoken emotions. By night, it's another matter entirely. In their own beds and their own apartments, they both dream of deers running around a snowy forest, doing what deers do. More than that, they dream that their respective deers are frolicking together in a shared dreamscape. Everyone has had the experience of waking from their slumber feeling like they've just lived another life. Everyone has felt a bond with someone else that they couldn't quite explain. Everyone has felt detached from reality and much more at home in their own head. Combine all of the above, and that's still just the beginning of On Body and Soul's surreal, slow-building romance — the relatable starting point for a weird and wonderful exploration of what it means to be human. If the narrative had appeared to writer-director Ildikó Enyedi in her own dreams, that wouldn't be a surprise, but her blend of beauty and brutality burrows deep into weighty existential matters. Forget androids pondering electric sheep (sorry Blade Runner); this thoughtful movie wants to know if mankind can ever truly get a reprieve from our unforgiving world, or if becoming animals in our dreams is the closest we'll come to real happiness. The questions keep flowing, seeping into the audience's mind like a well-deployed Laura Marling track, although Enyedi is refreshingly unconcerned with serving up answers. Furthermore, her on-screen lovers are just as uninterested in finding them. While a contrived development takes Endre and Maria from colleagues to something more in their waking life, there's nothing convenient or artificial about their yearning to belong — or about the performances that breathe life into these restless souls. Quiet and unflashy yet nonetheless compelling, first-timer Morcsányi and the more experienced Borbély achieve what every actor strives for, offering a window into their characters' inner worlds. Of course, the film's entire premise does exactly that in its dreamy deer sequences, but its stars are crucial in making the fantastical concept work. If this moody, musing movie belongs to anyone, however, it's Enyedi. Nearly three decades after nabbing the Cannes Film Festival's Golden Camera award for her first feature, she has scooped up a spate of shiny trophies for On Body and Soul, and it's easy to see why. The winner of the 2017 Berlinale Golden Bear and the Sydney Film Prize, as well as a nominee at this year's Oscars, Enyedi's latest feature mightn't suit everyone's tastes, but it's an immersive, distinctive deep dive into familiar basic themes — love, life and loneliness — that looks and feels like it couldn't have been conjured up by anyone else. Pay particular attention to the director's exacting images, with every splash of blood, frosty field and clinical workspace making a statement both visually and emotionally. The way the film contrasts the horrors of slaughter with the serenity of nature, and uses them both as metaphors for life's difficult extremes, might all seem obvious on paper. And yet it couldn't be more affecting or arresting on the screen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoQAm-E85bY&feature=youtu.be
Heavy with smoke. Charged with intrigue. 1930s Shanghai is like Dickensian London; it's a locale explored so thoroughly by writers of fiction that reality and fantasy are having a hard time not tripping over each other. But these spaces are where "volcanic live artist" Moira Finucane creates her best work. Renowned for the creation of sumptuous worlds in which her burlesque performances take place, Finucane recreates the stage of a nightclub cabaret in 1930s Shanghai — the perfect setting for her blend of painstaking detail and raucous subversion. Chinese jazz fills the air where acrobats had flown, seconds before. And on the ground, an international array of singers and dancers appear from all quarters, slinking through the half-light of the club. At Shànghǎi MiMi上海咪咪's, the real and imagined fall prey to a far more powerful force — immersion. Shànghǎi MiMi上海咪 is part of Sydney Festival's dramatic and diverse 2019 program. Check out the full lineup here.
Aussies are embracing the no- and low-alcohol movement. When we go out to a bar, bottle shop or even our local supermarket, we are spoiled for choice with options for non-alcoholic wines, beers, mocktails and spirits. One such offering is from premium alcohol-removed winery Edenvale Wines. It has positioned itself as an alternative range of wines for wine lovers if they've decided to go booze-free for whatever reason. We caught up with Edenvale Wines winemaker Aaron Milne to find out how the heck you even get the alcohol out of the wine, and what the future is for the no and low trend. First up, tell us about your background. How did you become involved in the wine world? I started in wine by picking up some work during the holidays working in the cellar door. About 16 or 17 years ago, I took a vintage job with Lindeman's Winery and I really enjoyed it. While I was there, I researched and jumped on a winemaking degree at Charles Sturt University. I was offered to come and work at AVL (Australian Vintage Limited) and they offered to help me with my studies. I did that and I really haven't looked back. It's been hectic! What was it about the wine industry that drew you in? It's just very different. When you're working in a factory or other production facility you do one thing every day, all the time. Whereas with wine, because it's so seasonal, we're doing a different thing at each time of the year and each wine is different and each season is different. So, although you are kind of making the same product every year, there's always something very exciting and challenging about it. So how, and why, did you end up making alcohol-removed wines? It was actually just fate. I was working at AVL and they had a division that had an alcohol-removal facility. They offered me a position to run the place. I was interested in the process, the spinning cone, evaporators, thermo flash extractors and all sorts of different pieces of equipment. Back in those days, there was some scepticism about the concept — "Who is actually going for alcohol-removed wines?" — and then suddenly it just turned around. People became really keen on it and it just grew and grew. AVL is where I met Michael Bright, he was our biggest customer and really championed the alcohol-removed wine category with Edenvale. I worked closely with him to improve and develop products and processes. When Michael asked if I wanted to join Edenvale and help them build a brand-new processing plant, I jumped at the opportunity. Can you bring me through the process of actually making alcohol-removed wines? The basic winemaking process is the same. We harvest the fruit, remove the stems and leaves and then crush the fruit to get all the juice, then add yeast and ferment it. Once fermented, it is clarified to remove impurities and put through cold and heat stabilisation to prevent spoilage. There are other potential steps like ageing in oak barrels and so on. But essentially, you get it to the bottle-ready stage and then we start the process to remove the alcohol. The standard method is with a spinning cone that uses vacuum distillation. This puts wine under a vacuum to reduce the pressure and lower the boiling point of alcohol. Before this method, winemakers would just boil the alcohol out of the wine — cooking out all of the flavours. Now we're able to remove the alcohol at quite low temperatures down around the 30–40-degree range. This first round is called the 'de aroma step' because the alcohol that is removed also includes all the aromas of the wine. We hold the alcohol and aromas to one side and pass the wine through again more slowly to get rid of the rest of the alcohol. What's left is a quite harsh, severe wine that's been concentrated as well. It's honestly undrinkable. So then we restore balance. Alcohol is very sweet. So when you remove the alcohol, you remove a lot of sweetness. We normally put in some grape juice concentrate to replace that. When it's ready, we return a small portion of that aroma that we took out back into the wine — but only a little bit at a time as there's alcohol in the aromas. We're not adding artificial flavours and trying to blend artificial or natural sorts of flavours to recreate wine. We're taking the original flavor and we're returning it to the wine. So, it's almost like you kind of deconstruct the wine and you reconstruct it again? Yes, we essentially pull it apart, get the alcohol out and then try and put it back together. And the alcohol by-product doesn't go to waste either. We sell it to distilleries for further processing and they sell that on to brandy makers. It makes for a good spirit because we use good quality grapes and wines. What's the biggest challenge you'd face when making alcohol-removed wines? It can be challenging, not just because of the flavour, but also trying to make it not look like watery juice. We also have issues with spoilage. As we've removed the alcohol, we've removed the main preservative that stops it from going bad. We have a really short time frame from when we remove the alcohol to trying to get it into a bottle nice and safe in a sealed environment because it really wants to ferment. With regular wines, you can leave it for months or longer before bottling, but we don't have that luxury with alcohol-removed wines. We need to get everything right in one go. Do you think an average wine drinker would be able to tell the difference between alcohol-removed wines and traditional wines? If you don't prime them and just pour wine at dinner and don't mention it, you might get away with it for an average wine drinker. It'll be much harder to detect that there's no alcohol in a sparkling wine than in aromatic whites. We find that sparkling wines are the easiest to make as the bubbles help to fill the palate and lift the flavour so you don't notice the missing alcohol quite so much. Then the next is probably our aromatic white like sauv blanc and riesling because they are fresh and fruity. Then more complex heavier whites like chardonnay. It gets a little bit easier to tell with reds. When we pull that aroma out, what's left is an extremely floral red berry flavour, not the expected complex notes and then there are the tannins. I was going to ask, do you lose any of that tannin structure? No, it actually comes forward really aggressively. The sweetness and mouthfeel of alcohol tend to help soften those tannins. When you take that away, the tannins become really quite harsh. That's why the alcohol-removed wines have grape juice concentrate in them to replace that alcohol sweetness and also to make those tannins a lot less harsh and more drinkable. Our GSM from Fleurieu Peninsula is a more serious de-alcoholised red that stacks up. We've done our best to dry up that wine as much as possible. How would you go about pairing Edenvale Wines? The wines pair excellently with food. You can even cook with them — there's no alcohol to cook off. I would say to pair seafood with our sem sauvignon blanc, canapes with our sparkling and for a big rich fatty steak I'd probably go with our sparkling shiraz. It might seem like an odd choice but it's got a big body and mouthfeel that would help to balance out a nice big steak. Do you see a point in the future where traditional wine is a competitor to your wines? I think right now it's different enough that people are choosing us specifically because we have no alcohol. If it gets to a stage where they're deciding whether or not they feel like alcohol and we're a good alternative, that would be a good place to be. But it's great that punters have the choice now between a mocktail, zero-alcohol beer and zero-alcohol wine. And why do you think there has been such a trend towards non-alcoholic beverages of all kinds? There's definitely an underlying trend in younger people to drink less alcohol and a growing health awareness around the consumption of alcohol. Speaking from my own point of view, if I get a hangover before a weekend when I have plans, that then makes me feel like I've wasted my entire weekend. With these wines, we retain all the good things about the drink, all the good extracts from the grape, just no alcohol. What do you think would be the future for Edenvale Wines and alcohol-removed wines in general? I think right now the focus on this side of the wine world is fantastic. There's a lot more energy in the industry. We're getting a lot more funding into research and I think we may see new developments and new technology to make the process even better. Edenvale Wines is a premium range of alcohol-removed wines that are available to purchase directly from the website or at most major supermarkets and liquor retailers.
While numerous bushfires continue to burn across Victoria, efforts to ramp up support to those directly affected are well underway. The Victorian Farmers' Federation (VFF) — the state's peak farmer advocacy body since 1979 — is calling on the public to lend a hand, as farmers and their communities need immediate relief following the catastrophic events. At least 700 structures have been destroyed, and more than 1000 agricultural properties have been impacted, with farmers losing fencing, pasture, and infrastructure. Meanwhile, it's estimated that 15,000 livestock have been lost. Combined with ongoing challenges around droughts and rising costs, throwing your financial support behind the community makes a tangible difference, now more than ever. In this time of crisis, the VFF has activated its Disaster Relief Fund, where every dollar donated goes directly to farmers in need. Guided by VFF President and fifth-generation grain farmer Brett Hosking, he says this farmer-led program exists to offer immediate support in devastating moments like these. View this post on Instagram A post shared by YIAGA (@yiaga.au) "Every donation goes to support farmers in need, providing immediate grants to those who have suffered loss and to replace vital infrastructure, fodder and equipment, while also meeting basic household needs," says Hosking. "But it's about more than just rebuilding farms. In times of crisis, immediate financial help eases stress, restores hope, and supports the mental well-being of farming families." In addition, the VFF has also been coordinating with the federal and Victorian governments to secure much-needed support as soon as possible. A joint recovery package has been announced, with almost $100 million available to affected communities, including recovery grants, prolonged power outage payments, concessional loans and financial counselling. "History has shown that in times of devastation, Australians always band together and dig deep. It's part of our DNA," says Hosking. "During the worst of times is often when the very best of the community is on show. Farmers need help, and donating is the best way people can do that." [caption id="attachment_1063729" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Credit: iStock/Beverley Van Praagh.[/caption] The Victorian Farmers' Federation (VFF) is now accepting public donations. Head to the website for more information and to contribute.
The lucky country is at the top of global travel plans for British holidaygoers, according to a recent survey by TravelBag. Specifically, Australia ranks as the third most appealing destination on Earth, beaten only by Canada and Japan. The survey details that almost half (46 percent, to be precise) of Brits are aching for their next overseas adventure — unsurprisingly, Japan takes the top spot. Plenty of Australians also want to go there or have already gone. But Australia sits well within the top three, with 30 percent of survey respondents ranking it as their most sought-after holiday destination. There's no surprise there, considering our world-famous beaches, natural scenery and busy urban atmospheres. There's a bit of everything for everyone, visitor and resident alike in Australia. For active travel planners, Australia came in second place. Gen X travellers are most drawn to Australia, but its Millennials who are actually making the plans, 9.6 percent of them specifically. Classically, most of those trips are aimed for the dreary UK winter and red-hot Australian summer period of December to February, a season that we who live here know is where everything really comes alive. Take the beaches. Bondi is likely first in mind for many of these tourists-to-be, but there's plenty more great ones to discover all over the Harbour City, and the rest of the country for that matter. When the heat becomes too much to bear, travellers are likely to head indoors, and the majority of them (26.7 percent) intend to add shopping to their itinerary. Otherwise, ancient ruins and local history draw 21.4 percent of tourists, and road trips make up 21.5 percent of itineraries, too. It's time to start planning a summer adventure, so have a tour of our guides for NSW, VIC and QLD to find the experiences that are right for you.
How can a play from 1969 be relevant to society today? Bentley is a man who puts too much trust in consumerism. He has the perfect apartment. He is exceedingly successful at work. He has good friends and copious amounts of "the old Resch's" chilling in his fridge. He's even managed to nab the dream girl. Bentley has done everything society has told him to do, so how could everything go so horribly wrong? Does that sound irrelevant to you and your life today? Don't Look Away is a production company dedicated to the revitalisation of ageing Australian plays, breathing life into forgotten, or neglected, classics. And Alex Buzo's lost gem Rooted is a stellar choice. They've confidently positioned the classic within the context of 21st-century society, in an exploration of the lengths people will go to achieve success. Darkly satirical and disturbingly true, Rooted was first performed at the NIDA Jane Street Theatre in 1969. Now — over forty years on — it's been brought back to life and, fittingly, is showing at NIDA's Parade Theatre. Under the bold direction of Phil Rouse (Ham Funeral), this A-class group of performers — an impressive crop of emerging Australians actors — deliver exciting performances. Although at times incredibly unlikeable, their characters reveal truths about status anxiety in their constant quest to impress the omnipresent (but never actually seen) 'Simmo'. George Bander is a standout as Bentley; his haunting performance proof that an obsession with consumer society will ultimately see you yourself consumed. It's set against a seriously cool soundtrack, consisting of some very current bangers, and set design by Anna Gardiner is also notably striking, changing several times throughout the course of the play. Stark white walls act as a canvas to the stylish, modern lives of these characters, with stunning lighting design by Sian James-Holland. Unlike much Australian theatre of both past and present, Buzo's play lacks the usual burden of current affairs, political statements and strong social opinions. What you see is what you get with this script, Rooted remaining as potent for the audiences of today as it was in '69. This will suit some; perhaps others will find it has a somewhat shallow effect. Either way, this remains a production that is full of flavour, Don’t Look Away channeling a youthful energy and intelligence into this forgotten classic. And that is always going to be a good thing.
If you've always had an eye on the cosmos, but can't bring yourself to splash out on a high-grade telescope (or can't even see much past the city glare), there's an opportunity coming to take a proper look at our solar neighbourhood on Friday, September 5. Stargazing Night in Glenworth Valley is an ideal opportunity for seasoned enthusiasts and astronomy newcomers alike, with a guided evening staring up above led by astrophysicist Dr. Dimitri Douchin. If the weather holds, you'll get clear glimpses at the Southern Cross, Emu in the Sky, Alpha Centauri, Tarantula Nebula and the bands of our Milky Way Galaxy. [caption id="attachment_1015727" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] It's not just a feast for the eyes, either. Your ticket includes a gourmet barbecue dinner around the firepit (steak, sausages, grilled vegetables, salad and fresh bread — what more do you need?) before the stargazing begins, as well as steady access to tea, coffee and hot chocolate to stay warm and energised throughout the evening. Glenworth Valley is only an hour's drive from the CBD, so you won't be home too late if you choose to make the drive back. That said, it's an excellent opportunity to make it a getaway and book a campground nearby, rent a campervan, or make a booking at the local glamping site to rest your head without hitting the highway. [caption id="attachment_1015728" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Top image: Liam Foster
Following its four-year residency along North Bondi's Mitchell Street, Shuk is now set to open it's second location in Elizabeth Bay — bringing with it a fresh taste of Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine. The next instalment of the restaurant will open this spring within the Trebartha Apartments at Rosyln Gardens, a retirement community which has recently been redeveloped by Lendlease. Oddly enough, this is the third noteworthy opening within a retirement village we've covered this year — the other two being the opulent Botanica Vaucluse garden restaurant and spa, and Harbord Diggers, Freshwater's new dining and entertainment precinct. For the Shuk team, the location appeals to a mix of locals and out-of-suburb visitors, a point that works so well for the Bondi original. In the kitchen is head chef German Sanchez and he'll bring over existing Shuk favourites — like the baked egg shakshuka for brekkie and the eight-hour slow-cooked lamb and hummus platter for lunch — while adding in new dishes that put personal touches on time-honoured family recipes. The Elizabeth Bay outpost will serve freshly baked breads and pastries, too, with specialties like challah, bagels and sourdough all on offer. Dinner will take on a greater focus in the new space, with an expanded nighttime offering from Thursday through Sunday (whereas Bondi only offers dinner on weekends). We're hoping to see the truffled cauliflower steak with king mushroom ragu brought over from the existing dinner menu, along with the gluten free Middle Eastern tiramisu with chocolate cookie crumble and pistachios. No pressure. Shuk Elizabeth Bay is slated to open this spring 2018 at the Trebartha Apartments, 61/69 Roslyn Gardens, Elizabeth Bay. It'll be open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch and for dinner Thursday through Sunday. We'll let you know when an opening date is set. Images: Natalie Carroll
Readers of the lower north shore have been gathering at The Constant Reader since it opened way back in 1979. On top of being one of Sydney's oldest independent bookshops, it's also one of the biggest. Lose yourself in more than 238 square metres — crowded with fiction, biographies, art, design, cooking, crime, sport, travel and more. The Constant Reader also runs the Writers at Stanton program, a series of lunchtime talks featuring authors that's been running since 1990 at Stanton Library in North Sydney.
In August, Hollywood lost a legend, with William Friedkin passing away at the age of 87. This one hits hard, with the iconic director enjoying an enviable career, constantly testing the limits of filmmaking and helming some of best movies of the 70s. Here's one: a little flick called The Exorcist, which had heads spinning on- and off-screen, scored ten Oscar nominations and became the first-ever horror movie to be in the running for the Best Picture award. One of the greatest-ever films in the genre, it also sparked a franchise that's still going today — but, no matter what follows, it'll always be the best of the bunch. Here's another: New York-set crime-thriller The French Connection, home to a powerhouse performance by Gene Hackman — an Oscar-winning one, too — and the reason that Friedkin has a Best Director Academy Award. In a retrospective called The Fearless William Friedkin, Golden Age Cinema and Bar is paying tribute to the filmmaker in the best way there is: showing his work. The Exorcist and The French Connection are on the bill, of course, as part of a four-title lineup. If you haven't experienced Sorcerer yet, then you haven't experienced true cinematic tension. Driving trucks filled with volatile dynamite through South America, across 351 kilometres of unstable roads, makes for utterly nerve-shredding viewing — and a movie masterpiece. Also on the lineup is To Live and Die in LA, an early highlight on Willem Dafoe's resume that sees him play a master criminal. The film season's flicks pop up at different dates and times until mid-October — get the specifics from the cinema.
If you thought tea drinking was reserved solely for your grandma's weekly knitting circle, think again. The team at T Totaler are turning the brewing scene on its head. They'll hit shoppers at the Strand Arcade from November 27 with workshops and a range of tantalising herbal concoctions. Anyone familiar with T Totaler's flagship Newtown store will delight in the apothecary-inspired experience at the brand's latest pop-up space. Twenty-five unique blends — sourced 100 percent from locally grown produce — will be bottled up with care into recycled amber medicine jars, making for some seriously sweet stocking stuffers this silly season. For those unsure where to begin on their brewing adventure, stop by one of T Totaler's alchemy or blending workshops to learn the tools of the trade. From classic hot brews to cold drip teas, these guys are sure to teach you a thing or two on how to transform your morning cuppa.
"We are the smartest men in America. We literally have the resources to take over the world." When four tech billionaires on a snowy getaway in a sprawling mansion start talking that way, as the characters in Mountainhead do in the new film's just-dropped full trailer, no one else is likely to benefit. Other than audiences, that is, because this is the latest project from Succession creator Jesse Armstrong — and it marks his return to the screen after that huge HBO hit wrapped up in 2023. Here, the world is in chaos. Violent confrontations, atrocities, nations teetering both politically and economically: that's the situation. On a luxe weekend in icy climes, four titans of tech watch on. What could the US President have to say when he calls, then? "That your platform's inflamed a volatile situation, circulating unfalsifiable deepfakes, massive fraud, market instability" is one prediction that Mountainhead's sneak peeks have been teasing. Armstrong both writes and directs — and is still clearly in eat-the-rich mode as the ultra-wealthy quartet at the centre of his new movie respond, or don't, to an international crisis perhaps of their making. Steve Carell (Despicable Me 4), Jason Schwartzman (The Last Showgirl), Cory Michael Smith (Saturday Night) and Ramy Youssef (Poor Things) play the cashed-up crew, aka Randall, Souper, Venis and Jeff, who aren't above shouting about their supposed greatness from mountaintops and writing their net-worth figures on their bare chests. Mountainhead might be Armstrong's first feature as a director, but it's a straight-to-streaming flick, hitting HBO Max in Australia on Sunday, 1 June, 2025. Co-starring alongside Carell, Schwartzman, Smith and Youssef: Hadley Robinson (Anyone But You), Andy Daly (Night Court), Ali Kinkade (Lessons in Chemistry), Daniel Oreskes (A Real Pain), David Thompson (It's What's Inside), Ami MacKenzie (Pulse) and Ava Kostia (Love Across Time). Although Armstrong is best-known for Succession — understandably so given that it has earned him seven Emmys — he's an Oscar-nominee for In the Loop's screenplay, also co-created Peep Show, was a writer on The Thick of It and Veep, co-penned Four Lions and wrote a season-one episode of Black Mirror, among other credits. Check out the full trailer for Mountainhead below: Mountainhead streams via HBO Max from Sunday, June 1, 2025. Images: Macall Polay/HBO.
If there’s one thing the movies of Noah Baumbach tell us — including the college exploits of Kicking and Screaming, the teenage unhappiness of The Squid and the Whale and the midlife crisis of Greenberg — it’s this: growing up doesn’t come easily. Sure, we all get older as the days, months and years pass, but that doesn’t mean we feel our age. While We're Young lives and breathes this sentiment, and its characters as well. “For the first time in my life, I've stopped thinking of myself as a child imitating an adult,” says documentarian Josh Srebnick (Ben Stiller) to his producer wife Cornelia (Naomi Watts), to which she replies, "you feel that way too?" It's an easy way of expressing the feature's theme in dialogue — a little too easy, in fact — but it rings true. They're trapped by expectations they can't fulfil and ambitions they haven’t achieved, and they're not ready for that realisation. Two events start Josh and Cornelia thinking that maybe their mid-forties life isn't what they think it is. First, friends their own age (Maria Dizzia and the Beastie Boys' Adam Horovitz) have a baby and tell them constantly that they should do the same. Then they meet wannabe filmmaker Jamie (Adam Driver) and his wife, Darby (Amanda Seyfried), twenty-somethings they can nostalgically see decades-earlier versions of themselves in. Cue a whole heap of generational contrasts, of the young-folks-like-retro-trinkets versus older-people-prefer-technological-gadgets variety. Again, it's simple shorthand for a divide that looks obvious, but the film isn't just trying to show how things are different. Focused on a couple who don't feel in synch with their age group yet soon learn that they don't really fit in with younger friends and trends either, While We're Young is trying to understand why. That's a big challenge for a 97-minute comedy; however, it is one that the ever-perceptive Baumbach accepts. As he did with the delightful Frances Ha before this, the writer/director homes in on details so specific, they might as well be ripped from many of the audience's lives. And if his last film was his attempt at combining such wry observations with a French New Wave coming-of-age tale, this is him revelling in Woody Allen, comedy-of-manners territory. Though a Bowie song is again in the mix, While We're Young doesn't quite bounce along with the same zest as its predecessor, but it does roll with the punches of a story that morphs into a contemplation of authenticity. Thankfully, the film's bright frames boast that in spades, as it juxtaposes both sides of the age divide but, crucially, never judges. Everyone — Josh, Cornelia, Jamie and Darby alike — just wants to reconcile their dreams with their reality. Performance-wise, the good stuff keeps on coming, gifting Watts her best work in years, letting Stiller show a more chilled version of his Greenberg persona and playing with Driver's natural charm. That said, if there's one thing that doesn't sit right in the whole movie and its musings on getting older, it's one piece of casting. Seriously, who wouldn't want to hang out with Ad-Rock, baby or not, at any age?
When you're seeking a gourmet bite in Bondi, The Hub on Hall Street makes life simple, with this vibrant precinct home to much-loved spots like Da Orazio, bills, Gelato Messina and Masala Theory. Yet for one weekend this month, the whole place is transforming into a sprawling celebration of flavour, sound and creativity for Hubfest. Taking place from 12–9pm on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, this festival-like experience kicks off with a host of special deals, with over 30 food and drink offerings priced from $10–20. Think focaccia bites and negronis from Salumerie and a Hubfest-exclusive pretzel crunch magnum from Gelato Messina. Yet there's more than just stellar cuisine to explore. Setting the tone at Hubfest, The Tower Stage will sit between Salumerie and Harris Farm, wrapped in custom NOTNOT artwork. Brought to life throughout the two-day program, catch local DJs such as Damien Hesse, Nick van Tiel and Bad Ezzy, immersing the precinct in a sun-soaked soundtrack ripe with disco, house and coastal tunes. Then, visitors can experience multidisciplinary street artist and Bondi's own NOTNOT doing what he does best — transforming urban environments with provocative pieces. For Hubfest, the New York-born creative will reinvent the precinct's laneway with cascading bunting installations, while adding bold entrance moments and hero artworks throughout the venue.
New Years Eve. It's still two months away but the pressure has started to build. Falls Fest has sold out, the Opera House is selling tickets to their $895 party, and a few people I know have already discussed "just having a quiet one", knowing full well they'll panic on the day. The best option in Sydney if you want to drink and dance and not have the police knock on your door about noise complaints at 2am is definitely the Purple Sneakers party. Held at Sydney University's Manning House (as in, not just the bar but the whole three levels), the festival long line-up is verging on ridiculously good. Playing live are The Grates, The Boxer Rebellion (UK), Ponytail (USA), Baddies (UK), Red Riders, Philadelphia Grand Jury, DZ + more, more, more more to be announced.Early-bird priced tickets are now on sale, and FYI, it sold out last year.https://youtube.com/watch?v=yGpuC5I3jB4
Vietnam is a traveller's absolute dream. From bustling and sensory-captivating city life to beautiful beaches, rivers and expanses of rice fields. It's a country rich in experiences for every type of traveller – including those on a budget. Knowing that the must-do and "eh, you can skip it" experiences are key to planning any vacay, so to save your precious time, we've collated five must-do experiences to help you make the most of your time in this Southeast Asian gem. It's a special country with a rich culture and warm people — so get out your map and start planning. Or, if you want the plans made for you, check out this amazing eight-day experience that'll give you a taste of some of the best sights of Vietnam as you unlock your love for the country. STARTING FROM THE TOP… THE ANCIENT TEMPLES OF HANOI Let's start with a little geography, shall we? Vietnam is located on the easternmost side of Southeast Asia, which means it has a long and lovely coastline. At the top of this coastline (well, it's a little in from the coastline) sits its capital city, Hanoi. Hanoi is more of a 'river city', sitting in the Red River Delta, and you may recognise its beauty and cityscape from films like The Quiet American. With colonial footprints of China and France, the city's architecture, food and religious sites are influenced by multiple cultures. However, the country's dominant religion is Buddhism, with ancient temples like the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049, and Trấn Quốc Pagoda — Hanoi's oldest temple, which is over 1500 years old. Both spiritual attractions represent a rich part of Vietnamese culture. At both temples, you can learn about cultural practices, including the significance of incense and monks. OVERNIGHT CRUISE ON HALONG BAY When it's time to make your way south from Hanoi, there is no better way to travel than cruising along Halong Bay. A drive-thru to the Red River Delta and out to the coastline will take you by the beautiful layered rice paddy fields, where you can see farmers taking part in the ancient farming tradition. Then, hop aboard a Junk Boat, the name anglicised from the Malay adjong, which means ship or vessel. As these boats glide across the water, you can witness Vietnam's exquisite coastline and rock formations, enjoying the mod cons of contemporary holiday luxury alongside the experience of centuries-old aquatic travel. HOI AN, AN ANCIENT TOWN If ancient towns and canals are your thing, look no further than Hoi An. Along the central coast of Vietnam, this beautiful city enjoys the best of coast and canal life. Its architecture is splendid to the eye, with a colourful mix of French colonial style blended with Chinese shophouses and Vietnamese tube houses. Get lost in the history of the place as you explore on foot or by bike, and learn why it's a UNESCO World Heritage-protected site. BẾN THÀNH MARKET IN HO CHI MINH CITY Known as "the soul and symbol of Saigon", Bến Thành Market operates from early morning into the evening. With over 1500 stalls, there are endless selections of artisanal edible goods to take with you, as well as beautiful art and ceramic products. Taste the best of local cuisine at stalls selling traditional Vietnamese meals like pho and banh mi. It's a must to rub shoulders with the locals as they go about their day and to experience an institution that's stood the test of time for over a century. MEKONG DELTA BOAT RIDE In Southern Vietnam, you'll experience part of the Mekong Delta, which is a network of rivers that flow through Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand and the Himalayas. Bến Tre boat rides are a wonderful educational adventure. You can travel down the coconut canal and learn about the many creative ways coconuts are used, as well as experience local hand-made mat weaving and more. Immerse yourself in cultural traditions and beautiful scenery and get to truly understand the unique crafts of the Mekong locals. There are so many incredible experiences you can have in Vietnam, and these five are just the beginning. Find out more in this curated eight-day experience that'll show you the best the country has to offer. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips to destinations all over the world.
Creating a list of the very best Thai restaurants in Sydney is no easy feat. We're spoilt for choice when it comes to places that serve up the perfect green curry, pad thai and tom yum soup. But while us Aussies love these classic dishes, each of Sydney's best Thai restaurants serves up stacks of other regional delicacies that must be ordered — either keeping traditional dishes as authentic as possible or totally reinventing them for a new audience. These are the Thai diners in Sydney where you can safely go off-piste. Ask the server for recommendations or simply close your eyes and pick something totally random. Let fate decide. Whatever option you choose, you won't be disappointed by the food, drinks and service at the best Thai restaurants in Sydney. Recommended reads: The Best Japanese Restaurants in Sydney The Best Indian Restaurants in Sydney The Best Restaurants in Sydney The Best Ramen in Sydney
With a network of cycling trails that extend the length of the country, New Zealand has recently positioned itself very squarely at the forefront of cycling destinations around the world. And the South Island alone has more fantastic trails than spokes on a wheel, allowing you to discover the stunning and varied scenery that makes cycling in these regions a joy. While there are challenging trails for the bona fide bikers, if you're more into checking out the scenery at a leisurely pace with the wind in your hair and enough breath to chat with your companions, here are some suggestions that don't involve downhill-heart-in-your-mouth type adventures. Here are five scenic cycling trails suitable for, well, pretty much everyone. QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK, MARLBOROUGH The 70-kilometre Queen Charlotte Track has long been a favourite hiking trail for locals and tourists alike because of its spectacular beauty, the many accommodation options along the way — camping, bed and breakfast and high-end resorts — and because of the bag-carrying service offered. Though the track was purpose-built for cyclists and walkers, it's a single track, which means that it can be a bit rough in places. Also, you'll need to look out for tree roots, rocks and mud if it's been raining. But don't let that put you off, cycling through native beech forest, stopping in at the many tiny bays along the way and getting up close to New Zealand's fauna is an unforgettable experience. Cycling the whole track can take up to three days, with a boat ride at the end to take you back to Picton, or you can pick and choose sections to easily do in a day. ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL, CANTERBURY The St James Cycle Trail passes through St James Station, near the alpine spa village of Hanmer Springs. Now a conservation area, this land was one of the largest operating cattle and sheep stations in New Zealand for almost 150 years. The total length of the trail is 64 kilometres, and it offers incredible vistas including mountain peaks, rivers, high-country lakes, alpine meadows, subalpine beech forest and grassy river flats. While this is a mixed grade track and some sections could prove slightly challenging, it's a great way to get a real appreciation for New Zealand's outback. If you have limited time, there are some shorter options within the trail. And with its proximity to Hanmer Springs, what could be better than a soak in the hot springs once you've conquered the cycle trail? CLUTHA GOLD TRAIL, OTAGO The Otago Central Rail Trail was one of the South Island's first great cycle trails — it follows 152 kilometres of the old gold mining railway and is the track everyone talks about. But, there are other neighbouring trails well-worth considering. Slightly shorter at 73 kilometres, the Clutha Gold Trail is a one-way track that starts at the Lake Roxburgh dam and runs through the heartland of rural South Island, along steep gorges, through an old tunnel and ends up in the gold mining town of Lawrence. The track itself is smooth and allows for easy riding, but there are enough ups and downs to work up an appetite for some handmade chocolates and pastries from The Lawrence Mint on the main street of Lawrence. While it's beautiful all year round here, in autumn when the leaves change colour, this trail brings a whole new meaning to the gold in its name. GODLEY HEAD, CANTERBURY With mellow flowing trails and amazing views over Christchurch and Lyttelton Harbour, this half-day ride is super close to Christchurch and an easy way to get a great view of the city. The single track shared with runners and walkers will take you up along the crest of an ancient crater rim and across tussocky grassland towards the headland and the remnants of WWII gun emplacements. There is also the option here to take the Anaconda and do a bit of downhilling if you so desire. On a good day, you can look north along the beach to see the Kaikoura Range. OPARARA VALLEY, WEST COAST About an hours' drive from Westport in Karamea is the entry point for the South Island's West Coast and the Kahurangi National Park — New Zealand's second largest National Park, which features a wide range of landforms and ecosystems you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Here, 27 kilometres of old logging roads have been revamped into the K Road Track — and it feels a lot like the set of Jurassic Park. The verdant nikau palms and towering rimu trees make it easy to believe that this area was once the stomping ground of giant moa and other now-extinct species. Keep your eyes peeled for wekas, one of New Zealand's flightless birds. It has brown plumage and is about the size of a chicken — and trust us, it's super cute. Start planning your trip to New Zealand's south with our guide to the South Island journeys to take here.
In a world of pay-to-own content, companies like Spotify run to the sound of a different tune. Now, they're giving you the chance to quite literally do the same. The music streaming service today announced the introduction of Spotify Running, a new feature that automatically detects your running pace and plays tracks to match your tempo. Spotify Running will select music based on your listening history, incorporating different playlists as well as original compositions from DJs and composers around the world. Sensors in your phone will then detect how fast you're moving, with the music changing as you speed up or slow down. The feature will also be integrated into the Nike+ and Runkeeper apps later in the year. Of course, this isn't a new idea. There are already a number of third-party apps for both iOs and Android that will match music to your running pace, including Pace DJ and RockMyRun. However, Spotify is also working with musicians to develop customisable music, where the composition actually changes and rearranges itself depending on your speed. The new feature is one of several announced by Spotify at a recent New York media event. The Now page will better allow users to select playlists based on their personal preferences, mood and even the time of day. They’re also (finally) incorporating other forms of media such as video clips and podcasts (podcasts!), announcing partnerships with the likes of the BBC, Comedy Central, ESPN, TED, Adult Swim, Vice Media and NBC. The company will also launch Spotify Originals, shows and content that will be exclusive to the service. Turntable will pair musicians and chefs for a performance and a meal, while Incoming will cover the latest music trends. Artists including Icona Pop and Tyler the Creator will also be getting their own radio shows, while Dance Move of the Day, from Amy Poehler's Smart Girls, is exactly what it sounds like. No word yet on when exactly this content will be available for users in Australia, although Spotify Running is — pun very much intended — already up and running. The new features should add fuel to the competition between Spotify and its rivals, including Jay Z's Tidal, which already streams video content. Likewise, Apple is expected to launch a new music streaming service later this year, incorporating the recently acquired Beats Music. One of that service’s major selling points is its ability to deliver a personalised playlists based on user preferences and input, territory that the Spotify Now page appears to be cutting into. Game on. Spotify Running will be rolling out to all users globally from today.
It's the time of the year when the days begin to shorten, the evenings get cooler and your stomach starts grumbling for comfort food. But, while that'll remain true for the next few months, only one particular day will bring free tacos. Tex-Mex giant Taco Bell has been steadily opening stores around the country since 2017, with a new Sydney store in Green Square launching on Tuesday, May 4 — and it's doing a big giveaway nationwide on the same day. If you're a big fan of Mexican-inspired food and you live in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, chances are you've already started to make your way through the brand's extensive menu. If you haven't tried its Crunchy Taco Supreme, though, this is your chance. Or, if you have and you just like freebies, count yourself in as well. Either way, on Tuesday, May 4 , you can pick one up at any Taco Bell location nationwide without paying a cent. There is a catch, though. This free taco day, as Taco Bell is calling it, is themed around the moon — because the chain has decided to name the half-moon the 'taco moon'. So, to get your freebie, you need to mention 'taco moon' or say 'I saw the taco moon' when you get to the counter. Yes, it's a gimmick, but if you've already spent this week obsessing over all things lunar due to the 'pink' supermoon, you'll be in the right mental space for it. Also, there's a limit of one free taco per person, so you won't be able to stuff your stomach full of them. What's a Crunchy Taco Supreme? A crunchy taco, as the name suggests, as filled with seasoned beef, sour cream, fresh lettuce, tomato and cheese — or black beans for vegetarians. If you happen to be one of the first 20 people through the door at each store, you'll also score a taco moon party kit — which includes merchandise. And if you're wondering where to head, Taco Bell has stores in Albion Park, Ballina, Blacktown and Jesmond in New South Wales — plus the about-to-launch Green Square, which'll be the closest venue to the Sydney CBD. In Victoria, the chain is located in Altona North, Hawthorn, Roxburgh Park and South Yarra. For Queenslanders, you'll be going to Annerley, Beenleigh, Cairns, Cleveland, Currajong, East Ipswich, Keperra, Logan Central, Morayfield, North Lakes, Robina and Southport. Taco Bell is offering free Crunchy Taco Supremes to every customer who mentions 'taco moon' on Tuesday, May 4. To find your nearest store, head to the chain's website.
Stay tuned. More info on its way.
Anna Kendrick. Blake Lively. Paul Feig. A twisty thriller novel as source material. Combined, those four key ingredients helped make 2018's A Simple Favour a hit, a delight, and a deliciously engaging and entertaining mystery. It's no wonder that audiences have been keen on a sequel for years — and come May 2025, those dreams are becoming a straight-to-streaming reality. Kendrick (Woman of the Hour) is back as Stephanie Smothers. So is Lively (It Ends with Us) as Emily Nelson — and as the just-dropped first teaser trailer for Another Simple Favour shows, nothing is straightforward between the pair again. As the name of the movie also makes plain, Emily has something else to ask of Stephanie. Out of prison and about to get married to a wealthy businessman, the former crashes the latter's book reading to task her with being her maid of honour. But is this just a quest for revenge? Using the Italian island of Capri as a backdrop, Another Simple Favour boasts Feig (Jackpot!) back behind the lens, too — and also Andrew Rannells (Girls5eva), Bashir Salahuddin (How to Die Alone) and Henry Golding (The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare) back among the cast. Equally part of this big return: more secrets, as little is ever as it seems with Stephanie's glamorous and mysterious friend. While the first film released in cinemas, this seven-years-later sequel is heading to Prime Video, hitting streaming queues on Thursday, May 1, 2025. It does have a date with the silver screen first, however – but only at this year's SXSW in Austin, where it's the opening-night movie at the event's Film and TV Festival. If you missed the initial picture — which was adapted from Darcey Bell's 2017 novel of the same name — it followed a widowed mum who is also a vlogger and becomes friends with a fashion executive. Then Emily asks Stephanie to do her a simple favour, changing everything. Screenwriter Jessica Sharzer (Nine Perfect Strangers), who wrote the first film, is also among Another Simple Favour's returnees — this time penning the follow-up's script with Laeta Kalogridis (Altered Carbon). Check out the first teaser trailer for Another Simple Favour below: Another Simple Favour will stream via Prime Video from Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Playing ice hockey isn't a regular part of growing up Down Under — even when it's frosty outside — but watching a ragtag team of underdogs try their best on the ice has been a childhood staple since the 90s. The reason: the Mighty Ducks franchise. The three Emilio Estevez and Joshua Jackson-starring films hit screens between 1992–6, and have remained nostalgic favourites ever since. The trio of movies also spanned an animated show back in 1996; however, as fans experienced earlier this year, that's not the franchise's only leap into television. Because everything old is new again — including making that observation, because it just keeps proving relevant — Disney+ brought back Mighty Ducks back courtesy of new series The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, and its first season started streaming back in March. If Karate Kid can live on via the small screen, then so can this other beloved sports-focused saga, it seems. And like Cobra Kai, Game Changers brought back a familiar face when it debuted its ten-episode first season. That'd be Estevez, who reprises his role as Coach Gordon Bombay. Sadly, Jackson isn't involved this time around, perhaps because he was busy with the vastly dissimilar Dr Death — but Gilmore Girls star Lauren Graham features as the mother of a hockey-loving boy who helps him create his own team. Aimed at all ages — so at kids just discovering Mighty Ducks for the first time, and adults with fond memories — the show firmly, eagerly and unmistakably follows the underdog formula established in the films. The series is set in Minnesota, where the Mighty Ducks are now a big deal, 12-year-old Evan Morrow (Brady Noon) gets cut from the team because they don't think he's good enough, and he and his mom (Graham) bring together their own crew in response — with the help of Bombay, of course. If that's your idea of top-notch nostalgic viewing, you'll be pleased to know that the series has just been renewed for a second season. Yes, there'll be more ice rink escapades, as The Hollywood Reporter reports. Exactly when the new episodes will hit Disney+ hasn't yet been revealed, but you can add it to your future watch list anyway. Check out the full trailer for the show's first season below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZTouNvgPCM&feature=youtu.be The second season of The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers doesn't yet have a release date; however, the first season is currently streaming via Disney+. Via The Hollywood Reporter. Top image: Disney+.
Head to Melbourne's Reine and La Rue for a French meal in the luxe surroundings of the neo-gothic Melbourne Stock Exchange building, or to Purple Pit in the same abode for Euro-style cocktails, and you'll be eating and drinking at Australia's two most-stylish hospitality venues for 2024. At this year's Australian Interior Design Awards, which were announced on Friday, June 14 in Sydney, the pair shared the Hospitality Design accolade in a night that showered plenty of love upon Victorian locations. A house in Northcote earned the top award at this year's ceremony, the Premier Award for Australian Interior Design. Unsurprisingly, it also took out the Residential Design Award, although it had company there with a a New South Wales abode named Daddy Cool. And if you're wondering what makes a home dazzle so much that it's considered the absolute pinnacle of interior design in Australia for the past year, Northcote House earned praise for boasting an "exciting collision of technology, sculpture and innovative material use" — and also for its "unfamiliar yet captivating interior spaces". [caption id="attachment_962126" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Reine and La Rue, Tim Salisbury[/caption] Now in its 21st year, AIDA highlights spectacular decor in shops, workplaces, homes and public settings. When it revealed its shortlisted picks for this year in April, it whittled down its choices to 222 projects from around the country (plus a few overseas that spring from local talent), which is a record for the awards. Back in the Hospitality Design field, four other venues received commendations, giving the revamped Gerard's in Brisbane, Bar Besuto in Sydney, The Sporting Club Hotel in Melbourne and Bambino in Vietnam some affection. [caption id="attachment_962130" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Northcote House, Tom Ross[/caption] In the Retail Design category, the flagship store for fashion outfit Song for the Mute in George Street in Sydney did the honours, with the city's LeTAO getting a commendation alongside Melbourne's Pidapipó Laboratorio, July at QVM and Up There. The list of award-winning spots — and commended ones — that the public can easily check out includes the Public Design field, where the Berninneit Cultural and Community Centre on Phillip Island in Victoria emerged victorious. The Art Gallery of New South Wales' library and members lounge scored a commendation, as did the Memorial Hall at Christ Church Grammar School in Melbourne and The Embassy of Australia in Washington DC in the US. [caption id="attachment_962131" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Song for the Mute, Tom Ross[/caption] While you can't head along anymore, the Installation Design Award went to the design wall championing Melbourne-born product designs at the National Gallery of Victoria, in a category that commended the Community Hall at the NGV's 2023 Melbourne Now exhibition, as well as Zampatti Powerhouse — a retrospective devoted to fashion designer Carla Zampatti — at Sydney's Powerhouse Museum. The Australian Interior Design Awards also make state-by-state choices from both commercial and residential premises, with plenty of the above spots also popping up. In Victoria, Reine and La Rue and Northcote House topped the list, while 477 Pitt Street and Daddy Cool were NSW's picks, and Gerard's and a Gold Coast apartment were Queensland;s. Vin Populi and Proclamation House did the honours in Western Australia, as did the Samstag Museum of Art at University of South Australia and Stirling Residence in SA. [caption id="attachment_962127" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gerard's, David Chatfield[/caption] [caption id="attachment_962128" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bar Besuto, Damian Bennett[/caption] [caption id="attachment_962129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Sporting Club Hotel, Derek Stawell[/caption] For the full Australian Interior Design Awards 2024 winners, head to the AIDA website. Top image: Purple Pit, Peter Clarke Photography.
When Joost Bakker helped pile 3000 kilograms of clothing waste in Melbourne's Federation Square in April 2022, all to draw attention to fast fashion, he viewed the project with his usual optimism. "Even if it's just one person who walks through that structure and gets inspired and comes up with a solution — that's what's so exciting," the renowned zero-waste campaigner noted. Those exact words could've been uttered about the venture at the centre of Greenhouse by Joost, too. A three-storey home made entirely out of recyclable materials that don't generate waste, and designed to operate as a closed food system with everything catered for onsite and not a scrap spared, it predates his spotlight on the textile industry. Clearly, it boasts the same sustainability focus. In fact, Bakker could've said the same thing about past pop-ups in the same spot over more than a decade, including fellow waste-free eateries also called Greenhouse since 2008. Scratch that — it isn't merely likely that the Dutch-born floral designer and activist could've expressed the same sentiments; it's certain he must've. Eliminating waste is Bakker's passion. Not wasting any time trying to put that aim into action is just as much of an obsession. His work doesn't merely talk the talk but walks the walk, and attempts to help the world see how crucial it is to reduce humanity's impact upon the earth. The habitable Greenhouse is quite the undertaking, though, given its purpose: building an abode that two people can get shelter, food, water and energy from, all in one cosy and clever self-sustaining ecosystem. Chefs Jo Barrett and Matt Stone (ex-Oakridge Wines) agreed to do the residing, and to put Bakker's Future Food System to the test. They were named among the world's 50 best next-generation hospitality leaders in 2021 for their efforts, for what's a vital, pioneering and fascinating enterprise. It's no wonder that filmmakers Rhian Skirving (Matilda & Me) and Bruce Permezel (The Obesity Myth) — both directing, the former writing and the latter lensing — were driven to document it. Shot since the conception and building stage, then chronicling the COVID-19 setbacks, the logistical and setup woes, and the daily reality of living in the structure, it's also no wonder that the resulting Melbourne International Film Festival Audience Award-winner makes such compelling viewing. Greenhouse by Joost is both a record and an aspirational tool: it shows what can and has been done and, as Bakker always hopes, it wants to get everyone watching following in his, Barrett and Stone's footsteps. Of course, for most, money will be a very real and practical obstacle. There's no doubting that Greenhouse stems from considerable resources, both in finances and time. But that's the thing with ambitions: they have us shooting for the stars, breaking our goals down into everyday pieces and finding ways to make even small parts of them happen. Evoking that exact response when it comes to making life's basics sustainable — what we eat and drink, where we stay and sleep, and how we power it all — is Bakker's aim, too. With Bakker as the film's on-screen guide, Greenhouse by Joost does just that itself as well, stepping through the idea and the execution like it's laying out a roadmap for its audience to chart. Viewers won't walk out of the doco ready to move into their own such dwelling, but learning plenty about the ingenious design, the bits and pieces that go into it, and the work required — to get it up, ready and operating smoothly, and also to have it function as a small-scale restaurant — comes with simply watching. Although the cooking, serving, welcoming in eager diners and sharing the titular building comes later in the movie, obviously, it's a crucial piece of the project overall and of Skirving and Permezel's feature. How much more doable does just living in the Greenhouse and taking care of yourself seem compared to running it as a mini eatery? Oh-so-much. How much easier does putting some of its principles to use in your own home seem, too? The answer remains the same. For anyone who isn't as immersed the ins and outs of sustainable possibilities, practices and technologies as Greenhouse by Joost's namesake — aka almost everyone except the film's namesake — the details behind the abode are illuminating as well as inspiring. During the construction phase, for instance, the documentary gets informative about different building materials, including panels made from compacted hay that help put farming offcuts to use. Moving beyond concrete slabs as a base, and therefore avoiding the emissions spat out by cement production methods, involves weighing down the Greenhouse from the roof rather than anchoring it from below. The solution? Soil and plants atop the home, which is also where the bulk of the food comes in. Planters blossom with fruit, vegetables and herbs. A beehive provides honey. Fish and yabbies live in an aquaponics system. With each component, the film offers pivotal data — again, not exactly a how-to, but enough to firmly pique interest. Skirving and Permezel, plus Bakker as their chief talking head, complement the behind-the-scenes insights with a front-loaded array of facts and figures, instantly placing the need for an innovative solution like Greenhouse into context. While none of it should be new news given how widely the message about humanity's destruction of the planet is known — as it needs to be — it still leaves an imprint. (One such tidbit: that 27,000 trees a day are cut down just to make toilet paper.) In the process, there's little that's creative about the movie's structure, crisp imagery and overall approach, letting the project at its centre draw the audience in on its merits (well, with assistance from the over-emphasised score). Still, pairing such sobering data with ways to make a difference — and, in the case of the Greenhouse itself, a game-changing dream solution — is a smart and powerful move. Online during its 18-month stint in Fed Square, Bakker's creation attracted ample attention, unsurprisingly. Although Skirving and Permezel include a glimpse at the reaction on social media, Greenhouse by Joost is far more potent when it's showing what people are responding to — when it's doing rather than basking. Again, there's no mystery why that's the case. From the first Greenhouses through to zero-waste cafe Silo by Joost, later soup bar Brothl, this Greenhouse and those aforementioned clothes, that's always been Bakker's modus operandi. He's a natural showman and spokesman, but he knows that making his zero-waste crusade tangible is his most important task — and his best tool for inspiring even just one person.
UPDATE, August 14, 2023: Tickets are getting snapped up fast for Flight Facilities' tour, with new shows announced. This article has been updated to include the additional dates. Flight Facilities know how to get a party started. The Australian producer duo, aka Hugo and Jimmy, have spent more than a decade inspiring folks to make shapes to the pair's own tunes. Given that they began mixing other artists, it's hardly surprising that they're also playlist and mixtape maestros. See: their Decades Mix series, which has spoiled listeners with six hour-long, decade-spanning surveys. If it's a dancefloor filler from 1962 to 2022, the odds are that it has featured in one of Flight Facilities' odes, with separate mixes for 1962–72, 1972–82, 1982–92, 1992–2002, 2002–12 and 2012–22. And, if it's a track from the 1970s to now that's made the cut, it's also likely that it'll get a spin on Flight Facilities' just-announced latest DJ tour, which is all about its Decades mixes. Fuelled by crate digging, this trip around Australia will jump through hundreds of tracks across extended club sets throughout October. First up: Brisbane's Fortitude Music Hall, before Flight Facilities head southward from Byron Bay's Beach Hotel to Melbourne Pavilion. Also on the itinerary: going west over to Rechabite Hall in Perth and Freo.Social in Fremantle, a stint at Adelaide's Harvest Rock, and both Town Hall and Liberty Hall carpark in Sydney. Start guessing which tunes will get a whirl now. The 72–82 mix spans everything from Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition' to Queen and David Bowie's 'Under Pressure', while the 82–92 list includes New Order's 'Blue Monday', Madonna's 'Lucky Star', Prince's 'Cream' and Technotronic's 'Pump Up the Jam'. Among the 92–02 roster: Arrested Development's 'Mr Wendal', Beastie Boys' 'Body Movin'', 2Pac's 'How Do U Want It?' and The Avalanches' 'Frontier Psychiatrist'. And, from 02–12, the mix starts with Chemical Brothers' 'Star Guitar' and ends with Flight Facilities' own 'Clair De Lune'. The duo only dropped the 12–22 mix in July, so heading along to these gigs means hearing Flight Facilities' absolute latest blast from the past. FLIGHT FACILITIES — THE DECADES TOUR: Friday, October 6 — Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane Saturday, October 7 — Beach Hotel, Byron Bay Thursday, October 12 — Sydney Town Hall, Sydney — NEW DATE Friday, October 19 — Melbourne Pavilion, Melbourne — NEW DATE Friday, October 20 — Melbourne Pavilion, Melbourne — SOLD OUT Saturday, October 21 — Rechabite Hall, Perth — SOLD OUT Sunday, October 22 — Freo.Social, Fremantle — NEW DATE Saturday, October 28 — Harvest Rock, Adelaide Sunday, October 29 — Liberty Hall Carpark, Sydney — SOLD OUT Flight Facilities will take The Decades Tour around Australia in October 2023. Head to the Secret Sounds website for further details, and tickets from 10am AEST on Friday, August 11.
With Splendour in the Grass and other winter festivals approaching, you're going to need a little more than a tent - even if it is one of the adorable Fieldcandy tents that we found the other week. There's still campfire eating to think about, as well as that necessary cup of caffeine after a night spent in the great outdoors. Thanks to the creative and over-the-top genius of these 10 'glamping' products, this list will have you covered. 1. Bell Tent Recall the circus of yesteryear in a retro striped bell tent. All that is missing is the bedecked elephants. 2. Faux-Fur Throw What better than a faux-fur blanket to keep the winter chill out? Your inner diva needs it. 3. Wine Glass Clamp You've reclined into the comfy canvas recesses of your camping chair. But where to place your glass of pinot? An age old dilemma solved with a simple clamp that can attach to just about any camping chair. 4. Star Solar Lights Keep the stars with you on a cloudy camping night, or even inside your tent. This outdoor string of star-shaped is powered by a separate solar panel and will light automatically when the sun goes down, lending your campsite a magical feel. 5. Heart-Shaped Marshmallow Toasting Fork As if s'mores could get any better, you can now toast your marshmallows on a heart-shaped stick. 6. Cafe Latte Set There is no need to compromise on the quality of your coffee just because you are outdoors. This set contains a French press and a milk foamer to satisfy even the most hardened coffee snob. 7. Portable BBQ Grill This retro and portable grill is too cute. Perfect for roasting burgers and hotdogs! 8. Phone-Charging Gumboots Even the most avid campers miss their mobiles when roughing it. Keep yours charged with these functional and fashionable wellies. After a day full of running around at a festival, simply slide your phone into the charger at the top of the boot, where it will receive a charge from heat energy you have generated all day.
Sounds like a branding exercise, but there really is a brand new vegetable on the block; a teeny tiny new development dubbed lollipop kale, currently under development in Australia, the UK and US right now. And it's possibly the most adorable thing we've seen in many a day — even if it's almost a Brussels sprout. Lollipop kale is indeed a thing — one gaining predictable popularity in the US, UK and now, South Australia and Victoria. Developed as a hybrid by British company Tozer Seeds, lollipop kale is now known as kale sprout (boring) in Australia and kalette (better) in the US. A form of cross-breeding between kale and Brussels sprouts (so you'll actually eat 'em), lollipop kale is currently being developed by a cluey South Australian grower. Adelaide Hills grower Scott Samwell, of Eastbook Farms in Mount Barker, has been upping the ante on his lollipop kale plantings over the last two years. Samwell told the ABC the lollipop kale grows sort of like a Brussels sprout — tiny bunches growing from a central stem, growing to around a metre tall. Apparently the new veggie has been getting good reviews in South Australian and Victorian markets, where the mini-kale has been available. "Everyone we've spoken to who has tried it, especially in the local area, are very keen on it." he told ABC. "It's a different tasting product, compared to green Brussels sprouts, because it's a bit sweeter." According to Grub Street, lollipop kale was the centre of mere whisperings in the food community — and wholly doubted and denied by chefs. GS's Hugh Merwin described it as the Bigfoot of the vegetable world — appearing in fruit exchanges around America and then suddenly becoming unattainable. But now it's here, ready for 'hipster' brandings and total hater ridicule. Being so teeny tiny, lollipop kale is primed for the home roasting — more bite-sized and considerably more adorable than your regular freaky kale chips. Right now, however, growing lollipop kale at home is pretty expensive — GS noted that online vegetable message boards (an actual Thing) criticised the high cost of the seeds; $11 for 40 seeds. So expect to see higher prices on Australian menus for the bite-sized little blighters. Lollipop kale will supposedly be available on the Australian market this year. Via ABC and Grub Street. Image: Hugh Merwin, Grub Street.
There's a knowing bit of casting at the heart of Yellowjackets for viewers who've been following Melanie Lynskey throughout her career. In the hit TV series — one of the best shows of 2021 when it first debuted, and equally as excellent in its just-arrived second season — the New Zealand actor plays Shauna, a New Jersey housewife and mother. Enlisting Lynskey in anything is always welcome, as everything from But I'm a Cheerleader and Up in the Air to I Don't Feel At Home in This World Anymore and Candy has proven. It's one of Yellowjackets' many strokes of genius with its stacked on-screen talent, which also includes Juliette Lewis (Welcome to Chippendales) and Christina Ricci (Wednesday). But it's a particularly savvy move to cast Lynskey as a woman who was once a teen stranded in the Canadian wilderness for 19 months, forced to do whatever it took to remain alive after her high-school soccer team's plane crashed, and has since spent a quarter-century since grappling with what came next. Lynskey herself was once a movie-starring teenager, debuting in Peter Jackson's Heavenly Creatures opposite Kate Winslet. There, she was a murderous teen, too, and kicked off her penchant for playing immensely complicated women (so much so that she earned a New Zealand Film and TV Award for her efforts). The glorious symmetry with Lynskey's role in Yellowjackets doesn't end there, however. As the adult Shauna — Monsieur Lazhar and The Book Thief's Sophie Nélisse plays the younger version — she's commanding and compelling in every scene as someone who survived having her life turned upside down, as Lynskey clearly did when she was thrust to fame at a young age. Of course, there's a vast difference between becoming a film star before you're old enough to drink and endeavouring to endure in spooky woods, through freezing winters, and with food in scarce supply — and, as Yellowjackets keeps hinting at, perhaps turning to cannibalism. Still, Lynskey couldn't be a better fit for the Emmy-nominated show's present-day timeline. There's not just complexity but persistence, strength and vulnerability in her portrayal. They've long been hallmarks of her work. Shauna has trekked over life's peaks and valleys, and knows that her journey onwards will never just be simple. Yellowjackets doesn't lack in phenomenal performances — with its packed team of talent playing both its teens and its adults, how could it? — but Lynskey is downright magnetic. With Yellowjackets' eagerly-anticipated return, its NZ star is also two for two on small screens in 2023. This year's big new hit also featured Lynskey in a pivotal part, and also in a survivalist thriller. She isn't the lead of The Last of Us' first season, but she left a firm mark as resistance leader Kathleen. She also hasn't been diving into this genre repeatedly on purpose. Ahead of Yellowjackets' season two debut on Friday, March 24 via Paramount+ in Australia and Neon in New Zealand, we chatted with Lynskey about that, being hooked on Yellowjackets since reading the very first script, having an instinct for killer roles and more. ON HER CURRENT SPATE OF SURVIVALIST STORIES When you've been a working actor for almost three decades, as Lynskey has since 1994's Heavenly Creatures, you're a survivor of sorts. Actively embracing on-screen stories about trying to endure through extreme events wasn't a concerted choice, however. You could throw in her part in Don't Look Up, too — but having two strong survivalist stories in Yellowjackets and The Last of Us is just a result of great roles coming her way, Lynskey notes. "I think it's just coincidence. I mean, for the character obviously in Yellowjackets, the survivalist part has already happened — so that's an interesting thing, and I think now I'm sort of grappling with the trauma of the aftermath." "And in The Last of Us, the character is in the middle of this crazy, apocalyptic scenario, so it feels like different kind of experiences of a similar thing." "But, it's interesting. It's fun to play kind of an ordinary person who is put into an extraordinary circumstance — and wonder how does that shape and change them." ON HER FIRST REACTION TO YELLOWJACKETS Survivalist thrillers might be having a moment on Lynskey's resume, but she was drawn to Yellowjackets based purely on the strength of its script. "Well, the main thing I think is that I finished reading it and I wished I had episode two, which is a good sign," she explains — having the same reaction to the show's debut episode that viewers everywhere did. "I wanted to know what was going to happen next. And I was like 'oh that was well-written'. It was really well-written!" "And as far as my character goes, there was something about her — you know, you see her in her domestic life, and then the scene with Taissa (Tawny Cypress, Billions) in the diner, you realise she has a huge amount of power somehow. And people are quite afraid of her." "And I was like 'oh that's interesting, like how did that happen and when did that end — or did it end?'. I just had so many questions. And it was a little bit of a leap of faith, but I'm very happy that I chose to do it." ON WHAT SHE LOOKS FOR IN A ROLE Lynskey's career isn't short on highlights between Heavenly Creatures and Yellowjackets. She's just as exceptional in two-season 2015–16 HBO dramedy Togetherness, and in parts big and small in Shattered Glass, Happy Christmas, Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later, Easy and Mrs America, too — just to name a few standouts on her resume. She puts her stellar choices down to going with her gut. "It's honestly an instinct. I just have to, when I'm reading it, if I start to read it out loud and a personality comes out of me. Or if there's like a voice — if there's some shape to what I'm reading where I feel like organically it can be created from me, then I'm interested." "If I'm just reading something and reading it as a script, and I start to think about how I could make it work or how I would play that part, then I know it's not a good fit for me." "It has to be something that comes — even Two and a Half Men, the first time I read the pilot for that, I just started to read it aloud, like the person just came off the page to me. So it's just an instinct, really." ON YELLOWJACKETS' COMPLICATED AND FULLY FLESHED-OUT WOMEN Yellowjackets has been likened to Lord of the Flies since day one thanks to its 90s-era woodland savagery between school students. One big difference: seeing girls, not boys, stuck in the woods and falling prey to their worst impulses to get by. That feels revolutionary in the series. It shouldn't, but it does. And, asked if the show's strong and complex female focus was part of the appeal, Lynskey is adamant: "very much — it was very much a draw." "I think the main thing about it was, in reading the script all the women were so fully realised. Even the smaller parts, the characters who didn't have that much to do in the pilot, or the younger cast — I understood them as human beings. I understood them as complex creations. And there were no sort of stereotypes." "There was no like 'here is the pretty one, here is the bitchy one, here is the whatever', you know. Everyone was very, very complicated and I felt like I had an understanding of who all of them were after the first episode — which is kind of a feat of writing wizardry, honestly." "So I was really, really intrigued to see writers [series creators Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, who've previously written for Narcos, Narcos: Mexico and Dispatches From Elsewhere] who were that talented, who could give so much depth within one episode, to see where they would take all these different characters." "Because it's a lot to juggle with so many different characters — and they've done an amazing job, I think, of managing all the different storylines." Season two of Yellowjackets streams weekly from Friday, March 24 via Paramount+ in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Read our review of season two — and our review of season one. Images: Colin Bentley, Kailey Schwerman and Lorenzo Agius/Showtime.
While much of the country usually goes into holiday mode over the Christmas and New Year period, that hasn't been the case in Australia's bushfire-affected communities. Many regional areas that rely on tourism at this time of year have been battling blazes instead. But, as the flames subside in some spots, rural businesses are eager to welcome back visitors. One such place is Eden Farm Escape, which is located in the fire-ravaged Blue Mountains town of Bilpin just off the Bells Line of Road. As part of an area-wide #BacktoBilpin campaign, the farmstay 90 minutes from Sydney is offering holidaymakers a significant discount. Book a visit for January or February and, by entering the code '50OFF' online, you can receive 50 percent off the price of your accommodation. If you were already thinking about an early-2020 getaway, you can nab yourself a considerable bargain — all while supporting a business that sustained bushfire damage during December. And, you'll be able to become acquainted with Eden Farm Escape's animal residents. Onsite, there are 12 horses and ponies, three miniature donkeys, a pig, a few alpacas, three goats, and some cows and sheep. Thankfully, all of the above escaped the fires unscathed. Surrounded by Blue Mountains National Park, Eden Farm Escape sprawls over 90 acres, with five self-contained cabins located among its green paddocks. You can opt for a one-level abode with one or two bedrooms ($300–500 per night normally; $150–250 with the discount) or two-storey digs ($650 per night normally; $325 at 50 percent off) that sleep up to eight. And, because your doggo deserves a country holiday too, you can bring them along as well. Run by Michael Cthurmer and Deborah Goodman, who are also behind The Grumpy Baker, Eden Farm Escape's cabins feature polished concrete and wooden floors, timber-panelled walls, touches of leather and outdoor timber decks. In the kitchen, you'll find stainless steel benchtops, gas cooking, a microwave and Nespresso coffee machines. Bring some groceries with you, and you will be able to get cosy for the duration of your stay. You'll want to venture outside while you're there, of course. With Eden Farm Escape also a working equine-assisted therapy farm, there are also barns, stables and a riding area onsite. Nature and bushwalking trails weave around the property, and you can also take a dip in the dam. And make sure you visit as many local businesses as you can along the way. Nearby, The Potager at Mount Tomah — the cafe with those incredible mountain views — has reopened for business, as has the Bilpin Cider Co's cellar door. Find Eden Farm Escape at 13 Hanlons Road South, Bilpin. To receive 50 percent off your booking for accommodation in January and February, visit the farm stay's website and enter the code '50OFF'.
Sophie and Con Bousgas, the owners of the longstanding Surry Hills pub Bar Cleveland, have brought in an exciting new face to reinvigorate the space above the Sydney stalwart. Renowned chef Justin North has moved into the second-floor space on Cleveland Street with his new homely Mediterranean diner Sofia. Inspired by Greek cuisine, Sofia utilises Bar Cleveland's existing grill and its reputation as an inviting community-minded spot to present home-style southern Mediterranean food that champions fresh local produce. "The focus for Sofia was really to create a place for locals to enjoy fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a drink or two, honouring good quality cooking, hospitality, and a shared experience," says North. Guests are welcomed into the newly renovated space within the historic 1800s-built building. "The building really dictated what the design needed to be," says Sophie Bousgas. "We wanted to restore and showcase the natural bones of the building to help tell the story of Sofia." Once settled in the dining room, surrounded by light breezy tones and exposed brick, you'll be presented with a menu centred predominantly around snacky share plates partnered with a few larger dishes. Highlights from the kitchen include chargrilled eggplant salad, pomegranate-cured ocean trout and beef tartare with a garlic emulsion. The grill is being kept busy, with grilled garlic king prawns, flat-iron wagyu, cauliflower, octopus and chorizo all making appearances across the menu. And, if you're heading in with a group, you can choose from three shared mains including an 800-gram MBS4+ bistecca steak — all ready to be placed in the centre of the table. The wine list is filled with reliable drops, and the cocktail menu is made up of classics alongside playful twists like a mango and lime gelato-infused number and the Noah's Arc, a Turkish Delight-inspired creation. Sofia is located at Level 1, 433 Cleveland Street Surry Hills. It's open 5.30–10pm Wednesday–Thursday and midday–2.30pm and 5.30–10pm Friday–Sunday.
Alternative art fest SafARI takes over galleries around Sydney this month and will be laying out live art all through the remaining March weekends. It's a festival celebrating independent artists, as well as an important kind of art space that many of them hold dear: the ARI. Sydney's art ecosystem runs from big galleries to smaller non-profit art institutions, past independent commercial galleries and through underground art spaces. Along its edge live Sydney's Artist Run Initiatives (ARIs) — one financial step below commercial, one legal step above underground. These are the focus of SafARI, the Biennale's unofficial fringe. ARIs are galleries where the artists are in charge of managing the space, not just the art. That can mean less bureaucracy and quicker art-making. "The organisation can be more responsive to cultural trends as they happen, on the ground, so to speak. They're grassroots, rhizomatic" " says SafARI co-curator Christiane Keys-Statham. And people tend get excited about these spaces. Why? "People probably get excited about them because they're awesome." Freelance curator Keys-Statham has taken the helm of the festival for the first time this year, co-curating with Tony Albert studio manager and fellow SafARI first-timer, Liz Nowell. This has become SafARI's new normal: a fresh take at every festival. For Keys-Statham, the artist-led passion at the festival was part of the appeal and Nowell leapt at the chance to get involved with Sydney's arts community "from the bottom up". But both were also drawn to the curatorially "DIY" nature of SafARI. "The entire festival is reimagined each edition." says Keys-Statham. Adds Nowell, "it's not often [that] you get to create something from scratch. Although SafARI has existed for 10 years, every festival is completely different from the last." 2014's revision is splayed across six of Sydney's ARIs, spanning space in Chippendale, Kings Cross, one car park and two railway stations, with March 14's opening night roaming most of the Chippendale contingent. Weekends, SafARI LIVE's performances include work from the likes of Brown Councillors Frances Barrett and Kelly Doley and Underbelly Arts star Beth Dillon. At the galleries, Paul Williams & Chris Dolman probe self-portraits, Gemma Messih & Ally Bisshop explore twilights, Nikki Lam scopes the classic sunbather and Victorian Platform stars ACAB Collective and Emma Hamilton bring their work up north. Artcycle also plans a March 22 bike tour around SafARI LIVE and there'll be a who's who of ARI experts discussing the form and function of awesome art spaces Sunday March 16, at discussion day SafORUM. (Both are free, but bookings essential.) Like so much ARI art treasure, it's fringe stuff. But it's not like it'll necessarily stay that way. Artists at SafARI 2014 could just as easily be Biennale artists of the future. (2014 SafARI performance artists Alexandra Clapham & Penelope Benton already have the curation of last year's Art Month under their belt.) According to Nowell, SafARI is a place to get in at the ground floor of emerging careers: "I liken it to watching a teenage Paul Kelly play to seven people in a smoky suburban pub — SafARI is all about discovering and celebrating the next wave." SafARI exhibitions will be open Wednesday to Sunday, 12-6pm March 14 to April 4. Image: OK YEAH COOL GREAT, Untitled from EVERYDAY (2011)
Since late in 2019, when Disney launched its own streaming platform, fans of its animated classics, beloved hits and many, many super-popular franchises have been able to binge their way through the Mouse House's back catalogue from the comfort of their couch. For a few weeks in March and April this year, however, movie buffs are being asked to leave their houses to check out a selection of the company's famed titles — all thanks to the pop-up Disney+ Drive-In, which is returning to Sydney. Yes, a streaming service is running a drive-in. Or, to put it another way, a product designed to get everyone watching on small screens at home is now endeavouring to lure viewers out to watch its flicks on a big screen from their cars. That's a very pandemic-era situation, with Disney+ teaming up with Openair Cinemas to make it happen. The drive-in will arrive back at CommBank Stadium's northern private car park in Parramatta on Sunday, March 6, screening films most nights until Sunday, April 17. As for what'll be screening, the Disney+ Drive-In is working through the Mouse House's hits — including both the animated and live-action versions of The Lion King, fellow family-friendly hits Moana and Encanto, Pixar's Cars and Coco, and a sing-along session of Frozen. Or, you can check out live-action throwback favourites such as Freaky Friday, 10 Things I Hate About You, Pretty Woman, Moulin Rouge! and Mrs Doubtfire — or head to the much more recent Cruella and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Popcorn, snacks and drinks will be available onsite — or you can bring your own. It's strictly a no-alcohol affair, though. And, ticket-wise, you'll generally be paying per car — unless you decide to book a seat in the drive-in's new area, called The Park. That's where you can sit on bean loungers, get table service and listen via dedicated volume-controlled radios.
"Does it always have to end up in a big giant dance battle?" asks the latest Step Up film, Step Up All In. Yes, that's an actual line of dialogue in a movie about trading fancy footwork for supremacy. The feature's Moose (Adam G. Sevani) poses the question to his ragtag gang of friends when yet another squabble sees them settling things on the dance floor. In doing so, he becomes the series' most self-aware expression, as well as the clearest enunciation of its purpose. Dance battles — plus contests, trials, tryouts, auditions, and any other competitive outlets — remain prominent not only to showcase performers' skills and add drama but to allow something to be dreamed about and aspired to, then achieved, attained and overcome. So if you've seen even one dance movie, whether from the Step Up franchise or any other (or even just Zoolander or Guardians of the Galaxy), then you know that yes, it does always have to end up in a big giant dance battle. Of course, there's more to be learned from the many efforts that have shuffled across screens since the days of Busby Berkley, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. What other important knowledge do dance films impart? We trawled through the best and worst to find out. Nobody should stay in the corner If there's one lesson the Step Up franchise preaches again and again, it's that playing by the rules doesn't offer a path to glory. If the first film's hero, played by Channing Tatum, hadn't vandalised a prestigious performing arts school and been burdened with helping clean up as punishment, the entire course of the series may have changed — and Tatum may not have become the cinema superstar he now is today. Indeed, he peddled the same message in the semi-autobiographical Magic Mike, where working a stripping job frowned upon by most offers the titular character his only hope of earning enough money to finance his dream business. Tatum is following in formidable footsteps, with ignoring instructions a dance movie staple across all possible extremes of the subgenre. In family-oriented effort Girls Just Want to Have Fun, a young Sarah Jessica Parker constantly falls afoul of her dad in her efforts to dance, while in Dario Argento's horror film Suspiria, an American ballet student in Munich finds out the truth about her new school when she flouts the rules and sneaks around. Perhaps the best-known instance comes from that perennial favourite, Dirty Dancing. Everyone remembers when Baby (Jennifer Grey) disregarded her father's decree that she stay away from bad boy dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), and when she wouldn't stay in the corner. (No one remembers when Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights unsuccessfully tried to recreate the same scenario.) Stick it (or step up) to the man In the fourth Step Up film (known as Step Up Revolution and Step Up: Miami Heat in differing parts of the world) it's not just a competition the dance crew seeks to win, though that's obviously part of the equation. In an oft-used scenario, they also square off in an against-the-odds battle with a heartless property developer threatening to gentrify their neighbourhood. Filmed flashmob-style performances help them wage both wars, providing contest entries and disrupting their nemeses efforts, but it is the challenge to authority that resonates as the feature's strongest statement. Dancers just don't know how to lie down for the man, so it seems, with putting bodies on the line their favourite form of fight. Step Up 3D, Honey and Centre Stage: Turn It Up also offer variations on rallying against authority, while an attempt to stop a corporation destroying a Brazilian rainforest drives The Forbidden Dance (a barely recalled effort attempting to cash in on the lambada craze, but the one that isn't called Lambada). And if there's one thing Footloose cemented in the consciousness of multiple generations, first in 1984 and again in the 2011 remake, it's that anyone who dares bans dancing must be defied, confronted and trounced. Stop, collaborate and listen Part of the fun of the Step Up series as it has continued is its unashamed amalgam of styles and genres. Never afraid to try something new and different when it comes to the dance scenes, if nothing else, the films themselves offer an inventive array of settings and show a wide range of sources of inspiration. Step Up All In's first breakout sequence ramps up the horror in a striking mad professor's laboratory number, while its climax sees its characters see past their rivalries to embody the same maxim in the story as well as the aesthetic. The movie is in good company, with seminal 1980s feature Breakin' teaming breakdancing with jazz ballet, Save the Last Dance's entire conceit based around the pairing of classical and ballet, and even Australia's own Strictly Ballroom introducing a Spanish influence into the titular type of dancing. Other features have interpreted the concept a little differently, but still with the same result. In Black Swan, a shy but ambitious ballerina must channel her dark side and break free from her prim and proper facade to get the lead in a production. The Full Monty saw middle-aged men get their gear off to make money after becoming casualties of Sheffield's declining steel industry. Mad About Mambo found football skills in samba. Recent release Cuban Fury tasked Nick Frost's uncharacteristic romantic lead with overcoming a childhood fear of salsa dancing to earn respect and pursue love. https://youtube.com/watch?v=j8XGmZ8HDIU There'll never be a crisis you can't dance your way out of The catharsis of getting your groove on has become so embedded in the dance film genre that almost every movie has its own example. Diving into your passion as an escape from your problems is sound advice; if movies have taught us anything, you'll emerge with a clearer head at the very least. The quintessential angry dancing scene from Footloose has become so iconic that Kevin Bacon once again kicked off his Sunday shoes to recreate it — well, with the help of a double — on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to celebrate the film's 30th anniversary earlier this year. The High School Musical movies gave Zac Efron not one but two opportunities to express his ire, the third film's moving feast of fury far superior to the second film's weak wander around a golf course. Andrea Arnold's excellent social realist effort Fish Tank shows a more serious side as its teen protagonist copes with her ills — including a liaison with Michael Fassbender — through hip-hop dancing. The trope has also been parodied in Hot Rod, where Andy Samberg's wannabe daredevil punch-dances out some anger in the forest, as well as TV's Flight of the Conchords in a number called Bret's Angry Dance. Cult comedy hit The FP took dancing through a crisis to the other extreme, with its characters forced onto their feet — duelling in an arcade game called Beat-Beat Revelation — to survive. Just do it Working as a welder by day and an exotic dancer by night, but dreaming of a more traditional way to tap your toes? Moved to the big city with stars in your eyes, but not sure if you have what it takes to give it a go? Flashdance, Burlesque and the aptly titled Make it Happen each offer a fictional testament to trying instead of wondering, as does almost every film in the subgenre that culminates in a competition: think Battle of the Year, Streetdance, Stomp the Yard, How She Move and even Take the Lead's Antonio Banderas-led ballroom dancing-focused effort, all of which address self-doubt and champion taking a chance. Billy Elliott shows just what can eventuate if, struggling valiantly through all obstacles in your way, you make it to the top of your chosen field. In Silver Linings Playbook, the stakes and the outcome are much more modest, but even securing a sense of achievement is worth the effort.
The transfixing terrain of Mads Mikkelsen's face has been cast against formidably frosty and inhospitable climes before, weathering mirroring weathering. Sporting a piercing and determined glint in his eye, the Danish acting great has previously surveyed the Scandinavian landscape, too, seeing possibility where others spot peril. It was true in Arctic, in Valhalla Rising and now in The Promised Land: there's no stare as mesmerisingly resolute as his. When Ludvig Kahlen, Mikkelsen's latest character, insists that he can do what no one else has done — to begin with: settling the heath on the heather-covered Jutland moorland and building a colony for the king, a feat considered virtually impossible in the mid-18th century — doubting him isn't a possibility for anyone in the movie's audience. The BAFTA-nominated Another Round star has danced in historical drama territory for his countryman director Nikolaj Arcel in the past as well, with the pair reteaming after 2012's Oscar-nominated A Royal Affair. A different king sits on the throne in this film, Frederick V instead of Christian VII; however, the regal shadow remains inescapable. This time, Mikkelsen and Arcel tell not of a doctor influencing a monarch and a country, but of a soldier aligning his quest for a better future with a sovereign's wish, and learning what it means to chase a dream only to realise that you need something less tangible. Kahlen's attempt to farm land considered barren is equally a battle against entitlement and arrogance thanks to his clash with Frederik de Schinkel (Simon Bennebjerg, Borgen), a cruel local magistrate who contends that the king's land is his own — and feels far enough away from Copenhagen for there not to be any consequences for his claim. A survivalist story, an underdog tale, an eat-the-rich narrative, a fierce repudiation of ill-earned senses of superiority, a journey of discovery: they all fertilise this potent Nordic picture, as do all of the hallmarks of a western. Jutland provides the plains. Kahlen and de Schinkel tussle over their conquering — one with what's best for the community in mind, the other only seeking their own power and glory. Based on Ida Jessen's 2020 book The Captain and Ann Barbara, The Promised Land isn't so simplistic as to make Kahlen the portrait of selflessness. Indeed, this isn't a naive film for a second. Instead, even with renown also on the line for its protagonist, it spies the vast chasm between the illegitimate son of a landowner and a servant who toiled in the military for 25 years to receive the title of captain and is now willing to keep scrapping to secure his lot in life, and the born-to-money and -means pomposity lorded over everyone in reach by someone that knows nothing of hard work, struggle and duty, and only of selfishly getting their own way. (Bastarden aka The Bastard is the movie's original Danish-language moniker.) The year is 1755 when Kahlen petitions Frederick V for the right to make what he can of the moors, a request only granted by the royal underlings because they think that the task is unattainable but it'll appease the king that an effort is being made. On the land itself, doubt also reigns supreme. Only the resident clergyman (Gustav Lindh, The Northman) shows any faith in Kahlen's mission. Finding workers to assist is also virtually impossible due to de Schinkel, who has the county cloaked in fear and its peasants indentured on his own turf. It's illegal for anyone to take on those who have fled the tyrant, but in the married Johannes (Morten Hee Andersen, Carmen Curlers) and Ann Barbara (Amanda Collin, Raised by Wolves), Kahlen takes a chance anyway. While it's also forbidden to enlist the Romani people, who first send the young Anmai Mus (debutant Melina Hagberg) to get pilfering on Kahlen's patch, that's another gambit soon made. Arcel has much to dig through in Anders Thomas Jensen's latest screenplay to star Mikkelsen — see also: Flickering Lights, Adam's Apples, After the Wedding, The Salvation, Men & Chicken and Riders of Justice — especially as de Schinkel keeps throwing his weight around as egotistical manchildren do, and as the ways in which exploitation, classism and racism shape the societal status quo push to the fore. With Kahlen, including as he gets caught between his new nemesis and the latter's Norwegian cousin Edel Helene (Kristine Kujath Thorp, Sick of Myself), the filmmaker makes a crucial storytelling choice, though: rarely peering far away from either Mikkelsen or the Danish scenery. Westerns fix their eyes on faces and frontiers because they're each sights that can unfurl an entire history in a mere look; in this feature's majestic imagery, which spans sweeping vistas and soulful close-ups alike, nothing says more than intently scrutinising its star and his surroundings. As classical as The Promised Land feels in an old-school, they-don't-often-make-them-like-this-anymore fashion — and with the route there proving more of a surprise than the destination as well — there's a slipperiness to Mikkelsen's involvement, too, thanks to a career spent playing everything from Bond antagonists and Hannibal Lecter to The Hunt's persecuted teacher. Even in a film with a clear villain that isn't his character, he isn't in the business of painting solely in black and white. In fact, nor should he when Kahlen can be stubborn, stern, beyond stoic, and quick to cast others aside in the name of settling the hearth and taking potato farming nearly as seriously as in The Martian at almost any cost. Absolutely nothing is formulaic about the feeling and complexity that Mikkelsen brings to a role, including this, one of his best performances — and again and again, he gives the screen the epitome of what a layered and complicated portrayal should be. With Collin and scene-stealing first-timer Hagberg especially, The Promised Land's lead has excellent on-screen company. In smaller but no less pivotal parts, each conveys perseverance and strength to match Kahlen's, as tinted with the added weight of being women, peasants and Romani in a time and place with no care for any of the above. This film's main trio, its makeshift family, inhabit an existence where little sprouts for those beyond the one percent that isn't tended to fastidiously, furiously and like their very being depended upon it. Among its many highlights, stepping reflecting the present bears plenty of fruit for this grand and gripping picture.
In the heart of Queensland, you'll find Longeach. A historical outback town brimming with history, culture, and rugged natural beauty. Known for its rich pioneering past and vibrant community spirit, this remote destination offers an authentic taste of Australia's vast interior. Whether you're fascinated by the outback lifestyle and aviation history, or simply looking for a serene escape under endless skies, Longreach will charm you with its warm hospitality and unique experiences. How to Get There? Located about 1,200km from Brisbane, reaching Longreach can be an adventure in itself. Visitors can catch regular flights from Townsville and Brisbane. However, be mindful when packing, small planes and outback conditions call for packing light. Products like Samsonite's Restackd luggage system, with its built-in packing cubes, will make organising your belongings a breeze — ideal for outback journeys. For a more scenic journey, hop aboard the historic Spirit of the Outback train from Brisbane to Longreach. It's the only sleeper train in Queensland and the 26-hour ride covers 1300 kilometres of ever-changing scenery through the heart of the state. Step Back in Time The region is rich in Aussie history. No visit to Longreach is complete without exploring the Qantas Founders Museum — it'll be hard to miss as you'll pass it as soon as you land on the tarmac of the airport. The museum was established by locals to preserve the story of Australia's national airline. Get up close to iconic aircraft like the retired Boeing 747 and 707displayed against the red dirt background. A definite must-see for aviation and history enthusiasts alike. Across the street, the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame offers another unmissable experience, chronicling the lives of Australia's pioneering outback drovers, stockmen and women. Attend live demonstrations of horsemanship, sheep shearing and bush skills which offer a glimpse into the tough yet rewarding life on the land. If you've got extra time, head out to Drover's Cottage, the original information centre setting built by R.M. Williams. It was restored to its original character and now houses Stockman's library collection. The sandstone cottage offers an insight into the outback lifestyle and Williams' enduring influence on Australian outdoor culture. Div even deeper into Longreach's history with a visit to the Powerhouse Museum, which tells the story of how electricity came to the outback. The museum features vintage machinery, vehicles, and fascinating displays of early 20th-century technology that powered the town's development. Explore the Rugged Region Start in the centre of town on bustling Swan Street to admire its newest artwork created by renowned mural artist Jarad Danby and commissioned by Great Northern Brewing Co. to celebrate the launch of Long Run, a Queensland-exclusive lager inspired by the pioneering spirit of the outback. The mural blends classical realism with contemporary styles and tells the story of Longreach's connection to the outback and stands as a permanent fixture in the town centre, adding a vibrant touch to the local landscape. For a relaxing experience, take a Thomson River cruise at sunset, where you can admire the breathtaking outback scenery while learning about the region's history from local guides. Finish the evening with a traditional campfire dinner, complete with billy tea and damper, under a sky ablaze with stars. Get your hands dirty as you experience a working cattle station with a visit to Camden Park Station, just outside Longreach. You'll hear captivating stories of outback life, see cattle mustering in action, and witness the impressive 100-year-old homestead where royalty once dined. It's a chance to connect with the outback lifestyle and enjoy the genuine hospitality of the outback. You can even camp at the cattle station for a truly immersive adventure. Where to Eat Longreach may be a small town, but it has no shortage of hearty, delicious meals. Start your day with a pastry from Merino Bakery and a strong coffee at The Branch — a local favourite known for its wholesome breakfasts, tasty lunches, delectable dinners and creative cocktails. Another eatery for your itinerary is the award-winning Harry's Restaurant, just across the road from the historic Longreach Railway Station. The restaurant is named for local legend Harry Redford, also known as Captain Starlight. At Harry's, you can enjoy modern Australian fare made with fresh, seasonal (and local) produce. Don't miss a visit to The Woolshed Restaurant, where you can enjoy an authentic outback dining experience with a menu focused on slow-cooked meats and classic Aussie sides — you might even be dazzled by local country musicians. Where to Stay Longreach has a range of accommodation options that cater to all tastes and budgets. For a luxurious experience, try the Saltbush Retreat, which offers a myriad of accommodation options from its well-furnished rustic chic cabins to its comfortable cottages. There's a swimming pool on-site to cool off during the warm days and, it's basically across the road from the airport making travel time mere minutes. If you prefer something more central, Longreach Motor Inn is a popular choice with comfortable rooms and Harry's Restaurant on-site. There is secure on-street parking and if you're not driving you can avail of its free airport shuttle service. For those wanting to get closer to nature, Mitchell Grass Retreat offers a glamping experience that combines outback adventure with luxury. It's perfect for those who love the idea of camping but want to have a full bathroom to themselves. Each luxury tent has an ensuite bathroom, king-sized bed, bath and a private deck from where you can enjoy the views out to the Mitchell Grass Plains. Not a bad base for your outback adventure. Final Tips The best time to visit Longreach is during the cooler months, from April to September, when daytime temperatures are more pleasant, and evenings are crisp. Regardless of when you travel, pack for the heat. Even in the cooler months, daytime temperatures in Longreach can soar, so pack sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water. And finally, make time to meet the locals. The friendly and welcoming community is a highlight of the town. Keep an eye out for local celebrity Ollie, a Brahman bullock, and his owner stockman and entertainer John Hawkes. Ollie was orphaned at two days old and has been raised by Hawkes ever since. You might spy Hawkes riding Ollie through the down or chatting with other locals over a coffee accompanied by Hawkes' border collies, Henry, Arthur and Jane. From its fascinating aviation heritage to its stunning outback landscapes, Longreach is a destination that offers a true Australian adventure. Whether you're sipping a cold beer after a day of exploration or watching the sunset over the Thomson River, this town will captivate you with its charm, history and rugged beauty. Concrete Playground was invited to Longreach by Great Northern to celebrate the launch of The Long Run Lager.
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 26, 2018 — The Costume Shop will (sadly) close its doors forever on Wednesday, December 5. All stock is currently going at 50 percent off. Get to it. The Costume Shop in Waterloo has been dressing Sydneysiders in extravagant Halloween, Mardi Gras and St Patrick's Day outfits for 30 years. But in early September, the store announced via Facebook that it would be closing its doors for good at the end of the year. While this is sad for future generations — and for future dress up parties — its great news if you're looking to build-up your own costume collection, as the store will be selling all 10,000 of its outfits to the public. Yep, it'll be slinging everything from steam punk masks to prosthetic Pinocchio noses, Queen Elizabeth II costumes, ABBA outfits and even 'Australian Male Gymnast' workout gear. According to the ABC, the shop's owners Kitty Hoh and Wing Chung have built up their huge selection by collecting costumes from Opera Australia and other Australian theatre groups — and it contains many original pieces, including headdresses from the iconic Australian film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. While there are plenty of outfits and accessories available to purchase, we think the best will get snapped up quickly — so we suggest heading in sooner rather than later. The Costume Shop is located at 19/198–222 Young Street, Waterloo. Its opening hours are 10am–6pm Mon–Tue and Fri, 11am–4pm Wed, 10am–7pm Thur and 11am–4pm Sat.
When one bar closes, hopefully another one opens — and, thankfully, that's proving the case at the former Hazy Rose site on Sydney's iconic Stanley Street. Adding a dash of film noir moodiness to Darlinghurst, The Long Goodbye is the kind of joint even Humphrey Bogart would approve of. Think old-school charm to match the Raymond Chandler novel and subsequent movie it's named after, plus classic cocktails, and live jazz and blues on Thursdays. Old-fashioned service and taking inspiration from old flicks might be in order here, but not everything harks back to years gone by. In a thoroughly modern move, bar manager and owner Flynn McLennan, of the Zeta Bar, has brought along an in-house chemist to develop his range of house-made liqueurs. The mixologist has used an ultrasonic machine to create a host of unique flavours, including a duck fat washed apricot brandy, strawberry balsamic shrub and chilli bitters. And to help bring home the DIY feel, you'll find their beverage list hand-typed on a vintage typewriter. Thanks to elaborate homages to the post-World War II era, the new hangout will make you feel like you're in classic noirs from the '40s (when Chandler's big hit The Big Sleep reached screens) through to the '70s (when Robert Altman's movie adaptation of The Long Goodbye made it to cinemas) in no time, lending cocktail-lovers a dark, brooding atmosphere. Candelabras, antique artworks, leather chesterfield lounges and ornate chairs help The Long Goodbye look the part, with McLennan and co-owner Dennis Jen finding the bar's furniture and glassware from local markets and Newtown's Chris On King vintage shop. Find The Long Goodbye at 1/83 Stanley Street, Darlinghurst, or visit their Facebook page for more information.
'Tis the season for many things, though at one particular pop-up Christmas market, the festivities are entirely, deliciously gin-related. Held at famed gin bar The Barber Shop and hosted by Sydney's own gin expert The Ginstress (aka Elly Baxter), the inaugural Christmas Gin Market is a one-stop pressie shop, with a very distinct flavour. Taking over the space for three hours on both December 7 and 14, expect a careful curation of gin-themed delights — products from top local distilleries, Treat Dreams' handcrafted gin-filled chocolates, gin-based marmalade from Four Pillars and gin-scented grooming products from the folks at Enright's Original Gin. You'll also be able to get your hands on the soundtrack from hit Sydney Festival show, Mother's Ruin: A Cabaret About Gin, and there'll be meet-and-greet opportunities with some of your favourite Aussie distillers. Browse top-notch gifts for your gin-thusiast mates, while sipping gin cocktails crafted by the Barber Shop team and you'll find yourself very much tapping into the Christmas spirit. The Christmas Gin Market runs from 6-9pm on Thursday, December 7 and Thursday, December 14. Find it at The Barber Shop, 89 York St, Sydney.
Before Snow Machine became everyone's excuse to hit up Queenstown for a stint of music and skiing, the festival launched its mix of tunes in wintry climes in Japan. That was back in 2020 and it hasn't been back there since — until 2024 rolls around. Although Snow Machine Queenstown is still to come for 2023, Snow Machine Japan has locked in its return for Monday, February 26–Saturday, March 2 in Hakuba. On the just-dropped bill: everyone from Diplo and Marc Rebillet to Bob Moses and Todd Terje, plus Japanese talents Risa Taniguchi, Satoshi Tomiie and Shinichi Osawa. Snow Machine Japan might return when summer will be shifting into autumn Down Under, but it's one helluva excuse for a frosty holiday during the northern hemisphere's winter — and Japan's snow season. No matter where it's taking place, this is the hottest festival for the colder months, packed with a snow-filled week of music and adventure. Attendees will be treated to action-packed days on the slopes, après ski events, and a hefty roster of international acts against an idyllic backdrop. And, because this is Japan, onsen trips, sake aplenty and yakitori bites are also on offer. Other than the wintry setting, one of the things that sets Snow Machine apart from other music fests is being able to book your entire getaway with your ticket. Packages span five or seven nights of accommodation, and include a festival ticket across the entire event, plus a four-day lift pass for Goryu & Hakuba 47, Tsugaike, Iwatake and Happo One. A word of warning: unsurprisingly, the packages are popular. Although the Snow Machine Japan 2024 lineup has only just been announced, packages are already 85-percent sold out. If you're keen to take care of your own place to slumber and just nab a festival ticket, that's an option as well. Lift passes, rentals, lessons and activities can be then booked on top at additional cost, and you can opt for VIP access including heating and seating while you party if you're feeling particularly cashed up. SNOW MACHINE JAPAN 2024 LINEUP: Bob Moses (club set) Busy P Claptone Denis Sulta Diplo Ewan McVica George Fitzgerald (DJ set) GG Magree Marc Rebillet Nina Kraviz Risa Taniguchi Satoshi Tomiie Shinichi Osawa Todd Terje (DJ set) Reuben Styles and Danny Clayton present First Base Snow Machine Japan 2024 will be held from Monday, February 26–Saturday, March 2 in Hakuba. Presale tickets go on sale from 12pm AEST on Thursday, August 3, with general tickets available from 12pm AEST on Friday, August 4. For more information, visit the festival's website. Images: Pat Stevenson. 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.
