Want to examine the pieces of an exploded shed suspended in mid-air and walk through a blood-red, Twin Peaks-style room? If you haven't been to see the MCA's landmark Cornelia Parker retrospective yet, time is running out. Luckily, we're giving away ten double passes to the gallery's huge summer exhibition — Australia's first major presentation of the renowned British artist's work — before it closes on Sunday, February 16. Cornelia Parker spans the artist's career, with works ranging from the late 80s to now. Highlights include Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View (1991), where Parker enlisted the help of the British Army to blow up a garden shed and created a huge, shadowy installation with the pieces; a 12-metre-long hand-stitched version of the Magna Carta Wikipedia page; and War Room (2015), which takes over an entire room with walls crafted from discarded strips of red paper sourced from a Remembrance Poppy factory in London. All up, it includes four large-scale installations that transform entire spaces as well as smaller gems that are not to be missed — like the filings of a handgun and a guillotined Oliver Twist doll (sliced by the same blade as Marie Antoinette). The exhibition wraps up in just a few weeks, so if you haven't made tracks to the gallery yet make sure you do so before it closes. And why not do it for free? To enter, see details below. [competition]758032[/competition] Images: Anna Kucera.
It's been a heck of a long time coming, but after multiple delays, it looks like you might be able to board a tram on Sydney's new CBD and southeast light rail by the end of the year. While Transport for NSW is confident the project — which will see trams running from Circular Quay through Surry Hills to Randwick and Kingsford — will be completed by March 2020, it has today floated the possibility that part of the line could open by the end of this year. A spokesperson for Transport for NSW has said that it "continues to discuss" opportunities with ALTRAC, the consortium delivering the project, to bring an opening date forward to 2019. This would include opening part of the line from Circular Quay to Randwick as early as December. The complete line out to Kingsford is on the cards for completion a few months later. That's slightly ahead of schedule from the May 2020 date we were given back in October — but still a year behind the original estimated completion date. According to Transport for NSW, 100 percent of the concrete slab has now been laid, and all 14 of the new light rail stops are now up to the system installation and testing phase. Test trams have already been hitting the tracks between Moore Park and High Street, and there are plans to run them through Surry Hills and the CBD in the coming months — although barriers still remain in place along that section of the track. Overall, it's been quite the saga for the light rail project, which has faced legal stouches, cost blowouts and delays galore, due to everything from awry overhead wires and a discovery of thousands of Indigenous artefacts. Tram operator Transdev has already started hunting for its first 100 new drivers, who'll kick off training in the middle of this year. As always, we'll keep you updated on any news related to the light rail — including further delays and opening dates.
Back in the day, you could walk into any old saloon, tap the bar with two fingers and the bartender would pour you a top-shelf whisky — neat, of course. Sadly, such a suave scenario isn't possible at the moment, but just because bars across the country have been forced to temporarily close doesn't mean you must go without your Laphroaig. Keeping you suitably soused while you're stuck at home is Whisky Loot. And while it mightn't be new, there's never been a better time to get small-batch and hard-to-find whiskies delivered straight to your door. The monthly subscription service delivers a box of three 60-millilitre bottles, with a different theme every time, so you'll never drink the same tipple twice. The aim is to expand your palate and educate you along the way. So, if you're just entering the world of whisky or looking to sample something other than your go-to firewater, this is for you. This month, you'll get to sample three fine Australian whiskies: an award-winning one from Launceston Distillery; a rye by Melbourne-based distillery The Gospel; and the Whisky Loot Private Barrel made by Whipper Snapper Distillery, which is not available for retail sale. While we could go into the tasting notes of each, we reckon you should take the gamble and just drink 'em. Plus, you'll be supporting local businesses, the importance of which cannot be underestimated right now. As well as three tasty ambers, you'll receive expert tasting notes and a tasting journal (with your first box), both of which will help take you from whisky novice to aficionado. And although it's a subscription service, you can do it month-to-month, with no lock-ins. It makes for a great gift, too. Best of all, Whisky Loot is offering $10 off your first order if you opt for the subscription, making it just $49 for your first round, which includes free standard shipping across Australia. And for New Zealand, contact support@whiskyloot.com for shipping information. To get in on this sweet deal, just enter SUPPORT5 at checkout. Plus, it'll be donating $5 from each box to Hospo Voice in support of the hospitality industry, which is doing it pretty tough right now. So, you can cheers to a good cause. For more information about Whisky Look and to sign up, head here. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
As its eponymous heroine (Daisy Ridley) lays prone in a pond, eyes closed, her hands clutching a wilting bouquet of flowers, Ophelia opens with a potential mic-drop moment. "You may think you know my story; many have told it," the film's narration accurately advises, which usually signals that a swift change of style, approach or pace will soon follow. Thankfully, while slick, over-amped, action-packed modernisations of classic tales have become common on cinema screens of late, this take on Hamlet instead opts to switch its perspective. Exploring the tragedies surrounding the famed, fictional, medieval-era Danish prince (George McKay), the movie doesn't ponder whether to be or not to be. Rather, it views its narrative through his paramour's eyes — with the gorgeously staged and shot feature brandishing noticeable differences as a result, but still looking and feeling as if William Shakespeare wouldn't be rolling in his grave. One of the playwright's most acclaimed and influential works (Star Wars, The Lion King and TV's Sons of Anarchy have all taken their cues from it), Hamlet has always proven a fascinating account of power, politics, love, lust, loyalty and vengeance. In Australian filmmaker Claire McCarthy's (The Waiting City) hands, that's also true, however its new feminist thrust is as intriguing as it is welcome. Adapting the novel by Lisa Klein, screenwriter Semi Chellas (Mad Men) contemplates not only the fate of feuding men, but of women forced to live with the consequences of male-dominated decisions. A delicate balancing act is at play; befitting today's times, Ophelia emerges from Hamlet's sidelines, tries to steer her own course and doesn't simply descend into jilted madness — although, as the Bard intended, her path remains forever tied to her beloved. Uttered firmly and passionately by Ridley, whose Star Wars pedigree ensures she knows a few things about those traits, Ophelia's scene-setting introductory narration characterises its protagonist as "a wilful girl". They're her own words, worn as a badge of honour, which the film then spends its time unpacking. As a slip of a pre-teen (Mia Quiney) who's a little too wily for her widower father Polonius (Dominic Mafham), yet isn't allowed to receive the same education as her brother Laertes (Tom Felton), Ophelia attracts the attention of Queen Gertrude (Naomi Watts). While Hamlet (played as a child by Jack Cunningham-Nuttall) is schooled abroad, Ophelia joins the court's ladies-in-waiting. When the prince returns home as a man, finding Ophelia similarly all grown up, sparks fly — but so does betrayal, death and something rotten in the state of Denmark, especially after the king is slain, leaving his brother Claudius (Clive Owen) to claim Hamlet's throne as well as his mother. McCarthy may buck the current stylistic trend when it comes to re-envisaging well-known, period-set stories (Robin Hood or King Arthur, this isn't, thankfully), but her interpretation still bears signs of its influences. With a focus on star-cross'd lovers, elements of Shakespeare's own Romeo and Juliet sneak in. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern earn a mention in the movie's dialogue, naturally, with the duo's own reimagined filmic excursion — comedy Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead — casting a small shadow. So too do a few of the Bard's recurrent motifs from his broader canon, including potions, twins and plays-within-plays. And yet, Ophelia is steadfastly its own piece, thanks to its evocative mood, sumptuous staging and intricate costuming in no small part. The tale's Elsinore castle setting appears both earthy and ethereal, continuing the lush aesthetics heralded in the movie's opening shot, which nods to Sir John Everett Millais's famed 1850s painting that's also named Ophelia. One particularly horrendous wig aside — a long, drab, floppy mess that does the otherwise adequate Owen no favours — this version of Ophelia also makes the most of many of its stars, as any iteration of this narrative by any name needs to. Playfulness permeates Chellas' reworked prose, alongside the source material's trademark wit, which rolls off of the actors' respective tongues. A sense of inner steeliness reverberates through the film's performances too, not only guiding Ridley's work, but evident in Watts' efforts in multiple roles. Indeed, when a new take on Shakespeare inspires the audience to luxuriate in its characters, their dialogue and the emotions they're conveying, it's nobly doing its job. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmelYOAFv20
Following the success of last year's Pokémon Go craze, the latest smartphone foray into augmented reality sees the launch of Snapchat's art lens, which will again see people wandering around using their smartphone to locate 'virtual objects' all across the globe. This time though you can claim a cultural pull, because instead of hunting collectable monsters, you'll be scouting out three-storey-high digital sculptures by acclaimed American artist Jeff Koons. Having dabbled plenty in AR with its face-morphing selfie filters and World Lens feature, Snapchat's now dropped a series of Lenses that will let users view a selection of Koons's colourful installations in specific locations worldwide. Right now, the series includes a shiny gold balloon dog in New York's Central Park, a rainbow playdough sculpture on Brazil's Copacabana Beach and a monumental likeness of Popeye at Sydney Opera House. Each sculpture will remain virtually in one place for a few weeks, before moving to a new location. If you're hooked up with the latest version of Snapchat, the app will give you the option of using the art lens when you're within 300 metres of one of the sculptures. The sculptures will appear on your screen once you're nearby — you can't miss them. Snapchat's also put the call out for other artists to jump aboard their virtual global art exhibition — here's hoping some local works are added to the mix.
The invitation might confuse a few with yoga and a silent disco on the menu, but we can't wait to get to this particular Vivid event. Imagine this — you're stretching out in downward dog listening to tunes and can see the Harbour Bridge spectacularly lit up for Vivid. Flow Athletic is teaming up with Pier One for this ultimate yoga experience. The class will be hosted by the experienced yogi and Flow Athletic co-founder Kate Kendall, who will be leading the session direct to your ears through your individual headphones. Backing tunes will be provided by DJ James Mack, providing a smooth soundtrack to complement your warrior poses and chaturangas. Whether you're a practiced yogi or wanting to try it for the first time, this vinyasa class is all levels for anyone to join. Wellness junkies can skip the parties, pubs and crowds of Vivid and zen out during this epic yoga class without skimping the light show — in fact, Pier One allows for one of the best views of the Harbour Bridge as a backdrop to the yoga session. Shake up your fitness routine and try something a little different for Vivid this year. Tickets are selling fast, so get in quick.
It's nice to see vegetarian meals getting a little love, and the Garden Goodness at Grill'd is an all-round winner with a quality veggie patty, succulent beetroot, avocado, salad, relish, tasty cheese and herbed mayo. Proud of its fresh produce and friendly staff, Grill'd's shining feature among earth-loving kin, however, is arguably the Local Matters jars; donating $500 a month to worthwhile causes, chosen by you.
Gareth Davies is a lunatic who should be unleashed on theatre audiences as often as possible. His is a mad genius that is often sealed in lead-lined supporting roles, adding the glow of the honestly absurd to tragedies and comedies alike. Now, in The Suicide, Davies detonates the full force of his being over a span of around 115 minutes. It is an experience trumped only by having God as your fluffer. This is the Hayloft Project's third visit to Belvoir Downstairs, and this time director Simon Stone has opted for a black comedy to continue showcasing his company's broad talents. Originally by Nikolai Erdman, The Suicide was a thorn in Soviet Russia's side, resulting in its repeated failure to be properly staged during Erdman's lifetime. It is the story of Semyon Semyonovich, unemployed, married and plagued by midnight hunger pangs, driven by a thwarted love for the tuba towards a very public suicide. Stone has taken this fertile irreverence and reformed it into a madcap piece that will ring true with anyone shat upon by the dreaded G acronym over the past two years. Surrounding Semyon is a community of odd characters, ranging from his long-suffering wife Maria (Anne-Louise Sarks) through to the opportunistic Aristarch (Johnny Carr) and Alexander (Tom Wren). The ensemble carries the energy of the piece with dedicated aplomb, juggling quick-fire costume changes and imaginative musical interludes with only the occasional moment dropped. In less capable hands, The Suicide may have become a sketch comedy revue, but there is no need to worry about that here. Elevating this production further is its design team. Claude Marcos' sparse gravel and dirt space delightfully takes the piss out of grim, Soviet landscapes, while Teegan Lee's lighting moistens the action — especially in the play's high noon climax. Stefan Gregory has opted for an a capella soundscape that gives a playful and maniacal lilt to the night's proceedings, and, drawing upon the flavours of pantomime and farce, Mel Page has shrewdly sourced costumes for all 27 characters. With the dark intensity of Love Me Tender Upstairs, The Suicide is a clever programming choice for Belvoir. If you haven't yet witnessed one of Hayloft's classic rebirthings, definitely pop your cherry with this one. Just don't drink too much beforehand, as the combination of constant laughter and no interval may result in your impromptu addition to the set.
The NSW Government has announced that nearly half of Moore Park Golf Course will be reclaimed and turned into a public park from June 2026. The popular 18-hole golf course currently sits on 45 hectares of public land via a series of service agreements dating back to 1913 — the final of which will expire in 2026. From that point, 20 hectares of the land will revert back to public ownership, with NSW Premier Chris Minns promising to transform it into a thriving green space for all to use. The reclaiming of the 20 hectares of land will see the golf course reduce its number of holes from 18 holes to just nine, as originally floated when the City of Sydney started discussing the plan back in 2020— but will not disrupt the course's clubhouse, depots, parking or driving range. In place of those reclaimed holes will be areas dedicated to recreation and community sports, as well as general public park space. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chris Minns (@chrisminnsmp) "Over the past century, Sydney has changed significantly. When the golf course was first established, the surrounding areas were largely industrial lands," said the Premier. "Significant urban regeneration has seen housing density around Green Square and Zetland transform industrial land into a vibrant community." "As we work to tackle the housing crisis facing NSW by building up, we know that delivering public infrastructure including parks is more important than ever before." Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully backed the plan, saying: "The communities of Redfern, Waterloo, Green Square and Zetland are crying out for more green space, and this change will go a long way to satisfying their needs." The decision has received mixed feedback online, with some praising the added green space while others questioning the need for more parkland so close to Centennial Park. In the lead up to 2026, the NSW Government will be consulting the City of Sydney, the local community and stakeholders in order to create a detailed plan on how best to utilise the land surrendered by Moore Park Golf Course. The plan to transform this patch of land is a long time coming, and isn't unprecedented; in Queensland, the Brisbane City Council turned Victoria Park Golf Course in Brissie's inner city into a huge new public park, for instance. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Clover Moore AO (@clovermoore) For more information on the plan to reclaim 20 hectares of Moore Park Golf Course, head to the NSW Government website.
New York is a very strange, very wonderful place. A city full of the quirky, the neurotic, and the downright weird, there is a place for everything and everyone in New York. That's why when I came across Rachael Morrison I was hardly surprised by her unorthodox performance art — in fact, I was completely spellbound. Morrison, a Senior Library Assistant at The Museum of Modern Art Library in New York, has launched a performance art project called 'Smelling the Books.' And yes, this is exactly what it sounds like. In early 2010, Morrison began her olfactory escapade, systematically smelling every book in the MoMA Library collection and documenting each new sensory experience in a ledger. Of the performance Morrison says her purpose is to "foster a discussion of the future of print media, the ways we read, methods of classification, and the way in which smell is entwined with memory." I love the smell of books. A book is like a lover — with each one you have a unique experience and with each you build a unique relationship, one that can't be re-fabricated by a computer or a kindle, no matter how hard you try. And that's why I'm asking you now, gentle reader, to join Morrison's crusade; pick up your favourite old classic or buy something new, curl up wherever you are with a cup of coffee, and nuzzle your nose between the pages. There has never been a better time than now to smell a book.
With both the Indie Beer Showcase and Good Beer Week sadly axed from our calendars this year, organisers have headed online to host a series of virtual beer events instead. And these ones you can enjoy anywhere, any time — heck, even pants-free, if you fancy. Streamed via the Independent Brewers Association YouTube channel, each of these online tasting parties celebrates a different Aussie craft brewery, led by a brewer or key member of the team. They'll chat about a few signature beers, discuss what goes into making them, give an insight into the world of brewing and maybe even offer a sneak-peek at some future releases. The Good Beer Week Facebook page gives a heads-up as to who'll be hitting screens next, so you can stock up in advance at the bottle shop or get that beer delivery sorted. The live stream schedule is fairly loose, though videos are mostly run during prime drinking times like after work on Fridays and Saturday afternoons. That said, the sessions are all kept up on YouTube so you can revisit later at your leisure — tune in any time you're in the mood for a tipple and some beer talk. Image: Simon Shiff
If summer screams ice cream to you, then there's only one way to start the season: indulging in your favourite frosty treat. That's great advice in general, but gelato chain Gelatissimo has an even better spin on it. Hit up one of its 48 stores around the country from 5pm until closing time and you'll nab $3 scoops. The date: Friday, December 1. The place: at all Sydney Gelatissimo shops. The offer: creamy gelato for just a couple of gold coins, all to celebrate the official start of the warm weather and indulge in a dessert staple. The deal stacks, too, so you can get a double scoop for $6. Friday, December 1 also happens to be the day that Gelatissimo is releasing its latest limited-edition flavours, which you can try for just $3 a pop as well. Get ready for cookies and cream made with Milkybar, a mint version but made with KitKat and a blue take.
Attention margarita lovers – Flecha Azul is shouting 300 margaritas to patrons this weekend, Saturday, April 13, to mark its arrival in Sydney. The premium tequila brand's event invites you to savour its flavours from 4pm at The Dolphin Hotel in Surry Hills until the cocktails are sold out. It also promises to be an amazing experience of premium tequila and exciting spirits, regardless of whether you're an experienced tequila fan or just searching for a taste of Mexico's finest. Flecha Azul, founded in 1884 by Mexican businessmen Aron Marquez and professional golfer Abraham Ancer, adheres to its historical roots by using traditional distilling techniques. A true taste of Mexico is promised with every drink, embodying the spirit of the country's history and artistry. Head to The Dolphin, 412 Crown St, Durry Hills, on Saturday, April 13, for a taste of Mexico's finest.
Taylor Swift announcing a new album as she broke records. Barbie's 'What Was I Made For?' winning Song of the Year. Tracy Chapman. Celine Dion. Miley Cyrus' first Grammy ever. Annie Lennox's Sinead O'Connor tribute. The 2024 Grammys had them all. The awards also had SZA entering the ceremony as this year's most-nominated artist, swerving away from swords as she performed 'Kill Bill' and collecting three gongs. Next on the R&B singer's list: touring Australia and New Zealand. [caption id="attachment_939968" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacob Webster[/caption] SZA won Grammys for Best Progressive R&B Album, Best R&B Song and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with Phoebe Bridgers — and to appreciate why, you'll want to make a date with her shows in Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in April. She's playing two gigs each everywhere but Brissie, all at arenas on a seven-show visit. The S.O.S. tour is in support of SZA's second album of the same name, which dropped in late 2022. She's been performing the record live for the past year, kicking off in North America from February 2023, then playing Europe before returning to the US. Cue 'Good Days', 'Snooze', 'Shirt' and 'Nobody Gets Me' on her current setlists, plus 'Broken Clocks', 'Drew Barrymore', 'The Weekend' and 'Love Galore' from her debut album Ctrl — and everything from 'All the Stars' from the Black Panther soundtrack to 'Kiss Me More'. SZA joins a massive list of big-name tours heading Australia and New Zealand's way in 2024, alongside everyone from Tenacious D, Take That and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and GZA this week alone. SZA S.O.S. Australia and New Zealand Tour Dates 2024: Monday, April 15–Tuesday, April 16 — Spark Arena, Auckland, Friday, April 19 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Tuesday, April 23–Wednesday, April 24 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Monday, April 29–Tuesday, April 30 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne SZA is touring Australia and New Zealand in April 2024, with presales from 2pm on Friday, February 9 and general sales from 2pm on Monday, February 12. Head to the Australian and New Zealand tour websites for more information. Top image: The Come Up Show via Wikimedia Commons.
Some venues thrive by nailing their niche, while others achieve crowd-pleaser status by presenting a few different offerings. Double Bay's Bartiga is the latter, functioning as both a bustling wine bar and a flavour-packed diner. Nab a table out of Bay Street with some friends on a Saturday afternoon, and it's an ideal spot for a glass of wine and a next-level snack. The drinks list has plenty of top drops by the glass, and there's a little something for everyone when it comes to the cocktails on offer. Our picks of the bunch: the Ben Haines Amber Semillon Blend, or the Skyfall which blends whisky, amaretto, macadamia liqueur and Aztec bitters. There's also a banana and vanilla-infused espresso martini for a kick of caffeine, and an extensive list of wine by the bottle split into 'Timeless Drops' and 'Future Classics'. If you're in for a short stopover, you can tide your hunger with a few choice snacks, including thinly sliced wagyu beef sliders with a red curry pesto, or prawn toast served with lettuce leaves to wrap the toast in, plus fresh chilli and a lemon and chilli sauce. You can also settle in for a heftier meal courtesy of Head Chef Faheem Noor, who brings experience from Tetsuya's, Empire Lounge and Gordon Ramsay's Maze to the Bartiga kitchen. Noor and the team have created a menu inspired by Southeast Asian classics that they describe as "modern yet not defined". Comfort foods from across the globe collide with the barbecued prawn tom yum spaghetti, while other signature menu items to keep an eye out for include the MB4 scotch fillet topped with an Asian herb chimichurri and crispy onions, beef rendang sausage rolls and XO pipi linguine. The relaxed interior rides the line between cosy charm and all-out elegance, allowing Bartiga to facilitate both casual catch-ups and romantic date nights. It's a welcome addition to Bay Street during an exciting time for the east Sydney thoroughfare.
Corretto might still be one of Dee Why's newest additions, but the eatery is already staking its claim as a must-visit daytime destination. The regular menu is a drawcard, of course; however the venue has just trotted out two of the sweetest words in the English language: bottomless brunch. Every Friday–Sunday from 11am–4pm, the Sydney spot is slinging an all-you-can-eat feed — with two hours of endless drinks to match, should you feel like a beverage or several. It's not your usual brunch fare, either. You'll feel like you're in Europe enjoying a summertime spread with this lineup, which includes garlic bread, mixed olives, burrata with tomatoes and basil on sourdough, spiced and salted squid, scallops and beer-battered chips with aioli. (And, if you're vegan or allergic to gluten, your dietary needs can be catered for as well.) Two food options are available: a $35 package and a $48 version, with the latter including tuna tacos as well. From there, it's a build-your-own kind of deal. Add dessert for $6, an espresso martini for $14, or choose from four bottomless booze packages —spanning mimosas for $30, wine for $42, cocktails and spritzes for $49, or everything for $50. Image: Kitti Gould.
Keen to round out pool party season with an absolute banger? As part of its Two Months of Rum celebrations, Grain Bar is taking things right back to the 1950s, descending on the Four Seasons' outdoor pool for a freeretro-glam LA-inspired shindig to remember. On Sunday, February 24, punters will get to try the pool, which is usually reserved for guests only. The rum-fuelled evening will be free to attend — you'll just have to pay for your cocktails, which will be going for $15 each. Charlie Ainsbury of Proof & Co (and previously This Must Be the Place), James 'Dub Dub' from Neat Spirits and Grain's own Roderick Boerma have teamed up to deliver a cocktail menu that befits the location. They'll be whipping up sips like the Pineapple Junglebird, Miami Vice and a classic holiday-style Mai Tai, to enjoy while lounging by the pool. Throw in some poolside installations, beats from DJ Turbo and surprise 'change rooms' (whatever that means), and you've got yourself a pretty wild end to summer.
When the COVID-19 pandemic first started making its impact known, we all began to feel like we were living in a disaster movie. Contagion flicks, outbreak films, sci-fi fare about infectious diseases — they all echoed with eerie prescience. The next types of movies that might start cutting a little too close to home? Dystopian flicks about climate change's impact. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released its sixth assessment report about the state of the planet, global warming's impact and humanity's influence upon increasing temperatures — and it doesn't paint a calming picture. The big news: if no big moves are made in current efforts to combat climate change, the planet will warm by 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial temperatures by as early as 2030. That figure has been mentioned for some time as an unwanted milestone, as it's when climate scientists predict that higher temperatures, rising sea levels, heavier rains, longer fire seasons and worse droughts will kick in. Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events around the world already, including Australia's devastating 2019–20 bushfire season, seeing these conditions worsen is obviously alarming news. Also flagged by the IPCC, which is the United Nations' body for assessing the science related to climate change, has been around since 1988 and has 195 members from around the world: that the planet has already warmed by 1.1 degree since industrialisation, and that Australia has warmed by 1.4 degrees. And, it has dubbed humanity's part in these increases as "unprecedented", with working group co-chair Dr Valérie Masson-Delmotte saying that "the role of human influence on the climate system is undisputed." The #IPCC released its latest #ClimateReport today, #ClimateChange 2021: the Physical Science Basis. "The role of human influence on the climate system is undisputed." – Working Group I Co-Chair @valmasdel Report ➡️ https://t.co/uU8bb4inBB Watch the video, 🎥 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/hZOSU1xWQR — IPCC (@IPCC_CH) August 9, 2021 Also, even if the IPCC's most ambitious targets to arrest the impact of climate change were put in place, global warming would still likely hit 1.5 degrees by 2035. The body's scientists expect that the planet will warm by at least 1.6 degrees above pre-industrial temps regardless of whichever measures are put in place, before ideally beginning to drop again once those drastic mitigation tactics — things like large-scale reforestation projects, or being able to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere — started to have an effect. It's no wonder that United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called the IPCC report "a "code red for humanity" in a statement. "The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable: greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and deforestation are choking our planet and putting billions of people at immediate risk. Global heating is affecting every region on Earth, with many of the changes becoming irreversible," he continued. "The internationally agreed threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius is perilously close. We are at imminent risk of hitting 1.5 degrees in the near term. The only way to prevent exceeding this threshold is by urgently stepping up our efforts, and pursuing the most ambitious path," the Secretary-General said. "This report must sound a death knell for coal and fossil fuels, before they destroy our planet... If we combine forces now, we can avert climate catastrophe. But, as the report makes clear, there is no time for delay and no room for excuses." World leaders will meet at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow from October 31 this year to discuss the planet's plans to stop warming at 1.5 degrees. To read the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's sixth assessment report, head to the IPCC's website.
For the duration of the Village Bizarre, The Rocks Square, to be dubbed 'The Scene', will act as the event's nerve centre. Open every Friday between 6.30pm and 10pm, the spot will present a chameleonic programme, shifting from a 1920s speakeasy bar named The Gin Mill Social Club, to a cabaret lounge known as Club Bizarre, to a fantastical cardboard city, to Aunties Blackfella Bingo Hall. There'll also be a massive one night party - zin's Party Mode - on December 13. November 1, 8, 22 and 29 will see The Gin Mill Social Club. Pushing open a rusty corrugated iron gate, visitors will step nearly a century back in time - into the smoky, dimly-lit Prohibition Era, when drinking alcohol was a clandestine act and jazz provided the soundtrack to the goings-on of gangsters, mobsters and flappers. Time to dig out your feather boas, three-quarter length gloves, plumed headbands and cigarette holders, and brush up on your Charleston. The Jordan C Thomas Quartet will be providing beat jazz and jump swing, and there'll be live performers. December 6 and 20 will see Club Bizarre between 8pm and 10pm. Cabaret artists Kiki and Pascal will take over The Square, lit by moonlight and informed by a daring, imaginative, quirky aesthetic. Expect juggling, contortion, magic, acrobatics, singing and assorted hilarity. There'll also be live music, with the Rusty Spring Syncopators playing 'crusty blue, rusty rags and manly-janky jazz' on December 6 and the Green Mohair Suits singing 'like angels in a dirty bar' on December 20. To watch the teaser video, click here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=nv9-R9V7Uoo
It won six Oscars, was nominated for four more, and made a mint at the box office — and now Mad Max: Fury Road has been named the best Australian movie of the 21st century so far by the country's film critics. George Miller's high-octane post-apocalyptic effort — the fourth in his Mad Max franchise, which came 30 years after the series' third instalment — was picked as the top recent local effort in the biggest survey of Aussie critics ever conducted. And it's in great company, with the top 25 spanning plenty of highlights from the industry's last 18 years. Crime drama Animal Kingdom nabbed second place, while Samson & Delilah, Chopper and Lantana rounded out the top five — and everything from The Babadook to Sweet Country to Snowtown also ranked highly. It's a list big on drama, though musical Moulin Rouge! was 11th, comedies The Dish and Kenny came in at 16th and 20th respectively, documentary Sherpa took 21st position and the animated effort Mary and Max secured 22nd spot. The survey was conducted by Australian film website Flicks.com.au, with 51 critics — 26 male, 25 female — taking part. David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz were among the participants, unsurprisingly, with other critics hailing from a wide range of major news outlets, trade publications, magazines, commercial and community radio, websites, podcasts, TV and blogs. Disclaimer: Sarah Ward participated in Flicks.com.au's Australian film poll, and contributes to the site. She is also one of Concrete Playground's senior film writers and weekend editor.
There's nothing like a midweek spot o' fried chicken and noodle, especially when it comes from the meat-lovin' mind behind Manly Wharf's Papi Chulo. As part of March into Merivale, open this week, PC head chef Patrick Friesen is branching out from last year's Thai-focused project to launch this year's instalment of the Work in Progress pop-up. Chefs know their late night supper spots, finishing work well after you've digested your dins and are happily tucked in. Friesen's taken inspiration from his favourite late night Sydney eateries. He's designed a bite-sized menu of Asian-style fried chicken, Hong Kong noodles and snacky nibbles for his MIM pop-up. "The menu is influenced by the late night haunts that other chefs and I like to go to smash fried chicken, noodles, and beers after a busy service," says Friesen. "It’s a small menu, but full of the tasty things you want to eat with a few drinks or on a solo lunch mission." Think fried chicken with ginger nuoc cham, served with kimchi, pickled daikon and garlic cucumbers. Think pnomh penh wings with lime white pepper, Sichuan duck with tofu lo mein, and pork and prawn wonton mein with egg noodles. But you won't be left with a mouthful of delicious, delicious fried chicken and nothing to wash it down. Friesen's nosh will be paired with a specially-created cocktail menu, with the likes of the Shaky Pete (Beefeater 24 gin, ginger, 150 lashes pale ale) and Down the Stairs (Zubrowka, pressed apple, lemon, cinnamon) sounding pretty delicious for $18 a piece, or you can choose from the Australian/New Zealand-heavy wine and beer selection. Work in Progress will sit at 50 King Street from Thursday, February 26. Open Monday to Friday 12pm-3pm, 6-10pm (kitchen); 12pm-late (bar). Want more on March into Merivale? Head over here.
2017's Happy Death Day was the knock-off that wasn't; the rehash that name-checked its inspiration, yet did more than recycle used parts. Groundhog Day for the 21st century, it took its repetitive conceit, coupled it with a slasher flick premise and had a damn good time with the combination. When you felt like you'd seen it all before, that was by playful design. When the film threw up its own surprises — and when it toyed with genre conventions in the process — it pleasingly exceeded expectations. Watching a sorority mean girl navigate the same day endlessly not just in the name of self-improvement, but to catch her own killer, proved the lively spark that both college-set horror flicks and time loop movies needed. With follow-up Happy Death Day 2U, the scenario gets a do-over, although not in the way viewers might initially expect. Where Happy Death Day saw Tree (Jessica Rothe) reliving her birthday over and over, this inevitable sequel basically sees her revisit the past film again and again. Initially, however, the movie tasks someone else with experiencing a perpetual replay. From the outset, Ryan (Phi Vu) — the roommate of Tree's new boyfriend Carter (Israel Broussard) — replicates the same day that Tree kept enduring in the initial picture. But there's a reason for Ryan's repetitive blast from the past, thanks to his thesis physics experiment. Quicker than anyone can spit out a jumble of science jargon, his attempts to redress the situation throw Tree back into her old loop, albeit in an alternative dimension. From the retro poster on Carter and Ryan's dorm room wall, to the familiar refrains throughout the film's score, to characters flat-out discussing the similarities, Happy Death Day 2U treats Back to the Future: Part II the same way that its predecessor treated Groundhog Day. The beloved 80s sci-fi comedy is the flux capacitor powering this three-decades-later spin, but switching sources of inspiration, and ostensibly switching genres as well, doesn't make for as satisfying an outcome this time around. Written and directed by Happy Death Day's Christopher Landon, who only served as director the first time around, this sequel isn't lacking in ambition. It deserves props for endeavouring to find an interesting hook, rather than favouring a bland rehash. Still, try as it might, Happy Death Day 2U can't splice its self-referential nature and its leap into science-fiction into a convincing, completely engaging whole. As the film's feisty heroine learns more than once, when you revisit the same scenario, the little changes can't be ignored. Specifically, Tree can't escape her new dilemma — as well as staving off another mask-wearing killer, she's forced to pick between realities. The loop she's now in corrects a past trauma that she's eager to unburden, but robs her of the one thing about her future she was looking forward to. That's weighty material for a sci-fi slasher comedy, yet this isn't a weighty affair. While Happy Death Day 2U feigns at depth, and broadly takes Tree on another emotional journey, it has much more fun when it's focusing on its two gimmicks. When the picture nods and winks its way through literally repeating the initial flick, it remains peppy and perky, particularly as Tree thwarts her would-be murderer by taking matters into her own hands again and again. And although the film enjoys its science fiction silliness perhaps more than the audience, there's no missing the caper vibe. (In fact, as far as the movie's mood goes, bumps, jumps and horror thrills give way to an energetic onslaught of temporal absurdity.) At every point along the way, Rothe firmly demonstrates why Happy Death Day 2U exists beyond its potential to repeat its predecessor's box office bonanza. When the first film more than hit its marks, much of its success sprang from its little-known star's shoulders. Here, as Tree discovers that she's doing-over her endless cycle of do-overs, Rothe gives the kind of committed performance that the filmmakers are right to build a franchise around. That proves true whether she's glowering in a near-cartoonish rage, or navigating a suicide montage (and revelling in her own death more than should be possible). She's never less than an exuberant delight to watch, a description that only keeps proving true the more ridiculous the movie gets. And yet, if you're wondering why the end result remains a little underwhelming, the answer is simple. All that dying eventually pays a toll on the picture's protagonist, and all that effort to twist the same idea in new ways just feels weaker on a second run-through. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkhbzS8PBm8
If 13 Rooms has left you pining for more interactive and performance art, State of the Art has you covered. What's the point of reinstalling Brecht's fourth wall in the world of art when you could instead be wandering through an inflatable gold environment, taking an active role in screen printing and live performance, creating imagery for a paste-up wall, and photo blogging? Presented by the Art Gallery of NSW, Kluster and blackandwhite creative, State of the Art invites the viewer to make his or her own mark on what's being viewed. Artists and musicians contributing to the sensory melee include Numskull, Jason Wing, Hollie Martin and Damon Williams, Urban Future Organisation, Adam Hill aka Blake Douglas, Alice Richards & Teresa Gay, Chico Monks, Oscar Wuts and The Seaport & The Airport. "The beauty of interactive art is its capacity to challenge the viewer," says State of the Art co-director Kat Hartmann. "It asks its audience for engagement and promises something richer than simple observation in return." Self-described as "someone with zero fine arts abilities — but a huge love for and interest in contemporary art", she finds that "there is something infinitely attractive about that exchange."
Stay tuned. More info coming soon.
Since opening in 2012, Crowbar has become one of Brisbane's most popular spots for live punk, hardcore and metal music. Now, the team is expanding to Sydney, to take over Leichhardt's The Bald Faced Stag. Just as in Brisbane, Crowbar owners Trad Nathan and Tyla Dombroski will be making the pub not just a venue, but a community base for musicians and their fans. If you've frequented the Stag, you'll know there are facilities to fulfil such plans. Among its spaces are an expansive front bar, a beer garden, an indoor smoking area, a kitchen and a big band room. There's room for 500 ticket holders, fitted with a curtain, which can reduce capacity to 250 for intimate shows. This will all be utilised under the venue's new name, Crowbar Sydney. Nathan and Dombroski plan to bring Crowbar's strong community values to Sydney. "We've both spent a lot of time in Sydney over the years and have watched a lot of venues close down," says Dombroski. "We don't want to see this happen to the Stag. We have an opportunity to rebuild it, and we are going to make that happen!" The Crowbar team will have a five-year lease, after which the lease will either be extended or the building developed. According to Commercial Real Estate, The Stag was bought earlier this year by local investment group Caper Property, who plans to turn the into a co-living space at some point. Here's hoping that, whatever happens, its life as a live music venue lives on. The Bald Faced Stag will continue to operate at 345 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt before it becomes Crowbar Sydney in December. It's already started taking bookings for the bandroom here.
Love the beach but hate the crowds? Resolute Beach is your new sneaky fave. A drive through Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park and a short bushwalk rewards you with a mostly tourist-free taste of beach paradise. Park at the picnic ground and take the Resolute Loop Trail. You'll walk an easy two kilometres through bushland before the path descends, the trees break and there you see it: golden sands and emerald-sapphire waters stretching out to Barrenjoey Headland and the ocean beyond. Calm swells make for a perfect relaxed beach swim. As the only other way to reach this cove is by boat, it's a rare piece of unspoiled beauty. You can head straight back afterward, or carry on the loop track to West Head Lookout for more epic scenery. Image: Andrew Gregory, Destination NSW
The Australian sun ripens up some tasty talent and Carriageworks is serving it up in bulk in 2016. Premiering in April and running for three nights (April 20-23), Lake Disappointment is a distinctive new work by four of Australia's most exciting independent artists, collaborating for the first time on this exclusive project. Although the title doesn't quite flag it, Lake Disappointment is a comedy. This new Sydney play also explores a relatively unexplored topic: the oddly narcissistic life of a body double. Directed by Malthouse Theatre's exciting new Director in Residence, Janice Muller, with sound design by the always brilliant James Brown, Lake Disappointment comes from playwrights Luke Mullins (who also plays the lead) and Lachlan Philpott. The pair have written the story loosely around the life of Heath Ledger's body double (what an excellent job title) as a way to investigate themes of self and identity. The narrative itself is also intriguing: a famous movie star and his close friend (and body double) have to get through one more arthouse film shoot (for a film called, you guessed it, Lake Disappointment) before moving onto Hollywood blockbusters. When the body double arrives on set early, something about the location and content of the film seems off, and the arrival of the star keeps being postponed. Mystery, lols and primo Aussie talent all rolled into one? Yes, please and thank you.
Love: it’s not about the big stuff. Helping someone find their glasses, squeezing their hand when they’re getting ready for a tough situation and sharing stories of mundane days are what matters, rather than grand gestures. Most movies prefer the latter, selling the fairytale rather than reality. Love Is Strange lingers in little things because it is not most movies, for better and for worse. What the latest film from writer/director Ira Sachs (Keep the Lights On) is instead is a gentle portrait of a strong romance in a sticky situation. It’s a slow effort that meanders through a series of unfortunate but not outlandish nor appalling turns — and a gradual revelation of moments that don’t test the bond of just-wed couple of 39 years George (Alfred Molina) and Ben (John Lithgow) but do try their patience. When George and Ben finally get married, their happy times are short-lived. A music teacher at a Catholic school, George loses his job because of his marital status, but Ben’s pension isn’t enough for them to live on. Forced to sell their New York apartment, they stay separately with friends and relatives as they wait to get back on their feet. From then on, their time together is rare, precious and all-too fleeting. Their frustrations become evident as George battles with the partying lifestyle of his young cop hosts (Cheyenne Jackson and Manny Perez), and Ben begins to feel unwanted bunking in with the teenage son (Charlie Tahan) of his filmmaker nephew (Darren Burrows) and stay-at-home writer wife (Marisa Tomei). And for all the film’s elegant imagery, artfully picked shots and evocative Chopin score, their frustrations also become the viewer’s. There’s a difference between yearning and mournful, just as there are shades of grey in domestic drama. The issues Love Is Strange ponders are certainly thoughtful inclusions, such as the intertwining of identities in a relationship, the impact of ageing and the limits of privacy and generosity among friends; however, they’re not deserving of the mood of heart-wrenching tragedy the film presents more often than not. Love Is Strange also struggles in its strongest area: casting. That’s a big call for a movie easily improved by the work of its wonderful leading men, but an apt comment when it strands its strongest elements apart for the bulk of its duration. Molina and Lithgow create subtle, lived-in characters and convey a realistic long-term relationship, their performances always the right kind of earnest. It is their chemistry that enhances the ambling material, and the film — like the lovers they portray — feels every second of their absence. Of course, that’s the point of the story, albeit an unsatisfying way to get it across. Perhaps the title really does say it all: Love Is Strange, and so are small, sweet and slight movies valiantly yet not always effectively trying to capture the importance of connection in the finer details rather than bold statements.
Can we all agree that Thursday is an underrated day of the week? It's the Friday of Fridays — a day when you're over the hump of the work week and oh so close to the weekend. And because of this, it can be a real treat to catch up with friends or grab an after-work drink on a Thursday. Chin Chin knows this better than most, and is celebrating the magic of Thursdays with a deal-heavy happy hour running every week through September until October. As part of the new Cocktail Hour program that Lucus Restaurants is running, Chin Chin's Sydney outpost is rolling out a set of three $9.50 cocktails alongside discounted beer, wine and snacks every Thursday until October 5. The pick of the bunch is the Watermelon Margarita. The mix of Reposado Tequila, Aperol and fresh watermelon packs a real punch thanks to its chilli salt rim. If you prefer your cocktails on the sweeter side, opt for a $9.50 Elderflower Spritz made from vodka, elderflower, apricot, raspberry, lemon and prosecco. And, rounding out the happy hour cocktails is a vibrant purple Lychee Violet Daiquiri which combines white rum, yuzu-shu, lychee, peaflower and lime. Elsewhere on the drinks menu, there are $6.50 tap beers, plus discounted wines including a $10 glass of Marquis de Pennautier Rosé and a $22 glass of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Cuvee Brut NV (usually $27 a glass). Then there are the happy hour snacks — all loaded with the typical big, bold Asian flavours of the Chin Chin menu. The must-try menu item is the jungle pork sliders featuring a spiced pork patty — setting you back $15.50 for two sliders. Round up your bestie and head to Chin Chin on a Thursday to nab a watermelon margarita and a pork slider for a grand total of $17.25 each. There's also citrus-forward kingfish sashimi on a rice cracker ($9.50 for two), $9.50 bowls of larb-spiced popcorn and puffy typhoon-style popcorn prawns, also for $9.50. The deals are on offer from 4–6pm every Thursday throughout the promotion — the perfect excuse to knock off work a little early.
There's a reason that galleries favourite white walls and cavernous halls: they're a canvas to fill with exhibition after exhibition, and with the glorious art that comes with them. At Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, that setup has seen its central atrium play host to everything from Yayoi Kusama's kaleidoscopic finest, Chiharu Shiota's red wool webs and Patricia Piccinini's inflatable pieces through to a black cube playing David Lynch clips and an ode to Marvel — and, next, 13 floating mirrored spheres. Those reflective orbs are part of GOMA's next must-see showcase, and the next reason for art fans both in Brisbane and further afield to make a date with the South Bank gallery. Across summer 2022–23 and into autumn, running from Saturday, November 26, 2022–Sunday, April 23, 2023, the venue will play host to Air, which ruminates on that very topic. Back in 2019–20, during the same time slot, GOMA pondered water in an exhibition called, yes, Water. Consider this the sequel. GOMA isn't merely filling its spaces with the life-sustaining substance — it already has, obviously — but is concerned with pondering air's cultural, ecological and political dimensions. [caption id="attachment_677199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gallery of Modern Art, Exterior, South & East face, James Turrell artwork[/caption] Those aforementioned globes are part of newly commissioned showcase piece Drift: A cosmic web of thermodynamic rhythms, which hails from Argentinian-born, Berlin-based artist Tomás Saraceno. The 13 spheres will be suspended in the atrium, at different heights, to get audiences contemplating the poetry if air and its imaginative side. Looking up at them, you'll see yourself looking back — and you'll also witness them move gently, like they're breathing. Where Water set up a huge indoor riverbed, Air will feature volcanic mounds and clouds of pigmented dust instead, thanks to fellow highlight Origins I–III by Dora Budor. Also set to be a standout: Chalk Fall from UK artist and filmmaker Tacita Dean, with the multi-panel drawing resembling England's Cliffs of Dover — but in chalk. [caption id="attachment_876732" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mona Hatoum / Lebanon / United Kingdom b.1952 Hot Spot III 2009 / Stainless steel and neon tube /234 x 223 x 223cm / Installation at Fondazione Querini Stampalia Onlus, Venice /© Mona Hatoum / Courtesy: Fondazione Querini Stampalia Onlus, Venice / Photograph: Agostino Osio.[/caption] Or, there's also Hot Spot, a neon-lit sculpture by Mona Hatoum that's about the planet's burning political turmoil, but also fits the globe's environmental situation. Bird-like sculptures will feature via Jonathan Jones's untitled (giran), which is accompanied by a soundscape created with Dr Uncle Stan Grant Sr AM — and black moth and butterfly silhouettes are a focus of Carlos Amorales' Black Cloud. Fancy seeing air? Anthony McCall's Crossing uses shafts of light and smoke haze to allow that to happen. Similarly — but in a completely different way — Rachel Mounsey's photography series displays the perilous red skies of Mallacoota's horrific 2019 bushfires. [caption id="attachment_876733" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rachel Mounsey / Australia b.1975 /Mallacoota fires in the sky 8 (from 'Mallacoota fires in the sky' series) 2020 / Inkjet print on Canson Platine Fibre Rag paper / 50 x 75cm / Purchased 2022. Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Rachel Mounsey.[/caption] Air will also see plant-filled twin concrete towers pop up via new commission Portal from Jamie North, plus a cloud of air created from a collage of images in Jemima Wyman's Plume 20 — with everything in the exhibition fitting into chapters called Atmosphere, Shared, Burn, Invisible and Change. Clearly, it's a hefty showcase, complete with major works by more than 30 Australian and international artists. Air also comes with a film program in the Australian Cinémathèque, plus an opening weekend filled with artist talks, discussions, pop-up performances and drop-in workshops. [caption id="attachment_876731" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jemima Wyman / Pairrebeener people / Australia b.1977 / Plume 20 2022 / Handcut digital photos / 450 x 530cm / Courtesy: Jemima Wyman, Milani Gallery, Brisbane, and Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney / In memory of Mark Webb (1957–2022) For the complete title of this artwork please visit: https://qago.ma/plume20 / © Jemima Wyman / Photograph: Ed Mumford.[/caption] "At this moment in history, as global temperatures rise, we are sensitive to air as never before: alert to airborne threats and aware of our reliance on this precious mix of gases," said Geraldine Kirrihi Barlow, QAGOMA's Curatorial Manager of International Art. "Air asks us to consider how we share oxygen with all other life, reflect on what it means to breathe freely and examine air as a metaphor for change," she continued. Air kicks off what's set to be a huge new year for GOMA, complete with a blockbuster fairy tales exhibition — and a twisted woodland with it — in the summer 2023–24 slot. [caption id="attachment_876734" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yhonnie Scarce / Kokatha and Nukunu peoples / Australia b.1973 / Cloud Chamber 2020 (installation view, 'Looking Glass: Judy Watson and Yhonnie Scarce', TarraWarra Museum of Art, Healesville, Vic. 2020) / Collection: TarraWarra Museum of Art, Healesville, Victoria/ © Yhonnie Scarce / Image courtesy: Yhonnie Scarce and THIS IS NO FANTASY, Melbourne / Photograph: Andrew Curtis.[/caption] Air displays at Brisbane Gallery of Modern Art from Saturday, November 26, 2022–Sunday, April 23, 2023. For more information and tickets, head to the GOMA website. Top image: Tomás Saraceno / Aerocene 2 and Aerocene 1.2 2016 (installation view, '163,000 Light Years', Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey / ©Tomás Saraceno / Photograph: Studio Tomás Saraceno.
Marrickville's Pizza Madre is already a firm favourite among pizza fanatics and vegetarians alike. Now, the shop is giving us even more to love with the launch of a monthly pizza and wine dinner. This month, Lo-Fi Wines will be in the house on Wednesday, April 10 from 7–9pm. Expect a pizza feast, along with a flight of six natural wines from Italy and Australia. The Aussie importer sources its wines from family-operated, sustainable producers from around the globe. So, expect minimal intervention, pét-nat and skin-contact wines on offer from Australia's Architects of Wine, Delinquente Wine and Ephemera, and Italy's Al Di La Del Fiume, Colombaia and Alessandro Viola. For eats, there'll be snacks on arrival, followed by a pizza and salad banquet — with enough pizza for guests to inhale one whole pie each. And everything, as usual in the restaurant, will be meat-free. There will be four pizzas up for grabs, including zucchini flower with rainbow tomato, yellow capsicum, black olive and pine nut crumb; potato, spinach and fried capers with fior di latte and smoked cheddar; and the butternut squash with fior di latte and buttermilk ricotta topped with walnuts and smoked garlic oil. The evening will finish up with a sweets and dessert wine pairing. The whole shebang will set you back $75 and seats are very limited — but there are a few spaces left, so grab 'em while you can. Pizza Madre's monthly wine dinners will continue with cool climate bottles from Canberra District's Mallaluka Wines in May and organic drops from the Blue Mountains' Frankly, This Wine Was Made By Bob in June. Keep an eye on the pizzeria's Facebook for event updates and ticket info. Image: Kitti Gould.
There you are just standing around minding your own business, going about your day as usual, when you see a tyrannosaurus rex towering over you. Given that the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World franchise doesn't depict reality, that's the kind of incident that requires either fossils or a bit of creative magic to make happen in the year 2023. Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience opts for the latter, thanks to animatronic dinosaur replicas that are life-sized, and also move — as Australians can see for themselves when the exhibition heads Down Under from September. Welcome to... your next date with prehistoric creatures after watching Prehistoric Planet, hitting up Brisbane's Dinosaurs of Patagonia museum showcase, exploring the Lego Jurassic World exhibition a few years back and soaking in every other excuse to scope out the earth's always-fascinating ancient inhabitants. This one will debut locally in Melbourne, kicking off on Friday, September 29. It makes its way to our shores with help from entertainment platform Fever, which is also currently touring a Banksy showcase. At Dinos Alive, you'll peer up at not only a T-rex, but also stegosaurus, ankylosaurus, gorgosaurus, velociraptors and other critters that roamed the planet all those millions of years back. (No, everyone's dad's favourite, aka doyouthinkhesaurus, won't be there.) The exhibition's creatures are designed to look as realistic as possible, with more than 80 specimens covered. Because this is an all-ages affair — kids love dinosaurs, and adults never grow out of loving dinosaurs — there'll also be an educational side if you're keen to up your dino knowledge. As the latest season of the David Attenborough-hosted Prehistoric Planet devoted some time to, the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous eras weren't just about giants on land. Accordingly, Dinos Alive will also feature a virtual aquarium to showcase the creatures that dwelled under the sea. Virtual reality will also help make parts of the exhibition as lifelike as possible, as part of an experience that'll take attendees between 60–75 minutes to wander through. While Melbourne is Dinos Alive's first Australian stop after proving a hit in the US, there's also a waitlist for a yet-to-be-announced Sydney season. Fingers crossed that these dinosaurs will also rampage elsewhere around the rest of country once they've brought their giant footprints to the Victorian and New South Wales capitals. Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience will open at Fever Exhibition Hall, 62 Dawson Street, Brunswick, Melbourne from Friday, September 29, 2023, with tickets available now. You can also join the waitlist for the yet-to-be-announced Sydney season. We'll update you with future dates and cities when they're announced.
With its seafood-packed menu, coastal cocktail bar and regular rotation of live music, it's safe to assume that when North Bondi Fish hosts an event, it's going to be a sophisticated soirée. So, if you're looking to upgrade your typical boozy beachside experience this summer, we suggest checking out The Beach Club with Whispering Angel at Matt Moran's much-loved restaurant. A collaboration between the rosé dubbed "the world's most glamorous" and the iconic eatery that sits above Sydney' famed stretch of sand, the luxurious pop-up will run from Wednesday, 7 December to Wednesday, 28 December. And bring with it a number of exclusive offers. Like the 5 at 5 promotion — which will see the first five bottles of Whispering Angel Rosé purchased at 5 pm upgraded to magnums. Or the opportunity to savour some seriously pretty cocktails such as the Pink Spritzer (made with Belvedere Vodka, Watermelon and Fever Tree Tonic). Alongside crisp drops on offer (by the bottle or the glass), expect the occasion to channel serious South of France vibes through a number of activities. Think floral photo walls inspired by the fields of Provence where the wine comes from, weekend DJ sets spinning tunes at sunset and roaming Polaroid cameras so you can pretend you're somewhere on the French Riviera and capture the whole thing. For more information on the event and too book your table at this luxe summer pop-up, head to the website.
He’s esoteric, abstract, kind of funny. Austrian artist Erwin Wurm is probably one of the world’s only improvisational sculptors. While other artists work in the medium of plastics or marble, Wurm works the medium of everything. His habit of quick modelling wicked sculpture from everyday objects to hand made his one minute sculptures hits in the 90s. More recently, he narrowed his family home to the Narrow House at the Austrian pavilion of the 2011 Venice Biennale. This month his work lands in Sydney with Crap Head. The humour at Crap Head is low key. Seriousness is not Wurm’s thing. The art itself is spread across a few key motifs. Wurm links back to his overweight auto, Fat Car by casting bronze sculptures like House I and Jogging trouser from loose items of clothing. Each bulges, overweight and empty. Fat Car itself only appears as a video variation, I Love My Time, I Don’t Like My Time, which brings the car to shaky, CG life spouting slogans from its bumper. A series of untitled sculptures stretch out jackets across looming, vertical boxes. In Untitled (2008), a rosy knit jacket sits over the figure’s square shoulders, a blue knit turtleneck protruding like a disappointed lip. The effect is satisfyingly ridiculous. Shy and pushy, its male feet point inward. It looms, malcontent. Untitled (hamlet) works the one minute sculpture theme, pushing bottles of cleaning products through a woman’s pale dress. She looks disappointed, as thought this is seriously not the first time. The one minute sculptures themselves are represented in a One Minute Sculptures video looping through a variety sculptural improv. Wurm stalks in, composing a series of precarious constructions. He pushes planks at a wall, balances a potato on a toilet brush or sticks stuff up his nose. These are good. Half of the appeal is watching how many of these improbable devices don’t actually fall over. Some do. For the rest, it’s the balance equivalent of Will it Blend? After each attempt Wurm leaves behind a shoe, stands on his head or just paces off screen, readying himself to compose the next. Image: Erwin Wurm, Untitled (2008)
Vivid festival is about to kick off, which means the city is about to fill with live music and light shows for three fun-filled weeks. And what better place to soak up these lights than a deck with 360-degree views located 250 metres above the ground. We are, of course, talking about the Sydney Tower Eye's Observation Deck. This year, it'll play host to four sky-high adults-only silent discos, organised by Silent Sounds, happening every Friday throughout Vivid. Treat yourself to stunning views of Sydney and the lights as you boogie to tunes from some of the city's best DJs. You can party from 9pm to midnight, switching between the likes of hip hop, throwback, and house party on three different channels. Cocktails, beers and wines will be available to purchase on the night, too. If you head up to the deck before the party, you can get a your face decorated for free with 'bio' glitter and glow-in-the-dark paint from 5–7pm and step inside a pop-up light box and installation, called Endless Lights, Eye Love Vivid runs from 9pm–midnight.
There are plenty of ways to show your excitement for a new TV show. Maybe you adore watch parties. Perhaps you're the kind of television fan that loves dressing up. Or, you could be partial to drinking games. Another option: theming your food around whatever you're viewing — yes, even when it's a series about zombies. What should be on the menu to celebrate The Walking Dead spinoff The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon's arrival? How about twice-baked charcoal croissants? For one morning only, 100 of the pastries will be up for grabs, with streaming service Stan teaming up with LODE Circular Quay on the limited-edition snack. LODE has called the croissants 'The Sugarcoa-dead Daryl', fittingly, and you can only nab one at 5 Sai Ying Lane from 8am on Tuesday, September 12 until they're all snapped up. Sporting a charcoal hue, the pastries come filled with macadamia frangipane, as well as raspberry and rhubarb compote. On top: Italian meringue. And if you're wondering why croissants, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon sees its namesake (Norman Reedus, Triple 9) wash up in France, as you can observe when the show hits Stan on Monday, September 11.
We're always looking for an excuse to indulge and an international celebration for everyone's favourite sweet seems as good a reason as any. This Saturday, July 7 is World Chocolate Day, and, as you would expect, Australia's oldest family-owned bean-to-bar chocolate maker, Haigh's Chocolates, is ready to celebrate the good stuff. Haigh's Chocolates certainly knows a thing or two about delicious artisan choc, seeing how it's been crafting chocolate from raw cocoa beans since 1915. The Adelaidean chocolate purveyors now offer more than 250 different specialist varieties produced at its SA-based factory. This Saturday, Haigh's will be offering free delivery on online purchases for purchases over $25. And, if you visit a Haigh's store, staff will be handing out free chocolate frogs. And to treat you, our lovely readers, even further, Haigh's has given us $200 for one of you to spend at any Haigh's Chocolates store or online. Enter below, and you could turn World Chocolate Day into World Chocolate Month with your winnings. Once you've entered, make sure you also save this Haigh's chocolate fondant recipe to try with your winning haul. INGREDIENTS: 150 grams Haigh's 70 percent dark chocolate pastilles, roughly chopped 150 grams unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing, cut into cubes 200 grams light brown sugar 4 large eggs 1 large egg yolk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup (75 grams) plain flour, sifted Cocoa powder, to dust DIRECTIONS: Pre-heat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Grease the inside of six dariole moulds or ramekins. Place butter and chocolate together in a medium mixing bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth. Add sugar, stirring to combine and remove from heat. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, yolk and vanilla together, stirring until combined. Add to the chocolate mixture, stirring until well combined. Sift the flour over the chocolate mixture, stirring until well combined. Divide mixture between prepared dariole moulds, making sure each mould is no more than 2/3 full. Place dariole moulds in preheated oven and cook for 15 minutes or until tops are set and coming away from the moulds. Remove from oven and allow to stand for one minute. To serve, use a small spatula to very gently ease the fondant away from the edge of the mould. Carefully invert each mould onto small serving plates and dust with cocoa powder. Serve with a dollop of jersey cream and fresh raspberries. Note: filled dariole moulds can be chilled ahead and baked just before serving. [competition]675143[/competition]
Here's news that no Usher fan will be saying "yeah!" to: the R&B singer is no longer touring Australia in 2025. After announcing his first solo headlining gigs in the country since 2011 back in May, then swiftly adding more gigs before general tickets had even gone on sale, the 2024 Super Bowl headliner has cancelled his entire trip Down Under. Usher was slated to play six concerts each in Melbourne in November and in Sydney in December. All 12 shows have been scrapped. A statement on the Ticketek website notes that the eight-time Grammy-winner's tour is cancelled, and that "the promoter of Usher's Australian tour regrets to advise that the scheduled shows to take place in November–December will no longer be proceeding". The Past Present Future tour's Aussie leg was set to hit Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, November 19–Thursday, November 20, then again on Saturday, November 22–Sunday, November 23 and then across Tuesday, November 25–Wednesday, November 26. At Qudos Bank Arena, it was slated for Monday, December 1–Tuesday, December 2, then on Thursday, December 4–Friday, December 5 and finally on Wednesday, December 10–Thursday, December 11. Ticketholders will receive automatic refunds via the payment method they used to make their purchase within approximately 30 business days, the Ticketek website advises. Usher was due to celebrate his three-decade career at his Australian shows — going all the way back to his first single 'Call Me a Mack' from 1993, also playing tracks off of his latest 2024 album Coming Home, plus working his way through plenty in-between. The initial US concerts on the Past Present Future tour were announced just days before Usher's Super Bowl set, which worked through hits from across his lengthy career itself. From August–December 2024, the Texas-born singer made his way across North American stages, before heading to Europe (including England, France, the Netherlands and Germany) from March 2025. Also popping up on his setlist across the tour: 'Yeah!', of course, plus everything from 'Can U Get Wit It', 'Nice & Slow', 'U Remind Me' and 'U Got It Bad' to 'Burn', 'OMG', 'Euphoria' and more. Usher's Past Present Future World Tour Australia 2025 Dates Wednesday, November 19–Thursday, November 20, Saturday, November 22–Sunday, November 23 + Tuesday, November 25–Wednesday, November 26 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne — CANCELLED Monday, December 1–Tuesday, December 2, Thursday, December 4–Friday, December 5 + Wednesday, December 10–Thursday, December 11 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney — CANCELLED Usher is no longer touring Australia in November and December 2025. Tickets will be automatically refunded via the payment method used for purchase— head to the tour website for more details. Images: Bellamy Brewster / Marcus Macdonald.
Think winter is just about comfort food? Think again. At North Bondi Fish, it's also about communal eating by the sea thanks to their new series of share-style beachside dinners. At Zac's Table, head chef Zac Sykes busts out the kind of dishes you won't usually find on his menu for a series of unique tasting feasts. Unsurprisingly, there'll be seafood and seasonal produce in abundance; however he'll also be taking your tastebuds on a trip around the world. Expect anything from mud crab to sashimi platters to steamed crab buns to charred beef, plus desserts of crème brûlée and salted caramel deep-fried ice cream. In addition to a tasty meal, the $75 per person ticket price gets you a glass of Krinklewood wine, the chance to meet fellow hungry diners, and insider knowledge from Sykes. He'll join guests at the start of the meal to chat about why he chose his menu, how he selected the seafood and his inspirations. Held from 6.30pm for 7pm on July 5 and 19, and August 2, each Zac's Table event seats 18, with individual, small or larger group bookings all welcome.
Baba's Place is known for doing things a little differently; whether that's housing its restaurant in a Marrickville warehouse or curating cutting-edge DJs to perform as you have dinner. Its off-the-beaten-track mentality and top-notch eats have cemented its place in the hearts of many Sydneysiders (and on our best restaurants in Sydney list). Now, the latest addition to the Baba's Place artillery is a new ready-to-drink rakija and tonic concoction the team has created in partnership with fellow rakija enthusiast DNA Distillery. It's thought to be the first of its kind in Australia, and possibly also in the world. The summer-ready sip combines DNA's classic double-distilled rakija with a fizzy refreshing tonic in one unique portable drink. DNA is a family-run distillery that uses a recipe passed down through generations, along with Australian shiraz grapes and pears, to create three rakija varieties — classic, gold and pear. Forming a rakija dream team with Baba's Place — who have had a shot of the spirit on their menu since day one — they've now brought something brand new to Australia's RTD market. Playing on the duo's shared suburban heritage, the branding pays homage to Western Sydney's red-brick houses with the slogan "It gets hot in the suburbs" sitting prominently on each can. Completing the look is one of those ubiquitous red plastic chairs, which appears to be melting in the sun. The cans are already available in a few places. You can of course order one from the Baba's Place menu if you're at the warehouse for a meal, or you can snap some up from the DNA Distillery website. A haven for local and independent booze, Drnks also stocks the cans on its website and at its Sydney store. Plus, if you're around Marrickville on Saturday, January 28, Baba's Place will be onsite at The Great Club for its Hottest 100 block party cracking plenty of R&T cans for those in attendance. To find out more about the Baba's Place x DNA Distillery Rakija and Tonic cans, or to order, see the distillery's website.
Arts Mobile Sydney is a free love-in at a secret location - kind of like that rave you went to in 1992 except this time you won't get stuck sharing lolly pops with the guy dressed as Sailor Moon who thinks he is Donald Trump hasn't slept for 11 days and has lost his tennis racquet. Because he'll be too busy participating in the live interactive artworks based on office therapy, Chinese whispers, balloon painting or park bench wrapping to even notice you. Setting out to intervene people's daily routines in the CBD and to encourage community participation in contemporary art outside the gallery context, Arts Mobile in mid-January will have ten emerging artists on site inviting passers by "to watch, play, create and take home works of art." Register at www.artsmobilesydney.com to receive the location by text on the day. BYO glow sticks and PLUR. Image: Ascent by Arts Mobile participating artists MamaDada. Photo by Alex Wisser.
It's set in Canada. It pays tribute to iconic Iranian filmmaking. It took home Cannes Directors' Fortnight's inaugural Audience Award. It's now the recipient of the Melbourne International Film Festival's Bright Horizons accolade, too. The movie to put on your must-see list if you haven't already caught it at MIFF 2024: Matthew Rankin's Universal Language, the picture chosen by the event's 2024 jury as the pick of the fest's competition titles. It was back in 2022 that the Victorian film festival, which is Australia's oldest, revealed that it was introducing a prize for standout new filmmaking talents. The Bright Horizons Award heroes both first-time and sophomore directors — and gives each year's winner a cool $140,000 for their troubles. Nabbed by Afrofuturist musical Neptune Frost in its initial year and Senegalese-French love story Banel & Adama in 2023, that hefty amount of prize money makes the gong one of the richest film fest awards in the world. Debuting at Cannes, and also set to make its North American premiere on home soil at this year's Toronto International Film Festival, Universal Language explores a vision of Winnipeg that resembles Iran in the 80s — and where Farsi as well as French are the official tongues. Alongside helming his second feature after 2019's The Twentieth Century, Rankin also appears in one of the movie's stories, as he spins absurdist tales about two kids on an adventure started by a random banknote, an unhappy teacher and a filmmaker. "Our task as jury was joyful, invigorating and inspiring. It was also incredibly arduous, heartbreaking and some might even say cruel, because how could anyone choose a favourite or pick a winner from such an incredible lineup of films, all worthy of accolades in their own ways, all testaments to the fact that the future of cinema is bright indeed?" said 2024's MIFF Bright Horizons jury, which was led by Australian filmmaker Ivan Sen (Limbo). "One movie represented all of the facets of the Bright Horizons Award: a film whose cultural specificity transcends borders; whose cinematic playfulness is matched equally by its sensitivity; and whose very form is in conversation with cinema past, present and future. This is why the Bright Horizons Award goes to Universal Language by Matthew Rankin," continued the group's statement, with director David Lowery (Peter Pan & Wendy), producer Yulia Evina Bhara (Tiger Stripes), costume designer Deborah L Scott (Avatar: The Way of Water) and actor Jillian Nguyen (White Fever) joining Sen. The quintet also gave a Special Jury Award to Flow, an animation about animals on a boat, when selecting Universal Language from a packed pool of contenders. Other films in the running included Janet Planet, the debut movie from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker; Inside, a prison drama with Guy Pearce (The Clearing), Cosmo Jarvis (Shōgun) and Toby Wallace (The Bikeriders) that's directed by Charles Williams, who won the 2018 short film Palme d'Or for All These Creatures; and The Village Next to Paradise, the first-ever Somali film play Cannes. Also since 2022, MIFF's lineup of prizes spans the Blackmagic Design Australian Innovation Award as well, which recognises an outstanding Australian creative from one of the festival's movies. 2024's recipient to the tune of $70,000: Jaydon Martin for Flathead. "We were captivated and affected by Jaydon Martin's visually arresting and very moving portrait of individuals often forgotten about in society — in this case, the real people of small town Bundaberg," advised the jury. "Flathead's seamless merging of realities and fiction, both so raw yet so cinematic, had a profound effect on our jury. We hope all of you have a chance to watch this brilliant, sensitive examination of survival, of humanity and of mortality, which will stay with you for days to come." In 2023, MIFF launched its First Nations Film Creative Award, which is now named the Uncle Jack Charles Award — with April Phillips winning for XR piece kajoo yannaga (come on let's walk together) in 2024. As chosen by festival attendees having their say as they're spending all of their spare time in a cinema, 2024's MIFF Audience Award went to two Australian movies: documentaries Voice and Left Write Hook, with the first about seeking support across the country for the Indigenous Voice referendum, and the second stepping into a boxing and creative writing program for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The 2024 Melbourne International Film Festival runs from Thursday, August 8–Sunday, August 25. For more information, visit the MIFF website.
After a six-month residency inside The Exchange Hotel, Secolo Balmain is officially bidding us farewell. The Italian diner had taken over Fabbrica Pasta Bar's previous digs, hoping to lock down a permanent space after closing its original Castlereagh Street outpost, but the crew have now decided that the joint will be shutting its doors for good instead. But it's not all bad news — the team behind the venue will return to Sydney's food and drink scene later this year with two new eateries. The Arienzale family will be opening Tessuto, a retro-style Italian trattoria, and La Panineria, a dedicated sambo joint, in the CBD later this year. [caption id="attachment_953994" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Owners Anthony, Tanja and Robert Arienzale pictured at Secolo Balmain. [/caption] "Things have changed a lot since we made the difficult decision to close our original city venue in the wake of Covid-19 lockdowns and looming construction plans," said Tanja Arienzale, one of Secolo's co-owners. "We have such fond memories of our time in town and we can't wait to welcome back our old customers and meet some new faces." Tessuto — the Italian word for 'fabric' — draws its name from the building's history, as its occupants from the 1800s were the main importer of Australia's soft goods. Now, the joint is set to serve pastries, focaccia and pizzas from the heritage-listed spot on York Street, with Secolo's Head Chef Mattia Senesi helming its kitchen. The CBD newcomer will be open for early risers seeking out a morning coffee, as well as those seeking leisurely late afternoon spritzes — and it'll even offer make-your-own pasta options. As for the second newbie, La Panineria will be a hole-in-the-wall takeaway joint slinging fresh Italian schiacciata (panini). Not only will the outpost feature sambos like the Gladiator, with sliced porchetta, pork crackling, provolone, aioli, friarielli and salsa verde, but it will also do hot coffee and pizza by the slice. The two soon-to-come venues have yet to release official opening dates, but are estimated to open to the public in the latter half of 2024. Secolo Balmain, however, has announced that it will host its final service on Saturday, May 18, so head to the restaurant's website to book your farewell meal. You've got until Saturday, May 18, to hit up Secolo Balmain before its final service. Located inside The Exchange Hotel at 94 Beattle Street in Balmain, the restaurant is open from 5.30–10pm Tuesday–Saturday, and 12–3pm for lunch on Saturday. Head to the Tessuto and La Panineria websites for updates on the two upcoming venues.
For the past seven years, juniper spirits have been flowing everywhere from London and Hamburg to Melbourne thanks to big gin festival Junipalooza. But if you're a Sydneysider with a fondness for the tipple in question, you've probably been more than a little envious — and wondering when the fest might make the trip to this part of the globe. Now, those requests have finally been answered. Actually, those dreams were supposed to come true in 2020, but then the pandemic happened. Come Saturday, August 28 and Sunday, August 29, however, Junipalooza will arrive on Sydney's shores for the first time. Set to take over Carriageworks for two wintry days, the juniper-filled festival is run by the founders of the UK's Gin Foundry, Olivier and Emile Ward — so you know you're in good gin-pouring hands. The renowned brothers live, breathe and drink gin, compiling all their knowledge onto their comprehensive online gin directory. They've also been running the OG London version of Junipalooza since way back in 2013. The Sydney event will feature sampling stations, cocktails and gin masterclasses with some of the world's best distillers. Thirty distillers from around the globe will be sharing their gins, with around 200 different types set to feature. The full lineup is yet to be announced, but we still see a lot of gin drinking in your future. If you're eager to sip your way through the fest, you can choose between three sessions, with tickets on sale now. On the Saturday, you can start the day with drinks from 11am–3pm, or spend your evening sampling gin between 4–8pm. On Sunday, an 11am–5pm session is on the cards. Junipalooza will take place in Sydney on Saturday, August 28 and Sunday, August 29 at Carriageworks. Tickets are on sale now — and for more information, head the the festival's website.
Despite brighter-than-summer colours and clearer-than-Crater Lake sound, virtual reality is still bigger on virtuality than it is on reality. That's largely because the acceptance of digital life demands the denial of touch, smell and taste. Researchers at the National University of Singapore, however, are hoping to change this. They're one step closer to adding at least one sensory dimension to cyberspace. An electrodes-driven simulator has been developed that stimulates the tastebuds to recreate four of the sensations essential to the gustatory experience: sweet, salt, sour and bitter. A digital interface enables micro-alterations in temperature. Engineer Dr Nimesha Ranasinghe told the UK Telegraph, "It uses two methods — electrical stimulation and thermal stimulation to stimulate the tip of the human tongue non-invasively ... By manipulating the magnitude of current, frequency and temperature — both heating and cooling — thus far salty, sour, sweet and bitter sensations have been successfully generated ... Simulating food is one of the future directions of this technology." It's intended that users will be able to share meals virtually and taste the results of popular cooking shows. However, there's still work to be done. The simulator is yet to prove successful at stimulating at the fifth basic flavour, umami. Plus, researchers have acknowledged that our experience of taste is shaped by a variety of complex factors, including texture, colours and smell. In a side-project, the team is simultaneously developing a digital lollipop. The plan is to provide consumers with a sweet hit without the usual risks: weight gain and tooth decay. Previous attempts at facilitating digital taste have been rendered unsuccessful by their dependence on chemicals. Requiring constant mixing and frequent renewing, they're messy, costly and impractical. Via PSFK.
To ring in the year of the rabbit, dumpling master Din Tai Fung created cute chocolate and Biscoff bunny buns, continuing its annual tradition of welcoming the Lunar New Year with an adorable addition to its menu (see also: its tiger buns from 2022 and the ox buns it brought out in 2021). But creative dishes aren't just a once-a-year thing here. Now that Easter is almost upon us, the chain is serving up something else to tempt your tastebuds: hot cross bao. Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like, with the bao only available for a limited time. And, while you might be familiar with the concept from previous years' incarnations, Din Tai Fung has changed things up a bit for 2023. The treats are made to look like traditional hot cross buns, only they're crafted on fluffy steamed bread and filled with gooey molten chocolate lava instead of the usual raisins or sultanas. And this time around, the dough is also made on cocoa, so it's all as chocolatey as ever. The hot cross bao are available at all Aussie Din Tai Fung restaurants and food court outlets. Sydneysiders will want to hit up its World Square, Westfield Chatswood, Westfield Miranda, Westfield Sydney, Broadway Shopping Centre, Gateway Sydney, The Star, Greenwood Plaza and MLC Centre venues. In Melbourne, you have one spot to head to, with the bao on offer at Emporium Melbourne. If you'd rather have them brought right to your door, they're also available for delivery in frozen form. If you're keen to stock your freezer and enjoy them once Easter passes, that's an option as well. The only problem we can foresee with this Easter hybrid dish? Wanting to devour as many as possible. They'll cost you $8.90 for two in-store, and $12 for a three-pack of frozen dumplings. Hot cross bun bao are available for $8.90 for two at all Din Tai Fung stores. They're also available for delivery.
You would be forgiven if you didn't know that October 4 is World Taco Day. It would be a serious fiasco, though, if you didn't make a fiesta out of this beautiful occasion. Luckily, the Royal Hotel Paddington is celebrating with all-you-can-eat — yes, all-you-can-eat — tacos. For $20 each, you and your dear amigos and amigas can expect a bottomless supply of Mexican fare. Think grilled achiote chicken and cheese creme tacos, slow cooked pork belly and jalapeño tacos, and grilled barramundi chipotle mayo tacos — as well as an array of dessert tacos to send you into a food-induced siesta. Now this might sound like mariachi to your ears already, but the guys behind the bar will also be quenching your thirst with $10 chilli margaritas, Tommy margaritas and classic margaritas. If this doesn't make you dance around your sombrero in celebration, nothing will.
The Art Gallery of NSW has been keeping its doors open late on Wednesdays for years now. Its monthly Art After Hours program flexed with the times in 2020, running online only, and now Sydneysiders are returning to their workspaces in the city Art After Hours is slowly returning to its regular program in 2021. On February 24 and March 3, you can head to the Gallery after work to explore the current exhibitions Pat Larter and Margel Hinder, see a free film and grab a bite to eat in the cafe — all free of charge and until doors close at 9pm. In the past, the Gallery has hosted comedy shows, drag performances, insightful talks and specialist tours in its late-night program. Right now, under physical distancing and extra hygiene measures, the program is more DIY. You're in charge of how you spend your time — whether you join a one-hour mystery tour with one of the Gallery's guides at 7.15pm or book into see one of the free film screenings as part of the Japanese Film Festival Classics program. You don't need to register in advance to head to the Gallery after hours, but if you're keen to see a film it's best to snap up your ticket in advance. [caption id="attachment_790676" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Drew, 'Aussie'[/caption] Top image: Destination NSW
This October, western Sydney's Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is celebrating 25 years of exceptional art with a free anniversary show. The exhibition, named One Past Liverpool — a reference to Casula's place on the train line — will will feature a range of works old and new. Pieces that have graced the walls of Casula Powerhouse in previous exhibitions will return for the show, and shown alongside newly commissioned works from local emerging artists (all under the age of 25, mind you) that are influenced by and respond to the gallery's past. To launch the exhibition, and celebrate the milestone, the gallery will throw its doors open for a free art party on the afternoon of Saturday, September 28. From 2–4pm, you can peruse the artworks, meet the artists, and enjoy free food and wine from the in-house restaurant, Bellbird Dining and Bar. In addition to One Past Liverpool, three other exhibitions are currently on display: Tracey Moffatt's Body Remembers, local ceramicist Svetlana Panov's Pure Joy and Song Tree Exhibition, which is a series of workshops that combine song and needlework.
