If you're thinking classical music belongs to some faraway place and ancient time that have nothing to do with you, the Australian Chamber Orchestra is asking you to think again. For the next ACO Underground, principal violinist Satu Vänskä is inviting Midnight Oil's guitarist Jim Moginie, Violent Femmes' bassist Brian Ritchie and Synergy Percussion's Timothy Constable to the stage for an expectation-obliterating show at The Factory, Marrickville. The epic music program crosses centuries — from Bach and Sibelius to Neil Finn and Bryce Dessner. Vänskä's 1728 Stradivarius violin will be measuring up to her co-performers electric instruments. In popular perception, 18th-century Baroque might be a long way from contemporary rock and pop, but they have more in common than it seems. And bringing them together at the hands of virtuosos can lead to some extraordinary invention.
A Twitter-famous writer with a bestseller to her name and plenty of online fame, Arabella (Michaela Coel) has a deadline. Overnight, she needs to finish the first draft of her second book or her publishers won't be happy. But when her mates suggest that she comes out for a couple of drinks, the London-based scribe quickly acquiesces. The next morning, though, she doesn't feel okay — and it isn't just a hangover, with Arabella slowly realising that she has been the victim of sexual assault. It's best to take I May Destroy You's title literally from the get-go — in reference to how this show will make you feel, that is. Turning a traumatic experience into blistering television, the 12-part series is easily 2020's best, and it is definitely a phenomenal effort from creator/writer/co-director/star Coel. Watching Arabella come to terms with what's happened to her, and to regain her sense of self, isn't easy viewing — but it's absolutely must-see TV.
This Historic Houses Trust exhibition, one of the first since Margaret Olley's death last year, is part of the long goodbye to the iconic Modernist Australian artist. It celebrates Olley's life and work through an exploration of the place at Duxford Street, Paddington, that she packed with flowers, antiques, easels, wine and friends and called home. The giant terrace was a living thing; it remains an ongoing legacy of Olley's contribution to Australian art history, and will shortly be dissected and born again as a public arts centre. In the meantime, Margaret Olley: Home offers a glimpse of Duxford Street's glorious, colourful chaos. The show comprises a compact series of paintings and photographs of the interiors of Duxford Street, a small recreation of a room in the house and a film by Catherine Hunter. Every saturated stroke in Olley's oils (bridging from 1972 to 2011) are charged with energy and vigour - they form a fluent conversation with exhibition curator Steve Alderton's photographs and suggest something far from a still life. In its totality, Margaret Olley: Home is fragmentary - an affectionate snapshot of somewhere huge and rich and strange that belongs to a bygone era. Not unlike Olley's paintings, the show is impressionistic. It's a bit like looking through a kaleidoscope - a scattered, light-filled view that indicates the outlines of things in movement much more than their complete form. We're left with a sense of finding and creating art in the everyday. Of creativity as a lived, daily adventure and of art stretching off the canvas, out of the gallery and into the home. A must see mainly for admirers of Olley's work.
If a fresh bread roll, an expertly grilled patty and a slice of melted cheese is your idea of a perfect meal, then you might just have September 18 permanently marked in your diary. Each and every year, that's when the world's most dedicated cheeseburger lovers celebrate their favourite food. We're not saying that burgs will taste better on that date — or that it's really a legitimate day of celebration — but if you just can't get enough of the them, it's definitely worth your attention. Especially if there are cheap burgers involved. Which, this year, there are. Burger Project will be slinging $5 cheeseburgers at all six of its Sydney stores all day on Wednesday, September 18. Head to World Square, Gateway Circular Quay, Bondi junction, Broadway, MLC Centre or Grosvenor Place, and grab a bargain (or, depending on how hungry you are, several). For those new to Burger Project's take on an old fave, Neil Perry's eatery whips up a hand-pressed slab of Cape Grim beef, layers it with pickles, onion, mustard and cheese, then squirts on some secret sauce. Next, it's all placed between a soft milk bun. And it tastes even better when it's less than half the regular price.
Not content with boasting Nigella Lawson's touch on its culinary program, Vivid Sydney 2025 has enlisted another huge name in the world of food and television: Martha Stewart. The Harbour City's winter festival is bringing the businesswoman and TV personality Down Under for a one-night-only in-conversation session, where she'll take to the stage to chat about her career. On the agenda: discussing everything from her start as a stockbroker, her 101 books and winning Emmys to becoming the first self-made female billionaire — and likely her 2024 Netflix documentary as well. How did Stewart become a globally known name in all things home and hospitality, and in design and TV, too? Expect to take that journey from her first book in 1982, through her Martha Stewart Living days and since with her at the International Convention Centre Sydney on Wednesday, May 28. How has she remained a pop-culture figure for four decades — and relevant as well? That'll also be discussed, so you can probably also expect to hear about her friendship and collaboration with Snoop Dogg, plus her 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover at the age of 81. [caption id="attachment_998032" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] "I have made some wonderful memories traveling to Australia over the years, so I am thrilled to return for Vivid Sydney. The conversation will be fun and honest, covering many aspects of my life and career. I'm always looking for inspiration when I travel, so I'm excited to see what Sydney has to offer," said Stewart. "Vivid Sydney is unrivalled in its ability to offer exclusive, unmissable and one-of-a-kind events to visitors. It's incredibly exciting to welcome one of the most-revered and fascinating minds to Sydney. We could not think of a better figure that encapsulates this year's theme of 'dream' more than Martha Stewart," added Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini. Stewart heads to Vivid Sydney as part of its Global Storyteller series, which has seen Parks and Recreation's Amy Poehler, The White Lotus' Jennifer Coolidge and Mike White, filmmakers Baz Luhrmann (Elvis) and Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods), and Australia singer Troye Sivan get chatting in previous years. Stewart also joins a 2025 Vivid program that already includes Lawson curating the Vivid Sydney Dinners series in Martin Place's lit-up Muru Giligu pedestrian tunnel, Tangerine Dream and Anohni and the Johnsons on the music lineup alongside Sigur Rós performing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Portishead's Beth Gibbons , an immersive Stranger Things experience at Luna Park, lighting up Sydney Opera House's sails with work by the late David McDiarmid, Vincent Namatjira taking over the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia's facade and plenty more. If that's not enough to fill the New South Wales capital between Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14, there's also still a few festival announcements to come. [caption id="attachment_998033" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] In Conversation with Martha Stewart takes place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at the International Convention Centre Sydney, with tickets on sale on sale at 9.00am AEDT on Friday, April 4 via the festival website. Vivid Sydney 2025 runs from Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14 across Sydney. Head to the festival website for further information.
Situated in the backstreets of Paddington, surrounded by old-school pubs and terrace houses, is leading Sydney contemporary art gallery Piermarq. Founded on the belief that art should be accessible and fun, the Gallery hosts openings so you can check out some new art with a vino in hand — and maybe bump into an old art-loving pal — as well as organises one-on-one showings with its knowledgable curators if you're in the market for a new wall hanging. Here, expect to find works by local Aussie artists such as Justin Williams, Gemma King and jordy Kerwick, as well as international names like Zhuang Hong Yi and Cosimo Casoni.
Strange though it might be to think that one of the world's oldest cities is having a moment nearly three and a half millennia since its recorded history began, Athens has always played by its own rules. And it's the buzzy, no-frills tavernas that line the streets of the modern-day Greek capital — rather than the blue-washed, nautical Cycladic dreamscapes often associated with Greek dining — that are channelled at Homer Rogue Taverna, now open in Cronulla courtesy of brothers Harry and Mario Kapoulas of neighbouring brunch favourite Ham. Much like the city from which it takes its inspiration, Homer zigs where others zag. In contrast to Sydney's slick, white-linen Greek spots, Homer is a deliberately laidback — and pared-back — affair, with a raw contemporary fitout that juxtaposes exposed brick and concrete, chicken wire glass and graffitied walls with elegant mid-century furniture, terrazzo flooring and a rocaro granite chef's counter that frames the stainless steel open kitchen. The 100-seat venue is primarily open for walk-ins — a spot, says Harry, "where you're welcome whether you're still in your thongs after a day at the beach, enjoying a family meal or celebrating a special occasion". [caption id="attachment_1015973" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] A similar disregard for the rules is evident in the menu — there are no starters or mains here, but instead a generous lineup of dishes designed to be shared as they're ready. You might begin with loukaniko- and haloumi-topped stone-baked flatbread, manouri cheese baked in kataifi and drizzled in honey or a playful take on stifado, which sees the traditional homestyle stew wrapped in a cigar-shaped chicken skin emulsion. Larger dishes include their mum's moussaka and a spanakorizo served with white fish, while the charcoal souvla — and what's on it — is constantly evolving. For dessert, the house-made mint ice cream with marinated watermelon already feels like a classic in the making. The open-plan bar, meanwhile, pours a selection of ouzo, creative cocktails (including a $10 martini mouthful) and Homer's Epic Lager, brewed exclusively for the restaurant in partnership with Young Henry's. Signature serves include the See Through Pornstar — a cheeky riff on the classic topped with champagne foam — and the Athenian Punch, a sweet and sour hit of strawberry, rum and citrus. Guests are encouraged to get up and explore the three-metre-tall, custom-built wine fridge stocked mainly with Greek and Australian varietals, including an old-vine savatiano, one of the world's oldest grapes. [caption id="attachment_1015972" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] Images: Trent van der Jagt.
Heading to Vivid Sydney this year? You can expect all the usual suspects: glowing light installations, huge crowds, immersive tunnels, pop-up bars – and one very sleek electric SUV stealing the spotlight. Kia is back for its fourth year as a major partner of Vivid, and in 2025, the brand is taking things up a notch. At the centre of this year's activation is the Kia Portal, which invites visitors of the festival to experience the Kia EV3, a cutting-edge, all-electric small SUV. Unlike usual car displays, this one isn't hiding behind velvet ropes or spinning on a showroom podium. You can watch as the body of the car transforms with synchronised waves of light, colour and playful motion. Positioned along the famous Vivid Light Walk at The Rocks, the activation feels like a science museum display combined with a music video. As you approach the glowing platform, you'll spot the EV3 GT-Line at its centre. A giant sweeping screen slides across the vehicle, revealing a surreal X-ray animation that peels back the car's exterior and gives you a rare look inside. Pulsing lights trace the EV's inner systems, including its panoramic display, spacious interior and smart cabin tech. Did we mention there's also a family of animated X-ray skeletons showcasing the EV3's features? The full 90-second experience loops continuously and is set to a cracking soundtrack from Kia Australia's latest zombie campaign, Wyclef Jean's 'We Trying To Stay Alive' ft. John Forté and Pras. It's entertaining, fun and definitely worth the stop as you stroll around the festival. Compact but seriously capable, the Kia EV3 is designed to bring high-end electric innovation into a more accessible, everyday package. The car's stylish design takes cues from its bigger sibling, the EV9, but reimagines it for tighter city streets and smaller garages. The car comes with loads of cool features. You can charge devices or run small appliances with its vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature, handy for camping trips, remote work setups or just topping up your laptop on the go. And with up to 604 kilometres of driving range and ultra-fast charging, it's just as practical as it is good-looking. If you're keen to check out this all-electric SUV, the Kia Portal is the perfect way to do it. It's entertaining, creative, and just a little bit magical, making it feel right at home in Vivid. Find the Kia Portal at The Rocks, right along the Vivid Light Walk. The activation is free and open every night during Vivid Sydney 2025, from May 23 to June 14. Learn more about the EV3 or book a test drive here. By Jacque Kennedy
If your walls are looking in need of a bit of a makeover, head straight to Blinq Art on Paddington's buzzing Oxford Street. The fine art photography gallery has vibrant pieces that will brighten up any bedroom, kitchen or WFH office. Here, you'll find photographic prints covering everything from fashion to landscape, architecture, wildlife, photojournalism, travel, street photography and lifestyle shots. Better yet, prints are available in a heap of different sizes, so you can tailor your new favourite piece to suit any amount of wall space.
Saga is truly a one-of-a-kind experience in Sydney. The cocktail and wine bar is tucked away at the end of Kensington Street, concealed behind opulent, Moroccan-inspired wooden doors. Once inside, you'll find an eclectic mix of influences from the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. The ornate fit-out is matched by OTT drinks, with an entire list dedicated to what it deems the 'Golden Age of cocktails'. If you come by during happy hour Wednesday through Sunday, all cocktails are just $15, too. Those include the 1920s Knickerbocker (rum, Cointreau, lemon juice and raspberry syrup) and the 1940s El Diablo (tequila, crème de cassis, lime and ginger beer). The succinct food menu pairs nicely, featuring the likes of hummus, tandoori chicken skewers and spicy satay fritters.
IKEA and Ideabox, a U.S. architectural firm, have teamed up to create a line of fully furnished, prefabricated houses. The new homes, called Aktiv, are one-bedroom dwellings filled with space saving furniture and the usual Ikea fare, including Tundra maple flooring, Pax wardrobes and Abstrakt cabinets. Designed to be eco-friendly, the outside of the home will be made from a combination of fibre cement, corrugated metal and a standing seam metal roof. The Aktiv house is equipped with a dual-flush toilet and energy-star electronics to ensure it is more environmentally sound too. The house will incorporate the fun and design of Ideabox houses together with the functionality, design and personality of IKEA. The Aktiv is set to be priced from US$86,500. Prefab homes have already taken off overseas, and are set to provide Australians with an increasingly attractive construction option in the years to come. Check out ten incredible prefab home designs here. [via PSFK]
There's not long to go until much-loved Australian beauty retailer Adore Beauty opens its debut Sydney store, with the big reveal scheduled for 10am on Thursday, August 21. Yet the brand isn't settling for just giving the first 300 shoppers in line a goodie bag filled with full-sized products, though that might encourage you to battle the crowds. Instead, Adore Beauty has something a little more extravagant planned. Held on Wednesday, August 20, the team will host a scavenger hunt throughout Sydney, with over $50,000 worth of beauty prizes hidden around the city's most iconic landmarks. Most importantly, three golden tickets worth $500 each are up for grabs. With a golden ticket in hand, you're welcome to head along to Adore Beauty's opening day and spend it all. Plus, this prize means you can skip the (probably very long) queue and experience the new store's private treatment room ahead of almost everyone else. You might say these golden tickets offer the ultimate glow-up. "We could not be more excited about opening our first store in Sydney — one of the most vibrant, knowledgeable and diverse beauty markets in the world — right in the heart of the city's dynamic Broadway precinct," says Sacha Laing, Adore Beauty's CEO. There's no shortage of treatments available at the Broadway store. Sit for a free skin consultation with an expert dermal therapist, get a gratifying facial or rejuvenate your skin with LED light therapy. What's more, admired skincare brand Dermalogica will serve as the private treatment room's first 'In Residence' brand, with rotating labels set to host this monthly spotlight. "Customers can expect all the hits: our famous range of skincare, professional haircare, the world's leading fragrances, and a private treatment room with," says Laing. "Of course, Tim Tams will come with every single purchase, too!" Adore Beauty's $50,000 Scavenger Hunt is happening across Sydney on Wednesday, August 20, with Adore Beauty Broadway opening at 10am on Thursday, August 21. Head to the website for more information.
There are loads of exciting events happening in the Sydney CBD this summer — fom the Doug Aitken exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art to the annual Sydney Festival and the brand new, six-day Elevate Sydney event happening atop the Cahill Expressway that kicks off on New Year's Day. There's no shortage of ways to be entertained in the city centre during the warmer months. To make the most of your time in the CBD, we've handpicked a bunch of venues to visit before and after getting your summer culture fix. Whether you want a bev with a side of sunshine and harbour views or to cool down with a cocktail at a veiled laneway bar, we've found a place that'll complement all kinds of cultural kick ons for you and your crew.
You've found it! The perfect gift. You go to hit 'add to cart' and then you see it — a Christmas shipping deadline date that has long since sailed past you, leaving only that sinking feeling of losing something that was never yours. But there's an easy way to avoid that mini tragedy: shop local, and shop good old-fashioned bricks and mortar. The unique gifts right here at home are sure to please even the most difficult, seen-it-all giftees. For more great Sydney stores, check out our shops directory. STERLING BY GAFFA GALLERY Focusing a bunch of contemporary Australian and New Zealand artists and designers into one space, Sterling, the Gaffa Gallery retail store, offers unique jewellery pieces and objets d’art as well as giving you a bit of insight into how they were made. Each piece is handcrafted and gives your loved one a chance to wear a little piece of art everyday. Or, if you’re more interested in giving experiences rather than objects, why not invest in a seven-week jewellery-making course for that special someone? Pop next door and you’ll find Kakawa, the mouth-watering chocolate boutique, for chocolate Christmas decorations. Can’t lose. 281 Clarence St, Sydney PUBLISHED ART BOOKSHOPS Basically the hub of all coffee table books, Published Art stocks everything and more on art, design, photography and architecture. You’re unlikely to just stumble into this stuff anywhere else. Every book on the shelf goes through a careful screening process, each being hand-picked and directly sourced by the store manager, Rebekah Lawson. Expect to find titles such as Henri Cartier-Bresson: Here and Now housed alongside children’s books of full-colour Pinocchio illustrations. Prices won’t break the bank either; most items can be bought for under $100. Level 1, 52 Reservoir St, Surry Hills MITCHELL ROAD ANTIQUE AND DESIGN CENTRE This graffiti-clad emporium is what you’d if you crammed together a year of Saturday garage sales, binned the dud items, and arranged the gems in one enormous warehouse in Alexandria. There are over 60 different stalls within the Centre’s walls, stocking all the vintage, industrial and retro furniture, knick-knackery and ephemera you’ve ever fantasised about, with a range from Victoriana through to 20th-century design. Searching for something specific? Use their ‘wish list’ feature to have the Centre’s dealers try to hunt it down for you. 17 Bourke Rd, Alexandria KAKAWA CHOCOLATES You can’t go wrong with chocolate. You just can’t. Kakawa, the gluten-free chocolatiers, make chocolate masterpieces with only natural ingredients and have a whole heap of goodies just for Christmas. Get your hands on a Christmas tree decoration, a chocolate Bambi along with a forest of chocolate Christmas trees for him to frolic in, or go all out and splurge on a ‘ginger breadless house’ made entirely out of chocolate (hold the gingerbread). And for the especially cool character in your family, a chocolate cigar is all they’ll need at the end of a big Christmas lunch. 5/147 William St, Darlinghurst BERKELOUW BOOKS There are a few Berkelouw stores and we like them all, but if we had to pick our favourite it would have to be the landmark Berkelouw Books on Oxford Street. Three storeys of new, second-hand and rare books complete with a cosy cafe and wine bar. The super helpful staff will only bother you if they have a better recommendation than what you’ve got open, and the selection of knick-knacks, stationery and vaguely literary novelties is as good as at any gift shop. 19 Oxford St, Paddington REPRESSED RECORDS If you’ve got a loved one who’s losing all their funds supporting the local Sydney music scene and buying the latest LP from the newest punk/alt act, why not help them out this Christmas by getting something they actually want — a gift or voucher from Repressed Records. The guys at Repressed are champions of Australian independent music and always have something amazing in stock they can’t wait to get you listening to. Introduce your mate to their new favourite band or get them a voucher and help feed the habit. DINOSAUR DESIGNS Instantly recognisable in their freeform design and luminescent colours, Dinosaur Designs has become somewhat of a household name when it comes to homewares and jewellery. So when it’s time for Christmas gift shopping, they’re always the kind of place you can rely upon. Each of their items – necklaces, bangles, bowls, jars, vases – are meticulously handcrafted from coloured resin so not one object is ever the same as another. 339 Oxford Street, Paddington SORRY THANKS I LOVE YOU Sorry Thanks I Love You is a deftly curated online stores of handmade accessories, homewares, gourmet foods, fresh flowers from boutique florists and craft beverages sourced from around the world. And now you can see and try out all these goodies for yourself at Sorry Thanks I Love You’s pop-up store in Martin Place, open right up until Christmas. The store will feature tons of products, including knives carved from Scandinavian reindeer antler, hand-woven Kashmiri scarves, wheels of Bruny Island cheese and premium single malt whisky distilled in highland Tasmania, which you can taste test in the store. Sorry Thanks I Love You Pop-Up, Shop 2, Ground Floor, GPO Building, 1 Martin Place, Sydney THE SOCIAL OUTFIT Make the gift you give really mean something by buying it from The Social Outfit, where each purchase means you're supporting hyperlocal industry (the main product line is made right there in the store) and helping welcome new migrants into the community (through training and employment in the organisation). This isn't the Oxfam Shop, though we love them too; the fashion and accessories here have a contemporary Australian aesthetic that would be at home in any Paddington boutique. Check out the donated prints from the likes of Ken Done and Dragstar. 353 King St, Newtown THE GROUNDS OF ALEXANDRIA The Grounds of Alexandria is not strictly a shop, but it's also so many things that it's not not a shop. And there's only one gift you need from the massive cafe and mini city farm this year: their Santa Sack, aka the hamper to end all hampers. Filled with goodies like homemade jam in paint tubes, tins of 'Farm Friends' cookies, Egyptian ice tea and indulgent black truffle salt, they're priced at a very reasonable $120. If you need yet more foodie gifts after that, just head next door to Salt Meats Cheese. Building 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria Find more unique gifts by browsing our shops directory. By the Concrete Playground team.
Earlier in 2020, Sydney became home to a brand new film festival, with Fantastic Film Festival Australia serving up a lineup of out-there genre flicks. Watching weird and wonderful movies on a big screen isn't just a once-a-year activity, though. And, while you might've streamed plenty of mind-benders as this strange year has ticked by, you can now make a Friday night date with a few cinematic curiosities. Every Friday evening in October, Randwick's Ritz Cinemas is hosting Fantastic Fridays sessions in conjunction with FFFA. Each week, cinephiles can sit down to a different retro or new movie — kicking off with Russian sci-fi film Sputnik, which has been compared to Alien, from 8.30pm on October 2. At 9pm on October 9, The Batwoman will flicker across the screen, courtesy of a newly restored version of the 1968 Mexican classic about a masked crime-fighter and a mad scientist who is taking the glands of wrestlers. Then, at the same time on October 16, Night of the Bloody Apes will continue in a similar way — this time following a surgeon who transplants the heart of an ape into his unwell son. Next, at 8.30pm on October 23, comes the Austrian-German film The Trouble with Being Born, which follows an android that looks like a child (and picked up an award at this year's Berlinale). Finally, come 9pm on October 30, Stranger Things' Joe Keery will play a rideshare driver who is desperate to go viral in Spree — and someone sporting an eye-catching head of hair, presumably. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhLORcya9GU&feature=emb_logo Fantastic Fridays screens at the Ritz Cinemas, Randwick every Friday in October.
The service industry is something of a crucible for millions of Australians. Ask anyone, and they probably spent some time as a teenager or student working in retail or hospitality. It's mandatory for anyone looking to gain some valuable life lessons while they're learning basic employment skills and saving some cash. Love it or hate it, we've all got to do it at some point. Gruelling as it sometimes is, the service industry is of immense importance. Who else can make the world's coffees, package their orders, cook their dinners — and do it all while putting a smile on the faces of customers? The simple act of good service makes all the difference for any business; it's a key ingredient to building up a customer base and ensuring loyalty and word of mouth to keep that base growing. Maybe what the world needs is a shortlist — a pocket guide, if you will — to the secrets of good service. If you're an aspiring business owner or an existing member of the service industry, you could probably use some tips from the pros on what good service can and should look like. We made a few calls, and we've got your good service guide right here. RULE 1: DON'T OVERCOMPLICATE IT Service, like anything, is easy to overthink and overcomplicate. But at the end of the day, it's all about the basic fundamentals. In hospitality, you might overthink the prioritisation of good food vs good service, but Alex Brawn of Cremorne's Amatrice Rooftop Restaurant and Caffe Amatrice understands that one takes precedence. "The reality is that we need to be nailing both. But going out to a cafe or restaurant is about an 'experience', and we all like to leave feeling good — and that mostly comes down to good service. Looking after our guests, making them feel good, that's what hospitality is about." "It's a common gripe for people where they try a restaurant, and the food and ambience were amazing, but the service was terrible, and they declare "I will never go again". So it goes to show that it doesn't matter how good your food is, or how expensive or beautiful your fit-out is, if you have poor service then you [as a business] just won't be successful long term." RULE 2: DON'T SHY AWAY FROM BEING PERSONAL It's absolutely key to maintain an professional attitude in any line of work, but in the case of service and hospitality, making things personal can go a long way to keeping a customer happy. It's the little things like smiling, remembering a name, or if you're able, going the extra mile in your service. Brawn, who's also a part of the team at the Williamstown waterfront spot, Sebastian Beach Grill & Bar, puts it plainly: "We keep it simple, just focusing on friendly, genuine service that makes people happy. Remembering regulars' names and having a chat about how their day is going — just those little things that make our guests feel a little bit special." "Recently, a family dined at Sebastian to celebrate an 80th birthday. The host of the dinner was telling her family how she remembered being in San Sebastian many years ago and having a special cheesecake. Our team overhead this conversation and arranged for a Basque cheesecake with a candle…looking after our guests and making them feel good is the key to good hospitality." RULE 3: GOOD SERVICE IS A PARACHUTE IF PRODUCTS FAIL The fact of the matter is this: it's hard to crack an original idea these days. If you're planning to open a bar, restaurant or café, you need something memorable. Good food and drinks are newsworthy and get tongues wagging, but if people don't have a good time consuming those products, you're going to burn out before you know it. Slipstream Brewing Co. is one of Queensland's most awarded breweries, so it is safe to say that director Elisa Stanley-Hunt knows all about the balancing act of products and services. "Great service fosters a welcoming atmosphere, encourages repeat customers, and helps build a strong reputation — especially in the early days. Even if the food isn't perfect yet, exceptional service can turn a first-time visitor into a loyal customer. That said, quality food is a close second. Once service is dialled in, focusing on a menu that's consistent, delicious and suits your brand will solidify your success. Ideally, both should go hand in hand, but if you lead with service, your customers will be more forgiving as you refine your offerings." RULE 4: LEARN TO SPOT A TELL We've already established the importance of personal service, but the ability to listen for and spot little details in a customer's preferences, routines and interests can elevate just another meal into a truly memorable experience. You likely know how good it feels to have a regular barista remember your coffee order, for example. For Andrew Garling of Fortitude Valley's Mr Valentine, that attention to detail is paramount. "Good service at Mr Valentine is anticipating a customer's needs from the moment they walk in the door, nothing more, nothing less. When you spend long enough serving people, they give you small cues as to what they need. We try and take those cues and act on them before they ask. These can be as small as taking a to-go box to a table as they are finishing before they ask, making a coffee when you see a regular walking from afar…they're all very simple things that make our customers feel important, and they cost us nothing to provide...the transaction is the last thing we think about." RULE 5: SAVE TIME ON THE TECHNICALITIES What we've learned here is that good service, above all, comes down to authenticity and human interaction. A smile, listening for special occasions, paying attention to what makes your regulars tick. What you don't want to do is take away from precious staff-to-customer contact time by having to fiddle with terminals and tablets, so having a smooth system to take care of the nitty-gritty makes a world of difference; ask any business owner. That's especially true when products like Square make things as easy for the customer as for the operator. Alex Brawn experiences that often; "the simplicity of the Square POS and EFTPOS units means we spend less time looking at a screen and more time looking after our guests." Andrew Garling agrees: "[Square] allows us to do the things we talked about before and leave the transaction as the last thing to worry about…we can tailor the use of software and [the] hardware experience so the customer has the smoothest possible transaction." Find out how Square can kickstart your business at squareup.com.
It's an impressive set-up at Two Smoking Barrels with a grill rig used to smoke and season meats with native ironbark. It has everything from melt-in-your-mouth pit-smoked brisket to pork rolls, house sausages and short ribs on offer. There's a feed for every appetite, whether you need a quick, smashable burger or you want to settle in for a big ol' meat platter before you hit the road again. The sides are classic barbecue soul food: potato gems, slaw, cornbread, mac 'n' cheese and speciality burnt-end beans (the crispy, well-seasoned end bits of smoked meats). Warning: this is not food for the faint of heart, so wear your loosest pair of jeans.
While nothing can quite compare to a trip over to Europe, there are a few places in Sydney that come close. Whether it's lavish French standouts like Restaurant Hubert or Bouillon L'Entrecôte, lush trattorias like Pellegrino 2000 or friendly tapas joints like Bar Louise. If spending a few hours pretending you're on the other side of the world is up your alley, Circular Quay's new addition Deux Freres should be at the top of your list. The restaurant has opened in the bustling Quay Quarter Lanes from the Bouillon L'Entrecôte team and brings the experience of a Basque pintxos bar to an inner-city alleyway. Located in a narrow ground-floor space on Loftus Lane, the exciting opening is an ode to the visits L'Entrecôte Group's Johan Giausseran and Vincent Ventura took in the Basque country from their childhood homes in France. The diner combines a simple Basque-inspired fit-out, colourful murals, a marble counter loaded with fresh produce and a menu of European favourites to create an experience that feels authentically tied to the packed pintxo bars of Spain. The busy, compact space adds to the atmosphere — but if you're looking to stretch out, you can always nab a seat out in the laneway. As for what you'll be eating on a trip to Deux Freres, the best place to start is with a few toothpick-skewered pintxos and a glass of sangria. The brioche, foie gras and onion jam combo is a particularly indulgent start to the meal that you won't regret. The menu is kept simple, fitting on just one page. You can work your way through the selections of cheeses and croquettes or turn your attention to some of the impressive mains on offer. The chorizo is cooked on a hibachi grill and served atop a flaming pig-shaped terracotta pot, while the wagyu rump cap is paired with port wine glaze and confit shallot — both are must-trys. While you can shake things up with a coriander-infused negroni or a citrus gin and vanilla sour, vermouth is the star of the beverage list with nine red and four white varieties on offer. "It's such a light, refreshing drink that's perfect if you don't want a harder cocktail, beer or wine — good vermouth is a great aperitif," says Giausseran. "It's vermouth's time to take over from the spritz." Round out your visit to Deux Freres with the blood orange sorbet. Served inside a frozen hollowed-out orange, the tangy dessert is as fresh as they come. Deux Freres is located at 6 Loftus Lane, Sydney. It's open 11.30am–late Monday–Friday and 3.30pm–late Saturday. Head to the restaurant's website to make a booking and browse the menu. Images: Jude Cohen
If you can believe it, the end of summer is nigh. To help us through it, the world has gifted us an extra day to drink by the beach while watching the sun set. In honour of the last day of summer — and the blessed leap year — the Harbord Beach Hotel is hosting a season-ending shindig in its courtyard, mere stumbling distance from Freshwater Beach. There'll be chilled rosé and cocktails flowing, and plenty of pints and tinnies from the likes of Furphy, Stone & Wood and 4 Pines. Local northern beaches artists will be responsible for the soundtrack from 4.30–11.30pm, with Nick Stenmark, Friendless, Erin Marshall & Muma Megs, and Lozd all taking to the stage. In between sets, you can refuel on snags in bread from a sizzling barbecue, as well as the likes of nachos, prawns and pork sliders. To help you get home (or kick on) at the end of the night, there'll be free buses running to Manly from 10.30pm till midnight. It's free to get in, but you can register here to secure your attendance. Top image: Jasper Ave
Let's face it, you can't buy a whole lot for one buck in 2019. But today, consider that little dollar coin your best friend. Fast food giant McDonald's is celebrating National Cheeseburger Day — yes, that's today, September 18 — by treating the whole country to $1 burgs. Across all Aussie stores, from 5am until stock runs out, McDonald's is dropping the price of its classic cheeseburgers to just $1 a pop — for beef, bun, onion, pickles, ketchup, cheese and all. To claim your cheap burger, you'll first need to download the MyMacca's app via the Apple Store or Google Play. Then, log on, check the My Rewards section and boom — Ronald's your uncle. https://www.instagram.com/p/B2h6vl0DgSN/ Unfortunately, there's a limit of one $1 cheeseburger per customer, which probably isn't enough to make a meal of. But we're sure there are a few other Macca's menu items that might tempt your tastebuds while you're there. And, if you fancy a cheap cheeseburger tour of your city, today's the day to do it. Neil Perry's Burger Project is slinging $5 Cape Grim cheeseburgers at select Sydney and Melbourne stores, Merrywell Burger Bar at Crown Melbourne is offering 100 lucky punters free customised 'Chooseburgers', and at Bentleigh's Good Times Milk Bar, there are $5 burgs up for grabs between 11am and 4pm. McDonald's $1 cheeseburger are available from 5am on Wednesday, September 18 until sold out via the MyMacca's app.
What better way to embrace a balanced lifestyle than practicing your yoga skills with a side of vino and cheese? Yoga in the Vines is all about encouraging an inclusive and attainable approach to wellness. The stretch and sip experience begins with a 60-minute yoga and meditation class set within a stunning vineyard in the Hunter Valley. Once you've downward dogged, sun saluted and reverse warriored your way to pure relaxation, you'll have an hour to indulge in wine, cheese and fruit, all sourced from local producers.
It's safe to say Aussie bakeries have a bit of a knack for pastry hybrids. You'll recall some pretty tasty iterations of the cronut, the cruffin and, more recently, the doughnut ice cream cone. Now, Sydney's much-loved Banksia Bakehouse has dropped another genius dessert mashup, and it promises to take your tastebuds on a trip to Paris via the Middle East. Introducing: the baklava croissant. This little beauty is a nod to the venue's pastry chefs' own love of the classic Middle Eastern dessert. It features one of Banksia's signature buttery croissants stuffed with a baklava-inspired filling of chopped pistachios, almonds and walnuts, then finished with a honey lemon clove syrup. An extra burst of sweetness comes in the form of a pistachio frangipane, which is layered in the middle. If that's got you salivating, you'll have to move quick — the limited-edition croissant special is only starring on the menu until the end of April, and it's available fresh each weekday from Banksia Bakehouse HQ in Grosvenor Place on George Street. Head in from 10.30am, but be warned that they'll probably sell out before the end of each day. Of course, it's not the first time that the Banksia chefs have unleashed some creativity in the croissant department. Last month, they paid homage to an Aussie sweet tooth classic with their lamington croissant — a cube-shaped pastry coated in dark chocolate and shredded coconut, and filled with dark chocolate coconut ganache and a strawberry rose jam. And as luck would have it, that hybrid treat is now also available until the end of April. Baklava croissants are available at Banksia Bakehouse, Grosvenor Place, 225 George Street, Sydney, from Monday–Friday until Friday, April 30.
Back for its sixth edition, Newcastle Food Month is not your average foodie celebration. Taking over Newcastle with over 70 special events and 70 more plate dates — signature dish and drink pairings for $30 or less — the entire affair is described as Australia's largest and longest regional food festival. If you're yet to visit, make this year the one for getting to know Newy's top-notch hospitality scene and world-class produce. In 2026, Newcastle Food Month is happening from Saturday, March 28–Wednesday, April 30. Though the entire program is worth checking out, there's a trio of signature one-off events to plan your calendar around. The first — Soundbites Food & Wine Festival — is happening on opening day at Newcastle Racecourse, featuring a day-long experience complete with 40 wineries, breweries, producers and chefs alongside roaming performances, grape stomping and more. Then, on Wednesday, April 1, the HCA x First Creek Waiters' Race offers the chance for someone with the fastest feet and the steadiest hands to claim the ultimate hospitality bragging rights. Rounding out this trio, Newcastle Food Month will also feature two sessions of the Customs House x Tinta Belmont Autumnal Garden Party. Held on Saturday, April 11 and Saturday, April 18, expect four hours of Usher Tinkler drops, Tanqueray gins and roaming canapes. Of course, there are dozens more events to explore throughout the month. Think degustation cruises, multicultural fiestas and seafood long lunches served by the waterfront. No matter your tastes, this sprawling regional activation is one of the best ways to celebrate everything Novacastrian cuisine has to offer, whether you're keen to dine, sip or level up your culinary skills with an expert-led masterclass. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Dom Cherry.
Fond of Betty's Burgers and its Shake Shack-style burgs? Keen to share the love with someone you love? On Thursday, May 5, the chain of eateries wants Sydneysiders to come in for a bite — and to bring their besties in as well. To mark the 2022 return of Betty's Bestie Day, the brand's Sydney joints will be serving up two-for-one burgers all day long. Pay $11.50 for a Betty's Classic — which stacks angus beef, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese and Betty's special sauce on a soft bun — and you'll score a pair of them. The offer also applies to Betty's Crispy Chicken Supreme burgers ($15.50) and the Betty's Classic Vegan burg ($14); however, whichever you pick, you both have to get the same one. If you're already salivating, make plans to head to one of Betty's Sydney stores — including at Market Street, Chatswood and Darling Harbour. Again, the two-for-one deal is available all day. It's also on offer via dining in and takeaway, too. So, if you and your favourite fellow burger fiend are especially eager, you could always hit up one for lunch and another for dinner.
UPDATE, April 27, 2021: Late Night is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Thank the powers that be that we live in a world where Mindy Kaling is making smart, funny, warmly subversive TV series and movies. Actually, thank American television network NBC. Over a decade ago, it gave the then-24-year-old a job in The Office's writers room as a diversity hire, which Kaling revealed while doing promotional duties for her new film, Late Night. She goes a step further in the picture itself. Playing a chemical plant quality control supervisor who dreams of joining the writing staff on an evening talk show, she puts the same idea into the movie (as well as starring, she penned the script). Molly Patel, her on-screen alter-ego, is hired because she's a woman, plain and simple. She's then saddled with being the token beacon for inclusiveness in an otherwise all-white, all-male, all-middling group of scribes, with her new colleagues all-too-happy to keep aiming for average rather than risk rocking the boat with their boss. Only Kaling, or someone who has been in her circumstances, could turn the above situation into a gag — not to mention an effective, perceptive and amusing one. More than that, she uses Late Night to point out the ridiculousness of complaints that almost everyone who isn't a white male has heard: that they've landed a gig for reasons other than their skills and talents. It's a go-to lament against the advancement of women and people of colour in many fields, and it's supremely petty. Late Night specifically calls it out in a pointedly cartoonish but undeniably scathing way. "I wish I was a woman of colour so I could get any job I wanted with zero qualifications," one of Molly's unhappy co-workers grumbles, sounding suitably inane. This is a comedy, so Late Night pokes fun at the entertainment industry status quo in the same way that Kaling's long-running, now-finished TV sitcom The Mindy Project toyed with rom-com tropes. Think light, bubbly yet also sharp. Molly doesn't have the same experience as her co-workers, but she's still great at her job, because that's a genuine possibility. She works harder, longer and puts more pressure on herself, because that's the reality. By not fitting the usual mould, Molly shines a glaring spotlight on the complacency that can come with avoiding change or challenge. Crucially, however, while she's highly motivated and determined (and usually considerably overdressed for work compared to her peers), she also sports plenty of flaws — whether she's offering unfettered criticism on her first day or bursting into tears whenever things hit even the tiniest rough patch. Late Night has another commentary-laden twist up its sleeve: the program's host of nearly three decades, Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson), clearly doesn't fit the usual mould either. It's a big deal in the movie, which recognises that she's a trailblazer. In real life, female-fronted talk shows like Katherine's aren't just rare — they're basically non-existent. So unfurls Late Night's twin dilemmas, sparked by the host's discovery that her position is under threat thanks to a new network executive (Amy Ryan). With rising frat boy-style standup Daniel Tennant (Ike Barinholtz) waiting in the wings, fierce perfectionist Katherine endeavours to elevate her flagging series, adapt to the times and retain the values she holds dear. Arriving just as this crisis hits, and overwhelmed by working for her idol, Molly tries to demonstrate her worth and also remain true to herself. There's an obvious, endearing element of fantasy at the core of Late Night. If only viewers could watch Thompson, or the kind of intelligent and hilarious woman she plays, on late-night TV on a daily basis. If only we could all get a shot at showing that we're made for our bucket-list jobs as well. But dreaming big, satirising reality and marrying genuine insights with laughs all frequently make great bedfellows, as proves the case here. Directed with charm, spark, and a zippy look and feel by Nisha Ganatra (Dear White People, Brooklyn Nine-Nine), this is a workplace comedy that has plenty to say about media and entertainment, sexism and ageism, the treatment of women, and the way that ladies are often stereotypically expected to compete against each other. It's also willing to get gleefully blunt in exploring these matters, especially in its dialogue. The film follows a predictable narrative path, lacking the absurdity and surprises of television's 30 Rock and The Larry Sanders Show, yet that doesn't make it any less enjoyable, incisive or on-target. We've said it before, but it bears repeating: watching Late Night and wishing that Thompson's formidable Katherine really had a regular place on our screens goes hand-in-hand. Playing a multiple-Emmy winner, the real-life dual-Oscar recipient leans into the character's savage British wit and ample imperfections, while seeming like she could walk straight out of the film and onto any late-night show she'd like. And, although love interests abound for both Thompson and Kaling, the two women's seemingly chalk-and-cheese pairing sits at the heart of the film. John Lithgow pops up as the former's ailing composer husband, Veep's Reid Scott is the latter's snarkiest colleague, and Hannibal's Hugh Dancy is the office's resident ladies' man, but Late Night is at its best when it's heeding Molly's advice for Katherine: speaking from a perspective that only its protagonists (and its creative force) can. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-OSUZp9pjw
Tenth Muse has made a name for itself as the go-to specialty food store on Percival Rd, Stanmore. It dedicates itself to supplying quality ingredients and harder-to-find foods that inspire home cooking and entertaining. Just like any good specialty food shop, Tenth Muse offers an extensive range of pantry staples along with international cheeses, locals meats and other gourmet refrigerated provisions. On its website, Tenth Muse also has a large array of recipes and articles, as well as an online shop with a section of products stocked in its brick-and-mortar shop.
With events across the world being cancelled and postponed in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19, the live music industry is being hit hard. According to website I Lost My Gig, as of 11am on Saturday, March 21, approximately 274,000 events and gigs have been cancelled, which has impacted 599,000 artists and crew, and equated to about $300 million in lost income. And that's just in Australia alone. To help raise money for some of those musicians out of work, a group of global volunteers has created Sofa King Fest. Dubbed an "emergency response online music and arts benefit festival", the website is a curation of all the best music live-streams happening around the world — all in one spot, all available to watch from the comfort of your sofa. Musicians are scheduled to perform at hour or half-hour intervals and have included the likes of Willie Nelson, Cypress Hill, Diplo, Big Freedia and A-Trak. On a more local level, all Aussie artists will be curated by the Mary's Group — who are behind cult-favourite Mary's burgers and the revival of two long-standing Sydney live music venues: The Landsdowne Hotel and Mary's Underground (formerly The Basement). [caption id="attachment_757840" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Lansdowne Hotel[/caption] While the artists are playing, you can donate directly to out-of-work musicians or to the artist's charity of choice, with all funds controlled by the artist and their team. Melissa Etheridge, who's performing today, Tuesday, March 24, for example, will be donating her funds to the World Food Kitchen. If you're an artist that's keen to be part of the live-stream, you can signup directly via Sofa King Fest website. As well as raising funds for musicians hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, the website is a great way to get your culture and music fix while also practising social-distancing or adhering to self-isolation measures. Sofa King Fest is now live and accepting donations. Top image: Willie Nelson by BSC Photography. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
After extensive renovations, South Coogee Bowls Club has reopened, introducing a new casual restaurant straightforwardly dubbed Bistro on the Greens. Appropriately titled not only for its location overlooking a bowling green, the design, courtesy of David Veksler's team at Guru Projects (nel., Harry's Bondi, Charlotte's Little Sister), features banana leaf wallpaper, lime coloured cushions and vines cascading from the ceiling. It's kind of like The Greens meets Coogee Pavilion. The space is open and light, flowing seamlessly from indoors to out, making the most of its beachside location. The inspiration, according to Veksler, was "a desire to make the space versatile, flexible and something the community could be proud of." Restaurateurs Filomena and Gary Di Paola (Bankstown's La Piazza) have also refreshed the menu, with pretty old school bistro fare mostly designed for sharing. The usual suspects include caprese salad, a selection of classic pastas, arancini di zucca, well as bistro staples like beef nachos, grilled salmon and parmigiana. But considering its nearness to the ocean, there are also plenty of seafood options, such as chilli mussels, barbecue octopus and garlic prawns. If you're feeling particularly peckish, there's also the Greens Mega Burger with black Angus beef pattie, caramelised onion, pineapple, bacon and Swiss cheese — and it's a bistro, so pair it with sweet potato fries in a mini deep fry basket (you know). And for pizza heads, you'll find an extensive list of options, including the Bistro on the Greens special featuring mozzarella, mushroom, artichokes, sundried tomato, 22 bocconcini, ricotta, wild rocket and prosciutto.
When the burger craving hits, Two Hungry Bears is the place to visit. Here, the buns are generously stacked — satisfying all hankerings for the hand-held hero. This gem of a burger shop is open Wednesday through to Sunday and the staff are serious about burgers. Try the royal with cheese — Angus beef, American cheese, McClures pickles, lettuce, tomato and sauce or the Nashville hot fried chicken with American cheese, slaw, McClures pickles and Alabama white BBQ sauce. For plant-eating folk, try the greener pastures burger layered with falafel, pickles, sweet chilli and mayo. You can opt to add a milkshake and fries to go with your burgers, or go all out and order a serving of the loaded fries topped with bacon. Just a head's up, it can get busy on weekends and evenings so, head down early or call ahead to order. One thing's for sure — come hungry. Images: Mel Koutchavlis
Cocktail Connoisseur hosted at the Loft is set to mix things up (no pun intended) with the final shakedown taking place on 1 November. The competition, aimed at bringing together expert mixologists and bona fide cocktail aficionados, is at grand final stage after grueling prelims around the country. The great thing about this comp? They've enlisted your help to judge signature creations from some of Australia's finest up and coming. Apparently, it's all about sharing the love at Cocktail Connoisseur. And hey, we're not complaining. Suntory Australia is inviting members of the public to rate bespoke cocktail creations whilst enjoying freebie cocktails and canapés. What's not to love? To get to this point, 550 entrants across Australia participated in initial rounds, which involved a series of blind tasting by judges according to aesthetic, taste and aroma of each entrant's signature cocktail. The result? A total of five entrants from each state, which were then whittled down to five overall champs. It is these five champs we're going to see in action on 1 November, and if you're anything like us you'll be doing the ring around to ensure it's a cracker of a night. RSVP to rsvp@theloftsydeny.com essential before 30 October for free entry. Places are limited.
Trent & Henry is a new design workshop and gallery in the heart of Sydney's oldest and most sandstoney district, and this week they're inviting people to come check them out for their official opening. Trent & Henry began as part of The Rocks Pop Up Project. By virtue of being regarded by most Sydney-siders as a bit of a tourist trap, the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and Arts NSW attempted to mix it up and draw the locals back by launching the project earlier this year. The Rocks Pop Up project allowed emerging designers and creative groups to have short-term access to vacant sandstone buildings in The Rocks as pop-up shops, galleries and workspaces. Now, though, Trent & Henry have been given a longer lease and a free hand to create a unique platform from which to draw people into their creative process. Housed in an old sandstone warehouse at 47 George Street, the space has been transformed into a design workspace much like those in Berlin, where the culture of open studios encourages the public to go in, have a look around and check out the artisans at work. In addition, the studio will also be used as event space. If you feel like checking it out RSVP to info@trentjansen.com
Dance music hits. An orchestra. Combine the two and Ministry of Sound Classical is one end result. For a few years now, this event has been giving Australia what no one probably knew they wanted when Ministry of Sound first started as a London club night back in 1991: tunes that usually fill dance floors performed by classical musicians. If you're a fan of making shapes and you're fond of getting nostalgic, then Ministry of Sound keeps indulging — sometimes by throwing huge 90s and 00s parties that nod back to raves three decades back and club nights at the turn of the century, and sometimes via this orchestral tour that gives bangers from the past 30 years a new live spin. In Australia, the latter is returning before 2025 is out, including welcoming summer in Sydney. This year's run heads to the Harbour City's Entertainment Quarter on Saturday, December 6, with Cassius headlining. Conducted by Vanessa Perica and with DJ Groove Terminator on backing duties, the Ministry of Sound Orchestra takes pride of place, of course, with vocalists and other talents on hand to assist. Ministry of Sound Classical is calling 2025's run a summer dance music festival, which means that a curated food and bar lineup is also on offer, as are multiple Sydney stages. As for the soundtrack, the event surveys tunes that've packed dance floors over Ministry of Sound's existence — so you just might hear classical renditions of Basement Jaxx, Darude, Röyksopp, Robin, Underworld, Moby, Fisher and more played by its orchestra. Images: Ruby Boland, Ashlea Caygill and Jack Dullard.
Dimmies & Tinnies are on the move this month, having embarked on an East Coast adventure to spread the gospel about its new lineup of reimagined dim sims. The first stop is Redfern's Norfolk Hotel, which will play host to a one-day activation teeming with good food, cold beers and easygoing fun. Held from 12pm on Saturday, July 19, the whole crew is invited to dine on this iconic Chinese-inspired treat. Priced at $3, the dimmies are available in two flavours: spicy pork with red chilli and cabbage, and chicken and sweetcorn, featuring a hit of kombu. The tinnies form the other part of the equation, with $7 Reschs Pilsener cans pairing with the moreish staple to forge the ultimate afternoon snack combo. Perhaps it's time to load up the freezer, as these nostalgic bites are perfect for a quick cook-up, whether you prefer them fried or steamed. Not familiar with Dimmies & Tinnies? Expect to see the brand more and more. Radio and TV favourite Andy Lee, NYC-based hospitality duo Eddy Buckingham and Chef Paul Donnelly, and celebrated ceramicist Sam Gordon are the brains behind the biz, having spent the last four years perfecting their dream torpedo-style dimmie.
Tucked into the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park lobby, The Gallery Grab & Go might just be your new early morning pitstop or afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you're an office worker on the move or a hotel guest easing into the day, this spot will serve top-notch coffee, just-baked pastries, breakfast staples and even full-sized cakes from the Elizabeth Street entrance. To celebrate the launch, The Gallery Grab & Go has created a special once-off giveaway set to get pastry fans crowding into the lobby. From 8am on Thursday, June 26, the cafe is handing out 500 honey-soaked cronuts for free, undoubtedly making your usually tired work commute a little sweeter. These are no ordinary cronuts, either. Created by Head Pastry Chef and 2024 Associate of the Year Julie Hoang, the sticky goodness soaking its golden, flaky layers is derived from the hotel's very own bee colony. Five stories up on the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park rooftop, over 120,000 bees thrive in sustainably sourced timber hives. The hotel's location is a happy hunting ground for this troupe of pollinators. With a roaming radius of five kilometres, the adjacent expanse of Hyde Park offers abundant pollen and nectar to fuel their work back in the hive. In fact, the hotel's bees produce up to 450 kilograms of honey annually, contributing to the hotel's sustainability goals. In the kitchen, Hoang uses the rooftop harvest to produce a luscious orange blossom honey syrup. After drenching the cronuts, each layer is filled with Chantilly cream and topped with toasted pistachio, making for a lavish morning bite. Now you're invited to experience it for yourself for free, but just for one day only. While a few hundred cronuts are up for grabs, don't expect these decadent treats to last long. Instead, start your day a little earlier than usual by hoofing it to The Gallery Grab & Go in the hotel lobby. Consider ordering a barista-made coffee during your visit and check out what other culinary delights await. The Gallery Grab & Go's 500 cronut giveaway is happening from 8am on Thursday, June 26 at the Elizabeth Street entrance of the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park. Head to the website for more information.
Delivery service apps like UberEats continue to rise in Australia and New Zealand, claiming exclusivity deals with everything from major grocery stores to hardware giants. Yep, hardware, you read it right. The latest Australian megastore to join the order-to-your-door offer posed by Uber Eats is the home of things home and garden — Bunnings. Following a successful Victorian pilot program in January, the nationwide rollout will begin in 15 locations across Australia, with plans to expand further and over to New Zealand throughout the year. The partnership will give eligible customers access to 60-minute guaranteed deliveries of over 30,000 items from the Bunnings catalogue — including lawn mowers, power washers, pet food, gardening equipment, DIY products, nuts, bolts and packing boxes. Bunnings COO, Ryan Baker, told 9Honey that the partnership will "offer customers another convenient way to shop a wide range of products from Bunnings, delivered directly to their home or worksite via the Uber Eats app. While many customers enjoy visiting our stores to browse and get advice in person, we know there are times when convenience and speed are the priority." [caption id="attachment_1076390" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ceri Breeze via iStock[/caption] "This partnership complements our existing delivery options and helps us better understand how customers want to shop with Bunnings," Baker added. Lucas Groeneveld, General Manager of Uber Eats APAC, said in a press release, "From last-minute DIY fixes and garden projects, to preparing for a BBQ or keeping a work site moving, this partnership makes it easier than ever for customers to get what they need, delivered on demand, whatever the occasion." Bunnings joins a mix of other non-edible delivery partners on Uber Eats, including Pet Barn, Officeworks and EB Games. If you're wondering, though, Bunnings snags are not included in the delivery service — you'll still have to get those yourself. Check to see if your local Bunnings delivers via UberEats here, more stores are expected to roll out later in 2026. Images: iStock
As wonderful as Auckland is, the secret to experiencing New Zealand like a local is to head north and leave the city — a Northland road trip is an Aucklander's rite of passage. It's the best way to enjoy a patch of New Zealand that's long flown under the radar and autumn is the best time to do it. Adorned with stunning coastlines that are sensational year-round, the Far North is where you'll find an abundance of some of the nation's freshest seafood, enjoyed not too far from the source, and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where Aotearoa New Zealand as it exists today was born. [caption id="attachment_607571" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Alec McCutcheon[/caption] Eat Parua Bay Tavern She's a fair drive up to the tip of the North Island. The length of the journey gives you a decent excuse to stop for a while and enjoy a refreshment or two, served with fresh seafood and a ten out of ten ocean view. Parua Bay Tavern looks like a typical country pub, until you look out the back. An expansive deck covered in picnic tables sits before a rolling lawn that goes right down to the beautiful calm waters of Parua Bay — one of Whangarei Head's most picturesque spots. Ake Ake Vineyard Restaurant Forget to stock up on vinos for your journey north? A tad peckish from all the driving? Kill two birds with one stone at Ake Ake Vineyard Restaurant. Sit amongst the vines on a subtropical Northland night and treat yourself to an organic wine made on sight and a beautiful meal made with seasonal, local produce. You can't go wrong with the market fish or the pork belly if you're struggling to choose. Mangonui Fish Shop If you've tripped up to Northland and you didn't go to the Mangonui Fish Shop, your roadie doesn't even count. This place is a Northland institution serving fresh fish and chips right out over the water, in one of Northland's most quaint little historic towns. It's a tad expensive (we're talking $16.50 for a piece of snapper), so if you're on a budget pop down to Fresh and Tasty Takeaways. They're set in the Mangonui Pub (the northernmost pub in NZ) and serve fish almost as good as the fish shop at half the price. On the other hand, if you're not big on fish and chips, the Thai joint down the road does a top notch curry. Stay Tutukaka On the road to the Far North, a stay in one of the beautiful little beachside settlements around Whangarei is a must. Our favourite has to be Tutukaka, one of the most idyllic coastal locations in the country, complete with postcard-worthy white sand beaches, world-class diving spots and seriously good surf beaches. Take in the region's incredible views by staying at Canopy Camping Escapes, where the luxury tent set up blends creature comforts with proximity to nature. If you're after a wave make sure you head out to Sandy Bay — this spot looks like something straight out of a surf movie, and if you head up in autumn, or even late in summer, you may just get the beach all to yourself. [caption id="attachment_986117" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Camilla Rutherford[/caption] Culture Waitangi Treaty Grounds It's not an overstatement to say the Waitangi Treaty Grounds are Aotearoa New Zealand's most important historical site. It's the location where the Treaty of Waitangi, the nation's founding document, was signed all those years ago in 1840. Brush up on the history and stories of how New Zealand, as it has come to exist today, all began. [caption id="attachment_986619" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miles Holden[/caption] Coast Puwheke Few beaches in Northland are so easy to access, yet so utterly untouched and pristine. Bring the 4x4, drive down a pothole-infested gravel road wide enough for one car and park on the dunes, or drive down the beach if you're feeling super adventurous. Climb over the rocks on the right of the beach to explore a cave that occasionally fills out with massive bats. If that's not for you, come on the right day and head to the left end of the beach — the surf's often stellar. The local secret is that if you time your trip well and head up anytime that's not high summer, you're in with a good chance of being the only one on this rugged white sand beach located along the Karikari Peninsula. Kai Iwi Lakes Just out of Dargaville you'll find a freshwater lake, surrounded by bone-white beaches and grassy campgrounds, that's truly a local secret. It's easy to spend a few days up here, barbecuing by the lake, enjoying the views over the uber-clear, light blue waters and perhaps swimming out to one of many pontoons to indulge in a bomb or two. The water is super shallow so you'll be pleasantly surprised at how warm it gets during summer. Matai Bay Surrounded by open fields, Māori land, and blooming Pōhutukawa trees, Matai Bay looks like something lifted straight off a cheesy postcard. It's a small golden sand cove, before a crystal blue harbour dotted with rocky islands. For a slice of the bay to yourself, hang a left under the boat ramp and walk to the far end of the beach. Otherwise if you're seeking a thrill, whack your way through the bush covering the hill on the right end of the beach and you'll find a stone ledge a few metres high that serves as a perfect diving board. Find your very own Aotearoa New Zealand here.
Attention all iPhone addicts: if you've ever been stranded in the middle of a forest with zero battery power left, in desperate need of access to Twitter and a game (or ten) of Angry Birds, then Ralph Lauren has the answer to your problems. The new RLX men's collection has introduced a line of high-performance bags, one of which has a solar panel attached designed to charge any iPhone, iPad or iPod in a matter of hours when in direct sunlight. The Solar Panel Backpack is made of a lightweight, seamless and water-resistant material with thick adjustable straps for comfort. The panel is attached to the back of the bag, and can generate up to a 3.45 watt-current when the sun is at full-strength. This combo of style and solar power will set you back a steep $800, but if you can't live without Angry Birds it might be worth the big bucks.
If there's one thing that's sure to cure those impending warm weather withdrawals, it's a taste of the European summer. So, from March 23 to 25, the Fizz Fellas are joining forces with Neutral Bay's Firefly to deliver a rather ingenious pop-up, featuring an extra refreshing Euro-inspired booze offering. The Fizz Fellas' cute-as-a-button prosecco van will set up shop inside the bar for three delicious days, serving the label's signature prosecco alongside a variation on the Spanish classic, Tinto De Verano. Fittingly dubbed the F&F Cooler, this one's a unique blend of Fizz Fellas bubbly, red wine, orange liqueur and a few secret additions. Both sips will be flowing from self-serve dispensers in the boys' repurposed three-wheeled Italian van, available to purchase individually, or as part of a two-hour bottomless package that'll set you back just $35 per person. You can enjoy your European drinking session anytime across the weekend, though you'll want to book in advance to secure a spot.
"Remember, the force will be with you. Always." Back in 1977, in a little movie called Star Wars — now known as Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope — Obi-Wan Kenobi uttered these words to Luke Skywalker. They were meant as encouragement and reassurance, but they've also proven true for fans of the George Lucas-created franchise. This space-opera series has been with us ever since, including through prequels, sequels, spinoffs, theme parks and more, and it shows absolutely no signs of going anywhere soon. In this very time, in this very galaxy, someone is usually on a screen somewhere talking about the force, in fact — and expect it to get more than a few mentions in the latest Star Wars streaming series that's headed our way. This one's a big one, and exactly why is all there in the title. Help us Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're our only hope for a new step into the Star Wars realm come Wednesday, May 25 on Disney+. Ewan McGregor (Halston) once again dons the iconic Jedi master's robes, in a six-episode series that's set ten years after Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith. Bridging the gap in Obi-Wan's story between the prequels and the OG Star Wars flicks, it follows the fallout after Anakin Skywalker's (Hayden Christensen, The Last Man) turn to the dark side and reinvention as Sith Lord Darth Vader. And yes, Christensen is back as well as the villainous figure. [caption id="attachment_845698" align="alignnone" width="1920"] © 2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.[/caption] While Obi-Wan Kenobi won't hit your streaming queue for just over two months, Disney+ has just dropped the next best thing: the show's first teaser trailer. A word of warning: for a show that splashes Obi-Wan Kenobi's name across its moniker, its first sneak peek is a little light on Obi-Wan himself, but it does set the scene for the showdown between the Jedi and his former padawan that's obviously coming. The sandy expanse of Tatooine earns some attention, with Obi-Wan keeping an eye on the young Luke Skywalker. Across the rest of the galaxy, the hunt to find where Kenobi is hiding is well and truly on. Coming to Disney+ following fellow Star Wars dramas The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi sees Joel Edgerton (The Green Knight) and Bonnie Piesse return as Owen and Beru Lars, too — and also stars Moses Ingram (The Queen's Gambit), Kumail Nanjiani (Eternals), Indira Varma (This Way Up), Rupert Friend (The French Dispatch), O'Shea Jackson Jr (Just Mercy), Sung Kang (Fast and Furious 9), Simone Kessell (1%) and Benny Safdie (Licorice Pizza). Check out the trailer for Obi-Wan Kenobi below: Obi-Wan Kenobi starts streaming via Disney+ on Wednesday, May 25.
Hailing from Brisbane's Fortitude Valley, The Emporium Barber migrated to Sydney and opened its Bondi Beach shop back in 2016. It promises 'the ultimate man's grooming experience', with premium haircuts and shaves ($45–65), facials, waxing and threading all on offer — along with Toby's Estate coffee while you wait. Those premium shaves include scented hot towels, pre-shave oils, shaving creams and aftershave balms, too. While they specialise in men's cuts, the barbershop also offers women's cuts for short-to-medium hair. [caption id="attachment_780135" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yaya Stempler[/caption] In addition to the actual grooming, the shop also sells hair care products, face masks, fragrances, beard balms and shaving kits. Set right along Campbell Parade, the barber is a prime location for quick freshening up pre- or post-swim, too. Images: Yaya Stempler
Forget traffic jams, cramped legs and squabbles over Spotify playlists. When you really want to relax on a winter weekender, swap your car for the train. Country train carriages aren't exactly known for their speed, but they do connect Sydney with hundreds of cute villages, towns and rural localities. Besides, who said anything about rushing? Grab a book, download your favourite podcast and settle in for the ride. Service is often limited on-board, so planning offline endeavours in advance is recommended. At the other end of the line, sink into cosiness with fireplaces, comfy couches, local wines and warm meals. All you need to do is make sure your Opal card is topped up. THE COACH HOUSE, BOWRAL Retreat from the city (and the cold) at The Coach House in Bowral. Part of the Rift Estate, this epic six-bedroom building once housed a coachman and his horses in the 19th century. Surrounded by heritage-listed gardens, it's now a tranquil place to stay, dotted with claw-foot bathtubs and beds draped in luxury linen. Book in a feast at Biota's new restaurant Barn, or keep it low-key and head out for a woodfired pizza at BD's Woodfired Pizza or peruse art at Bowral Art Gallery. To keep you warm, there are three open fireplaces and floor heating in all bathrooms of the cottage. How far? A two-hour train ride on the Southern Highlands Line. How much? $990 per night (split by up to 13 people). WONDERNEST, BLACKHEATH Seclusion close to a train station is generally hard to find, but not in Blackheath. The Blue Mountains town — which is just up past Leura and Katoomba — is gorgeous and leafy, and the Wondernest lets you enjoy the best of the scenery and small town vibes. The cosy cottage is nestled up in the gumtrees and has with sweeping views of the bush, but is also just a 15-minute walk from town. So you can easily visit Anonymous Cafe for a delicious all-day breakfast or hop over to Evans Lookout for one of the most scenic views of the Blue Mountains. Retreat back to your abode come nightfall and get snug in front of the fire among the sleek Scandinavian-style interiors or out on the deck with a glass of wine and a blanket. How far? Just over a two-hour train ride on the Blue Mountains Line. How much? $220–303 per night. THE ARTIST'S HOUSE, BUNDANOON Built by a local artist, this is a retreat unlike any other. Expect handcrafted timber work, natural stone, experimental spaces, creative touches and complete privacy — the Artist's House is ensconced in bush land, despite being just 150 metres from Bundanoon Village. You can spend your weekend snuggling in front of the fire and perhaps get a little arty yourself, or venture outside for cafes, quirky shops and bushwalks. We recommend checking out Fairy Bower Falls or wowing at Glow Worm Glen. With two queen-sized bedrooms there's room for up to four in the house, so gather a small group for a winter weekend away. How far? A two-and-a-half-hour train ride on the Southern Highlands Line. How much? $220–235 per night. STRAWBALE COTTAGE, LEURA Perhaps the cosiest joint in the Blue Mountains, Strawbale Cottage is set in the quaint town of Leura. It may be a short taxi ride from the town centre but we think it's worth it for the amazing view overlooking natural bushland. You won't even know it's winter with the natural light that floods the cottage during the day, the fireplace, two electric heaters and an electric blanket on the bed. Explore Leura village or hop on a train to Katoomba to see the Three Sisters and then refuel with a meal at Leura Garage. At the end of the day, settle into the warm comfort of this funky loft and enjoy a long, warm soak in the bathtub. How far? A two-hour train ride on the Blue Mountains Line. How much? $120–150 per night. THE IVY LODGE, BATHURST This beautiful restored heritage home located in the heart of Bathurst will keep you warm and cosy all winter long and is the perfect little cottage for a weekend away with your partner. It's walking distance to restaurants, bars and cafes in town. Grab a delicious brekkie at The Hub or setlle in for a long wine-filled lunch at Piccolo's on William. Explore Bathurst's history and visit the cellar doors to warm up with a glass of wine or two before retreating back to this stylish cottage. Spend the night relaxing in front of the fireplace before sinking into the plush king-sized bed. How far? A three-and-a-half hour train ride on the Blue Mountains Line. How much? $125 per night. CIRCA 1890, BERRY Round up some of your best mates and rent out this next-level cottage for the weekend. Winter is the best time to stay here in Berry. This revived 1800s historic cottage combines luxury modern features with period design and includes a cosy open fireplace in the dining room, a second fireplace in the lounge room and a heated spa bath and, to top it off, is pet friendly. Explore Berry's food scene by heading for brekkie at Salmon & Co. Eatery, grabbing a donut from the famous Berry Donut Van and enjoying the complementary bread from Berry Sourdough Bakery with fresh free-range eggs from the property. A stones throw away from the village centre, this beautiful cottage encapsulates the wonderful charm of this small town. How far? A two-and-a-half-hour train ride on the South Coast Line. How much? $220–350 per night.
After first closing its border with Victoria at the beginning of July, then warning residents against travel to and from regional towns in the area, New South Wales is implementing a strict new border zone between the two states. Announced on Sunday, July 19 and coming into effect from midnight on Tuesday, July 21, the border zone will start at the Murray River — placing tighter restrictions on residents of NSW border towns, as well as on Victorians looking to head north. As part of a new permit system — which will replace all currently issued permits, as well as any issued between now and the commencement of the border zone, with those needing permits required to reapply — folks living in NSW border towns will only be able to travel to the Victorian side of the border zone for a limited number of reasons. And, if they venture past the zone into the rest of Victoria, they'll be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return. Also, any other NSW resident who crosses the Murray River, otherwise enters Victoria or has been in the state in the past fortnight will be required to self-isolate for 14 days on their return to NSW. Residents of NSW border towns looking cross into the Victorian section of the zone will only be able to do so for three designated reasons: going to work or attending an education institution (if you can't do so from home), and to obtain medical care, supplies or health services. The same "extremely limited purposes" will apply to Victorian border town inhabitants looking to enter the NSW section of the zone. Victorians who receive a permit to enter NSW will also need to carry a copy of their permit with them, and produce it when directed — and abide by a number of other conditions. Those entering the state for child access or care arrangements, or freight workers, will need to have their own COVID Safety Plan; critical service workers will have to self-isolate when not providing their critical services; and Victorians will only be able to head to NSW for medical or hospital services if those services are not available in Victoria or can't be accessed remotely. [caption id="attachment_775275" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] A town near the NSW-Victorian border by Denisbin via Flickr.[/caption] Announcing the changes, the NSW government reiterated its standard current advice for the state's residents regarding visiting Victoria: "all NSW residents are strongly urged not to travel to Victoria". The tightened border restrictions were revealed on the same day that the NSW government urged the state's inhabitants to avoid non-essential travel in general, as well as non-essential gatherings. Until the start of July, New South Wales hadn't closed its borders to domestic travellers during the COVID-19 pandemic — and, when it did shut its border with Victoria, it was the first time in 100 years (since 1919 during the Spanish Flu), that the border between the two states has closed. For more information about the new border restrictions and the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Government website. Top image: Mulwala Bridge by Yun Huang Yong via Flickr.
With innovative startups taking centre stage in the tech industry, it was only a matter of time before the ideas behind creative culture, technology and entrepreneurship converged. Creators of the website Culture Label observed this trend with fascination and created REMIX, a conference that focuses on the growing entwinement of technology and cultural consumption. Initially launched in London, the global summit is making a stop at Sydney Town Hall and features two days of lectures, panels and masterclasses from some of world's best and brightest creative leaders. With more than 90 speakers, the variety of industries they represent is vast. There's Tom Uglow, creative director of Google's Creative Lab; Elizabeth Ann Macgregor OBE, director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia; Seb Chan, director of Digital & Emerging Media at the Cooper-Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum; and reps from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Yahoo7, Twitter, Intel, and The Guardian. Concrete Playground is a partner of the festival, and we will be presenting a panel with some Sydney heroes — The Festivalists, Gelato Messina, Giant Dwarf and Secret Garden. Thanks to REMIX Sydney, we have a two-day pass to the conference to give away to CP readers. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address. Alternatively, go to Eventbrite to book. Subscribers to our newsletter get 20% off tickets using code concreteplayground20.
Come Saturday, the Grounds of Alexandria will be filled with fresh foods and handmade crafts galore. It's your chance to wander the boutique stalls, gather ingredients for Sunday brunch, indulge in some Grounds seasonal treats, hug an IRL bunny and watch little people search for eggs. This year, the Grounds have installed a giant chocolate easter egg, said to be Australia’s biggest hollow chocolate easter egg in 2015, on the premises. It's all well and good to look at, but you'll really want to be there at 2pm on April 5, when the egg is cracked open and the pieces handed around to all present. You can also enjoy live music, while waiting for your chance to pose for a photo with The Grounds' other giant fragment of Easter paraphernalia, a moss-covered bunny going by the name of Kate, the Moss Bunny. Easter events at The Grounds: April 4 – 5 – The Grounds Easter Fair (8am – 3pm) April 4 – The Grounds Golden Egg Hunt (8.30am) April 5 – The Grounds Giant Egg Community Crack (2pm)
When 10-year-old Ashley C. Williams took her very first acting job, as Tiger Lily in a local theatre production of Peter Pan, it was a safe bet that she had no idea where her acting career would land her. More than a decade later she found herself smack bang in the middle of one of the most controversial horror films to ever crawl its way across the screen. And yes, before you ask, we do mean the middle. For most people, being sewn lips-to-butt into a makeshift Siamese triplet isn't the sort of thing you'd want to include on your resume. But in Williams' case, the success of director Tom Six's notorious stomach-churner was a boon for her career, transforming her from an aspiring screen actress to sought-after horror film star. The old saying may well be true: there really is no such thing as bad publicity. Williams recently made the trip down to Melbourne to promote her newest film, Julia, which recently screened at Cinema Nova as part of Monster Fest. A violent thriller about a gang-rape victim who takes revenge on her attackers one by one, the film seems guaranteed to stir up controversy — although whether it can outdo Williams' most infamous performance still remains to be seen. Ahead of the screening, Williams spoke to Concrete Playground about the trajectory of her career, from Peter Pan to The Human Centipede, Julia and beyond. So when did you start out acting? I started acting at the age of 10. My mother noticed that I had all this crazy energy in the house, and decided to take me on auditions for local community theatre plays. I auditioned for Peter Pan and got the role of Tiger Lily, and had an absolute blast. I loved every second of it, diving into somebody else. At age 19, I moved to New York City to go to acting school at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Around the early 2000s, I started doing more and more theatre, off Broadway, and eventually booked the role in The Human Centipede, my first film. How did your casting in that film come about? It was towards the end of 2008. I didn't have an agent, so I was submitting myself to a lot of the online breakdowns. They were looking for two Beverly Hills-type American actresses to be in a "controversial European film", which is how it was described to me. So I ended up submitting myself. That it was going to be shot in Europe was very enticing. I really wanted to get out of the city and go and be a part of something really crazy. When you first got involved in The Human Centipede, did you expect it to turn into the crazy phenomenon that it ended up becoming? Not at all. We had no idea what anyone was going to think of the film. I never saw any of Tom's previous work ... I knew that it was a lower budget European film, and especially because it was shot in Amsterdam, it was like "well, we'll be lucky if American audiences ever see this". And especially with the controversial, disgusting content, you just have no idea. I thought when I took the film that it would either make or break my career. So I took that chance, and luckily it ended up becoming a cult phenomenon. Whether people hated it or loved it, they knew about it and talked about. So for me, that was extremely exciting. And is it on the back of that film's notoriety that you've been able to book other film roles? For sure. In that genre, definitely. After that film came out I was offered a lot of lead roles in other horror films. I ended up turning down a lot of them because in the horror genre, scripts can be really similar. There's not a lot of original material out there. So I told myself that, because I was a part of Tom Six's very unique vision, that if I were to do another horror film, I would want it to be very unique and original. So then how did you become involved in Julia? I was living in New York City still, and a former manager that I worked with recommended me for the lead role of Julia. I was sent the script and two of the director's short films that he had previously shot ... When I read the script, I was just floored. I loved every page and the whole journey that Julia goes on ... I felt very in tune with the character. With the recent release of Gone Girl, there's been quite a bit of discussion regarding women in genre cinema, and the idea of female revenge stories. Do you feel like Julia fits into that category? It's definitely interesting. When I read the script I wasn't thinking "oh, this is a feminist revenge movie where this girl ends up hating men". This journey that she goes on, it's more of this ecstatic, beautiful, evil spiritual awakening where she comes into her true self. And that's the controversial part of it ... [her] being catapulted into taking back control of her life. That was what interested me the most. Obviously this film contains some pretty brutal violence. What's your approach to shooting scenes like that? Because I had to get to a very deep, dark place in the character, I had to find the beauty in the evil that I was doing. I had to find the ecstasy, the orgasmic sexiness of how it made me feel to take control — complete control — over myself and situations that I found myself in. So I threw myself into those situations completely fearlessly. So what's next for you? Do you see yourself taking more roles in horror movies? Surely you must deserve a comedy by now? I'd definitely love to be part of more light-hearted genres. But Julia's not technically a horror film; it's more like a psychological thriller with horror elements. That's why I was drawn to it. Not just the horror elements, but everything — the beauty, the darkness, the ecstatic energy. I think now, if I were to do another horror film, the script would have to be impeccable. I'm gearing more towards wanting to be a part of mainstream films, so anything that elevates my career towards more mainstream is what I'm looking for. Though Ashley's new film already screened over the weekend, there's a bunch more gory madness going down at Melbourne's Monster Fest this week. Check it out here.
Mark + Vinny's Spaghetti and Spritz Bar opened this April, and, as promised, it's turning out some seriously radioactive-looking pastas. These colourful creations are brought to you by restaurateur Mark Filippelli (co-owner of Melbourne's Matcha Mylkbar) and his best mate Vince Pizzinga, who are offering Sydneysiders sustainable, ethical and vegan fare, some of which looks like it came from another planet. Set in an intimate space along a quiet strip of Waterloo Street, the restaurant sits between the stalwart cafe Orto Trading Co. and the Light Rail construction. This means the block is completely dead on a Tuesday night — apart from the bustling Mark + Vinny's, that is. For its first week it was an impressive sight — every table was taken within the first hour and the space was filled with excited chatter. Although the restaurant fits barely more than ten tables inside, the servers move around seamlessly and the friendly service adds to the lively vibe. Maybe it was just the spritzes talking, but people really seemed to be indulgently enjoying themselves. With a menu of 20 spritzes on offer, it's hard not to feel the urge to try a few, though the sheer size of the menu is overwhelming and we found it best to ask the server for suggestions — round after round. Filippelli and Pizzinga both have their own namesake spritzes and, of the many we tried on the night, they did prove to be some of the best. The Vince comes with theatrically scorched, Frangelico-soaked hazelnuts, along with blood orange and wattle cola — a combination that is reminiscent of a classic Venetian spritz but taken to the next level. The Mark better resembles a tropical cocktail, made with white rum, watermelon and sparkling coconut water, then garnished with a whole lychee and served in a coconut shell to boot. The drinks do take a bit to come out, but you can hardly blame the bartender considering the number of ingredients and tiny space with which they have to operate. Despite the wait, the drinks were beautifully executed every time. The nearly-a-bar vibe almost had us fooled, but in truth it's not really a place to come just for drinks — though the outdoor patio seating begs for an aperitivo hour in warmer weather. Food-wise, we came for the main drawcard: the neon blue spirulina pasta. On the menu, it takes the form of a blue swimmer crab tagliatelle, topped with cured fish roe and crunchy breadcrumbs. We were surprised how well it worked, with the blue colouring complementing the oceanic ingredients. The pasta itself had a nice bite to it, and, apart from the neon aspect, tasted like any freshly-made pasta ought to. The modern spins are accompanied by some hearty classics, like the maccarruni calabrese, a recipe from Pizzinga's nonna that is made with beef rib ragu, which is slow-cooked the traditional Calabrian way. The long and chewy pasta is miles away from the macaroni you've had as a kid and is likely the best on the menu. In terms of the vegan carbonara, we can finally confirm that the vegan egg really does ooze like real yolk and adds the creaminess needed; the house-cured mushroom is a pretty convincing pancetta replacement, too, though the texture of the activated charcoal bucatini needs some work. The duo has smartly recruited head chef Adrian Jankuloski (Icebergs, The Dolphin Hotel). You'll find his personal touches in the entrees, like the burnt eggplant dip served with charred Italian flatbread and a whole red chilli from Jankuloski's backyard; or the zucchini flowers stuffed with smoked almond curd instead of cheese, served over a nutty red capsicum sauce. Overall, the menu is thoughtfully done and certainly sets the restaurant apart, though we have a feeling its the traditional over the unusual dishes that will keep customers coming back.
Courting might have been sweet back in your grandparents' day, but with the advent of Facebook, relationships have taken on a whole lot more complexity. Admit it - if you like someone, you'll periodically check out their Facebook profile, click through their photos, ascertain their general whereabouts and any signs that their lack of obtainability might be about to take a turn for the better. This practice, commonly referred to as Facebook 'stalking' - with all the overtones of obsession and garbage-bin rifling the word implies - is perhaps coming closer to the world of real-life courting, with the release of the BreakUp Notifier, the app most likely to get you laid by someone on the rebound. Using the app, you can bookmark the profiles of people in a relationship, and then you'll be automatically notified should that status change in the slightest. As the app itself explains,"You like someone. They're in a relationship. Be the first to know when they're out of it." Woe betide the person chasing after someone with the enigmatic 'It's Complicated' relationship status. Or those who refuse to divulge their status at all. While the Breakup Notifier is perhaps another step down the road to normalising creepy behaviour, you know that thousands of people are going to be downloading this app and making damn sure their's will be the first attractive and available shoulder to cry on. BreakUp Notifier
It's safe to say Gami Chicken & Beer has secured its status as one of Melbourne's go-to fried chicken joints, slinging its signature, Korean-style chook from 12 locations across the city. After opening its first Sydney outpost in June, it quickly launched its second in Castle Towers in early August. Needless to say, Gami's main drawcard is its boneless fried chicken. These fried chicken morsels — RSPCA-approved and rocking Gami's signature blend of 17 herbs and spices — are up for grabs every day from 11.30am. Choose to have them either coated in sweet chilli, soy garlic or spicy chilli, or have it served as dipping sauce on the side. Once you're hooked, you're probably going to want to to try other Gami favourites like the chicken spare ribs, the vegetarian chicken and the aptly named Potato Heaven, featuring three layers of cheesy potato goodness.
