Since launching in 2008, Airbnb has drastically changed the short-term accommodation market. Travellers can now stay somewhere other than a hotel — and find more than three million places in 65,000 cities and 191 countries around the world — while anyone with a spare room or an empty house can rent them out and make some cash. Alas, their gains can come with pain for folks living next door to an Airbnb-listed property. There's no shortage of stories about neighbours finding themselves faced with an endless stream of parties, for example. Enter Airbnb's next move, Niido. Set to open in 2018, it's a Florida complex that's designed specifically with house-sharing in mind. In partnership with property developer Newgard Development Group, Airbnb will build a 324-unit block near Disney World in Kissimmee, Florida, rent out its apartments to tenants, and allow anyone who signs a lease for a year to offer up their homes on the website for up to 180 nights each year. If residents just wish to list a single bedroom, then there's no cap. If this sounds familiar, that's because it's rather similar to plenty of concepts that already exist, including ones that Airbnb is in direct competition with. Basically, it's their version of a hotel and time-share accommodation combined. Other hotel-like touches include keyless doors, housekeeping and cleaning services, and an on-site "master host" (aka, a concierge) who checks-in visitors, helps during their stay, and can act as an intermediary between hosts and guests. Speaking to Financial Times, Newgard CEO Harvey Hernandez said that 2,000 Airbnb-branded units are planned in the next two years. Airbnb aren't the first to attempt to reinvent something that already exists — Lyft announced plans for a bus-like shuttle service earlier this year. Via Financial Times / Forbes. Image: Airbnb.
Sorry, everyone who has written and sung a catchy and funny tune over the past 15 years or so. When it comes to getting hilarious songs instantly stuck in everyone's heads, Flight of the Conchords has all other candidates beat. And, when it comes to charting the exploits of two New Zealand shepherds-turned-folk musicians trying to make it in New York, too, the cult HBO series of the same name wins hands down as well. By now, everyone in Australia is well acquainted with FOTC — and with Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie's musical and comedic genius, of course. But, in addition to letting the talented duo play fictionalised versions of themselves and belt out their very amusing ditties, this sitcom introduced us all to the wonders of Rhys Darby as the pair's over-eager manager Murray, and to Kristen Schaal as their ultra-devoted (and only) fan Mel. And the Bowie episode, where the singer appears to Bret in a dream sequence (as played by Jemaine), is simply sublime.
If you’re heading to Dan Deacon’s Sydney Festival show, don’t forget your smartphone, whatever you do. It's your key to becoming an actual, live part of his gig. Before rocking up, audience members are asked to download an app, which will enable them to play an active role in his spectacular, synchronised sound and light extravaganza. Deacon, who hails from Baltimore, will be in rare solo form and is set to deliver one of his wildest, most chaotic and most fun performances yet. Last time Deacon visited our fair city for SydFest, there were dance races through the Hyde Park Barracks and the entire audience had to run through each other's raised-arm tunnels, one pair after the other. Expect everything. Dan Deacon is one of our top ten picks of the Sydney Festival. Check out our other favourite events over here.
A couple of years ago, it was easy to dismiss the modern iteration of 3D as a novelty, good for chase scenes and rollercoastering through goblin bank dungeons and not much else. But lately some of Hollywood's biggest filmmakers have made it their mission to do 3D the grown-up way, with Ang Lee conjuring rich magic realism in Life of Pi and Wim Wenders weaving us around the dancers in immersive doco Pina. Now the man who first laid down the gauntlet with Avatar, James Cameron, is behind a new experiment in 3D storytelling, Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away. Directed by Andrew Adamson, it makes an epic sweep of seven Cirque du Soleil shows, O, Mystere, Ka, Love, Zumanity, Viva Elvis, and Criss Angel Believe, incorporating their most impressive acts of aerial acrobatics, contortion, clowning, and other circus arts. The Canadian company is known the world over for its dramatic contemporary circus spectaculars, but less known are its attempts to bring the Cirque du Soleil spirit of wonder to other media. Last year it partnered with Google to create a fantasy browser experience you control with your body, Movi.Kanti.Revo. If that same creativity is unleashed in Worlds Away, it will be a rapturous adventure. https://youtube.com/watch?v=fgiLU9lNnU8
Sydney is no stranger to a bottomless brunch, but often they're filled with the same-old finger food and mimosas. Surry Hills Indian restaurant Foreign Return is mixing things up with its weekly feasts, offering a massive six-course set menu filled with Indian flavours and free-flowing drinks every Saturday and Sunday. Available midday–2pm each weekend, there are two ways you can attack this menu. If you're just here for the eats, the $79 package will have you snacking your way through pomelo salad, crispy fried prawns, goat mince sliders, zaatar chicken tikka, bruschetta topped with Parsi-style scrambled eggs and Madras lamb with salad and rice. Included in this menu is also a cocktail on arrival, with guests choosing between a Kaapi espresso martini, a bloody mary or a Bombay spritz. Those that want to add bottomless drinks to the experience can do so for an extra $20, bringing the total cost up to $99. The added drinks package is centred around a selection of Grey Goose spiked tea spritzes. Take your pick from the white tea and jasmine, strawberry and ginger, or watermelon and earl grey spritzes — or mix and match throughout your brunch. There's also a vegetarian version of the set menu that swaps out the prawns and chicken for the likes of Malai broccoli, potato with paneer burgers and seasonal vegetable ragout for the bruschetta. Head to Foreign Return's website to make a booking for the one-of-a-kind bottomless brunch. [caption id="attachment_892303" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leigh Griffiths[/caption] Top image: Leigh Griffiths
UPDATE, November 11, 2022: Fire of Love is available to stream via Disney+. Spewing fire is so hot right now, and literally always — and dragons aren't the only ones doing it. House of the Dragon and Blaze can have their flame-breathing creatures, and Fire of Love can have something that also seems fantastical but is one of the earth's raging wonders. The mix of awe, astonishment, adoration, fear, fascination and unflinching existential terror that volcanoes inspire is this documentary's playground. It was Katia and Maurice Krafft's daily mood, including before they met, became red beanie-wearing volcanologists, built a life chasing eruptions — The Life Volcanic, you could dub it — and devoted themselves to studying lava-spurting ruptures in the planet's crust. Any great doco on a topic such as this, and with subjects like these, should make viewers experience the same thrills, spills, joys and worries, and that's a radiant feat this Sundance award-winner easily achieves. What a delight it would be to trawl through the Kraffts' archives, sift through every video featuring the French duo and their work, and witness them doing their highly risky jobs against spectacular surroundings for hours, days and more. That's the task filmmaker Sara Dosa (The Seer and the Unseen) took up to make this superb film. This isn't the only such doco — legendary German director Werner Herzog has made his own, called The Fire Within: A Requiem for Katia and Maurice Krafft, after featuring the couple in 2016's Into the Inferno — but Fire of Love is a glorious, sensitive, entrancing and affecting ode to two remarkable people and their love, passion and impact. While history already dictates how the pair's tale ends, together and exactly as it seemed fated to, retracing their steps and celebrating their importance will never stop sparking new pleasures. For newcomers to the Kraffts, their lives comprised quite the adventure — one with two volcano-obsessed souls who instantly felt like they were destined to meet, bonded over a mutual love of Mount Etna, then dedicated their days afterwards to understanding the natural geological formations that filled their dreams. Early in their time together, the couple gravitated to what they called 'red volcanoes', with their enticing scarlet-hued lava flows. What a phenomenon to explore when romance beats in the air, and when geochemist Katia and geologist Maurice are beginning their life together. From there, however, they moved to analysing what they named 'grey volcanoes'. Those don't visually encapsulate the pair's relationship; they're the craggy peaks that produce masses of ash when they erupt — Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull, for instance — and often a body count. As narrated by actor and Kajillionaire filmmaker Miranda July, Fire of Love starts with blazing infatuation and devotion — between the Kraffts for each other, and for their field of interest — then establishes their legacy. Both aspects could fuel their own movies, and both linger and haunt in their own ways. And, as magnificent as this incredibly thoughtful, informative and stirring documentary is, it makes you wonder what a sci-fi flick made from the same footage would look like. The 16-millimetre imagery captured during the Kraffts' research trips around the globe, whittled down here from 200 hours to fill just 98 minutes, puts even the most state-of-the-art special effects in a different realm. Pixels can be used to paint gorgeous sights, and cinema has no shortage of movies that shimmer with that exact truth, but there really is no substitute for reality. During Fire of Love's first half, those easy visions of science fiction just keep flickering; if someone else had Dosa's access, and had July employ her dreamy voice to spin an otherworldly narrative, movie magic would likely explode. There's a particular sequence that cements that idea, set to the also-ethereal sounds of Air — layering French icons upon French icons — and featuring the Kraffts walking around against red lava in their futuristic-looking protective silver suits. They wander, they risk their lives, and pure actuality beams back. It's nothing short of extraordinary, as well as enchanting. Fittingly, the film's entire score springs from Air's Nicolas Godin, and it couldn't better set the mood; that said, these visuals and this story would prove enrapturing if nary a sound was heard, let alone a note or a word. Other segments ripple with sheer incredulity — not the several riffs on Katia and Maurice's meet-cute, though, or how he worked the publicity angles to fund their work while she pumped out their books. (In a doco stitched together from archival materials rather than contemporary talking-head interviews, those past TV chats come in handy, too). When Maurice and one of the duo's offsiders decide chalk up the first-ever sailing trip across a lake of sulphuric acid in just a rubber dinghy, floating around the crater of Java's Ijen, jaws can only drop. The footage is breathtaking, and more petrifying than any horror flick. That Katia refused to hop onto the raft also helps spell out the pair's differences. No chemist would trust their life to a bath of acid, yet the geologists are willing to take the chance. Fire of Love falls head over heels for the Kraffts' similarities and mutual fixations, but Dosa, her co-writers/editors Erin Casper (The Vow) and Jocelyne Chaput (Fractured Land), plus producer/fellow co-scribe Shane Boris (Stray), also see where they went their own ways. When Fire of Love focuses on the Kraffts' groundbreaking observations, it's even more astounding. The film covers the crucial life-or-death impact of their work on grey volcanoes, after attempting to educate towns and cities in the vicinity of such masses — so they could react appropriately and in a timely manner to avoid casualties — became a key part of their mission. Spying the fallout when the couple's warnings about potential fatalities went unheeded, including their cautions about deadly mudslides, is simply heartbreaking. Witnessing how one pyroclastic flow from Japan's Mount Unzen in 1991 forever ended the Kraffts' own narratives, albeit not for the same reason, is just as moving. What an existence Katia and Maurice shared — and what a stunningly compiled and edited tribute this is to them, the rock they called home as we all do, the land features they adored, the ash and fire those volcanoes expel into the sky, and the fragility of life, love and, well, everything.
First came the Art Gallery of New South Wales' Art After Hours series. Then the City of Sydney's Late Night Library evenings, and the cavalcade of gourmet all-hours food trucks. Now it seems Sydney has a new witching hour institution. The MCA's response to the city's craving for grown-up late nights is ARTBAR, a slate of talks, installations, screenings and one-off performances programmed by guest curators on the last Friday of the month. The all-you-can-eat combo of drinks, DJs, live art and harbour views has proved a winning one: the nights continue to sell out. All these civilised small bars and intelligently curated nights are worlds away from the smokey, brawling pubs and tepid 7-Eleven meat pies of the old city's nightlife. Perhaps Sydney really is growing up. ARTBAR's guest this month is muscular and meditative video artist Shaun Gladwell. Gladwell, soon to feature at the Art Gallery of NSW, has been poached for a night to occupy one night at the MCA. Expect film, music and words as this official war artist and landscape-lover takes over your Friday evening.
Whether you're planning your next date or a long-overdue dinner with mates, Double Bay's The Cosmopolitan is a pretty top choice for either occasion, with a Mediterranean-inspired menu and wide selection of local and international wines. Better yet, it's currently offering a luxe food and wine pairing till the end of April, so you can take your date to the next level — without making too much of a dent in your wallet. For $109, you can nab a bottle of Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial and a lavish charcuterie board. The top-shelf vino is pink-hued, red fruit-driven with a slightly dry finish and will undoubtedly elevate your outing. For the spread, expect San Daniele truffled salami, prosciutto and fennel sopressa, which will pair nicely with your bottle of bubbly. And, considering Moët Rosé usually costs $135 and the charcuterie $22, this one-off pairing is a bit of a steal. [caption id="attachment_763017" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] Then take your pick of seating. For sunshine and relaxed vibes, sit outside on the footpath. If you're looking for something finer, opt for a leather banquette in the airy art-clad dining room or a spot in the bar's more intimate lounge. To book a table for lunch or dinner here. Images: Anna Kucera.
Art plus bar. This almost universal gallery opening deal is a pretty tasty mix already. But the MCA adds extras to this time-honoured tradition with its now SMAC-winning series ARTBAR. They're evenings of strange and interesting things at play among the art, recurring monthly and curated by a rotating cast of local artists. This month's festivities are at the mercy of Taboo curator Brook Andrew. He promises performance from artists Liam Benson and George Tillianakis, drag queen Constantina Bush, and some of Mathew Sheilds' almost-Olympic pole dancing. Upstairs, alongside the sculpture balcony's marble tribute to the ear, Andrews himself will project images over the audio ambience of DJ Perfect Snatch and Leo Tanoi. Concrete Playground has five double passes to give away to ARTBAR on Friday, January 25. To be in the running, make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter and then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
You may not be in Flemington for the Melbourne Cup, but that doesn't mean you can't dress up and seriously indulge. And Sydney's QT Hotel has just the luxurious lunch for it. To celebrate 'the race that stops a nation', Gowings Bar & Grill is hosting a special, rather decadent Melbourne Cup lunch. You'll be greeted with a glass of G.H. Mumm bubbly before sitting down to a delicious three-course menu. For $125pp you'll be feasting on a choice of beer-steamed prawn cocktails, wood baked oysters 'Marchetti style', salt-baked baby beetroot salad with ashed chevre, and that's just to start. Mains are decadent territory, from provincial wood roasted black truffle chicken to pepper 'steak au poivre' with Gowings' red and green whole peppercorn sauce, and woodfired barbecue spice crusted calamari. For dessert? Tiramisu "Classic But My Way, Served at the Table, Loads of Alcohol, Espresso, Marscapone". Nice. You don't have to worry about missing a single second of the Cup — there will be two large screens broadcasting live. Plus, there'll be lucky door and best dressed prizes, so fancy it up. Afterwards, channel all your post-race adrenaline into the afterparty on Gowings' second level in Gilt Lounge. There'll be sabrage demonstrations (opening a champagne bottle with a sword) by Danielle Bietola and tunes well into the night. Don't want to commit to the full luncheon? Parlour Lane Roasters downstairs will be doing $10 glasses of Mumm with two screens broadcasting the race, surrounded by spring racing carnival-inspired installations in the heritage display cabinets by stylist Jane Frosh. Bookings are essential, call (02) 8262 0062.
Why would two young fine-dining chefs pack in their juliennes and quenelles for a pork bun on wheels? Perhaps looking around them at well-loved institutions such as Bilson’s, Montpellier Public House (formerly Balzac), Assiette and Manly Pavilion closing their doors, a more humble van seems positively sensible. Stuart Magill of Testsuya’s and Brenton Balicki of Quay certainly bring some posh credentials to their Eat Art Truck, but the food is frippery free - tasty, simple and lush. The truck features a back panel of changing street art, with Phibs as the inaugural artist. If street art makes you feel slightly odd (like you’ve somehow woken up in East Brunswick in a pair of burgundy chinos…) then stay around the front of the truck and focus on the delicious food, friendly staff and the shiny Electrolux induction kitchen. Because Sydney belongs to a rule-loving nation, the truck is restricted to specific trading locations including Queen’s Square, Customs House forecourt and Pitt Street Mall. So no, you may not have them pull up outside your house on a Saturday morning to tend to your hangover. If it were an option, however, you’d definitely be placing a bulk order for five smoky pulled pork buns with mustard cabbage ($12) followed promptly by equal quantities of the BBQ beef bun and hot sauce ($12). If in a slightly more civilised mood, you might opt for the delicate annindofu (almond curd) with toasted coconut and pineapple ($6). Fantasies aside, you’d be hard pressed to find food this good and fast in any bricks and mortar establishment in Sydney. They’re ambitiously aiming for a five minute turn around for each order – that’s up there with McDonald’s speed, minus the double coronary. Make the effort, get off the couch and get yourself some.
The cavernous galleries of the Australian Centre for Photography are about to play host to a display of excess. Historically, over-paid elites hid their wealth behind empty shows of humility. When they didn't, they tended to inspire harsh laws against showing off; effective or otherwise. The ancient Romans tried to ban excess. The Venetians of the rennaissance kept on trying. But if you want to see the sort of thing the Italians of history couldn't prevent, then get to Sumptuary for a closer look. Alexais Sinclair's series The Royal Dozen — male counterpart to The Regal Twelve — sketches fantastic views of male rulers from across history. Sinclair photographs and collages, collecting deliberately staged fragments: a piece of the Hunter Valley for the background, a horse for the foreground, a piece of hair. All before she gets so far as rearranging anything on Photoshop. Robyn Stacey provides elaborately recreated nineteenth-century interiors in sumptuous shades, while Garth Knight's photos borrow as much from rigging and weaving as from his S&M-imaging heritage. Deborah Paauwe's ruffled work and Farrell & Parkin's digital classicism round out the exhibition. Sumptuary runs until January 29th, with a short break from December 23rd to January 8th.
Residents have started moving into the giant futuristic Infinity building at Green Square — and so have tenants of its new food precinct. Butcher and the Farmer opened in the development last week; now, it's set to welcome its new cafe in residence. Social Society will open with a bang this week — and that bang will be in the form of free coffees and $1 snacks over three days. Head on in anytime between 6am and 5pm tomorrow — Wednesday, December 18 — and you'll be able to nab a complimentary cuppa, made by the team with Gabriel Coffee. Then, the following day, the kitchen will be serving up bacon and egg rolls for just $1. And when Friday rolls around, fresh juices, smoothies and milkshakes will be just one buck all day, too. When you visit, expect a colourful fit-out with marble tables and lots of pink and neon. If the gold coin deals hook you in, you can head back in for likes of organic bircher muesli, chilli crab eggs, fried chicken and 'deconstructed' prawn and mussel bouillabaisse — the cafe is open from 6am till 5pm every day of the week.
With another month of summer to go, Bondi Road's much-loved Latin American eatery has moved beachside. You'll find Panama House's new quarters in The Pacific, overlooking the sea, foregrounded by Campbell Parade. Making the most of the view is a stunning glass balcony, dotted with wooden benches and bright, summery cushions. Inside, there's seating for 120 on leather banquettes and comfy chairs surrounding ironbark tables, as well as a marble kitchen. Local Jason Grant took care of the design. In the kitchen, head chef Sean Kiely is busy with an all-day menu. Brunch, served until 4pm — for those days when you can't quite drag yourself from the beach — features the gumbo omelette (stuffed with prawns and chorizo and served on habanero corn bread with black beans and salsa verde), as well as the jalapeño rosti, made up of layers of guacamole, spinach, smoked mushrooms and a poached egg. Come evening, the dishes are more about sharing. Go for chargrilled, Western Australian octopus with chorizo esquites and salsa verde or Jamaican jerk spatchcock with edamame beans, black beans, rocket, charred corn and chimichurri. You shouldn't have too much trouble finding a match on the wine list, which includes 50 drops, all sourced from Australia and South America. As far as cocktails go, there's a bunch of jazzed-up classics, including the famous PH margarita. Panama House is now open at 180 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach. It's open Monday to Saturday, 8am–11pm, and Sunday, 8am–10pm. For more info, visit panamahouse.com.au. Images: Richard Mortimer.
It's no secret that most new year's resolutions fall by the wayside by mid-January. But there's one goal that's worthy of a year-round effort — and that's to cut back on meat. It's well documented that eating less meat is good for the environment, so that should probably be reason enough for most of us to introduce more plant-based meals into our lives. But the truth is that most of us need a couple of selfish incentives to really get the ball rolling — thankfully, vegetarian options have plenty of those, too. Firstly, plant-based meals are just as tasty as their meat-laden siblings (we promise), but they're also often a bit cheaper and, anecdotally speaking, fill you up without giving you that too-full bloat we know all too well. To get the creative juices flowing, we've teamed up with Yumi's to put together a list of cracking plant-based dinner ideas that you can easily whip up mid-week, or as a weekend feast with friends. [caption id="attachment_817040" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melanie Dompierre (Pexels)[/caption] EGGPLANT PARM Heading to the pub for a parmi or parma (depending on where you are, of course) is one of life's little joys, but did you know you can make an eggplant version at home that pretty well involves the same ingredients you know and love in the pub staple (minus the chicken) but stays true to its Italian roots? Essentially a layered Italian bake (picture a lasagne without the heavy lifting), an eggplant parm sees slices of grilled eggplant sandwich a fresh tomato pasta sauce and finely-grated parmesan, and is topped with mozzarella and pangrattato to add some crispiness. Alternatively, you could even try this fun mushroom-based parm for something a little different. Of course, if you want to go vegan then you simply need to switch to a dairy-free cheese alternative — vegan parmesan definitely stacks up against the real deal. [caption id="attachment_817045" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alesia Kozik (Pexels)[/caption] SOUTHERN-STYLE CAULIFLOWER Cauliflower is a perfect gateway for any person considering a plant-based lifestyle. Its ability to soak up flavours and maintain its structural integrity during the cooking process makes it a no-brainer when making vegetarian versions of fan favourites, including Southern-style wings. You have a couple of options when making cauliflower 'wings' and your decision will largely depend on how much effort you're willing to put in. If you've got some time or are cooking up a feast for your mates, then whipping up a sweet and smoky marinade to mimic a buffalo wing is a great shout. For a simpler take, these sriracha-spiced spiced cauliflower bites are ideal, and can be eaten for lunch the next day on a sandwich, salad or even as a taco. [caption id="attachment_817052" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ketut Subiyanto (Pexels)[/caption] MUSHROOM BOLOGNESE Did you grow up with a weekly spag bol night? We all love mum's (mom's?) spaghetti, but just because you're going meat-free you don't need to miss out. Adapting your bolognese to be vegetarian every once in a while is perhaps one of the easiest and most satisfying meat-to-vegetable swaps you could make. The combination of the meaty mushrooms and fragrant herbs sitting pretty on a pile of comforting spaghetti will always be a thing of pure joy. Of course, it's going to taste a little bit different when you swap meat for lentils and mushrooms (so you can't trick your mates into thinking they're eating meat) but at its heart, this version is just as delicious and warming a dinner. FALAFEL BOWL Gone are the days of having to hunt down falafels from a specialty store (or even making your own) — Yumi's are serving up a great range of ready-to-eat falafels, which you can find in all major supermarkets. Falafel bowls are the probably simplest plant-based meal to prepare, and a great jumping-off point if you're new to the meat-free world. Simply fill a bowl with all of your favourite salad ingredients (fresh herbs, tomato, cucumber and olives, for example) and top with falafels, which are best enjoyed after a 30-second zap in the microwave. We also highly suggest you mix through a generous dollop of Yumi's Classic Hommus or flavoured dip to amp up your dressing. After something a little more indulgent? Trade the HSP for an FSP — a smashed falafel snack pack that will satisfy at any time of the day. [caption id="attachment_817058" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Alesia Kozik (Pexels)[/caption] CHICKPEA AND TEMPEH CURRY A curry is perhaps the quintessential winter dinner. Not only are they often nice and spicy, but they're also loaded with flavour and warm you from the inside out. Choosing a curry that combines filling vegetarian ingredients like protein-rich chickpeas and tempeh with a flavoursome sauce is the key to creating a satisfying dinner you'll want to make again and again. For the uninitiated, tempeh is similar to tofu in the sense that it's made from soybeans, but unlike tofu, it's much firmer and is made from fermented soybeans. The firmness and nuttier flavour are what makes tempeh ideal for curries because it won't disintegrate into mush when you cook it in the sauce, and. You can grab it at your local supermarket and simply cut it into cubes before adding it to your favourite curry recipe. JACKFRUIT TACOS The best gotcha in the vegan world is making jackfruit tacos for a friend who vehemently believes a meal isn't a meal unless there's a truck-tonne of meat. From the same family as the fig tree, jackfruit is native to the Western Ghats of southern India, Sri Lanka and the rainforests of Malaysia, so it's fairly common in these nations' cuisines. Arguably the best way to trick your friends into thinking they're eating pulled pork, though, is to whip up a batch of jackfruit tacos. You'll struggle to come by a jackfruit in the produce section of your supermarket, but you'll definitely find canned unripe, green or young jackfruit in the canned vegetable section, and it works best for this recipe anyway. The main difference between preparing jackfruit (versus pork) is that you drain the can and shred it prior to cooking it in your sauce. If you find any large, woody chunks, simply chop these up before cooking. For more meat-free dinner inspiration, check out the full range of Yumi's falafels, veggie bites and dips.
[nggallery id=273] Residents of the 2049 have been enjoying Petersham's low-key vibe, ace bottle shop and not one but two delicious chicken-eating options (namely, Frangos vs White Cocky schnitz) in relative peace for years. But with the recent arrival of the Oxford Tavern and now Brighton the Corner, the 'Sham is starting to swell with curious visitors between Friday night and Sunday brunch. Brighton the Corner — found on the corner of Brighton Street and Palace Street, making the name not just a Pavement homage but a punning one at that — is a luminous little addition to the neighbourhood. With the musty, cluttered old cafe fitout transformed into a fresh space that's somehow both cosy and airy, the deceptively simple reno is a revelation. The old shelving was cut down, re-stained and re-set against warm white walls, and the smart black and white striped awning allows the room to flood with light even on a grey morning. It’s clean but not cutesy. Bright touches of saffron yellow bring it to life, in the giraffe coathooks by the door and the cheerful lamplight trompe l'oeil in the back corner. Grab a seat at the communal table, small tables inside or out, or the warm wood bars set against the Brighton Street windows — though if you pull up a stool in front of the open kitchen, you might enjoy a chat with the chefs and snag the occasional tasty morsel. The cafe's first Saturday morning this past weekend saw them sell out of their signature housemade crumpets with honey butter and caramelised pear ($12) — scone-like orbs, chewy yet impossibly light, served with toffee-brown wedges of fruit and an initially intimidating knob of melting butter that’s actually the exact right amount for mopping up at the end. The sausage and beans ($17) features white and black variations of both, in a rib-sticking mound of local morcilla and butifarra and beans piled on fried egg, while both the brisket and potato hash with mojo verde ($17) and the roasted mushrooms with mograbieh and kale ($15) nail the near-impossible balancing act of fresh, virtuous, hearty and comforting. While Scott Lincoln Duncan (formerly of Fleetwood Macchiato) heads the kitchen, owner/barista Nigel Park (also the co-owner of Corduroy) works the coffee machine (antler-adorned), churning out a light and lovely Little Marionette blend. If you're not up to coffee, the house-made sodas (watermelon, lemon thyme or apple ginger) are hangover friendly. There are also sandwiches, a lovely cauliflower salad and a burger if you’re feeling categorically lunchy, but the all-day breakfast is where Brighton really shines. It’s early days yet — the kitchen and floor staff are still finding their rhythm — but by the time their after-dark iteration as a small bar opens up in a few weeks, it should have locals and visitors alike flocking to it like moths to a bright little flame.
10x10 is a youth- and volunteer-led organisation encouraging the next generation to get involved in philanthropy. How it does this, however, is a little different — it raises money for charities by hosting interactive, live crowdfunding events. And its next one is a special bushfire relief edition happening in Sydney. On Thursday, February 6, the event will put money directly into the hands of three local charities — Science for Wildlife, CHIRF and Blaze Aid — doing real and essential work for fire-affected areas, wildlife and communities. All three organisations are already working to make a huge difference to animals and people affected by Australia's bushfire crisis and, on the night, will talk about their work — and how you can pitch in, too. So, how do you help? First, you head to 10x10's ticketing website to make a pledge of $100 or more (this amount will be converted into "Charity Dollars" and is also your ticket). Next, you rock up to the event, where the three charities will pitch their causes to the crowd. Finally, you decide what charity you want your pledge, or "Charity Dollars", to go to and bam — a little more goodness is created in the world and a charity nabs some much-needed funds. You'll also have the chance to sip wine, snack on complimentary bites and chat to like-minded, philanthropic folk at the event. So think of it as a fundraiser-meets-cocktail party (without the starched collars and ballgowns). If you feel like charities are more in need of your dollars than you and your avocado toast (they are), get amongst it — you can learn about the pitching charities and make your tax-deductible pledges here. To learn more about the charity, visit 10x10 Philanthropy.
Usually, when a new Pixar film hits screens — typically cinemas, but occasionally being fast-tracked to streaming as well — it unleashes a whole heap of emotions. Getting viewers to ponder their feelings is a big part of the animation company's formula, after all, and it's been working well for them for a quarter-century. See: everything from Wall-E and Ratatouille to Inside Out and Soul. When the next Pixar flick arrives in June, it'll tap into a very specific sensation that's been bubbling up since early 2020. And, it's one that we're all familiar with. Are you craving a vacation? Do you feel a strong yearning to travel the globe and see somewhere other than your own backyard, city, state or country? Have you been dreaming of beaches far, far away every night for 12 months? Then the fact that Luca is set in the Italian Riviera and follows two teenagers over summer is certain to stoke your wanderlust. If the just-dropped first trailer for the film is anything to go by, first-time feature director Enrico Casarosa (Pixar short La Luna) and his team seem to have crafted a gorgeous-looking movie that'll have you wishing you're on the other side of the globe. Against those striking animated backdrops, two teens eat gelato, devour pasta, ride scooters, explore caves and splash around in the gleaming blue ocean. Oh, and they try to hide the fact that they're actually sea monsters — which becomes obvious whenever they get wet — too. As this tale unfurls, viewers will hear Jacob Tremblay (Room, Good Boys) as the eponymous 13-year-old Luca Paguro, while Jack Dylan Grazer (Shazam!, We Are Who We Are) voices his pal Alberto Scorfano. Also among the cast: debutant Emma Berman, Maya Rudolph (The Good Place), Marco Barricelli (The Book of Daniel) and Jim Gaffigan (Tesla). Check out the trailer for Luca below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i1fgoMyoG8&feature=youtu.be Luca is set to release in Australian cinemas on June 17. Images: © 2020 Disney/Pixar.
Gelato Messina — the geniuses that brought us the beautiful combination of salted caramel, fudge and meringue, have concocted a new flavour — and this time, it's made from the ingredients we usually reject: food scraps. Dubbed 'Bread and Butter Pud for Good', the flavour will be available for one week only, starting July 18, to help launch and publicise Virgin Mobile and OzHarvest's #mealforameal campaign. "[The flavour] will be a citrus spiced custard smashed with bread and butter pudding," says head chef and Messina partner Donato Toce, the guy that gets to eat half a litre of gelato every single freaking day. "These ingredients are what OzHarvest has in excess, so we thought this would be a good opportunity to make a unique flavour with that." Messina has been donating to OzHarvest for the past three years, so this project is right up their alley. "It works in so well with what we do, we would never want something out there that's half-hearted," he says. "For us it's all or nothing, and that's why this Virgin campaign is such a beautiful thing; it's them giving 100 percent to the needy". The #mealforameal campaign trades on our existing preoccupation with photographing our food. It encourages you to snap, crop, filter and share images of food to your heart's content. For every one image that you upload to social media with the hashtag #mealformeal, Virgin Mobile will donate one meal to OzHarvest. The target: 400,000 meals donated to charity. OzHarvest is an organisation aimed at addressing the disparity between enormous waste on the food production end, and the multitudes of people who go without food on the other. In Australia alone, $8 billion worth of food goes to waste annually. OzHarvest actively tries to minimise this gap by distributing surplus food from participating restaurants to charities all over Australia. It's a good partnership for Messina, who pride themselves on community engagement. "Messina is not just ours, it's everybody's," says Donato. "It's a neighbourhood thing and it’s the interaction with our customers [that] makes us what we are." There's a lot of people power in the long queues spiralling around the corner of their establishment. You were going to wait for an indefinite amount of time for some of that creamy joy in a cone anyway. Now you have the extra pleasure of helping someone in need get a good meal at the same time.
Even if you don't have the cash to join Australia's new private jet club, your flying experience is about to be taken up a notch. Sydney Airport has finally worked out that, when you're wandering around, bleary-eyed, jet-lagged and, quite possibly, effusively emotional, having your food options limited to Maccas, dodgy kebabs and even dodgier pizzas doesn't help. So some new, actually decent eateries are opening up at T1 International Departures. And the one we're most excited about is Kitchen by Mike. We were devastated when his Rosebery eatery closed down last August, and we've been hanging about the CBD like lost puppies, waiting for his new project, No. 1 Bent Street, to open. But now we're thinking about booking a flight, just so we can get beyond customs and find out what he's up to at the airport. Set to open later this year, Mike's restaurant will be one of five venues forming a dining precinct named City View. The other Aussie making an appearance will be Shannon Bennett. He's the operator behind Vue de Monde, and, for T1, has come up with a new concept called Benny Burger. It'll be whipping up show-stopping, possibly flight-delaying, deluxe burgers, packed with organic and wild-sourced ingredients. Headlining will be signature creation The Chang, featuring a combo of Blackmore wagyu beef, a free-range fried egg and pickled beetroot. Joining Kitchen by Mike and Benny Burger will be international heavyweight Wolfgang Puck, who has taken care of food at the Oscars for 21 years now. He'll be launching The Bistro, a casual Italian eatery specialising in gourmet pasta and wood-fired pizza. And, for thirst-quenching purposes, there'll be Joe and The Juice and a Heineken House, designed specifically for the airport. City View will be accompanied by a new luxury shopping area and is part of a general overhaul of T1, which will be bringing wider walkways, better sight lines and easier wayfinding to the 40 million travellers who use Sydney Airport every year.
"Darling it's better down where it's wetter" isn't just a line that The Little Mermaid fans have had stuck in their head for the last two decades. It's also the first thing likely to pop into the minds of anyone heading to one particular Norwegian restaurant. Now open in the coastal village of Båly in the country's south, Under plunges hungry patrons into watery surroundings, offering more than just the usual scenic vistas. At this eatery, diners tuck into their dishes underwater. As first announced in 2017, patrons feast on seafood under the sea. If you're going to open a space underneath the ocean, you have to serve up the fish, which is just what head chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard is doing. There's just one food option, with a seasonal set menu serving up 18 courses and taking around four hours to get through — with optional wine or juice pairings. Here, however, the surroundings are as much of a drawcard as the cuisine. Visitors descend down three colour-coded levels to sip sparkling tipples in a champagne bar that boasts views of the shoreline, then enjoy dinner in the completely submerged dining room. The latter sits five metres below the water's surface, and is surrounded by panoramic acrylic windows for quite the aquatic view. For those wondering about pressure and safety, metre-thick concrete walls will keep everyone nice and dry, in a structure designed by architecture firm Snøhetta. Describing the space as "a sunken periscope", the building was constructed not only to wow those stepping foot inside, but to fit in with its surroundings. The grey exterior colour scheme is designed to blend in with the rocky coastline, with coarse surfacing that encourages molluscs to cling on. Indeed, over time it's hoped that Under will become an artificial mussel reef. As well as offering quite the place to eat, the project also aims to champion biodiversity, functioning as a research centre for marine life. This includes informational plaques educating visitors about the area, helping to expand not only the list of places you've tucked into a meal, but your knowledge. Bookings are open — start planning your next Scandinavian trip now. Images: Snohetta.
It's about time for her arrival: Christina Aguilera's, that is, with the 'Dirrty', 'Genie in a Bottle', 'What a Girl Wants', 'Lady Marmalade' and 'Beautiful' singer heading Down Under this November for a one-night-only gig. Hitting Australia for the first time since 2007, the singer headlines Victoria's statewide music celebration Always Live, which is returning in 2023 for its second year after a successful debut run in 2022. Aguilera will play Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse on Saturday, November 25, in a show that'll also mark 20 years since her album Stripped. One of pop music's former Mouseketeers, the six-time Grammy-winner leads a bill that spans more than 165 artists at 60-plus events — all in Victoria. In other words, she spearheads a lineup that's designed to get the state's residents hitting up live gigs, and to entice tourists from the rest of the country to make music-filled holiday plans. 2023's leg of Always Live runs for 17 days, from Friday, November 24–Sunday, December 10, with a feast of shows — also including Swedish DJ and producer Eric Prydz bringing his HOLO set our way in an Australia–New Zealand exclusive; songwriter and producer Jai Paul also playing his only shows in this neck of the woods; and Jessie Ware putting on two intimate evenings outside her Summer Camp headlining stint. Already on the Meredith bill, Caroline Polachek has added a solo gig at Melbourne's Forum Theatre. Also a huge highlight: BLAKTIVISM at Hamer Hall, with King Stingray, Tasman Keith, Emma Donovan, Uncle Bart Willoughby, Deline Briscoe, Sorong Samarai and Suga Cane Mamas. For Swifties, tribute gig Taylor Made will see Alex The Astronaut, Charley, Clare Bowditch, Emily Wurramurra, Kate Miller-Heidke, Lisa Mitchell and Sophia J Smith shaking off their best Taylor Swift covers. [caption id="attachment_899478" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] Returning from last year, Emma Donovan and Friends will again hero acoustic tunes from First Nations artists, while purpose-built pop-up studio SOUNDBOX will be back at the Arts Centre Melbourne forecourt. The jam-packed program also boasts the Tones and I-curated Music In the Park in Mornington, featuring The Cat Empire, The Veronicas, Budjerah, KAIIT and The Pierce Brothers; the Gonna Be Good series, with everyone from Holy Holy, Aleksiah, ILLY and The Temper Trap to Northeast Party House, Casey Barnes and Ruby Fields; Summer Camp, as already announced; and SOULTRAINS, which is getting Lee Fields & The Expressions, plus Surprise Chef, playing four venues along four Metro train lines. Still on a railway theme, there's End of the Line, a festival popping ip at the end of the train lines in Sandringham and Williamstown. Clare Bowditch headlines the former, and Alex Lahey the latter. And, music lovers can look forward to the Jamaican Food and Music Festival at Seaworks, the Ballroom Mix Tapes series at Brunswick Ballroom — which will launch brand-new releases — and a regional tour by Amyl and the Sniffers. Throw in Peter Garrett and The Alter Egos hitting Wangarratta Arts Centre, Cosmic Psychos marking their 40th anniversary and A.B. Original headlining a free show at Victoria Park Lake, and clearly the list well and truly goes on. In fact, there's so much to fit in that an event called Garage Band will pop up on Saturday, October 14, before the Always Live dates, featuring 25 emerging bands playing an original song each on four stages in Federation Square. Always Live 2023 runs from Friday, November 24–Sunday, December 10, with one pre-festival gig on Saturday, October 14. For more information, and to get tickets, head to the festival website. Christina Aguilera will play Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse on Saturday, November 25, with pre sales from 12pm AEST on Tuesday, August 29 and general sales from 12pm AEST on Wednesday, August 20.
Once a year, Gelato Messina gives Australia's dessert fiends the chance to fill their freezers with its coveted frosty wares. While anyone can walk into the chain's stores on any day and leave with a stockpile of gelato thanks to its take-home packs, being able to choose from Messina's greatest hits is a special treat. Can't live without tubs of Robert Blondie Jnr (white chocolate gelato, blondie and white chocolate fudge sauce) at hand? Adore You Cannoli Live Twice (chocolate crème patisserie gelato with chocolate hazelnut fudge, candied hazelnuts, and crushed cannoli shells) so much that it's all you'd eat if you could? This is your annual time to shine. In the two decades that Messina has been in dessert business, more than 4000 special flavours have made their way through the chain's gelato cabinets around the country. Each year, it releases 260 specials, in fact. Yes, that's a lot of scoops. To celebrate some of these oldies but goodies, the chain brings a selection of these flavours back every now and then — and also occasionally busts out its entire top 40 greatest hits. That's happening again this winter, based on the past year's top flavours. Lucky folks in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth and Adelaide will be able to treat themselves to a treasure trove of limited-edition gelato varieties. Originally, the greatest hits specials were a buy-in-shop-only deal, but the chain went with preordered tubs in 2020, so no one had to worry about long queues and empty cabinets. In 2024, Messina is splitting the difference, meaning that year's run will be a little different. Only 20 of the 40 flavours will be available for preorder, then 20 more will be spread across its weekly specials for a month. So, gelato fiends can initially preorder 473-millilitre tubs of 20 flavours from Monday, July 22. You'll then need to pick them up from Sydney's Marrickville, Tramsheds, Bondi, Darlinghurst, Norwest, Brighton Le Sands and Rosebery stores; Fitzroy and East Brunswick in Melbourne; South Brisbane in Brisbane; Braddon in Canberra; Highgate in Perth; and Kent Town in Adelaide — all between Friday, August 2–Sunday, August 4. Individual tubs are filled with just one flavour and will set you back $19, or you can get three for $54, six for $100, nine for $135 or — if you have the freezer space — 20 for $280. After that, head by your local Messina weekly from Tuesday, July 23 to see which other 20 adored varieties temporarily rejoin the menu. For the first batch, Messina has unveiled the list of faves making a comeback. As always, it's stacked with deliciousness, just like your freezer will be. Get Baked (with baked caramel cheesecake gelato with dulce de leche and smashed baked cheesecake), Have a Gay Old Time (caramel and milk chocolate gelato with chocolate-covered biscuit crumbs) and Cinnamon Cone Crunch (cinnamon cereal milk gelato with waffle cone crunch) are all among the choices. Good luck trying to pick just one, or even a mere few. The first 20 of Gelato Messina's 2024 Greatest Hits will be available to preorder on Monday, July 22 with pick up between Friday, August 2–Sunday, August 4 from Perth's Highgate store (orders from 11am AWST); Fitzroy and East Brunswick in Melbourne, South Brisbane in Brisbane and Braddon in Canberra (orders from 12pm AEST); Sydney's Bondi, Norwest and Rosebery outposts (orders from 12.15pm AEST); Sydney's Marrickville, Tramsheds, Darlinghurst and, Brighton Le Sands venues (orders from 12.30pm AEST); and Kent Town in Adelaide (orders from 12.30pm ACST). The remaining 20 will drop in-store from Tuesday, July 23 across a month.
Meet the Makers Festival is a month-long celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and culinary excellence on NSW's South Coast. Returning for its second edition in September, the jam-packed event will take over Milton with unique experiences designed to bring people closer to the talented makers who make artisan goods a reality. Running from Saturday, September 6—Sunday, September 28, visitors will encounter 30 fascinating experiences, with each showcasing the region's vibrant community of makers. Think immersive workshops, exclusive dining adventures, inventive exhibitions, gastronomic tutorials and more. While the full program is still to be revealed, a selection of highlights is bound to get you in the mood. For instance, enchanting garden-to-plate cafe Milk HAUS will join forces with a host of its friends to present an intimate Dinner with Dangerous at the iconic Milton Hotel. At Cupitt's Estate, guests are invited to a hands-on blending workshop, where you'll have the chance to craft your own signature wine. Meet the Makers Festival also presents plenty of opportunities to indulge your creative side. Allow yourself to get absorbed in a floral and art workshop by FRED Flowers, or head to Motion Ceramics to see if you've got the magic touch when it comes to shaping pottery. Then, pop over to Delicious Vibrant Beauty to create natural skincare products. While there's no shortage of incredible dining throughout regional NSW, Milton has become a thriving culinary hotspot. When you're next in town, find Japanese-inspired cuisine and vinyl DJs at Bar Yuki, get caught up in the modern Middle Eastern flavours of Nomah and swing by the ever-popular Milk HAUS for wine and a feel-good feed produced entirely from its kitchen garden. Meet the Makers Festival is happening in Milton from Saturday, September 6—Sunday, September 28. Head to Instagram for more information.
Sydney's annual Chinese New Year festival is the largest outside of Asia, with 1.4-million people estimated to take part in the celebrations. While Tuesday, February 5 is officially the first day of the new year, festivities will run all the way to February 10 — and the schedule for the next few days is packed. Whether it's spent gawking at installations made from 1000 pig lanterns, doing free tai chi on the Opera House steps or eating mango pancakes, this weekend is a great opportunity to celebrate Sydney's rich cultural diversity and help ring in the Year of the Pig.
In the historic and affluent suburb of Woollahra, you'll find a florist passionate about locally sourced flowers. Whether you're after a bouquet to wow your beau or in need of an arrangement to spice up your home, Summers Floral can help you pick out elegant orchids or structural native arrangements. The shop provides blooms for weddings, offices and events of all kinds. If you're in need of some guidance, the store offers arrangements under the banners of 'modern unstructured', 'en masse', 'elegant', 'wild garden' and 'colour pop'. Opt for a vibrant bouquet of peachy tulips, golden orchids and pink roses or keep it classy with a subdued, earthy pastel palette. You'll know you made the right choice when you witness the personalised care of each arrangement for every customer who walks through the door. First three images: Luisa Brimble.
The book-to-film adaptations of the Hunger Games have been entirely faithful to the series in that each one has been worse than the last. That's not to say that either of Catching Fire or Mockingjay Part 1 is a bad movie, it's just that neither stands up to the gritty suspense and honest emotion of the original. Then, of course, there's the issue of 'Hobbitification'. In Mockingjay Part 1 we find yet another example of a final book being split over multiple films; a plainly commercial shakedown that in recent times rendered both Twilight and Harry Potter's penultimate instalments dull and wildly inferior to the rest of each series. To this film, though, and Mockingjay Part 1 picks up where Catching Fire left off. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is now recovering in a rebel bunker surrounded by the remnants of 'District 13' — the infamous breakaway district responsible for the insurrection that ultimately led to the establishment of the Hunger Games. Katniss's defiance of President Snow (Donald Sutherland) has inspired sporadic rebellions throughout the country, but they're in danger of dissipating unless she can truly unite the people and spark an out-and-out revolution. Her new role, then, is to become an instrument of propaganda at the hands of Plutarch (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) and the exiled President Coin (Julianne Moore). It all seems straightforward enough, but you have to remember Katniss is a teenager and, as such, seems required to dial the angst up to 11 and establish herself as a petulant little shit in possession of an unbelievable level of naive selfishness. It's put to her in no uncertain terms that if she’s unable to unite the people, the people will die, yet her focus remains squarely on her captured — would-we-call-him-boyfriend? — Peeta Mellark. Never mind the loving, courageous, selfless (and, let's face it, better looking) Gale (Liam Hemsworth) right by her side; for Katniss it's Peeta or bust. Here, then, is the bulk of Mockingjay Part 1: the rebels exploit Katniss, the Capital taunts Katniss and Katniss sulks and cries. Save for one SEAL Team 6-esque raid on the Capital, very little actually happens in this movie. "It’s the worst terror in the world — waiting for something," explains President Coin, and therein lies a stinging rebuke of the entire film. Again, it’s not necessarily a bad movie, it's just that you have to wade through a lot to uncover the fine performances and sporadic, gripping scenes. Lawrence, as always, does well with the limited material, though of the younger actors it's Hemsworth's understated yet simmering turn that most impresses. Moore's performance is an intriguing one, too, presenting Alma Coin as an uncomfortably uninspiring public speaker who yet proves herself a consummate general when the stakes are raised. In a film largely engaged with a clumsy 'actions vs words' debate, it's a welcome, nuanced portrayal. The star of this film, however, is Elizabeth Banks as the unhappily exiled ex-socialite Effie Trinket. She and Hemsworth both pack enormous depth into their limited screen time, offering a genuine range of emotions. Its shortcomings notwithstanding, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 will undoubtedly crush at the box office, though it's hard not to feel like you could miss this film entirely and wait for Part II without skipping a beat.
Come October 2023, Disney fans Down Under can enter a whole new world, hitting the sea on the Mouse House's cruise line on its first voyages from Australia and New Zealand. Fancy sailing further afield, from Sydney to Honolulu or vice versa? In 2023 and 2024, the company is also launching its first-ever South Pacific cruises — one coming to Australia, the other heading to Hawaii. These legs are known as repositioning cruises, aka the journeys that ships take when they've finished their stints in one area and need to make their way to another for a new season. Of course, vessels don't make those trips without passengers, so if you're keen on spending a couple of weeks floating around the South Pacific surrounded by all things Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars, now you can. Tickets go on sale at 8am AEDT on Thursday, October 13, with two voyages scheduled around the Mouse House's maiden 'Magic at Sea' Australian and NZ cruises: a 13-night voyage from Honolulu to Sydney departing on October 13, 2023, then a 15-night trip the other way leaving on February 16, 2024. Unsurprisingly, the 'Magic at Sea' legs between Australia and Aotearoa have proven as popular as Disney movies with, well, everyone, so expect these legs to attract plenty of interest. And yes, these lengthy South Pacific trips are only sailing to and from Sydney — so if you live elsewhere, you will need to factor that into your travels. Disney has been running cruises for nearly a quarter-century, taking fans of its ever-growing array of pop culture wares on themed vacations, all thanks to its Disney Cruise Line. Alas, setting sail to and from Down Under hasn't been a possibility until now. Onboard, you'll watch live musical shows, see Disney characters everywhere you look and eat in spaces decked out like Disney movies. Those musicals include a Frozen show; another production dedicated to the company's old-school favourites like Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Cinderella and Aladdin; and a Golden Mickeys performance, which is obviously all about Mickey Mouse. Or, there's a Mickey party set to DJ beats, nightly fireworks and a pirate shindig on the vessel's deck. The entertainment also includes Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Moana, Tiana, Cinderella, Woody, Jessie and more wandering around the ship. Plus Chewbacca, Rey, Spider-Man, Captain Marvel and Thor as well, if you like hanging out around folks in costumes. The dining setup rotates, so each day of the cruise takes you to a different location with a different theme. One day, you'll hit up the Animator's Palate, which focuses on bringing Disney characters to life — including getting patrons to draw their own characters — and on the next, you'll get munching in a restaurant inspired by The Princess and the Frog, and serving up New Orleans-inspired dishes. Or, there's also Triton's, which offers an under the sea theme given it's named after Ariel's father, and serves four-course French and American suppers. For folks travelling with young Disney devotees, there's also a whole range of activities just for kids — but adults without littlies in tow are definitely catered for, complete with a dedicated pool for travellers aged 18 and over, an adults-only cafe, the Crown & Fin pub, cocktail bar Signals, Italian eatery Palo, and a day spa and salon. Room-wise, there's ten different types to choose from — some with private verandahs, and some with ocean views through portholes. Disney Cruise Line's 'Magic at Sea' cruises will sail from Honolulu to Sydney in October 2023, then from Sydney to Honolulu in February 2024, with bookings open from 8am AEDT on Thursday, October 13, 2022. For more information, head to the cruise line's website. Images: Matt Stroshane / Kent Phillips / Todd Anderson. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
If you like a side of maniacal vengeance with your stage shows, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is the musical thriller for you. Most know the good-turns-evil story either via Tim Burton's cinematic creation or previous iterations of this very musical — or maybe via the Penny Dreadful serial, which first wrote Sweeney Todd to page. We've got our barber, his dedicated sidekick Mrs Lovett and a whole lot of slashing whereby unwitting folk in need of a trim will meet their violent end. The bloodthirsty story is now hitting an iconic Sydney venue with an all-star cast and celebrated director. From Saturday, July 22 till Sunday, August 27, Stephen Sondheim's eight-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy-thriller will be wowing audiences in the Sydney Opera House's Drama Theatre. Taking up the titular role is Ben Mingay, the construction-worker-turned-performer whose far-reaching career includes both Packed to the Rafters and Shrek The Musical. Opposite is Antoinette Halloran (Mary and Max, Macbeth, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll), one of the top sopranos Down Under, who takes to the stage and sees that revenge is served warm — deliciously encased in a pie crust, to be specific. It's all brought to us under the expert eye of prominent Aussie opera and musical director Stuart Maunder. Along with this starry lineup of talent, a terrifyingly intimate setting has been created too — promising to be the closest shave with a serial killer we hope you ever have. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, A Musical Thriller hits the Sydney Opera House from Saturday, July 22 till Sunday, August 27. For more information, head to the website.
UPDATE: June 4, 2020: IT: Chapter Two is available to stream via Netflix, Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. It's possible to have too much of a good thing. An average thing as well. While Stephen King's horror maestro status is both undoubted and unparalleled, his books have frequently tested this idea, especially his 1138-page 1986 tome IT. A huge hit upon publication, the bestseller is the nerve-rattling cause of many clown phobias over the past three decades — but it's also as bloated as the bulging red balloons favoured by its flame-haired, make-up-clad antagonist. Bringing the novel's second timeline to the screen, IT: Chapter Two follows in its source material's meandering footsteps. Arriving hot on the heels of 2017's huge box office smash IT, yet proving painfully over-extended in its running time, this spooky sequel tasks audiences with pondering the same question as its characters: what if it never ends? Twenty-seven years after their first traumatic run-in with the malevolent evil that's known as IT, but usually takes the form of unhinged clown Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård), the Losers Club are all grown up and back home. Sparked into action by the obsessed Mike (Isaiah Mustafa), who hasn't left the small Maine town of Derry since the gang's scary childhood encounters, Bill (James McAvoy), Richie (Bill Hader), Beverley (Jessica Chastain), Eddie (James Ransone) and Ben (Jay Ryan) return to vanquish the otherworldly monster once and for all. Although their memories are initially foggy, and getting everyone on board takes some convincing, the group has ample motivation. If they fail, IT will wreak havoc yet again in 27 more years. Given that their own lives were forever changed by the spine-chilling figure — and given that IT is doing a great job of creeping out and killing new kids this time around — that's a fate that no one wants. When Mama director Andy Muschietti first brought IT back to the screen two years ago, he traded upon nostalgia, jumped on a trend and knew that, when all else fails, unsettling imagery works a charm. Popular culture's Stranger Things-inspired love of retro thrills hasn't subsided since, and nor has its fascination with King's oeuvre. If anything, they've both increased in the wake of the first flick's blockbuster success. Still, IT: Chapter Two feels like a case of stretching a concept to breaking point. It never escapes attention that Pennywise can evolve into a host of different shapes, each more unnerving than the last, however the film he's in doesn't dare contemplate anything similar. Instead, the movie is eager to prolong its formula for as long as possible. When that's not enough, it indulgently nods to everything from The Shining to The Thing, and even opts for the ultimate in fan service by giving King himself some screen-time. Muschietti and screenwriter Gary Dauberman (Annabelle Comes Home) may have a hefty amount of text to sort through, but there's not actually that much to IT: Chapter Two's story. The Losers Club heads home, trudges through difficult memories and confronts IT, as well as the impact it's had on their adult lives, working their way through a series of escalating funhouse-style set-pieces in the process. Indeed, the film's elongated mid-section encapsulates its troubles perfectly. Spending time with each of the gang as they scour Derry for tokens from their youth, the movie switches between the teen and current versions of every character, lets them each encounter Pennywise and sorts through their respective demons — and, while each vignette has more than a few standout moments, the cycle quickly becomes repetitive. The approach also sucks much of the tension out of the picture. Audiences have seen the first film, are aware that 1989's Bill (Jaeden Martell), Richie (Finn Wolfhard), Beverley (Sophia Lillis) and company survive until the events of this movie, and know that a big group showdown pitting the 2017 gang against their nemesis is inevitable. As a result, as visually effective as these blasts from the past prove, they're the narrative equivalent of treading water. IT circa 2017 was always at its strongest when it was inciting coulrophobia, as aided by Skarsgård's exceptionally demented performance, plus a clown car full of well-crafted special effects. For all the added star power that IT: Chapter Two boasts, the same remains true here. Individual images lodge themselves in the mind — Pennywise' deranged grin, fortune cookies morphing into attacking critters and a mirror maze altercation that's as disturbed as the one featured in Us earlier this year — more than anything else in the movie. Indeed, despite the big names joining the cast, this isn't an actor or character-driven picture. The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby co-stars McAvoy and Chastain aren't given much room to unleash their talents, though they fare better than their last dismal pairing in X-Men: Dark Phoenix. In Ransome, Mustafa and Neighbours alumni Ryan's case, they're all tasked with sticking to a single type (neurotic, paranoid and, with the latter, sensitive and unexpectedly attractive). And while the ever-likeable Hader fares best, it's primarily because Richie is now a stand-up comic, so the actor is firmly in familiar territory. Even when IT: Chapter Two overtly attempts to address its struggles and pre-empt any criticism, it can't convincingly hit the mark. Being stuck reliving history sits at the very core of the movie, yet the notion is undermined by Muschietti's willingness to let his adult actors largely ape their teen counterparts, rather than add flesh to their shared protagonists. With Bill specifically, the character is now a King surrogate who has a problem with endings, which'd be a solid joke if the film didn't tussle with wrapping things up just like the prolific author does. That misstep also points to something rather terrifying: in today's sequel and franchise-friendly world, this horror saga probably won't end here, even though it has expended its source material. Nightmares recur, of course, but they're rarely as routine as IT: Chapter Two whenever its unbalanced boogeyman is out of sight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBO1dO1a4ro
Surry Hills has scored a new neighbourhood wine bar, and it's doing things a little differently. For starters, food is the focus — though given the names behind the Reservoir Street spot, that should come as no surprise. 40Res is the first solo venture by Josh Raine, who led the kitchen at the celebrated (and now closed) Tetsuya's as executive chef from 2018–2024, and is also the first chef in residence and culinary director at the MCA's Restaurant Canvas. Chef-owner Raine has tapped Micheal Tran (ex-Clove Lane and The Bellevue) to head the kitchen. Both chefs honed their skills in Michelin-starred kitchens in England, with Raine at Pied à Terre and Tran at Hibiscus, and they're now bringing their creativity and technical nous to a relaxed, deliberately understated setting. "We're not fluffing — it's just super tasty food," says Raine. "Simple, but really, really good. It's the kind of food we want to eat with a glass of wine." So, what kind of food would two excellently credentialled chefs want to eat with a glass of wine? They might begin with an elevated take on fish fingers, served with a rich, zingy pil-pil sauce. For something larger, they might opt for an elegant cacio e pepe in which the traditional cheesy sauce is reimagined as a light, airy foam, ensuring indulgence without heaviness. "We take a fine dining mentality when it comes to refinement but bring it into a more casual, accessible setting," says Tran. "We wanted to do things differently — to create a neighbourhood spot where chefs can have fun [and] cook great food." The menu, which is constantly evolving, showcases the best of Australian ingredients, and is influenced by the chefs' personal travels and culinary journeys. It'll always feature a pasta and a risotto, as well as two larger proteins, meaning the venue can accommodate those looking for a quick snack and a glass of wine or a fuller dining experience. The wine program follows a similar ethos, with a focus on boutique producers and winemaking integrity. Most wines are available by the glass, with a focus on Australian and European makers. It's thoughtfully curated, approachable, and a smart complement to a similarly thoughtful food offer. 40Res is now open for walk-ins and bookings — and there's no time limit on bookings. How's that for doing things differently? Find 40Res at 40 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills. For more info and bookings, head to the venue's website. Images: Nick de Lorenzo.
UPDATE, April 16, 2021: Brigbsy Bear is available to stream via iTunes and Amazon Video. In Brigsby Bear, a grown man finds himself unable to let go of his childhood obsession. No, it's not a documentary. While farewelling beloved franchises, characters and TV shows is an increasingly rare occurrence in today's remake-, revamp-, reboot- and resurrection-centric popular culture, this sweet, insightful and genuinely moving comedy doesn't simply chronicle an adult fanboy suffering from a severe bout of arrested development. Brigsby Bear's furry heart beats with more than easy nostalgia. For the shy and awkward James Pope (writer and star Kyle Mooney, best known for his work on Saturday Night Live), his love of Brigsby Bear Adventures and its eponymous animal hero isn't driven by a wistful yearning for a past long passed. The television series might look like a relic – with its cheap sets, stilted acting and kid-friendly life lessons – and yet a new episode arrives like clockwork on VHS every week. James devours each instalment with wide-eyed enthusiasm, in his room packed wall-to-wall with Brigsby merchandise. Having spent the bulk of his life in a homely underground bunker with just his parents (Mark Hamill and Jane Adams) for company, it's literally the only escape he knows. It's also his only experience of the world beyond his contained existence. Directed by Dave McCary and co-written by Kevin Costello (two of Mooney's primary school pals), Brigbsy Bear follows James' reaction when he's thrust out of his comfort zone, forced to interact with reality and confronted with the realisation that his favourite program isn't quite what he thinks. The precise nature of the revelation is best discovered by watching, though it's not a spoiler to say that his post-Brigsby life comes as quite a shock. As he endeavours to cope, the film couldn't be more earnest or astute in exploring why we become so attached to shows and movies, or the cathartic role they play in shaping how we approach the world. Sure, it might sound like the kind of quirky concept that Mooney could satirise in an SNL skit, but empathy rather than parody proves the guiding principle here. Steeped in warmth as well as melancholy, while also flirting with darker territory, Brigsby Bear is the type of film that's cute yet never cloying, heartfelt but not schmaltzy, and amusing without resorting to caricature. It's a big bear hug of a movie, but one that ultimately makes it clear that even the most eager embraces can't last forever. Thanks to McCary's DIY-esque aesthetic, Brigbsy Bear offers viewers quite a cosy visual cuddle as well, reminiscent of Be Kind Rewind and YouTube fan films. Hey, if you're going to make a film about undying '80s-style passions, you have to make it look the part. Throw in Mooney's impressively deadpan central performance, and this is a flick that excels in hitting the right notes — in its images, its themes and its emotions alike. And, like the fictional show at its centre, it also imparts a lasting message: we're more than the things we love, but we wouldn't be who we are without them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MdrGM27yQ8
You can take the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade away from Oxford Street and it's still a fabulous LGBTQIA+ celebration, as the 2021 and 2022 events at the Sydney Cricket Ground showed. But there's nothing like experiencing the parade as it takes over its usual home — which it'll do again, finally, in 2023. The move to the SCG for the past two years was caused by the obvious: the pandemic, restrictions around it and distancing precautions. Last year, when it was announced that the 2022 parade would make the move again, Mardi Gras organisers said they were working towards taking to the streets as normal in 2023, which'll mark the parade's 45th anniversary. Block out your diaries now, because that's set to happen on Saturday, February 25. The theme: gather, dream, amplify. Even better — that planned return to Oxford Street will also fall under Sydney WorldPride, with the WorldPride festival being held in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time ever. Sydney WorldPride will span 17 days and 300-plus LGBTQIA+ festivities, with more than 500,000 people expected to participate. On the just-dropped initial bill, as well as the Mardi Gras parade: a huge opening concert hosted by Courtney Act and Casey Donovan, pride villages set up in sections of Crown Street and Riley Street, a giant weekend-long street party on Oxford Street, a Bondi beach party that'll turn the iconic sandy stretch into a club for 12,000 people, and a Blak & Deadly First Nations gala concert. Plus, there'll be a dance party in The Domain for 10,000, which is being dubbed as the biggest LGBQTIA+ outdoor dance party in Australia; a pride march, sending 50,000 people across the Sydney Harbour Bridge; and huge queer show Rainbow Republic, again at The Domain, this time with six hours of live music, DJs and performances spanning both international and local acts. The Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference is also on the bill, as is a six-night First Nations gathering space at Carriageworks — and Ultra Violet, an inclusive LGBTQIA+ women's party at Town Hall. And, the list just keeps going. The Sissy Ball is on the program, too, and so is a Mardi Gras laneway shindig. Mardi Gras Fair Day and the Paradiso Pool Party will return, and there's a whole WorldPride sports lineup — covering eight days where you can either take part or spectate. More events are still to be announced, and local and major headliners as well, so watch this space. The 2023 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will take place on Oxford Street on Saturday, February 25, 2023. For more information, head to the Mardi Gras website. Sydney WorldPride will run from February 17–March 5, 2023. For more information, or for general ticket sales from 9am AEST on Friday, July 15 — or pre-sales from 9am on Monday, July 11 — head to the event's website. Images: Jeffrey Feng Photography.
A year goes slowly when you're waiting for one weekend but, at last, Harvest Rock season is almost upon us. We're all in full prep mode for the 2023 iteration of the huge South Australia music festival, and it's looking like it might be one of the biggest yet. The good news doesn't stop coming, after the absolute banger lineup dropped our attendance was all but guaranteed. Luckily, we have an exclusive deal over on Concrete Playground Trips that wraps up a brilliant VIP package under one ribbon of convenience. That package includes nearby accommodation, VIP entry to the festival and loads of goodies (from exclusive dining options to an Archie Rose gift pack) to complete your experience. In case you're not across the deets of this year's festival, it's taking place on the weekend of October 28–29 in Adelaide and offers a real superstar lineup that includes exclusive Australian performances from Jamiroquai and Beck. This is a show curated by Secret Sounds, after all, the maestros behind Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival. It's not all music though, the festival splits the spotlight onto food too. Everything from fine dining curated by leading APAC chefs to food trucks and live mixology sessions with culinary geniuses from around Australia, like wine expert and personality Nick Stock and Sydney distillery Archie Rose, will be on offer. This year the festival also features The Grape Escape, a dedicated wellness centre designed to help you unwind from the hectic activities outside. Expect hot drinks, tarot readings, massages and more to help you enjoy some well-deserved time to yourself. Harvest Rock will take over Rymill Park/Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park/Ityamai-itpina, Adelaide, on Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29. Tickets are on sale now. To secure yours and find more info, visit the website, or visit Concrete Playground Trips to book our exclusive VIP package.
Listening to a song, discovering a musician for the first time and feeling like they're speaking directly to you: it's a moment that everyone can relate to. It's also the premise for Blinded by the Light, a new coming-of-age movie which wowed this year's Sundance Film Festival with its enormous love of Bruce Springsteen. The Boss' tunes don't just feature on the film's soundtrack (17 of them, in fact). They actually inspired the entire flick, jukebox musical-style. It's based on the experiences of Springsteen-obsessed journalist Sarfraz Manzoor, with the Pakistan-born British broadcaster also co-writing the script, which is set in 80s-era England at the height of Thatcherism. He's no ordinary fan, either, having seen the denim-loving singer perform live more than 150 times. Narrative-wise, Blinded by the Light follows 16-year-old Javed (film newcomer Viveik Kalra), whose life changes when he's given a couple of Bruce's cassette tapes. You could say he's born to run, feels like he's on fire and is suddenly dancing in the dark — but, used to being under his strict parents' watch and being an outcast at school, he just finds hope in the music of a rocker from New Jersey. In the director's and co-writer's chair sits someone with a background in cross-culture teen-focused Brit pictures, Bend It Like Beckham filmmaker Gurinder Chadha. Plus, as well as Kalra, the film stars Hayley Atwell, Sally Phillips and Rob Bryden. If Blinded by the Light sounds a little like another feel-good, 80s-set, music-fuelled, high school-oriented British standout from a few years back, Sing Street, that's definitely not a bad thing. Tap your toes along to the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ond9SLcHX4Q Blinded by the Light screens at this year's Sydney Film Festival, then releases in cinemas around Australia on August 22.
This article is part of our series profiling the perfect Brisbane weekends of the city’s creative personalities. Brisbane is home to some amazingly talented folks. Whether it’s home by adoption or birth, the creatives that make their mark in Brisbane are inevitably drawn to the natural wonders of the south-east corner — the sun, surf and greenery. This week we continue the series with Mel Stringer, the artist extraordinaire. You probably know Mel from her prolific art Instagram, her on-point Etsy store Girlie Pains or through her cute and cutting zines. Or maybe you’ve seen her famous pug Grover zipping around a ball pit and being the most fashionable pug to ever live. Mel is a character illustrator, drawing pastel portraits inspired by life and real women. You might have already been papped by Mel and not even know it yet. And though she is originally from the Northern Territory, Mel calls Brissie home for the same reasons many others do. "Sometimes I've felt really isolated living somewhere too large," she says. "I think Brisbane is just right. It's not as intimidating as Sydney or Melbourne, and its subtropical climate appeals to me as well”. Aside from her life as an artist and crafter, Mel has her finger on the pulse and is one to listen to for the best tips on kawaii cafes and unfished vintage havens. It’s all part and parcel of her distinct aesthetic and all inspired by the streets and people of Brisbane. “Everything here inspires my art in one way or another," she says. "Though subtle, the lifestyle and kinds of people inspire me. I can't really pinpoint one specific thing, but I love going to the city, the beach or the countryside — there's always something that sparks inspiration in me”. Here are Mel's five steps to the perfect Brisbane weekend. To experience them for yourself, head to the Visit Brisbane website and get booking. BREAKFAST AT THE LOW ROAD “Wake up early and drag your best mate to go and chew on a yum breakfast and sip on some coffee from The Low Road in Windsor,” Mel says. “The kitsch paradise has a front garden adorned with hot pink flamingoes and palm trees, so you can't miss it. Their breakfast salad with lemony haloumi has also made many a friend.” The Low Road is worth a visit not only for the sumptuous food and drinks menu but for the quality chalk board messages like “Oh my god Becky, look at their café” and (inexplicably) “Hail Ants”. TREASURE HUNTING AT THE WOOLLOONGABBA ANTIQUE CENTRE “Check out any treasures that may be hidden at Woolloongabba Antique Centre. There are so many dealers here pedalling furniture, crockery and knick-knacks from yesteryear,” Mel says “If you pop in on a Saturday afternoon, you might catch their in-house jazz band.” The Antique Centre also brags of an in-house '50s style cafe that offers a mean milkshake and will transport you back to the American sitcoms we all know and love. OP SHOPPING IN WEST END West End is the hub for all vintage rummaging in Brisbane and has recently been injected with fresh blood in the form of SWOP and the Boundary Street night markets. Mel agrees. “Explore a few op shops in West End,” she says. “There are some good ones on and around Vulture Street. St Veronica on Hardgrave Road is wonderfully cluttered and full of rewards for those prepared to go rummaging.” But remember: rummaging is the key. Image via Swop. HAVE A KADOYA BENTO BOX LUNCH After a strenuous morning of shopping, you’ll need a decent lunch eaten from a beautifully crafted bento box (you’re worth it). “Next up: go and cry over how beautiful a bento box meal at Kadoya in the CBD is, then eat it,” Mel says “Each comes with a vegetable croquette, spring roll, Japanese pickles and rice — sometimes salad and deep-fried tofu too. The casual and pocket-sized restaurant feels like it really could be in Japan.” Image via Forever Craving. SIP A LYCHEE BOBA FROM LITTLE SINGAPORE AND GO FOR A WANDER A boba, for the uninitiated, is another term for a bubble tea — a pastel, picturesque milk tea with tapioca pearls that is almost too cute to drink. Mel recommends the boba from Little Singapore on Charlotte Street in the CBD. “Ask for the watermelon iced drink with lychee boba,” she says. “They offer a pretty extensive menu of bubble teas in plastic-topped takeaway cups. Head home while sipping it, go through all the treasures you found that day and have a nap.” Book your own Queensland weekender at the Visit Brisbane website or follow them through the Visit Brisbane Facebook page or Twitter at @VisitBrisbane and hashtag #brisbaneanyday.
The kids at Art Pharmacy have a serious ailment. Its symptoms are only temporary, manifesting in abandoned warehouses, dusty corners and empty shopfronts. No serum will suffice. No doctor can save them. They are self-diagnosed pop-up-art-show addicts, and (fortunately for us) the only known cure is more pop-up art showing. Hence their announcement of back-to-back exhibitions this May at Under New Management, Darlinghurst's home of the pop-up. The first, City vs Nature, runs until Sunday, May 12. It features 20 Australian artists and 85 original works which explore the relationship between the urban and natural world through illustration, watercolour, collage, wood and paint. Every piece is available for purchase ($100-250), super-small (A5) and one of a kind. Perfect for the cash- and/or space-strapped art lover. You'll need to hop in quick, though, because Art Pharmacy’s second show, Contemporary Urbanism, will be popping up in the same space on Thursday, May 16, at 6pm (RSVP for the launch here). In this exhibition, five emerging artists will present scenes from the streets, bringing both the grit and vibrancy of urbanity to 118 Oxford Street. If you like undertones of humour and wit in your art, this is the show for you. The opening hours are a bit sporadic, in true pop-up style, so click here to find out when you can swing by for these elusive gallery invasions. Image: The Brickworks by Thomas Wilcox
As the home of Stranger Things, Netflix has been serving up big doses of 80s-themed nostalgia for the past five years. The platform has just found another way to get viewers thinking fondly about the past, however, all thanks to its new acquisition of the Roald Dahl Story Company (RDSC) — which includes all of the British author's beloved books. If this sounds familiar, that's because the big friendly giant of the streaming world first found itself a similar golden ticket back in 2018, when it announced that it was bringing 16 of the writer's classic novels to the service in animated form. That's still happening — including via two new series from Taika Waititi based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — but this new purchase will significantly expand the amount of Dahl-inspired content hitting the streamer's catalogue. As part of the earlier deal with the RDSC, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, Matilda and The Twits are all slated to get adapted into animated television shows, so get ready for Oompa Loompas, everlasting gobstoppers and everyone's favourite book-loving schoolgirl with telekinetic abilities. They're already set to be joined by basically every Dahl novel you read and adored as a kid — including The BFG, Esio Trot, George's Marvellous Medicine, The Enormous Crocodile, The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me, Henry Sugar, Billy and the Minpins, The Magic Finger, Dirty Beasts and Rhyme Stew. The author's autobiographical efforts Boy – Tales of Childhood and Going Solo had also already been earmarked to hit the platform, with one detailing Dahl's youth and the other delving into his journeys to Africa as well as his service in World War II. For many of these works, including the tales about the author himself, it'll be the first time that they've been adapted for the screen. 🚨 Some very exciting breaking news🚨 https://t.co/uovvO3SYye — Netflix ANZ (@NetflixANZ) September 22, 2021 In its new announcement, Netflix advised that an adaptation of Matilda the Musical is also headed its way, but remained vague about exactly what viewers can expect otherwise. "As we bring these timeless tales to more audiences in new formats, we're committed to maintaining their unique spirit and their universal themes of surprise and kindness, while also sprinkling some fresh magic into the mix," the service advised in a statement. In other words, expect the tales you know and love, as well as tales that expand upon those tales. And, expect to have plenty of them to watch in years to come. Netflix also hasn't said when all this Dahl-based content will hit the platform, so you can't mark any dates in your calendar as yet. But if you just can't wait, Wes Anderson's delightful stop-motion animation version of Dahl's Fantastic Mr Fox is currently streaming on the service, as are a number of other flicks adapted from the writers' works — including both the original and recent versions of The Witches, plus 1996's Matilda. For more information about Netflix's acquisition of the Roald Dahl Story Company, head to the Netflix website.
How much better will you feel after spending a few days — or weeks, if you can — somewhere far away from your normal routine? How much happier will you be with a getaway to look forward to? Flight sales tick both boxes, sending you on a vacation and letting you revel in anticipation first. So if you were contemplating a holiday sometime between now and the middle of 2025, you might want to make the most of Virgin Australia's latest batch of discounted flights. Get your suitcases ready and book that annual leave: the Aussie carrier has dropped a week-long sale on international and domestic fares with prices starting at $49. There's over one million cheap flights on offer, covering trips to and from Tokyo, Bali, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and Queenstown among the overseas destinations — and also The Whitsundays, Hamilton Island, Byron Bay, Cairns, Hobart, Darwin, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and more locally. As always, the Sydney–Byron Bay route has the lowest cost, which is $49 one-way this time around. From there, other discounts include Melbourne–Launceston from $59, Sydney to the Sunshine Coast from $69, Brisbane–Proserpine (aka The Whitsundays) from $79, Melbourne–Gold Coast from $89, Sydney–Hamilton Island from $119, Adelaide–Alice Springs from $165 and Sydney–Perth from $219. For those excited about travelling further afield, cheap international flights span a heap of return legs, such as Melbourne–Queenstown from $405, Gold Coast–Bali from $499, Brisbane–Port Vila from $499, Sydney–Nadi from $529 and Cairns–Haneda from $609. This sale kicks off on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, running until midnight AEST on Monday, October 28 unless sold out earlier. And the cheap fares, which cover both directions between each point in the discounted route, start with Virgin's Economy Lite option. If you're wondering when you'll need to travel, these deals cover periods between Monday, November 25, 2024–Monday, June 30, 2025, with all dates varying per route. Inclusions also differ depending on your ticket and, as usual when it comes to flight sales, you'll need to get in quick. Virgin's 'let's get the plans out of our group chat' sale runs until midnight AEST on Monday, October 28, 2024 — unless sold out earlier. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
When a film or TV program struggles, flounders or flat-out bombs, it often gets its audience wondering exactly what the folks behind it were thinking. HBO series Betty has the opposite effect. Within minutes of starting the New York-set show's six-episode first season, it's easy to see why filmmaker Crystal Moselle wanted to tell this story — and why she wanted to not only spend her own time with its characters, but also to share their exploits with the world. That feeling proves true even if you don't know Betty's history, because it was true of the show's predecessor as well. In 2018 film Skate Kitchen, Moselle followed five friends who spent their days ollying, kick-flipping, shredding, grinding and nose-sliding around NYC. The entire quintet was female, and the fact that they all loved to skateboard — a male-dominated pastime not just historically, but also still now — coloured their lives' many ups and downs. And, while Skate Kitchen unfurled a fictional story, it took its name from a real-life all-female skateboarding crew, used its members as the movie's stars and crafted its narrative by fictionalising their real-life experiences. Betty brings the group's tale back to the screen, both extending and expanding it at the same time. The central young women remain the same, and the same main talent all return — Skate Kitchen's biggest name, Jaden Smith, is nowhere to be seen though — but the show tinkers with some of the details. Camille (Rachelle Vinberg) is no longer a skateboarding novice, but a girl who feels more comfortable hanging out with the guys, for instance. The dynamic between the always-outspoken, often-stoned Kirt (Nina Moran), no-nonsense vlogger Janay (Ardelia Lovelace), wealthy but weed-dealing Indigo (Ajani Russell) and shy wannabe filmmaker Honeybear (Kabrina Adams) has also been massaged, as have the specifics of each character. You could see Betty as Moselle's attempt to bring a bit of skateboarding into her filmmaking, rather than just depicting it in front of the lens. No matter how often a skater does a manoeuvre, it's always bound to differ slightly from the last time — which is exactly the mindset that helps Betty glide away from Skate Kitchen's shadow. The two share much in common, of course. The director's eagerness to relay her characters' escapades via warm, dreamy visuals hasn't subsided, and nor has the pervasive vibe that manages to make everything within Betty's frames feel both of-the-moment and nostalgic all at once. But, with no criticism meant towards the excellent Skate Kitchen, it now plays like the teaser for Betty, in the same way that the movie itself was preceded by 2016 short film That One Day. Story-wise, each episode of Betty sprawls and scampers as its characters do the same. The plot's main thrust often remains straightforward — Camille leaves her bag at the skate park, and Janay helps her run around town trying to find it, for example — but Moselle and her team of co-writers aren't afraid to see where every element of every story takes them. Accordingly, the show bobs and weaves back and forth between its main players, letting the mood and the moment guide each episode where it needs to. In other words, Betty not only lets its viewers tag along, but styles and structures each episode like it's a hangout session itself. Moselle is no stranger to mining the connections between art and life. It's what drove her first feature-length film, acclaimed 2015 documentary The Wolfpack — which focused on seven home-schooled NY siblings who staged elaborate recreations of their favourite flicks because their parents would rarely let them leave the house. Viewers should watch Betty with that in mind, actually, which the TV show openly invites. This astute and engaging series offers a window into a world that has long seemed like a dream for teenage girls. It lets the audience step inside, skate along, hang out and try it on (or imagine what might've been for those whose all-girl skateboarding crew days feel long behind them). Betty doesn't ever over-stress the point, but it knows it's doing something revolutionary. Its scenes of female-only skate sessions through the city and primary school-aged girls jumping on boards for the first time are joyous, and Camille, Kirt, Janay, Indigo and Honeybear's fight to be seen as skaters first and foremost is ferocious. Indeed, Moselle is acutely aware that she's the only one telling this tale — examining the realities that female skaters face, and also celebrating their efforts and even their existence — and she does so exceptionally well. Check out the trailer for Betty below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCP1zqmdGs0 All six episodes of Betty's first season are available to stream via Binge. Images: Alison Rosa/HBO.
Proving that causing the internet to lose its mind by delivering adorable puppies to offices around Australia is simply not enough for them, Uber has moved yet another step closer to total world domination. The ridesharing service will launch UberEATS in Sydney today, Tuesday, July 26 at 11am. Because who needs multiple apps when you can use one for just about everything? Melbourne was the first city in Australia to be bestowed the food delivery platform back in April, and now Sydney can start using the standalone food delivery app too. It basically allows restaurants to get their food delivered to customers between 11am and 10pm by a wide access of ever-available drivers — much like (and in direct competition to) other food delivery apps like Foodora/Suppertime, Deliveroo and Menulog. The list of Sydney restaurants exceeds 100, including the likes of Butter, Three Blue Ducks, Guilty, Waterman's Lobster Co. and Fratelli Fresh. Oh, and delivery will be free for the launch. So you only have to pay the cost of your box of fried chicken, and not a cent more. UberEATS launched in select US cities last year, allowing users to order lunch or dinner from an ever-shifting menu that includes options from a number of different restaurants. Sydney's UberEATS service will be available in the inner suburbs only, from Bondi to Surry Hills and Pyrmont to Newtown and all the suburbs inside that area. You can download the UberEATS app here from 11am. For all the details, visit ubereats.com/sydney.
Maybe you've always loved breakfast foods better than all other foods, dating right back to when you demanded cereal for each and every meal when you were a kid. Perhaps you watched Parks and Recreation, soaked in its love of brekkie and made it your new mantra. Or, your tastebuds just might be tempted by anything that turns breakfast into dessert. Either way, Gelato Messina has the pop-up for you to start 2022. New year, new Messina pop-up in The Rocks, new excuse to treat yo-self to something sweet. That's all on the menu at an event Messina is calling its All-Day Breakfast of Champions, which is setting up at First Fleet Park between Sunday, January 2–Thursday, January 6. The star attraction: Messina's version of cinnamon French toast, which comes coated in cornflake crumbs, filled with cinnamon butter, and topped with fior di latte (milk) gelato and vanilla cheesecake glaze. Plus, you can grab a scoop of the dessert chain's very tasty Breakfast of Champions (cereal milk gelato with crunchy nut clusters and milo), Just Like a Milkshake (Coco pops cereal milk gelato with coco pop clusters) and Breakfast in Canberra (milk gelato with milk jam and milo) flavours as well. Like all things Messina, it's a first in, first served affair — with the menu available from 12pm daily till sold out.
If you're a Northern Beaches resident, next time you're after some doughy, cheesy, saucy goodness, turn your attention towards Ribelle, Freshwater's no-frills BYO pizza spot that's doing sensational pizzas that can stand up against Sydney's best. Ribelle is the brainchild of Chef Dale Mann, who brings with him experience from Ezra, Hartsyard, and most notably for the pizza-heads out there: Bella Brutta. Mann worked for four years at the latter, the last of which he spent as Head Chef. So with Ribelle you're in very, very good hands. At Ribelle, whether you're eating in or grabbing a bright yellow pizza box to-go, the menu is kept simple, with a mix of classic and more boundary-pushing toppings available alongside a couple of simple sides like anchovies, baby cos salad and burrata. It's also BYO, so you can pack that riesling you just got for your birthday or your favourite funky skin-contact and head in. Keeping true to the restaurant's name (it means 'rebellious' in Italian), some of the more out-there pizza varieties on the menu include The Reuben which combines 12-hour smoked beef brisket from LP's Quality Meats, pink peppercorn sauce, fior di latte, confit garlic, parmesan and purple sauerkraut; or the Braised Greens, a meeting of cheese, braised kale, rainbow chard, fermented red chilli sauce, confit garlic and lemon juice. Sound good? Well, let us tell you: it is.
As the source of those bright green hotdog buns and pancake stacks dominating your Instagram feed, entrepreneur Sarah Holloway knows a few things about how to spot (and start) a food trend. In 2014, she went from corporate lawyer to professional foodie when she started her own business, tea company Matcha Maiden, and then expanded it to vegetarian cafe Matcha Mylkbar (purveyor of said buns and stacks). A big part of her life (which she documents as @spoonful_of_sarah) involves swotting up on Melbourne's best food, drink and wellbeing offerings, so if total nourishment is what you aspire to on your upcoming visit to the city, she's an ideal guide. In partnership with Pullman Hotels and Resorts, we're helping you explore more on your next holiday and make sure you get those experiences that the area's most switched-on residents wouldn't want their visitors to miss. In Melbourne, we've called in Sarah, whose favourite spots range from Burnley's happiness-promoting Serotonin Eatery to Windsor's degustation-sporting Morris Jones. A stay in one of Pullman's two locations in Melbourne — Albert Park or On the Park in East Melbourne — will not only put you in the thick of all this action, it will let you rest and digest in five-star luxury at the end of the day. Read on for Sarah's top Melbourne food hot spots in her own words, and check out the rest of our Explore More content series to hone your itinerary for some of Australia's best holiday destinations. BREAKFAST AT MATCHA MYLKBAR My (completely non-biased, of course) Melbourne favourite is Matcha Mylkbar. It has everything I love in one spot (by no coincidence). Breakfast outings are my favourite way to start the day, food innovation and creativity are my great passions and healthy living is my philosophy. Our menu unites clean eating with satiation and excitement — plus it's a stone's throw from the beautiful beach in St Kilda. The "vegan egg" is a must-try! It's made from coconut, sweet potato and turmeric, but the texture and protein content is almost like the real thing. BRUNCH AT SEROTONIN EATERY Happiness + cafe go together in my world, so eating at a "happiness cafe" speaks to my heart. Serotonin Eatery has beautiful, colourful, nourishing bowls, served in a happiness-promoting environment complete with swings, tucked away in leafy Burnley. Don't miss the Positive Pancakes! Dehydrated organic bananas are ground into banana flour to make the pancakes, which are topped with banana nice-cream, coconut yoghurt and berries. ELIXIRS AT GREENE STREET JUICE I visit this stunning elixir bar filled with soul-replenishing goodness most days. Greene Street Juice's flagship "elixir bar" has the best juices in town, as well as smoothies, broths, tonics and even crystals. If you make one stop for your wellbeing from inside to out, make it here. The New Yorker smoothie — a twist on banana — is my favourite, but their concoctions range from alkaline activated charcoal and lemon water (Gotham City) to an energising carrot and beetroot juice with burdock root extract (The Bronx). MINDFUL MORNINGS AT GREENFIELDS This beautiful new venue on Albert Park Lake mainly caters to events, but it also hosts a monthly "Mindful Morning" with meditation, yoga, tunes and a delicious healthy breakfast from their eatery. A truly nourishing experience for mind, body and soul! Greenfields focuses on which local, raw, organic and fermented ingredients, and if you miss the Mindful Morning, you can grab a la carte eats from Wednesday to Sunday instead. BITES OF ALL SIZES AT LBSS Literally the place where you can get a bite that's little, big, sweet or salty, LBSS (Little Big Sugar Salt) in Abbotsford is another favourite for breakfast or lunch with something to suit every palate. The seasonally changing Plate of Health is my favourite for something healthy, filling and delicious. The cafe is also known for offering "Eggs with Friends" — a spread of breakfast dishes for sharing selected by the chef. LUNCH AT URBAN PROJUICE Tucked away in a converted terrace house, Urban Projuice is the home of health. Run by a beautiful family who glow with vitality, the menu here is absolutely delicious, with lots of takeaway options too. I love to grab a snack then go for a walk around Albert Park Lake nearby. The Smoothie Bowls here include a Snickers-inspired option with cacao powder, natural peanut butter, banana, soy milk, dates and fresh seasonal fruit and nuts. QUICK CUPPA AT MAGIC ON FERRARS Not far away from Urban Projuice is the Melburnian coffee lover's best-kept secret, Magic on Ferrars. It's known for its amazing St Ali coffees and very cosy setting (its few seats are almost always occupied), but it also does a mean breakfast and a solid matcha latte using Matcha Maiden. I love popping by for meetings. AFTERNOON DELIGHTS AT PANA CHOCOLATE Even though I don't have a sweet tooth, there is nothing quite like a dessert experience at Pana Chocolate. Perfect for a guilt-free afternoon snack indulgence, the store on Church Street in Richmond not only stocks the range of Pana's beautiful organic, raw vegan chocolates but also offers a range of delectable dessert creations. I can't go past the cookie dough caramel slice, which features layers of crunchy activated buckwheat, chocolate cheesecake and cashew nuts, and is sweetened with agave and coconut nectar. DEGUSTATION DINNERS AT MORRIS JONES Morris Jones on Chapel Street, Windsor is one of our favourites for a night out. Head chef Matthew Butcher brings a wealth of experience and culinary flair to the degustation menu, which always keeps us entertained and infinitely satisfied. His Nitro Violet Crumble dessert is next level! It combines the flavours of violet ice cream, chocolate soil and frozen honeycomb, and the plating is finished at the table from a pot of liquid nitrogen. SEAFOOD SENSATIONS AT NOBU Our first foodie tradition ever was date night at Nobu, and eight years later, nothing has changed. This Melbourne outpost of the famous New York Japanese restaurant has been open at the Crowne since 2007, and overlooks the Yarra River. The miso cod keeps us coming back every time, along with some of the most exquisitely prepared seafood around town. Plus, don't miss the green tea dessert bento box! Explore more with Pullman. Book your next hotel stay with Pullman and enjoy a great breakfast for just $1.
One pair of Aussie pastry chefs are on a mission to make the humble lamington famous. Well, famous outside of Australian borders — just how Iranian-born jalebi and Italian cannoli are now found the world over. To do this, Min Chai and Eddie Stewart, founders of Australia's N2 Extreme Gelato, have launched Tokyo Lamington. Currently available in Singapore and Tokyo, the dessert brand doesn't just make traditional takes on the quintessentially Aussie chocolate- and coconut-covered cake. Instead, the sponge gets an international makeover with iterations in pandan, ube, lemon myrtle, black sesame, matcha and milk tea. While the duo has initially been focused on piquing the interest of overseas tastebuds, the chefs are heading back Down Under this July to the lamington's motherland for a one-day pop-up. [caption id="attachment_774462" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] On Tuesday, July 7 — and on Tuesday, July 7 only — the pair's untraditional lamingtons will be available at Koko Black stores across Sydney and Melbourne. The chefs have collaborated with Koko Black's Master Chocolatier Remco Brigou to create three flavours that are definitely luxe and a little Aussie. There's a sweet and sour davidson plum lamington made with dark fruity Sao Thomé Callebaut chocolate; a triple choc number with 80 percent dark chocolate ganache and finished with chocolate shavings; and a caramelised coconut sponge coated in white chocolate. On the day, you'll be able to buy these lamingtons in packs of three for $21 at the following Koko Black stores: The Strand Arcade and the QVB in Sydney; and Carlton, Chadstone, Como Centre, Doncaster, Highpoint Shopping Centre, Town Hall, Royal Arcade and The Glen Shopping Centre in Melbourne. Like all good things, we expect these sweets to sell out fast, so head in early if you can. Tokyo Lamington's limited-edition lamingtons will be available at select Koko Black stores across Sydney and Melbourne on Tuesday, July 7. Images: Nikki To
SXSW has never left Austin until this year. For the first time ever, a second iteration of the world-renowned music, screen, gaming, tech and ideas festival is popping up — and it's landed all the way over in Sydney. Running between Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22, the first SXSW Sydney has produced a huge lineup with hundreds of musicians performing across Surry Hills, Ultimo, Chippendale, Darling Harbour and Haymarket. The American iteration is known for breaking the next big thing and, following that trend, a who's who of Australian and international up and comers make up a bulk of the lineup — with the intention that you'll wander through the festival precinct each day and stumble upon a healthy mix of acts you know and love, as well as your next great music discovery. There are soon-to-be superstars with co-signs from the biggest names in music, free dance parties in Tumbalong Park, a huge takeover of Powerhouse Museum, hidden parties in abandoned cinemas and Chinatown restaurants, and an 11-year-old Australian rap prodigy. If this all seems like a lot, don't worry — we've got you. Here are ten gigs you should have at the top of your list if you're heading to the festival. HARVEY SUTHERLAND If you're around on Sunday, October 15, then head down to Tumbalong Park as SXSW Sydney kicks off the entire festival with a series of free events. Local funk and house producer Harvey Sutherland will be making an appearance at 8pm for a special one-off festival set that's free for everyone to attend. The Tumbalong Park program will stretch on through the whole week, so don't make a visit here a one-and-done affair. Also on offer: an outdoor cinema featuring classic films that have premiered at SXSW Austin over the years, an onstage discussion between Adam Spencer and Dr Karl, and a massive Suntory -196 vending machine which will function as a rooftop bar. REDVEIL He's already collaborated with Denzel Curry and JPEGMafia, and he's been shouted out by Tyler, the Creator and Pusha T — and he's only 19. Maryland rapper Redveil is heading to Australia for two sets at SXSW Sydney. You can catch his unique alternate hip hop stylings at the House of Vans, located at UTS Underground on Wednesday, October 18, and then at Phoenix Central Park at 8pm on Friday, October 20. Get in line early for his Friday set — it's sure to be a special one at the extremely intimate Chippendale venue. [caption id="attachment_848402" align="alignnone" width="1916"] Barkaa, Luke Currie Richardson[/caption] FBI RADIO SXSW SYDNEY PARTY The abandoned Chinatown cinema that hosted the beloved summer arts and music venue Pleasures Playhouse is being revived for SXSW Sydney — and the equally beloved community radio station FBi Radio is taking it over for a one-night party. The Haymarket space will host a stacked lineup of Australian talent spanning a heap of different genres on Thursday, October 19 from 7–11.50pm. Iconic Malyangapa and Barkindji rapper Barkaa leads the lineup alongside the psych-pop of Skeleten, future reggaeton superstar Lamira, the self-proclaimed 'Blak Britney' Miss Kaninna and the punk-hip hop hybrid duo Bract and Bayang (the Bushranger). It's an eclectic mix (as is customary with FBi Radio), and it's coming to one of the city's most interesting arts spaces. FLYANA BOSS If you've been hearing the words "hello christ, I'm 'bout to sin again" all over your TikTok feeds, these are artists responsible. Flyana Boss is a US hip hop duo who have seen a wave of success from that viral moment, including a remix of that song 'You Wish' featuring none other than Missy Elliot. The pair of multi-instrumentalists and rappers will be kicking off the whole music festival alongside Ekkstacy on Tuesday, October 17 at the opening night celebrations — hosted at The Starship on the Convention Jetty. If you miss out on this set, you can also find them performing at the House of Vans at UTS Underground at 11.20pm on Wednesday, October 18. POWERHOUSE LATE Powerhouse Late is being given the SXSW Sydney treatment with a showcase of some of the program's most exciting artists — and best of all, this one's open to everyone no whether you've got a pass to the festival or not. From 5–9pm on Thursday, October 19, you can catch sets from hugely popular Indonesian singer-songwriter Isyana Sarasvati, South Korean synth-pop group ADOY and Aussie rockers Dust on Stage One. Stage two will welcome rising local musos Tiffi, POOKIE, Big Skeez and SUPEREGO, while stage three will host electronic artists Nuum, Moss and Sonic Mutations in their debut live performance. FRIDAY* If one of your goals for the festival is to catch a local Sydney artist before they blow up, make sure you attend one of FRIDAY*'s sets. Alongside fellow SXSW artists Dylan Atlantis and Zion Garcia, as well as Sollyy and Breakfast Road, FRIDAY* is part of the bustling Western Sydney music collective recently spotlighted in the SBS short film We Just Live Here. The melodic singer-songwriter effortlessly blends pop with genres like R&B, UKG and folk. You can catch these sonic melting pots on stage at the Hollywood Hotel on Thursday, October 19; UTS Underground on Friday, October 19; and Mulan Music Restaurant on Saturday, October 20. [caption id="attachment_888440" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Otoboke Beaver by Mayumi Hirata[/caption] OTOBOKE BEAVER Japanese punk quartet Otoboke Beaver is hitting Australia for three SXSW Sydney sets, bringing their ferocious guitars to stages across Sydney. This one's not to be missed for any fans of rock music or anyone looking to experience something you won't see anywhere else in Australia this year. On Thursday, October 19 the band is playing a late-night set at The Soda Factory in Surry Hills, followed by a set at UTS Underground the next day. Then, rounding out their trio of shows for the week, you can catch them at The Factory Theatre's outdoor stage on Saturday afternoon. LANEWAY FESTIVAL SXSW SYDNEY PARTY Before it returns for its stacked 2024 festival with Stormzy, Dominic Fike and Steve Lacy, Laneway is throwing a SXSW party in a Chinatown restaurant. Mulan Music Restaurant and Bar on the corner of Dixon Street is known for its neon-lit stage and spicy seafood, but during the eight-day festival it'll be hosting a heap of gigs. Laneway's takeover is happening from 6pm on Wednesday, October 18 with a lineup of up and comers from Australia and abroad. If you were around for the height of the indie-dance era circa 2004, you'll want to check out Fcukers, who are bringing back the sound of bands like The Rapture and Hot Chip. Pop singer Cody Jon and Melbourne art-punk group Gut Health are also on the lineup, alongside Miss Kaninna, Will Swinton and RAVVE TAPES. INKABEE Another one for those looking to catch the next big thing: Western Australia's Inkabee is already killing it at the age of 11. All you have to do is watch his freestyle on Triple J's Bars of Steel with his dad, aka rapper and activist Flewnt, to see the huge potential this kid has. You can catch Inkabee on the mic at APRA AMCOS on Friday, October 20, and then downstairs at The Lord Gladstone on Saturday, October 21. [caption id="attachment_922018" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Michael Cole[/caption] SOMEDAY SOON SXSW Sydney has teamed up with The University of Sydney's Someday Soon to give attendees the chance to attend this festival popping up in the event precinct. Head to Manning Bar on Saturday, October 21 and you'll be treated to a lineup featuring What So Not, Peach PRC, 1300, Sly Withers, Northeast Party House, Royal Otis and Sweden's Kornél Kovács. The festival will feature three stages stretched across the two levels and outdoor areas of Manning Bar. A reserved number of tickets for Someday Soon are available exclusively for SXSW Sydney Platinum Badge holders, Music Badge holders and Music Festival Wristband holders on a first-come-first-serve basis — so head down early to guarantee your spot. SXSW Sydney runs from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 at various Sydney venues. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. Top image: Brittany Hallberg.
Since the arrival of the First Fleet in Warrane in 1788, beer has been a staple of Australian life. However, until relatively recently, the scope of Aussie-made brews had been largely dominated by English-style ales and lagers, leaving a yawning gap in the market for craft brewers to exploit. Marrickville, an area once best known for its industrial parks and manufacturing businesses, has become the epicentre of Sydney's ascendant small brewery scene, thanks to a collective of independent brewers who have made the Inner West a surefire go-to for beer lovers. The first brewery to plant its flag in the area was Batch Brewing Co. in 2013. In the decade since then, a craft beer boom has seen Marrickville become densely populated with specialised breweries that offer as much to the first-time beer taster as they do the seasoned suds seeker. The remnants of Marrickville's industrial past — a handy smattering of empty warehouses dotted throughout a swath of abandoned commercial land — have made the area uniquely primed for breweries in search of ample space for stills and tap houses. Today, the suburb has cemented a reputation as one of the city's coolest drinking destinations. [caption id="attachment_981901" align="alignnone" width="1365"] Batch Brewing Co. founder Andrew Fineran[/caption] "We're far enough away from the city that people can afford to have industrial areas here, but we're close enough to the city that you can be at Central in five minutes" American ex-pat and Batch Brewing co-founder Andrew Fineran says. However, the industry's success here is not just courtesy of Marrickville's convenient location and easily repurposed infrastructure. "We've developed a good relationship with the council to make sure that we're able to create something sustainable," Fineran notes. "Because the council supported and there was a groundwork, [Marrickville has become] a good spot for other people to come and set up their breweries as well." Since Batch Brewing pulled its first pint in 2013, eighteen more independent breweries have opened in Sydney's Inner West, with nine alone in Marrickville itself. "I think the cherry on top was that there was a lot of precedent for breweries in the area. It had become quite a burgeoning community of like-minded businesses that we really admired." says Nathan Lennon, co-founder of Marrickville's newest attraction, The Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre. This popular tap room from Hawke's Brewing is named and themed in honour of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, who even assisted in co-founding the company. [caption id="attachment_981900" align="alignnone" width="2000"] Hawkes co-founders Nathan Lennon (left) and David Gibson (right) with former PM Bob Hawke (centre).[/caption] "We felt that we could complement that community and bring something unique, and unique to us as a brand within it, to help drive the idea that Marrickville is one of the craft beer capitals of Australia," Lennon adds. Wildflower Brewing and Blending, which opened its Marrickville HQ in 2016, takes the yeast cultures it uses to ferment its brews from NSW wildflowers (hence the name). Co-founder Topher Boehm likens his small-batch ales, which employ diverse and regenerative brewing methods, to the "sourdough" of beer. [caption id="attachment_982274" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wildflower co-founder Topher Boehm with a bale of hops at his Marrickville brewery[/caption] A longtime friend of Fineran, Boehm believes the variety every local brewery brings to the table creates an "overall vibrant community". But as he and Fineran point out, breweries aren't the only hospitality businesses revitalising the suburb. "It's not just beer that's made in Merrickville. There's such a vibrant community of industry vendors," Boehm explains. "I don't want to overlook the council's support of what we do … they've been overwhelmingly supportive of these industries and hats off to them for that. They've been supportive of business development and economic growth in their local community. And we've been the beneficiaries of that. "It's something in the Australian psyche to be a community person … I'm gonna promote community first, I'm gonna promote my neighborhood first. That's an investment in your locality." Support for the flourishing beer scene comes not just from the council and fellow brewers, but from the locals themselves. "You have a lot of people living here in the Inner West who are more 'think global, act local' kind of people who spend their money on independent businesses," adds Boehm. "That's what I love about Australia. Locals like the sole traders, they like the small business and they're actually somewhat happy to pay for that. "It's something in the Australian psyche to be a community person … I'm gonna promote community first, I'm gonna promote my neighborhood first. That's an investment in your locality." However, despite this enthusiastic local support, Marrickville's breweries have still faced challenges. Like other areas of the hospitality industry hammered by the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, craft breweries are going under across Sydney and beyond. Malt Shovel Brewery, one of Sydney's oldest craft breweries, was closed by corporate brewer Lion in August of this year, ending decades of proud brewing heritage. [caption id="attachment_781133" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wildflower Brewing and Blending, Marrickville.[/caption] The rising price tag of making and distributing beer for independent brewers has made it increasingly difficult for independent breweries to keep up with the wide networks and expansive resources of corporate competitors. "It can't be left unsaid that it just is difficult to maintain businesses of smaller sizes because you don't have the economies of scale," says Boehm. However, it seems brewers and employees alike have hope for the industry's future. Indeed, those who pour their love and dedication into Marrickville's craft brewing industry are what truly make it noteworthy. Whether that be carefully brewing a new and somewhat strange beer in the back of a warehouse down or stumbling through the streets and raising pints with your friends in honour of another night well enjoyed. "It was just sort of like that perfect storm really of the industry had enough people within it or outside of it that wanted to build breweries, but also the pathway became a little bit easier economically because of places like Marrickville, which had the infrastructure, had the sites, had the council permit, the council quite supportive of that type of business," Lennon concludes. "And the kind of crowd within the Inner West area is one that would be willing to try new things and really fit with the growth of breweries in the area. "Did we choose Marrickville or did Marrickville choose us is the question. You can discover the best Marrickville breweries, as well as the broader craft beer scene of the surrounding suburbs, on the Inner West Ale Trail. Visit the website for details.
One of the most promising young Australian standups out there, Becky Lucas first caught our eye as one of the finalists of RAW Comedy in 2013. Since then she's opened for Wil Anderson, written for Josh Thomas' Please Like Me, and performed at the legendary UCB theatre in LA. Her new show, Baby, marks her second time at the Sydney Comedy Festival, and covers everything from depression and abortion to falling down the rabbit hole on Menulog.
Winter puts most of us in a slump but that doesn't mean your sense of style also has to fall behind. Rather than go out and buy a new wardrobe, give new life to your existing clothing with Philips' range of garment-care tools. Philips is giving away five prize packs (worth $164.85 each) that include a Philips Handheld Garment Steamer, Rechargeable Fabric Shaver and Sneaker Cleaner. The 3000 Series Steamer not only removes wrinkles on almost all iron-safe fabrics, including delicates but also reduces odours and bacteria so that you can prolong your wear between washes. The handy gadget is compact and foldable, meaning you can throw it in your bag on your way to the office or even bring it with you on any upcoming travels. If you've been living in your knitwear all winter, it's time to revive your sweaters. The 1000 Series Fabric Shaver removes unsightly pills on all garments and is conveniently rechargeable by USB. Don't overlook your footwear — your shabby sneakers can still be saved with the electric sneaker cleaner, which features three types of rotating brush heads to bring your shoes back to their original spotless glory. Enter below to be 'fit check-ready year-round. [competition]968206[/competition]
