Ayam Goreng 99 has been an eastern suburbs mainstay since opening way back in 1998. Its 20-year career of serving authentic Indonesian eats to Kingsford locals has continuously centred around the fried chicken — which happens to be the English translation of ayam goreng. The marinated chook is served with a signature sambel terasi sauce, which combines spicy chilli and prawn paste. It's cooked in a wok for several hours to achieve a true depth of flavour that diners cannot get enough of. To accompany your fried chook, order plates of nasi goreng, fried egg noodles and stir-fried greens. Be sure to make tracks before December 16, as the restaurant will close down for one month over the holiday period. It will re-open on January 16, 2020. You'll find Ayam Goring 99 in our list of the best fried chicken in Sydney. Check out the full list here. Appears in: The Best Fried Chicken in Sydney for 2023
When he's not befriending transforming robots or donning an epic rat's tail on the cinema screen, Shia LaBeouf has turned venturing around the world, asking questions of the masses and live-streaming the results into his preferred pastime. Fresh from tasking Sydneysiders with pondering the apocalypse — or whatever else came to mind in response to the phrase #ANDINTHEEND — the actor and activist has set up a new, four-year-long anti-Trump-focused project in New York. A camera mounted on a wall outside the Museum of Moving Image forms the basis for LaBeouf's latest performance piece — and yes, the eager masses are once again the real performers. Above the always-operational lens is a printed statement: "HE WILL NOT DIVIDE US". Participants are asked to stand in the requisite spot and repeat the phrase as many times as they like, and for as long as they desire, with the results available to view at www.hewillnotdivide.us. The project started at 9am on January 20, 2017, timed to coincide with the day of new US President Donald Trump's inauguration, and will be live-streamed continuously 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the next four years — or the duration of his time in office. It's designed to act "as a show of resistance or insistence, opposition or optimism, guided by the spirit of each individual participant and the community." As captured on LaBeouf's Twitter feed, the first participant was Jaden Smith. https://twitter.com/thecampaignbook/status/822443598771785732
Play music, make calls, take photos, open doors and share your location – all with the flick of a single switch. That's the idea behind Flic, a new wireless, portable button developed by a group of Swedish entrepreneurs that can be programmed to work with just about any smart device that you please. The 28mm diametre button works in conjunction with a smartphone app that allows you to assign it a particular function – such as snoozing your alarm, dialing pre-set phone numbers or switching on the lights in your smart home. Each button can be programmed with up to three different functions (single click, double click and hold) and has a reusable adhesive back so it can be fastened wherever is convenient. The creators of the device offer up a few more potential applications in the promotional video, below. Be warned though: the cheese factor is pretty high. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDsjBh2xOgQ While we're still not entirely convinced that getting your phone out of your pocket is really all that strenuous, this little button does look pretty cool. According to the specs listed on their website, the button's silicon overmould means that it is able to withstand weather and dust, and can be used both indoors and out. It also comes in a number of different colours, and operates on a replaceable coin battery that lasts up to five years. You can currently preorder a Flic button for US$34 plus $5 shipping. You can also get discounts if you order more than one – just in case you were planning on decking out your house like the inside of a spaceship.
Experimentation and creative flair have been at the forefront of Sydney's diverse culinary space, with a plethora of venues breaking into new, exciting ground. An exciting eatery spearheading this shift is Lima Nikkei in Dawes Point. The shiny addition to Hickson Road has rebranded, changing its name from Folkor to Lima Nikkei and zeroing in on Nikkei cuisine. Residing just opposite Lotus Dumpling Bar, Lima Nikkei heroes a blend of Japanese and Peruvian dishes, drawing inspiration from Executive Chef and co-owner Hector Chunga's culinary journey and heritage — including his time at a leading culinary school in Lima. This 100-seat outpost is the sibling venue to Surry Hills' much-loved locale, Warike. Blending the aesthetic of Lima's Barranco bars and Sydney's sleek CBD, Lima Nikkei features dark interiors paired with colourful LED lighting decorating its walls. The elegant bar is adorned with a ring of cherry blossoms and an intricate mural spans across its feature wall, creating an alluring ambience perfect for intimate dining. When perusing Lima Nikkei's menu, you'll immediately be met with the expansive range of ceviche, tiraditos (Peruvian-style sashimi) and anticuchos (charcoal-grilled skewers), leaving you spoilt for choice. Of the many options available, the El Trio ceviche, starring cured salmon, tuna and kingfish, is a highlight. Other starters on offer include the chicken- and prawn-filled dumplings, pulled pork bao buns and sushi in the form of nigiri or rolls — and you won't want to skip the deep-fried Furai Crab Roll. Accompanying the starter selection is a variety of heftier mains. A standout is the charcoal-grilled beef paired with ponzu and huacatay sauce, while the noodle-heavy tallarin saltado is coated in a citrus-forward lomo sauce. For dessert, take your pick from the chocolucuma cake or the Lima special — a rice pudding with coconut and a chicha morada (a native purple corn drink). There are also a pair of set menus starting from $75 per person for those eager to sample the menu. And for sips, partner your meal with a crisp pisco sour, a fragrant gin cocktail or a chilled beer. Images: VJB Group
Organic wines have been gaining more attention in recent years. Biodynamic wines, too. So have vegan wines — and if you're looking for all three in one drop, Lark Hill makes just that in the hills above Canberra, where it boasts one of the highest plantings in the region. Thanks to its lofty location, its shale and clay soil, and the fact that conditions are dry, Lark Hill is all about grapes that can thrive in hardy conditions. Think riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir and grüner veltliner. Opt for the former, and you'll be sipping a tangy tipple that's big on taste but actually has less alcohol content than usual. Lark Hill's onsite cellar door sits within a stone-walled building and offers up $10 tastings for days a week. Restaurant D&K Kitchen is also part of the property, serving up charcuterie and cheese, as well as mains such as pumpkin ravioli, lamb shoulder and duck leg on cassoulet. Top image: The Lark Hill Wine Co.
This quaint cafe in Leura is known for its standout breads baked in-house. It also makes jams, cakes, chutneys, curds and a heap of gluten free alternatives, too — so there's something for everyone. Grab an egg and bacon roll — or some freshly baked gluten-free walnut and fig bread — and a table in the courtyard, which is covered and has heating lamps during winter. And bring your dog, four legged friends are welcome here. Serving both breakfast and lunch all day, you can either start your day here, or end it.
When it comes to sourcing unique ingredients for culinary adventures, supermarkets have admittedly come a long way. But every now and then, there will be one or two mystery items that throw the whole recipe into mayhem. Pontip opened over two decades ago and remains a Campbell Street institution for professional chefs and home cooks alike. The grocery specialises in ingredients that form the foundation of traditional Thai recipes including fresh Asian produce, herbs, spices and noodles. If you're on the hunt for a hard-to-find exotic fruit or veg, venture into the rainbow bonanza that is Pontip.
This time back in 2020, no one even dreamed of the possibility of a new Borat movie. No one expected that they'd be watching it before the year was out, either. Also among the things that not a single soul could've guessed: that it'd be one of the most unflinching political movies of the year, that it'd win two Golden Globes (including Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy and Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy), and that it would score actor Maria Bakalova an Oscar nomination. Clearly, a lot has happened over the past year that zero folks among us anticipated. Here's something new for this year, too: a Borat special. Due to hit Amazon Prime Video on Tuesday, May 25, Borat Supplemental Reportings Retrieved From Floor of Stable Containing Editing Machine basically takes a heap of unused footage from Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan and turns it into a couple of a couple of different parts. It's the type of thing that might've once been relegated to DVD extras, and it's another chance to dive into Borat Sagdiyev's latest escapades. Once again, you'll find out what Sacha Baron Cohen's fictional Kazakh journalist makes of both COVID-19 and the 2020 US election, as last year's 14-years-later sequel to 2006 mockumentary Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan also covered. One part of the special, called Borat: VHS Cassette of Material Deemed "Sub-acceptable" By Kazakhstan Ministry of Censorship and Circumcision, will include unseen footage from Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, while the 40-minute Borat's American Lockdown will chart the character's five days spent living with conspiracy theorists. And then there's six Debunking Borat shorts, which get experts to dive into — and debunk, obviously — the ideas spouted by Borat's new roommates. If you haven't yet watched Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, it follows Borat as he travels to America again. Once more, he traverses the country, interviewing everyday people and exposing the abhorrent views that have become engrained in US society. Where its 2006 predecessor had everyone laughing along with it, though, there's also an uneasy and even angry undercurrent to this sequel that's reflective of these especially polarised times. Also a big part of the story: Borat's attempt to gift his 15-year-old daughter (instant scene-stealer Bakalova) to then-Vice President Mike Pence and ex-New York mayor Rudy Giuliani to help get Kazakhstan's own leader into then-President Donald Trump's good graces. Check out the trailer for Borat Supplemental Reportings below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctHMZ-MC4y4&feature=youtu.be Borat Supplemental Reportings Retrieved From Floor of Stable Containing Editing Machine will be available to stream via Amazon Prime Video from Tuesday, May 25.
Located within The Hills District, just 1.5-hours north of the CBD, the Rouse Hill Regional Park is a bush escape set within the Sydney boundaries. Your dog is allowed on-leash throughout the park (except for in the hired pavilions and children's play areas). Go for a jog around the short but sweet Second Ponds Creek Walking Track, which is mostly flat but will get your heart pumping. The scenic trail will take you through woodlands and past the park's picturesque pond. After your bit of exercise, relax on the grass or enjoy a barbecue in the picnic area — just be sure to share those snags with your best mate. Image: NSW National Parks & Wildlife
Defiance Gallery has been delivering an ever-changing roster of premium local and global artwork to Newtown for over two decades. While its reputation is built around being one of the leading sculpture galleries in the city (and country), the space is not limited to this form. The gallery showcases work from newcomers to internationally-acclaimed artists also covering paintings and works on paper. Exhibitions vary in length but usually last three to four weeks making Defiance Gallery are haunt for art-lovers.
Created in 1983, run by artists and housed in Woolloomooloo's historic Gunnery Building since 1992, Artspace hosts a range of exhibitions that explore the spectrum of artistic disciplines. Residencies are expertly curated with a focus on the contemporary, meaning that you'll always experience something to challenge your preconceptions of what art can be. In its lifetime, Artspace has been home to presentations by names as diverse as Marco Fusinato, Justene Williams and Chicks on Speed. And, with its commitment to boundary-pushing works and reciprocal relationships with its artists, you can bet that future exhibitions and the artworks gracing its walls will be just as thrilling.
The husband-and-wife hospitality mavens behind revered Sydney restaurants a'Mare, Ormeggio at the Spit, Chiosco and Postino Osteria have added yet another Italian diner to their impressive portfolio. However, this latest venture realises a concept quite unlike any of Alessandro and Anna Pavoni's previous endeavours. Located within the Manly Pacific Hotel, which recently underwent a $30 million renovation, Cibaria offers diners the choice of several styles of Italian cuisine prepared at various open kitchens dotted throughout the beachfront venue. Delivering an interesting new riff on the recent boom in multi-venue hospitality hubs in Sydney — including the likes of The International, The Bristol and Prefecture 48 — Cibaria also features a double-storey terrazza event space for private functions and a "cocktaileria, birreria and champagneria", revamping the Manly Pacific's existing cocktail lounge 55 North with an infusion Stivali swagger. The heart of Cibaria is the Trattoria, which will operate from 11.30am until late, seven days a week. This part of the venue features six distinct kitchens. The Forneria, centred around a woodfired oven, will be serving up freshly prepared pizzettas. The Antipaseria will offer cold and raw dishes, such as a Catalana salad of king prawns and classics like vitello tonnato, as well as gorgonzola, served from a roving trolley al cucchiaio style — drizzled with locally sourced honey. The Friggitoria heroes deep-fried delights, including fritto misto and cacio e pepe suppli — Rome's answer to arancini. At the Spaghetteria, pasta takes the spotlight — think Venetian-inspired squid ink tagliolini with crab and slow-cooked ragú alla Bolognese with green tagliatelle. Showcasing dishes cooked over coals, the Bisteccheria will serve perfectly charred steaks, whole fish and crustaceans. Finally, the Pasticceria will round out this epicurean adventure through the cuisine of Italy with a range of desserts, from tried-and-true favourites like tiramisu and straccetti (sweet pizza dough with cinnamon, orange, honey and buffalo ricotta cheese) to house specialities, such as the soon-to-be-famous cheesecake from Head Chef Victor Moya. If, for some inexplicable reason, you're still hungry, a visit to the Gelateria is a must. Sydney has no shortage of gelato options, but Chef Moya charts his own path through this crowded offering with authentic flavours such as nocciola (piedmont hazelnut), cremino bianco (white chocolate gelato with roasted coconut), as well as weekly specials such as burro bruciatto (burnt butter gelato, coffee cookies, caramelised peanuts) and Italian mojito (rum, lime, basil sorbet). Catering to Manly's earlier rises, The Caffetteria, which will open daily from 9am–4.30pm, will be serving breakfast classics, top-quality coffee and a selection of takeaway options for grab-and-go diners. After dark, 55 North will be shaking and stirring classic cocktails and spritzes alongside Italian-inspired signature mingles such as the Paloma Italiano, featuring Espolon Reposado, Campari, agave, aranciata and grapefruit juice; and the Ligure starring Skyy vodka, limoncello, lemon juice and basil. The bar snacks menu distils the flavours and techniques on display in the Trattoria into a more casual menu featuring cacio e pepe fritters, lobster rolls, a smashed burger alongside sweets like nutella bombolone and a cheese plate. "When people think of Cibaria I'd like them to think of the Italian way of eating and socialising around a piazza. An all-day solution to different needs; from your morning espresso at the caffetteria, to an afternoon stop at the gelateria and aperitivo at the champagneria, to the spaghetteria or bisteccheria in the evening," Alessandro Pavoni says of his vision for the new venue. "The great thing about Cibaria is that you can now create your own Italian experience in one place." [caption id="attachment_981780" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alessandro Pavoni[/caption] Cibaria will open at the Manly Pacific Hotel, 55 North Steyne, Manly, from mid-December.
For some of the best Shanghai-style food in Sydney, set your sights on Lilong by Taste of Shanghai. This Hurstville eatery is one of six other branches across Sydney, and there's certainly a reason why this chain restaurant is so popular. Not only is it diverse in its offering but it's also packed to the brim with authentic street flavours. Feel like salt and pepper pork ribs? Done. Maybe you're more into kung pao chicken with Singaporean noodles? Easy. Whatever your cravings are, be sure to also get a serving of its xiao long bao. These delicately crafted soup dumplings are handmade in-house and are a definite must-try. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
If you have plans to visit the Blue Mountains sometime soon, here's a culinary activity to add to your itinerary. Megalong is an elegant 50-seat bistro offering up elegant dining paired with panoramic 360-degree views of scenic bushland and escarpment of the Megalong Valley. Executive chef Colin Barker (formerly of The Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay) has led the charge on the venue's kitchen and food concept, ensuring that Megalong's produce-forward menu honours the ingredients sourced from its adjoining 600-hectare farm, Lot 101. Megalong's farm-to-table approach pushes the envelope on sustainability within restaurant practices. Almost all of the produce used in the kitchen is grown onsite, hence Executive chef Colin Barker's mission to do justice to the fresh ingredients when crafting seasonally-inspired and ever-changing menus. When dining in, expect to find a similar structure to your experience. While the service plan and portions may remain similar, you'll rarely encounter the same dining experience twice. The gist of dining at Megalong follows the structure of a 'moveable feast' consisting of five to six courses for either a lunch or dinner service. To start, there will be a trio of snacks on arrival, with meat and fish plates paired with a vegetable side to follow. Then, to round out the meal, a fruity dessert course alongside petit fours. And the menu is subject to change daily. At Megalong Restaurant, you get to combine in the indoors with the outdoors, combining the best of the Blue Mountains' vistas and produce with a warm dining experience worthy of the journey.
Sci fi author Philip K Dick died in 1982. A few months later, Blade Runner became the first of his reality-bent worlds to make it to the big screen. He'd left a lot behind him: his books, a trove of stories soon turned into movies and a pretty big family as well. Most in the public eye these days are his daughters Laura Dick Coelho and Isa Dick Hackett, who run a Michel Gondry-friendly production company for Dick's work. But also engaging with his legacy is Tessa B Dick, his fifth wife. For Ms & Mr's new video installation XEROX MISSIVE 1977/2011, Tessa cuts across time to share the screen with her late husband. Ms & Mr (Stephanie & Richard nova Milne) are no strangers to remixing lost moments, regularly raiding their home videos to create eerie intrusions into the past by their present digital selves. For XEROX MISSIVE an interview with a 2011 Tessa B gets dropped into a 1977 speech by Philp K, creating a new conversation thirty four years in the making. Rotoscoping their will into Dick's 1977 life, Ms & Mr will remember it for you now, just as it never happened. Still from XEROX MISSIVE 1977/2011 by Ms & Mr.
If you're a fan of caramelised white chocolate, then you're a fan of all the different types of food that've sprung up featuring Caramilk. You've sipped the cocktails. You've eaten the ice creams. You've had the dessert jaffles. If it features the famed Cadbury flavour, you've tried it. And now, you have something new to add to that list: Caramilk Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Krispy Kreme is still in the process of letting Australians catch all the Pokémon-themed doughnuts; however, it has also just dropped another new limited-edition special. Teaming up with Cadbury, the doughnut franchise has whipped up two new must-try sweet treats — and yes, they both come dipped in Caramilk. If you opt for the Caramilk Shell, you'll be munching into a full doughnut — sans that centre hole — that comes filled with crème, then covered in the coveted type of chocolate and sprinkled with Caramilk flakes. Or, if you need that gap in the middle, the Caramilk Ring takes one of Krispy Kreme's original glazed doughnuts, dips it in Caramilk, adds the Caramilk flakes and then splashes some white truffle drizzle over the top. You'll find the two Caramilk doughnuts at 7-Eleven stores only from Tuesday, September 28, but there's more than 700 spots to choose from — and they're also available via 7-Eleven Delivery where it's on offer. Krispy Kreme's Caramilk range is available from Tuesday, September 28 for $3.75 each at 7-Eleven stores and via 7-Eleven Delivery.
Before European invasion, the Parramatta River was flanked with mangrove forests. These days, many of them are gone, but, on Badu Mangrove Boardwalk, you can still surround yourself with trees that are centuries old. Wandering among the twisting branches and above water roots, you'll also see the many creatures that call mangroves home, from crabs to cormorants. Be sure to wander north to the waterbird refuge to see all sorts of birds, including Australian pelicans, black-winged stilts and sharp-tailed sandpipers. Take your binoculars with you. Image: City of Parramatta
Thanks to a plan to turn Sydney into a 24-hour city, its laneways, streets and car parks are being transformed into al fresco dining havens. Following the City of Sydney's announcement of this outdoor dining scheme, precincts around the CBD have begun spilling out onto the streets. First up was The Rocks, and now Darling Harbour has been given the al fresco treatment. This community recovery plan aims to reactivate the CBD and other local precincts by making it easier than ever for venues to offer outdoor dining, late-night trading and live music. A whopping 22 venues are participating in the al fresco dining pilot across Darling Quarter, Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay. Those include fan favourites like craft brew bar Bucket Boys, soba specialists Iiko Mazesoba, Shanghainese restaurant Lilong, ramen joint Hakata-Maru, the longstanding Pumphouse, Korean fried chicken shop Arisun and sushi spot Umi. The much-loved Dopa by Devon is getting in on the action, too, offering up half-priced dessert specials alongside its outdoor dining (weekdays 3–5pm, second dessert only). Then, over at The Gardens by Lotus, there is bottomless yum cha every weekend for $69 each. [caption id="attachment_790302" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lilong by Dallas Kilponen[/caption] A few of the restaurants have also set up summery activations in their newly expanded outdoor spaces. At Planar, there's a picnic-style dining area, complete with a floral swing installation, cushioned bench seating and $10 pomegranate spritzes during happy hour (3–6pm daily). Cyren Bar Grill Seafood has its own summer-themed space, and Braza Churrascaria has reinstated its Brazilian dancers for outdoor entertainment. Even more live entertainment is on the docket across Cockle Bay, Darling Quarter and along the Harbour, with acts on every Thursday through Sunday from 5–9pm. To achieve this al fresco goal CBD-wide, the government bodies are working together to cut red tape for businesses to easily reclaim outdoor space. Soon enough, you'll begin to see many more parking spots, traffic lanes and footpaths turned into outdoor dining — with activations across Pitt, Barrack and Crown streets, and Tankstream Way and Wilmot Lane all currently in the works. For more information about the al fresco dining plan, head to the Darling Harbour website.
So far, 2022 has been the year of Wordle — of waking up, busting out your best five-letter guesses over your morning coffee, bragging about your prowess online, getting annoyed about American spelling and grumbling about changes since The New York Times took over the popular game, too. But come March, it'll also be the year of Celebrity Letters and Numbers for the second year running, because SBS is bringing back the star-studded version of its initial 2010–12 hit that first debuted last year. Whether you watched along back when famous folks weren't doing the puzzling, you've been hooked to repeats of old episodes over the past ten years or you jumped onboard when Celebrity Letters and Numbers premiered in 2021, there's no denying the joys of this simple but delightful game show. It celebrates clever contestants doing word and number brain-teasers, each episode has an engagingly low-key vibe — all while still remaining tense as competitors try to work out the right answers, of course — and it's very easy and immensely enjoyable to play along with from home. Accordingly, it's no wonder that SBS has made a second season of its new starry format, which'll start airing on SBS and via SBS On Demand from Saturday, March 5. Comedian Michael Hing is still on hosting duties, after taking over from the OG version's Richard Morecroft. Lily Serna is also returning to flip numbers and show off her maths skills, while David Astle will again tell contestants whether they've found real words or just made them up, all with his trusty dictionary in hand — as they've both done since before Letters and Numbers had an extra word at the beginning of its moniker. As happened during season one of Celebrity Letters and Numbers, they'll be joined by three different well-known faces and a special guest each week, some vying for glory and others sitting with Astle in dictionary corner — with season two set to feature Merrick Watts, Ben Law, Tanya Hennessy, Akmal Saleh, Susie Youssef and Aaron Chen, among others. And, this new run of episodes will again span an hour each, and feature 12 instalments. Making words out of nine randomly selected letters, using six also randomly chosen numbers in equations to reach a set figure, and rearranging a jumble of nine more letters into one lengthy word in the final round — that's still all on the bill, naturally, because it wouldn't be any version of Letters and Numbers otherwise. And yes, to answer the obvious question: this is basically SBS's Aussie version of the great 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (which SBS also airs, so it clearly knows that it's ace). Letters and Numbers, both with and without celebs, owes a big debt to a few European shows, in fact. When it first aired sans comedians more than a decade ago, the original Letters and Numbers took its cues from both French TV's Des chiffres et des lettres, which dates back to 1965 — and also from Britain's Countdown, which has been on the air since 1982, and then inspired 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Check out the trailer for season two of Celebrity Letters and Numbers below: The second season of Celebrity Letters and Numbers will start airing on SBS and via SBS On Demand from Saturday, March 5, with new episodes dropping weekly.
No longer a mere science-fiction movie concept or a gag in The Simpsons' Stonecutter's song, electric cars have slowly been riding their way into greater use. Last year, Tesla started production on its first mass-market electric vehicles — and, for those planning a road trip in Queensland, Australians now have an 'electric super highway' to drive them along. While the name sounds like something your grandparents might say — and will likely bring back cringeworthy memories of calling the internet the 'information super highway' — the idea itself is worth getting buzzed about. Over the past six months, the State Government has installed 17 electric vehicle charging stations between the Gold Coast and Cairns, enabling electric car drivers to trek the length of the state. Apart from the fact that the highway is the longest in one state in the entire world, as Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey announced, it mightn't sound like that big a deal; however, one of the crucial aspects of using an electric car is being able to juice them up. Regular cars need petrol, electric cars need power — it makes sense. That's all well and good if you're only driving close to home, but if you want to take your electric ride further afield, you need somewhere to plug them in. A network of fast-charging stations, which will power up vehicles in around 30 minutes, solves that issue. For those dreaming of an electric road trip, stations are located in Cairns, Tully, Townsville, Bowen, Mackay, Carmila, Marlborough, Rockhampton, Miriam Vale, Childers, Maryborough, Cooroy, Brisbane, Coolangatta, Springfield, Gatton and Toowoomba — with an 18th to come in Helensvale after the Commonwealth Games. They're also available for free for an initial phase, in an even bigger attempt to encourage more car owners to make the switch.
A new Paddington venture has just opened from Phil Wood, the ex-executive Chef of Rockpool for eight years and previous culinary director of Mornington Peninsula's much-loved Pt. Leo Estate. Initially announced back in May, Wood's first independent restaurant Ursula's is named after one of his family members who lived in the suburb. The bistro showcases Wood's exciting approach to dining while centring staples of modern Australian cuisine. Highlights from the menu include snapper, dressed with a Keen's Curry vinaigrette ($44) and margra lamb rump with brussels sprouts and mint sauce ($49) and fried Aphrodite halloumi ($30). The beef carpaccio is another must-try on the menu ($29). The dish, served with makrut lime and parmesan, is a tribute to a beloved menu item from Darcy's, the famed Italian restaurant that occupied the site of Ursula's for nearly 40 years. Sydney rock oysters ($6-8) and LP's smoked mortadella with crispy potato ($25) will easy you into the meal, while sweet selections like the strawberry and coconut flummery ($18) and golden syrup dumplings, served alongside a rum, raisin and malt cream ($20) light up the desserts menu. The venue looks to honour Australian dining and the storied history of the building Ursula's occupies. 92 Hargrave Street has housed several other chefs throughout its lifetime. Originally built in the late 19th century as a house and shop, in its first half-century, it was run as a pub and a grocer. D'Arcy Glover was the first restaurateur to take up residency with a Swiss eatery in 1968 before Attilio Marinangeli and Aldo Zuzza took over in 1975 with the opening of Darcy's Restaurant. The most recent restaurant to occupy the corner building was Guillaume Brahimi's flagship Sydney restaurant Guillaume. Brahimi made the dramatic move to Paddington in 2013 after running Guillaume out of the Sydney Opera House for over a decade. While the restaurant didn't last on Hargrave Street, Brahimi went on to take over fellow Paddington venue Four in the Hand and opened a Guillaume in the CBD. "It is an honour to be opening in a building with such a strong dining history that goes back over 50 years. These corner sites dotted throughout Paddington are so special and part of what makes the suburb a vibrant part of Sydney's story," Wood said when the venue was first announced. The restaurant is the work of Wood and his wife Lis Davies, and they'll soon be joined by John Laureti (Pt. Leo Estate, Rockpool) and Luke Cawsey (Saint Peter, Rockpool) in the kitchen, and restaurant manager Emily Towson (Fred's, Kepos & Co, Sixpenny). Inside the building, you'll find a classically fitted and welcoming dining space created in collaboration with Melbourne-based designer Brahman Perera. "Lis and I are absolutely thrilled to finally share our little restaurant with our neighbours and Sydney," said Wood. "We can't wait to see people enjoying long lunches in the beautiful dining room, and families and friends celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and just the joy of once again being together." Images: Nikki To
What date was Beethoven born? What was Jimmy Barnes' surname at birth? What is Taylor Swift's favourite number? Whether you're an expert in 18th-century classical music or 21st-century pop, you now have a new way to show off your knowledge. Music trivia has landed at Baptist Street Rec. Club in Redfern. Every Tuesday night, from 7pm in the trophy room, Colin Delaney is asking round after round of questions on everything and everyone in music. There are no limitations on genres, artists or periods. While you're working your brain, you'll be listening to a rotating playlist of bangers — from pop, rock and country to hip hop, indie and R&B. Plus, music trivia coincides with Pad Thai Tuesday, letting you take your pick of chicken, beef or pork for $15. Head along as part of a team of up to seven, or fly solo (and prove that one head is better than many). Either way, excellent prizes are up for grabs.
If it's been a while between visits to Chippendale, you may notice a few changes next time you drive up Regent Street. A strip of colourful brick-fronted townhouses has been demolished to make way for the multibillion-dollar Sydney Metro project, cabbie favourite Michael's Malaysian & Chinese Restaurant is gone and, in its place, a bright red neon sign has appeared. The sign belongs to Manny's, a matchstick-sized diner, whose pizza by the slice and juicy philly cheesesteaks are sure to be a hit with punters leaving Freda's and The Lord Gladstone in the wee hours. Run by Evan Hansimikali, who also owns the attached petrol station, Manny's opens from 6.30am on weekdays, for coffee and B&E rolls, all the way through to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. So, if you do stumble out of one of the aforementioned establishments after witching hour, you'll be able to grab a $5 slice of thin-crust New York-style pizza topped with double-smoked leg ham and artichoke, perhaps, or cabanossi and pepperoni. Vegan night owls are catered for, too, with about 40 percent of the menu meat- and dairy-free. Their late-night slice of choice might be topped with vegan cheese, potato and rosemary, instead. With only three seats, Manny's is more of a takeaway joint, and it knows this. A delivery service is in the works, it's setting up a happy hour deal with Freda's and it's primed for meals on-the-run, able to turn out a cheesesteak in a minute. And those cheesesteaks sound like they're more than worth the 60-second wait. To replicate the popular PA sangas, Hansimikali has hoagie-like rolls — a cross between baguettes and panini, he says— custom-made for him by Sydney's Fuel Bakery. Then, there's the all-important meat. "We use grass-fed scotch fillet steak," says Hansimikali. "We thinly slice it and throw it on the hot plate. It's so thin it falls apart in your mouth." After that, the rolls are loaded with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo. Some are also topped with meatball sauce and provolone, others eggplant and green peppers. They're not traditional, but Manny's isn't following any rulebook too closely. While the food is predominantly Italo-American, you'll also find Greek influences scattered throughout. One cheesesteak comes topped with tzatziki, you'll spot a hot dog with black olives and feta, and you can order fries covered in chilli and garlicky yoghurt. Cabbies might no longer be lining up for the Regent Street restaurant, but it looks like Ubers and personal cars will be soon, with plans for one of the petrol station lanes to be converted into a 'drive-thru'. Next time you're looking for fast meal beyond the Golden Arches, Manny's may be your answer.
It was the follow-up that had to happen. The sequel we crossed everything for. After gaining viral status and worldwide applause for her 2013 book Shake, photographer Carli Davidson is back with a brand new series to follow her comical, high-speed images of dogs mid-shakedown. Yep, you guessed it. This time, it's cats. Shake Cats is the brand new book from Davidson, who actually took the photos of cats shaking themselves dry back in 2011, at the same time as taking the Shake dog photos. "I had originally thought I would do cats and dogs in the same book, but looking back I think it was best to give each animal its own book so their unique features could be highlighted," says Davidson. Shooting with Nikon D4s at a very rapid frame rate, this animal-loving photographer shot close to 100 cats for the series, including her own cat Yushi and hectic cat celeb Lil' Bub. Almost all of the cat models are local Portlandians, or from rescue shelters. In addition to the shake shoot, Davidson would get a pretty headshot of the kitty for the rescue shelter to post on their website — and most of these cats were adopted almost immediately as a result. "Taking a good photo of an animal in a shelter can go a long way to help that cat or dog find a home. So much of rescue is done online; people pick out a pet before they even get to the shelter. They fall in love online with an expression, so capturing that personality in a photo is really important." So how exactly did Davidson get those money shots? How do you make a cat shake itself clean (we're pretty sure you're asking yourself this question daily)? Simple, you pamper them like crazy. "Getting the cats to shake was actually more of a grooming process than a waiting game. We basically treated the shoot like a mini grooming session with lots of treats and cat cuddles... Ear cleanings are what generally caused the shake to happen, I just had to be ready." Apparently the cats weren't too hard to wrangle either — apparently they couldn't get enough of the warm studio lights. Cuuuute. It goes without saying that Davidson's tapped into social media's favourite thing, cats and dogs. But this animal-lover sees more in internet kitties than a grumpy face. "Cats are popular because they are awesome, independent thinkers and humans love to worship them. We have been worshipping them as spiritual icons for 10,000 years," she says. "The rise of the cat back into worship status on the Internet seems natural if you look at their historic significance... Cats combat internet negativity with their sheer visual presence." Shake Cats is out now via Harper Design, available to purchase from Booktopia. All images courtesy Carli Davidson with permission.
When you spend 12 days hopping between Sydney's cinemas trying to watch as many movies as possible, you learn a few things. You learn that some films demand a second viewing, that Twilight stars keep making ace post-vampire-romance choices, and that there's a whole heap of people that are really rather fond of chickens. You also learn that simply watching tourists walk around can be both heartbreaking and revealing, that some Netflix flicks demand the big screen treatment, and that the Australian film industry should have a new multicultural hit on its hand. And, you realise that Sydney Film Festival is the best time of year for the city's movie lovers — but, you already knew that, didn't you? Our film critics Sarah Ward and Tom Clift discovered all of the above at this year's SFF, and, now they've emerged from their massive movie marathon, they've shared the results. Whittling down their huge viewing lists to these 12 standouts, here's what they loved, were surprised by and utterly embraced the strangeness of — that is, the best, weirdest and most unexpected films of the 2017 Sydney Film Festival. BEST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT9m2huUTgA ALI'S WEDDING If there's any justice, the delightful Ali's Wedding will be one of the breakout hits of 2017. Inspired by the disastrous arranged marriage of screenwriter and lead actor Osamah Sami, the film, which has been billed as Australia's first Muslim rom-com, follows a young man who must navigate the expectations of his religious community after falling in love with a woman other than his betrothed. Shot in and around Melbourne, the movie is at once a vital portrait of life in multicultural Australia, a deeply moving love story, and one of the funniest local productions of the past few years. It's in cinemas in August. Tell your friends. — Tom Clift https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVyGCxHZ_Ko GOOD TIME Folks, thank the film gods for Twilight. Do it. Without it, we wouldn't have two of today's most talented actors making such interesting — and excellent — projects. SFF 2016 might've been all about Kristen Stewart, but SFF 2014 guest Robert Pattinson jumps back into the festival's spotlight with Good Time. The fast-paced flick mightn't offer a good time for his character, a low-level crim running around New York trying to rustle up some cash to get his brother out of jail after a bank robbery, but it's a mighty good time for audiences. Directing duo Josh and Ben Safdie (the latter of which also stars as Pattinson's brother) ramp up the energy and tension, shoot with gritty vividness, and bring Jennifer Jason Leigh and Captain Phillips Oscar nominee Barkhad Abdi along for the ride. And then there's the pulsating score — trust us, Oneohtrix Point Never won the soundtrack award at this year's Cannes Film Festival for a damn good reason. — Sarah Ward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A95a94CVxlg THE BEGUILED With The Beguiled, Sofia Coppola won a directing gong at Cannes, making her the first woman in more than 50 years to do so. After viewing the film at this year's Sydney Film Festival, it's easy to understand why. An immaculately shot Southern gothic thriller, the movie takes place in an all-girls boarding school during the dying days of the American Civil War, where life is suddenly thrown into turmoil by the arrival of a wounded Yankee soldier. Seething with sexual tension, and surprisingly funny, The Beguiled also benefits from an absolutely stellar cast, with Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning and Colin Farrell all operating at the top of their game. — TC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui92Scs8Mns A GHOST STORY A Ghost Story is always going to be known as that film where Casey Affleck stands around underneath a sheet. And, that description is apt. Reuniting this year's Manchester by the Sea best actor Oscar winner with his Ain't Them Bodies Saints co-star Rooney Mara and writer/director David Lowery (also of Pete's Dragon), he does just that after his character is killed — but, if you didn't think it'd make for one of the best movies of the year so far, think again. Moody and minimalistic (as a costume anyone could make gives away), the film breathes new (after)life into the idea of haunted houses in a thoughtful and emotion-filled manner. As Affleck's ghost lurks, the movie offers up an astute understanding of how mourning and memories linger over time, and remain forever intertwined with certain places. — SW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgDhpy9Z-NM A FANTASTIC WOMAN A Fantastic Woman? Yes, this sensitive drama places one front and centre. A fantastic film? You bet. After using a compassionate gaze to explore the world of an older lady trying to find happiness in Gloria, Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio turns his attention to Marina (Daniela Vega), a waitress and singer whose life is thrown into disarray when tragedy strikes. The family of her much older lover is horrified, judging her transgender status rather than daring to let her into their lives — or let her mourn. The movie doesn't make the same mistake, in an effort that proves empathetic and engaging from start to finish, complete with an exceptional lead performance and one perfect song cue. — SW CALL ME BY YOUR NAME We were mighty excited about Call Me By Your Name when it screened at Sundance, we loved it at the Berlinale, and we still love it now. Oh boy, does Luca Guadagnino's (A Bigger Splash) latest and best feature to date more than deliver. Let us put it this way: when you're watching a 17-year-old become infatuated with his father's handsome research assistant, played by Armie Hammer, you're feeling every single emotion he's feeling. And, you're falling head over heels for everything about this masterpiece as well. Call Me By Your Name is the kind of effort that couldn't be more seductive, from the sumptuous sights of its scenic Italian setting to the summertime heat — and sizzling sentiments to match — that radiate from the screen. Keep an eye on Timothée Chalamet, too, who plays the teenager in question. If this movie is any guide, he should become one of cinema's next big things. — SW WEIRDEST https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojoVppEADyU OKJA Very few filmmakers would even conceive of a movie as unusual as Okja. And perhaps only South Korea's Bong Joon-ho, who previously helmed Snowpiercer, would be able to pull it off. A Netflix production about a precocious little girl who must save her hippopotamus-sized 'super pig' from a nefarious multinational, the film is a scathing corporate satire wrapped up in a rollicking adventure — and despite outward appearances, it is definitely not suitable for children. Tilda Swinton, Paul Dano and Jake Gyllenhaal lead an impressive English-speaking cast, but the real star is South Korean newcomer Ahn Seo-hyeon, as well as the flawless special effects that bring her enormous friend to life. As strangely wonderful as it is wonderfully strange, Okja is well worth your attention when it hits Netflix at the end of June. — TC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw3fHdL_D68 THE SQUARE Sometimes, films prove odd purely due to the way they approach their topic. Sometimes, it's the little things — having Elisabeth Moss' character share her apartment with a chimpanzee — for example. This year's Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or winner, The Square does both, as well as litter its frames with performance art that's both intentionally staged and organically shows how the boundaries between life and theatricality can all-too-easily blur. At face value, it's a satire of the creative world, but everything about the society surrounding contemporary art galleries comes under the microscope in what proves a dense and disarming effort. Director Ruben Östlund last made audiences squirm with relationship drama Force Majeure, and he's up to his brilliant tricks again here, as aided by a standout lead performance by Danish actor Claes Bang. — SW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjA7irNL-no CHICKEN PEOPLE Who would have guessed that one of the year's most emotional movies would be set in the high stakes world of competitive chicken rearing? Directed by Nicole Lucas Haimes, Chicken People chronicles a year in the life of three diehard chicken breeders as they prepare their best birds for the prestigious Ohio National Poultry Show. Like the best documentaries about obsessive individuals, the film is funny without ever making fun of its subjects. By the time the end credits roll, you'll be a chicken person too. — TC MOST UNEXPECTED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSv99sd_A5o AUSTERLITZ On paper, Austerlitz sounds oh-so-simple. Filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa places his camera at certain spots throughout two former German concentration camps, lets it roll, and records tourists as they walk through the sites. He doesn't offer move his frame to follow or zoom in on anyone, provide explanatory voiceover or intertitles, or direct the audience's attention in any way. That means you're forced to peer and probe, and to see and scrutinise, as these visitors wander through places known for such horrific atrocities while wearing "Cool Story Bro" shirts and staring at their mobile phones. Prepare to draw plenty of conclusions about and insights into human nature from their ordinary exploits, including many that you won't expect. — SW BETTER WATCH OUT Picket fences, a blonde babysitter and a psychotic killer: on paper Better Watch Out sounds like the most stereotypical slasher movie imaginable. And for most of its first act, it is. But just when you think you've seen it all before, the film pivots wildly and suddenly all bets are off. Mixing genuine scares with knowing black humour — not to mention some pretty spot on commentary about how young men and boys are conditioned to think about women — this US-Australia co-production from writer-director Chris Peckover is one of the best meta horror films we've seen in quite some time. — TC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0xDZy8ejTk BRIGSBY BEAR There's a reason that Brigsby Bear made SFF's top five audience favourites this year — and it's not just because, having voted Ali's Wedding and Call Me By Your Name into the top two spots, festival attendees clearly have great taste. Rarely has a movie been so endearingly earnest without ever overplaying its hand, or devolving into triteness or schmaltz, particularly one that toys around with such a been-there, seen-that, still-living-it topic as pop culture obsession. Following a grown man still attached to his favourite TV show for reasons best discovered by watching, the film from Saturday Night Live writer/director Dave McCary and performer Kyle Mooney will make you want to give it the biggest hug possible. Mark Hamill, Claire Danes, Greg Kinnear and Andy Samberg also pop up, but Mooney and his furry best friend well and truly steal the show. — SW By Sarah Ward and Tom Clift.
With music festivals popping up in every corner of the country with frequency, especially in these post-COVID-restrictions times, an event has to be mighty special to warrant travelling intrastate or interstate. Riverboats Music Festival is one such event, and the reason is right there in its name. A mainstay of Victoria's Echuca-Moama region that'll celebrate its 11th instalment in 2023, it usually hosts its fest on the banks of the Murray River — and includes intimate sideshows on the PS Pevensey paddlesteamer. Due to 2022's flooding of the event's usual home at Aquatic Reserve, the 2023 fest is actually moving to Echuca's Victoria Park Reserve when it returns from Friday, February 17–Sunday, February 19. But the music on a riverboat part still remains, as ticketed separately. So, you can head to the region for three days of tunes as part of the broader event, spend your time on the river, or mix and match both. Heading the on-land lineup: Marlon Williams, Spiderbait, CW Stoneking & His Primitive Horn Orchestra and The Whitlams, plus The Rolling Stones Revue featuring Adalita, Phil Jamieson and Tex Perkins. That's a whole heap of big-name talent from across Australia and New Zealand right there, and it's just the beginning of the 2023 bill. Also on the roster, and playing the paddlesteamer as well, are Alice Skye, Felix Riebl, Andy Golledge, WILSN, Bones & Jones and Watty Thompson. If you go for the boat option, you'll hear their sets while cruising down the river, in the kind of fest experience you truly don't get at every event. "Echuca-Moama has gone through an incredibly challenging period over the last few weeks, and our hearts go out to all those affected by the recent floods," said Festival Director Dave Frazer, announcing the lineup. "Riverboats has been part of the Echuca-Moama community for over tehn years now, and whilst we're sad to be leaving Aquatic Reserve next year, we can't wait to put on a spectacular show at Victoria Park in a few months time," he continued. If you're keen, the last festival sold out in just six days, so nabbing tickets ASAP is recommended. RIVERBOATS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023 LINEUP: Marlon Williams Spiderbait CW Stoneking & His Primitive Horn Orchestra The Rolling Stones Revue featuring Adalita Phil Jamieson and Tex Perkins The Whitlams Felix Riebl Alice Skye Tami Neilson Thornbird Katy Steele Andy Golledge Band WILSN Bones & Jones Watty Thompson Bud Rokesky MC Brian Nankervis The 2023 Riverboats Music Festival will take place from Friday, February 17–Sunday, February 19 at Echuca's Victoria Park Reserve, with tickets on sale now.
This article is part of our series profiling the perfect Brisbane weekends of the city's creative personalities. Brisbane is a place that embodies exactly what Queensland is about: the sun, the outdoors and wearing flip flops all year round. It's the kind of city that has so much on offer but, a lot of time, the best finds are passed along through word of mouth. So where do you hear about the best of Brisbane? From a local, of course. Over the next few weeks, we're speaking to some of the most switched-on Brisbane creatives we could find for the low-down on the secret haunts where they spend their weekends. First up, it's architect and event organiser Morgan Jenkins (below left). "I love living in Brisbane because it’s got a sense of humour as a city," he says. "I don't think it could ever take itself too seriously in the climate that we live in. We live outside for the majority of the year and the ocean and the ranges are just a short drive away. There's a lot of great stuff starting to happen because instead of complaining about things, interesting people are investing their time into doing interesting things." This enterprising spirit is shared by Morgan, who created The End of the Line festival, which celebrates the eclectic area of Woolloongabba. "It’s a really different area to anywhere else in Brisbane — it is a real mishmash of a neighbourhood which has always been a convergence point for a huge number of different urban networks," he says. Planning is currently underway for the next End of the Line Festival, which will be held on October 24. Outside of going to that, here are Morgan's five steps to the perfect Brisbane weekend. To experience them for yourself, head to the Visit Brisbane website and get booking. SURF AT NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND I’d start with a surf at North Stradbroke Island. The ferry is only a 30-minute drive from my house in Woolloongabba. This is one of my favourite spots on the planet. Leaving the mainland, even for a couple of hours, is often much needed after the week of work. BREAKFAST AT PEARL CAFE Pearl Cafe is a pearler of a cafe in Woolloongabba. The little Logan Road cul-de-sac is just a short stroll from where I live and it's my go-to for an easy weekend outing. The food is hearty but contemporary, so you might end up having duck eggs and bacon for breakfast. BEERS AT THE BOWLS CLUB Warm afternoons definitely call for beers and a spot of bowls at Merthyr Bowls Club on the river. This is the perfect place to enjoy living in our city as it's outside in the sun, right on the river and it has an incredible relaxed atmosphere (at 1970s prices). DINNER AT CROSSTOWN EATING HOUSE Do dinner at Crosstown Eating House in Woolloongabba. This place has always been my go-to dinner destination locally. Relaxed dining but really unpretentious, great service and food quality, good tunes and a good atmosphere. SEE A LIVE GIG A weekend isn't complete without live music somewhere: a small gig at The End in West End, something mellow at The Tivoli or The Triffid, or something a bit heavier at The Zoo. These places are all golden venues for live music and a good time. 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. Top image: Pearl Cafe by night.
LOU HELLIWELL AND ALEX DE BONIS know that they're awesome. They know, because they found "you're awesome" written on a brown paper bag they got from the aptly-titled Awesome Foundation. It was for their new Oxford Street Design Store which — like the Paper Mill before it — is taking one of the City of Sydney's empty spaces and turning it into a den of art, design and cool, printed stuff. Out back, they're planning for talks, a convention, workspace and even a little education. To get a closer look, Concrete Playground sat down to chat with Alex and Lou, and checked out a typical day in their new shopfront. One of the first nights Lou Haliwell tried to close up the new Design Store, she found herself locked in. The big, heavy roller door out front popped off its runners and fell down loose onto the floor, too heavy for her to lift back up again. There's no back door. I'm stuck. she thought, I have to sleep here. Working it open a little, using a chair, she got outside and began contemplating how on earth she was going to finish locking up. Just then, a young tradie walked by. He demanded, exasperated: "What've you done now?" Lou was bewildered. But, with his help, she got the door lifted back onto its runners. He gave her a little kiss on the cheek and wandered away into the night. She never saw him again, but thanks to him she was able to go home. The weirdest thing in this story is not that he turned up out of nowhere to help out. It's how normal these unsolicited offers of aid have become since Lou and Alex started up the Store. Everybody comes in wanting to do something. And meeting this pair of professional designers in person, it's easy to understand why. Their excitement and enthusiasm about the Store is palpable. You hear them talk about the designers who've turned up to sell things here, or the events they have planned for the venue space out back. You start wanting to help out yourself. Normally the door goes up at midday. Customers wander in, a designer might wander out the back to sketch in the venue space, which is full of desks this time of day (a chair is rented out at $3 an hour, including WiFi). Lou or Alex settle behind the counter. Today it's Alex. Both of them came from the quieter end of town. Alex from Campbelltown and Lou from Leeds, near Manchester, in the UK. They met while they both worked as designers in a well-respected Sydney studio. They found themselves complaining to each other that women's design work here didn't get the respect it deserved. So they decided to do something about it. Starting the blog Tough Titties, they highlighted Australian women's work in art and design. Only last year, they were nervously hosting the blog's first exhibition. Now they have a store. The Store had a similarly casual start. Originally a Secret Garden proposal that got turned down, they read about submissions for the City of Sydney's empty spaces on Oxford Street and decided to send in a submission along the same lines. The City of Sydney loved the idea. It's a first for both. Neither had done blogs before, nor an exhibition, nor retail. This, Alex reckons, is a recurring motif. "Most of the things we've done are a first-time thing." You'd never know that from the quality of their range. T-shirts, posters, jewellery, zines and even local ice-cream fill the showroom. The shop sells things for up to $20, funding its essentially non-profit operation with a 25% commission. The two halves of the shop are divided by a sturdy, see-through cardboard partition. Next to it, a louvred chalkboard along the Store's side wall will soon fill up with the week's upcoming events. At the time of writing, the program was still on the verge of starting. However, there's already talk of getting together a skating film night, Jess Scully from Vivid Ideas is planning to organise fortnightly how-to talks and a Sydney chapter Melbourne's 'un-conference conference', Trampoline, is imminent in April. The idea is to bring the disparate elements of Sydney's art and design communities together, without getting cliquey. Alex puts it more succinctly: "We're like a dating service." While there's already a rush to do and sell things at the Store, getting the practical side of the Store together was a bit harder. The City of Sydney offers a peppercorn rent, a kettle and a little publicity. Their fridge comes from Freecycle, the furniture mostly via Reverse Garbage. Since the Store's not residential, there's no regular garbage pickup. By chance, Alex's boyfriend owns a ute, and takes it to a sympathetic family member's business' commercial allowance. It's not clear how they'd afford it, otherwise. The only grant money they've had was the Awesome Foundation's $1000. All the rest so far is out of their own pockets. It's a precarious existence. By three, a volunteer settles behind the counter. She's Lucinda, a visual communications student. Just then, a guy walks in with arms full of colourful and interesting-looking comics. He wants to sell them here. Alex checks out the comics. The guy turns out to be Leigh Rigozzi, part of Paper Mill poster-workshoppers, the (currently printerless) Rizzeria collective. What does he find most appealing about this kind of store? "That they would actually take my stuff." This afternoon is quiet. Saturdays are the busiest, says Lucinda. Around six, Alex brings down the roller door and gets to work on the day's admin. When she was little, Alex says, she always redrew, in place, the characters and words in her books. Grown up, she wondered: "How can I can I actually make money doing this?" It's a question Alex and Lou both answered with careers in design. Here, they're making it easier for the coming generation to do the same thing.
It seems almost ridiculous to introduce bills: these cafes are an institution. The first, in Darlinghurst, introduced the concept of communal dining to our nation, reputedly as a way to get around council restrictions. Bill Granger, namesake and chef, is well-known in his own right, with more than one signature dish under his belt and a plethora of cookbooks in stores worldwide. So it's with more than a touch of guilt that I admit this is my first visit. Thankfully, the casual reputation of bills lives up to expectations, and my shyness quickly gives way to enthusiasm. It's Saturday morning in the Darlinghurst edition, and I'm glad we've decided to come early. Within five minutes of our arrival, the entire room is buzzing with breakfasters. The small room, sparsely decorated, is filled with warm sunlight. We sit at a large table in the centre of the room (the famous communal table), and begin our meal with Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice ($6.50) and a Flat White ($3.90). Choosing our meals is slightly more difficult. After deliberating, we decide that signature dishes are in order for our virgin visit. We pick Sweet Corn Fritters with Roast Tomato, Spinach and Bacon ($18.50) and the Ricotta Hotcakes with Fresh Banana and Honeycomb Butter ($17.50) to share. Our waiter recommends sides of Avocado Salsa ($4.50) and Bacon ($5) to match each dish respectively, and we don't need much persuasion to agree. The serves arrive quickly and are fresh, enormous and delicious. That said, I suspect that this menu would be hard to go wrong with - definitely worth a repeat visit or two. Breakfast (or any other meal) at bills isn't cheap, but the relaxed luxury of the food and atmosphere makes this a treat worth partaking in. Any wait will be well worthwhile, but if time is scarce, opt for some Daily-Baked Bran Muffins ($4.50) to take with you.
When can you enjoy hot food, delicious drinks and comfy clothes without breaking a sweat? Winter, of course. Now, where can you enjoy all that with a stunning view to boot? From the rooftop bar of the Sydney CBD restaurant Botswana Butchery at its Winter Birthday Blast. The 25 Martin Place venue has made a name for itself by championing only the best produce from across Australia and New Zealand, with an A+ wine list too, thanks to St Hugo, all spread across three levels of 'premium fun dining'. Now it's time for its birthday, and it's throwing a cosy après ski-style party to celebrate. The restaurant's rooftop space will be decorated with winter decorations ranging from fairy lights and fake snow to a life-size gondola, which guests can enjoy alongside a European-inspired menu and drink specials. Said menu includes fleisch knödel (Austrian meat dumpling with cheese sauce), roestie (Swiss potato dish with cream, smoked salmon and caviar), pork schnitzels and more. Then there's the drinks — different offers will be available throughout the event, starting with St Hugo wine flights between August 10 and August 24 followed by cocktails from Malfy Gin (August 24–31) and Glenlivet (August 31–September 1). Here's the best part: Botswana Butchery is giving you the chance to celebrate your own birthday in a similar style. Anyone who books for the Winter Birthday Blast goes into the running to win a package to have their own birthday party on the rooftop, valued at $3000. That sounds like a pretty great party to us. Winter Birthday Blast at Botswana Butchery runs from Thursday, August 10 to Thursday, September 7. For more information and to make a booking, visit the website.
If you missed out on the chance to reenact the Office Space printer smashing scene back at the Smash Brothers' pop-up earlier this year and haven't made it to its new Alexandria digs yet, the break room experts are giving Sydneysiders a third chance to smash — and this time it'll be free. Smash Box will pop up in the Rhodes Waterside shopping centre from October 8–21. It's a mini-version of the Smash Brother's warehouse, which opened earlier this month next to Alexandria Park. With Smash Box, you'll be escorted into a 4.5-metre box with protective gear and at bat. 'Smashers' also get to choose the tunes, and they'll be blasting that music to hype you up even further. As this is just a pop-up, the smashable items are limited to a six pack of bottles, so sadly no printer this time. If that isn't enough — and, depending on your stress level, it may not be — you can opt for more, with every additional six costing $5. The pop-up is part of the shopping centre's Festival of You, which also includes two weeks of workshops and events centred on unwinding and de-stressing. Smash Box will be open 11am–3pm, Monday–Wednesday; 11am–3pm and 4pm–8pm, Thursday; and 11am–4pm, Friday–Sunday.
Sydney's northwest just got an injection of Italian glamour with the opening of Sarino's inside Mullane's Hotel in Baulkham Hills — right opposite the new billion-dollar metro Metro Northwest railway. Run by Momento Hospitality (Bella Vista Hotel, The Governor), the second-floor restaurant is sleek and minimalist, with expansive skylights catering to the theatricality of an open kitchen, where guests can watch the chefs at work around a central charcoal oven or, if they prefer, retreat to one of three hidden private dining rooms. The lofty space also has an attached craft distillery, which will begin pumping out almond liqueur for the restaurant's affogatos and limoncello using fresh lemon's from the Colosimo family (founders of Momento) orchards in early 2020. The food leaving the kitchen is sophisticated and refined, and honours the family's Calabrian heritage. It's all made using produce from regional NSW, too, where possible. Executive Chef Joe Cavallo is plating up dishes such as the buffalo ricotta, buffalo mozzarella and parmigiano regiano ravioli — we count three cheeses — with burnt sage butter and pistachio, the porchetta with roasted apple and leek ash, and a 1.2-kilogram bistecca alla Fiorentina. We're also pretty keen to try the antipasto and cheese menus, which covers cheeses from Italy and Victoria, house-roasted capsicum, marinated olives, artichokes, and salumi from Italy and Byron Bay, including a 24-month San Daniele prosciutto. Pair your meal with one of more than 200 wines and finish it off with a tipple in the adjoining cocktail bar and intimate lounge space. Try the Sunday Roast negroni, which adds notes of rosemary and butter-washed gin to the classic Italian aperitif. Guests can expect to sip rare single malt whiskies (with a hefty price tag) and store the spirit in their own private liquor cabinet for safekeeping. Two dozen top-shelf whiskies from around the world are available, and your drop will be served in crystal glassware with specialty ice and complimentary mixers and snacks. Then just lock it away for when you next come back (you know, if you have the cash).
From holding a bake sale to selling off your bodily organs to teaching your dog to do this, artists, artisans and inventors have always had to be creative when it comes to getting dollars in the bank. If you’re not the baking or self-mutilating or dog-training type, Australia’s top crowdfunding platform Pozible might be up your alley. Pozible is more like a superhighway that started in 2010 and has since grown to support over 4,500 projects in Australia and around the world. It’s not hard to run a campaign, but it can be tough to succeed. We spoke to Pozible co-founder Rick Chen and compiled a hit list of top tips to help you on your way to making that money pool you always dreamed of. The Anything's Pozible pop-up is on in Sydney until March 13. Check it out for more tips and workshops to help you crowdfund your next project. Research ten similar projects First off the bat, do your research. Make sure you know how Pozible works. Search the Pozible website to find out how other similar projects have been funded. Read the FAQ, get in touch with Pozible and ask all the dumb questions. According to Rick, the Pozible team “work with project creators to educate them and let them know what works and what doesn’t work. This face-to-face guidance is a rare thing, and no other platform approaches crowdfunding in this way”, a contributing factor to high success rates. Tell a story “Most of the time it’s not about the project itself, it’s about the person behind it," says Rick. "People want to be part of you and your journey, so you need to be able to open those doors for people to get in.” Keep it simple, keep it personal, and make your crowdfunding supporters feel that they are all just as much a part of the process as you are. Transparency is also key in your storytelling. Tell people exactly what you are going to do with your money if you meet your target. (The more specific you are with this, the more it will feel as if your supporters are making a tangible difference). Include a video of yourself: you'll raise 114 percent more money if you That’s according to American crowdfunding site Indiegogo. And who doesn’t love a selfie? If you star in your own video, people will connect better with your story. The key is to create content that is visually compelling to compete with the visual noise of the internet. Offer a combination of physical goods and experience-based rewards "Physical products give your supporters a tangible sense they are getting something out of their contribution," says Rick. "Experience gives them the sense they are part of something exclusive. These two combined make it personal for people to get behind your project.” And how many rewards should you offer up? The sweet spot is somewhere between three and eight. Get another three people on your team If you have four or more people on your team, you’ll raise 70 percent more money than if you only have one person. That is, use your networks to build your team; it’s not about how many friends you’ve got, it’s about how you use them. Have your family and friends help to get the ball rolling. Don’t be afraid to ask people you know to contribute. In addition, line up a few key influential people to help spread the word. Build your networks before you launch to create hype. Shoot for 25 percent of your overall goal within the first 24 hours Go hard or go home. You are more likely to hit your target if you can reach 25 percent of your overall goal within the first 24 hours. People are more likely to donate to a campaign if other people have already donated. Pozible advises not to run a campaign for less than 20 days unless you have a good reason or are super confident. You need time to disseminate your marketing material. Indiegogo supplements this advice with the fact that on average, successful campaigns will cross their target fundraising goal on Day 36. Don't all-out beg on social media Only directly ask people to pledge to your campaign in 20 percent of your social media posts. The other 80 percent of posts should add meaning to your project, reveal exciting project news and engage people in the story. Plan your social media posts before beginning your campaign. According to Rick, “It is not about the social media platforms that you use, it is about how you use those platforms as a tool to carry out your activity — to tell your story”. Write medium-specific posts. And don’t get too disheartened if things slow down in the middle of your campaign, it happens to everyone. What’s important is you keep communicating during this period. Don’t be shy to post every day. Only ask for the amount you really need Consider the size of your networks and how many people you can realistically reach. Surprisingly, the average contribution size on successful campaigns comes in at around $70, with performance projects the most successful category. According to Rick, this is often because “these campaigners have strong existing followings — sometimes small but strong audiences who come to see shows, hardcore fans who follow these artists”. So it isn’t necessarily how many people you target, it’s who. Be realistic, write a budget. Factor in the cost of delivering your rewards. The more people you have promoting, the more pledges you will receive. Finally we asked Rick the ultimate question: What’s the biggest reason people don’t reach their targets? His response goes right back to point one: “Absolutely no question, it is because people don’t do their research properly and don’t know what they’re doing. We try to educate as much as we can, we run workshops on a monthly basis across cities in Australia. We strongly encourage people to prepare before they launch a campaign. Lack of research is basically what kills campaigns." Roslyn Helper crowdfunded her project zin's PARTY MODE on Pozible. Supplementary information sourced from US crowdfunding site Indiegogo.
If you’re the forgetful type and your keys often go rogue then this new technology may be the solution for you. KeyMe is a cloud-based key management platform where you can now store your keys digitally so you no longer need a physical key in order to make a copy. KeyMe’s newly launched free mobile app which scans a copy of your key and generates a set of instructions that you can give to any locksmith to create a new key from scratch instead of bringing in a physical key to make the copy, very handy when you’ve misplaced the original. KeyMe can even mail you a key within two to three weeks if you’re not in a rush. The app also allows you to share your digital keys and create digital key chains to share with flatmates or overnight guests, but be wary of you who trust with your digital keys, once shared you can’t revoke them. Currently only available in the USA, this technology will be a saving grace for the almost 90 million forgetful folks who get locked out of their homes each year. Now just makes sure you don’t lose your mobile phone with your keys. [via mashable]
As you might expect from the epic multitasking folk at The Greens, their NYE celebration has it all. That includes roving performers, live music, tasty food and excellent views come firework time. While you're savouring gourmet hotdogs, fried chicken, oysters, charcuterie, sliders, risotto and roasted corn, don't be surprised if a hula hooper sneaks up behind you or a juggler wanders by unannounced. And, when you're feeling the need to move, get your dance on to six-piece live band King St Swing and DJ Natural Selector, featuring percussionist Luke Herbert. Then, of course, when the fireworks go off at 9pm and midnight, you'll be in prime position to see the bridge looking its prettiest. The action kicks off from 6pm and will continue till late. It's a family friendly shindig, so if you're minding your nieces, nephews, cousins or your own children, bring 'em along for kiddy entertainment and food, including a lolly bar.
Throw those GoPros, bubble bottles and novelty gumboots in your rucksack, Splendour in the Grass is returning to North Byron Parklands for another year of festival merriment. As usual, speculation has run wild in anticipation of the lineup announce — will Kendrick and the Arctic Monkeys make an appearance? Will there by more than three females on the lineup? — but the details for Splendour 2018 are finally here. And we're happy to report that some of the rumours were true. There will be no Arctic Monkeys, but King Kunta himself, Kendrick Lamar, will be Splendouring. The lineup also doesn't state that Splendour is his only show, so stay tuned for news of a national tour (hopefully). The other huge name is Lorde, who will be doing her only Oz show at the Parklands — better get practising that 'Green Light' hair flip now. She leads a female contingent — that is kick-ass but still nowhere near as big as the pool of male performers — which includes Amy Shark, the Lauren Mayberry-led Chvrches, Sampa The Great, Alex Lahey, Jack River, Anna Lunoe, Stella Donnelly, female four-piece All Our Exes Live in Texas and Wafia. Also doing their only Australian shows at Splendour will be Vampire Weekend, Khalid and Girl Talk. The lineup seems to go on forever, including The Wombats, Gang of Youths, Franz Ferdinand, Superorganism and MGMT. Anyway, we know what you're here for. We'll cut to the chase. SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2018 LINEUP Kendrick Lamar Lorde (only AUS show) Vampire Weekend (only AUS show) Khalid (only AUS show) The Wombats Hilltop Hoods Chvrches Miguel Girl Talk (only AUS show) Angus & Julia Stone Gang of Youths Franz Ferdinand MGMT Ben Howard Dune Rats & Friends James Bay PNAU Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite The Avalanches DJ set Chromeo DMA'S Ball Park Music Henry Rollins (only AUS show) SAFIA The Jungle Giants Lil Xan Methyl Ethel Amy Shark The Bronx Ocean Alley Carmada (L D R U & Yahtzel) DZ Deathrays Lord Huron Middle Kids Hockey Dad Towkio Cub Sport Touch Sensitive Sampa The Great Dean Lewis Skegss Albert Hammond Jr Mallrat Marmozets Alex Lahey Riton & Kah-Lo Jack River Superorganism Anna Lunoe Lewis Capaldi All Our Exes Live In Texas Alex The Astronaut Yungblud Crooked Colours Nina Las Vegas Soccer Mommy (only AUS show) Elderbrook Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever Tim Sweeney Stella Donnelly Bully Baker Boy Wafia No Mono Waax Angie McMahon West Thebarton Eves Karydas G Flip The Babe Rainbow Haiku Hands Didirri Alice Ivy Amyl & The Sniffers Ziggy Ramo Fantastic Man Lo'99 Human Movement Manu Crook$ Kasbo Madam X Andras Alta Ara Koufax Two People B Wise Made In Paris Jensen Interceptor Woodes Teischa Antony & Cleopatra Muto Elk Road triple j Unearthed winners (TBA) Mike Gurrieri Love Deluxe Lauren Hansom Poolclvb Godlands Nyxen Emma Stevenson Ebony Boadu Splendour will return to North Byron Parklands on Friday 20, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July. Onsite camping will once again be available from Wednesday, July 18. Tickets go on sale Thursday, April 19 at 9am sharp AEST. More info will soon be available at the official Splendour In The Grass site. Image: Bianca Holderness.
When December hits in Sydney, 'tis the season to be jolly. From Friday, December 2 onwards, 'tis the time to sip BrewDog's beers, too. That's when at the Scottish craft beer giant will open its long-awaited first-ever Sydney bar, a 910-seater space in the old locomotive workshop in South Eveleigh. Sydneysiders have been waiting for this to happen for some time, given that BrewDog launched its first Australian brewery and taproom in Brisbane in 2019, and just threw open the doors at its second Brissie venue as well. The South Eveleigh location was announced back in September, after the company previously advised that it was teaming up with hospitality group Australian Venue Co (AVC) to set up new beer bars around the country. Indeed, when Sydney's debut spot opens its doors, it'll be the brand's fourth nationwide, with a Melbourne site in the historic Pentridge Prison launching at the end of November. The Harbour City mightn't claim bragging rights for BrewDog's first, second or even third Aussie outposts, but there'll still be much to boast about in South Eveleigh. Settling into a precinct that already hosts Lucky Kwong and Re, the $3.2-million venue will literally be huge, for starters, spanning a large indoor dining space, a bar and a beer garden. It'll seat 720 beer aficionados inside and 190 outside, and pour 40 brews through its taps. Those beverages will cover the brand's own beers, of course, as well as 'BrewDog & Friends' guest beer tap takeovers and collaborations with local breweries. Don't feel like a brew? Cider, wine, spirits and cocktails will also be on offer, alongside a range of non-alcoholic options. All of the above will help wash down a food menu that'll feature burgers and pizzas, and do all-you-can-eat wings every Wednesday. BrewDog South Eveleigh is embracing vegetarian and vegan dishes in a sizeable way, too, dedicating half of its range to plant-based bites — including two-for-one vegan eats on Mondays. Given the location, the beer behemoth's first Sydney spot will pay respects to the site's history, with the architects at Studio Y designing the venue around the original workshop machinery collection. You'll be able to peer at it as you drink, in fact, truly turning your day, afternoon or evening sinking pints into a unique experience. Also inside, punters will find neon signs, plus fittingly industrial-style decor and lighting; think: polished concrete floors, as well as a concrete bar and kitchen countertop. Seating-wise, booths, low and high tables will fill the beer hall. BrewDog's Sydney welcome comes via that new partnership with AVC, aka the group behind spots such as Cargo, Kingsleys and The Winery. It sees the world's largest craft beer bar operator join forces with one of Australia's big pub operators, and will span multiple sites — but exactly where and when any venues beyond South Eveleigh and Pentridge will open hasn't yet been revealed. BrewDog currently operates over 100 beer bars worldwide and, if you need an extra incentive to head to South Eveleigh on its opening day, it'll be giving the first 200 customers through the door on that date — and that date only — the chance to win free beer for a year. BrewDog South Eveleigh will open in Bays 1 & 2, Locomotive Workshop, South Eveleigh, 2 Locomotive Street, South Eveleigh from Friday, December 2 — operating from 11am–10pm Sunday–Wednesday and 11am–12am Thursday–Saturday.
Spooky season has returned, a time of ghosts and ghouls, flirting with lolly-based diabetes and getting into the spirit by bingeing all things horror. Generally the impulse is to line up a movie marathon of monsters and murderers, but why not mix a little interactivity into your goosebump-inducing genre consumption this year? With horror being such a beloved creative territory there's a boundless wealth of frightening indie games around, but to help you dip your toe into the terrifying here's a list of six (aka 1/111th of the spookiest number possible) to try… if you dare. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF3ZIJccpj8[/embed] MUNDAUN Folk horror is not a genre that shows up much in the gaming world which seems to have an overwhelming preference for sci-fi scares and general supernatural gore. Swiss developers Hidden Fields decided to buck trends with Mundaun, a first-person exploration game rendered in hand-pencilled fashion. You play as Curdin, a man visiting a small village in the alpine foothills to pay his post-funeral respects to his grandfather after the old man perished in a barn fire. Only problem is, grandpa's grave is empty. As you delve into the mystery of what happened to gramps, you uncover a historical deal made under the duress of war that has cursed the village, and it's up to you to do something about it by poking around the town of Mundaun and its surrounds, speaking with its inhabitants, and indulging in some light puzzle solving. There's a pinch of survival horror mixed in too, so you'll need to manage limited ammo and weapons to deal with a variety of enemies, from animated straw men to undead soldiers. The game's striking aesthetic lends an uneasy air that feeds excellently into the surreal, foreboding setting, steeped in a confluence of Christianity and Paganism. There's nothing else quite like it, so make sure you play with the lights off for the best experience. Spookiness Rating: 7/10 Available on: PC, Playstation 4/5, Xbox One/S/X, Nintendo Switch [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBuh9afznMg[/embed] YUPPIE PSYCHO If you've ever drawn a salary as a corporate wage slave, Yuppie Psycho is going to speak to you on another level. This survival horror game, developed by French/Spanish team Baroque Decay, puts you in the shoes of Brian Pasternack, a nervous young man on his first day at Sintracorp. His job? Kill the witch that has cursed the company for years. You'll spend your time roaming the 10 floors of the company's headquarters, rendered in gloriously retro pixel art. Almost from the get-go, it's clear that something is deeply, deeply wrong. Most of your coworkers are slack jawed and dead eyed, responding with gibberish when you try to talk to them. Someone keeps painting messages on the wall in blood. There's a cemetery in the woods on the 8th floor, and a spider monster in the archives. Alongside all of this standard horror, the game deftly mixes in the anxiety and imposter syndrome that accompanies starting a new job, as well as the existential despair that comes from mandatory motivational meetings, dealing with the spectrum of irritating co-workers and navigating the forced, two-faced jollity of a professional environment. With multiple endings based on choices you make, and even two vastly different paths to get to the end, it's a game you can pick up and play again and again. Spookiness Rating: 6/10 Available on: PC/Mac, Playstation 4/5, Xbox One/S/X, Nintendo Switch [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe4gVfZ1Q2I[/embed] WORLD OF HORROR 'A little bit of HP Lovecraft, a little bit of Junji Ito' is a great recipe for the vibe of a horror game. WORLD OF HORROR by Polish solo dev panstasz takes place at the cusp of the apocalypse. The Old Gods are awakening, panic and madness are spreading, and monsters are stalking the streets of Shiokawa, the small Japanese town where the action takes place. The primary thrust of the game sees you investigating a series of strange occurrences. It's a roguelike, so the changing raft of cases means no two runs are exactly the same which gives the game great replayability. The turn-based combat leans towards the challenging side (hey, no one said the end of the world would be easy), but an RPG-esque upgrade system will help ease the stress of late-stage runs — provided you make smart choices. Plus it's primarily an adventure game, so if you fear fast-twitch gameplay there's nothing to worry about here... beyond everything else happening. The Junji Ito inspiration comes through heavily in the lineup of monsters, mirroring the manga artist's off-putting creations in throwback 1-bit graphics that look like they came straight off the page. Fans of Japanese horror will definitely want to give this one a whirl. Spookiness Rating: 9/10 Available on: PC/Mac, Console release coming October 26th [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naCeKfdPbTs[/embed] CRITTERS FOR SALE Critters For Sale is weird, man. No other way to put it. Created by solo developer Sonoshee, this blend of point-and-click adventure and visual novel is a heady, paranoid time, as compelling as it is mildly repulsive. Play through five nonlinear short stories linked by broad themes of good vs evil, time travel and black magic, with woozy, grainy 1-bit graphics that help to heighten the general feelings of discomfort and discombobulation. Some feature multiple endings based on choices you make, which encourages multiple playthroughs supported by quality-of-life features that skip you to key story points so you don't have to start at the beginning every time. Others hide secrets that will only make sense once you've explored all the stories. Each tale comes from the perspective of a different character, so you're never quite able to find a stable narrative footing as you navigate between them, boosting your sense of unease. It's a highly-advanced horror game that bucks the modern trend of blood and brutality for an ineffable surrealism, leaving an impression on you long after you've completed its twisted paths. The faint-of-heart need not apply. Spookiness Rating: 9/10 Available on: PC [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrRWb7tFxR8[/embed] DREDGE Oceans are terrifying. Out where the water is an almost-black blue, where anything could be lurking below... that's nightmare territory. This is the niche in which Dredge, by New Zealand's Black Salt Games, floats. You're a nameless fisherman, freshly arrived to the island town of Greater Marrow after a shipwreck left you with no memories. The mayor gives you a boat and a job as the community angler and off you go to complete missions for a variety of characters, some with more sinister motives than others. The crux of the game is its day/night cycle. When the sun is up, you can roam the waves with relative impunity. Once the dark arrives your panic metre starts to fill, which can lead to reality-altering hallucinations and death if you push your luck. That's not to mention the sea monsters that inhabit the archipelagos you'll visit, which will have you navigating coastlines in frenzied fear, searching for escape. Mix all the above with a raft of compelling gameplay mechanics, such as a variety of fishing mini-games, the Tetris-like cargo management system and 128 different types of fish to catch and catalogue, and you've got an experience will truly hook you in. Spookiness Raiting: 6/10 Available on: PC, Playstation 4/5, Xbox One/S/X, Nintendo Switch [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI9zBBTyX-E[/embed] LITTLE NIGHTMARES II The decision to include a sequel over the original game took a lot of soul searching. But ultimately, since the focus here is spooks and scares, Little Nightmares II takes the cake (it's also technically a prequel, but let's not get bogged down in details here). Developed by Swedish team Tarsier Studios, Little Nightmares II is a 2.5D puzzle platformer that is packed with peril. You're Mono, a young boy in a paper bag mask who, along with a mysterious young girl as a sidekick, must make your way through the decrepit, dank Pale City to uncover what lies inside the Signal Tower at its heart. Along the way you'll have a lot to deal with, such as the television-addicted inhabitants who fly into an incoherent rage if you sever their connection to the cathode ray tube. The strength of the game lies in its set pieces, each of which is a polished jewel of terror. Talk to anyone who has played Little Nightmares II previously and they can wax lyrical about the School, the Hospital, or the end sequence, which features a twist that will slap a gasp out of you. The character design is also outstanding, with the adult inhabitants of the world represented as twisted grotesqueries, exactly what you'd expect from the point of view of a child. With a gameplay loop centred on dying, learning and dying again, and an atmosphere that will keep your anxiety levels at a roiling boil, Little Nightmares II is a key addition to the game library of any horror fan. Spookiness Rating: 8/10 Available on: PC, Playstation 4/5, Xbox One/S/X, Nintendo Switch
If you're the kind of bar patron who picks their next boozy go-to based on accolades, then this week is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only have four Australia bars earned places among the World's 50 Best Bars for 2021, but the Wineslinger Awards has announced its top picks for this year's Aussie wine-sipping spots — calling out another four spots. Wineslinger isn't about vino itself, or bars in general. As the name makes plain, it's about watering holes that focus on wine. Only four awards are handed out each year, covering the best Wineslinger, Best New Haunt, the Maverick prize for venues that push the limits and the People's Choice gong. While the first three awards are voted on by more than 150 industry experts, the latter stems from vino aficionados at home. Nabbing the big prize this year: Melbourne's Embla, which marks the second year in a row that the Victorian capital took out the Wineslinger award — and the second year it did so despite a hefty stint in lockdown. Announcing Embla's win, the Young Gun of Wine team — which runs Wineslinger — said that "Embla has become a Melbourne icon in quick time, a dogma-free temple to wine that is made from the ground up, by hand and with minimal tinkering, and all paired with Dave Verheul's breathtakingly simple fire-fuelled cooking." [caption id="attachment_836612" align="alignnone" width="1920"] P&V Merchants Paddington[/caption] In the other fields, Sydney's P&V Merchants in Paddington nabbed the Best New Haunt prize. Yes, that gong is rather self-explanatory. In the Maverick category, Perth's Si Paradiso emerged victorious for being "a venue that takes its wine as seriously as it does its quest for good times". And, the People's Choice went to Good Gilbert in Adelaide, meaning that all four winners hailed from different cities. The Wineslinger Awards were created in 2018 by Rory Kent, who also founded the Young Gun of Wine Awards. Where the latter prize aims to recognise stellar up-and-comers, the former is all about excellent and innovative places where vino lovers can enjoy an ace drop. Wineslinger also releases a list of top places to drink wine across the country each year — and the 2021 list expanded from 50 to 100. It was revealed back in November, if you still need a few more places (or 96 more, because all of this year's prize-winners are on it) to add to your vino-drinking itinerary. For further details about this year's Wineslinger Award winners, visit the awards' website. Top image: Embla.
It's been a nice week. Maybe you've been readying to discard your (semi)malfunctioning umbrella and pack away your raincoat, but, pause and take a look out the window — Marge, the rains are 'ere. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the city is expected to be hit with about 70mm of rain over the new three days. If you take a look at its radar, it looks like the first of it could hit any minute. https://twitter.com/BOM_NSW/status/1047379035733614592 According to the SMH, if this prediction is correct, it'll be the most rainfall the city — and parts of the state — has seen in more than three months. Just last month, Australia experienced its driest September on record. This rain, while slightly annoying for umbrella-less commuters, will be welcomed by NSW farmers, with 100 percent of the state currently in drought. With the majority of the rain (30–50mm) expected to hit tomorrow — Thursday, October 4 — we suggest snagging yourself a poncho or two if you plan on heading along to the opening night of the Night Noodle Markets.
There's a certain magic about paints and canvas — whether it conjures nostalgic memories of pre-school afternoons or more recent artistic attempts at boozy adult art classes. For those who want to give their masterpiece another crack, head straight for Tilly's Art & Print. Stocked with oils, markers, paper, and pencils a plenty, this inner west institution is a must-see for aspiring artists. Whether you're looking to craft your own handmade cards or perhaps give that creative side-hustle a go, a wander through these aisles are bound to leave you inspired.
Under current COVID-19 restrictions, there are restrictions on where and how far you can travel. When leaving your house, please ensure you wear a mask and social distance. For up-to-date information on Public Health Orders and restrictions in Greater Sydney visit the NSW Health website. Marrickville bagel speciality store Brooklyn Boy Bagels is making sure Sydneysiders aren't missing out on its fresh crispy bagels with a series of pop-ups at different cafes across the city. The inner west favourite has taken a hit due to the lockdown with wholesale sales down by nearly 50 per cent. "We lost thirty-thousand dollars in just two weeks," New York-bred founder Michael Shafran says. So, in order to get more bagels into hands, Brooklyn Boy is collaborating with some Sydney cafes for special one-off pop-ups across various locations. On Friday, July 16, Brooklyn Boy will appear at St Ives' Stanley Street Cafe, the first time the bagels have popped up in a north shore location. Then on Saturday, July 17 the bagels move to Surry Hills eatery Tokyo Bird, where Shafran is concocting once-off product collaborations with Tokyo Bird owners Jason and Tina Ang. "I'm thinking about making a tobiko cream cheese, where the flying fish roe – you know, the kind that you normally use on sushi and sushi dons – brings a kind of smoked salmon quality, but with a texture that's like popping candy," Shafran says. Each pop-up will run with COVID-safe precautions currently in place at all cafes, and bagels will only be available for takeaway. More locations are also set to be announced, plus a new outdoor storefront has been set up in front of Brooklyn Boy's Marrickville bakery. The 'Home Away From Home' store is open at 19 Carrington Road, Marrickville, seven days a week. If you aren't comfortable leaving the home or don't live close to one of the pop-up's, you can also have Brooklyn Boy bagels delivered to your home. Orders over $50 are available for next-day delivery to the inner west, north shore, lower northern beaches, City of Sydney and eastern suburbs for $6.50–9.95 depending on your area. [caption id="attachment_716408" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brooklyn Boy Bagels[/caption]
When it comes to Australia's best food and drink regions, the Sunshine Coast punches well above its weight. It boasts rainforests, farms and the ocean all within extremely close proximity to one another, making for a unique ecosystem — and an interesting culinary landscape. And you can celebrate all of the goodness that this coastal pocket has to offer when The Curated Plate kicks off its inaugural season in August. Across four days, the region's best chefs and producers will be joined by Australian and international heavy-hitters for a series of long lunches, degustations, food markets, tours and much more. Events will take place in venues across the region's hinterlands, rainforests and beaches with a beachside pop-up restaurant acting as the festival hub. The Sunshine Coast's organic and sustainable produce, grown in the hinterland's rich volcanic soil, will be on display. The program includes long lunches and degustations that'll highlight the latest trends in fine dining. Top chefs from around the country, including Peter Gilmore (Quay, Bennelong), Clayton Wells (Automata, A1 Canteen) and Alejandro Cancino (ex-Urbane), will be taking over some of the region's best eateries alongside international heavy-hitters like Japanese chef Zaiyu Hasegawa. Hasegawa runs Den, a two-Michelin starred restaurant in Tokyo that was awarded the number two spot on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2018, and is celebrated for his creative spin on kaiseki (Japanese multi-course haute cuisine). He will be teaming up with head chef of Spicers Tamarind Retreat for Spicers Den — a special five-course degustation dinner on Saturday, August 10. Meanwhile, Black Swan Park in Maroochydore will host a three-day food fair, featuring a bunch of local eateries, stalls and live entertainment, and Caloundra's Moffat Beach will be running a beach cinema, with burgers, beers and limited-edition treats supplied by Gelato Messina. So, if you're looking for an excuse to head up north (besides escaping the inevitable winter blues), this may just be it. The Curated Place will take place across the Sunshine Coast from Thursday, August 8 to Sunday, August 11. You can book a festival accommodation package — including the Regional Evolution four-course dinner, with wine pairings, from Australian chef Clayton Wells and two nights accommodation at Mantra Zanzibar in a two bedroom apartment — here.
Another day, another story about natural wine, with Pyrmont snagging itself a natural wine bar. Bar Clementine opened next door to Clementine's cafe in late March and it's slinging funky drops, aperitif-style cocktails and European share plates. Owner and sommelier Eric Mendoza really knows his grapes, having previously curated the award-winning wine lists at lauded Sydney venues Bloodwood and The Baxter Inn. Mendoza has also clocked in time at Rockpool and Melbourne's MoVida. Oh, and did we mention that he makes his own vermouth? "The focus will be on authenticity and intention, which can often be lost in the hedonism of Sydney," says Mendoza. Plenty of experimental labels from around the country and the world will be on display at Bar Clementine, though more accessible drops have a place here as well. At the moment, there are Aussie bottles from Gippsland, Hunter Valley, Ballarat and Margaret River on offer, as well as varietals from France and Germany by the glass. Bottled beers and classic cocktails are also up for grabs, including dirty martinis and one called the Adonis — it's made from coffee-infused vermouth, sherry and orange bitters. For eats, Mendoza has partnered with chef Craig Gray (ex-Neighbourhood Wine and Taxi Dining in Melbourne) who has created a menu of modern European fare. The food is, of course, tailored to pair with a glass of wine (or two). Expect a rather elevated version of the classic wine bar trio of cheese, charcuterie and share plates. The seasonal menu focuses on local produce with a smattering of Asian influence. Think lunch items like Sydney rock oysters with eschallot mignonette, snapper with kohlrabi kraut and apple, and a beef flank paired with pommes frites. And for the dinner tasting menu, there's dishes such as celeriac churros, beetroot with nectarine, preserved lemon and hazelnut, and a chocolate tart topped with creme fraiche. The fit-out takes cues from Europe as well, with Parisian-style aplenty. Though a small space, it benefits from a large, street facing bay window which allows for heaps of natural light. Pull up a stool at the marble-topped bar — which extends all the way to the window — and get stuck in. Bar Clementine is now open at 52 Harris Street, Pyrmont. Opening hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon–9pm.
He's one of the world's most renowned chefs, his three Michelin-starred restaurant Osteria Francescana claiming top spot on this year's prestigious World's 50 Best Restaurants list. And now, culinary powerhouse Massimo Bottura is swapping kitchen for stage, heading Down Under and travelling the country for a speaking tour next August. Bottura, who you'll have spied getting wildly creative with his native Italian cuisine — and doing so to save thousands of wheels of parmigiano-reggiano — in episode one of Netflix series Chef's Table, is well-known for his storytelling, as well as for a deep love of art, music and history. Audiences are sure to gain colourful insight into the chef's childhood, his life spent in the Northern Italian city of Modena, and the rich local history and culinary traditions that helped ignite his love of food. Bottura will also share another of his passions, speaking about his own work in the fight against food waste and hunger. As founder of non-profit Food for Soul, which empowers communities to fight food waste and social isolation, the Italian chef's helmed a series of community kitchens and drop-in dining halls across Milan, Paris, Rio de Janeiro and London. He's long championed the idea that a chef's responsibility extends far beyond the kitchen and into their community, to help inspire global change. MASSIMO BOTTURA 2019 DATES Perth — Riverside Theatre, August 6 Sydney — The State Theatre, August 8 Melbourne — MCEC, August 10 Brisbane — BCEC, August 13 Tickets are on sale April 3, 2019. Register now for pre-sale.
The Rocks is often described as the birthplace of modern Sydney, so it only makes sense that this historic precinct is transforming into a creative hub for September. Presented as the first-ever Arts & Culture Month, this addition to the city's early spring cultural calendar is a welcome one. Running from Monday, September 1–Tuesday, September 30, the inaugural event is stacked with fascinating experiences, from live music and stand-up comedy to diverse markets and weekend workshops. Get to know the local creative scene through Art Trail Night on Thursday, September 25, as renowned precinct artists Shazia Imran and Max Mendez host meet-and-greets in open-late galleries. For a self-guided adventure, this is also your chance to check out pieces by Nancy Liang, Jumaadi, Vanessa Berry and Linda Brescia tucked down local laneways. Meanwhile, The Rocks Square will be activated throughout the week, with Comedy Night on Wednesday, September 10 and Poetry Slam on Wednesday, September 17. Plus, there are live jazz sessions every Thursday from 6pm, while local DJs light up Sundays as they go crate digging for their favourite dance floor tunes. Take part in vino tastings and listen to viticulture tales at the NSW Wine Cellar Door Talk from Saturday, September 27–Sunday, September 28. Blak Markets returns for one day only on Sunday, September 21, celebrating First Nations creativity and culture. Then, Wildflower's Native Displays offers the chance to learn about bush food through native botanical installations crafted by the namesake Indigenous landcare experts. With loads more to explore, journey to The Rocks for a culture-filled encounter.
USB sticks are stripped back to basics with Flashkus, an innovative design by Russian company Art Lebedev Studio. Reflecting on the disposable nature of electronic storage, the design team foresaw a near future in which "all electronics will be contained on the tip of a detachable cardboard module." Each Flashkus is created from thin strips of recyclable cardboard, allowing for easy disk-labeling and the potential to recycle the body of the disk once you're done. The Flashkus is eco-friendly, no-nonsense and minimalistic. The team behind its creation predict it "is going to be an even more convenient storage device than the floppy disk was back then."
Oxford Street's Taylor Square is set for a revamp after Moelis Australia acquired neighbouring venues the Kinselas Hotel and the Courthouse Hotel in a $67 million deal. The private equity firm has revealed the purchase of the adjoining properties is part of a plan to combine them to create a singular Taylor Square hospitality precinct. Moelis currently owns several venues, including the Beach Hotel in Byron Bay, which it reportedly bought for more than $100 million late last year, and the Australian Brewery. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, both the Kinselas Hotel and the Courthouse Hotel were hotspots for late-night visitors to Oxford Street. The three-level Kinselas, which was once a funeral parlour, includes the top-level bowling ally and nightclub The Standard Bowl, the aptly titled second-level Middlebar and Johnny Wong's Dumpling Bar. [caption id="attachment_794200" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jan Smith via Flickr[/caption] The Courthouse Hotel has been an Oxford Street stalwart for decades. The sale of the Darlinghurst venue is its first in 30 years. "The Courthouse has to be one of the most recognisable pubs in Sydney," said Dan Dragicevich of HTL Property who brokered the deal with Moelis Australia. "The widely held view is that Oxford Street is in for a renaissance in the years to come as astute investment houses and developers seek a foothold in what will be the city's only 24-hour precinct following the reshaping of the lockout laws." Moelis Australia Hotel Management CEO Dan Brady sited the repealing of Sydney's lockout laws in January and the City of Sydney's plan to revitalise nightlife and the creative industries as influencing factors in the purchase of the venues. In the past twelve months, the City of Sydney has announced plans to reignite the nightlife in Kings Cross and Oxford Street, while the NSW Government has scrapped several archaic laws surrounding liquor licenses and live music. The settlement for both hotels is expected to occur in February 2021. The Kinselas Hotel is located at 383 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst and the Courthouse Hotel is located at 189 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst.
Most of the time, when bands take a break, they disappear into the land of never-to-be-heard-of-again. It's a kind of ex-rockers' purgatory, where would-have-, could-have- and should-have-beens sit around listening to early demo tapes, bemoaning the halcyon days when a record deal was forever just around the corner, and growing bitter about the fact that such-and-such became too egotistical or whatshisname retreated to the countryside to clean up his act. Not so The Basics. In their three-year hiatus, they've managed to win three Grammys (via Wally de Backer's transformation into Gotye), write a film score (Tim Heath's contribution to The Rise and Rise of Richard Latt) and catch malaria while checking out Kenya's local music scene (just one chapter in Kris Schroeder's excellent adventures). With all of that out of (or should that be in?) their system, they're ready for a reunion. So they've released new single 'So Hard For You' and will be touring nationally throughout September and October. "It's been a great challenge nutting out how to bring a large band, visuals and studio compositions together for the Gotye live shows over the last two years," Wally says. "But right now I'm looking forward to getting sweaty behind the drums and playing rock 'n' roll in these fab clubs with my brothers Kris and Tim." https://youtube.com/watch?v=bnDf9zLiUII
