Darlinghurst neighbourhood bar Bitter Phew is teaming up with Italian amaro distiller Fernet Branca to bring you a week-long festival of aromatic cocktails. Think signature drinks, plus creative burgers and at least a couple of big parties. Not all that familiar with Fernet Branca? It's an aromatic spirit whose story begins way back in 1845 — with a family recipe and a team of expert distillers at Fratelli Branca Distillery in Milan. More than 40 herbs, spices and blossom go into the digestivo, including saffron, myrrh, rhubarb, aloe and camomile. Even better, rumour has it that it can prevent hangovers. Kicking off on Monday, December 2, Bitter Phew's celebrations will involve a five-strong cocktail list, from the straight-forward Fernet Branca with Coke or Campari to the Hanky Panky, featuring ginger beer and lime, and the Toronto, containing gin and sweet vermouth. Alternatively, you can have it in a boilermaker or straight from the tap, either neat or on ice. Plus, BL Burgers will be chipping in with food, serving up a Fernet-inspired burger. If you're looking to celebrate with more than just a drink, swing by on Friday, December 6, for the Fernet Branca x Bitter Phew House Party, and on Sunday, December 8, for the Hospo Party.
Four decades back, concert film history was made. In December 1983, David Byrne walked out onto a Hollywood stage with a tape deck, pressed play and, while standing there solo, began to sing 'Psycho Killer'. Then-future The Silence of the Lambs Oscar-winner Jonathan Demme directed cameras towards the legendary Talking Heads' frontman, recording the results for Stop Making Sense. The best way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the event behind the greatest concert film ever made arrived in 2024, and in cinemas. That'd be watching it on the big screen, of course, with cult-favourite independent film and TV company A24 — and Madman Down Under — releasing a complete restoration of Stop Making Sense. What's the second-best way to celebrate the occasion and the movie? Catching that new 4K version at home now that it's on Madman's documentary streaming service DocPlay from Thursday, June 13. Wearing big suits is optional. Now able to burn down your house — not literally, naturally — the 4K restoration premiered at last year's Toronto International Film Festival, and also had a date with SXSW Sydney's Screen Festival in 2023. So, no it isn't the same as it ever was: Stop Making Sense is now even better. The film isn't just iconic for how it starts, which definitely isn't how concerts usually kick off. From there, as captured at Hollywood's Pantages Theatre in December 1983, David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz and Jerry Harrison put on one helluva show in support of their previous year's album Speaking in Tongues. Expect a lineup of hits, a playful approach, Byrne's famous oversized attire and even heftier stage presence, and the feeling that you're virtually in the room. Indeed, everything about this energetic and precisely executed documentary, which records the set from start to finish, couldn't be further from the standard concert flick. As 'Once in a Lifetime', 'Heaven', 'Burning Down the House', Life During Wartime', 'This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)', 'Genius of Love' and more get a whirl, each element of the movie is that fine-tuned, and every aspect of the band's performance, too. And if it feels like Byrne was on-screen not that long ago, that's because his Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods)-directed solo concert flick American Utopia did the rounds of Aussie cinemas back in 2020 — and proved one of that year's absolute best films. Check out the trailer for Stop Making Sense's 4K restoration below: Stop Making Sense is available to stream via DocPlay from Thursday, June 13, 2024. Images: Jordan Cronenweth, Courtesy of A24.
Easter is creeping closer and the creative treats are flowing in hard and fast. This year, we've already seen the release of a hot cross bun-inspired rum, decadent gelato-filled eggs and Lune's beloved hot cross cruffins. And next up is one for your booze cabinet — limited-edition drop, The Dispensary Cacao Husk Liqueur. A grown-up Easter offering with a sustainable edge, it's a joint effort from a couple of Melbourne-based favourites — Brunswick distillery The Gospel and artisan chocolate label Mork, the same crew behind that cult campfire hot chocolate. The innovative liqueur is crafted using Mork's leftover single-origin cacao husks, which would normally be thrown out. Here, instead, they're macerated in a blend of the distillery's Straight Rye and Solera Rye Whiskeys to create a complex sip filled with an array of rich fruit notes. This forward-thinking duo has effectively turned trash into treasure. Despite the cacao element, the drink isn't overly sweet; rather, the husks carry a savoury profile that complements the whisky's aromatics, leaving a blend of flavours that includes roast hazelnut, dried orange and cranberry. Mork roasts its cacao in small batches before the nib is separated and used to make products from its legendary chocolate range. Now, those discarded husks are getting their chance to shine, too. The Cacao Husk Liqueur marks the latest addition to The Gospel's Dispensary series. The crew recommends sipping it on the rocks, or stirred down with dry vermouth, Luxardo Maraschino and The Gospel's Solera Rye in a cocktail. There'll only be a limited number of bottles of the liqueur on offer — you can grab yours from The Gospel's website from 8.30am AEST on Wednesday, March 29. The Dispensary Cacao Husk Liqueur will be available to buy online from March 29.
Whenever a beloved sitcom comes to an end — as Brooklyn Nine-Nine will when it finishes up this year — it leaves a hole in your viewing schedule, and in your TV-loving heart. You can keep binging your favourites all over again, of course, and as many times as you like. But, although one-off specials, starry reunions and movie spinoffs keep happening more and more, you'll always be sad that you can't just look forward to a big batch of new episodes. The one silver lining: when the likes of Parks and Recreation and 30 Rock finished up their runs, the creatives behind them stayed in the sitcom game. Indeed, that's why B99 exists, and how The Good Place and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt came to our screens, too. And, over the past month or so, new shows from the key folks behind all of these series have just reached Stan. When it comes to Girls5eva, a word of warning: the hit song that brought titular fictional late 90s/early 00s girl group to fame is such an earworm, you'll be singing it to yourself for weeks after you binge through the sitcom that bears their name. That's to be expected given that Jeff Richmond, the composer behind 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt's equally catchy and comedic tunes, is one of the talents behind it. Tina Fey and Robert Carlock produce the series, too, so you what type of humour you're in for. Starring Sara Bareilles (Broadway's Waitress), Busy Philipps (I Feel Pretty), Renée Elise Goldsberry (Hamilton) and the great Paula Pell (AP Bio), Girls5eva follows four of the band's members two decades after their heyday. Their initial success didn't last, and life has left the now-fortysomething women at different junctures. Then a rapper samples their hit, they're asked to reunite for a one-night backing spot on The Tonight Show — and they then contemplate getting back together to give music another shot. As well as being exceptionally well-cast and immensely funny, the series is also bitingly perceptive about stardom, the entertainment industry and the way that women beyond their twenties are treated. Also, when Fey inevitably pops up, she does so as a dream version of Dolly Parton — and it's as glorious as it sounds. Check out the Girls5eva trailer below: Also now streaming its first season in full on Stan: Rutherford Falls. Michael Schur co-wrote and produced The Office, then did the same on Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, both of which he co-created as well. And, he gave the world The Good Place — which makes him one of the best in the business when it comes to kind-hearted, smart and savvy small-screen laughs. His new show continues the streak. Co-created with star Ed Helms and showrunner Sierra Teller Ornelas (Superstore), it boasts his usual charm and intelligence, too. And, as with every program he's had a hand in, it also boasts a top-notch lineup of on-screen talent. Plus, Rutherford Falls is immensely easy to binge in just one sitting, because each one of its ten first-season episodes leave you wanting more. The setup: in the place that gives the sitcom its name, Nathan Rutherford (Helms, Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun) runs the local history museum. One of his descendants founded the town, and he couldn't be more proud of that fact. He's also very protective of the towering statue of said ancestor, even though it sits in the middle of a road and causes accidents. So, when the mayor (Dana L.Wilson, Perry Mason) decides to move the traffic hazard, Nathan and his overzealous intern Bobbie (Jesse Leigh, Heathers) spring into action. Nathan's best friend Reagan Wells (Jana Schmieding, Blast) helps; however, the Minishonka Nation woman begins to realise just how her pal's family have shaped the fate of her Native American community. Also featuring a scene-stealing Michael Greyeyes (I Know This Much Is True) as the enterprising head of the Minishonka Nation casino, Rutherford Falls pairs witty laughs with warmth and sincerity, especially when it comes to exploring the treatment of First Nations peoples in America today. Check out the Rutherford Falls trailer below: The first seasons of Girls5eva and Rutherford Falls are available to stream via Stan.
Bringing Shakespeare to the big screen is no longer just about doing the material justice, or even about letting a new batch of the medium's standout talents give their best to the Bard's immortal words. For anyone and everyone attempting the feat (a list that just keeps growing), it's also about gifting the playwright's material with the finest touches that cinema allows. It's never enough to simply film Macbeth like a theatre production, for instance, even if all that dialogue first penned four centuries ago still ripples with power — while riffing about power — without any extra adornments. No Shakespeare adaptation really needs to explain or legitimise its existence more than any other feature, but the great ones bubble not only with toil and trouble, but with all the reasons why this tale needed to be captured on camera and projected large anew. Joel Coen knows all of the above. Indeed, his take on the Scottish play — which he's called The Tragedy of Macbeth, taking Shakespeare's full original title — justifies its existence as a movie in every single frame. His is a film of exacting intimacy, with every shot peering far closer at its main figures than anyone could ever see on a stage, and conveying more insight into their emotions, machinations and motivations in the process. The Bard might've posited that all the world's a stage in As You Like It, but The Tragedy of Macbeth's lone Coen brother doesn't quite agree. Men and women are still merely players in this revived quest for supremacy through bloodshed, but their entrances, exits and many parts would mean nothing if we couldn't see as far into their hearts and minds as cinema — and as cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel's (The Woman in the Window) stripped-down, black-and-white, square-framed imagery — can possibly allow. In a year for filmmakers going it alone beyond the creative sibling relationships that've defined their careers — see also: The Matrix Resurrections — Joel Coen makes a phenomenal solo debut with this up-close approach. His choice of cast, with Denzel Washington (The Little Things) as powerful as he's ever been on-screen and Frances McDormand (The French Dispatch) showing why she has three Best Actress Oscars, also helps considerably. The former plays the eponymous Scottish general, the latter his wife, and both find new reserves and depths in the pair's fateful lust for glory. That's another key element to any new silver-screen iteration of Shakespeare's most famous works: making its characters feel anew. Washington and McDormand — and Coen as well — all tread in the footsteps of of Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard and Australian filmmaker Justin Kurzel (Nitram) thanks to 2015's exquisite Macbeth, but they stand in absolutely no one's shadows. As also previously splashed across cinemas by Orson Welles, Akira Kurosawa and Roman Polanski, the narrative details remain the same, obviously — from the witches (all played by Kathryn Hunter, Flowers) prophesying that Macbeth will soon be monarch, through to his murderous actions at Lady Macbeth's urging to make that prediction become a reality. All that scheming has consequences, both before and after King Duncan (Brendan Gleeson, Mr Mercedes) is stripped of his throne. One of the smartest parts of the movie's central casting is the change it brings to the Macbeths' seething desperation. Due to Washington and McDormand's ages, their versions of the characters are grasping onto what might be their last chance, rather than being ruthless with far more youthful abandon. They're susceptible to the Weird Sisters' suggestions in a different way, too, embracing what they think should already be theirs rather than seizing a shot they may not have expected for some time otherwise. McDormand's involvement is hardly surprising — she's married to Joel, is one of the Coen brothers' mainstays when her husband and his sibling Ethan share directorial credits, and won her first Academy Award for playing a pregnant police chief in their crime classic Fargo. But The Tragedy of Macbeth moulds what could've just been a given, a case of spouses reteaming again, into an inspired opportunity to give its source material a few shrewd tweaks. Writing as well as helming, that's the intensely fastidious level that Joel operates on. His work has always been assembled with precision, but that devotion to detail feels as stark here as the movie's overwhelmingly evocative monochrome visuals. For a filmmaker known for surveying life's chaotic and careening turns, dating back to 1984's Blood Simple, spanning comedies such as Raising Arizona and The Big Lebowski, and evident in the more recent Inside Llewyn Davis and Hail, Caesar!, too, he makes mess and mayhem look meticulous in The Tragedy of Macbeth. This towering adaptation may carve its own space among the many other Macbeths, but it also shows Coen's penchant for Welles' rendering — and his films in general — plus Kurosawa's Throne of Blood. Those nods come through aesthetically, flickering through a feature that masterfully looks as if it could've been made decades ago. The Tragedy of Macbeth's German expressionism-influenced use of light and darkness isn't just sharp, it's piercing, aptly so when Washington stands in a lengthy corridor to ask "is this a dagger which I see before me?". They're intense words from one of the Bard's greatest soliloquies, and they're paired with such stunning cinematography — that hallway appears to keep extending forever, a sight that says oh-so-much about the moral precipice Macbeth stands at — that the effect is scorching. Something wicked this way comes within the narrative, of course, but something magnificent unfurls in this new retelling. Stepping back into the acclaimed play proves a lean and ravishing experience again and again here, and also eerie and potent — a mesmerising brew when it comes to this story. Strutting and fretting as Delbonnel's staggering cinematography gazes his way, and as Carter Burwell's (The Ballad of Buster Scruggs) score ramps up the tension, Washington is equally transfixing. He needs to be to play this part. He needs to be remarkable to express Macbeth's transformation from loyal royal offsider to killer, and to navigate the corresponding existential torment. Something astonishing this way comes as a result, a feat that isn't The Tragedy of Macbeth's alone with this tale (Kurzel's version was the best film of its year), but provides another masterwork full of sound and fury signifying everything. The Tragedy of Macbeth opens in Australian cinemas on December 26, 2021, and will be available to stream via Apple TV+ on January 14, 2022.
Tropical North Queensland is so rich in natural beauty that it's easy to forget that the region also boasts an impressive art scene. Local and international artists flock to the tropics, finding inspiration in the stunning scenery throughout the area. From local theatres and art galleries, to beachside markets and concert venues, there are plenty of ways to get your culture fix while in the tropics.
Picnic season is upon us, so it's time to amp up your gear-game for the inevitable days spent feasting on foil-wrapped sandwiches and plastic cups of chilled wine. When shopping for picnic gear, you need to consider all the practical stuff like transportability, usefulness (don't forget a bin bag!) and practicality (can it get wet?). But it's also nice if it looks great. We've combined all those things into the following list for our picks of picnic must-haves. And every inclusion on this list is Australian-designed or made because we love to keep it local. SPEAKERS THAT DOUBLE AS ESKYS One of the only downsides to spending a day in the sun picnicking is the mandatory lugging of cooler boxes, picnic baskets, speakers and food from the car to the designated picnic spot. So, whenever possible, try find picnic gear that can do two things at once. Like this pretty and pink two-in-one cooler and speaker from Sunnylife for $199. It has a 15 litre capacity so it fits 16 cans with ice. It also has bluetooth, radio, connects to AUX and USB. If you're after something a little larger and don't require the most aesthetically pleasing cooler-box-speaker-hybrid at the beach, here's another one from Super Cheap Auto that holds 55 litres and will only set you back $60. [caption id="attachment_827827" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Annika Kafacaloudis for Hattie Molloy X Curio Practice [/caption] WARM BLANKETS FOR SUNSET PICNICS Need something to wrap yourself in when the sun goes down and the spritzes aren't warming you up enough? Curio Practice is a female-owned small business making checkered and patterned blankets from the finest Australian Merino wool and made locally in Victoria. Curio Practice's blankets are of impeccable quality and beautifully made, plus, when winter rolls around the picnic baskets go into storage, they look pretty draped over lounge chairs or folded on the end of your bed. Win-win. MINI CUT-OUT TABLES FOR NO-SPILLS If you're on the clumsy side or have a penchant for sinking one too many rosés on the grass with your pals, Etsy store Noosh and Noo sells picnic tables with clever cut-out glass holders so your drink won't get knocked over and your cheese stays free of ants. The tables are handmade out of bamboo so they're light and durable, and you can have your name, initials or a symbol engraved. They're $100 and are made to order in Australia. Or, if you picnic in larger groups, Indi Tribe Collective has portable picnic tables with up to eight wine glass holes and two wine bottle holders for $259.95. PATTERNED RUGS FOR A VINTAGE VIBE Arguably the most important piece of picnic equipment is a durable but fun waterproof rug you can plonk yourself and your food on. Etsy store BreezeBoutique has loads of different colours and checks to chose from, with two size options ranging from around $89-$99. These blankets are made from acrylic and have little PU leather handles for easy travelling. If you want traditional tartan made with natural materials, Waverley Mills is Australia's oldest working textile mill and makes some of the finest Australian Merino wool picnic blankets around. They're crafted in Tassie, made to last and range from $229-$299. BEACH CHAIRS FOR THE PICNIC ELITE If you really want to take your picnic to the next level, purchasing portable fold-out chairs might be on your agenda. If you're after a stylish but comfy chair, Sunday Supply Co have designed luxe beach seats with fast-drying padded foam and fade resistant fabric. They have some very funky covers, including a sunny yellow and white striped number and a beachy black and white polka dot. If you're more low-key but still love a retro look, these striped plastic camp chairs are a throwback we can get around — especially for only $24.99. [caption id="attachment_827899" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Greta Mitchell for Porter Green[/caption] ECO-FRIENDLY REUSABLE CUPS Glassware and expensive ceramic tableware have no place at a picnic, but the over-manufacturing of single use plastics are wreaking havoc on the environment. Instead of plastic supermarket cups, go for reusable options like these stainless steal party cups with splash-less lids or this double wall insulated wine traveller set. The ones featured in the image above are unbreakable, foldable silicone tumblers from sustainable interiors brand Porter Green and are $27.25 for a pack of two. If you're partial to something sparkling, these reusable pink champagne flutes are only $24.99 for two. COCKTAIL SHAKERS FOR ON-THE-GO MARGS The number one way to impress dinner guests is casually shaking and pouring cocktails like you were born to do it while effortlessly maintaining vibrant conversation. Same goes for picnics. Picnic Folk are an Australian brand selling brightly patterned stainless steal picnic equipment like lunchboxes, tumblers and cocktail shakers that are hand painted by an older generation of artisans in Kashmir. If you're more of a minimalist, this cocktail set from Grand Cru Wine Fridges comes in black matte finish and has everything you need to make a basic cocktail for $59.95. PICNIC BASKETS THAT DOUBLE AS CHEESE BOARDS Picnic basket, cheeseboard, card table — we love a picnic basket that can do it all. The Beach People have designed specialised, handmade picnic baskets that have a wooden food grade removable cheeseboard lid and an insulated interior with a zip close for $199. They also have a 'seconds' section, where they sell the cheeseboard picnic baskets that have minor imperfections for $179. If you want something a little larger, Paragon Emporium has a fold out picnic basket that doubles as a table with optional legs that are tucked away when the basket is in its basket form, plus swing out wine glass holders. GAMES TO PLAY WHEN THE CONVO ISN'T CUTTING IT Sometimes a picnic needs an element of organised fun, and, if our national sports are any indication, there's nothing Australian's love more than a bit of competition on the grass. Check out this enormous wooden Jenga from Yellow Octopus or this two-in-one lawn games bundle from Living by Design. If you're vibing the things-that-double-as-other-things picnic tip, perhaps this games-board-slash-towel from Sunnylife is a win for your next beach picnic. [caption id="attachment_828069" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: KoolShooters via Pexels[/caption] VINTAGE FINDS FOR ONE-OF-A-KIND GEAR With so many new gadgets constantly being manufactured, it may also be on your mind to start a collection of vintage picnic gear for a more sustainable approach. South Australian based Etsy shop, Beach Kiosk Vintage, has vintage collectables that are perfect for outdoor use and your next picnic. It might take a bit of hunting, but from 80s ice coolers to enamel fondue pots, there's something for everyone. The Vintage Retro Guy is another Etsy shop, this time based out of Geelong Victoria. It usually has a great selection of original, colourful plastic cups, saucers, plates and containers for all your portable picnic needs. Happy hunting. Image: Annika Kafacaloudis for Hattie Molloy X Curio Practice
Sydney Festival is back with a massive 2022 lineup, so clear your diaries because summer is going to be very, very busy. The annual arts, music and culture festival is bringing 133 events to spaces all around the city for 25 days. That includes performances, shows, gigs, installations and more across Sydney's stages, screens, parks, ferry rides, the Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool and at a new 1000-seat pop-up site in Cathedral Square — because a major citywide arts festival should sprawl absolutely everywhere it can around town. If you're looking to get your dose of art, theatre and live music without breaking the bank, you can score a great deal on Sydney Festival tickets by using your $25 Discover vouchers that the NSW government offered up as part of its Dine & Discover initiative (we know they're still sitting in your Service NSW app). We've rounded up ten of the festival's best events that you can nab tickets for less than $50 using your vouchers, from free outdoor art exhibitions and extravagant stage shows to futuristic raves and prehistoric picnics.
Previously hidden in a backyard sprinkled with fairy lights, Parramatta pizzeria Fratelli Pulcinella has expanded into a new location on Church Street. While you may not be sneaking around the side of a house to get your hands on the saucy rounds, you'll still find the same quality Italian food at Fratelli Pulcinella 2.0. Head into 399 Church Street, and you'll find two firing pizza ovens (one for classic bases and one for gluten-free slices) amid a spacious multi-storey dining room accented with brightly coloured chairs and Italian quotes emblazoned across the wall. If part of the charm at the original Parramatta location was the al fresco dining, never fear — the new space has plenty of tables out back in the courtyard. Food-wise the team has kept things consistent, with the addition of pizza fritta and panuozzo to the menu. Classic Italian combos form the basis of the pizza options: margherita (regular or the extra-cheesy buffalo variety), prosciutto and parmesan, capricciosa and napoletana. But, the rotating menu is known to dish up some unexpected flavours as well. Indulge in a combo of speck, provolone, buffalo cheese, rocket, truffle oil and balsamic glaze. Or opt for the double-layered Amore Tossico, which features fior di latte mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, house-made Italian sausage, tomato, ham, caramelised onions, buffalo cheese, fried speck and basil. Bellissimo. If you're looking for a comforting Italian feast in the west (or on your way to a game at CommBank Stadium), Fratelli Pulcinella is here to hit the spot — now with room for everyone. Updated Monday, December 18, 2023.
Moosejaw, an online shop that sells outdoor recreational apparel, has created the X-Ray Catalog App, available at their website. Once the app is downloaded, the user holds their smartphone over photos of models sporting ski parkas and other fairly unsexy items, only to see the app 'strip' them through the use of augmented reality technology, revealing what they are wearing underneath their clothes. It's true that a lot more people (probably men) are suddenly going to be a lot more interested in this catalogue. If you wanted to look at soft porn in a public place or avoid embarrassment when your mum finds your stash under the bed - she'll just think you really love camping - this technology might just hold the answer. Or maybe it's about giving people the chance to feel as if they have superhero skills. Either way, if you see people reading the catalogue on the train with a little too much interest, you can either tsk them or give them a knowing wink, depending on whether you think this is creepy or brilliant.
After promising a return to Australian shores earlier this year, Coldplay have announced the details of their November tour. The band will be playing four stadium shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane plus Auckland in New Zealand from November 10-21. Australian talent The Temper Trap and US-based sister act, The Pierces, will be supporting. Coldplay are currently touring the world to celebrate the release of their fifth studio album Mylo Xyloto. In March, the band cancelled two corporate shows in Sydney due to personal reasons. Their last visit down under was in 2011 to headline Splendour in the Grass. “We can’t wait to get back to Australia and New Zealand this November. They’re such special places for us. These venues are pretty huge, the Aussie and New Zealand crowds are always incredible and we’ll be bringing everything we’ve got. It’s going to be big,” lead singer Chris Martin said on the band’s official website. Pre-sale tickets for Visa Credit, Debit and Prepaid cardholders will be released this Thursday, May 17. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, May 25.
It swept cities across the nation into a sugar-dusted frenzy when its pop-up 'dessert museum' travelled the country, now, the team behind the nostalgic Sugar Republic and festive Christmasland is taking its sweet-toothed fantasies to a whole new level, opening Australia's first-ever sweets-inspired accommodation. Opening its doors in Daylesford, Victoria — 90 minutes northwest of Melbourne — Sweet Retreat is a true candy-coated affair, complete with sugar-themed suites you can stay in, play in and take some rather dashing snaps in. Located in an old miner's cottage, the retreat has Milk Bar-inspired art by Callum Preston, a giant Paddle Pop in the living room, oversized Tim Tams in the bedroom, a pink ball pit, a disco ensuite and neon artworks throughout the house. Oh, and it has scratch 'n' sniff cherry wallpaper, too, plus an appliance-filled kitchen for whipping up any sweet treats of your own and some actual lollies to eat. In short, it's exactly what you'd expect from any of Sugar Republic's previous pop-ups, but you can sleep, cook and play games in it. And you can bring along your mates, too, with the retreat housing up to eight people across four themed bedrooms. You can cosy up in the Sweet Love suite filled with Mills & Boon books, the Tea & Biscuits room with teapot lights and biscuit walls, or the rainbow or peaches bedrooms. All rooms have access to the balcony, deck and pergola. There are retro boardgames and Sonos speakers to keep you entertained when you're not sniffing the wallpaper or swimming in the ball pit and, outside of the house, there's a sprawling garden with roses and fruit trees. Of course, there's plenty you can do in the surrounding area, too. You can check out some of Daylesford's more unexpected activities — including llama rides and visits to a treehouse spa — take a look over here. Sweet Retreat by Sugar Republic is now open for bookings, starting from $450 a night. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Mixed-media legend Nikolaus Dolman is renowned for deconstructing pop culture. He's taken on the selfie, clickbait and the 'Western lifestyle economy' all by way of collage and image manipulation. He's copied, cut and pasted his way onto the Australian art scene, garnering attention by subverting our popular obsessions and the repetitiveness of mass media through the infinitesimal forms images can take. And this week, you can see Nikolaus' views on the modern world and how he recontextualises it in his own way at Wild Turkey Way at The Annandale Hotel. There, classic bourbon, iconic Sydney burgers and some of Australia's best artists come together at the inner west pub, for a night of doing things the Wild Turkey way, which is to say, your own way. So to honour this bourbon fete and the spirit of forging your own path, we sat down with Nikolaus to learn about his craft and how he's doing things his very own way. How did you get started as an artist? Everyone in my family is creative in their own way, and has definitely influenced me towards a career in the visual arts. Did your style evolve into collage from something else? I studied printmaking in my undergrad at Southern Cross University in Lismore, NSW, and from there, my practice evolved into different mediums — all closely related to paper, surface and texture. [I've been influenced by] the tactile qualities of paper and infinite possibilities of image reproduction. Where do you source your material from? I source material from commercial and domestic advertising as a start, then it gets lost and transformed through process into a subversion of its original context and form. I'm attracted to pattern and how certain images tessellate, or at least attempt to. What's the message behind your work with its focus on topics like selfies, advertising and popular culture? My work reflects the western lifestyle economy and culture through mainstream media and advertising. Through my work, I explore the repetitious and obsessive qualities of living in an image-saturated world, and the effects such immediacy and disposability have in our everyday. I'm interested in how we are represented in advertising, and how it evokes certain desires. I guess social identity plays a big part in my thought process when I am conjuring up new ideas for works. What's the piece of work that you're most proud of? I've just completed [my] largest piece to date, which I'm excited to show in an upcoming solo show at Firstdraft in Woolloomooloo, opening June 7. Have you ever received any backlash or criticism about your artwork? Yes, mostly because I am personally entrenched in the subject and in challenging certain aspects of it. I try to take an observational stance and eliminate a negative tone by using irony and humour. Also, the act of 'borrowing' content to make work from is sometimes frowned upon. But isn't it just another way of viewing already familiar evocations? Nikolaus Dolman's work, along with other Aussie artists 'doing things their way', will be on display at The Annandale Hotel as part of the Wild Turkey Way pop-up this Friday, May 26. Find more info about the event here.
Uber drivers may want to start thinking about a change of career. The ridesharing giant, whose relationship with its drivers has been turbulent in recent times, may soon reach the point where it no longer has any need for them at all. After all, why spend millions settling lawsuits when you can get the cars to operate themselves? That seems to be the thinking as the company rolled out its first fleet of self-driving cars in the U.S. today. After beginning testing back in May, the fleet of modified Ford Fusion Hybrids, complete with roof-mounted cameras, radar and Uber branding, took its first official outing streets of Pittsburgh on Wednesday — beating other tech companies to the punch. At the moment Uber is still sending a safety driver along in the driver's seat, so they can intervene if anything goes awry. The idea is that eventually those safety drivers won't be needed anymore — but, safety, y'know? "This pilot is a big step forward," said the company via a statement on their website. "Real-world testing is critical to the success of this technology. And creating a viable alternative to individual car ownership is important to the future of cities." They hope that driverless technology will, eventually, help to lower the number of traffic accidents, cut congestion and free up parking space in our cities. At the moment the self-driving cars are only available to "loyal" Pittsburgh Uber riders — if one of the cars is available when they request an uberX, that's what they'll get. That's all well and good, but will these self driving cars be offering their passengers complimentary mints? Where are we on that technology, exactly? By Tom Clift and Lauren Vadnjal.
Wayside Chapel's community service centres have been offering vital support for Sydneysiders in need since 1964. Its mission is to provide unconditional help to locals experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental health issues and social isolation. This work has become more important than ever during the COVID pandemic, with even more people looking to the charity for assistance. But, with both Wayside Chapel Op Shops (in Kings Cross and Bondi) currently closed to the public, getting funding for the community organisation has been especially difficult. So, Wayside launched its Online Op Shop this month. Expect to find pre-loved designer and vintage fashion items at bargain prices here. At the moment, the shop includes finds (for both women and men) from designers like I Am Gia, Assembly, Manning Cartel, Michael Kors, Marimekko, Antipodium London and Religion, all for just $30–4o. https://www.instagram.com/p/CE5htRXDiqL/ Plus entire vintage and accessory sections too. And every single dollar spent goes straight to Wayside's programs and services. Shopping here has a big, big impact. Thanks to community funding, Wayside has provided over 15,000 hot meals and groceries, over 3000 pieces of clothing and blankets and over 1000 warm showers and care packs — and that's just from March to June this year. If you are looking to downsize your wardrobe, Wayside Chapel also accepts quality donations to their Op Shop, and offers other ways to donate too. To shop or donate to Wayside Chapel Online Op Shop, head to thewaysidechapelopshop.com.
Sydney's jazz scene is ever-evolving. To help spotlight the city's talented local artists, The Lansdowne Hotel is hosting a JAZZ+ night for free every Sunday at 6pm featuring a lineup of diverse and emerging acts. Last weekend, resident sextet Haztet kicked off the event along with support from Starlings, a groove-based band comprised of Marley Rooney, Sarah Purdon, Tom Andrews, Yonah Rex-McGirr, Ryu Kodama and Riley Hilder. Other groups who have produced their own take on future jazz, neo-soul, DnB, acid fusion, and alternative hip-hop are set to take the stage in the coming weeks. To find out which talents are playing every week, head over to The Lansdowne Hotel's website to stay updated with their lineup. [caption id="attachment_877018" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Lansdowne Hotel - Supplied[/caption] Top images: The Lansdowne Hotel — supplied
Adapted from a collection of semi-autobiographical short stories by Instagram-age Renaissance man James Franco, Palo Alto marks the directorial debut of 26-year-old Gia Coppola, the granddaughter and niece of filmmakers Francis Ford and Sofia, respectively. A portrait of teenage disaffection, it's a film that attempts to capture the aimlessness, the angst and the self-aggrandised melancholy of youth. Emma Robert and newcomer Jack Kilmer play April and Teddy, a pair of brooding high schoolers absorbed by personal drama. He's a delinquent skater who's actually an unappreciated artist; she's the neglected daughter of self-absorbed parents who begins an affair with her creepy soccer coach (Franco). Meanwhile, Teddy's best bud Fred (Nate Wolff) finds himself drawn to increasingly anti-social behaviour to hide his insecurities, while another classmate Emily (Zoe Levine) turns to sex in order to hide her own. Palo Alto is in cinemas on August 14, and thanks to Vendetta Films, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Read our full review here. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=sTqMUu1iTIo
Hidden away on Regent Street in Chippendale is Charc Specialty Meats and Coffee, an unassuming little cafe specialising in the incredible trinity of sandwiches, cookies and biltong. While the storefront might not be as flashy as some of Sydney's other popular sambo spots, Charc is an underrated gem for any local meat lovers. Each sandwich here can be loaded up from the regular size all the way up to the double, depending on how much smoked deli meat you want packed between two slices of bread. Standout creations include the El Scorcho, piling on housemade spicy beef salami, Swiss cheese, jalapeños, and a white Russian sauce for a very reasonable $13.90. Elsewhere on the menu, you'll find a variety of reubens made with pastrami, chicken or mushroom as the hero protein. There's also a take on a classic Cuban sandwich, a classic corned beef and pickle combo, and a pair of luxe toasties created with house-smoked wagyu beef. Rounding out the offerings are a few lighter brekkie options including a breakfast burrito and a wagyu cheesesteak wrap, and plenty of drinks including protein shakes and coffee — both milk and filter.
If you've ever wanted to turn your childhood into a movie, Theater Camp is the latest film that understands. It's also happy to laugh. Unlike Minari, Belfast, The Fabelmans, Aftersun and Past Lives, this isn't a drama, with Molly Gordon, Ben Platt, Noah Galvin and Nick Lieberman making a sidesplittingly funny mockumentary about a place that's near and dear to them. What happens when four friends reflect upon their formative years, when they all fell in love with putting on a show? Theater Camp is the pitch-perfect answer. Looking backwards can be earnest and nostalgic, as Gordon and company know and embrace. Going for Wet Hot American Summer meets Waiting for Guffman and A Mighty Wind, they're just as aware that it can be utterly hilarious. Watching Theater Camp means stepping into Gordon, Platt, Galvin and Lieberman's reality. None are currently camp counsellors, but the realm that they parody genuinely is personal. The film's core quartet initially came into each other's lives via youth theatre. With Gordon and Platt, the picture even boasts the receipts — aka IRL footage of the pair performing as kids — from a time when they were appearing together in Fiddler on the Roof at age four and in How to Succeed in Business at five. This team was first driven to bring their shared experiences to the screen in an improvised 2020 short also called Theater Camp. Now, they flesh out that bite-sized flick to full length as enthusiastically as any wannabe actor has ever monologued. All four co-write, while Booksmart and The Bear star Gordon directs with fellow first-time feature helmer Lieberman. Gordon, Dear Evan Hansen stage and screen lead Platt, plus Galvin — who similarly portrayed that Broadway hit's title role — act as well, playing three of the adults at AdirondACTS. Gordon and Platt cast themselves as Rebecca-Diane and Amos, Theater Camp's co-dependent life-long best friends forever. The film's central vacation spot was the joined-at-the-hip characters' ultimate escape, and still is. That said, their move into teaching at the same venue is a clear sign that their aspirations as performers haven't come to fruition. Every year now, Rebecca-Diane and Amos guide teen campers through all things theatre — and towards putting on the season's big show, an original that the duo also write and direct. But Theater Camp's summer in focus isn't any old summer. Before the thespians of tomorrow arrive, while the financially struggling AdirondACTS is in fundraising mode, founder Joan (Amy Sedaris, Somebody I Used to Know) falls into a coma due to "the first Bye Bye Birdie–related injury in the history of Passaic County". While she's incapacitated, that leaves her finfluencer son Troy (Jimmy Tatro, a YouTuber and now The Afterparty and Strays talent) in charge. Also in upstate New York while the sun shines, the histrionics ramp up and everything becomes a performance: the camp's put-upon backstage go-to Glenn (Galvin, The Good Doctor), who is largely ignored and underappreciated by his peers; costume guru Gigi (Owen Thiele, Hacks) and dance instructor Clive (Nathan Lee Graham, Katy Keene), who couldn't be more passionate about their respective disciplines; and staff newcomer Janet (Ayo Edebiri, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem), who knows less than the students. Representing a neighbouring private-school camp that's been flashing its cash for years trying to buy AdirondACTS' land from Joan, lawyer Caroline (Patti Harrison, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) struts around in an effort to convince Troy to sell. And there are kids, of course, of varying skills and with an array of theatre-related hopes (Minari's Alan Kim, Young Rock's Bailee Bonick, Chapelwaite's Donovan Colan and The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers' Luke Islam are among them). Gordon, Platt, Galvin and Lieberman focus their script on the production of Joan, Still, Rebecca-Diane and Amos' centrepiece musical for the year and a tribute to their absent mentor — and, as finances keep proving an issue, Troy's cluelessness constantly has an impact and Caroline is adamant about snapping up the facility, on saving the entire site. Chaos ensues, which is predictable in the film's broad strokes but, crucially, never in its minutiae. While foreseeing that arguments, tantrums, rivalries, broken dreams, battling egos, budget woes and behind-the-scenes mishaps will all flow is easy, the particulars, and the whys and hows of what's going on, rarely take the expected route. Indeed, because they've been there, lived that and are now eagerly and warmheartedly satirising it, the Theater Camp crew perfects the art of going specific to get universal. Accordingly, if you were once a budding drama geek as well, prepare to be seen and spoofed but also celebrated. Prepare to be showered in lines, references, costumes, sets and moments that couldn't be more authentic, in fact. If you don't know your Damn Yankees from your Hamilton, though, prepare to plunge into a madcap world that's the epitome of youthful fervour and adult malaise swishing together. Theater Camp mightn't dazzle if it didn't feel so bona fide — and if it didn't so gleefully and visibly love playing around in its very own microcosm, just like children discovering their own place to belong at a theatre camp and actors finding themselves in role after role. Gordon, Platt, Galvin and Lieberman couldn't have better riffed on their favourite time as kids and what might've been if they hadn't found success, or enlisted a more-willing cast. In the crowded mockumentary field, they're also spot-on at cannily deploying the genre's tropes. Watching Theater Camp also means wanting to sit down to see Blackmail and Botox, A Hanukkah Divorce and The Briefcase, The Door & the Salad next. No one can, because they're each purely creations of this very amusing flick; what fun the film's key foursome must've had coming up with those titles alone. Theater Camp is a stage-adoring screen gem that's a lively labour of love and a clear work of fun, too: to lampoon treading the boards, summer camps and the exact place where both meet, and to do so this entertainingly, requires knowing the theatre scene and its training grounds intimately. Wanting to catch The Crucible Jr and even an immersive stage version of Cats (that surely couldn't be worse than 2019's cinema take) — yes, that equally springs from laughing heartily through this ode to performing as a dream, a job, a future, an obsession and a way of life.
If you're still struggling to work out how to "throw a shrimp on the barbie" without burning it into a chewy mess, then the Sydney Seafood School is here to help. And, while your teenage self may have been counting down the days in December till you were officially on end-of-year holidays, this time it's cool to head back to school. Some of Australia's most celebrated chefs will be heading to the Sydney Fish Market between Monday, November 21, 2022 and Sunday, February 26, 2023 to host a series of interactive classes that'll deliver a crash course in cooking with crustaceans and all their fishy counterparts. On the menu: lots of fun and a little mess (if you've ever handled squid ink you'll understand), with a range of live, hands-on lessons that are suitable for both starters and seafood specialists. Classes will be run by guest chefs Karen Martini, Martin Boetz and Sean Connolly, as well as writer, gourmet farmer and television personality Matthew Evans and fisherman, Sydney Fish Market tour guide and TikTok star Alex Stollznow. With dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world, you'll be sure to find a cooking experience that suits your palate, from a Mexican fiesta to a culinary journey through Morocco. Sure, summer in Sydney may traditionally be about beers by the beach and all of the fresh fruit, but we're adding cooking lessons with some of the country's best foodies to the list. Browse the full schedule for Sydney Seafood School's summer series and book your spot via the website.
We've all known those couples who have so much in common they're perfectly suited in theory, and in practice an apocalyptic mess. That tenuous relationship has never been better recorded than by actor, playwright, wit, dandy, and logical Oscar Wilde successor Noel Coward in his 1930 play, Private Lives. Five years after his divorce, the terminally ironic, never dull Elyot (Toby Schmitz; Coward originally wrote the role for himself, which gives you a clue as to just how good the lines given to him are) is on honeymoon with his new wife, Sybil (Eloise Mignon), in a Normandy seaside resort. His similarly acid-tongued ex-wife, Amanda (Zahra Newman), is also on her honeymoon, to Victor (Toby Truslove), in — you guessed it, comedy fans — the exact same lodgings. As is not atypical of those stung by a challenging, equal romantic partnership, this time around, they've each chosen comfort. Sybil and Victor are idiots, and Amanda and Elyot will feel their mistake keenly when they're forced to meet again. Private Lives is fun and cannot be anything but, which makes it a good choice for set designer extraordinaire and Belvoir artistic head but first-time director Ralph Myers. It's forgivable that there's a whiff of unsureness about the opening scene, then, although oddly enough, it's not at all helped by the awkward, grandly minimal set, unclear on when it's a hallway or a terrace. After Amanda and Elyot retreat to her Parisian apartment, things get smoother — positively silky once an unexpected Phil Collins breakdown bonds both the actors and the audience. It's a shortcut to intimacy, but you really believe this and other moments that conjure a couple's private in-joke. Moreover, it's the first shot of modern, riotous energy in the production, and from here on in, the characters have a runaway chemistry that builds to a wickedly climactic reunion breakfast. Coward's barbs are still so sharp and rousing, and it's exciting to watch the two Tobys at the top of their — very different — comedic games. At the same time, it is getting a bit repetitive seeing Schmitz play the smartarse, Truslove the schmo, and Mignion the ingénue. Belvoir should be careful to keep challenging its fine recurring actors. In this case, Mignion is perhaps even miscast, seeming more lost and infantilised under a giant blonde wig than a daffy scene queen in her twenties could possibly be. There's one further oddity in Private Lives: It has a rather casual, even glamorising, approach to domestic violence, one that jars with the attempt to transplant it to an unspecific present. Other anachronisms may pass quietly by, but this comes as a jolt. Image by Heidrun Lohr.
The SOUL Group have struck gold, again. After launching two hugely successful local haunts, the dynamic duo have branched out once more to open Sydney's first-ever Korean tapas and wine bar in familiar Surry Hills digs. Taking over SOUL Deli's former place of residence — which has now moved a few doors down— the Campbell Street locale is serving up a fresh take on Korean snacks. Aiming to showcase the depth of the country's cuisine, husband and wife team Daero Lee and Illa Kim have birthed the concept of pairing tasteful wine with Korean food. The tapas-style menu champions creativity, blending staples from contemporary Australian dining with Korean staples to form a menu like no other. The cosy all-day diner and wine bar is filled with inviting warm-toned interiors, accompanied by lively traditional folk Minhwa prints throughout the space. Plus, if you pay a visit during the day, you and your pooch can put the al fresco dining space to good use and soak up some rays with your meal. Seating 30, the third SOUL Group outpost is led by Head Chef Sunny Ryu. Expect to find top-notch dishes that aren't afraid to stray from the traditional Korean norm — scallop crudo with Korean ajo and blanco, corn cheese croquettes and hand-rolled Korean pasta accompanied by dry-aged Murray cod, all of which can be paired with a wine from the carefully curated list or a serve of soju. If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, pick from the Choco Pie with housemade marshmallow and a hazelnut praline, the peach sorbet with lemon cream or the chestnut tiramisu. And, while the Surry Hills spot is to be a gorgeous nighttime dining experience, the outpost also offers a breakfast and lunch menu daily for a great start to the morning or an exciting boozy lunch. The daytime menu at Bar SOUL is filled with a blend of Korean favourites and Australian cafe staples. Bread sits at the centre of the offerings, with standout dishes like toast topped with burrata, roasted beetroot, quinoa and blood orange; Murray Cod fish burgers with pickled cucumber tartar and fennel on potato buns; and MB9+ wagyu open sandwiches. No matter which time you head in, it's best to lean into the theme. Where else can you pair a loaded fish burger with Bokbunjajoo Black Raspberry Wine, or gang-doenjang with a glass of Mudgee rosé?
If you're going to sit yourself down in someone's restaurant, eat their specially cooked food from their own personal dishes, drink their juices and leave them to clean up your mess, you'd feel like paying right? You'd think most Australians would, but Melbourne-founded 'pay-what-you-feel' restaurant Lentil as Anything is watching customer by customer happily walk out without paying much (or anything) at all. Reported by Good Food, the popular chain is losing money — a lot of money. Apparently people aren't as generous as they thought when the not-for-profit organisation first set up the bill honour system — mainly as a means to get much needed, good vegetarian food to people of a lower socioeconomic status. But it looks like people are genuinely stingy bastards and treating the joint as a free feed. LAA is operating at a major loss — GF reports the Abbotsford restaurant lost $4000 in one night, despite serving 1500 people (who'd just returned from Rainbow Serpent festival). This averaged out to about $2.75 a head. Well done, y'jerks. Lentil as Anything has no prices on their menu. The Melbourne and Sydney restaurants are entirely funded by donations with the kind and probably naive motto "everyone deserves a place at the table". GF reports roughly one million meals are served by LAA across the four restaurants each year, with running costs getting up to $24,000 per venue per week. To help this even out, you're advised to leave around $12 to cover the meal and the general running of the joint. But if you don't pay them properly, they pay for your dinner themselves. They pay for you to eat their deliciously healthy food in their dining room from their plates. If you can't pay, you're encouraged volunteer in the kitchen or come back later and pay the difference. Amazingly, Lentil as Anything intend to keep running their business with their philosophy intact. So, if you're the giant stingebucket robbing this goodhearted chain of their livelihood, or you've seen 'friends' leave a couple of bucks for a giant LAA meal, check yourself. Don't be a tightass and leave Lentil as Anything what they're due. Via Good Food.
A good musical should have a lasting impact on the industry and its audiences for years to come. So the fact that Miss Saigon has been hitting stages and receiving awards since its debut in 1989 is a clear indication of quality. The show takes inspiration from the even older (but just as popular) Madama Butterfly — they're both tales of women in Asia falling in love with men from America only to have their hearts broken. The key difference between the two is the setting. Madama Butterfly is set in Japan, while Miss Saigon (as you might be able to guess from the title) is set in Vietnam, specifically during the end and lasting aftermath of the devastating Vietnam War. This production of the musical is from Cameron Mackintosh, who was also behind on other world-famous musicals like Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and Mary Poppins. Coming to the Sydney Opera House on Thursday, August 17 and running until Friday, October 13 — the Australian cast includes the debut of Abigail Adriano as Kim alongside Nigel Huckle (Les Misérables, West Side Story) as Chris, Sean Miley Moore (The Voice) as The Engineer, Kerrie Anne Greenland (Les Misérables) as Ellen, Nick Afoa (The Lion King) as John and the Australian debut of Laurence Mossman as Thuy. Miss Saigon runs from Thursday, August 17 to Friday, October 13 at the Sydney Opera House, for more information and to book tickets, visit the website. Images: Johan Persson
Between Saturday, November 24, 2018 and Sunday, April 28, 2019, the Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery are bringing the Asia Pacific to Brisbane for the ninth time. Every three years since 1993, the city's major art institutions celebrate the vast creativity brightening up the region as part of the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art. At the 2018 event — the fifth since GOMA opened, and one that's free as usual — more than 80 individuals, collectives and group projects will grace the walls of the two galleries, representing over 30 countries. Understandably, the highlights are many. View a major site-specific work by leading Chinese artist Qiu Zhijie, see Singapore-based artists Donna Ong andRobert Zhao Renhui turn QAG's Watermall into a new landscape filled with artificial plants, or dive into the water with separate video works by Martha Atienza and Monira Al Qadiri — with the latter not only making the gallery feel like an aquarium, but also being projected onto the William Jolly Bridge for five days. When you enter the exhibition, you'll walk beneath towering sculptures created from nassa shells from Papua New Guinea, while APT9 also features the largest contingent of First Nation artists in its history, including Australian Indigenous art. The massive showcase kicks off with a weekend filled with events across Friday, November 23 and Sunday, November 25, complete with an opening party, talks and performances, with plenty more events scheduled for the exhibition's entire run. Accompanying cinema programs will look at film from the region, and there's also a secret jacaranda garden-like piece called Purple Reign. Sure, the burst of brightness is designed for children, but bigger kids are welcome. Image: Martha Atienza. The Philippines b.1981. Our Islands 11°16'58.4"N 123°45'07.0"E (still). 2017. Single channel HD video (01:12:00 min. loop), no audio. Image courtesy: The artist and Silverlens Galleries, The Philippines.
This Easter, the Berry Donut Van is hosting a special golden egg ticket hunt in collaboration with fellow sweets lover, The Berry Chocolatier. With the lucky winner taking home an exclusive handcrafted Easter chocolate bundle, this jam-packed reward will cover all your dessert needs for the long weekend — let's hope you have the Midas touch. Held throughout the four-day holiday, a smattering of tickets will be hidden inside Nutella doughnut orders every day, with a handful of winners claiming a special prize. If that's you, just head over to The Berry Chocolatier to redeem your ticket for a decadent reward. Filled to the brim with seasonal treats, expect a basket loaded with chocolate bunnies, eggs and other Easter delights. "We wanted to bring a little extra joy and excitement to our Easter celebrations," said Teresa Nazareth, owner of the Berry Donut Van. "Our donuts are already a must-have holiday treat, and now there's an added layer of fun with the chance to win some of the finest chocolates in town. Easter is all about indulgence – delicious sweets, rich chocolate, and moments of joy shared with loved ones. This giveaway is our way of making that experience even more special." Trust that the Berry Donut Van knows a thing or two about Easter celebrations. After all, they've been whipping up mouthwatering desserts and savoury treats since 1974. Prior to finding a permanent spot, the famous donut van cruised across Australia for a year, serving crowd-pleasing creations to customers nationwide. However, it soon found its home in the charming South Coast village of Berry – about two hours' drive south of Sydney. While The Berry Chocolatier doesn't have quite as many years under its belt, since purchasing the business in 2019, owners Cam Ayrton and Troy Weigall have made it a go-to regional highlight for handcrafted chocolate, Genovese-style coffee and Italian gelato. "This collaboration with Berry Donut Van is the perfect way to spread sweetness throughout Berry this Easter," said Ayrton. "We're excited to join forces and share our handcrafted Easter chocolates with the lucky winners, making this festive season even sweeter for the community." The Berry Donut Van is open Tuesday–Thursday from 8.30am–4.45pm and Friday–Monday from 8.30am–6.45pm at 73 Queen Street, Berry. Meanwhile, The Berry Chocolatier is open Monday–Friday from 8.45am–4pm and Saturday–Sunday from 8.45am–5pm at 4/113 Queen Street, Berry.
When winter begins to thaw, with leaves growing back on trees and flowers coming into full bloom, we want to celebrate the warmer weather and the world's annual rebirth. And, come September — which is just around the corner — Australia's biggest festival of spring will once again roll around. Floriade has been drawing crowds for decades — and its 32nd year will be marked with the theme 'World in Bloom'. A celebration of all things floral, the festival will fill Canberra's Commonwealth Park with more than one million blooms. But this month-long flower festival is more than just smelling the tulips. From Saturday, September 14 until Sunday, October 13, Canberra will be filled with music, food, vino, locally crafted brews and spirits, entertainment, markets and cultural happenings galore. Those with green thumbs can also take part in workshops, while live music and markets will be open for art lovers and bargain hunters alike. To top it all off, festival entry is free. For one day only (Sunday, October 13), you'll also be able to take your four legged friend along for Dogs' Day Out. Expect to pat lots of pooches and some pup-themed food, too. Floriade runs from 9.30am until 5.30pm each day. Plus, after the sun goes down between October 3–6 (hello, long weekend in Canberra), you can wander through the gardens at Floriade's after-dark counterpart, NightFest. While you're in town, you may as well take the time to check out Canberra's best microbreweries, cafes and cultural hotspots, too. Start looking at accomodation ASAP. We're also giving you the chance to visit Floriade's NightFest for free. To be in the running, enter your details below. [competition]742011[/competition]
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear," Buddy (Will Ferrell, The Boys) tells Jovie (Zooey Deschanel, Physical) in end-of-year staple Elf. The musical version of the hit festive flick takes that idea to heart. Debuting on Broadway in 2010, it brings the beloved movie to the stage with a swag of merry songs. Fourteen years later — and 21 years since cinemas first discovered Elf's seasonal fun — Elf: The Musical has finally locked in its Australian premiere. Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall will stand in for both the North Pole and New York City across Thursday, December 19–Sunday, December 29, 2024, as Buddy goes on a journey of self-discovery. If you've seen the film, as almost everyone has, you'll know the storyline already; however, unless you've caught Elf: The Musical overseas, including a West End season in 2015–16, you haven't seen it like this before. Buddy isn't an elf, but he was raised by them — and he doesn't realise that he isn't like Santa's other helpers until he grows up. Cue his trip to the Big Apple to discover who he is, and also who he wants to be, as first told in a movie directed by actor-turned-filmmaker Jon Favreau before he helmed Iron Man, The Jungle Book and the photorealistic version of The Lion King. The stage adaptation's Aussie debut comes courtesy of Sydney's most-famous venue and John Frost for Crossroads Live, with the pair serving up the ideal way to get jolly in the Harbour City this festive season (as well as a gift of an excuse to take a festive-season trip to the New South Wales capital if you reside elsewhere across Australia). Elf: The Musical boasts a book by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan (who also helped bring The Producers, Hairspray, Cry-Baby and Young Frankenstein from picture palaces to theatres) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone), plus songs by Tony Award-nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (more film-to-stage veterans courtesy of The Wedding Singer). The Australian run is being staged as a concert production, in a presentation designed for Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall. If it's been a while since you watched Elf, the film, check out the trailer for it below: Elf: The Musical plays Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall from Thursday, December 19–Sunday, December 29, 2024, with presale tickets from 9am on Tuesday, August 20 and general ticket sales from 9am on Friday, August 23. Head to the Sydney Opera House website for more details.
For the past 11 years, wife and husband duo Sam and Michael Kern have been dishing up decadent breakfasts and sumptuous lunches from Parc cafe in Randwick. Now, it's time for the local mainstay to turn over a new leaf. On Friday, Parc reopened its doors as Tucker, with a renewed focus on wholesome eats and more options for foodies on the go. "Over the last three or four years, takeaway has grown incredibly," says Sam. "So we've changed the style of service to suit that." Rather than going for a complete renovation, the Kerns have instead rejuvenated, extending on what they've already found so successful. "We do heaps and heaps of takeaway salads and meals," Sam says. "We've got a big fridge in the front of the cafe, but we've found that we can't keep up with production." Cue the installation of a new production kitchen that'll keep their signature salads stocked constantly in the shop, ready to service everyone from long-staying brunchers to tradies swinging through between jobs. The menu has tightened, too, with a whole slew of new burger and sandwich options making an appearance at lunch time. "We do really great sandwiches," Sam says of the cafe's staple. "We've still got all our salads that we change seasonally." After more than a decade as a leader in the cafe scene in the Eastern Suburbs, and with the possibility of expansion on the horizon, Sam says that the longevity they've enjoyed is due to sticking to what they do and doing it well. "We're not a cafe that tries to follow trends," she says. Instead, Tucker will follow the same rules that have made Parc so successful, those being dishing out good, clean, wholesome food with an emphasis on quality over quantity — and that sounds like good tucker to us. Images: Steven Woodburn.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations, giving you inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to beautiful Bali for a special stay at Plataran Canggu Bali Resort and Spa. We love this place so much that we teamed up with the resort to offer an exclusive three-night travel deal — including meals, massages and exclusive access to the iconic Cafe del Mar below. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? There is so much more to Bali than Bintang beers and boogie boards. In fact, despite a reputation among Aussies for its larger-than-life party scene, traditional Balinese culture embraces patience, peace and placidity. And Plataran Canggu Bali Resort & Spa one is of the best places to lose yourself to this experience ... without completely forgoing access to your favourite beach bars. Cocooned within lush rice fields and tropical green gardens, the tranquility of Plataran will transport you to a bygone Bali. Head back to a time when tourism on the island was practised through rich spa rituals, extraordinary cuisine and truly spiritual traditions. While this secret hideaway will make you feel removed from the chaos and crowds, swept away to the simplicity of village life, the magic of cool Canggu is right at your doorstep. THE ROOMS Designed in the form of a labyrinth (the legacy of the late renowned landscape architect, Made Wijaya), Plataran's landscaped gardens ensure that each of the property's private villas are protected from the outside world — the ultimate in serenity. Featuring traditional alang-alang grass-thatched roofs and antique carved doorways, villas are either one or two bedrooms, most accompanied by private pools, and all featuring modern comforts, luxurious bedding, natural stone bathtubs and private terraces with day beds. For a truly unforgettable stay, consider booking the Founder's Home. Personally designed by Platarn's founders, this options allows you the opportunity to sample the Founder's Menu and take part in the Founder's Activities, a series of experiences curated by the resort. FOOD AND DRINK With three on-site restaurants, you're sure to find a meal to tempt your tastebuds. If you're seeking rustic yet refined al fresco dishes, you'll find them in abundance at Plataran At Canggu. The resort's namesake restaurant is surrounded by lush forestry with seating under the sparkling lights of the evening stars. Or you can secure a table at Teras Canggu, which elevates Balinese street food into a world-class fine dining experience. Guests who book this deal can enjoy a complimentary dinner for two adults at either destination included in their package. Alternatively, settle in for a feast at Tiga Dari Snack Bar, with its flavour-packed fast food perfect for a catch-up with friends. If you're confident in your own culinary abilities (or want to improve them), consider enrolling in a Plataran Canguu cooking class. The experience kicks off with a chef-led excursion to the local markets to collect fresh products and ingredients and culminates in a private lesson in a traditional Balinese kitchen, complete with wood-fired oven. Designed to help you craft a shareable spread, the class offers insight into local cooking practices – with a delicious meal to show for it at the end. THE LOCAL AREA As social as Seminyak (minus the traffic jams) and almost as unadulterated as Ubud (minus the 60+ minute drive to get there), Canguu is primed for new and returning visitors to the Island of the Gods. And at Plataran Canggu Bali Resort and Spa, you have a brilliant base to enjoy the best of the area's offerings. Extend your stay in the zen zone with a sunset stroll along Echo Beach or an afternoon surfing the waves at Berawa. Otherwise, dedicate your day to brunch-stopping and bar-hopping at one of Canggu's many cool beach clubs. If the options feel overwhelming, let us choose for you. Guests who purchase the Concrete Playground Trips Plataran Canggu three-night travel deal receive access for two adults to one of the world's most iconic beach clubs — Cafe del Mar — including day bed and a bucket of beer, absolutely free. THE EXTRAS As well as the previously mentioned complimentary dinner and beach club access, guests who take advantage of this exclusive Concrete Playground Trips promotion can also enjoy a free, 60-minute Balinese massage for two adults at the resort's Padma Spa. With a Sanskrit name that translates to 'sacred lotus', this spa embodies the quintessential qualities of the iconic flower. It's certain to leave you feeling beautifully balanced in body and soul (and budget). Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we go to the newly revamped The Island Gold Coast, the spot we're putting up guests who book one of our exclusive For The Love VIP packages. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? The Island once had a reputation of notoriety as a Schoolies-friendly Surfers Paradise hot spot with an aesthetic and fit-out wearied by time and wear. But no longer. It's undergone a major renovation and design overhaul to be re-envisioned as a tasteful boutique hotel that gives off nods to Soho House members clubs and classic California coastal hotel design. Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise across the road from Main Beach and walking distance to some of the area's best restaurants and bars, it puts guests situated perfectly for a combination of laidback beaching by day and mixing it up at night. THE ROOMS Each of the 98 rooms is full of hardwood timbers, native plants and open facades that bring the outside, in. The natural elements help make this space feel like a calm personal hideaway. The four-and-a-half-star accommodation has all the top amenities. Rooms feature a private balcony as well as tea and coffee facilities, a mini bar, the obligatory flat-screen TV, free wifi and a safe — luxe linen sheets are also a big win. Many of the rooms also come with partial sea views down to Surfer's Paradise Beach, so make sure you pick one when booking. FOOD AND DRINK You don't have to go far for good grub, with the hotel's restaurant, Goldie's, on the ground floor (right next to the pool). Get your classic brunch dishes till 10am then pop in for lunch or dinner for $18 wood oven pizzas, selection of burgers or the holy chicken parmy. You can also head up to The Island Rooftop in the afternoon for similar dishes alongside a selection of fresh seafood including trays of oysters and a special aperitivo menu on Thursday — for $69 guests get unlimited cocktails and food for two hours. [caption id="attachment_833776" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lynda Hinton (Unsplash)[/caption] THE LOCAL AREA You're right in the thick of it when staying at The Island Gold Coast. First off, the Surfer's Paradise Beach is mere moments away or you can head further south if you want some slightly less-populated beach action at Broadbeach, Palm Beach or North Burleigh. Alternatively, you can take to the streets to find some of the area's boutique stores or hit up Home of the Arts to find live performances, lake-side strolls, cinema and art exhibitions. THE EXTRAS The Island is not just a fun place to stay, it's also a proper nightlife destination for locals and guests. The boutique hotel hosts drag brunches, a drag musical, Sunday live music sessions around sunset, weekend parties on the rooftop and the Cocktail Flight Club each Thursday (for $20 you'll get to taste a series of cocktails and get a full size version of your favourite). Even if you're not staying here, it's worth stopping by if you're visiting the GC. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
The Gold Coast is roughly 12,000 kilometres from Mexico, but that won't stop holidaymakers from enjoying a tequila-soaked vacation in Coolangatta. Forget paying for an airfare to the other side of the world — head to the Glitter Strip instead for a getaway at The Herradura Hacienda, the new margarita-inspired room that's now open for bookings at The Pink Hotel. With its eye-catching exterior and beach views, The Pink Hotel is a Coolie icon anyway, but a stay there can now come with agave spirits. As the new suite's name makes plain, this margarita wonderland is a collaboration with Herradura Tequila, aka Mexico's last tequila-producing hacienda. The vibe inside: 'cosmic disco' meets 'neon jungle'. As well as colourful decor — neon signs, leafy prints, disco balls and a wall of mirrored titles do indeed feature, as well as plants, plus various pink, green and sparkling hues — a night here includes bespoke Herradura margaritas. For an extra fee, you can also get an hour with a bartender to mix your 'ritas in your room. The suite's hero marg is a watermelon and pink pepper number, but Herradura and Capi palomas and boozy pink lemonades help fill out the drinks menu. Unsurprisingly, this package is around for a good time, not a long time. Costing $389 on weeknights and $489 on weekends, it's on offer until Sunday, June 4; however, the revamped room itself isn't going anywhere afterwards. That said, if you can't make it along till then, you will need to pay extra for your margs and other Herradura Tequila trimmings, rather than getting them included in your room rate. "We are extremely proud of the unique offering our hotel brings to the Gold Coast and are thrilled for our guests to experience The Herradura Hacienda pop-up," said Freya Frenzel, General Manager at The Pink Hotel Coolangatta. "The room has all elements of The Pink Hotel that people know and love, with a fun twist!" Getting in quick is recommended, with The Herradura Hacienda available to book via The Pink Hotel, Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, Agoda, Qantas, Trip.com, Hotels.com, Hotel Network and Yonda. And whether or not you're a tequila fiend, a trip to The Pink Hotel involves kicking back in a refurbished boutique accommodation spot that dates back to the 50s, reopened in 2018, and combines Scandinavian and mid-century design. Guests can enjoy being opposite the beach, too, and just a three-minute walk from Coolangatta's shops and bars. Or, you can hit up the rooftop, and the onsite restaurant and bar. The Herradura Hacienda is available to book The Pink Hotel, 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta, with all the Herradura Tequila trimmings until Sunday, June 4 — and with them available at extra expense afterwards. Head to the hotel's website for further details and bookings. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips — including at The Pink Hotel — with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
The Darling Harbour outpost of global hotel chain Sofitel has just unveiled its lavish new two-storey spa, delivering a fresh dose of relaxation high among the Sydney skyline. Joining the Harbour City's existing impressive supply of luxe spa experiences, and pairing its relaxation experiences with sweeping water views, the Sofitel SPA Darling Harbour offers an array of facilities and wellness journeys — all housed within a "quintessentially Sydney" space. Soft timbers, sandstone and marble finishes welcome guests into the latest addition to Sydney's wellness scene, which boasts seven roomy treatment spaces. Also on offer: a bespoke standalone bathtub with harbour views, an infrared sauna, a meditation zone and a contemplation deck sitting on level four of the hotel. While traditional experiences like massages, facials, body wraps and exfoliation are all available, the flagship offerings from the spa are its package deals — or wellness journeys. Take the signature half-day journey, for example, and you'll combine exercise, nutrition, treatment and introspection, getting a holistic experience that's meant leave guests refreshed head-to-toe. Kicking things off is also the autumn wellness journey, named the Soin bien-être d'Automne, which guides patrons through a multi-faceted five-hour immersion featuring everything that the spa has to offer. For $850–900 (with the price varying depending on the day), you'll kick things off with your choice of a swim in the outdoor pool or a Peloton session, followed by a full-body aromatherapy massage, a body polish, a body wrap and an apple collagen facial. Rounding out the journey is a light lunch designed by Executive Chef Sam Moore and guided meditation, as well as a Sofitel SPA gift set. You'll also score valet parking so that you don't encounter any stress getting to and from the hotel. French beauty brand Biologique Recherche and fast-rising Australian company Waterlily have been enlisted to provide the spa with its cosmetic treatment products, each of which will be personalised to every guest's needs. Plus, the spa sits alongside the hotel's previously opened level-four infinity pool. The swimming spot is heated year-round and offers guests the ability to enjoy a dip while soaking in panoramic views of Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD skyline. Sofitel SPA Darling Harbour is now open 10am–6pm Monday–Sunday at 12 Darling Drive, Sydney. Images: Anna Kucera.
Neo. John Wick. Johnny Utah. Ted "Theodore" Logan. Across Keanu Reeves' almost four-decade acing career, the inimitable star has played many iconic parts — but only one thrust him to stardom as a time-travelling high-school slacker who had to round up famous figures from the past to pass his history report and save the future of humanity. As a result, the Bill & Ted movies have always held a soft spot in Keanu fans' hearts. Since first hitting screens in 1989 and 1991, the franchise has long been the subject of follow-up rumours, too. And now, just when the world particularly needs a reminder about being excellent to each other, the series is returning with its long-awaited third instalment. Nearly thirty years after Reeves last rocked out, grappled with fate and used a telephone box as a mode of transport in Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, he's back doing the same thing. So is Alex Winter as Bill S. Preston, Esquire, Ted's best buddy, San Dimas High classmate and fellow founder of Wyld Stallyns, aka the garage band that'll change life as we know it and inspire a utopian society — at least according to Rufus (the late George Carlin) in film that started it all, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. But as the just-dropped first teaser trailer for Bill & Ted Face the Music shows, that plan hasn't quite panned out as yet for the franchise's central duo. Twenty-five years ago, they played a concert in front of the entire world. One month ago, they played a gig in California for 40 people — "most of whom where there for $2 taco night", they're told. After being reprimanded by the folks from the future for their lack of progress — when you're supposed to write the song that unites the globe and saves reality, a quarter-century without any progress isn't going to go by unnoticed — Bill and Ted decide to head forward in time to a point when they've already penned the tune in question. Once they're there, they figure they can just steal the track from themselves. Bill & Ted Face the Music's first sneak peek is only brief, so it reveals few other details; however, if you've watched and rewatched the comedy series' first two movies, you'll know that plenty of hijinks await. So does playing air guitar with the Grim Reaper (William Sadler), because of course it does. Not touched upon in the teaser: the fact that Brigette Lundy-Paine (Bombshell) plays Ted's daughter Billie Logan, Australian actor Samara Weaving (Ready or Not) pops up as Bill's daughter Thea Preston and Kid Cudi also has a role. Keanu does exclaim "party on, dudes!" in the 90-second clip, though, and more than one version of Bill and Ted appear on-screen. As for what else the film has in store, audiences will find out when it hits cinemas in August. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hAL7emClFM Bill & Ted Face the Music is scheduled to release in Australian cinemas on August 27.
If peering at an artist's work is the same as peering into their soul, then staring at a self-portrait is like peeking through a wide-open window. Perhaps Rembrandt believed this? The 17th-century artist certainly loved putting his likeness on paper, whether he was picking up a brush or pencil, or getting etching. Perhaps you can ponder this very notion at Rembrandt — True to Life, which is bringing the Dutch Golden Age master's works to Melbourne's NGV International to brighten up Australia's winter. From Friday, June 2–Sunday, September 10, the St Kilda Road gallery will be home to a wide-ranging exploration of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn's work — so expansive, in fact, that it's the most-comprehensive Rembrandt exhibition to display Down Under in 25 years. On loan from the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, 1659's Self-Portrait is one of the star attractions, and one of around 80 images of himself he's thought to have made. Created when the artist was 53 (and three years after he'd declared bankruptcy), it sits alongside ten etched self-portraits. Combined, they let True to Life attendees chart how he saw himself, and conveyed his soul to the world, over three decades. Etchings comprise a significant portion of the NGV's ode to Rembrandt, with more than 100 from its own collection at the heart of the impressive retrospective. In addition to helping to detail his self-perception, they showcase his innovations as a printmaker and also illustrate how widely and deeply he splashed around his artistic talents. If you're heading to a Rembrandt exhibition, you want to see his paintings, of course, an instinct that the showcase capitalises upon. Thanks to pieces borrowed from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Louvre in Paris, the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna and the Teylers Museum in Haarlem as well, the artist's prints are placed in context with his paintings. You'll see how they're connected no matter the subject or theme as True to Life steps through not just his portraits, but also his landscapes, scenes of daily life, depictions of religious motifs and nudes. Among his scenery-focused works, his largest landscape etching The three trees, which dates back to 1643, is a drawcard. From his pieces that hone in on the human form — never idealising them — Diana at the bath, an etching from 1631, is another highlight. Taking its cues from passages from the Gospel of St Matthew, 1648's well-known piece The Hundred Guilder Print is also on display as part of the exhibition's survey of Rembrandt's fascination with faith. His two largest prints similarly fall into the same category: The three crosses from 1653 and Christ presented to the people from 1655. Because the artist transformed them both by making continuous adjustments, True to Life shows them in two different states — early and late side by side. Images: Installation view of Rembrandt: True to Life on display from 2 June-10 September at NGV International, Melbourne. Photos: Tom Ross.
Lower north shore residents won't have to head into the city for Sydney's latest opening. Brand new, modern Scandinavian-style, Mediterranean-menued bar and restaurant The Public has opened its doors in Cammeray. Joining the local foodie strip of Miller Street in the space where Belgian Beer Cafe sat for 15 years, The Public is a big, breezy, modern space made for long lazy brunches and intimate catch-ups alike. Think marine-grade plywood, aquas, blues, whites, and 3D installation art. The brainchild of North shore brothers James and Will Christopher, The Public is nothing short of a labour of love. Not their first time at the Sydney hospitality rodeo, this new bar marks the third venue for the Christopher brothers, following their long-loved local cafe The Laneway and their Spanish tapas joint Ms Miller (right next door). They've also launched start-ups, cheffed here and there and Will feeds the entire team at the celebrated Secret Garden Festival every year — production team meals you have to taste to believe. Seriously. Next level. Aiming to give Cammeray a foodie identity of its own and steal some limelight from burgeoning eastern suburbs like Double Bay or western hubs like Marrickville, the Christopher brothers teamed up with business manager and superyacht seller (actual thing) Damian Barrow to swing the spotlight to the lower north shore. Alright, alright, now we know who's behind the joint, what can we expect to chow down on? The Christopher brothers have brought over Ms Miller head chef James Featherstone to create pub classic-meets-Euro-style dishes for The Public. Think Greek and Mediterranean food with housemade olive butter, taramasolata and hummus, with family-style platters of lamb kleftiko and barbecued chicken. Then there are the burgers, like the double beef, double bacon, double cheese wagyu beef burger. With all this hummus and barbecued chicken afoot, we're going to need some bevs here. Drinks-wise, you can expect an Australian, New Zealand, Italian and French-focused wine list, and ten beers on tap including Young Henry's, Two Birds, Rocks Brewing, Endeavour and Mountain Goat. The Public's set to become a Cammeray staple if it plays its cards right. And with monthly markets and beer and wine events planned for the future, it looks like this by-locals-for-locals newbie holds all the aces.
The first large-scale exhibition of famed Queensland artist Gordon Bennett since 2007, Unfinished Business includes familiar works alongside several never-before-displayed pieces. It has taken over the Queensland Art Gary and Gallery of Modern Art from until March 21, 2021. Considered to be one of the most significant figures in contemporary Aboriginal art, Bennett's work spans the 1980s up until his death in 2014. His artwork explores his identity, as well as racial stereotypes and Australian society. In the exhibition, visitors will experience nearly 200 artworks spanning paintings, sculptures, drawings, video installations and ceramics. Threads of Jackson Pollock and Jean-Michel Basquiat can also be seen within Bennett's work. In turn, Bennett has influenced heaps of contemporary and emerging artists. [caption id="attachment_792504" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gordon Bennett, 'Abstraction (Migrant)'[/caption] Top image: Gordon Bennett 'Diptych' 1987. Private Collection, Brisbane. Photographer: John Downs.
It's no secret that living in Sydney is mighty tough on the hip pocket sometimes. In between rent, bills and the occasional house deposit-diminishing avocado on toast, there's often not a lot left over for the finer things in life — like dining out. Never fear though, you don't have to sit at home eating two-minute noodles to stay on budget. We've rounded up our list of the top places where you can eat well without breaking the bank. These generous venues all serve up set menus for under $50 — think Middle Eastern and Italian feasts, Thai banquets and Mexican Peruvian fusion, plus vego options aplenty.
One of the year's most confronting documentaries will be shown in select Australian universities starting early next week. Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick, The Hunting Ground chronicles the endemic problem of rape on American college campuses. Combining harrowing personal accounts with staggering statistics – including a claim that as many as one in five American women will be sexually assaulted during their time in university – the film lays bare a horrifying culture of abuse, victim-blaming and institutional negligence. An hour long version of the film will be screened at the University of Canberra on February 22, the Australian National University on February 24 and La Trobe University in Melbourne on February 29, March 4 and March 8. The complete 103 minute feature version will also be shown at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Melbourne on March 2. Nothing has been scheduled for Sydney or Brisbane as of yet, however universities and other interested parties can sign up to host a screening via the film's website. The Hunting Ground Australia Project is also engaged with the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Australian Human Rights Centre at UNSW on an independent survey "on the prevalence, reporting experiences and responses to sexual assault and sexual harassment in university settings." Unlike the United States, there is currently no comprehensive data on the rates of sexual assaults at universities in Australia, although a 2011 survey by the National Union of Students reported that one in ten female students had suffered sexual violence while at university. The Hunting Ground has faced criticism from some journalists and college administrators, who have claimed it pushes an agenda and misrepresents statistics. The filmmakers have denied these claims on their website. For more on The Hunting Ground, including information about screenings and how you can host your own, visit www.thehuntinggroundaustralia.com.au.
Watching the first trailer for Alien: Romulus, can anyone hear you scream? The answer to that question depends on where you are and who you're with, of course — we're presuming that you're not in space — but the sneak peek itself firmly wants to unsettle. There's an eerie derelict space station, screaming, blood and plenty of facehuggers in this initial look. Behind the lens, albeit producing rather than directing, Ridley Scott (Napoleon) is also involved. Alien: Romulus is the seventh Alien film, and the ninth including the Alien vs Predator movies, and will arrive in August just over seven years since Alien: Covenant. While Scott originated the space-thriller saga back in 1979, then returned to it with 2012's Prometheus and 2017's Alien: Covenant, now Evil Dead, Don't Breathe and The Girl in the Spider's Web filmmaker Fede Álvarez is on helming duties. Based on the debut glimpse at the flick, however, there's no doubting that he's taking his cues from Scott's work. The setup: when space colonisers go a-scavenging through an abandoned space station, they get more than they bargained for. Given Álvarez's background in horror, it comes as no surprise that he's tapping into the genre for his Alien effort, just as Scott did with his. Álvarez also wrote the screenplay, reteaming with Rodo Sayagues, who he worked with on Evil Dead and Don't Breathe — and who directed Don't Breathe 2. Priscilla's Cailee Spaeny leads the group of folks doing battle with vicious extra-terrestrials, starring alongside David Jonsson (Rye Lane), Archie Renaux (Shadow and Bone), Isabela Merced (Madame Web), Spike Fearn (Aftersun) and feature first-timer Aileen Wu. Separate to Alien: Romulus, the Alien franchise is also expanding to TV, with a new series from Fargo's Noah Hawley in the works, as set three decades before the events of the first film. Featuring Sydney Chandler (Don't Worry Darling), Alex Lawther (Andor), Essie Davis (One Day) and Timothy Olyphant (Justified: City Primeval), it isn't expected until 2025. Still, with all things Alien set to stalk across both the big and small screens, staying away from this saga isn't in anyone's futures. Check out the first teaser trailer for Alien: Romulus below: Alien: Romulus releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
NAIDOC Week is taking place between Sunday, July 2–Sunday, July 9 in 2023 — and kicking things off on the eve of the week-long festivities is NAIDOC Up Late, a free celebration of contemporary First Nations musicians. NAIDOC Week organisers have tried to bring this event together twice over the last two years, but have been forced to cancel both times due to the pandemic and wet weather. Now, the event is set to finally hit Barangaroo on Saturday, July 1 with sunny weather predicted and a stacked lineup of musical guests on the lineup. Catch a who's who of boundary-pushing hip hop and R&B between 1–10pm, with BARKAA, Tasman Keith, Nooky, B Wise and A.GIRL all taking to the stage. BARKAA and Tasman Keith are both coming off festival-highlight sets down at Tasmania's Dark Mofo, while Nooky will bring the immense energy that he's been building via his music and his game-changing social enterprise WE ARE WARRIORS. B Wise will take to the stage with a catalogue of hits including multiple beloved appearances on triple j's Like a Version and collaborations with Sampa the Great, Kwame and ONEFOUR — and A.GIRL remains one of the country's biggest artists on the rise following performances at Vivid, Field Day, Spilt Milk and the NRL Grand Final. [caption id="attachment_814917" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A.GIRL[/caption] Rounding out the lineup are Mau Power, WIZZ, Munkimuk, Indigenous a cappella group AIM 4 More, and legend of the Australian RnB scene and The Edge radio host DJ Nino Brown. On top of all the music at NAIDOC Up Late, there'll also be a street basketball competition hosted by Promote the Goat. You can catch the three-point shoot-out and a slam dunk competition — both of which you can register to take part in if you're particularly gifted with a basketball. Indigenous storytellers and performers Luke Currie-Richardson and Ghenoa Gela are on hosting duty, guiding you through all the exciting happenings. Plus, there will be food and drinks from Walkabout Coffee, G-Dup Burgers and Antico Woodfire Pizza. Entry is free — just register for a ticket online. The basketball comp will kick off from 1pm, DJ Nino Brown will be on the decks throughout the day into the night and the musicians will start from 5.30pm. Top image: BARKAA performing at Dark Mofo, Remi Chauvin.
In and around Newcastle this weekend This Is Not Art (TiNA) makes a window into the world of up and coming and too-strange-for-main-stage performance, music and prose. TiNA is a has been a hybrid of a number of festivals in its time. This year it's three: the National Young Writers' Festival, Critical Animals and the Crack Theatre Festival. New ideas, new performers and new shows all get a chance to shine in a free festival that connects you with arts, artists and writers who you might never otherwise encounter. It's a four day deal, owning literary highlights like Women of Letters, the NYWF Spelling Bee and even a Younger Young Writers' Program. Critical Animals shows off Walking the Digital City and Bodies in Distress (from the intriguingly-named Centre for the History of Emotions at UWS), while straight stories get a look in with a series of three late night readings the NYWF Festival Hot House Show and Tell and the In the Dark. On the performance side, Crack offers Impossible Plays, some time with Achilles at Home and the Toilet Show, a play made from graffiti on cubicle walls. Not to mention a word with Concrete Playground's own Editor-in-Chief, Rima Sabina Aouf, talking on digital critics in the panel I've Started a Blog… Now I'm a Critic. This year's This is Not Art is camping-free, so alternative accomodation suggestions are on the website. Image by owlandowlet.
If the recent onslaught of margarita-fuelled events (see: here and here) hasn't yet alerted you to the fact that it's currently National Margarita Month, here's another reminder: it's National Margarita Month. To mark this month-long celebration of limey drinks and salty rims, Merivale is offering $10 classic margaritas. At 19 of its venues. All week. This means, from February 17–23, you can knock off work in the CBD and make a beeline to Bar Topa for tapas and cheap drinks, or head down to Bondi Beach on Saturday for a dip in the sea then swing by Totti's after for many refreshing beverages. Speaking of post-swim margaritas, Coogee Pavilion is also offering up cocktails for a tenner on both its ground floor and rooftop. If you find yourself on Oxford Street, you can stop by both Charlie Parker's and The Paddington for marg, and, on the other side of the city, Queen Chow Manly is also in on the deal. There's an extra incentive to track down these cheap drinks, too — every time you purchase a $10 classic margarita at one of the 19 venues, you go in the draw to win a trip for two to Mexico. Just make sure you get your 'boarding pass' on purchase, scan the QR code and enter your details with the unique code. MARGARITA MONTH VENUES Bar Topa Bar Totti's Coogee Pavilion Ground Floor Coogee Pavilion Rooftop El Loco Excelsior El Loco Slip Inn Establishment Main Bar hemmesphere J&M Little Felix Palmer & Co Queen Chow Manly The Paddington The Royal Totti's Charlie Parker's The Grand Hotel The Royal George Hotel CBD
Disneyland has so monopolised the 'happiest place on earth' tag, it seems Universal Orlando has been driven to try the opposite: They've announced they're building an immersive recreation of horror movie Cabin in the Woods. It's one of the scariest films released in the last few years, so this maze attraction is set to make grown-ups cry and children stare jealously from the gate, as their entry is, of course, strongly discouraged. It's also one of the cleverest movies of the last few years, and how often can you say you've gone on a ride based on a clever movie? (If it succeeds, our vote is for Primer: Hall of Mirrors next.) The Cabin in the Woods maze will be spoilery, with Universal Orlando Entertainment Team member Michael Aiello telling Zap2it, "We are building the cabin completely. You're going to walk through a forest to get there. You're going into the cabin. You're going to go into the cube cells. We're literally taking everything we can in the film and giving you a kind of best-of montage of the film with this kind of linking story." The film, by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard, follows a party of five young people who go to stay at a stereotypically idyllic/deadly cabin in the woods. Every horror movie convention is then thrown at them, and twisted. Goddard is on board helping script the storyline for the maze, so you can rest assured your own little journey through hell will be thoughtfully integrated with the main plot. The Cabin in the Woods maze is part of Universal Orlando's 'Halloween Horror Nights', a program of scares that runs from from September 20 to November 2. It all fits into the US's seemingly unending appetite for extreme haunted houses, which feature Broadway-level production values and favour psychosexual torture over the fake cobwebs and peeled grape 'eyeballs' of so many Baby-sitters Club novels. Via io9.
Half-priced airfares have been quite the topic of conversation over the past 24 hours, with the Australian Government announcing a scheme that'll see the country's airlines sell 800,000 flights at the discount rate. That starts in April — but if you're keen on getting away before then, Virgin is doing a flash sale that'll also slash fares by half. Hang on, Virgin? Yes. The same airline that, less than 12 months ago, entered voluntary administration. It has since been sold to US private investment firm Bain Capital, launched a comeback sale in early July and its voluntary administration officially ended on Tuesday, November 17. With so many folks talking about the government's half-price fares, Virgin is capitalising upon the chatter; however, it's only putting this current set of cheap tickets on sale for two hours — from 5–7pm AEDT today, Friday, March 12. These fares don't form part of 800,000, and you'll need to be keen to travel in the next fortnight, with the flights covering trips between Monday, March 15–Sunday, March 28. The discounted economy flights include seat selection and checked baggage. All Virgin-operated routes nationally form part of the sale, with some of the specials on offer including Sydney to Byron Bay for $55, Sydney to the Gold Coast for the same price, Melbourne to Launceston from $64, Brisbane to the Whitsunday Coast from $78 and Melbourne to the Gold Coast from $88 (and vice versa in all cases, naturally). As we are still in the middle of a pandemic, flying is little different to normal. Virgin has introduced a range of safety measures, including hand sanitisation stations, contactless check-in and face masks provided to all passengers. Wearing masks on flights also became mandatory in Australia in January. Virgin's half-price flash sale runs from 5–7pm AEDT today, Friday, March 12 — or until sold out. Find out more about current interstate border restrictions over here.
At 25 years of age, French-Canadian director and professional overachiever Xavier Dolan has been touted by cinephiles as the next great auteur — an antidote to a global film industry bloated with high-budget, low IQ franchises. Once a child actor, Dolan's fifth film, Mommy, won some insanely high praise and the Jury Prize at last year's Cannes Film Festival. In vivid colours and an Instgram-like 1:1 ratio, Mommy declares its arrival as loudly as its attention-seeking protagonist, Steve. An at-risk 15-year-old emblematic of Quebec’s forgotten underclass, Steve (a hyper-charismatic Antoine-Olivier Pilon) has been expelled from his disciplinarian boarding school. His young, widowed mum, Die (Anne Dorval), is just as funny and street-smart and gutsy as her son, but ill-equipped to deal with his angry delinquency. Steve seems to get back on track thanks to a conveniently kindly neighbour who, despite her own barely discussed traumas, begins tutoring and putting boundaries on him, but begins to stray once again. Rather than frame these social-issue themes in a gritty, crime-flecked drama, Dolan opts for a set of stylish character studies about the volatile mother-son relationship, positioning his actors boldly in the middle of the square screen and pushing them to noisy, dramatic limits. The film is much less innovative than its stylistic choices promise, however, because it swerves towards predictably tragic plot points that we, as viewers, have learned to spot from sitcoms and indie dramas. ‘Indie’ has become a genre in its own right rather than a way of working outside the studio systems. The checklist for indie filmmakers working towards that sought-after ‘quirky charm’ seems to include an over- or under-saturated colour palette, blurry soft-focus camera work, a cast of loveable yet flawed characters (including a friendly stranger), a slowly revealed tragic backstory, a shot at redemption against hardship, a lip-synching musical sequence, a domestic disturbance, an ambiguous ending and so on. Like the filmmakers of the recent Skeleton Twins and Kumiko: Treasure Hunter, Dolan wilfully checks all these boxes. It’s all about self-conscious style over substance, perhaps to compensate for an underwritten script that floats slackly over two hours. Like so much cinema, Mommy functions at a gut level — you either instinctively get it or you don't, which makes it inexplicably polarising. Whether you find the dialogue and performances accurate or OTT, the characters unbearably stereotypical or eye-openingly new, all comes down to your personal taste. From everything from the blaring musical choices (supposedly a '90s mixtape Steve's father made) to an emotional daydream sequence, this is showy filmmaking. Dolan has a tendency to push his actors to broad, melodramatic extremes to the point where I sometimes felt I was watching a Francophone Neighbours. Despite all the distractions, Mommy feels alive and young. There’s something really interesting and energetic going on here — a director not working on autopilot, turning over big passions at high speed and with a great love of cinema. As to whether or not it amounts to much more than a French-Canadian, ADHD-style Instagram film, well, I’m unconvinced, but fascinated as to the director’s next moves.
A new hotel in a historic building. A name well-known Down Under opening its first-ever location beyond Australia and New Zealand. A fresh excuse to spend your next holiday in southeast Asia. These all apply to the latest venue to join the QT Hotels & Resorts chain: the just-opened QT Singapore. Maybe you've experienced the gothic charm of QT Sydney. Perhaps you've enjoyed slumbering at the site of a former cinema at QT Melbourne. At QT Gold Coast, you could've slept in rooftop cabins. Or, at QT Newcastle, you might've bunked down in a clock tower. QT Queenstown comes with alpine views, while QT Auckland heroes the harbour. Now, add staying in Singapore's Eastern Extension Telegraph building, which dates back to 1927 and is located right next to the Lau Pa Sat hawker centre, to the list. It was back in May that QT revealed that it was launching in the city-state come spring — and the brand's Singapore hotel has opened its doors on Monday, September 16, 2024. Guests can check into one of 134 rooms behind the iconic building's striking facade, which has remained the same while the interiors have undergone a complete revamp to deck it out in QT's aesthetic. The chain's look varies from hotel to hotel, but always stands out from other places to stay. Interior designer Nic Graham has done the honours, with reflecting Singapore's climate and evolution — and the building's location and heritage — the main aim of his approach to the site's decor. Think: bold colours yet delicate lighting, woven rattan and black framing featuring heavily, print works by local artist Jill Tran in public spaces and a classic-yet-contemporary vibe. The array of rooms includes junior, corner, balcony and premier suites with double ceilings. Whichever type you choose, each one features a walk-in rain shower in the ensuite bathroom, a QT Dream Bed, an iPad to control everything around the room (including the Chromecast and wireless Bose speakers) and Dyson hair products. Holidaymakers can also take advantage of the dining and drinks options onsite, such as signature bar and grill Cygnet, plus rooftop bar Rooftop by QT. The first is a Manhattan-style steakhouse with chef and restaurateur Sean Connolly leading the charge — and a place that serves up its signature dishes tableside. The second sits alongside a sky-high pool for sips and splashes with a view, goes big on cocktails made from local ingredients and peers out over the skyline. And, if you're keen on having a shindig on your getaway, private dining is also on offer. Find QT Singapore at 35 Robinson Road, Singapore — and head to the hotel's website for bookings and further details. Images: QT Hotels & Resorts.
