Sydney is no stranger to Irish pubs and bars. Usually the resemblance consists of a quirky name, Guinness on tap and not much else. The Gaelic Club, located on the Central Station end of Devonshire Street, is no such place. Pass through the green doors (what else?) to enter a den of celtic fun, fiddles and festivity. There is an ongoing roster of cultural events: traditional Irish music, language and dance lessons, live music and talks. On the last Friday of every month, Green Lights Comedy holds a curated stand-up comedy show in the little-known top bar. Green Light feels like stepping into someone's living room and hosts Alexei Toliopoulos and Nikki Malyon emulate this warmth perfectly. If you feel like seeing decent comedy in a friendly, homey setting over a dirt-cheap pint of Kilkenny, look no further.
The ever-changing Barangaroo is set to welcome a distinct new pavilion to its foreshore. Since opening in 2015, the harbourside precinct has been no stranger to major developments, including the controversial recent opening of Crown Sydney and a new amphitheatre-style boardwalk. This boardwalk will soon be joined at Watermans Cove by a new pavilion, selected by the NSW Government as part of the Pier Pavilion Design Competition. The competition has been running since June 2020, and received over 170 entries from Australian architects. Jessica Spresser of Spresser, in collaboration with Peter Besley created the winning design: a 380-square-metre pavilion consisting of 123 columns made from recycled Sydney rock oyster shells. The oysters are mixed with white concrete, which is refined to reveal the shells within. The design is representative of humans gathering by the water and incorporates elements of land, sea and sky. Land is represented through the expansive gathering space, a large round opening in the pavilion roof frames the sky and the sea exists through the oysters embedded within its materials. [caption id="attachment_803121" align="alignnone" width="1920"] © SPRESSER and Peter Besley[/caption] The pavilion's design is intended to integrate seamlessly into the Barangaroo foreshore, slowly making its impression on visitors over time. "The Pavilion is intended to remain for a long time, and become indivisible from the place," Spresser describes in a statement on the website. "It is intended to figure in people's memories as they grow: from child to teenager, to adult and elderly person." The structure has been designed to host events — with the design including a stage and bar — as well as provide a general gathering space for the public. It was selected over the other entrants for its usability and timelessness. Other finalists in the competition included a circular pavilion made from hundreds of illuminated stainless steel tubes and a translucent cloud-like structure. Construction on the pavilion is set to be completed in late 2022. Jessica Spresser and Peter Besley's Pier Pavilion is due for completion at Watermans Cove, Barangaroo by 2022. Images: © SPRESSER and Peter Besley
Everyone has at least one piece of IKEA furniture in their house, and likely more than that. Maybe you also own some of the Swedish retailer's Lego storage boxes, too, or a bucket hat made out of the same material as its iconic blue bags. You could've whipped up outfits for your dog using said shopping carriers, and even cooked up its famed meatballs during lockdown. Something that even the brand's biggest Australian devotees won't own, however, is an IKEA t-shirt, tote or key ring — yet, that is. In 2020, IKEA launched its first-ever merchandise line, kicking off in Japan before releasing in Singapore, Thailand and Korea as well. Now, come Thursday, May 13, it's Australia's turn to get decked out in the brand's clothing and accessories — so get ready to don its hoodies, sip from its water bottles and wipe yourself down with its towels, too. The range is called Efterträda, and it nods to the company's popular products in a variety of ways. You'll find its recognisable blue and yellow logo on everything, for instance, as well as a minimalistic look in general. Oversized barcodes feature as a key design element, mimicking the type seen on its products — and, because they line oh-so-many walls, the Billy bookcase barcode has been given pride of place. Plus, the towels and water bottles come in either yellow or white, while the key rings have a blue option. Prices range from $4 for a key ring up to $49 for a hoodie, with water bottles costing $6, totes coming in at $10, t-shirts priced at $19 and towels costing $22.50. And, to answer the two questions that have probably just popped into your head: no, you don't have to assemble them yourself, or use an Allen key. IKEA's Efterträda collection will be available in Australian stores from Thursday, May 13. For further details, head to the Swedish retailer's website.
At this stage in the pandemic, we're no longer spending all of our time at home. That doesn't mean we can't treat ourselves to impressive desserts when we are just staying in and kicking back on the couch, though. After serving up plenty of tasty specials during 2020's lockdowns, Gelato Messina is still tempting everyone's tastebuds with its limited-release sweet treats — and, if you've enjoyed its big Iced VoVo, Viennetta-style, choc-hazelnut and cremino tubs in the past, you're going to want to try its new basque cheesecake version. Initially, the gelato chain made a small batch of this dessert hybrid for Sydney's Firedoor; however, now it's scooping a heap more into tubs and making it available across the east coast. The catch: like all of its specials, it'll only be on offer for a short period. Wondering what exactly Messina's basque cheesecake tub entails? It combines basque cheesecake gelato, naturally, then tops it with a slice of toasted basque cheesecake. In other words, it's the ideal option for when you can't pick between gelato and cheesecake — a choice that no one ever wants to make. The latest release in Messina's new 'Hot Tub' series, the basque cheesecake tub can only be ordered online at 9am on Monday, May 17, with a one-litre tub setting you back $30. You can then go into your chosen Messina store — other than The Star — to pick up your tub between Friday, May 21–Sunday, May 23. Gelato Messina's basque cheesecake tubs will be available to order at 9am on Monday, May 17, for pick up between Friday, May 21–Sunday, May 23 — keep an eye on the Messina website for further details.
Connected to the stars in more ways than one, the Aster rooftop bar at the InterContinental Sydney is gearing up to host a series of cuisine-meets-zodiac sessions throughout August. Led by Byron Bay-based astrologer Grace Tebble, Astrology Hour is the place to be for those seeking a guided journey through the cosmos, plus a few tasty sips and bites along the way. Held every Thursday evening in August on the hotel's 32nd floor, Astrology Hour is centred around the four elements — air, water, fire and earth. Featuring themed cocktails, paired small plates and personalised readings from Tebble, these playful sessions include one-on-one birth chart interpretations and otherworldly readings inspired by the mystical. As for the menu, your journey includes a glass of fizz on arrival, alongside two elemental cocktails (or glasses of wine), including options like Air, a light and floral gin-forward concoction heightened with pine, jasmine and rose. Meanwhile, the snack pairings include Fire, a chargrilled angus beef yakitori served with kimchi mayo and crispy onion. "Astrology hour is an opportunity to become more in tune with your connection to the cosmos," says Tebble. "It's about unlocking a new level of self-awareness in a really fun and creative setting. We've curated each drink and dish to reflect the energy of the four elements so that people can experience their star sign via the senses." Images: Steven Woodburn.
Amidst the Qantas Centre, TNT head office and other similarly industrial commercial buildings, on the decidedly less cool (read: south) side of the city, lies a graffitied beacon of hope for the workers and residents that share the suburb of Mascot. For one thing, it's the first wine bar in the area. But it's also attracting a devoted daytime crowd for the Mediterranean-inspired menu, De Gabriel coffee and the contagious energy of owner, Elizabeth Woods (don't get her started on the coffee; she's what you'd describe as 'passionate'). On a corner site, it enjoys great exposure on the intersection of two main roads just up from the train station. The configuration is awkward but Woods and designer UI Building Studio have used it to create three different zones, each with its own feel — from the people-watching front counter to the restaurant-style banquette seating along the length of the venue and the relaxing bar/lounge area at the back (with balcony). It was nearly two years in the making but it's been a labour of love, with Woods' personality stamped all over it (and recorded in her blog). The small venue is made bright and inviting with a minimal materials palette — concrete and plywood punctuated by graffiti art by Alex Lehours, whose work Woods spotted at the Outpost exhibition on Cockatoo Island in 2011. We go after work to see it in its wine bar state and it's pretty packed. We start with one of the specials, prawn and corn fritters ($10), which is unusual and interesting, as are the grilled chorizo chips with spiced apple puree ($8.50). The Renegades Plate — an easy share option with grilled bread, tzatziki, tomato chutney and diced egg mayonnaise ($12) — is a winner when you pile some of each into a mouthful. The Mojito ($11) is well balanced and the 2010 Mandala Pinot Noir from Yarra Valley ($10 glass) just okay, but the winner is the 2010 Sons of Eden, Kennedy GSM from the Barossa Valley ($8 glass). Something that sets The Renegades apart is the forward-thinking focus on technology. They have an engaging social media voice and have just launched an app (Woods' husband was formerly in the IT industry). The app allows mobile ordering — perfect for an office worker who's running late. Simply choose from the menu, pay on credit or put it on your tab, and it's ready for pick up when you get off the train. Pretty neat. Renegade: An outlaw; a rebel. They definitely got the name right.
This Is Not Street Art features new work by Solo Ponticello and John Hynd. Given the size of this garage-size gallery, it's amazing how well the two artists' many works fit into the small space. John Hynd has put together a series of four acrylic stages: trauma, insomnia, digestion and my eyes and noodles are burning. In the first a three-headed dog with cubist, flat eyes has its three severed heads floating above its three box necks. The dog is a stale green over a pink background. The trident shape of the dog's body is a motif repeated in Hynd's other works. Even though the effect is roughly that of a long night with a questionable breakfast, the sequence feels comfortably dreamy. In the final frame, a pink wiry man holds a noodle bowl full of fire. His eyes are burning and his white lips are quiet but focused. Solo Ponticello has drawn faces covered in black hair. Their abstract heads, or bodies, are curled and twisted in the style of vines or pairs of old, proud goat horns twisting together. All have lost unfocused eyes, and most have mouths. Although one owns a moustache instead. Only black, white and red are used — with the red either dominating the palette or running brief splashes of harsh contrast across the image. Individually the faces look sad, but together they form a calm menagerie. They combine to suggest an empty, quiet and more difficult version of the world you live in, and one with a lot more hair in it. Also on display are zines by both artists and some beautiful, soft postcards by Ponticello. It's hard to fit so much work into such an efficient space, but Hynd and Ponticello have left you just enough room get a good look.
Last year, Taco Bell returned to NSW following failed attempts in 1981 (when it was to taken to court by Sydney store Taco Bell's Casa) and 1997. And it seems, at least in the case of the US Tex-Mex chain, third time is indeed a charm. Today, Thursday, October 22, Taco Bell announced it'll be continuing its Australian expansion and opening two more stores in the state this spring. Joining existing stores in Blacktown and Newcastle, the two new NSW stores will be located in Albion Park, 90 minutes south of Sydney, just past Wollongong, and Ballina, which is 30 minutes south of Byron Bar, right near the Big Prawn. And they'll both have drive-thrus — so, you may be able to pick up a Cheesy Chipotle Burrito or Crunchy Taco on your next road trip. Going by the Newcastle menu, we can safely assume that quesadillas, burritos, Crunchwraps, nachos, power bowls and, of course, tacos (including the Gordita Crunch with both a crunchy and soft tortilla) will all be the lineup. It looks to be affordable, too, with $2.50 tacos, $3.50 mini quesadillas, $3 churros, $4 burritos and $3 cinnamon twists. Taco Bell NewcastleKeep an eye on the Taco Bell Facebook page for opening day specials, too, which often include freebies, limited-edition merch and limited-edition menu items, too. It won't stop there, either, with Taco Bell saying it'll open a minimum of 40 stores across NSW and the ACT in the next four years. We'll let you know when anymore locations are announced. Find Taco Bell at 2–3, 61 Princes Highway, Albion Park Rail from Monday, October 26 and Taco Bell at 107–109 Fox Street, Ballina from Monday, November 2. Top image: Taco Bell Robina by Hugo Nobay. CORRECTION: OCTOBER 26, 2020 — This article previously stated that the two new Taco Bells would have margaritas and beer, this is incorrect. They are both unlicensed.
Chee Soon & Fitzgerald is well established in the Sydney design scene. The shop has a rich and impressive history — it first opened in Surry Hills in 1996, and were the first in Australia to stock Finnish homewares giant Marimekko. If you're a fan of lush textiles and left-of-centre homewares, this place is sure to become one of your favourites. The Redfern store is home to Japanese ceramics, African textiles, folk art from all around the world and, if you're lucky, that one-of-a-kind antique piece you've been dreaming of. We recommend bringing your credit card.
This winter, Barangaroo House is embracing the winter chill on all of its three levels. Today, July 3, the waterside venue launched Bring the Heat — a multi-storey winter wonderland with luxe rooftop igloos, spiced martinis, magnums of Champagne and fondue pots aplenty. The outdoor terrace of Smoke (the venue's rooftop cocktail bar) is where you'll find those opulent igloos — they come complete with cosy cushions, blankets, hanging greenery and lanterns. Here, you can order cheese or chocolate fondue and baked truffle camembert straight to your igloo. For drinks, there's Champagne, hot bloody marys and 'cauldrons' of mulled wine that serve six. The igloos fit up to ten and can be booked for two hours — though you'll need to commit to a minimum spend of $500 (that's only $50 each if you round up your mates). The best time to book is on weekends when bottomless Champagne and alpine-inspired snacks are on offer from noon–3pm — drink all the Champagne you can handle while enjoying wagyu bresaola, pork skewers, toasties and hot chips for a reasonable $95 all up. Or stop by right at 5pm on weekdays, when the first five 1.5-litre magnums of Veuve Clicquot will be sold for just $145 per bottle. Over at Bea restaurant, Head Chef Tom Haynes is dishing up woodfired dishes — think charred tiger prawns or spatchcock chicken with green rice stuffing — alongside a selection of $10 mini martinis. If you're keen for the whole hog, book into one of Bea's winter wine degustations, which will take place on July 4, 17 and August 29. For $95–150 per person, you'll be treated to a feast and a few drops from winemakers Cullen Wines, Cloudy Bay and Michael Hall Wines. And, down on the ground level, House Bar is offering its own range of spiced martinis, including a chilli choc espresso, a smoked rosemary and a spiced apple version. You'll be able to DIY garnishes and bitters with these, too. All of these deals will only be available through to the end of August, though, so don't wait on it. Images: Alana Dimou
Netflix's algorithm has clearly figured out one of the most obvious facts about humankind: we all really love dogs. That was obviously the idea behind the streaming platform's 2018 canine-centric documentary series — and the show sent viewers so barking mad that it's coming back for another season. Called Dogs, the thoroughly feel-good series follows different puppers in different places around the world, as well as the two-legged folks who care for, groom, dress and even fish with them. Of course, the adorable balls of fluff are the real drawcards. The six-episode first season dedicated its frames to canines in Syria, Japan, Costa Rica, Italy and the US, each with their own stories to tell. One episode explores life in a dog sanctuary in the Costa Rican rainforest, and another relays the tale of a Siberian Husky trapped in Syria after his owner was able to flee to German. Yet another jumps into Japan's love of cute pooches — dog strollers are a common sight on the streets of Tokyo, after all. In a statement provided to Variety about the show's renewal, executive producers Amy Berg (Deliver Us From Evil) and Glen Zipper (The Bill Murray Stories: Life Lessons Learned from a Mythical Man) championed Dogs' human impact — especially "the ability to explore some of the most important human stories through relationships with our best friends". They continued: "it's been amazing to see how much these episodes have touched audiences and critics across the globe. Most importantly, our fans have become part of our extended family and we are honoured to bring them a fresh set of stories that will allow us to connect with them yet again." Check out the first season trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pLCmLgjiJ8 If you can't get enough when it comes to cute canines, you won't be complaining about the show's impending return — although when it'll drop, and how many episodes the second season will span, hasn't yet been revealed. And if you have your own pooch who deserves some Netflix attention, the series is also on the lookout for canine talent. Just hit up the show via Twitter or Instagram. Australia and New Zealand didn't feature the first time around, after all. Dogs' first season is now available on Netflix. Via Variety. Images: Netflix.
The art onslaught of September is behind us. Sydney Contemporary and its fellow art fairs have packed up, Chippendale's BEAMS have stopped shining, and the MCA's Primavera remains as a token of the art storm that blew threw something. But October is no slouch. Here are six exhibition opening in this fine tenth month that have got our attention. Top image: Ben Williams Photography.
Kiwis based in Australia hoping to see family across the ditch can start planning their sojourns home sooner than expected. New Zealand's planned five-step border reopening plan has been brought forward this week, with isolation requirements for double-vaccinated Kiwis returning home scrapped weeks earlier than expected. From 11.59pm on Wednesday, March 2, vaccinated Kiwis entering New Zealand from Australia will no longer need to self-isolate. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the change of plans amid New Zealand's current Omicron outbreak, which sees the country currently suffering the highest rates of COVID-19 transmission in the world. But Australians holidaymakers shouldn't get planning a quick weekend jump across the ditch just yet. Vaccinated Aussie citizens wanting a holiday in New Zealand still have to wait for step four of the original border reopening plan, which sees all travellers from Australia and from countries who don't require special visas able to enter NZ. While that is still currently proposed to happen around July this year, Aussies can cross their fingers they may be able to head across for an adventure holiday earlier. COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins advised last month that "the reopening to visa-free tourists is also likely to be brought forward, with July being the latest date we anticipate this happening." Of course, during all five steps, testing will remain critical. Every traveller will be required to undertake a rapid antigen test (RAT) on the day they arrive and on day five or six. All positive RATs must be registered and followed up with a PCR test. New Zealand had 19,599 new cases reported on Tuesday, March 1, with over 300 cases currently in hospital. Kiwis returning to New Zealand from Australia will not need to isolate upon arrival from 11.59pm on Wednesday, while Australian holidaymakers will need to wait to enter the country until later in 2022. For more information, head to the New Zealand Government's COVID-19 website.
If you live in Sydney and you like movies, you know what happens each June, with Sydney Film Festival unveiling its yearly cinematic treasures. The huge citywide event takes over plenty of the Harbour City's picture palaces, spreading the love around town. But at the new Inner West Film Fest, all that fun at the flicks will be focused on one area. "Sydney's Inner West is one of Australia's most inclusive, creatively and culturally vibrant communities, home to artists, musicians, writers, actors, cineastes, and filmmakers, and host to the country's best live music venues, restaurants, bars and cinemas," said Dov Kornits, Inner West Film Fest's co-founder and director — and also a film industry veteran thanks to magazine FilmInk. "The only thing the Inner West was missing was its very own film festival." With film lecturer Greg Dolgopolov, Kornits' new venture will run for three days from Friday, March 31–Sunday, April 2 at various Inner West spots, including a free opening night at the Marrickville Golf Club, plus sessions afterwards at Palace Cinemas Leichhardt and Dendy Cinemas Newtown. That launch slot belongs to Sweet As, a Western Australian-made hit on international film festival circuit, which tells an outback-set coming-of-age story. Written and directed by Indigenous filmmaker Jub Clerc (The Heights), it'll enjoy its Sydney premiere at IWFF, leading a lineup filled with movies bowing in Australia for the first time — and classics. Fans of The FP, rejoice — the apocalyptic riff on Dance Dance Revolution, and a glorious cult hit, is now up to its fourth instalment. Called FP 4EVZ, it's a big highlight of the program, and a sign of how eclectic the fest is willing to get. Other drawcards include Still Working 9 to 5, which looks back on Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin's 80s hit while surveying what has and hasn't changed for women since; a special retrospective screening of the Hugh Jackman-starring Erskineville Kings, which is set in the Inner West; and Sergio Leone's masterpiece — well, one of them — Once Upon a Time in the West. In total, 15 features will play, including a top-secret mystery movie that you'll only find out what it is when you show up. And, the full lineup includes shorts, an Aussie movie poster exhibition, pitching sessions and filmmakers chatting about their work. Inner West Film Fest runs from Friday, March 31–Sunday, April 2 around Sydney's Inner West — head to the festival's website for further details.
Cafe owners and baristas are the cornerstones of every community they serve, providing excellent food and cups of precious coffee to keep the world (and all of us) turning. Who better to show appreciation for these local legends than the businesses they source their coffee from? Enter Toby's Estate and the annual Local Legends competition. Every cafe in Australia that grinds, pours, and serves coffee made with Toby's Estate beans is up for voting by its community. The winner receives the prestigious title of one of the most popular cafés in their state and a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. We're proud to present the NSW Toby's Estate Local Legend of 2024: Hippo Espresso in Warners Bay. We spoke to Aaryn Algie, owner and Hunter Valley resident, about the cafe and his favourite spots around town. How Did You Get Into The Hospitality Industry? I've been involved in the industry for about 20 years. I got into it because I really enjoyed interacting with people, and hospitality was the best way I could do this and get paid! Like most people, I started at the bottom and have worked my way up, doing everything along the way. It's the perfect industry to meet people, and the friends I've made through the industry are unbelievable. What's Your Go-To Coffee Order, and Do You Have a Trick For Making The Perfect Cup Every Time? An almond latte gets my day going. There's no real reason why it's almond; I just got one by mistake one day and stuck with it. My secret to getting a perfect cup every time…get someone else to make it. Things always taste better when you don't have to make it yourself. From Your Menu, What's The Perfect Pairing with a Morning Coffee? If it's a grab-and-go kind of day, it's hard to beat our breakfast wrap: scrambled egg, hash brown, bacon, spinach, and tomato relish. Or one of our famous Acai Bowls, where you can even create your own with unlimited toppings! But if I have the time (which isn't often) to sit and eat, our omelettes are a must! They're like an egg pizza with the lot! Why Do You Use Toby's Estate? We've been using Toby's for nine years now. It's a very smooth and consistent coffee, easy to drink, and I think that's what appeals to me about it the most. What's Your Favourite Toby's Estate Roast? We use the Woolloomooloo or 'Wolly' as its friends call it! So, it's obviously my favourite, but they all have their own unique qualities. What Made You Choose to Open in The Area You're in Today? The cafe had been here a couple of years before we purchased it. I grew up nearby and knew the area pretty well, and it really is the perfect spot for a cafe— a busy little hospitality strip with Lake Macquarie just 50 metres away! Where's Your Favourite Local Spot to Grab a Bite? (Other than Here) Living an hour from the cafe, I don't get to eat nearby too often, but when I do, my go-to is definitely Emilio's, the perfect Italian restaurant. Their pizza and pasta are fantastic, and the chilli octopus is next level! Where's Your Favourite Local Spot to Grab a Drink After Work? Close to home in The Hunter Valley, Nineteen at The Vintage is my go-to. A couple of Stone & Woods on tap is the perfect end to the day. Where Do You Like to Go to Escape Into Nature Nearby? There's a little sand island at the bottom end of Lake Macquarie called Naru. It's the perfect spot on a summer's day: crystal-clear water, a sandy beach area—just the perfect chill-out spot. If You Had a Friend Come to Visit, Where's The First Place You Would Take Them? I'd take them to the best vineyards in the world and do some wine tasting in the beautiful Hunter Valley. What are Some Other Local Small Businesses You Think People Should Support? Sharon at Warners Bay Dog Shop supplies us with dog treats to sell to all our furry customers. It's a great local business with a great team! Even her dogs, Fifi and Max, pop in occasionally. Is There Anything Else That You'd Like People to Know About Your Business? We know the majority of our customers by their coffee orders, not their names. So much so, we were watching a Matildas game once, and Emily Van Egmond (who's a regular when she's in Australia) came on the TV, and one of the staff said, "OMG, that's a small flat white and coconut and pistachio girl!" Hippo Espresso is the Toby's Estate Local Legends winner for NSW in 2024. For more information on it or other cafes that serve Toby's Estate, visit the website.
Tame Impala had a busy 2019, headlining Coachella festival (alongside Childish Gambino) and Byron Bay's Splendour in the Grass. And it looks like 2020 is going to be equally jam-packed for Perth's favourite psychedelic outfit, with the band announcing their biggest ever Australian and NZ tour. Kicking things off in Auckland in April, the band will then hit up some of Australia's big stadium arenas — performing at Brisbane's Entertainment Centre, Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena and Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, before heading to Adelaide and back to their Perth hometown. Led by Tame brain and frontman Kevin Parker, the band will perform songs off their highly anticipated fourth album The Slow Rush, which is set to drop on February 14, as well as their Aria chart-topping 2015 album Currents. In light of Australia's catastrophic bushfires, Parker has also announced that the band will donate $300,000 from the tour to bushfire relief charities. Such big shows deserve one heck of a support, too, and you'll get it in Texan instrumental three-piece Khruangbin. The trio's music is described as a mix of Thai-surf punk, Persian rock and 80s Algerian symphonia, and if you'd like to know just what that sounds like you can listen to their 2019 album Hasta El Cielo. [caption id="attachment_758160" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Khruangbin[/caption] TAME IMPALA 2020 AUSTRALIA AND NZ TOUR DATES Auckland — April 16, Spark Arena Brisbane — April 18, Brisbane Entertainment Centre Sydney — April 20, Qudos Bank Arena Melbourne — April 23, Rod Laver Arena Adelaide — April 25, Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena Perth — April 28, RAC Arena Tame Impala Fan Club, Laneway Presents, Chugg members and Frontier members pre-sales kick off at midday on Thursday, January 23. General tickets go on sale on Tuesday, January 28 10am local time for Australia and midday local time for NZ. Top image: Neil Krug
Everyone should play tourist in their own town. For fans of horror movies in the Harbour City, everyone should see Sydney's historic spots in a whole new light while a frightening flick rolls and Haus of Horror throws a party. That's the immersive cinema outfit's setup, and it has both the winter solstice and the Old Darlinghurst Gaol in its sights next — plus getting eerie with the American remake of The Ring. In the past, for over a year, Haus of Horror has popped up everywhere from Parramatta Gaol and Camperdown Cemetery to Cockatoo Island, showing The Exorcist, the OG Scream, Beetlejuice, A Nightmare on Elm Street and more. Now, before you truly get into the winter spirit, you'll see The Ring inside a cellblock with a full moon in the sky outside. You have two sessions to choose from, both on Saturday, June 22 (technically a day after 2024's winter solstice, but this kind of event was always going to be more fun on a Saturday instead of a Friday). So, either head through the doors at 5pm for a 7pm screening, or mosey through at 7.15pm for a 9.15pm showing. Either way, a date with Samara is only a portion of the party. Prior to the movie flickering through the projector, you'll be given time to explore the site — a place that dates back to the 1820s, housed prisoners from 1841–1914, then became a technical college and later the National Art School. The old gaol has turned the former women's prisoner wing into a theatre, which is where you'll be watching. If you need to peel your eyes away from the screen, look out for remnants of the space's previous use etched onto the walls. Haus of Horror is also setting up scare zones, a photo booth, and markets selling handmade and vintage wares. A fortune teller will get clairvoyant with attendees, a DJ will be spinning tunes, good vendors will have bites to eat on offer and a bloody-themed cocktail will be available at the bar. The crew behind the event is calling this their inaugural winter solstice shindig, aiming to turn it into an annual tradition — meaning that 2024 is the only time that you can say that you were there when this party began. Haus of Horror's Winter Solstice Party featuring The Ring takes place on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Head to the Haus of Horror website for tickets and further details.
With 1654 stores to its name worldwide, Five Guys' burger joints have become a common sight across America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia — and soon, they'll also be opening in Australia and New Zealand. That news was announced in 2020, but 2021 brings further details, including the fact that it'll be launching its first eatery Down Under this year. Once the middle of 2021 rolls around, Five Guys will be serving up burgers, fries and shakes in Penrith — making Sydney the first Aussie city to taste the chain's wares. Originally, the debut store Down Under was slated for Sydney's CBD, but those plans changed due to COVID-19. An exact mid-year opening date hasn't been revealed; however, Sydneysiders will find restaurant next to Krispy Kreme and the Panthers League Club on Mulgoa Road in the western Sydney suburb when it launches. Construction on the store is due to start in the coming weeks. The cult-favourite chain is making the leap to Australia and New Zealand as part of a master franchise agreement with Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group, aka the folks behind The Meat & Wine Co, Hunter & Barrel, 6 Head, Ribs & Burgers, Italian Street Kitchen and Butcher and the Farmer. Around 20 stores are due to launch in Australia alone, plus more in NZ — although exactly where else and when Five Guys will be popping up is yet to be revealed. In Sydney, additional sites are currently under consideration, including in the CBD around Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Broadway. Overseas, Five Guys has amassed quite the reputation — and, even given the number of big-name US burger chains with hefty followings, such as Shake Shack and In-N-Out, it stands out. Its made-to-order burgers skew in the classic rather than oversized, jam-packed direction. They come with two hand-formed patties on toasted buns with your choice of toppings (including pickles, grilled mushrooms and jalapeños), plus bacon cheeseburgers that add two strips of bacon and two slices of Kraft American cheese as well. Five Guys also serves up hotdogs, sandwiches, hand-cut fries (with or without Cajun spices) and vanilla milkshakes. Don't go thinking the latter are boring, though — you can add bacon, bananas, peanut butter, salted caramel and even Oreo pieces to your design-your-own beverage. The chain started back in 1986 in the Washington, DC area and, as anyone with allergies should note, only cooks its fries in peanut oil. Five Guys will launch its first Australian store on Mulgoa Road in Penrith sometime in the middle of 2021, with stores in other Australian states — and in New Zealand — to follow. No exact opening dates have been revealed as yet — we'll update you when more information comes to hand.
You may soon be donning a guernsey instead of a hat to head to Royal Randwick Racecourse, with news that the eastern suburbs horse racing ground could soon be home to a purpose-built AFL field. The potential new field is the result of a just-signed partnership between the Australian Turf Club (owners of four horse racing courses across Sydney) and the Australian Football League, which would also see the two collaborate on membership deals and events. As reported by the SMH, the new oval is slated for completion by 2019, with the field being built in the middle of the racecourse, a barren area often used for parking. It was also reported that the oval's construction would not impact on the course's racing schedule. The ATC announced that the new oval would host Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney games, and would also be the new pre-season training ground for the Swans, whose previous training ground has been impacted by the (never-ending) light trail project. The team's old training venue in Moore Park has been restricted by the encroaching light rail construction, with management announcing in January that it was on the look out for a new ground and facilities. If it goes ahead, the new Randwick Racecourse AFL field would also take pressure off the SCG later this year when Moore Park's Allianz Stadium is knocked down and rebuilt. The partnership also opens up future possibilities with other AFL clubs — ATC's Rosehill Gardens venue, for example, is close to the training ground of Sydney's newer AFL team, Greater Western Sydney.
UPDATE: July 13, 2020: 2040 is available to stream via DocPlay, Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. When An Inconvenient Truth ostensibly turned a PowerPoint presentation into an Oscar-winning film, the world took notice. An impassioned overview about the biggest threat to the earth that humanity is ever likely to face — that is, climate change — will do that. But it also set a precedent for eco-conscious documentaries, stressing the undeniable, existence-shattering doom and gloom of the situation. The reasoning is simple, not to mention completely justified: what else but the worst possible scenario could convince everyone to drastically alter their ways? (As history has shown to the planet's detriment, not even that is proving enough.) Arriving 13 years later, after a sequel to Al Gore's movie and countless other environmental docos too, 2040 adopts a different approach. This time, it's both personal and positive. Of course, the fate of this giant rock we all live on has always been personal, however director Damon Gameau frames his plea for change as a letter to his now-four-year-old daughter, hypothesising how the state of the environment could potentially improve in the next 21 years for her benefit. It's a smart, savvy move, asking viewers to similarly think about the world they want to leave for loved ones, kids and future generations in general — while offering solutions that, as based on technology available today, could genuinely make an impact. Gameau previously put himself front and centre when he made That Sugar Film, acting as the doco's own Super Size Me-style sucrose-guzzling guinea pig. That movie was not only a record-breaking box-office smash, becoming the highest grossing non-IMAX Australian documentary in history at the time, but also sparked a widespread dietary movement. Once again venturing around the world to speak to the brightest minds on his chosen subjects in episodic segments, the actor-turned-filmmaker certainly makes a compelling case in 2040. Choosing his examples wisely, each technology he champions basically sells itself. From community-level solar electricity grids in Bangladesh and self-driving cars in Singapore, to marine permaculture off the US coast and innovative agriculture practices in Australia, it's impossible not to see how Gameau's proposed solutions would enact considerable, much-needed change. To make his points crystal clear — and to firmly demonstrate how they could make a difference — he intermittently cuts to an idealised version of the future, complete with actor Eva Lazzaro playing his daughter, to literally show how life in the year 2040 could look. While these crystal ball moments sometimes overplay their earnestness and attempted humour to the point of becoming clunky, they tie into another of Gameau's key skills as a documentarian: presentation. Global warming is a daily topic of conversation for many, as it should be, and yet a constant stream of news headlines and cries from scientists can be all too easy for both the masses and their elected representatives to ignore. In addition to its unfettered optimism, 2040 packages its segments in engaging ways, whether discussing alternative energy solutions by placing its talking heads atop a towering wind turbine, or using animated dioramas. It's another technique brought over from the similarly bright, breezy, accessible yet informative That Sugar Film, and once again, it works. Also effective is 2040's overall aim, with the film staring climate change in the face, slapping on a smile and striving to get people motivated about such a crucial matter. The doco provides an upbeat top-level view, as well as an easy-to-glean list of talking points — favouring the bigger picture, plus a few case studies, over the bleak current-day political, social and economic reality. And yet, that's also what leaves a strange sensation. 2040's vision of the future is so welcome, but it's also just that: a vision. Even if you're not innately cynical about the world, there's a difference between knowing what's possible and thinking that it'll actually happen. 2040 trades in hope, which will never fail to be important, however there's still no escaping reality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-rTQ443akE
It was the film that forced two beloved superheroes into a fight; however that's not the only battle Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice has faced. Critics were far from impressed, and nor were the folks behind the Golden Raspberry Awards. After bestowing eight nominations upon the Zack Snyder-directed, Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill-starring flick, the gongs also known as the Razzies have backed that up with four trophies. At the 37th awards, BvS took out worst screenplay; worst screen combo for Sad Affleck and his "baddest foe forever"; worst prequel, remake, rip-off or sequel; and worst supporting actor for Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor. Still, the movie's clashes are never over, it seems, with conservative political documentary Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party coming out on top — or is it bottom? — in the worst picture, worst actor and worst director fields (and, worst actress, though BvS didn't get a look in there). Kristen Wiig was among those adding an unwanted accolade to their resume, thanks to her work in Zoolander 2. The Razzies also recognise someone whose career has taken a turn in a better direction, with Mel Gibson this year's recipient of the Razzie Redeemer Award thanks to the success of Hacksaw Ridge. The Razzies are held the day before the Academy Awards, giving the industry a moment to consider the other side of the Hollywood filmmaking spectrum before showering the best and brightest of the year in statuettes. For anyone that's been living in a musical rather than in the real world, La La Land remains the Oscars favourite after nabbing a record-equalling 14 noms, but here's hoping there'll be plenty of love for eight-time-nominee Moonlight. Check out our helpful guide before the February 27 ceremony, Australian time. GOLDEN RASPBERRY NOMINEES AND WINNERS 2017 WORST PICTURE Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Dirty Grandpa Gods of Egypt Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party Independence Day: Resurgence Zoolander 2 WORST ACTOR Ben Affleck, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Gerard Butler, Gods of Egypt and London Has Fallen Henry Cavill, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Robert De Niro, Dirty Grandpa Dinesh D'Souza [as Himself], Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party Ben Stiller, Zoolander 2 WORST ACTRESS Megan Fox, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows Tyler Perry, Boo! A Madea Halloween Julia Roberts, Mother's Day Becky Turner [as Hillary Clinton], Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party Naomi Watts, Divergent Series: Allegiant and Shut-In Shailene Woodley, Divergent Series: Allegiant WORST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Julianne Hough, Dirty Grandpa Kate Hudson, Mother's Day Aubrey Plaza, Dirty Grandpa Jane Seymour, Fifty Shades of Black Sela Ward, Independence Day: Resurgence Kristen Wiig, Zoolander No. 2 WORST SUPPORTING ACTOR Nicolas Cage, Snowden Johnny Depp, Alice Through the Looking Glass Will Ferrell, Zoolander 2 Jesse Eisenberg, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Jared Leto, Suicide Squad Owen Wilson, Zoolander No. 2 WORST SCREEN COMBO Ben Affleck & His BFF (Baddest Foe Forever) Henry Cavill, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Any 2 Egyptian Gods or Mortals, Gods of Egypt Johnny Depp & His Vomitously Vibrant Costume, Alice Through the Looking Glass The Entire Cast of Once Respected Actors, Collateral Beauty Tyler Perry & That Same Old Worn Out Wig, Boo! A Madea Halloween Ben Stiller and His BFF (Barely Funny Friend) Owen Wilson, Zoolander 2 WORST DIRECTOR Dinesh D'Souza and Bruce Schooley, Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party Roland Emmerich, Independence Day: Resurgence Tyler Perry, Boo! A Madea Halloween Alex Proyas, Gods of Egypt Zack Snyder, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Ben Stiller, Zoolander 2 WORST PREQUEL, REMAKE, RIP-OFF or SEQUEL Alice Through the Looking Glass Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: Dawn of Justice Fifty Shades of Black Independence Day: Resurgence Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows Zoolander 2 WORST SCREENPLAY Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Dirty Grandpa Gods of Egypt Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party Independence Day: Resurgence Suicide Squad
Wanting a little romantic indulgence? Make a bee-line straight for Onsen Hot Pools where there aren't even the words to describe how heavenly it is. Located just ten minutes from Queenstown, perched on the cliffs within a stunning mountain range, this onsen gives you a chance to soak in the breathtaking scenery while you soak in warm 38-degree waters. As you recline in the cedar pool with your choice of tipple, the retractable roof will open up to reveal cascading views across the Shotover River by day or the mesmerising star-filled sky by night. It's the epitome of relaxation. Each pool room can accommodate up to four adults, so you can share with family and friends or keep it strictly 'lovers only', just you and bae. For extra indulgence, book in for an onsite massage. We suggest the 120-minute experience which includes a massage and facial followed by herbal teas and raw-pressed refreshments in the lounge. Go on, you deserve it.
The age of anything and everything available online is extending its reach to even the most humanitarian of acts: charity. Lending a hand to New Zealand's earthquake victims has been made simple with the development of the Christchurch Cafe, a virtual coffee shop that donates 100% of its profits to survivors suffering from severe income loss. The inspirational site was created by the workers at Crafted Coffee, a Christchurch shop that was fortunate enough to escape the wrath of the devastating quake in February. The virtual cafe aims to aid business owners that were not so lucky by offering a menu of virtual coffee beverages, beans and equipment, priced from $2 to $300, that can be purchased in the form of a donation by a mere click of the mouse. Each item is linked to a Paypal site, making the process that much easier. Victims in need apply for aid online and Christchurch Cafe offers $200 per month, per person for as many as they can support with the money raised. Although you may not get the kick of caffeine that comes with any other flat white at a cozy coffee shop, every dollar contributed to the Christchurch Cafe helps the struggling New Zealanders afford food and housing that is difficult to come by in the horrific aftermath of the earthquake. Now, let us not rule out boxing up unwanted clothes or extra canned goods to help out victims of natural disasters, but hopefully skipping your morning brew and donating a virtual flat white instead will catch on as a means of giving aid, and the altruistic buzz should more than make up for the missed caffeine kick.
A new boutique wine shop has opened in the North Shore with an outstanding selection of 1000+ bottles representing some of the world's most acclaimed and emerging wine regions and producers. Hunters Hill Wine Room is the brainchild of Adrian Filiuta, one of just six Australian's to have earned the Master Sommelier rank. Adrian has made the move to in-store curation after a lengthy career in-venue as the Group Sommelier for Merivale across the group's myriad restaurants and pubs for over decade. Consequently, he knows better than most the range required to adapt to price, palate and occasion of wine-drinking Australians, and the selection at Hunters Hill Wine Room has been curated with that range in mind — whether you're after a drop to go with a weeknight dinner or you're a hardcore aficionado after a collectible vintage. Regardless of what you're after, the best thing to do is take advantage of Adrian's expertise and just ask him for a recommendation. We recently hit him up with a few questions in the lead up to Hunters Hill Wine Room opening its doors. CONCRETE PLAYGROUND: What wine regions seem to be surging in popularity? I feel like there's more Greek wine on restaurant wine lists than ever before... ADRIAN FILIUTA: "That is definitely the case at Le Foote. They have an amazing selection of Greek and Mediterranean wines. Island wines are definitely becoming more popular, as I think consumers are linking it to experience and travel. I've also seen Italy going through a big resurgence from north to south." "In our back yard [I'm seeing] heaps of excitement with lighter shiraz, and grenache from old bush vines in SA — higher toned, elegant, perfumed, delicious. Lastly, I feel there is a growing consumer awareness of natural/organic/bio wines, and not so much how it tastes but more about how is it farmed and who are the people behind the label." Wine is still a bit of an intimidating category - particularly for younger drinkers who are just starting to get a taste for it. What's the best way for burgeoning wine-drinkers to ask you about what to drink if they're still finding their feet? "Yes it is, even so when you dine at a nice restaurant with a big wine menu. But here's the exciting part. Sommeliers love to geek about wine and flavors. I suggest be open/clear about your personal taste, what you like to drink. Do you usually like a spritz, a Bloody Mary or a martini…this helps understand your palate profile." What's a bottle in the shop that you're reaching for if there's a particularly special occasion? "Champagne for sure, and if is a grower champagne even better... something like A. Levasseur or Chartogne-Taillet punch above their weight in terms of value. Otherwise Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is my go-to." Hunters Hill Wine Room is now open at 35 Alexandra Street in Hunters Hill. Open seven days, the trading hours are Sunday and Monday from 11am-7pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 11am-8pm, and Thursday to Saturday from 11am until 9pm. For more details visit the website.
Sydney hospitality mainstay Swillhouse has just announced its latest venture: taking over 101 George Street's Phillip's Foote and transforming it into a sleek wine bar inspired by bars in Europe. But, there is a catch — the grand opening of the newly dubbed venue, Le Foote, is still a while off. "We've got a bit of work in front of us, council submissions and heritage approvals, then a few months of building before the place is ready to open. We think that this whole process will take a little over six months to complete," Swillhouse Owner and CEO Anton Forte said in a media release. While the collective has big plans for the historic building, in the meantime, Phillip's Foote will be treated to a proper send-off with a temporary pop-up bar set to celebrate the historic pub this summer. The summer bar will serve cured meats, hand selected cheeses, pickles jarred in house and olives alongside an exciting drinks list. The collective responsible for beloved Sydney venues including Restaurant Hubert, Shady Pines, Frankie's and Alberto's Lounge promise a short but eclectic mix of popular and more obscure wines sourced from Europe and Australia. Swillhouse also has an affinity for beer, collaborating with breweries in the past to create their own unique brews, that will also be on show. Creative Director Jordan McDonald says the beers on offer at the temporary reinvention of Phillip's Foote will be "a selection of specialty summer beers" with Swillhouse's Stone Brewing collaboration "pulling into port from San Diego just in time for opening". If you keep your eyes on Swillhouse's social media, you might also be able to catch some spontaneous live entertainment at Phillip's Foote, with Creative Director Jordan McDonald promising "special appearances and last-minute announcements". The Phillip's Foote site is one of the oldest commercial buildings in Australia, housing historic commercial residents including a sailor's bar and a custom's agent. Phillip's Foote has occupied the space since the 1970s when the Dredge family took over. Swillhouse will open its pop-up bar at the site from Monday, November 1, before closing the venue down after summer for renovations. Phillip's Foote is located at 101 George Street, Sydney. The venue will reopen from Monday, November 1 and run until Swillhouse close it for renovations after summer.
Before setting up Hampden Deli, owners Nick Gardner and Stevie-Lee Bounader spent years in fine dining restaurants. Head Chef Nick trained at Nelson Bay's Zest, before working at some of Sydney's best restaurants, including Quay and Tetsuya's, where he was sous chef. So when you slip into this cosy deli, cage and cooking school in Kangaroo Valley for brekkie, take high expectations with you. The tight menu — which offers just two or three dishes at one time — features classics transformed into gourmet delights. Among them are an bacon and egg roll, with brown sugar bacon, local eggs, cabbage, fermented chilli and, surprisingly, Kettle chips, and the Eggs Royale: a muffin layered with local eggs, smoked salmon, Avruga 'caviar', maple hollandaise infused with coffee beans and chives. Cruising by at lunchtime? Linger over a grazing board, loaded with meats, cheeses, breads, croutons and house-made pickles, accompanied by a glass of local wine. Or grab a takeaway snack and keep going — the counter is crowded with sangas, salads, quiches and some very impressive pastries that are made in-house each morning. If you're lucky, you'll time your visit with the deli's cinnamon cream buns or one of its salted caramel cube croissants filled with wattleseed cream. There's also a busy events schedule, with special dinners, masterclasses and workshops taking place every couple of weeks. Images: Tammie Seidel, Take Five Photography.
Think digital media is all about working on beanbags and not running work past your editor? Not true! (Okay, sometimes.) Come intern at Concrete Playground and learn the real ins and outs of producing arts, culture, food and lifestyle editorial in a fun and fast-paced online environment. We're currently looking for interns in Sydney to work with the team in our Redfern office one day per week. You will need to demonstrate excellent writing skills as well as a love of and engagement with Sydney's cultural life. Expressions of interest should be addressed to editor Rima Sabina Aouf at contribute@concreteplayground.com.au. Include a CV and 2-3 samples of your written work. Image from House of Cards. Does not resemble real life, where you'll have a desk, a real true desk.
Gone are the days when travellers checked into hotels with the sole purpose of sleeping. It seems everyone wants a bit extra with their holiday, be it a gardening course, an onsite brewery or a window onto the underwater world. And while those types of overnight experiences are all well and good, if you're a pop culture fan, you might want to set your sights on Walt Disney World's 360 vacation concept in Orlando. The latest addition to the globe's accommodation wonders, it'll let you live, breathe and sleep Stars Wars — staying not only in a themed hotel, but onboard a spaceship. To answer the obvious question: no, you won't actually be going into space (although that idea isn't as out-of-this-world as it may sound). You will have a blast pretending that you're headed to a galaxy far, far, away, though. We're happy to report that the resort is taking the immersive part very seriously, with the new hotel — called Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser — allowing patrons to embark upon a two-night adventure on the starcruiser Halycon. Disney first announced this addition to its growing theme park realm back in 2017; however the huge entertainment company has just dropped specific details for all those wannabe Jedis clamouring for a unique holiday. First step: leave your real life at the door. Upon check-in, guests become a citizen of the galaxy — which means that, every minute of every day of your stay, you're a part of the Star Wars story happening around you. You'll hang out in the Atrium, where crew and passengers gather; operate the Halycon's navigation and defence systems, with plenty of guidance; and learn how to use a lightsaber, because an immersive Star Wars-themed stay wouldn't be complete without wielding a glowing weapon. You'll also sleep in spaceship cabins, drink in the passenger lounge and try to sneak into the crew-only engineering rooms. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will form part of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Walt Disney World's new sprawling zone dedicated to the space-set franchise — which, after opening at Disneyland in California earlier this year, is now open in Orlando as well. For now, the hotel doesn't have an opening date, although you can sign up to register your interest. If you're keen, you'll have to be committed to the experience, as the "every minute of every day" comment may well include sleeping hours — the dark side never sleeps, after all. Image: Disney/Lucasfilm via Disney Parks Blog.
Put one foot in front of the other, keep going, and you’re on a journey — and sometimes an adventure that captures attention. Add a few interesting incidents, and/or intentions fuelled by self-discovery, and you might just have a book and then probably a film. In fiction, it worked for Forrest Gump; in reality, it worked for Into the Wild. It is in the footsteps of the latter, not the former, that Wild follows, as it turns the true trek of Cheryl Strayed into a cinematic hike. In 1994, Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) was 26 and struggling with her lot in life, lingering grief inspiring a raft of destructive decisions. With her marriage in tatters, and her daily routine in the doldrums, she opted to take time out to achieve what seemed an impossible feat: walking the 1770 kilometres of the Pacific Crest Trail alone, and truly coming to terms with her identity and existence in the process. Of course, helmer Jean-Marc Vallée and scribe Nick Hornby don’t just jump from point A to point B in telling Strayed’s tale on screen, nor is the considerable physical feat the point of their film. As might be expected from the linear-averse director of Cafe de Flore, as well as the emotionally astute screenwriter of An Education, flashbacks during Strayed’s wander prove as crucial as the walk itself. The usual array of dire events and moments of discovery furnish the familiar storyline, one that continually emphasises its message of persevering regardless of the circumstances. So too do glimpses of the naturalism that flavoured Vallée’s last feature (and one also based on real-life circumstances), Dallas Buyer’s Club, as well as Hornby’s witty way with words. There may be few surprises in the movie that evolves as a result, but that doesn’t mean that the voyage it depicts isn’t worth taking. Expressive cinematography and fine-tuned editing help immerse the audience in Strayed’s fractured yet persistent mindset and rough yet picturesque surroundings, creating an offering of style and sensitivity in charting a predictable triumph over adversity. As awards bodies have duly noticed, however, Wild is less remarkable for the plight it portrays and its manner of doing so, and more worthy of praise for the accompanying performances. Eschewing glamour, playing a real figure and inhabiting a gruelling experience are all common fodder for accolades and attention, yet Witherspoon is as committed to getting to the heart of her endeavour as the character she plays. Laura Dern radiates empathy and earnestness in the role of Strayed's mother, even if her scenes are tinged with tragic cliches. Indeed, that’s the film from the start of its travels until the end: weighty but always apparent, contemplative while laced with truisms, and making more than a modest attempt at striving for something beyond the usual.
When Michael Le was a child his grandmother would often serve caramelised pork belly with rice on the family dinner table. Le now offers a revised version of this dish in the form of a Vietnamese pork roll in his restaurant, Great Aunty Three. The caramelised pork roll ($6) captures the essence of what Le and wife Mai are trying to achieve: fresh, authentic, quality Vietnamese street food. The pork, slow cooked in coconut juice for up to five hours, is tender and juicy, combined with fresh vegetables in a crusty Vietnamese roll. The roast pork roll ($6) is also a winner, drenched in a honey mustard sauce, crisp bits of crackling and copious amounts of carrot, cucumber and coriander. Watch this space for the up and coming chicken roll. Rice paper rolls, although common in Sydney, can be a hard art to master. Great Aunty Three does not disappoint, with a delicious duck roll, a prawn roll that is paired well with a rich sweet chilli and peanut sauce and a surprisingly tasty and hearty vegan roll (all $2.80 each or three for $6.80). To go with your rolls, try a Vietnamese tea or a refreshing fruit shake. Michael, Mai and their staff are warm and welcoming. The red decor is at once striking. Patrons can sit at small tables and stools outside on the footpath or benches and a soon to be communal dining table inside. Stopping in for a roll on the go is becoming a thing, too. Inspired by family, and authentic Vietnamese street food passed down from generation to generation, Great Aunty Three makes you feel instantly at home.
Need some respite from the CBD hustle and bustle? Spend some time exploring the historic terrace-lined streets of Glebe. This endearing 'burb perched on the glistening harbour foreshore presents a tight-knit community charm you might not expect from such an inner city neighbourhood. You'll likely be met by shopkeepers who have been serving the village for decades, so have your best banter ready to rumble and learn about the colourful human histories of the area with each encounter. In partnership with American Express, we've found a joint that'll sort you out whatever occasion brings you to Glebe — from a gift-hunting expedition to a night out with old friends.
It's been three years since Australia's cinema scene welcomed the American Essentials Film Festival — and while a fest dedicated to US flicks might seem obvious, this event sets its sights much further than Hollywood's usual suspects. Given that mainstream, megaplex-friendly movies reach our shores every week, the Palace-run showcase instead curates a lineup of other American titles, delving into films from the US indie realm. Touring Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra from May 8 to 20, the 2018 fest has a particular fondness for emerging practitioners, with artistic director Richard Sowada noting "the obvious talent from some of the filmmakers in the early stages of their feature film careers," as well as "the deep and obvious respect even some of these newer filmmakers have for the traditions of storytelling in American cinema." With that in mind, this year's event kicks off with The Boy Downstairs, a Zosia Mamet-starring effort from debut feature writer-director Sophie Brooks, which proved a hit at the 2017 TriBeCa Film Festival. The opening night pick also highlights one of the festival's other trends — thanks to its focus on American cinema, it boasts plenty of familiar faces on screen. Standouts include Nicolas Cage and Selma Blair battling a murderous rage in horror-comedy Mom and Dad, Helena Bonham Carter and Hilary Swank recreating a landmark '80s case for patients' rights in 55 Steps, and war effort The Yellow Birds, featuring Solo: A Star Wars Story's Alden Ehrenreich, Ready Player One's Tye Sheridan, plus Toni Collette and Jennifer Aniston. There's also two star-studded flicks about sons and their fathers: Humour Me, which pairs up Jemaine Clement and Elliott Gould in a deadpan comedy, and Kodachrome, which takes Jason Sudeikis and Ed Harris on a road trip to a photo processing laboratory. Other notable titles range from Stuck, which brings the train-set off-Broadway musical of the same name to the cinema; to Outside In, director Lynn Shelter's latest featuring Edie Falco as an ex-high school teacher; to mob drama Gotti, starring John Travolta as the mob boss and screening in Australia just hours after its Cannes Film Festival premiere. On the documentary front, How They Got Over takes a far-reaching documentary into African-American gospel quartets in the '30s and '40s, while RBG examines the life and career of US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. For the fest's retrospective section, Los Angeles is in the spotlight courtesy of classics Chinatown, Heat and Shampoo, as well as '70s masterpieces Killer of Sheep and Wattstax. The American Essentials Film Festival tours Australia from May 8, screening at Sydney's Palace Central from May 8 to 20, Brisbane's Palace Centro from May 9 to 20 and Melbourne's Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from May 10 to 20. For more information, visit the festival website.
Had enough of public transport? Too tired to cycle? How about cruising from A to B by waterslide? Last Sunday May 4, UK artist Luke Jerram turned every kid’s dream into an adult reality when he set up a 90-metre water slide on Park Street, Bristol. Titled Park and Slide, the project playfully suggested new ways of navigating our clogged up city streets — part of the Bristol Art Weekender and Make Sundays Special programmes. A whopping 96, 573 individuals registered for a ‘ticket to slide’, but only 360 got lucky. Showing good sportsmanship and a furious need to Instagram, a crowd of over 65,000 locals turned out to watch the fortunate make their soapy descents. Based on video footage, average speed was calculated at 18km/hr and the age of sliders varied from 5 to 73. “This massive urban slide transforms the street and asks people to take a fresh look at the potential of their city and the possibilities for transformation,” reads Jerram’s site. “Imagine if there were permanent slides right across cities.” Jerram was offered significant corporate sponsorship for Park and Slide, but rejected it, deciding instead to stick with local support networks. "[It] was not an opportunity to advertise fizzy drinks, swimming trunks or holidays to anyone," the artist pointed out on his site. Unfortunately, there are no plans for an international tour of Park and Slide. But Jerram will soon be publicly posting instructions, enabling communities around the world to DIY 'urban slide'. For updates, you can follow him on Twitter. Via Inhabitat. Images by Colin Rayner and Luke Jerram.
Three years in the making, SPON is a new kind of bottle shop for NSW. For several years, the Odd Culture Group has been pushing to open a venue where you could sample the wines before buying after seeing the success of similar venues in Melbourne and overseas — but Liquor and Gambling NSW is a tough negotiator. "Being able to finally open the doors to SPON is due to the landmark decision to allow these cohabitating licenses and a sign that the regulatory environment is shifting and red tape is finally starting to be lifted," says Odd Culture Group CEO James Thorpe. "The two-license model is convoluted and contrived — so, very NSW — but it works, and we're excited to finally get a cab off the rank, and be able to operate a business of this type in Sydney." The decision has seen a couple of these exciting new hybrid venues pop up in recent weeks — namely Famelia down Enmore Road and Frankie & Mo's in the Blue Mountains. And, it's allowed Odd Culture to finally transform its King Street bottle shop into the venue the team always imagined in the space. The result is SPON, a small 20-seat bar and bottle shop named after the process of spontaneous fermentation. As with the previous Odd Culture bottle shop, SPON is all about the weird and the funky in the drinks world. Rare wines and eccentric ales are available here, either for takeaway or to be drunk in the venue with the addition of a touch of corkage. If you love to bring a natural wine over when you're catching up with friends but your mind goes blank when presented with a wall of exotic pét-nats and skin contacts, this is the spot for you. Each day, 12 wines and ales are added to the open-bottle list — two chosen by the house and ten by customers as they venture in and want a try of something. This means you can sample your way through a couple of different vinos before deciding what to purchase — and if you're in early, you can even add a bottle to the open list for you and any other visitors that day to taste. "The concept lends itself to being able to open some really cool, rare and exciting stuff that wouldn't normally make it on by-the-glass lists in your standard bars or restaurants," says Group Beverage Manager Jordan Blackman. For those who are dining in (or rather drinking in), there's an ever-changing and affordable by-the-glass list featuring a mix of wine varieties and price points. To celebrate the opening, SPON is even offering $6 glasses of pét-nat, orange and chilled red wines, alongside half-priced corkage, throughout the rest of August and September. "The spirit of SPON is to make the inaccessible or esoteric into the easily consumed and understood and increase the level of interaction and knowledge sharing with our guests which is our favourite part," says Thorpe. Snacks like yellowfin tuna, LP's charcuterie and Odd Culture's beer bread will also be brought down from the group's beloved King Street restaurant. Plus, the space will be used to host local and interstate winemakers so they can share their craft with Sydney's wine lovers. It really is your one-stop wine shop. SPON is now open at 256 King Street, Newtown. Both the bottle shop and bar are open 12pm–10pm Monday–Thursday, 12pm–12am Friday and 11am–12am Saturday.
Of course the Scandinavian Film Festival takes place in winter. When it's frosty across Australia, watching films set in snowy Nordic climes just feels appropriate. As many a cultural film fest offers, it's the next best thing to jumping on a plane and heading to the top of the world (it's also much, much cheaper). Now enjoying its fourth outing, the 2017 festival gets the Scandi celebrations started with international festival hit The Other Side of Hope, then works through the best flicks that Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden currently have to offer. Odes to real-life figures, heart-stirring dramas, explorations of indigenous plights, brooding murder mysteries and the politics of war are all included — and all make our top five picks of this year's program. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxPRRzZkpus TOM OF FINLAND How does someone become known simply by their first name and homeland? Tom of Finland has the answer. The biographical film delves into the story of, yes, Tom of Finland, aka Finnish artist Touko Laaksonen. A pseudonym became another became a legend for the man who survived World War II, struggled to be himself in a country where homosexuality was illegal, and then became an emblem for sexual freedom. Director Dome Karukoski relays his tale with passion, as does Pekka Strang, as well as shining a bigger spotlight on Tom of Finland's provocative output. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O15-xYqBDZU A CONSPIRACY OF FAITH Nordic noir is the genre that keeps on giving, be it on the page, on TV or in cinemas. Jumping from books to films, Denmark's Department Q series continues to sit at the centre of the Scandinavian-set crime wave — and, the great thing about adapting a multi-tome effort is the multiple movies that follow. Fans of previous Scandinavian Film Festival titles The Keeper of Lost Causes and The Absent One will be ready and waiting to chart detectives Carl Mørck (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) and Assad's (Fares Fares) latest exploits, while newcomers can still jump right into the procedural action. As the title gives away, this time faith plays a big part in their new mystery, and how they approach the case. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIolgEvMAJ8 HEARTSTONE When Heartstone premiered at the Venice Film Festival last year, it was a debut effort exploring the connection between two childhood pals against a stunning Icelandic backdrop. Now making its way to Australia, it's an international film fest smash. Of course, the former still rings true, as told with intimacy, precision and overwhelming sincerity. Here, best friends Thor and Christian work through the conflicts of growing up, going after love and not always getting what they want — or understanding their bond with each other. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o2FkppwDoU SAMI BLOOD In the 1930s, teenage reindeer herder Elle Marja (Lene Cecilia Sparrok) is removed from her family. The reason? She's Sámi, a member of the area's indigenous people. Taking children from their culture in an attempt to assimilate them into Swedish life was common practice at the time — and yes, that kind of oppression should sound familiar to Australian audiences. Sámi director Amanda Kernell steps through a stirring tale that proves revelatory in more ways than one, while also making a star out of Sparrok, a reindeer herder herself. Sami Blood screens in Sydney and Brisbane only. Melbourne movie buffs — watch this space. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNtu-bCGi18 THE KING'S CHOICE Shortlisted in this year's foreign-language category at the Academy Awards, and based on real events, World War II effort The King's Choice finds a personal way to tell an epic story. Two nations face off, with Germany invading Norway, but one man has to find a way forward. Sure, he's the democratically elected monarch, but that doesn't make his complicated decision any less involving. Taking its time to piece its parts together, his experiences make for the kind of drama that builds towards a stirring resolution. The Scandinavian Film Festival tours the country between July 11 and August 6, screening at Sydney's Palace Norton Street and Palace Verona from July 11 to August 2, Melbourne's Palace Cinema Como, Palace Brighton Bay and Palace Westgarth from July 13 to August 2, and Brisbane's Palace Barracks from July 20 to August 6. For the full program, visit the festival website.
When we asked Concrete Playground readers to tell us their favourite spots in and around Alexandria, no shop, restaurant or bar received as many shout-outs as Social Society. The cafe is only relatively new on the scene — it opened in December 2019 as a tenant of Green Square's new food precinct — but it's quickly gained a loyal fanbase for its Pinterest-worthy fit-out and next-level dishes. Let's start with the space, which was produced in collaboration with interior designer Blank Creatives. It's a millennial dream with pink leather booths and curtains, neon signs and terrazzo tables. The menu is designed around dishes that are as photogenic as they are tasty, so expect the likes of pink pasta, with prawns, pickled beetroot and pink caviar cream, and eggs benedict served in a flaky croissant. But that's just the start of the OTT options. You can also indulge in fried chicken and waffles with maple-infused gravy, ricotta pancakes topped with popping candy, and bone marrow served with charcoal garlic toast. And coffee is by Sydney-based roastery Gabriel Coffee. Images: @elleshungry, courtesy of Media in Action
They say that the reason aeroplane food tastes so bad is because our tastebuds decrease by 30 percent when we're in higher altitudes. Whether or not this is true, it's pretty clear that 47 storeys won't spoil any flavour, because the excellent food and drink at O Bar and Dining is incomparable to that 'beef(?) lasagna' you got on your last flight. An ear-popping 47 floors up George Street's Australia Square building, this sleek bar boasts a breathtaking 360-degree, sky-high view of Sydney, a modern menu and charming cocktails to match. The circular space comprises a restaurant, bar, private dining area and relaxed tapas lounge complete with comfy armchairs for you to gaze out the window at the spectacular blinking lights below. Chef and owner Michael Moore, whose cooking career has spanned nearly 30 years both in London and Australia, oversaw the redevelopment of this prime piece of real estate from an 80s buffet restaurant to a sophisticated social hub in the sky. Moore is passionate about promoting a healthy eating philosophy, so you can take comfort in the fact that you'll find a lot of superfoods (quinoa, agave, chia) substituted for the naughtier ingredients throughout the menus. The cocktail menu will please any palate, featuring classic and signature serves made with fresh and local ingredients. The signature mezcal- and coconut-starring Crema de Coco is a popular choice, bursting with citrus-forward yuzu, while the sweet Bees Knees G&T combines Archie Rosie's honey gin with candied ginger. Plus, there's a premium range of crafted cocktails to choose from, too, including a martini and caviar bump pairing if you're feeling especially extra. There's also an extensive wine menu that focuses on Australian producers, as well as an impressive selection of wine and champagne available by the glass. You can pair your pour with a pick from the savoury and sweet bar menu, available for lunch Wednesday through Saturday and dinner seven nights a week. As for the food, the menu is classic Mod Oz – local produce is front and centre in dishes that take their inspiration from around the world. Lunch highlights include the baked miso cod fillet with a miso marmalade and charred sweetcorn; and rock lobster ravioli in a saffron and tomato broth. The dinner menu features the likes of wakame-crusted Murray cod with miso-braised daikon; and a poached and grilled Margra lamb fillet elevated with smoked and charred eggplant and sumac sweetcorn. There's also a selection of premium hibachi-grilled proteins — the standout is the 500-gram dry-aged Copper Tree Farm grass-fed wagyu, cooked on the bone to your desired doneness. For a decadent date-night dessert to share, our pick is the passionfruit and lime soufflé with coconut cream and passionfruit jelly. O Bar is the perfect spot to impress a date, client or visiting friend, and with attentive service and top-notch food and drink, this is one high that will be hard to come down from. Photo: Leigh Griffiths
Ayam Goreng 99 has been an eastern suburbs mainstay since opening way back in 1998. Its 20-year career of serving authentic Indonesian eats to Kingsford locals has continuously centred around the fried chicken — which happens to be the English translation of ayam goreng. The marinated chook is served with a signature sambel terasi sauce, which combines spicy chilli and prawn paste. It's cooked in a wok for several hours to achieve a true depth of flavour that diners cannot get enough of. To accompany your fried chook, order plates of nasi goreng, fried egg noodles and stir-fried greens. Be sure to make tracks before December 16, as the restaurant will close down for one month over the holiday period. It will re-open on January 16, 2020. You'll find Ayam Goring 99 in our list of the best fried chicken in Sydney. Check out the full list here. Appears in: The Best Fried Chicken in Sydney for 2023
When he's not befriending transforming robots or donning an epic rat's tail on the cinema screen, Shia LaBeouf has turned venturing around the world, asking questions of the masses and live-streaming the results into his preferred pastime. Fresh from tasking Sydneysiders with pondering the apocalypse — or whatever else came to mind in response to the phrase #ANDINTHEEND — the actor and activist has set up a new, four-year-long anti-Trump-focused project in New York. A camera mounted on a wall outside the Museum of Moving Image forms the basis for LaBeouf's latest performance piece — and yes, the eager masses are once again the real performers. Above the always-operational lens is a printed statement: "HE WILL NOT DIVIDE US". Participants are asked to stand in the requisite spot and repeat the phrase as many times as they like, and for as long as they desire, with the results available to view at www.hewillnotdivide.us. The project started at 9am on January 20, 2017, timed to coincide with the day of new US President Donald Trump's inauguration, and will be live-streamed continuously 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the next four years — or the duration of his time in office. It's designed to act "as a show of resistance or insistence, opposition or optimism, guided by the spirit of each individual participant and the community." As captured on LaBeouf's Twitter feed, the first participant was Jaden Smith. https://twitter.com/thecampaignbook/status/822443598771785732
Play music, make calls, take photos, open doors and share your location – all with the flick of a single switch. That's the idea behind Flic, a new wireless, portable button developed by a group of Swedish entrepreneurs that can be programmed to work with just about any smart device that you please. The 28mm diametre button works in conjunction with a smartphone app that allows you to assign it a particular function – such as snoozing your alarm, dialing pre-set phone numbers or switching on the lights in your smart home. Each button can be programmed with up to three different functions (single click, double click and hold) and has a reusable adhesive back so it can be fastened wherever is convenient. The creators of the device offer up a few more potential applications in the promotional video, below. Be warned though: the cheese factor is pretty high. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDsjBh2xOgQ While we're still not entirely convinced that getting your phone out of your pocket is really all that strenuous, this little button does look pretty cool. According to the specs listed on their website, the button's silicon overmould means that it is able to withstand weather and dust, and can be used both indoors and out. It also comes in a number of different colours, and operates on a replaceable coin battery that lasts up to five years. You can currently preorder a Flic button for US$34 plus $5 shipping. You can also get discounts if you order more than one – just in case you were planning on decking out your house like the inside of a spaceship.
Experimentation and creative flair have been at the forefront of Sydney's diverse culinary space, with a plethora of venues breaking into new, exciting ground. An exciting eatery spearheading this shift is Lima Nikkei in Dawes Point. The shiny addition to Hickson Road has rebranded, changing its name from Folkor to Lima Nikkei and zeroing in on Nikkei cuisine. Residing just opposite Lotus Dumpling Bar, Lima Nikkei heroes a blend of Japanese and Peruvian dishes, drawing inspiration from Executive Chef and co-owner Hector Chunga's culinary journey and heritage — including his time at a leading culinary school in Lima. This 100-seat outpost is the sibling venue to Surry Hills' much-loved locale, Warike. Blending the aesthetic of Lima's Barranco bars and Sydney's sleek CBD, Lima Nikkei features dark interiors paired with colourful LED lighting decorating its walls. The elegant bar is adorned with a ring of cherry blossoms and an intricate mural spans across its feature wall, creating an alluring ambience perfect for intimate dining. When perusing Lima Nikkei's menu, you'll immediately be met with the expansive range of ceviche, tiraditos (Peruvian-style sashimi) and anticuchos (charcoal-grilled skewers), leaving you spoilt for choice. Of the many options available, the El Trio ceviche, starring cured salmon, tuna and kingfish, is a highlight. Other starters on offer include the chicken- and prawn-filled dumplings, pulled pork bao buns and sushi in the form of nigiri or rolls — and you won't want to skip the deep-fried Furai Crab Roll. Accompanying the starter selection is a variety of heftier mains. A standout is the charcoal-grilled beef paired with ponzu and huacatay sauce, while the noodle-heavy tallarin saltado is coated in a citrus-forward lomo sauce. For dessert, take your pick from the chocolucuma cake or the Lima special — a rice pudding with coconut and a chicha morada (a native purple corn drink). There are also a pair of set menus starting from $75 per person for those eager to sample the menu. And for sips, partner your meal with a crisp pisco sour, a fragrant gin cocktail or a chilled beer. Images: VJB Group
Organic wines have been gaining more attention in recent years. Biodynamic wines, too. So have vegan wines — and if you're looking for all three in one drop, Lark Hill makes just that in the hills above Canberra, where it boasts one of the highest plantings in the region. Thanks to its lofty location, its shale and clay soil, and the fact that conditions are dry, Lark Hill is all about grapes that can thrive in hardy conditions. Think riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir and grüner veltliner. Opt for the former, and you'll be sipping a tangy tipple that's big on taste but actually has less alcohol content than usual. Lark Hill's onsite cellar door sits within a stone-walled building and offers up $10 tastings for days a week. Restaurant D&K Kitchen is also part of the property, serving up charcuterie and cheese, as well as mains such as pumpkin ravioli, lamb shoulder and duck leg on cassoulet. Top image: The Lark Hill Wine Co.
This quaint cafe in Leura is known for its standout breads baked in-house. It also makes jams, cakes, chutneys, curds and a heap of gluten free alternatives, too — so there's something for everyone. Grab an egg and bacon roll — or some freshly baked gluten-free walnut and fig bread — and a table in the courtyard, which is covered and has heating lamps during winter. And bring your dog, four legged friends are welcome here. Serving both breakfast and lunch all day, you can either start your day here, or end it.
When it comes to sourcing unique ingredients for culinary adventures, supermarkets have admittedly come a long way. But every now and then, there will be one or two mystery items that throw the whole recipe into mayhem. Pontip opened over two decades ago and remains a Campbell Street institution for professional chefs and home cooks alike. The grocery specialises in ingredients that form the foundation of traditional Thai recipes including fresh Asian produce, herbs, spices and noodles. If you're on the hunt for a hard-to-find exotic fruit or veg, venture into the rainbow bonanza that is Pontip.
This time back in 2020, no one even dreamed of the possibility of a new Borat movie. No one expected that they'd be watching it before the year was out, either. Also among the things that not a single soul could've guessed: that it'd be one of the most unflinching political movies of the year, that it'd win two Golden Globes (including Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy and Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy), and that it would score actor Maria Bakalova an Oscar nomination. Clearly, a lot has happened over the past year that zero folks among us anticipated. Here's something new for this year, too: a Borat special. Due to hit Amazon Prime Video on Tuesday, May 25, Borat Supplemental Reportings Retrieved From Floor of Stable Containing Editing Machine basically takes a heap of unused footage from Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan and turns it into a couple of a couple of different parts. It's the type of thing that might've once been relegated to DVD extras, and it's another chance to dive into Borat Sagdiyev's latest escapades. Once again, you'll find out what Sacha Baron Cohen's fictional Kazakh journalist makes of both COVID-19 and the 2020 US election, as last year's 14-years-later sequel to 2006 mockumentary Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan also covered. One part of the special, called Borat: VHS Cassette of Material Deemed "Sub-acceptable" By Kazakhstan Ministry of Censorship and Circumcision, will include unseen footage from Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, while the 40-minute Borat's American Lockdown will chart the character's five days spent living with conspiracy theorists. And then there's six Debunking Borat shorts, which get experts to dive into — and debunk, obviously — the ideas spouted by Borat's new roommates. If you haven't yet watched Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, it follows Borat as he travels to America again. Once more, he traverses the country, interviewing everyday people and exposing the abhorrent views that have become engrained in US society. Where its 2006 predecessor had everyone laughing along with it, though, there's also an uneasy and even angry undercurrent to this sequel that's reflective of these especially polarised times. Also a big part of the story: Borat's attempt to gift his 15-year-old daughter (instant scene-stealer Bakalova) to then-Vice President Mike Pence and ex-New York mayor Rudy Giuliani to help get Kazakhstan's own leader into then-President Donald Trump's good graces. Check out the trailer for Borat Supplemental Reportings below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctHMZ-MC4y4&feature=youtu.be Borat Supplemental Reportings Retrieved From Floor of Stable Containing Editing Machine will be available to stream via Amazon Prime Video from Tuesday, May 25.
Located within The Hills District, just 1.5-hours north of the CBD, the Rouse Hill Regional Park is a bush escape set within the Sydney boundaries. Your dog is allowed on-leash throughout the park (except for in the hired pavilions and children's play areas). Go for a jog around the short but sweet Second Ponds Creek Walking Track, which is mostly flat but will get your heart pumping. The scenic trail will take you through woodlands and past the park's picturesque pond. After your bit of exercise, relax on the grass or enjoy a barbecue in the picnic area — just be sure to share those snags with your best mate. Image: NSW National Parks & Wildlife
Defiance Gallery has been delivering an ever-changing roster of premium local and global artwork to Newtown for over two decades. While its reputation is built around being one of the leading sculpture galleries in the city (and country), the space is not limited to this form. The gallery showcases work from newcomers to internationally-acclaimed artists also covering paintings and works on paper. Exhibitions vary in length but usually last three to four weeks making Defiance Gallery are haunt for art-lovers.
Created in 1983, run by artists and housed in Woolloomooloo's historic Gunnery Building since 1992, Artspace hosts a range of exhibitions that explore the spectrum of artistic disciplines. Residencies are expertly curated with a focus on the contemporary, meaning that you'll always experience something to challenge your preconceptions of what art can be. In its lifetime, Artspace has been home to presentations by names as diverse as Marco Fusinato, Justene Williams and Chicks on Speed. And, with its commitment to boundary-pushing works and reciprocal relationships with its artists, you can bet that future exhibitions and the artworks gracing its walls will be just as thrilling.
The husband-and-wife hospitality mavens behind revered Sydney restaurants a'Mare, Ormeggio at the Spit, Chiosco and Postino Osteria have added yet another Italian diner to their impressive portfolio. However, this latest venture realises a concept quite unlike any of Alessandro and Anna Pavoni's previous endeavours. Located within the Manly Pacific Hotel, which recently underwent a $30 million renovation, Cibaria offers diners the choice of several styles of Italian cuisine prepared at various open kitchens dotted throughout the beachfront venue. Delivering an interesting new riff on the recent boom in multi-venue hospitality hubs in Sydney — including the likes of The International, The Bristol and Prefecture 48 — Cibaria also features a double-storey terrazza event space for private functions and a "cocktaileria, birreria and champagneria", revamping the Manly Pacific's existing cocktail lounge 55 North with an infusion Stivali swagger. The heart of Cibaria is the Trattoria, which will operate from 11.30am until late, seven days a week. This part of the venue features six distinct kitchens. The Forneria, centred around a woodfired oven, will be serving up freshly prepared pizzettas. The Antipaseria will offer cold and raw dishes, such as a Catalana salad of king prawns and classics like vitello tonnato, as well as gorgonzola, served from a roving trolley al cucchiaio style — drizzled with locally sourced honey. The Friggitoria heroes deep-fried delights, including fritto misto and cacio e pepe suppli — Rome's answer to arancini. At the Spaghetteria, pasta takes the spotlight — think Venetian-inspired squid ink tagliolini with crab and slow-cooked ragú alla Bolognese with green tagliatelle. Showcasing dishes cooked over coals, the Bisteccheria will serve perfectly charred steaks, whole fish and crustaceans. Finally, the Pasticceria will round out this epicurean adventure through the cuisine of Italy with a range of desserts, from tried-and-true favourites like tiramisu and straccetti (sweet pizza dough with cinnamon, orange, honey and buffalo ricotta cheese) to house specialities, such as the soon-to-be-famous cheesecake from Head Chef Victor Moya. If, for some inexplicable reason, you're still hungry, a visit to the Gelateria is a must. Sydney has no shortage of gelato options, but Chef Moya charts his own path through this crowded offering with authentic flavours such as nocciola (piedmont hazelnut), cremino bianco (white chocolate gelato with roasted coconut), as well as weekly specials such as burro bruciatto (burnt butter gelato, coffee cookies, caramelised peanuts) and Italian mojito (rum, lime, basil sorbet). Catering to Manly's earlier rises, The Caffetteria, which will open daily from 9am–4.30pm, will be serving breakfast classics, top-quality coffee and a selection of takeaway options for grab-and-go diners. After dark, 55 North will be shaking and stirring classic cocktails and spritzes alongside Italian-inspired signature mingles such as the Paloma Italiano, featuring Espolon Reposado, Campari, agave, aranciata and grapefruit juice; and the Ligure starring Skyy vodka, limoncello, lemon juice and basil. The bar snacks menu distils the flavours and techniques on display in the Trattoria into a more casual menu featuring cacio e pepe fritters, lobster rolls, a smashed burger alongside sweets like nutella bombolone and a cheese plate. "When people think of Cibaria I'd like them to think of the Italian way of eating and socialising around a piazza. An all-day solution to different needs; from your morning espresso at the caffetteria, to an afternoon stop at the gelateria and aperitivo at the champagneria, to the spaghetteria or bisteccheria in the evening," Alessandro Pavoni says of his vision for the new venue. "The great thing about Cibaria is that you can now create your own Italian experience in one place." [caption id="attachment_981780" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alessandro Pavoni[/caption] Cibaria will open at the Manly Pacific Hotel, 55 North Steyne, Manly, from mid-December.
For some of the best Shanghai-style food in Sydney, set your sights on Lilong by Taste of Shanghai. This Hurstville eatery is one of six other branches across Sydney, and there's certainly a reason why this chain restaurant is so popular. Not only is it diverse in its offering but it's also packed to the brim with authentic street flavours. Feel like salt and pepper pork ribs? Done. Maybe you're more into kung pao chicken with Singaporean noodles? Easy. Whatever your cravings are, be sure to also get a serving of its xiao long bao. These delicately crafted soup dumplings are handmade in-house and are a definite must-try. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
