This pioneering Pacific Islander-led exhibition features site-specific works by artists Latai Taumoepeau and Elisapeta Hinemoa Heta, curated by Bougainville-born artist Taloi Havini. Through story, song, movement and activism, this compelling and thought-provoking happening invites the audience to connect with southern hemisphere communities and hear their calls for climate justice. Heta's The Body of Wainuiātea is an architectural installation that encourages exchange, embodying the Māori ceremony of tikanga. Taumopeau's Deep Communion sung in minor (ArchipelaGO, THIS IS NOT A DRILL) reaches out to the audience to offer a collective ritual, where the viewer's movements become part of an invocation to protect the ocean. The exhibition also includes conversations, other performances and opportunities for audiences to connect with Pacific communities, placing shared experiences and collective action around climate justice at the heart of this artistic event.
Your tastebuds are hankering for a soft drink, you also feel like something boozy, and no, a vodka and lemonade just won't cut it. The new solution to this relatable dilemma: El Camino Cantina's Not So Soft Drink Series. You mightn't have even contemplated sipping creaming soda or frozen cola-flavoured margaritas before, but that's what this new short-term menu is all about. Also on offer at the lively Tex-Mex chain's Sydney venues in The Rocks, Manly Wharf, Entertainment Quarter and Westfield Miranda: Pasito-flavoured margaritas, plus a Mountain Dew version as well. You'll be able to knock them back between Tuesday, June 1–Sunday, August 1 — in 15-ounce and 25-ounce glasses topped with a Grand Marnier float, in tasting paddles that'll let you sample all four varieties, and out of two-litre towers if you're gathering the gang. If you're a fan of its margs, you'll probably have noticed that El Camino mixes up its menu regularly with specials like these — which gives you more excuses to try more flavours. And if you're keen on a few other varieties, making the trip to The Rocks is recommended. That's the only place in town where you'll also be able to nab ginger beer, pub squash and an orange 'sun kissed' version, too.
St Peters brewery Willie the Boatman is celebrating NSW hitting its target of 80-percent of the population 16 and over being fully vaccinated by throwing a family-friendly food and music festival on Saturday, November 20. Titled 80-Percent Cooked, the all-day party boasts a light-hearted Country and Western theme throughout the programming. When it comes to eats, the brewery will host food trucks including Sparky's Jerk Chicken, G'd Up burgers, Hot Dogs of the World and BBQ in a Barrel. Accompanying the choice lunch options will be performances from local musicians Dominic Breen, That Red Hat, CK & The 45's and the inner west cowboy Andy Golledge accompanied by his band. Willie the Boatman's beers will of course be on hand, alongside live jewellery making, a mechanical bull and a kids play area with a jumping castle to add to the festivities. Tickets are $37.50 and kids under 12 can attend for free. Top image: Esteban La Tessa
Unsurprisingly, the Vic Hotel is promising one of the Queen’s birthday’s biggest, longest and most energetic shindigs: the Jake Stone Breakdance Spectacular. Yes, it’s that Jake Stone, of Bluejuice and assorted fame, and he’s putting together an eight-hour-long affair. You’ll be treated to non-stop dance moves, a revolving program of special guest DJs, a smokehouse barbecue straight out of the United States of America, and beverages from the Batch Brewing Company, served in a beer shack in the car park. It’s pretty much the ideal mid-long weekend event, in the sense that, if you’re exhausted following Friday and Saturday’s excesse, you’ll be able to kick back and let the action entertain you. But if you’re full of beans, there’ll be nothing stopping you demonstrating your baddest moves on the breakdance floor.
Dig out those once-a-year novelty gumboots, Groovin the Moo has unveiled their 2015 lineup. Taking the large-scale music festival out of the city and into regional centres for another year, GTM will kick things off on the ANZAC Day long weekend and travel through Oakbank, Bunbury, Bendigo, Canberra, Maitland, and Townsville. This year's lineup sees syper-hyped internationals like the legendary Peaches, 'Boom Clap'-per Charli XCX, A$AP Mob's A$AP Ferg US trap king RL Grime, UK indie-gazers Peace and NZ festival favourites Broods alongside one of the most Aussie-heavy lineups GTM has seen in recent years. High-fiveworthy locals like Flight Facilities, The Preatures, Sticky Fingers, Hermitude, DMAs, Tkay Maidza, Ball Park Music, Meg Mac and more will also make their way to the Moo. So enough lowing, here's that lineup you're after. GROOVIN THE MOO 2015 LINEUP: A$AP FERG (USA) BALL PARK MUSIC BROODS (NZ) CARMADA CHARLI XCX (UK) THE DELTA RIGGS DMAs FLIGHT FACILITIES HERMITUDE HILLTOP HOODS HOT DUB TIME MACHINE MEG MAC NORTHLANE ONE DAY PEACHES (CAN) PEACE (UK) THE PREATURES RL GRIME (USA) SAN CISCO SASKWATCH STICKY FINGERS TKAY MAIDZA WOLFMOTHER YOU ME AT SIX (UK) GROOVIN THE MOO 2015 DATES & VENUES: Saturday, April 25 – Oakbank Sunday, April 26 – Bunbury Saturday, May 2 – Bendigo Sunday, May 3 – Canberra Saturday, May 9 – Maitland Sunday, May 10 – Townsville For more info, head to GTM's website. Image: Joseph Mayers, GTM.
Following its five-year residency along North Bondi's Mitchell Street, Shuk has taken its Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine to new parts of Sydney over the past few months. The much-loved cafe opened a second location on the lower north shore in late 2018, then followed it up with a third spot in Elizabeth Bay in January 2019 — and now the latter is also serving up dinner. Already a hit at Shuk's original eatery, Shuk by Night has joined Elizabeth Bay's menu. The last meal of the day received a greater focus in the new space, thanks to an expanded nighttime offering from Wednesday–Saturday (whereas Bondi only offers dinner on weekends). Dinner service takes place between 6–9pm across the four days, with the menu featuring beef kofta san choy bow with tatziki and salsa roja, snapper sashimi with lime and chilli, cauliflower paired with zucchini babaganoush and roasted capsicum, and mango creme brulee for dessert. Other highlights include slow-cooked lamb flatbread; halloumi with peach, fennel and wild rocket; and chicken with baby cos, tahini, parmesan, caperberries, lemon and thyme. Shuk Elizabeth Bay is now open within the Trebartha Apartments at Rosyln Gardens, a retirement community which has recently been redeveloped by Lendlease. Oddly enough, this is the third noteworthy opening within a retirement village we've covered since the beginning of 2018 — the other two being the opulent Botanica Vaucluse garden restaurant and spa, and Harbord Diggers, Freshwater's new dining and entertainment precinct. For the Shuk team, the location appeals to a mix of locals and out-of-suburb visitors, a point that works so well for the Bondi original. In the kitchen is head chef German Sanchez, bringing over existing Shuk daytime favourites — like the baked egg shakshuka for brekkie — while adding in new dishes that put personal touches on time-honoured family recipes. The Elizabeth Bay outpost serves freshly baked breads and pastries, too, with specialties like challah, bagels and sourdough all on offer. Find Shuk Elizabeth Bay at 61-69 Roslyn Gardens, Elizabeth Bay — open Sunday–Tuesday from 6.30am–5pm and Wednesday–Saturday from 6.30am–10pm, with dinner from 6–9pm. Images: Alana Dimou
The Central Coast's truly underrated, sustainable and naturally stunning festival Mountain Sounds is back for another year. Heading back to the pretty, pretty spot of Mount Penang Parklands in Kariong for a third year, Mountain Sounds has locked in Saturday, February 20 for its 2016 instalment. And the lineup is some seriously applaudable biznatch. Headlined by Brisbane's Violent Soho, The Strokes twanger Albert Hammond Jr., Melburnian dream poppers Alpine, Adelaidean beatsmith Motez, big Sydney dance trio Art Vs Science, hugely hyped Australian duo Holy Holy, triple j favourites I Know Leopard and more, Mountain Sounds has rounded up quite the eclectic lineup. Giving a high five to the environment once more, the locally-founded Mountain Sounds is again set to take great care in minimising the environmental impact and carbon footprint of the festival. There'll also be silent discos and campsite parties curated by the team, who all grew up on the Central Coast. With tickets on sale now and sitting around 90 beans, this is an end-of-summer festival worth the measly dosh for. Enough chat, here's that lineup you're after. MOUNTAIN SOUNDS FESTIVAL 2016 LINEUP: Albert Hammond Jr. (USA) Alpine Art Vs Science The Delta Riggs Green Buzzard Harts Hockey Dad Holy Holy I Know Leopard Jack Beats (UK) The Jezabels - HEADLINE The Lazys Motez Nina Las Vegas Odd Mob Sea Legs Set Mo Slumberjack Tropical Zombie World Champion Plus: Bass RQ Bodega Collective Catalyst Elwood Myre Goonz Ivy J-Ray Jaket Jimmi Walker Man To Moon The Moving Stills Paperfox Pear Peekay Savilian SnilluM Stay Sane The Sea Gypsies Tom Hogan Twin Caverns Voyage IV Image: Tim Da Rin/Mountain Sounds.
Arthur Wigram Allen was a photographic Pepys, chronicling his life and that of the city around him in the years before World War I. His collection — most of which is previously unpublished — is now on exhibition at the Museum of Sydney. Joining Allen's memories are artworks from Rupert Bunny, Ethel Carrick Fox, Arthur Streeton and Grace Cossington Smith, as well as numerous examples of fashion and technical objects, all of which help to form a patchwork record of Edwardian Sydney. It is hard to imagine a photographic archive of Sydney that doesn't include gangland murders, but here is proof that Sydney has seen gentler times. An avid lover of the theatre, boating and that new toy, the motor vehicle, Allen captures Sydneysiders living an exciting, joyous life upon the threshold of the 20th century. Image by Arthur Wigram Allen
The Sydney Harbour is spectacular. That's not exactly a hot new take but Sydney locals and long-time residents can often take it for granted. You might pass over it every day on the bridge, in the car, from the office or on the ferry but every summer you should experience it through the fresh eyes of a tourist. One way to do it is a luxe harbour cruise where you can soak it all in without lifting a finger. Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney offers cruises for every day and occasion aboard the 78ft vessel 'Spirit of Migloo' which follows a loop route that starts at King Street Wharf, goes out under the bridge past the Opera House and Garden Island to Watson's Bay – then back past Taronga Zoo and Kirribilli house to the wharf. All the best things come in threes and that also applies to harbour cruises. The lunch cruise is for you if you're looking for views of the many on-route attractions. On this two-and-a-half-hour adventure, you'll have your pick of the 365-degree views and an al a carte menu inspired by regional produce and made with local ingredients. The dinner cruise is more intimate — a three-hour journey that starts at sunset and goes into the night while you enjoy a three-course dinner. Both options include drinks and locally-sourced wines. Book a sundeck cruise if you need some summer sun on your bones. It's a daytime experience that kicks off with drinks on arrival (and served throughout) paired with regional tasting platters on the vessel's spacious top sundeck. The guest limits on this experience make it ideal for dates, trips with friends and sightseeing tours for first-time Sydney visitors. And if your needs aren't already met, you can also book out part of or the whole vessel for private charters and special event cruises. For more information on Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney and their harbour cruise packages and to make a booking, visit the website.
Just when you thought no more of your teenage dreams could come true, there's yet another juicy serve of musical nostalgia heading our way this February. The next edition of RNB Vine Days is set to deliver a lineup that'll have you throwing back hard to the good ol' days. The one-day festival differs a little from the aforementioned arena spectaculars — instead of being held in a stadium, the concert will take over a winery in the Hunter Valley. It makes sense — the tour comes from the same minds that brought you A Day on the Green. Similarly, RNB Vine Days will be all ages and bring with it a star-studded cast of old-school music icons. Hitting the stage this time around is none other than UK pop royalty Craig David, who'll be performing alongside his full live band. Brit-Canadian girl group All Saints will send you tripping back in time as they revisit smooth hits like 'Never Ever' and 'Pure Shores', while renowned rapper Nelly will be getting the crowd 'Hot In Herre' as he throws down previous gems like 'Dilemma', 'Ride Wit Me' and 'Just A Dream'. Singer-songwriter Amerie and RnB Fridays Live resident DJ YO! MAFIA round out the lineup, to be be enjoyed alongside a day of sunshine, gourmet eats and the venue's own signature wines.
Weaving isn't always something that fills modern art enthusiasts with a shot of adrenaline. Weaving gets recognition from classical forebears and local excursions, but it's not usually sitting at the centre of attention. Freshly mounted at the Object Gallery Women With Clever Hands collects weaving by women from Gapuwiyak, in Arnhem Land. Originally shown at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, this show is making its Sydney debut. While the text and explanatory pieces around the gallery are focused on the skilled processes, the hooks and whorls of the weaving processes, as a visitor this exhibitions is all about colour. Bean reds, cyanide greens and glorious, earthy oranges that burn along the back wall. The textures and colours are most familiar from seeds and beans, to the urban eye, but they come straight from the Territory. Mixed in with the Smarties yellow of Lucy Malirrimurruwuy Wanapuyngu's Tubular Basket Mindirr 2009 are beetroot purples dyed from a native plum tree. Margaret Ngangiyawuy Guyula's string bags own emo-like stripes, their little loops hung in red, brown and beige like soft links of chain. Stars of the show are the weaved mats by Ruby Gubiyarrawuy Guyula, Patsy Mamukan Bidingal, Nancy Walinyinawuy Guyula, and others, which are hung across the back wall. They're woven with earthy, reddy-orange fibres, making a wall of fringed, orange suns. The layers of blue and grey mixed in make the effect stronger. Upstairs in the tiny project gallery are necklaces (beaded subtle, elegant or chunky), more mats and a pair of spirit figure "dolly dollys". It's simple stuff, but simple things carry weight. The colours are strong, and together these circles, stripes and layers of art leave you wondering why you don't pay more attention to everyday weavings, and the craft behind them. Images: Baskets (batjik) by Margaret Ngangiyawuy and Joyce Milpuna. Photos by Leise Knowles.
Whether you've been to Wollongong before, or Wonderwalls' return tempts you there for the first time, you'd best expect the unexpected. That's what happens when a street art festival blows in, takes over the city's outdoor spaces and literally paints the town red — and every other colour imaginable. From November 25 to 27, more than 20 walls are slated to be covered with art by local, national and international artists. Bristol's 45rpm, London's Gary, Brisbane's Frank and Mimi, Sydney's Phibs and Adelaide's Vans the Omega are just some of the talented folks showcasing their works, live and in front of your very eyes. To see all their ace creations, just follow the Wonderwalls map. It all kicks off with a party on November 25, of course, featuring live art from Ironlak and DJs spinning killer tunes. And, Detroit's 1xRUN will curate their first-ever Australian exhibition on November 26, showcasing pieces by Wonderwalls Alumni, acclaimed artists and more. Images: Luke Shirlaw.
Blooming cultural hub Kensington Street is throwing its doors open to a huge block party to celebrate Chinese New Year for the second year in a row. The core of the celebration — in true Kensington Street style — is food. The festival will play host to dumpling-making demonstrations and punters will be far from disappointed with duck pancakes, spring rolls and burgers from new modern street food purveyor Holy Duck!. Head just behind Kensington Street to Spice Alley for even more offerings, including Singaporean, Malaysian, Thai and Cantonese street food, plus Japanese dining hall KYO-TO and Vietnamese restaurant Mekong. New openings Eastside Grill and Olio in the Old Rum Store will also delight visitors. There will also be plenty of non-food-related entertainment, with Kensington Street set to transform into a bustling Chinese marketplace. Stallholders will include fortune tellers, caricaturists and calligraphers. Guests can also give shadow puppetry, tai chi, paper folding, lantern making or Mahjong a try (or just nibble on Kakawa's edible Mahjong tiles instead). Two stages will continuously play both old and new music — think C-Pop, K-Pop and Chinese house music — and feature a performance from the Teo-Chew Lion Dance Team. If you're more in the mood for quiet reflection, check out some silent Chinese films or watch art come to life with Sydney-based Asian and Australian street artists and muralists painting in the Old Rum Store. After all that activity, you'll probably be feeling thirsty — make sure you check out Kensington Street Social's The Rooster (gin, lychee and ginger) or Bistro Gavroche's Red Rooster (vodka, vermouth and grapefruit bitters) drinks before you go to celebrate the start of the Year of the Rooster.
At the beginning of 2020, Netflix announced news that no fan of The Crown wanted to hear: that, when the royal drama's fifth season hits the streaming service, the show will come to an end. While the revelation didn't mean that the popular series would be finishing up anytime soon — the series' third season only released via Netflix last November — it did cut short creator Peter Morgan's original six-season plan. It also meant that The Crown's storyline probably wouldn't venture too far into the 21st century. Six months is a long time in the entertainment world, though (and it seems even longer during a pandemic, as we all know). Having a change of heart, Netflix has now announced that The Crown will carry on for a sixth season after all. When it airs — after season four and five hit the streaming platform, obviously, so likely still a couple of years away — it really will mark the end of the series. https://twitter.com/NetflixUK/status/1281225790991020032 In a Netflix tweet, Morgan explained the change of plans, noting that "as we started to discuss the storylines for series five, it soon became clear that in order to do justice to the richness and complexity of the story we should go back to the original plan and do six seasons". That means that viewers will watch one more season with Oscar-winner Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II, before seeing Downton Abbey, Maleficent and Paddington star Imelda Staunton — an Oscar nominee for Vera Drake, and known for playing the Harry Potter franchise's Dolores Umbridge — don the titular headwear for seasons five and six. Of course, Colman herself took over from season one and two star Claire Foy. With the fourth season in the works at the moment and set to take place during Margaret Thatcher's time as Britain's prime minister — and feature Princess Diana, who'll be played by Pennyworth's Emma Corrin — the fifth and sixth seasons are then expected to follow the Queen as the 2000s arrive. And, while Netflix hasn't unveiled the entire roster of actors that'll be joining Staunton in the show's final two batches of episodes, it has revealed that Princess Margaret will be played by Staunton's Maleficent co-star and Phantom Thread Oscar-nominee Lesley Manville. She'll take over the role from Helena Bonham Carter (in seasons three and four) and Vanessa Kirby (in seasons one and two). In case you haven't watched The Crown's third season yet, check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLXYfgpqb8A The Crown's fourth season is expected to hit Netflix towards the end of 2020 — we'll update you with exact details when a specific release date is announced. Via Variety. Image: Des Willie / Netflix
UPDATE: 4PM, JANUARY 20, 2017 After posting on Facebook earlier today that the NSW Police Commissioner was attempting to prohibit this weekend's rally in the Supreme Court, Keep Sydney Open have announced that the rally scheduled for tomorrow night — Saturday, January 21 — has been cancelled. Speaking in a live video on the group's Facebook page, KSO director Tyson Koh said that the Supreme Court has ruled the rally illegal, and as such, they will not be proceeding with the event. Koh said that he wanted to maintain KSO's peaceful and cooperative reputation with the police, and urged individuals — however frustrated and upset — to do the same. Sydney's nightlife lovers might have earned a 30-minute extension, following the Liquor Law Review, but it's certainly far from a repeal of the lockout laws. Consequently, Keep Sydney Open is teaming up with Sydney's ARIA-winning duo Flight Facilities for another rally, to be held in Kings Cross on the evening of Saturday, January 21 from 9pm. As fans would know, Flight Facilities has been continually outspoken in their opposition to the lockouts. After all, the duo played some of its first gigs after 3am at now-closed Kings Cross venues, including Hugo's, Soho, Tank Room and the Piano Room. "Having met in Kings Cross nearly nine years ago, the place holds a special place in our hearts," said Flight Facilities' Jimmy Lyell and Hugo Gruzman. "We, personally, realise the importance of nightlife as a breeding ground for ideas and talent. To stand by and watch the continual erosion of a vital stone in the path to our success would be a disservice to Sydney, its music lovers and other potential musicians." Flight Facilities were included in a group of artists commemorated recently in a KSO project, which paid tribute to closed Sydney venues and the artists who cut their teeth there. Flight Facilities have long been associated with Kings Cross's now-closed Piano Room, where Jimmy and Hugo met. Keep Sydney Open does not see the 30-minute extension as a solution. Instead, the organisation wants to work with the NSW Government to implement a seven-point plan, as follows: Developing best-practice policing strategies; Investing in 24/7 public transport; Implementing integrated urban planning reform; Encouraging diversification of after-dark activities; Establishing anti-violence education and intervention campaigns; Incentivising well-run venues; and Appointing a Night Mayor or office charged with managing Sydneyʼs night-time economy. "A 30-minute extension will not be enough to reverse the damage being done to the cultural areas and small businesses that make Sydney an exciting place to be," said Tyson Koh, director of Keep Sydney Open. "Itʼs barely enough time to line up for the bathroom or get a kebab. "For too long the debate about our city and how we live our lives has been dominated by misinformation and fear-mongering. We call on the lobby groups who support the lockout laws to enter the conversation about smart solutions, instead of clearing people off the streets." The rally will be Keep Sydney Open's third. To keep up to date with developments, follow the event page over here.
If you haven't made it to Made by the Hill yet, then this weekend is your best chance. The extension of the Rooty Hill RSL is launching a new market, starting this Sunday, September 9. The one-day market will showcase local designers and small businesses of Western Sydney, and offer up clothing, accessories, beauty products and homewares. Expect mason jar soy candles from Mrs Nargar & Co., artfully potted succulents from Pot and Posy and essential oils by Frankincense and I. Plus, cold-pressed vegan soaps, animal portraits and other bits and pieces will be available, too. Live music will be going all morning, and food will be provided by resident burger slingers Chur Burger. Both coffee and alcoholic drinks will be available, and sweets will come in the form of epic cakes by Gracious Honey and ice cream-filled chimney pastries. Things will kick off at 9am and run until 2pm. If you want to stick around, you can grab a drink and settle in — the bar is open until late. The organisers plan for the market to be a recurring event, although no further dates have been set yet.
Founded after the a purchase of an old church organ, Fitz and the Tantrums harken back while embracing the new. Lead singer Michael Fitzpatrick started work on his solo side project alone, crafting soul songs in the mould of standards. Quickly realising his dreams were bigger than just one man meant slowly incorporating a composer, then another singer, then a 7-piece brass outfit. Although he describes the output as soul music, the music also draws on more modern genres including indie rock and pop. Of the first EP, Songs for a Breakup Volume 1, Fitzpatrick says it was a conscious effort to make something new, "I did want to try and make a big sounding record without guitars." Their live shows are an embrace of different live atmopsheres, making gigs a unique mix of big bands and rock concerts. Make sure you don't miss this sterling example of California firepower. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bb6cBKE3WzQ
Combining the intimacy of a slide show and the insight of a director's commentary, Beautiful Losers Shorts is a truly special one-off presentation this Saturday afternoon at the Chauvel Cinema. Presented by Monster Children Gallery as an extension of the 'Simulacrum' exhibition which runs from the 25 March-17 April, this is a selection of short films by artists featured in the documentary Beautiful Losers. The artists involved include Mike Mills, Harmony Korine, Geoff McFetridge, Spike Jonze, Chris Johanson, Jo Jackson, Thomas Campbell and Clare Rojas to name but a brilliant few. The films — some of which will be screened from the original VHS tapes — are mostly unavailable to be seen anywhere else, and all are rare little items of times and places we don't often get to explore in such abundance. Curator Aaron Rose, currently in the country for Simulacrum, will be talking viewers through the collection from the stage, offering notes and knowledge about the artists and their works. Tickets can be purchased prior to the event from Monster Children Gallery and the Chauvel Cinema. Any tickets left will be available at the door on the day until full.
Feeling creative this Mardi Gras? Head to The Winery for the return of its infamous Drinks & Doodles sessions, in collaboration with Darlinghurst Life Drawing. Hosted in the leafy surrounds of this urban oasis, the special evening of drinks is your chance to put your drawing skills to the test with a healthy dose of cheekiness. At the centre of it all, a stark naked male model will strike a range of poses, meaning you'll get to sketch them like one of your French guys. Guided by a professional life drawing instructor, you can let your creative juices flow whether you're a newbie illustrator or a budding artist. With this one-time event costing $55 per person, each ticket comes with a glass of beer or wine on arrival alongside all the art supplies needed to craft your masterpiece. As your drawing comes to life, servers will bring around delightful refreshments to inspire your creativity and make this Mardi Gras more special than most.
Musical chairs was only the beginning of the fascination between play and music. Digital technology has not just scaled music composition down into the laptops (or smartphones) of bedroom producers, it has streamed beyond them to an alternate reality in which symphonies now emerge from many people simply interacting in public spaces. Musify + Gamify, one of the curated programs under the Vivid Music @ Seymour 2015 umbrella, is a clear lens into the world of intertwined game and music. A keystone exhibition runs from May 26 to June 6 featuring a swathe of local and international experiments in emergent, interactive music production from artists including Lucas Abela, Michaela Davies and the Futile Research Lab. Curated by Drs. Ollie Bown and Lian Loke, Musify + Gamify hosts a panel discussion and two separate concerts showcasing the works of Ensemble Offspring, Alon Ilsar, 7Bit Hero and more musicians oscillating between interactive tech and dancing air particles. Want more Vivid music? Head over here.
When January is in full swing, the sun is out and we're all still in a holiday mood — whether or not we're actually still on holidays — no one needs an excuse for a weekend road trip. But here's one anyway, coming courtesy of Harvest Newrybar: eating dishes whipped up by acclaimed chef Danielle Alvarez. Formerly of Fred's in Sydney, Alvarez is heading to the Byron hinterland to cook up a storm for three days. That means that diners at A Weekend with Danielle at Harvest have three chances to tuck in: for dinner from 5.30pm on Friday, January 20 and Saturday, January 21, and for lunch from 12pm on Sunday, January 22. [caption id="attachment_885631" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] It's the first time that Alvarez has brought her old-world cooking techniques to the region, and her all-round thoughtful approach to the kitchen as well — and she'll be matching Harvest's own focus on sustainability and top-notch local ingredients, of course. Indeed, she's visiting the producers that the restaurant works with, and Harvest family farm Picone Orchard, to come up with her culinary lineup. On the menu: oyster with gazpacho, fish tartare with finger lime and fish sauce in betel leaf, flatbread with charred chilli and clam butter, and a plate of pickled and wood oven-roasted veggies paired with locally made fresh cheese. And, there's also squid and prawn rice with coriander and chilli tahini, roasted Bangalow sweet pork and grilled fish with summer squash. Plus, dessert spans fruit from Piccone on ice, as well as lemonade fruit granita with lychees. Bookings will cost you $130 per person for a three-course set menu, or $220 with matched wines. Harvest Newrybar images: Jess Kearney.
Before you ever watched your first horror movie, you probably learned one of the genre's undying truths: that, by turning out the lights, things instantly get spookier. That idea also proves accurate at The House After Dark, which sees the Sydney Opera House opening its doors for late-night tours. Returning for a second season between Thursday, May 27–Friday, June 25 — after a successful first run between January–March — the new tour marks one of the rare occasions that you'll be able to explore the Opera House when all of its performers, patrons and staff have gone home. And, if that isn't eerie enough — because wandering through big public spaces when they're free from crowds is always a little disconcerting, as the pandemic has taught us — you'll also hear ghost stories, learn secrets about the site and discover all the mysterious occurrences that have taken place in the famed venue's halls. And, you'll mosey through hidden tunnels and passageways, too. Tickets cost $55 per person, which includes drinks and dessert before the 90-minute tour. You don't want to roam around the place on an empty stomach, after all — or without a sip of something to bolster your courage. Taking place on selected nights — ranging from Wednesdays to Saturdays, with exact days varying per week — each session kicks off at 10pm, with arrivals at the State Door at 9.45pm. There's a maximum of ten people per tour, so you won't have much company. And, when tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday, May 19, getting in quick is recommended — as the first round of tours sold out quickly. [caption id="attachment_797498" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Trent Parke[/caption] Top image: Hamilton Lund. Updated May 19.
Clare Bowditch is a woman of many skills and pursuits: ARIA award winning songstress, mother of twins, major proponent of the Australian Midwives Association and expert impersonator of Julia Gillard. Earlier this year, Bowditch interviewed Gillard (the real Gillard). The event was casually referred by the press as Ranga vs. Ranga, and it showcased Bowditch as a formidable opponent in the political sphere. Inversely, Prime Minister Julia Gillard is probably not a very good singer, which is why it's good luck for all concerned that it is Clare Bowditch who is soon to play the Metro and not JuGi. Clare Bowditch and the New Slang are on the road for all of October in support of their fourth album, Modern Day Addiction. The record is a shift in pace and style for Bowditch and co. Written mainly on a toy Casio (and later translated for a seven piece band), it's by far the most dance-oriented of Bowditch's records. Thematically, it's direct: concerned with the whims and wants of modern culture. Lyrically songs touch on consumerism, plastic surgery, television. Live Clare Bowditch and the New Slang are utterly brilliant: a little nutso, very cheeky and supremely tight. In fact, Bowditch is such an effusive and compelling performer that even if this 'isn’t your thing' you'd probably still enjoy it. Ladies and gentlemen of the Australian public, Clare Bowditch.
So that big brown building in the city that sticks out like a sore thumb isn't as dull as its exterior would have you believe. Showcasing the wonders and achievements in the world of animation, the University of Technology, Sydney presents its fourth annual International Animation Festival. There's a kids' program on at the Powerhouse Museum, but this festival's domain is mostly the fun, trippy, and sophisticated animation being made for adults. The most adult among them are even gathered in one spot, the Late Night Bizarre, which includes such heights of wrongness as Bear-Horse!, Vacuum Attraction, and There's a Dead Crow Outside. Most of the program is similarly divided into mini-marathons of shorts. There's an Australian Program as well as an International Program (make that two). You also have the opportunity to absorb the legacies of two leading animation schools, London's venerable Royal College of the Arts and the very happening University of Tokyo, in their respective sessions. Perhaps most intriguing of all is the cerebral Poemetrics, a curated set of expressive shorts that each take as their starting point a poetic text, including works by Charles Bukowski and Italo Calvino. The festival also includes two feature film premieres, the family-friendly, Luc Besson-produced A Monster in Paris (Un Monstre à Paris), which features the voices of Vanessa Paradis and Sean Lennon, and Alois Nebel, the Academy Award-nominated movie based on the Czech Republic's first modern graphic novel. https://youtube.com/watch?v=gha5l5qyD_0
There won't be snow at this week-long Christmas in July party, but there will be plenty of mulled wine and ugly jumpers. Surry Hills' The Winery is bringing us a little (much needed) Christmas cheer, hosting a series of festival celebrations from Wednesday, July 22 to Sunday, July 26. Kicking things off will be free Christmas-themed trivia on Wednesday — jumpers essential — before a European-inspired laneway launches on Friday and Saturday from 7pm. In this laneway, you'll get a feast for $65, plus a mulled wine on arrival. One glass not enough? You can also splash out on bottomless mulled wine for $39 a head. Finally on Sunday, The Winery will be hosting an Orphan's Christmas Lunch. Expect all the Christmas essentials — and all the trimmings: gravy, potatoes, mint jelly — for $45 a head. Those wanting to get jolly can fill endless glasses from the bar's prosecco fountain for two hours, for a total of $69 (including the aforementioned food). If you miss out on the Christmas celebrations, you can still book out one of the pop-up igloos at The Winery, which are pictured below. The limits on capacity, bookings are essential and can be made over on The Winery website.
The northern beaches' dreamy beachside pub Harbord Hotel is hosting a month-long margarita and tostada pop-up throughout February. The tostadas are a classic mix of Mexican flavours created by Head Chef Adam Rust and made using locally sourced seafood. Think lobster, achiote chicken, crispy prawn or raw tuna tostadas, all on offer to enjoy in the pub's bright and sunny courtyard throughout the rest of the month. As for the margaritas, the beloved beverage has received an exciting twist with the help of one of Sydney's favourite dessert specialists. Alongside classic, spicy and Harbord Hotel specialty margs, there will also be Gelato Messina margaritas on offer using the gelato chain's fruitier scoops to create the perfect summer drink. The Classico marg combines lime sorbet, Blanco tequila, agave and sea salt, while the Blood Orange Anejo is pretty self-explanatory with blood orange sorbet, Anejo Tequilas, mezcal mist and an orange slice. All up there are nine flavours of margaritas ranging from $18-22 for you to try alongside the tostadas. The bar will be serving up this food and beverage combo every weekend this month from midday until late.
This winter, you can relive all the fun bits of your childhood from a spot 250 metres off the ground, at Sydney Tower Eye's new retro pop-up. Running every day throughout July and August, Sydney's Highest Playground will see the tower's Observation Deck transformed into the sky-high paradise of your inner child's dreams, featuring a riot of activities and games from the 80s, 90s and today. Venture up to the neon-drenched space for the ultimate game-time session, dabbling in some giant Connect 4, Giant Jenga, table tennis, KerPlunk and maybe even the glow-in-the-dark hula hoops. It's all backed by a retro soundtrack, too, packed full of nostalgic old-school jams. Head up on select nights and you'll also find a couple of exclusive shakes from Milky Lane. These guys are whipping up a White Chocolate Tim Tam number and a decadent Chocolate Caramello Koala creation. Keep an eye on the Sydney Tower Eye Facebook page to see when they're available. Oh, and dress-ups are definitely encouraged — time to dig out those parachute pants and get high. Sydney's Highest Playground is open daily from 9am–9pm.
Bunnings Warehouse is supercharging its usual sausage sizzle to support a few Aussie communities that are doing it pretty tough right now. On Friday, March 11, all of the hardware giant's stores will host a special pre-weekend edition of the chain's legendary snag sessions, raising coin for those across Queensland and New South Wales that've been impacted by the recent floods. All of the day's sausage profits will go to the Givit Storms and Flooding Appeal. So, on Friday, grab a snag in bread and show those in need some love — the sausage sizzles will run from 9am–4pm across all Bunnings Warehouses in NSW (and the country). There'll also be donation tins at Bunnings registers, if you don't have time for a snag while you shop for hardware. And, if you can't make it along at all, you can also chuck a few dollars into the Givit collection tin online.
Tucking into charcuterie and antipasto while sipping a perfectly-paired vino is a pretty ideal way to while away some time for most. Throw in a bar at one of Sydney's most beautiful parks with sweeping harbour views and, really, it doesn't get much better. Luckily, with the return of Jacob's Creek Kitchen Collective, comes the pop-up bar right on Sydney Harbour. While you can pick up tips and tricks for finding the best wines and cooking like a Masterchef at this year's Kitchen Collective, if you'd rather don a napkin than an apron, then head to the Terrace Bar right next door. There, you'll not only find platters and platters of cheese, cured meats and olives, but also plenty of top-notch wines. The views are pretty good, too. As this bar in the Royal Botanic Garden is only around for a short while (Thursday, July 18 – Sunday, August 4), we're shouting one lucky winner (and some mates) a night out on the town. If you get your mitts on this prize, you'll be feasting on cheese and cured meats galore, all while sipping on two smooth, heritage wines: a chardonnay and a shiraz. All up, we'll be footing a $200 bill for you. Jacob's Creek's Terrace Bar is located at Bennelong Lawn in the Royal Botanic Garden. The bar is open Thursdays (4-9pm) and Friday through Sundays (1-9pm) until Sunday, August 4. Does this sound too good to be missed? Enter your details below to be in running. [competition]732590[/competition]
Once again the City of Sydney is transforming, well, the city of Sydney, with its public art program Art&About. While there are many pretty things lining the more conspicuous promenades, it’s down the laneways where the – dare I say it? – more interesting things are happening.Now in the second year of its most recent incarnation, the 2009 Laneways: By George! program is set to stimulate a rethink of what, in this fun-crushing age of public liability, we can do with public space in this city.For four months you can visit a 7 metre bar that responds to visiting crowds with the force of virtual weather, get lost in an Infinity Forest (think Yayoi Kusama but outside with trees), or maybe just unwind in a planter box.Neeson Murcott Architects, Chalk Horse and Freehills, gave me a little insight into the impetus behind their installation in Tankstream Way, PS: Potential Spaces:"We can and should make the streets whatever they have the potential to be," they said. "The laneway does not have to be a dark and lifeless passageway and we hope this project will encourage people to use and enjoy the spaces of their city more - to see the potential of the public realm rather than to shy away from it."While their project has some serious undertones, it promises to enliven the laneway in a slightly less than serious way. Go play.
"From the dark horizon of my future a sort of slow, persistent breeze had been blowing towards me, all my life long, from the years that were to come." Albert Camus wrote this figuratively in The Outsider as an image for his absurdist philosophy, whereas Daniel, the protagonist of Ian Meadows' Between Two Waves faces a literal dark breeze, or more accurately, a gale. And it's not ennui he’s suffering in the face of this wind but a heaving, chronic anxiety. His terror is not the general, 3am variety, but a legitimate fear of a specific and probable catastrophe. Meadows wrote the play in response to his generation procreating despite the possibility that their kids might grow up in a warmer, less predictable world. Just what the dark cloud of climate change is doing to the middle-class, breeding-age psyche is explored with charm, stellar performances and one hell of a pink summer jacket in this production. Dan (Ian Meadows) is a climate scientist turned policy advisor, a "nerdy nerd" who prefers numbers and truth to hyperbole, conflict, and the media — all requisites for public life. His capacities are cerebral, not emotional. He falls for Fiona (Ash Ricardo), a flamboyant fashionista and photographer with a talent for expletives. The two characters embody the conflicting spontaneity and responsibility that drives the ensuing drama. Two peripheral characters, insurance assessor Grenelle (Rachel Gordon) and climate scientist Jimmy (Chum Ehelepola) hover about the edges providing plot shifts and humour. David Fleischer's set of two white panels above and below creates a constricted domestic world, keeping the flood at bay, in striking contrast to his expansive set in Griffin’s previous watery production, The Sea Project. Steve Toulmin's projected mirror images onto floor and ceiling are unnecessary but are at least used sparingly. This is Sam Strong's last play as outgoing Griffin artistic director, and it’s a fitting show of the support Griffin has given to new Australian writing. Meadows' script has been worked over with detailed care, and the result is not an environmental call to arms but a meditation on T.S. Eliot’s poem Little Gidding, from which the play's title is drawn. Just as Eliot talks of time being circular, Meadows has created a narrative of compacted moments in which time is conflated. Not all of these moments fire, but on the whole it's a warm-hearted, entertaining look at a terrifying topic. Photo by Brett Boardman. Read our interview with actor and write Ian Meadows here.
Twenty of Australia's best chefs are joining forces for a one-off pizza party — and it's all for charity. It's happening at Three Blue Ducks Rosebery on Monday, March 23, and every dime raised will go towards bushfire relief. Three Blue Ducks' Mark LaBrooy will, of course, be in the kitchen, alongside local superstar chefs Brent Savage (Bentley, Yellow, Cirrus Dining), Nic Wong (Icebergs), Orazio D'Elia (Matteo Downtown), Trisha Greentree (10 William Street), Jordan Toft (Coogee Pavilion) and Morgan McGlone (Belles Hot Chicken). Plus, there'll be some interstate stars, too, including Shannon Martinez (Smith & Daughters, Melbourne), Roy Ner (ZA ZA TA, Brisbane) and Analiese Gregory (ex-Franklin, Hobart). International pizza consultant — yes, it seems this is an actual job title — Anthony Falco will also be prepping a pizza on the night. Each chef will create their own pizza for diners to enjoy — with all ingredients and produce sourced from bushfire-affected areas. Three of the (very) limited-edition pizzas you'll find on the night are Martinez's vegan meatball pizza; D'Elia's luxe, caviar-topped pizza with kingfish, buffalo mozzarella and baby endive; and McGlone's Jewish Deli pizza topped with melted swiss cheese, smoked pastrami from Vic's Meats, mustard, sauerkraut power and pickles. For drinks, bartenders from Fratelli Paradiso and 10 William Street will head up the bar for the night, pouring wines, beers and spirits that come from bushfire-affected areas. The star-studded event is also happening to promote Breville's new Smart Oven, which can hit a spicy 400 degrees. If you fancy yourself a serious pizzaiolo, it may be worth splashing out on one. Tickets are a reasonable $50 each and get you three hours of pizza slices and drinks from 6–9pm. And, since it'll all be donated to various charities helping with bushfire recovery, we reckon it's a particularly well-spent pineapple. Updated March 9, 2020.
Marrickville’s popular, idiosyncratic creative district might well find itself under threat if a controversial rezoning of the Victoria Road precinct gets the green light. The new proposal would see 18.03 hectares of industrial land turned into residential or mixed residential-industrial and the creation of 3,080 new apartments. This could mean bad news for some of Sydney's favourite venues — the Factory Theatre, the Red Rattler, the Vic on the Park, Bourke Street Bakery Marrickville and a host of other Sydney arts spaces, all of which lie within this area and could potentially be subject to tweaked licensing/noise restrictions. Since its introduction, the proposal has provoked increasing concern among community members and planning staff. In late August, a 600-strong petition voicing opposition was submitted to Marrickville Council. Regardless, on September 3, a 6-5 Council vote sent the proposal to the Department of Planning gateway process. In the eyes of Greens Councillor Max Phillips, this move presents two significant problems. One, it means that Council will now be seen as endorsing the rezoning. Two, it did not allow time for "proper community consultation" or for "important information... [to be] made available to revise the proposal". A council spokesperson told Concrete Playground, "Council considered that the proposal should be investigated further to see if it has merit," and that it is too early to predict consequences of the rezoning. "There are many, many steps to go through before we would know what might be the results of rezoning, if indeed the rezoning was adopted," she said. However, Phillips says that we can certainly speculate. "This is a truly massive proposal," he said. "It's almost the area of Barangaroo... Over the past two years, there's been some change in the use of the industrial area. Some of the manufacturing industries have moved elsewhere and we've seen some new ones move in, particularly the creative industries and the boutique, artisanal food industries... Part of what has attracted them is cheaper rent.. and the grittiness and character of the area. One of the fears that the Greens have is that the rezoning may disrupt that revitalisation." High-density residential housing often means dull, template-based architecture, as well as changes that raise alarm bells for arts practices, including traffic congestion and noise complaints. Jamie Ferguson, director of The Red Rattler, is deeply concerned. "The Red Rattler loves the diversity of the area and its semi-industrial landscape," he explains. "It suits our grassroots approach, style of gigs, performances and our parties. There's no question a venue like The Rat or other startup creative businesses and spaces wouldn't work if they were situated amongst nasty high-rises with convenience stores on every corner." What's more, Ferguson feels that public consultation has been sorely lacking. "The whole situation is really quite puzzling, and a surprise to The Rat," he says. "On the one hand creative arts spaces are being praised for adding to the vibrancy and diversity of the area, yet on the other hand conservative Councillors have shown their position by considering a review of the current zoning, which is very disappointing. There's certainly been no thorough community consultation." That said, it it's all far from over yet. To express your response to the proposal, you can contact the Marrickville Council, get in touch with particular Councillors and check out the Mayoral Minute dedicated to the rezoning, which is Item One at the Council’s September 16 meeting. You can also call or email the Marrickville Greens and keep an eye out for community meetings and petitions. Want to voice your opinion in person about the future of Marrickville's Victoria Road precinct? A Greens-run forum has been called for September 30 at The Red Rattler, kicking off at 6:30pm.
It's no secret that lockdown has put our evening meals into sharp focus. And, although it may be a highlight for some, for others, dinnertime cooking creativity has definitely dwindled. If you're feeling uninspired by your regular rotation of recipes, we've got a little something that'll gnocch your socks off. Starting Thursday, September 9, you can take part in an online gnocchi making class, courtesy of our pals from Pizzini Wines' A Tavola cooking school. The 75-minute interactive workshop will teach you how to make soft, pillowy potato parcels with expert guidance from Katrina Pizzini, who heads up A Tavola. She'll show you how to make gnocchi from scratch — and by the end of the class you'll be serving up delicious plates of potato-y pasta slathered in napoli and burnt butter sage sauces. To make sure you've got all the gear, Pizzini Wines will send you a supply pack loaded with a potato ricer, gnocchi paddle, homegrown potatoes, flour, pasta, fresh herbs, and recipe cards. Plus, you'll also get two bottles of delicious Pizzini wine to wash it all down. All you need to bring are some pantry staples such as eggs, butter, olive oil, sugar, parmesan, salt and pepper. Sound like a top-tier way to level up your mid-week dinner duties? Art of Gnocchi Making will kick off at 5pm on September 9, September 15 and September 16. For more information and to book, visit the website.
A peaceful, luxury cabin perched right on the beach, with the waves crashing gently in the background. They're the ingredients of a primo night's sleep and they've now come together as part of IKEA's new pop-up SÖMN (Sleep) Studio, located right on Bondi Beach. Happening on Thursday, March 28, the pop-up will be celebrating and promoting great sleep, hosting a program of free events and a competition that'll see one lucky duo putting in a comfy 40 winks in these idyllic beachside digs. The sleep-focused lineup features a workshop with The Sleep Specialist Olivia Arezzolo, a myth-busting panel discussion presented by sleep expert Dr Elise Facer-Childs, Dr Thea Brejzek and radio personality Matt De Groot, and a healthy breakfast led by best-selling author Sarah Wilson. A pop-up onsite cafe called Fermented, open from 7am–9pm on Thursday, will showcase Swedish-inspired eats, with a wall of fermented krauts, pickles and other condiments that diners can pick and mix to their meal. And you can go in the running to win the ultimate night's sleep inside IKEA's Scandi-style Bondi B&B on the Thursday night. As well as sleeping right by the beach, the winning duo will be guided through choosing their ideal mattress, pillow and bedding (which they'll get to keep), and will also enjoy a special program of activities designed to help give the best possible shut-eye experience. To enter, head to IKEA Australia's Facebook page before 5pm on Wednesday, March 20. All events are free, though you'll need to book via the website to secure a spot.
Australia is widely regarded as a beer-swilling nation. Yet beer consumption is at its lowest in over 60 years. Wine and cider no longer prompt confusion or smirking, and whisky is certainly no longer for grizzled men of bygone days slumped over a wood-panelled bar. Our tastes have become more adventurous. By no means has our love of alcohol disappeared; instead, we are increasingly looking through a glass, darkly. With that in mind, Concrete Playground is turning our bleary and debauched eyes to whisky. While whisky is more popular than ever, a lot of newcomers are thrown by how and where to drink it. With the help of Lewis Jaffrey, head barman at Sydney's The Baxter Inn, we're here to help lead you through the ins and outs of whisky drinking. Why should I be drinking whisky? That's the million-dollar question. There seems to be something about whisky that appeals to everybody. "It's popular with everybody from 18-year-old girls who've never been in a bar before to 70-year-old CEOs," says Jaffrey, "They all seem to come down here and have a common interest for drinking whisky". What is whisky made from? Whisky is essentially liquid bread. The same ingredients you find in your morning toast — grains like barley, rye and wheat — are fermented and stored in wooden casks, aged for a non-specific amount of time, and pop out the other end as a bottle of whisky. While both Scotland and Ireland claim to be the birthplace of whiskey, it's hardly a debate we're going to settle. For now, let's just call it an even draw. Blends vs Malts: what's the difference? Whiskies tend to be either blends or single malts. A blended whisky is made when somebody takes liquid from different distilleries and blends it with a grain whisky, which is relatively cheap to produce. Blends, therefore, can be excellent for cheapskates, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're an inferior product. A single malt, on the other hand, is liquid produced exclusively from the same distillery. It might have been produced over a number of years to get a consistent flavour, but as long as it's from the same distillery you have yourself a single malt. Whiskey around the world What we generally consider to be whisky is Scotch whisky, but Scotland is by no means the only whisky-producing nation. The other big players are Ireland and America. Traditionally, Irish whiskey* is triple distilled (Scotch is distilled twice) and tends to be smoother and easier to drink. That's often why you'll associate Irish whiskey with your grandfather (to make a sweeping generalisation). American whiskey, on the other hand, tends to be sweeter and have a spicy quality, as anybody acquainted with Jack Daniels will be all too aware. Another big producer of whisky is Japan, who according to Jaffrey "took what Scotland does as an art form and turned it into a science". If you want to see what a whisky from India or Wales tastes like, inquire at your nearest whisky bar. How to drink whisky Whether you drink it wearing a dinner jacket with your other hand caressing a fine cigar, or whether you drink it during the wee hours in a booze-soaked dive, the real lesson is that you should drink whisky in whatever way suits you best. If you're starting off, you might want to have a bite to eat first; whisky is 40 percent alcohol and you don't want to wind up sprawled in the gutter staring at the stars too early in the evening. Jaffrey recommends starting off with a whisky and apple juice. This is popular at both The Baxter Inn and Shady Pines, so no need to be put off by the 'apple juice' part. If you're not at either of these joints hosted by Sydney's whisky afficionados, starting with a whisky cocktail will be best. The first time you drink whisky is like being slapped in the throat, and as with any first time, you want to make it as gentle as possible. Gradually you can begin mixing it with water, or sipping whisky on the rocks, which will chill the alcohol and make it easier for your body to cope with. But drinking whisky neat doesn't have to be the end goal of the process. In the end, it's whatever makes you and your taste buds happy. Image by Dominick Guzzo via cc licence. Talk like a pro While we in no way encourage you to become like this guy, there are certain terms and phrases that it might be useful to learn. Something sweet and fragrant is, like wine, often described as 'fruity'. 'Woody' whiskies have a smokey quality about them, while 'peaty' whiskies tend to be very strong smelling, a bit like tar or even iodine. At the end of the day, you can probably settle for the standard, "I like that one" or "eurgh that's dreadful". You don't want to over-intellectualise whisky; you want to enjoy it. Storing whisky Unlike wine, you'll be hard pressed to find a bottle of whisky that's gone off. Whisky is generally easy to look after, but there are some common-sense measures to keep in mind. Store your bottles in cool, dark places, and make sure, once it's opened, that there's no air getting in. Famous Whisky Drinkers Bar rooms full of endearing drunks had a love of whisky running in their veins. William Faulkner was rarely without a bottle upon his person at any one time and is remembered to have declared, "isn't anythin' ah got whisky won't cure." Faulkner once showed up to a Hollywood script meeting and sliced open his finger trying to uncap a whisky bottle. Instead of cutting the meeting short he dragged a wastepaper basket over so that he could gulp whisky with one hand and drip blood with the other. Another noted devotee was Winston Churchill, who had a bottomless capacity for the stuff and regularly took whisky at breakfast. The most renowned fictional character, of course, is Don Draper. With every act of business or sexual brilliance he seemed to have an Old Fashioned by his side, and arguably the popularity of Mad Men helped kickstart the resurgent interest in whisky. Whisky on a budget As with all things alcohol, you know what you're getting yourself into if you order the drink from the top of the list. At The Baxter Inn, their house whisky is an award-winning blend made by Ballantine, being sold at a mere $8 a glass, and there's a whole range of excellent whiskies that come in at $10 a pop. For that price, you should be able to get an excellent drink at whatever establishment you're drowning your sorrows in. The Best Whisky Bars in Sydney There are many fine bars in Sydney with a healthy selection of whiskies, but there are some that stand out above the rest. Our first recommendation, naturally, is The Baxter Inn. With over 500 whiskies, a pro-choice attitude to drinking, and a dissolute pre-war atmosphere, they are one of the first places you should head to if you're really keen to learn about whisky. The other sure favourite is, of course, Shady Pines, which loves whisky just as much as Baxter but comes in the form of a classic American-themed saloon you'd fully expect to find Johnny Cash drinking in (but he's dead, so you probably won't). Our other favourites are Palmer and Co., the Merivale take on Prohibition, and Shirt Bar, a man's bar for men who like their shirts pressed, their coffee strong, and their whisky smooth. *The spelling of 'whisky' (versus 'whiskey') is a source of some contention. 'Whisky' is the general spelling in Australian English, although Irish and American whiskies usually go by their own preferred spelling: 'whiskey'.
The Sydney Theatre Company has revealed a 2014 program that cements its reputation as the home of new and canonical playwriting. At the same time, it's also arguably the most experimental of seasons around, incorporating global theatre trends that look at interactivity and staging shows in unusual spaces. The centrepiece of the program is a Macbeth as you've never seen it. Starring Hugo Weaving and directed by Kip Williams, the production takes place in the auditorium of the cavernous Sydney Theatre, with the (small) audience sitting on the stage. More than a half-baked scheme, this reconfiguration paves the way for all kinds of unique imagery that flips the familiar on its head. Earlier in the year is Fight Night, from regular Belgian visitors Ontroerend Goed (A History of Everything) and Adelaide's The Border Project. The show plays out as something of a competition for votes, the progress of which is controlled by the audience via handheld devices. As well as exploring the audience-performer relationship, it aims to reflect on the flaws and manipulations of the democratic system. Other works in the season are in the more traditional, you-sit-there, we-act-here vein of theatre, but many are thrilling all the same. There are two compelling devised works on the menu: Calpurnia Descending comes from the incomparable Sisters Grimm (Little Mercy), who have roped in Paul Capsis for their own spin on the All About Eve film trope of manipulative female proteges. The Long Way Home, meanwhile, looks to be a powerful collaboration between members of the Australian Defence Force and the playwright Daniel Keene. In a project instigated by ADF Chief David Hurley, actors and servicemen will perform a piece of verbatim theatre reflecting on their experiences in Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor. Richard Roxburgh pops up at the end of the year in Cyrano de Bergerac, a role which STC artistic director Andrew Upton describes him as being "born to play", not because he's as famously ugly as the poetically gifted romantic (that may require prostheses), but because he has the rare quality of being both "a leading man and a clown". Other classics of various eras include Mojo, a rowdy, '50s London-set, testosterone-drenched play by Jez Butterworth that's sometimes said to be the 'inspiration' for Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. There's also farce Noises Off; Maxim Gorky's drama Children of the Sun, in an adaptation by Upton first performed at London's National Theatre; and a steadfast David Williamson, Travelling North, starring Baby Boomer favourites Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi. New Australian writing comes in the form of Lachlan Philpott's fun M.Rock, based on the true story of elderly nightclub DJ Mamy Rock; Sue Smith's Kryptonite, a rich political drama that comes down to personal missed connections; and Joanna Murray-Smith's Switzerland, an unexpectedly Hitchockian thriller. Recent international writing is represented by The Effect, another socially conscious play from Lucy Prebble, writer of Enron, this time with a medical spin, and the highfalutin Perplex from German Marius von Mayenburg, a self-reflexive piece of theatre about a couple who return from holiday to find their housesitters have taken over their lives. For more information and subscription packages, see the Sydney Theatre Company website.
As Sydney emerged from lockdown for the first weekend of freedom, photographer Cassandra Hannagan took to the streets of the inner west to capture the city in celebration for Concrete Playground. From first IRL dates to catch-ups after months of isolation, Sydneysiders were out in force on a sunny afternoon to enjoy a well-deserved meeting with those closest to them and support local businesses that have been closed for months. CAMPERDOWN MEMORIAL PARK This group of friends gathered in Camperdown Park to celebrate Emily's 29th birthday. It's the first time they've been able to come together and catch up in more than three months. Reece and Tim were captured here during a heated game of corn hole. The group of friends got together to celebrate Liz's 30th birthday in the park. Jenae and Rebecca met in Camperdown Park for their first in-person date and face-to-face meeting. The pair met online during lockdown, going on online dates and watching movies together via Zoom. THE COURTHOUSE Boasting one of Sydney's best beer gardens, beloved Newtown pub The Courthouse was full of patrons enjoying their first jug of Newtowner and pub feed in months over the weekend. The venue is already fully booked out for its first two weeks of service, with requests flooding in as soon as they opened bookings a few weeks ago. MARY'S Dee and Christian enjoyed their first date since lockdown at Mary's. Christian used to work at the inner west burger favourite and was excited to take Dee who had never been. MR. WOLF BARBER SHOP Peter got in early to secure a post-lockdown haircut at Mr. Wolf, his first cut in four months. CAIRO TAKEAWAY After opening for takeaway-only back in July, Cairo took some time off, closing for two and a half months of Sydney's nearly four month lockdown. With dining back Saroa and Niraj welcomed customers back last week. Locals showed out in force over the weekend, flocking to the Enmore Road spot for a long-awaited dose of falafel pitas and Egyptian street food. KING STEET, NEWTOWN Bailey, Jessica, Isla, Alex and Michelle celebrate Sydney's reopening with a drink at Exotic Latin Cafe. The group of friends haven't see each other since May, with some stuck in hotspot LGAs during lockdown, preventing the from picnicking or exercising together. Yue from Monster Threads returned to work last week. The retail store did well with online sales during lockdown but was happy to see customers back in the store browsing the new stock over the weekend. Dendy Newtown staff Steven, Caitlin and Isabella had a busy week with the cinema reopening with sessions of The Suicide Squad, Pig and In the Heights. Cinema-goers were eager to return with 250 tickets selling on the cinemas reopening night. Milly and Lilly traveled from the northern beaches and north shore to have a meal and catch up at Italian favourite La Favola. NEWTOWN HOTEL Saturday marked Morgan and Megan's fifth day out in a row since restrictions lifted. The pair were photographed here perched above King Street sharing a cocktail on the Newtown Hotel balcony. After months of exclusively seeing their housemates, these two share houses were excited to come together for their first catch-up at the pub. THE MARLBOROUGH HOTEL All photographs by Cassandra Hannagan
Hold onto your paper plates Sydney, because Carriageworks has just added another night market to their 2016 calendar. After the wild success of The Night Market, a winter gathering of the best food and drink in the city held as part of Vivid back in June, it's no surprise they're bring back the after-dark outdoor nosh session for one night only this spring. Like its previous instalment, it's quite straightforwardly called The Spring Night Market. The event will see over 50 stallholders take over Carriageworks on the spring evening of Saturday, September 3 from 5pm. If you went along to the winter market, you can expect to once again sample goods from NSW's top tier of restaurants, winemakers, spiritmakers, breweries and providores. Porteño, Billy Kwong, Icebergs, Efendy, Young Henrys, Cake Wines and Pepe Saya will be returning to kick off the new season, and will be joined by Alex Herbert's Bird Cow Fish, St Peters' Urban Winery and Mr Black, who'll be whipping up coffee cocktails. Curated by Sydney chef (of the just-opened No. 1 Bent Street) and Carriageworks Farmers Market creative director Mike McEnearney, The Spring Night Market will hero new season produce. Each stallholder will be able to clue you into the regional source of their produce — a requirement that could only come from the paddock-to-plate-focused McEnearney. The Winter Night Market, held over two nights in June of this year, brought in over 9000 people each night. So, in short, you'll want to get there early and be prepared to queue for the good stuff. THE SPRING NIGHT MARKET STALLHOLDER LINEUP: Bar Pho Baxter & Bird Billy Kwong Bird Cow Fish Blini Bar by Crepe & Coffee Co. Burrawong Gaian Cake Wines Chrissy's Cut Sausages Country Valley Dairy Dessertmakers Ding the Recipe Efendy Eloquesta Wines Freeman Vineyards Gumnut Chocolates Hand N Hoe Organic Macadamias Icebergs Bar & Restaurant Juicing by Colours Kitchen Green Kurrawong Organics La Bastide Lowe Wine Mimosa Valley Lamb Moobi Valley Farm Mr Black Cocktails Mr Goaty Naturally Felafel Pasta Emilia Pepe Saya Porteno Restaurant Prickle Hill Produce Shepherd's Artisan Bakehouse Slow Wine Co. Sweetness the Patisserie The Drink Cabinet The Pines Kiama Trolleyd Urban Winery Vale Creek Wines Young Henrys Brewing Co. The Spring Night Market will be held at Carriageworks on Saturday, September 3 from 5-10pm. Entry is free. By Lauren Vadnjal and Shannon Connellan. Image: Tim da-Rin.
It took more than 25 years for Twin Peaks to revisit its moody, otherworldly and all-round odd small-town mysteries — and if you're not done diving into the television show's wonderful and strange world just yet, don't stress. Whether there'll be any more episodes is anyone's guess, but you can spend an evening with the show's stars in the interim, with five of the series cast members heading to Australia later this year. Although David Lynch famously refuses to talk in-depth about any of his work, including Twin Peaks' three seasons to date and the film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, expect Sheryl Lee (Laura Palmer), Kimmy Robertson (Lucy Moran), Michael Horse (Deputy Hawk), Al Strobel (Philip Gerard) and Dana Ashbrook (Bobby Briggs) to be much more forthcoming as they chat about their experiences both on- and off-screen. Between August 25 and September 2, they'll be joining forces with Twin Peaks producer Sabrina S. Sutherland for a series of 'Conversation with the Stars' discussions around the country. If you've ever wondered what it was like to be wrapped in plastic, or to line up piles and piles of doughnuts, or to play the other half of the series' evil entity, here's your chance to find out. While Twin Peaks' lead Kyle MacLachlan won't be making the trip, the lineup is still a Peaks-lover's dream come true. Lee played Laura Palmer, the teen sweetheart whose murder sparked the whole series, while Ashbrook swaggered through highs-chool hallways as her boyfriend Bobby Briggs, and then turned unlikely cop in the latest season. Robertson is best known as bubbly police station receptionist Lucy, and Horse played the enigmatic Deputy Hawk — and had one of the most recent series' most moving scenes. As for Strobel's Phil Gerard, he was pals with Bob before becoming a resident of the Black Lodge. If all of the above gets you thinking about damn fine coffee and the Double R Diner's cherry pie, then you'll be keen to nab tickets to the intimate chat, which heads to Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney for one night only. No word yet if the cast members will be sitting in front of red curtains or being interviewed by someone called Diane, but we can only hope. And if you're an absolute die-hard Peaks fan with some spare cash (around $500 in spare cash), meet-and-greet tickets are also available. Twin Peaks: A Conversation with the Stars comes to Melbourne's Palais Theatre on Saturday, August 25, Brisbane's Eatons Hill Hotel on Sunday, August 26 and Sydney's ICC Theatre on Saturday, September 1. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday, July 6, with a pre-sale at 10am on Thursday, July 5 — for more information, visit the event website.
If you're of an age when you can remember burning your friend's So Fresh CD so you could stay up to date with the coolest songs of the season, congrats. You're old now. But also, congrats, because you will seriously enjoy this So Fresh shindig. The old-school get-together to end all old-school get-togethers is coming to Marrickville's The Factory Theatre on Saturday, January 26, and it'll be playing bangers strictly of the 2000s vintage. You can expect a disturbing percentage of Channel 10 alums (Australian Idol winners/losers and ex-Neighbours actors) as well as way too much Nickelback for polite company. Also, just throwing this out there: we're desperately hoping for a timely comeback of the Duff sisters duet 'Our Lips Are Sealed'. Entry will set you back $15 if you get in early and $30 once first-release tickets have sold out, and of course it's obviously 18 and over — because if you're under 18 you definitely don't know what So Fresh is. Or CDs, probably.
When you think of vibrators, 'charming' probably isn't the first word that comes to mind. It may not even feature in the top hundred. In fact, 'charming' has probably never been used in that context at all, yet Tanya Wexler's film about the invention of the vibrator is precisely that: charming. Set in 1880, it follows the young Doctor Mortimer Granville (Hugh Dancy) and his unsuccessful attempts to modernise medicine against ardent resistance from the old establishment. This was, after all, Victorian England — an era when bacteria were still just theoretical, phrenology was well-respected, and women were considered neither capable of, nor interested in, sexual gratification. Shunned by the profession, Granville ends up in the employ of Dr Robert Dalrymple (Jonathan Pryce), an elderly physician using the unlikely method of clitoral stimulation to 'treat' women of their so-called 'hysteria'. Reeking of misogyny, hysteria was the convenient diagnostic catch-all for every unsightly or erratic female act, be it the mildest melancholia or the most extreme necrophilia. Unsurprisingly, Dalrymple's niche practice soon grows in popularity as the duo unwittingly perfect their 'treatment', and it's necessity rather than ingenuity that drives Granville to invent what will eventually become the world's bestselling sex toy. Hysteria is all tremendously light fare, playing for laughs whenever possible and leaving it entirely up to Maggie Gyllenhaal's character, Charlotte (Dalrymple's rebellious and progressive daughter), to address issues of class disparity, sexual inequality, and the overall prudishness that defined the time. Rupert Everett plays a wonderful supporting role as Granville's eccentric and wealthy benefactor, and Wexler does a wonderful job of keeping the subject matter amusing instead of awkward. It's a remarkable (and true) period piece played out with the cheekiness and charm of an Oscar Wilde play. So much so that you could take your mum along and not cringe even once. https://youtube.com/watch?v=_alb352gqAk
If you're of an age when you can remember burning your friend's So Fresh CD so you could stay up to date with the coolest songs of the season, congrats. You're old now. But also, congrats, because you will seriously enjoy this So Fresh shindig. The old-school get-together to end all old-school get-togethers is coming to Giant Dwarf on Thursday, April 25, and it'll be belting out bangers strictly of the 1990s vintage. In fact, it won't just be playing retro tunes, or letting cabaret act Lady Sings it Better croon them — it'll also be asking you to sing along with them. You can expect a disturbing percentage of Spice Girls, No Doubt, TLC, Destiny's Child, Britney Spears, Salt-N-Pepa and double denim-wearing boy bands. Love the latter? There'll be an eight-minute boy band medley, complete with dance moves. Entry will set you back $34.10, two 60-minute shows are being held — at 7pm and 8.30pm — and dressing up like it's two decades ago is heartily encouraged.
Last year, the Fever-Tree Gin & Tonic Festival was an in-person affair, with the huge gin and tonic festival descending upon Sydney's Centennial Park. That was then, though. For 2020, lovers of the classic tipple can look forward to the Fever-Tree Online Gin & Tonic Festival instead. Yes, as the extra word in its title makes plain, it's going virtual. Here, you'll have the chance to sample eight different gins, as matched with top tonics from Fever-Tree's range of mixers. For $55, they'll be sent to your house — in a festival kit that also includes homemade dehydrated garnishes, two glasses, a tasting mat, snacks and a pairing guide, as well as access to the digital festival. Then, all you need to do is hop online from 5.30–7pm on Saturday, June 13, when the fest will unleash a heap of juniper-themed boozy fun. Think guided tastings and gin masterclasses, with bartenders and gin experts on hand. Gins from Adelaide Hills, Bombay Sapphire and Hendrick's will also be on offer — and if you already have enough gin at home, you can join in for free on the night without needing to buy a festival kit. A link to the virtual fest will be made available on Fever-Tree's social media on the date.
When I was bartending, a lovely lady gave me her number over the bar. My manager, having seen the smooth exchange, turned to me a said, "I didn't think people met like that anymore!" It gets to feeling like that in Sydney's dating scene, with so many first contacts with a potential flame coming through the simple swipe of a finger. Keely Sonntag, the brains behind The Datevine, is looking to chuck that notion away — or at least provide an alternative. Instead of checking out a bunch of pictures and making a snap judgment, The Datevine is all about getting together in a fun environment and just simply seeing what happens. You know, social interaction. There's no pressure, no expectation, just some single people maybe or maybe not hanging out together. The Datevine is hosting their first rooftop party in May, booking out the Forgotten Cask Rum and Cocktail Bar on top of the Cauliflower Hotel in Waterloo. $51 gets you a two-course Caribbean feast and a cocktail on arrival, plus the opportunity to chill out with similarly minded people. So put the phone down, get out there and meet some people.
When they were making All the Real Girls, Pineapple Express and Your Highness together, plus Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals and The Righteous Gemstones as well, did conversations between filmmaker David Gordon Green and actor Danny McBride go as follows? "Do you like all-time horror masterpieces?" one may've asked. "Is creating your own version of some of the genre-defining greats your ultimate dream?" the other could've responded. "What if we revived the best of the best from the 70s decades later?" might've been the enthusiastic next line. Then, as two of the driving forces behind 2018's Halloween and its follow-ups Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends kept chatting, "shall we keep their biggest stars, but in flicks that act as direct sequels to the OG films and ignore all of the past sequels, and also work as reboots sparking a new trilogy?" could've been the latest reply. Thanks to the recent Halloween films, a natter like the above seems likely. Now that Green and McBride are also giving The Exorcist a spin, this kind of talk appears a certainty. So, writer/director Green was possessed with a new demonic screen story with McBride and Halloween Kills' Scott Teems, then penned a devil-made-me-do-it script with Camp X-Ray's Peter Sattler. The result is The Exorcist: Believer, a 50-years-later return to head-twisting dances with evil — this time with a prologue in Haiti rather than Iraq, the bulk of the action set in Georgia instead of Washington, DC's Georgetown, and two girls not one in need of faith's help to cast out malevolent fiends. Green and McBride's swap from Michael Myers to Pazuzu also already has its own trinity in the works, with first sequel The Exorcist: Deceiver due in 2025. As it apes the original movie's structure, there's a touch of trickery in starting The Exorcist: Believer in Port-au-Prince: the city's 2010 earthquake is used to get the plot in motion, a move that lands queasily, clunkily and exploitatively. Perhaps Green and company thought that slipping into a real-life tragedy's skin then wreaking havoc was a fitting piece of mirroring; instead, that choice should've been exorcised. Photographer Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom Jr, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery) is holidaying with his heavily pregnant wife Sorenne (Tracey Graves, On Ten) when the earth rumbles, leading to him becoming a single father — but not before the baby is blessed in utero by a local healer. Cut to 13 years later, where teenager Angela (Lidya Jewett, Ivy + Bean) is introduced rifling through her mother's belongings, then convincing her grief-stricken dad to let her have an after-school date with her classmate Katherine (debutant Olivia O'Neill). She doesn't tell him that they'll be trying to contact Sorenne via a seance in the woods, though. Christianity reaches The Exorcist: Believer via Katherine, plus her devout parents Miranda (Jennifer Nettles, The Righteous Gemstones) and Tony (Norbert Leo Butz, Justified: City Primeval). Two bedevilled kids means more concerned adults, with the latter's nightmares beginning when Angela and Katherine don't return home from their forest frolic for three days. Once the girls re-emerge, they're withdrawn and erratic. The medical diagnosis is trauma; however, that doesn't explain the spooky happenings. Miranda and Tony contend that something unholy is afoot from the instant that the teens go missing, but Victor takes convincing. There's no lack of folks endeavouring to sway his thinking, as led by believing neighbour and nurse Ann (Ann Dowd, The Handmaid's Tale), who points him in the direction of someone who has been there, seen that and dealt with all the terrors of having a daughter taken over by Pazuzu: Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn, Law & Order: Organised Crime). Shorter than its inspiration but feeling longer, The Exorcist: Believer largely operates in two modes post-preamble: slowly setting the scene, building up to the thrashing, voices and good-versus-evil battle that everyone knows is coming (the film is called The Exorcist, after all); and letting the expected play out. Both are overextended, which doesn't up what little suspense, scares or tension that the feature has — but does benefit the movie's actors and their performances. More time spent with Tony-winners Odom Jr (for Hamilton) and Butz (for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Catch Me If You Can) gives The Exorcist: Believer more emotional depth, as much needed. Jewett and O'Neill are visibly enjoying themselves in the picture's darkest turns. Oscar-winner Burstyn (for Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore) plays a smaller part, but her presence has weight to it. Alas, that's all that the film sadly wants of her, as it sets up one possible path, takes it away and then leans on easy nostalgia. As 2018's Halloween did with that saga's 40th anniversary, The Exorcist: Believer has timed its arrival carefully; 2023 marks half a century since William Friedkin adapted William Peter Blatty's bestselling novel that started it all. Green again considers the source material sacred, and it is: earning the now-late but always-great Friedkin his second Best Director Oscar nomination two years after he won for The French Connection, The Exorcist is a horror titan. It made history as the first-ever horror film nominated for Best Picture, too. Not just its own sequels (1977's Exorcist II: The Heretic and 1990's The Exorcist III) and prequels (2004's Exorcist: The Beginning and 2005's Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist) took its lead, but everything about demonic hauntings since 1973. Still, while The Exorcist: Believer is certainly better than the unrelated The Pope's Exorcist, also from 2023, it's as dispiritingly by the numbers as it can be in attempting to emptily copy Friedkin, resurrect lines, get notes of the same score echoing and keep to the franchise playbook. When controversy surrounded the OG The Exorcist all those years back, the ideas and sights that helped cause it had meaning. A crisis of faith lingered throughout the film as heavy as dread, unease and alarm. When the Pazuzu-possessed Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair, Landfill) stabbed violently downwards with a crucifix, the movie's musing on religion's love of the patriarchy and the latter's struggle with girls when they reach puberty were searing. The list goes on, as Green knows but can't match. The Exorcist: Believer amasses a multi-faith group to do the exorcising this time, deploying inclusivity to comment on the changing role that worship plays in modern American life, yet only weakly says the obvious. The patriarchy is addressed again, overtly in monologues, but mostly The Exorcist: Believer plays like its big church-set moment: wandering in to make a big bloody scene while just splashing around some standard shocks.
Footscray's Mr West is known for many things: its craft beer-packed bottle shop, its dog-friendly bar, its charcuterie boards and its espresso martini and negronis on tap. Previously, you had to visit the Melbourne bar to try said cocktails, but now you can have them delivered to your door. In 1.5-litre 'bagnums', no less. Made with Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, Boston Black cold drip coffee, stout and vodka, the Good Spirits espresso martini packs a serious alcohol- and caffeinated-punch. The Good Spirits negroni is made with Poor Toms dry gin, Campari and Mr West's house-blended vermouth. It's suggested you serve the latter over ice with an orange garnish, but straight-up in a mug is okay, too. Each 'bagnum' (a portmanteau of 'bag' and 'magnum') costs $99 and contains 12 serves of espresso martini and 20 serves of negroni, which works out to be about $8 a serve for the former and $5 for the latter (a bargain). As an added bonus, the espresso martini bag also comes with a mini Parisian cocktail shaker, so you can froth up your drink a little before serving. If you're located in surrounding suburbs in Melbourne, you can get the bagnums delivered to your door within an hour from 1–7pm daily for a $7.50 flat rate. Sydneysiders and Brisbanites can get them shipped in three-to-ten days from $12. Mr West's online bottle shop doesn't just have oversized cocktail bags, either. You'll also find a whole heap of craft beers, natural wines, local and international spirits, sakes and so much more. Those wanting to commit to more regular drinking can also sign up to Mr West's subscription service Good Booze Project, which sees boxes of three, six or 12 wines and beers delivered to your door every month. You can order a Good Spirits espresso martini or negroni bagnums via the Mr West online shop.
