Sydney electronic outfit Carmada — one part wave-making Yahtzel, one part ‘trapical’ artist L D R U – have had a good twelve months. The double act of harbour city producers got major triple j airplay last year with their hit 'Maybe' making it to #41 on the Hottest 100, not to mention that whole being signed to Skrillex’s label OWSLA thing (after the man himself called them his favourite sound of summer '14) and following that up with the December release of their debut EP Realise. The two have played together as Carmada for the past couple of years, doing the solid festival circuit of Splendour in the Grass, Stereosonic and Groovin' the Moo. Now, they're hitting up Oxford Art Factory with fellow Sydneysider Kilter, bound to pulse with bass so dirty it'll have even the most knock-kneed, reluctant dancer hitting the d-floor. You’ve been warned.
Returning for its fourth iteration, The Fork Festival sees top restaurants across the country offering sit-down meals for up to half the usual price. Yep, up to 50-percent off your total food bill, folks — think of it as the proverbial carrot luring you out of the house. Up and running as of today, Friday, April 22, the offer is a blessing for those feeling a little light-pocketed after Easter — or thanks to the spate of long weekends we're currently enjoying. To snag a half-price meal (or, in a few cases, 30-percent off), you just need to make a reservation through The Fork website or app at one of the participating eateries for any service (breakfast, lunch or dinner) during the six-week period. There are some great venues coming to the party, too. In Sydney, you'll find cheap eats at the likes of Kings Cross Distillery, Monopole, Sydney Brewery in Surry Hills, Diana at Potts Point, Bentley Restaurant & Bar in the CBD and Cirrus Dining at Barangaroo. You might want to revisit an old favourite or you could get a little adventurous and road-test somewhere new. Either way, there's ample time to squeeze in a fair few discounted feasts before the festival wraps up on Sunday, May 29. Top image: Diana.
Tony McNamara's new play The Grenade is well paced, competently acted and funny at times, but it's hard to get too excited about a show so keen to diffuse its own narrative tension. Ostensibly about the paranoia that ensues when political analyst and family man Busby McTavish (Gary McDonald) finds a hand grenade left in his living room, The Grenade never makes any bones about its true focus: McTavish's angst over the potential sexual awakenings of his wife and daughter. And in that respect, the basic setup is pretty compelling. Busby's first wife cheated on him repeatedly — a humiliation the play goes to some lengths to emphasise — and his subsequent marriage to a ex-nun Sally (Belinda Bromilow) and encouragement of his teenage daughter's (Eloise Mignon) jaunt down the path of quirky, sexless nerddom both smack of pain repressed rather than healed. Enter suitors for both women and their evident reciprocity, and it seems like only a matter of time before something has to give and Busby explodes. Indeed, if the central metaphor somehow passes you by, there it is on the show's poster: McDonald's head superimposed on a shrapnel pineapple. However, despite establishing a central conflict ripe for exploring ideas of fidelity, betrayal and possessiveness, McNamara does almost nothing with the premise. It's not so much that Busby's paranoia is played for laughs (this is a farce, after all) but that those laughs are overwhelmingly lazy, throwaway gags that swamp any humour the show could extract from the concerns it has created for its characters. There is some incisive stuff about the minutiae of failed relationships and the consequences of desire — but it is immediately smoothed away with a thick layer of unrelated, inconsequential gags rather than building into something genuinely funny or cathartic. This kills what tension the play does build up, deflating its humour and robbing the audience of any investment in the characters. No-one's suggesting that theatre dealing with "weighty" themes has to itself be heavy going, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with inconsequential comedy, but putting the effort in to create an effective premise and not allowing it to play out comes across as somewhat wasteful in the end.
Bottomless brunch is a firm foundation of Sydney culture right now, flogging everything from Bloody Marys to boat vibes to Middle Eastern yum cha. The next venue to join the ranks is the Stuffed Beaver Crows Nest, which will sling all-you-can-eat poutine alongside unlimited top-ups of booze every Sunday in spring, starting this week on September 23. For a very reasonable $49 per person, patrons can nab bottomless mimosas and house beer, as well as endless rounds of pulled pork tacos and the aforementioned Canadian classic: the ultimate hefty combo of cheese, gravy and chunky fries. Yup, they're going to have to roll you out of there. Reservations are necessary and must be made between 12–3pm. The deal is up for grabs at the Crows Nest location only, so don't book at Bondi and end up disappointed.
Get outside for a little fresh air and exercise with a pack of marauding, flesh-eating zombies snapping at your heels. After pulse-racing chases around the US and Asia, undead obstacle course Run For Your Lives is headed to Sydney. Halfway between a marathon and a Romero movie, the event is relatively simple: participants navigate various obstacle, including a blood pit, a ropes course and even a Resident Evil-style 'laser grid', while trying their very best not to be eaten tagged. Every survivor gets three lives, represented by blood coloured flags tied to their waist. Lose all three lives and it's game over. You can also choose to play as a zombie, with a hair and makeup team on hand to help with your ghoulish transformation. Regardless of which team you’re on, don’t wear anything you won’t mind getting damaged, and make sure you bring a spare change of clothes, shoes... and a towel. And before you get any bright ideas, this is strictly a weapons free event, so leave the sawn-off shotgun at home. After the race, players will be able to attend an apocalypse afterparty, with dance music, live entertainment and zombie-themed activities. You'll probably need to let off some steam after this.
When Erskineville asks for playful Mediterranean-inspired food served in an art space, it gets playful Mediterranean-inspired food served in an art space. Erskineville’s new pop-up eatery A Taste of Things to Come is a preview of future community-oriented restaurant Erskine Villa. Doubling (tripling?) as an art space and music venue, the pop-up is open now, serving dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, and weekend brunches to loll over. After putting it to the local community, the team came up with the Erskine Villa concept — a space built on bringing people together over good food made with seasonal produce, and a mutual love for the inner west. It sits on land once owned by a dude called George Erskine, after whom the suburb (itself originally called Erskine Villa) was named, FYI. The menu is actually-exciting modern Australian — take the Bangalow dry-cured bacon and egg roll for example, or their twist on the classic meat pie, with braised lamb neck and mushroom, and a side of coriander-packed mojo verde. Less familiar and much more formidable sounding is the poutine with cheese curds, curry gravy, slow-cooked egg and house-made morcilla (Spanish blood sausage). The Mediterranean influence is strong with this one — unsurprising, considering head chef is Brian Villahermosa, of Kingston Public Bar and Kitchen and MoVida lineage. It’s all a bit of a fun, flavoursome experiment for now, as Villahermosa and the team suss out how Erskine Villa will come together in the rooftop space upstairs. Keep an eye out for the upcoming program of 'concept dinners', featuring crushworthy creative and culinary talents. And just between us, the other reason to check the joint out sooner rather than later is that A Taste of Things to Come is temporarily BYO while they await their liquor licence — from a very generous 11am onwards. Preview Erskine Villa at A Taste of Things to Come pop-up at 63 Erskineville Road, Erskineville.
Maybe you remember Miami Horror from your playlist for blissed-out summer parties circa 2010, when their hit single 'Sometimes' did the club circuit and went on solid rotation in backyards nationwide. We haven't heard much from them since those days, but the Melbourne electronic-pop four-piece haven't been laying low. Instead, they've taken up residence in Los Angeles, where they've been busy working on album number two (or as busy as you can get in a land of perpetual sunshine, palm trees and too many dreams). The result is the sometimes-funky, sometimes-dreamy, almost 'too happy' All Possible Futures, released earlier this year. They’re bringing their fresh new LA-inspired sound back home, with a five-date east coast tour this August. Reacquaint yourself with these guys by giving 'Love Like Mine' and 'Real Slow' a listen, then grab yourself a ticket. How sweet is rediscovery? [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRhVsVT3mPM[/embed]
After a career that’ll give you opportunity to help, change and inspire? In a twist on the traditional careers fair, international brewers of ideas and talent Think Education are hosting the Festival of Change on Saturday, August 22. Major drawcards of the day are the keynote speakers: Leo Burnett CEO and co-creator of Earth Hour Todd Sampson, and ever-popular Bondi Rescue stalwarts Trent “Maxi” Maxwell and Jesse Polock — when those two aren’t watching over our beaches and, y’know, saving people’s lives, they’re doing cool things like riding from Sydney to Cairns on a jetski for headspace. There’ll be workshops on everything from web design to psychotherapy, plus experts on hand to answer your questions and give you the lowdown on all the courses on offer at Think Education campuses — across business, health, hospitality and design. Did we mention admission is free, and keynote addresses are just five bucks a pop? Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur with a million and one new app ideas, or you’re flailing and wondering what on earth you’re going to do with the rest of your life (or at least the next few years), this fest has got you covered. Find your passion or not, you're pretty much guaranteed to leave more inspired than you arrived. Register for workshops and other good stuff here.
To celebrate its 10th birthday, the Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Festival will be bringing together dozens of wineries and brewers for their biggest-ever event. Kicking off at 11am on Saturday, June 18, more than 50 wineries, 10 craft brewers and other local restaurants and musicians will gather to offer a selections of drinks, music and food for the festival. Operating both indoors and outdoors at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, the event will feature some of the valley's most famous wineries and brewers. These include wine selections from iconic wineries like Scarborough and Macquariedale Organic Wines, as well as beer and cider courtesy of Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley, Iron Bark Hill Brewhouse, and more. Tickets are $15 if purchased ahead of time and $25 on the day, and children can enter for free with a parent. Tastings are $2 each for 30ml of wine or 100ml of beer or cider. There are also accommodation options at the Crown Plaza itself for an ideal Hunter Valley weekend, as well as shuttles running from two locations in Newtown to bring you to and from the festival if you are enjoying the area for the day.
If you've felt yourself slipping into the lockdown lull — stepping out in socks and sandals a bit more or settling on toast for dinner — you can now pretend you're the socialite you were pre-lockdown with this living room high tea. Sheraton Grand is looking to bring some decadence into your home with three elegant gourmet boxes full of tasty sweet and savoury snacks. Choose between the high tea, indulgence or cheese and charcuterie boxes for your at-home celebration with your partner or housemates. Among the featured finger treats in the $69 high tea box for two are tomato mushroom arancini with truffle aioli; Moreton Bay bug quiches; and matcha, mango and yuzu slices. No tea would be complete without scones, so you can expect a mix of tradition and fruit scones in your high tea box, complete with clotted cream and jam. If you don't have as much of a sweet tooth, you can order the $79 cheese and charcuterie box which features an assortment of cured meats, cheese, pickles, dried fruit and dips. Or if you're looking to treat your whole share house, the $125 indulgence box will satisfy up to four people with its mix of cheeses, meats, veggies and sweets. Orders can be collected or delivered between 11am–3pm Friday–Sunday from Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park. Delivery is organised through Uber's Package Delivery via the Uber app. To ensure your order is ready that weekend, make sure you order before 5pm on Wednesday.
Sit down to dinner at Arthur when it opens in Surry Hills later this month and you'll have some idea of how chef-owner Tristan Rosier best remembers his grandfather. The original Arthur, with his love of getting friends and family together over food, was the main inspiration behind Rosier and partner Rebecca Fanning's 35-seat Bourke Street restaurant, which is slated to open its doors on Wednesday, October 24. It marks the first solo venture for the chef (ex-Farmhouse and Dead Ringer), whose focus here is on using interesting, seasonal ingredients in unexpected ways, through dishes as elegant as they are exciting. As much as possible will be done in house from scratch, from the breads and preserves, to a raft of pickled things. Food at Arthur is enjoyed as part of a $70 a head shared feast of around 11 set dishes — a move Rosier says is designed to allow punters space to really enjoy that good eating and company, rather than worrying about the whole decision-making and ordering affair. The menu will be an oft-changing one, though there'll always be at least one raw dish making an appearance and two desserts sweetening the finish. While the starting lineup's being kept under wraps, you can expect plates like crumbed baby globe artichokes, roasted pork neck served alongside crackling and kohlrabi, and carrots elevated with mandarin and horseradish. And for dessert: a chocolate and mascarpone cake served with fresh cherries. As for the wine offering, expect an Australian-heavy selection that trips across the country, showcasing "easy-to-drink wines with brightness, balance and crunch". You'll find Arthur at 544 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, from Wednesday, October 24. It'll be open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday and lunch on weekends. Images: Damian Flanagan
Sydneysiders have always liked cheese, but in recent years things have gotten serious. Dedicated fromageries have popped up across our fair city and recently we've enjoyed events featuring gin and cheese, wine and cheese and even vegan cheese. Our stomachs are working overtime to digest all the lactose — and, honestly, we've never been happier. And the love affair continues with this latest cheesy announcement. France (or more specifically, a Parisian centre for cheese, which is a real thing) is bringing Bon Fromage, a free two-day festival celebrating European cheese, to Sydney. The whole thing will happen at Carriageworks on October 14 and 15. First and foremost is cheese — the venue will be transformed into a cheese marketplace and wine bar from 11am till 6pm each day. Organisers will be bringing in half a tonne of cheese for the festival, and it will all be free of charge. Just to recap: free entry and free cheese. But the cheese festival isn't just about eating so much cheese you puke. Masterclasses will be held on how to match cheese with wine, how to tell the difference between varieties and, we assume, the correct way to draw a cheese fondue bath for yourself. There will also be a collection of stalls selling cheese for you to take home and eat later. The festival is supported by the European Union, presumably to get Australians on board with the European cheese industry. To us, this seems like a bit of a misfire because we're evidently already very invested in cheese, from Europe or elsewhere. But whatever — we'll be there regardless.
If you've never attended a big community Syrian barbecue, Almond Bar is giving you the chance to get in on one. Head down to the laneway behind the Darlinghurst restaurant on Sunday, May 20, and you can load up your plate with Syrian-style lamb skewers and pumpkin kibbeh, and enjoy the accompanying music and dancing. All for $20. This successful event has been a staple in Darlinghurst for the last four years. The scent of grilling meats sends a siren call throughout the area, bringing people together to celebrate cultural diversity and togetherness. Syrians love a feast, and they love a party — their cooking traditions are among the oldest in the world and the government itself produces two varieties of beer, Al-Shark Beer and Barada Beer. There's no need to book, but seating is limited, so get there early. Image: Natalie Carroll.
While many deem February 14 a day of corporate conspiracy, grossly over-the-top displays of affection and just all-round evil, there are still some of us out there who look forward to this, the international day of lurrrve. But there are some ways to kick it a little cooler this Valentine's Day — we're talking a little more culture, a lot less PDA. So ditch the overpriced candy and heart-cradling teddy bears, or the multiple episodes of Girls and several glasses of wine alone in bed (wait, is that just me?). Whether you've met the love of your life or not, whether you're on a date or with friends, get out there and enjoy all that Sydney has on offer this Valentine's Day. For couples Stargazing at Sydney Observatory They say the stars align when you're in love. Well now you can test out the theory — with the Valentine's Day Stellar Indulgence Sessions at Sydney Observatory. The Lunar session will see couples enjoying a glass of sparkling, live music and themed cupcakes, before checking out the almost-full Moon and planets through professional Observatory telescopes. Alternatively, the Jupiter session offers a sunset experience in the stunning Observatory marquee — with all the sparkling and music, as well as Jupiter-inspired hors d’oeuvres, before a viewing of Jupiter. In the case of wet weather, guests will be treated to a cosy planetarium session and stellar lunar projections. Lunar Lovers Session (9.30–11pm) & Jupiter Delight Session (7–8.30pm): February 14; Sydney Observatory, Watson Road, The Rocks; Adults $44.50, Powerhouse Members $38.50. Bookings essential. Snow date at In2Ski Sydney has pretty much got everything you could ever want, all year round. But the one thing we know we’ll never have is snow. The answer? In2Ski — Sydney's first and only indoor snow sports centre, now open in Alexandria. Bringing snow to the city, this state-of-the-art centre allows visitors to sharpen their ski and snowboard skillz, on what are effectively three very large, snow treadmills. In what is guaranteed to be a unique Valentine’s Day date, this one is for the thrill-seeking romantics. Oh, and the snow conditions for February 14? Perfect. Open from 11am-9pm on Friday, February 14; $75 for 1 hour group session, $265 for 1 hour private session (up to 4 people); 160 Bourke Road, Alexandria. Arabian Nights at Zeta Bar Fancy yourself a bit of Aladdin and Jasmine action this Valentine's Day? Zeta Bar at Sydney's Hilton has got you covered. Launching its new 'Arabian Nights' concept on February 14, Zeta is set to transform into an exotic palace, offering an experience both luxurious and flavoursome. Gorge the senses with an array of Arabian-inspired cocktails, a spice market bar and hookah pipes aplenty (just ask the sheesha sommelier about your smoking options). There's a loved-up couples package on offer for the evening (get four cocktails, along with a middle eastern tasting plate for $150), as well as singles deals for those boldly living up their singledom. Every Friday from February 14 to March 21 at 6pm; Zeta Bar, 4/488 George Street, Sydney. For Singles Craft Singles at Work-Shop Looking like you’ll be riding solo this Valentine’s Day? Work-Shop is a centre aimed at broadening your creativity and potential. And Craft Singles is by far some of their best work. Exactly 14 boys and 14 girls will attend, with seven crafty challenges set throughout the night, ranging from mixtape felt badges to heart-shaped garlands. Pair up, get crafty and when the bell rings move on to the next challenge, and the next equally eligible bachelor/ette. The night’s end brings a vote, and the private unveiling of your matches. Speed dating with a seriously cool twist, this is an opportunity to get creative, flirt outrageously, and enjoy the fact that you are single and mingling. February 14 at 8pm; tickets $60; register at learn@work-shop.com.au. For everyone Queer ACT/IONS With Valentine’s Day on the approach, it is important to remember that all love is the same. And with this comes QUEER ACT/IONS, presented by The Q, MKA: Theatre of New Writing and PACT Theatre. In association with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival, QUEER ACT/IONS is a guaranteed celebration of love and the arts. First off: A Boy & A Bean, written and performed by Nick Atkins (February 12-15). Atkins dives into the very vital debate of marriage equality in an honest and tender performance that sees a boy called Jack stray between love, legislation and folklore. Unsex Me — a performance of whispered confessions and hilarious self-mockery from Mark Wilson — will then run from February 19-22. Tickets to A BOY & A BEAN and UNSEX ME are on sale now; PACT Theatre: 107 Railway Parade, Erskineville. Breakfast at Tiffany's at Moonlight Cinema It wouldn't be Sydney in summer without a plethora of open-air cinemas. And Moonlight Cinema in particular has become a cultural mainstay, offering a range of films in the idyllic ambience of Centennial Park. And what movie is more classically romantic than Breakfast at Tiffany's? From the award-winning novel by Truman Capote comes the story of a frivolous young socialite living in 1960s New York. Audrey Hepburn shines as Holly Golightly (no matter how many times you've seen it) and whether you're with your very own Paul Varjak, or a group of lonely, cynical girlfriends, this delightful cult classic will have everyone feeling unavoidably loveable. Darrrling. Breakfast at Tiffany's: Friday February 14; Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park (on the corner of Loch Avenue and Broome Avenue) Paddington. Cinema gates and box office open at 7pm and screenings start at sundown. The Notebook also shows on Thursday 13. Tix on sale now. Kite String Tangle at Oxford Art Factory Looking for a slightly more chilled way to impress someone on February 14? The Kite String Tangle is the project of Brisbane-bred alternative electronic artist and producer Danny Harley. After being unearthed by Triple J last year and generating some serious buzz at Falls Festival, he is continuing strong into 2014 with a national tour scheduled for February. Inspired by the dreamy and atmospheric soundscapes of artists like Active Child, The Kite String Tangle offers a combination of ethereal pop and ambient electronica that's sure to have you, and that special someone, in a Valentine's Day trance. Oxford Art Factory; Wednesday February 12 and Friday, February 14 at 8pm; 38-46 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst; Tix $20.
Think fairytales are just for children? Think again. Most romance movies mightn't actually focus on a handsome prince or a downtrodden young woman with an evil stepmother, but they still take adult viewers into the realm of pure fantasy. In fact, in charting the blossoming bond between a rich former adrenaline junkie and a small town gal, Me Before You sticks closer to the storybook formula than most. Pumpkins don't turn into carriages here, but if they did, it wouldn't feel out of place. Louisa Clark (Emilia Clarke) is spirited away, metaphorically speaking, when she starts working as a carer for the wealthy Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), who was injured in a traffic accident two years prior and isn't coping with his quadriplegic state. A clash of classes and temperaments ensues, with the solemn Will happy to hide out in his parent's castle, and the cheerful Louisa sticking around purely to help support her family. It's only when he starts to open up, and she discovers just how miserable he is, that the pair start to form a connection. Whether you've already read Jojo Moyes' best-selling novel, or are coming into the story with no prior knowledge, where the film adaptation is headed is obvious from the get go. As scripted by the author herself and directed by first-time filmmaker Thea Sharrock, the big-screen version is as predictable as it sounds — with one complications. Here, it's not just Will's physical condition that adds difficulties, but his desire to end his own life. Unfortunately, combining fairy tale wish fulfilment with such a serious subject proves more than a little unsettling, and isn't helped by the movie's determination to approach everything in as simplistic a manner as possible. With the visuals given a soft, warm glow and the soundtrack littered with Ed Sheeran and Imagine Dragons, Me Before You takes the safe, easy option whenever it can. Touching upon a weighty issue might be designed to add a dose of reality to the otherwise fanciful narrative, but in practice it never feels like anything more than an excuse to ramp up the melodrama. That leaves the likeable Clarke and the less convincing Clafin with a tricky task, and one that they can't quite achieve. Though they boast enough chemistry as a couple, and the bubbly Clarke remains a delight to watch, their characters are about as believable as Cinderella and Prince Charming. In support, it's actually Janet McTeer and Charles Dance as Will's parents that fare best, and bring some much-needed nuance to the drama. Thanks to the latter's involvement, the highlight of the film is seeing Clarke share a few scenes with her former Game of Thrones co-star — which says a lot about the sub par tear-jerker in which they find themselves.
Acclaimed London and Miami bar Sexy Fish is sparing no expense in launching its new cocktail menu. The renowned international venue is taking to six continents (sorry Antarctica) to unveil its latest creations, enlisting the help of four host bars across the globe to join in. Luckily for us, one of those bars is right here in Sydney, with South Eveleigh's Re- the representative from Australia. The menu launch will take place on Monday, March 6, with Sexy Fish's two venues premiering the boundary-pushing displays of mixology alongside Cape Town's Cause Effect, EL BARON in Cartagena, Zest in Seoul, and Re-. Arriving from Matt Whiley and Maurice Terzini in 2021 with a focus on sustainability and an exciting drinks list, Re- will showcase 20 cocktail creations, including 16 alcoholic combos and four non-alcoholic variations. "Re- is thrilled to have been chosen as the Australian counterpart for the launch of Sexy Fish's new cocktail menu, Trinity," says Whiley. "We've loved working with Sexy Fish to create their Trinity menu Down Under, ensuring our sharp focus on local ingredients and sustainability continue to lead the way with drinks, preferencing innovation and taste while minimising waste." Highlights from the menu include a coconut and lemongrass cocktail featuring Absolut Elyx vodka and sake; a playful creation made with marshmallow-infused gin and fortified wines; and the Coffee and Toast, which combines brown butter-infused mezcal, coffee, caramel, Campari and manzanilla. "This is such an exciting project and the first time we have launched a brand-new menu across six continents on the same day with our full Sexy Fish menu and original glassware," Director of Bars at Caprice Holdings Xavier Landais said. "Incredibly, guests visiting our host bars will be able to enjoy the full Sexy Fish experience for one night only, whether they are in Australia, Colombia, South Africa or South Korea." Re- will open especially for this world-spanning cocktail showcase on the Monday, with no bookings available — walk-ins only. If you want to taste what Sexy Fish has been whipping up, just venture down to South Eveleigh early and nab a spot at the bar. You can try the new cocktail menu from Maimi and London's Sexy Fish at Re- for one night only on Monday, March 6.
With Australia implementing new COVID-19-inspired restrictions almost every day at present — including limits on mass gatherings, as well as the amount of people in indoor spaces — the country's cafes, restaurants, bars and other venues have been suffering a sharp downturn in customers. Many are introducing takeaway options, or encouraging patrons to buy vouchers to use when the current situation is over. And, in Surry Hills, a heap of businesses are banding together to offer new neighbourhood passes. Paramount House Hotel has teamed up with a number of local hospitality spots to sell two types of curated vouchers, which enable folks to work their way around the neighbourhood. Think of them as a best-of package of Surry Hills eating, dining, and culture experiences, so you can grab a few bites to eat, knock back a couple of drinks, see a movie and even enjoy a night's staycation — all by hopping between the area's venues. [caption id="attachment_748503" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] The standard pass starts with chilli coriander ramen at Chaco Bar; fermented potato bread with kefir, dashi jelly and roe at Ester; and a hopper plate with dahl, sambal and herb salad at Lankan Filling Station. It also includes a shawarma or falafel pita with a pomegranate soda at Shwarmama, two glasses of wine — of the sommelier's choice — at Poly, and two classic margaritas at Tio's. And, it'll let you pick up a 250-gram bag of coffee at Reuben Hills, tuck into a breakfast dish with a coffee at Paramount Coffee Project and nab 20-percent off your final bill at Nomad, as well scoring a movie ticket and some popcorn at Golden Age Cinema and Bar. You can work your way through each of the above deals at your own pace — or make a huge day of it and do it all at once — with the neighbourhood pass costing $150. Fancy bunkering down overnight while you eat and drink your way across Surry Hills? You can also purchase a $300 overnight pass, which includes everything already listed as well as one night's accommodation in an Everyday Room at Paramount House Hotel. Both kinds of passes are available to purchase online — and can be used now, saved for later, or given as a gift. Even if you're not fond of venturing far from home at the moment, understandably, buying one to use down the track means that you're helping support these businesses. Plus, it gives you something to look forward to when you can next leave the house. Surry Hills neighbourhood and overnight passes are available to buy online — visit www.stilllocalstillopen.com to make a purchase or for further details. If you're choosing to go out and support local businesses, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health.
At Sydney's Don't Tell Aunty and Melbourne's Daughter in Law, chef Jessi Singh serves up Indian cuisine his way. He isn't flouting tradition; rather, he doesn't think there's any such thing as 'authentic' Indian food. "There are no recipes, and everything is passed on through the generations in the kitchen verbally," he explains about his rule-breaking dishes — which'll also be available in Byron Bay in mid-June. Singh is expanding the Daughter in Law brand to the beachside town, with the new 65-seat eatery setting up shop on Fletcher Street. Both locals and visitors to the scenic spot can expect to tuck into a seafood-heavy menu, which'll also place an emphasis on both vegan and gluten free fare. Ingredients from the Northern Rivers region will feature, too, with Singh calling his dishes "global food with an Indian twist". In Melbourne, the culinary lineup spans Indian fried chicken, tandoori tikka sliders and papadum platters — if you're wondering what kind of meals Singh classes as 'unauthentic'. The food menu will be paired with an extensive wine list curated by sommelier Bhatia Dheeraj, self-serve fridges full of beer and cider, and a range of cocktails. Sip the Indian spiced sangria, and you'll be tasting red wine, sweet vermouth and orange. Opt for the restaurant's namesake tipple, and you'll be enjoying Brookie's gin, a tandoori-fired pineapple and cardamom lime. Vibe-wise, the new Daughter in Law will take its cues from its location — think playful, vibrant and also relaxed. Patrons will get comfortable on green and blue velvet seating, drink from handmade glasses covered in rainbow peacocks, and sit amidst gold flourishes and under a pink neon sign. Scenes from Bollywood films will brighten up the walls, while DJs will spin 80s and 90s tracks daily. Daughter in Law's Byron Bay restaurant will mark the chain's third, after setting up shop in Adelaide earlier in 2021. Before launching Don't Tell Aunty in Sydney in 2018 — and going on to start its growing no-frills Australian-Indian bar and grill sibling — Singh spent a lengthy stint in the US running his two Babu Ji outposts. Daughter in Law will open at 22 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay, in mid-June — trading from 5pm–late seven days a week.
Bangarra Dance Theatre is returning to the stage with a striking new work — Sandsong: Stories from the Great Sandy Desert — this winter. It's the company's first new production at Sydney Opera House since COVID-19 closures, so it comes with much anticipation. Set in Walmajarri Country, which spans the Great Sandy Desert and Kimberley regions of Western Australia, this powerful performance explores the displacement and survival of First Nations people in this part of Australia, particularly between the 1920–1960s. Artistic Director Stephen Page and Associate Artistic Director Frances Rings have choreographed this breathtaking new work in consultation with Wangkajunga and Walmajarri Elders, reaffirming Bangarra's place as the leading performing arts company for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You can catch Sandsong: Stories from the Great Sandy Desert at the Sydney Opera House from Friday, June 11 to Saturday, July 10. For performance times and to grab tickets to this must-see new work, head here. Images: Daniel Boud
When the Biennale of Sydney announced they would be transporting Tokyo’s SuperDeluxe to Artspace in Wooloomooloo, we weren’t sure exactly what they meant — but when we finally saw the program, we squealed like Japanese schoolgirls. There’s UJINO’s noise sculpture, Toydeath’s toy torture, the tangled sounds of Hair Stylistics and the street fight dance of contact GONZO. There’s some of Japan’s best new sound and performance acts alongside locals like Wade Marynowsky, Rosie Dennis, Alex White and Gail Priest. There’s even butoh, for chrissakes! It’s all very exciting, and free, people — but you must get booking. The original Superdeluxe basement bar around the corner from Mori Gallery (founded by the Biennale director David Elliott) in Tokyo was set up by a bunch of architects and designers as a space for them hold gigs, exhibitions, performances, forums, screenings, etc — and to brew their own beer. It blew up big time, with stuff now on virtually every night of the year, and one of the most popular events has been the Pecha Kucha talks series, which has spread its “20 slides for 20 seconds each” model around the world and will also be a part of the program here. The other super thing that will be bringing people together at Artspace for the Biennale is a fine film program on Sunday afternoons from 3 to 5pm. The gallery and cafe are open from 11am to 5pm, and the nighttime performances, events and bar kick off at 7.30pm and go until midnight. Let’s move to Woolloomooloo. Image: Ujino, The Ballad of Backyard, 2008, Wood Furniture, Household Electrical Appliance and Mixed Media, photo by Koo.
The Blacktown Markets are a second-hand shoppers haven, running every Sunday from 7am out of the Skyline Drive-In — the last surviving drive-in in the Greater Sydney Area. You'll be waking up at dawn to get the best picks at this market, which focuses on vintage and collectibles and acts as the largest continuous garage sale in Sydney. Apart from your usual market bric-a-brac, the Blacktown Markets include specialty items such as model cars, Greek Orthodox gifts, boutique key cutters and fishing gear. It's a truly eclectic mix of items that you almost have to see the expanse of to believe. We could easily spend hours wandering around and still not have seen all of the unusual items for sale. On the food side, think homemade dim sum, Dutch poffertjes (mini pancakes), souvlaki and authentic Maori delicacies, along with your usual fresh produce and baked goods. Though the market is difficult to get to without a car, it is worth hiring a GoGet for.
Most of us have our go-to eateries in and around Chinatown, whether it's Mamak for fresh roti or the Chinese Noodle House for affordable yet fresh house-made dumplings. But among the area's secretive laneways and bustling squares, there are so many more culinary surprises awaiting you. And the City of Sydney is encouraging you to make some discoveries this Good Food Month, with an event series dubbed Asia on Your Doorstep. To sample a generous selection of Chinatown's tastiest food while getting to know local chefs, get on board a food tour. On Wednesdays from 8pm, the two-hour Night Thaim Street Food Tour will show you the best in Thai cooking; on Thursdays from 6.30pm, the Chinatown Evening Tasting Tour will introduce you to a diverse range of cafes, restaurants and shops; and on Fridays, from 5.30pm, the Food Court Crawl will help you navigate your way around Chinatown's chaotic food courts. Also happening on Fridays are the Little Eat Street Night Markets, which transform Haymarket's Dixon and Little Hay Streets into a lantern-festooned foodies' wonderland, offering food from all over Asia — from the steaming pho of Vietnam to Japan's tepanyaki to Chinese yum cha. Then there are the meal specials at this list of eateries. Readers on a shoestring budget might start with these ten.
Movie lovers of Sydney, get excited: you can spend the last two days of June catching up on your must-see list on the big screen for cheap. Across Saturday, June 29–Sunday, June 30, Palace Cinemas is giving film fans a present. It's not just the gift of great flicks — that is, its daily bread and butter — but the gift of discounted great flicks. Head to one of the chain's locations across the weekend in question, and any movie at any time will only cost you $8. Want to check out George Miller's Anya Taylor-Joy- and Chris Hemsworth-starring Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, horror prequel A Quiet Place: Day One, Pixar sequel Inside Out 2 or the Mads Mikkelsen-led The Promised Land? They're just some of your choices. Booking in advance is highly recommended, given how much everyone loves going to the flicks for little more than the price of movie snacks. If you do nab your tickets online, you will have to add a transaction fee to the cost. The deal is running at all standard Palace locations nationwide, but there are a few caveats. You can't redeem the cheap price for film festivals, for instance, or for platinum screenings, special events and alternate content. You also can't bundle the $8 seats with other offers, such as two-for-one tickets.
Lights, art, music, performances, talks — throw them all together over a hectic three-week period, and boom, Vivid is back once again. It's the luminous festival that's become as much of a Sydney mainstay as the city's bricks-and-mortar landmarks. And if you haven't seen the Harbour Bridge or Opera House lit up during the annual fest, then, really, what have you been doing? With a massive event comes masses of folks all clamouring to bask in Vivid's glow, especially when it comes to the festival's dazzling centrepieces: the light installations. A huge 74 of them will brighten up every nook and cranny between Friday, May 24 and Saturday, June 15, and a much, much larger number of folks will come rushing along. We know you'll be one of them — but, with the help of our friends at the Sydney Harbour Bridge, we've rounded up some crowd-busting tips for viewing some of Vivid's best installations this year. [caption id="attachment_719031" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Toer render.[/caption] FIREFLY FIELD — ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN It's safe to say that Sydneysiders will be swarming to one of Vivid's big 2019 highlights: Firefly Field by Dutch artists Toer. The concept is both simple and awe-inspiring; the duo will turn the Royal Botanic Garden into a bioluminescent playground, simulating the radiant creatures that give the artwork its name. In total, there'll be 500 flying light points flashing and blinking each and every night. With tiny LEDs placed in transparent capsules and mounted on near-invisible steel rods, you really will feel like you're walking through a sea of glowing lightning bugs. Expect this to be busy from open till close across Vivid's 23 days; however, if you arrive right when the lights are turned on at 6pm daily, you'll have ample time to soak in the glittering splendour before the crowds rush in. [caption id="attachment_719030" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Thomas Huang and Bemo render.[/caption] AUSTRAL FLORAL BALLET – SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE Vivid's biggest canvas will light up once again, and this year Los Angeles-based Andrew Thomas Huang is doing the honours. Even if you don't know his name, you may know his vibrant work from music videos for Björk, Sigur Rós and Thom Yorke. And you can expect his large-scale Sydney Opera House piece, Austral Flora Ballet, to be just as mesmerising. Made in collaboration with choreographer Toogie Barcelo, dancer Genna Moroni and animators at Bemo, the projection takes inspiration from Australian plant life (especially, species of significance to Indigenous people). If past Vivids have proven anything, every space around the harbour will be jam-packed after 6pm hits, with everyone scrambling to see the fest's centrepiece. Of course, the great thing about an installation this immense is that you can spy it from anywhere with a view of the Opera House. THE VIVID CLIMB — BRIDGECLIMB SYDNEY Much of Vivid involves staring at Sydney's structures and marvelling not only at the lights projected across them but at the buildings themselves. And while that's as ace as it sounds, clambering up the Sydney Harbour Bridge while it's in full dazzling mode, then dancing on top of the towering landmark, is something extra special. That's what's on the agenda at BridgeClimb's The Vivid Climb, which returns nightly for a three-and-a-half hour experience that you won't forget in a hurry. First, you'll strap on a flashing vest, adding your own shining contribution to Vivid's luminous feast. Then, you'll scale one of the most famous bridges in the world. Finally, you'll make shapes on the illuminated dance floor at the summit, peer out over a city filled with sparkling lights and enjoy 360-degree views. It'll cost you $268, and the fact that only 14 people per group will make the climb is an enormous bonus — there are no crowds here. [caption id="attachment_719033" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ample Projects render.[/caption] LIGHTS FOR THE WILD — TARONGA ZOO Sydney's huge annual festival teams up with one of the city's most popular spots with Lights for the Wild. That description fits much of the event's lineup, but who doesn't want to roam through a lit-up Taronga Zoo by night? A different type of animal is the star attraction, with the installation adding giant multimedia light sculptures to the zoo's communal spaces — including a glowing sumatran tiger with cubs, a multi-coloured marine turtle, plenty of glittering bees and an illuminated gorilla family. You'll also enjoy a 270-degree cinema experience and learn about Taronga's wildlife conservation efforts, so this just might be the part of Vivid with the biggest heart. Lights for the Wild runs from Wednesday to Sunday during the festival, with sessions at 5.30pm and 7.30pm, and tickets costing $26.95. If you're eager for as much space to yourself as possible, head along to the later timeslot on Wednesday or Thursday, when there's likely to be fewer tiny feet. [caption id="attachment_719032" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pixar/Disney render.[/caption] PIXAR: 30 YEARS OF ART AND ANIMATION — THE ROCKS Time flies when you're watching fantastic animated films. Pixar has been the source of that joy for decades, so the studio is rightfully celebrating with a specially designed Vivid installation, bringing its movies to life by beaming them onto the façade of the Argyle Cut at The Rocks. If you've ever wanted to feel like you're swimming with Nemo or falling with style alongside Buzz and Woody, this is your chance thanks to the festival's projections. You'll also get a glimpse at the creative process behind the studio's hit films, via pencil drawings, acrylic paintings, watercolours, digital paintings and final film frames. Our tip for beating the family crowds: make the visit during the last hour each night; lights go out at 11pm daily. Tee up the best Vivid view in the city, and enter our competition to win a Vivid Bridge Climb session for you and a mate here.
Storytelling is as old as time. It's how we share experiences, knowledge and memories. At its crux though, storytelling celebrates the diversity and universality of our experiences. Keeping the flame alive, non-profit organisation The Moth is dedicated to sharing personal stories and celebrating the art of telling them. The New York-based initiative hosts over 500 live open-mic events across the globe each year, with people — from notable literary and cultural personalities to your average Joe — getting up on stage to tell their stories. On Wednesday, June 26, Sydney will be hearing some of the best stories of the city — from the most gripping to the ridiculous and the side-splitting — at The Moth GrandSLAM Championship. Ten champions, who have taken home the prize at open-mic storytelling competitions (StorySLAMS) around Sydney, will tell brand new, five-minute tales. Brandishing their weapons of word and wit at community-focused StorySLAMs, the champs will compete for the top gong at The Metro Theatre. You'll hear ten stories that are both tightly crafted and masterfully told. Come hear stories that inspire, provoke, sadden and enlighten, told by some of Sydney's best. The Moth GrandSLAM Championship will take place at The Metro Theatre. Doors open at 7pm, with stories beginning at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.
Not only is yoga everywhere right now, so is that most stylish of yogi clothiers, lululemon athletica. Now the group who taught us that sports gear could also be fashionable is getting us psyched for the relaunch of their freshly renovated and revamped Bondi Junction store with a weekend of celebrations and festivities dubbed Shift Your Perspective. In the spirit of healthy living, the weekend will be kicked off at 5.30-6.15am on Saturday, June 1, at Icebergs for the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, accompanied by the spine-tingling sounds of a local opera singer. Upon arrival at Bronte, revellers will keep the blood flowing and the heart pumping with some Chai tea and a 45-minute yoga session timed to coincide with the sunrise. The whole event is complimentary and includes a healthy serving of live music and eatable freebies, so there's no excuse for not donning your favourite yoga pants and getting involved. Of course, if early mornings aren't exactly your bag, head into Bondi's new Lululemon Athletica when it opens its doors on Friday, May 31, or check in on Saturday, June 1, when you can say g'day to the awesome Kid Kenobi as he performs in-store. Visit the new lululemon athletica at L04, Shop 4015, Westfield Shopping Centre, 500 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction.
You answer a knock at the door, thinking you’ll find a familiar face only to be met with an impromptu party. Sure, that doesn’t sound too bad — but when your expected visitor is a teenager you met in a train station the day before, arriving with his hustler friends in tow, it doesn’t sound too good, either. This is where mild-mannered, middle-aged Daniel (Olivier Rabourdin) finds himself in Eastern Boys — and where cinema finds one of its most striking scenes in years. Shy-looking Ukrainian immigrant Marek (Kirill Emelyanov) arrives at Daniel’s apartment after accepting money for sex, his pals barging in, stealing stuff and trashing the place. Unravelling against an electronic soundtrack, it’s a sight that’s both unsettling and unforgettable. The movie takes its time in showing every detail of the home invasion, not only forcing Daniel to linger, but making the audience do the same. Prepare to feel stunned and awkward. Prepare to keep watching, too, and not just taking in the visuals and following the storyline. Eastern Boys is a film of observation, making you look close and then closer, and then even closer again. You’d best be scrutinising everything you can see, from the long shots of Paris's crowded Gare du Nord and the dialogue-free glances that fill the feature’s first frames. The movie demands that you gaze from afar while trying to delve beneath the surface, which is also what it offers in its complicated character studies. Never going where anyone might predict, this isn’t a tale about trouble and revenge, but a film that’s part love story, part thriller — and neither of those sticks with convention or worries about leaps in logic. Chapters signal shifts in the story, involving Daniel, Marek and Boss (Daniil Vorobyov), the volatile but charming Russian leader of the pack, as well. Power, survival, identity, affection and belonging are all wrapped up in a movie equally personal and topical. It manages to combine the attempts of men trying to carve out a different life however they can with a broader contemplation of class and immigration, and it does so with moments of horror, hope and heartbreak. Anyone familiar with French TV series The Returned will know the kind of style writer/director/editor Robin Campillo’s favours in only his second effort as a filmmaker: slow-moving, atmospheric, precise and always showing rather than telling. Here, it’s an ideal fit for a narrative that doesn’t try to justify what is going on but instead wants viewers to witness the actions, reactions, interactions and transactions that make up its reality and draw their own conclusions. Kudos also must go to his excellent cast for their naturalistic performances, specifically veteran Rabourdin and relative newcomers Emelyanov and Vorobyov. Making a movie feel intense, involving and intimate at the same time isn’t easy, but they ensure we’re always watching. Not that you have a choice — with a tale this simultaneously tense and tender, just try to look away.
Following up on its sold-out 2021 debut, Naturellement is ready for a comeback, taking over Galleria Ettalong Beach for two incredible days of top-notch drinking and dining. Guided by renowned drinks guru and P&V Merchants' owner Mike Bennie and Kristy Austin, the founder of creative experience agency We Are Neighbourgood, expect 120 artisan beverages alongside inventive cuisine and chef-led masterclasses. Running from Saturday, May 17–Sunday, May 18, Naturellement's lineup brings together some of the most exciting artisan, natural, organic and small-batch drinks producers from every corner of NSW. Plus, there's a huge range of local food purveyors getting involved too, with 30 operators hand-picked from the Central Coast and beyond. Think SABI-WABI, Majama Wines, Harkham, Ten Minutes by Tractor, Jilly Wine Co, Meredith by Mem and many more. As for the culinary program, it's just as epicurean. Acclaimed chefs and sustainability advocates like Alanna Sapwell-Stone (The Eltham Hotel) and Matt Stone (Ciao Mate, You Beauty) will showcase their cooking skills and impart their seemingly endless knowledge to the crowd. Meanwhile, Jake Kellie (Arkhe, Singapore's Burnt Ends) has made the trip up from Adelaide to show why he's considered the master of the flame. Ettalong Beach's historic Galleria makes for the perfect event space with its labyrinth of piazzas, laneways and eateries, decked out with decorative arches and marble statues. As you wine, dine and listen alongside some of the best in the business, DJs and live music will amp up the atmosphere and ensure the community vibes soar off the charts.
When Dr Jane Goodall volunteered to live among chimpanzees in Tanzania's Gombe Stream National Park, newspaper headlines were dismissive. Nearly 60 years later, the pioneering primatologist is world-renowned for her groundbreaking research — highlighting how closely connected humans are to our closest living relatives. Having dedicated the past six decades to her ongoing study, animal welfare in general and conservation, Goodall has lived a vastly fascinating life, which she'll be chatting about when she comes to Australia in May 2019. Goodall will appear at Jane Goodall: Rewind The Future event, which heads to the Sydney ICC on Thursday, May 8 and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, May 11. The session will feature a 40-minute lecture by Goodall about her work, followed by a conversation between Goodall and a host for the same duration. Topics certain to get a mention include just how revolutionary her findings were at the time — and the impact they still have now — as well as her connection with the resident primates of Gombe. You can also expect Goodall to discuss her subsequent efforts to fight against threats to African chimpanzee populations, such as deforestation, illegal trade and unethical mining operations. Indeed, wildlife and environmental conservation is the main aim of the Jane Goodall Institute, which she founded in 1977. The Jane Goodall Institute Australia and Think Inc. are behind her 2019 Aussie trip. Catch Jane Goodall: Rewind The Future at the Sydney ICC on Thursday, May 8 and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, May 11, with tickets on sale now.
There are so many things to love about summer. Warm weather, being able to comfortably cruise around with your windows down and — most importantly for us — a few hours of sunshine after work courtesy of daylight savings. There's nothing quite like soaking up the afternoon sun, realising it's already 8pm and then deciding you may as well kick on well into the night. And after being cooped up inside all winter, we're gearing up for a sun-soaked summer like no other. Luckily, there's a gin seltzer that's going to take your balmy days and nights to new heights this year. Meet Sunny Eddy — Australia's first gin seltzer. Hailing from the northern beaches of Sydney, this new drink comes in three flavours — a cool lime and cucumber; crisp pink apple; and zesty blood orange and grapefruit. So, to ensure your summer is a slam dunk this year, we recommend working your way through this list of quintessential summer activities — with a refreshing Sunny Eddy in hand, of course. [caption id="attachment_805728" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shelly Beach by Stef2230 via Flickr[/caption] GET POOLSIDE Whether it's in-ground, in the ocean or inflatable, getting yourself poolside is essential in summer. Thankfully, there's no shortage of superb swimming spots in Sydney and surrounds. If you've never been to the Cronulla's stunning Shelly Beach Rock Pool, add it to your summer 2021 bucket list. Not only is it an incredible place to swim, it's also located next to sprawling lawns that are ideal for that post-swim sunset picnic with friends. If you're after something even more secluded, head to the rugged North Curl Curl rockpool on the Northern Beaches or Nuns Pool in Wollongong. Or, if you want to submerge in a natural plunge pool and relax under rocky clifftops until the sun goes down, try Ivor Rowe rockpool in South Coogee. HOST A BEACHSIDE BARBECUE Getting behind the grill is somewhat synonymous with summer. So, why not level up your summer soiree by taking your backyard barbecue beachside this year? Luckily, there are plenty of beachside locations that are equipped with facilities to bring your outdoor cook up to life including The Basin in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there, take the ferry from the Palm Beach wharf. Then, spend the day relaxing on the beach, snorkelling or take it one step further and stay the night at the campgrounds located just around the corner. Cromwell Park in Malabar and Arthur Byrne Reserve in Maroubra are both ideal for day-trippers who want to avoid crowds that beachside barbecue facilities often have. Or, if you want calm waters, sprawling parkland and incredible hikes at your fingertips, take your barbecue and some Sunny Eddy seltzer supplies to the Bonnie Vale picnic area in Bundeena. [caption id="attachment_664635" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Stand-up paddleboarding in Manly.[/caption] HANG OUT IN OUR WATERWAYS Sydney is surrounded by sparkling waterways. And, not only do they provide a stunning backdrop to our lives, there are also plenty of different ways to enjoy them all summer long. Feel like doing something active? Try kayaking in Pittwater Estuary, stand-up paddleboarding at Balmoral Beach or a conquer some of the 80-kilometre coastal trek that stretches from Bondi to Manly. Want a different type of adventure? Take the half-hour ferry trip from Palm Beach to Ettalong. Or, if you feel like going all out this year, hire out a boat for the ultimate harbourside hang out with your mates. Spirit Fleet Boat Charters offers a "bare boat hire" which allows you to bring your own food and drink on board — ideal if you want to sip on your favourite seltzer at sunset. [caption id="attachment_808627" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Overlooking Little Bay.[/caption] GO COASTAL Sydney is spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. There's the golden sands and pine trees in the north, rugged cliffs and coastal walks in the east and cosy coves hidden in the harbour. To maximise your time in the sun this summer, we recommend ditching your go-to beach destination for the day to explore one of our city's more hidden offerings. Head to Little Bay and Little Conwong Beach — both about 30 minutes south of the CBD — for calm waters and picturesque views. If you don't mind putting in a little more effort to get to your destination, the idyllic Resolute Beach in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park or Burning Palms in the Royal National Park are definitely worth the trek. There's nothing better than feeling like a tourist in your own town to make you fall in love with your home all over again. [caption id="attachment_756337" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Volleyball at Manly Beach.[/caption] BRING ON THE BEACH GAMES Whether you're into soccer, cricket, paddle ball or tennis, all you need is the appropriate ball, an open space and some halftime refreshments to keep you energised. If you're keen to get playing, but want to try something new this summer, order your crew a spike ball kit. It's a bit like volleyball meets handball but most importantly — it's actually fun. For a more low key beach activity where you can keep hold of your seltzer, we can't go past a few rounds of Finska. Or, if some friendly competition is more your thing, check out the volleyball tournaments in Manly or Malabar. Want to win a summer's supply of Sunny Eddy? Enter our competition to do just that here. Learn more about Sunny Eddy by visiting the website here.
In these tumultuous modern times — these times of Pottermore, Fantastic Beasts spinoffs and The Cursed Child — it's comforting to be able to take it back to basics. Basics, here, meaning the score of the Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone film played live by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. That's right — the SSO are taking us back to 2001 when the first of the eight Harry Potter filmscame out. It made us cringe (the acting — so bad but so good), marvel at how not hot Neville Longbottom was (boy, would we learn) and — most importantly — float away on a magical adventure thanks to the incredible score by John Williams. For two nights in April, you'll be able relive the magic all over again when the Sydney Opera House screen the film scored by a real, live orchestra in the Concert Hall. Maybe they'll release live owls! Maybe not because that would be chaos. Maybe they'll release live rats? Actually, absolutely not — we all know rats are secretly fat old criminals hiding from magical law enforcement and waiting for the Dark Lord to rise again (lookin' at you, Pettigrew). As you might imagine, tickets are selling like pumpkin pasties so get in quick or spend eternity griping about it like some Moaning Myrtle-type character.
For one magnificent spring day, Surry Hills will turn itself over to its beloved annual festival this Saturday, September 23. You can expect the usual explosion of creativity and music, with pop-up spaces, laneway experiments and hidden pop-up bars complementing all-day live music and markets in Shannon Reserve and Ward Park. And it's all free, free, free. Heading the music lineup is Sydney's own Thandi Phoenix, alongside local hip hop duo Coda Conduct, folk artist Joe Mungovan and self-described "psychedelic carnie-hop prog-rock band" Ungus Ungus Ungus. When you're not kicking back to the music, you can get active on guided tours of Surry Hills' creative spaces and architecture, along which you'll meet all kinds of local artists and creatives. A brand new art project Double Take will also launch on festival day, which will see artists curate a trail of projections and installations along Devonshire Street. This will run for three weeks, until Sunday, October 15. Plus, there'll be heaps of other things happening to keep you entertained, including roving art performances, projections and plenty of food stalls.
Beloved Paddington Italian restaurant Lucio's has been serving up bowls of handmade pesto pasta and seasonal produce to Sydneysiders since 1981. But, after nearly 40 years of service, Lucio's is shutting up shop this month, with the restaurant's final service scheduled for the end of January. In order to share one of the venue's best-loved elements with the public, and celebrate its history and enduring legacy, Lucio's is hosting an auction in which it will be selling off more than 200 of the artworks that have lined its walls over the years. Art has always been an essential piece of Lucio's puzzle, with the restaurant located in the site of the former Hungry Horse Art Gallery and Restaurant, and Lucio himself saying, "the combination of great food, great service and great art on the walls is, in my view, one of the best dining experiences you can imagine". The auction will take place on Sunday, March 21 at Bonhams Sydney on Woollahra's Queen Street and will be simulcast to the auctioneer's Melbourne location in Armadale. Lucio's is fully booked for every service until its closure. But, if you have a function coming up, private dining packages for large groups are available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday lunch for the remainder of January with a minimum spend of $8000. Alternatively, Lucio's front room wine store and gourmet deli The Thirsty Horse is open for walk-ins Tuesday–Saturday up until the restaurants close. More information on the auction will be posted to Bonhams' website in coming weeks. [caption id="attachment_797084" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lucio at The Thirsty Horse[/caption]
Carnage is originally a play by Yasmina Reza, now adapted to screen by Roman Polanski. The translation from one format to the other creates a stifling atmosphere; the viewer is trapped in the apartment where the entire movie takes place, and although it is only 80 minutes, it is based far more on dialogue than action, which makes it a little stagnant at times. For any other plot, this could be the film's downfall, but for Carnage, it allows for a spectacularly tense degradation of the veneer we create to tell ourselves (and others) that we are living a fulfilling life. The film starts with a long shot of kids playing in the park on a sunny day, a seemingly innocent scene until you realise one of them has a stick in his hand and is wielding it dangerously and then hits another kid in the face with it. Immediately after, we see the attempted reconciliation between the parents of Ethan (the victim) and Zach (the wielder of the stick). Like in the opening scene, it starts innocently enough, with both parties attempting to be courteous and understanding even though they are obviously from different social circles. Penelope (Jodie Foster) and Michael (John C. Reilly) have even bought tulips all the way from The Netherlands for the visit of Nancy (Kate Winslet) and Alan (Christoph Waltz) visit, as if painting a scene of domesticity can create an environment where they can act with graciousness and civility, presenting a united front with their spouse. What follows is a wonderful piece of orchestral music; violins open as the dialogue waltzes and dances in major keys. As time moves on, double basses creep in as a hint of tension becomes perceptible and builds, until the violins take over again and all is smoothed out. Each crescendo becomes louder and more discordant until the truth painfully is revealed: Alan's lack of care for his son, the frustration Nancy feels about his all-encompassing job, Penelope's despair that no-one actually holds any moral values or cares about societies other than their own and her hurt at Michael's lack of support. As they start to drink malt whisky, the men bond over their misogyny and it becomes a gender battle, with quotes from Ivanhoe and cigars to accentuate the point. The movie is beautifully orchestrated and has a wonderful, lilting emotional rhythm but I was left feeling empty after it. If it was because it seemed like what the film was trying to say was interrupted mid-speech, leaving us only with half-truths, or because I was depressed about the sentiments shown, I'm not certain. It is definitely worth watching though, as it's bound to spark heated debate and varying opinion. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ybiax8oozWM
Having long proved it's the master of the block party, with hit events like this year's Marrickville shindig Better Daze, the crew at hip hop and events collective One Day is heading back to its inner west home and inviting Sydneysiders to launch into summer in style at its second One Day Only festival. The main throwdown in the four-city One Day Summer Solstice national tour, this one's set to take over both levels of University of Sydney's heritage-listed Manning House to deliver a hip hop-soaked celebration on Saturday, December 7. It'll be a rollicking indoor/outdoor affair, with three stages and space for 3000 partygoers. With local hip hop at the forefront, you'll catch live shows from the likes of Haiku Hands, Mike Akox, Youngn Lipz and Rebecca Hatch, while favourites like Joyride, Klasik, Shantan Wantan Ichiban, Captain Franco and Half Queen grace the decks. Throw in a sprinkling of food stalls, pop-up bars and chill-out zones and you've got a recipe for one heck of a summer-starter. Pre-sale ticket access opens from 10am this Thursday, October 17, with general sale from 10am Monday, October 21. If past events are anything to go by, you'll want to jump on these babies quick — you can sign-up for pre-sale tickets by hitting up One Day on Facebook Messenger. One Day Only runs from 1–10pm.
In Stuber, Uber driver Stu (Kumail Nanjiani) is obsessed with his all-important rating. He's hardly living the dream — selling sporting goods by day and ferrying around fellow Los Angelenos in your spare time is no one's fantasy — but if his score drops below four, he'll lose his side hustle. Here's hoping that the folks telling his tale don't share the same fixation with numbers, or a similar need to meet a certain ranking. As much as this tired ride of a movie can't stop mentioning stars (in conversation, on Stu's license plate, in his pleas to his customers and in the feedback he pores over after each trip), it doesn't earn many itself. Even worse — the few flesh-and-blood stars that Stuber does have, it thoroughly wastes. There's obvious odd-couple appeal in teaming up Nanjiani with Dave Bautista, especially with the former in awkward nice-guy mode and the latter playing it gruff and gritty. And yet, even when they're leaning into their clear-cut character traits to an exaggerated extreme, the duo remain on autopilot. If director Michael Dowse (Goon) merely asked his actors to channel their respective vibes in The Big Sick and Guardians of the Galaxy, just in a less-convincing manner, that's what he's received. Unsurprisingly, pairing a watered-down version of Nanjiani and Bautista's best-known roles with a grating attempt to revive 80s and 90s action-comedies proves as pedestrian as it sounds. Bautista's determined detective Vic hops into Stu's Uber on an already-eventful day. Hours after undergoing laser eye surgery, the hardened cop receives a tip about the elusive drug dealer (Iko Uwais) who killed his partner (Karen Gillan) six months earlier. Vic can't see, let alone drive, which is where Stu comes in. Vic also hasn't used a ride-sharing app before, so as he tracks his lead from a warehouse to a male strip club, and then zigzags from an animal hospital to his daughter's (Natalie Morales) art show, he keeps the protesting Stu behind the wheel. Every time that the reluctant sidekick tries to flee, with his best friend and secret crush (Betty Gilpin) continually calling in a drunk and vulnerable state, Vic plays his trump card: the threat of giving Stu a bad rating. Although it might initially appear otherwise, this isn't a comic reimagining of Michael Mann's Collateral, swapping a hitman and a cabbie for a police officer and an Uber driver. And, while the scenario is rife with potential commentary about the plague of insecurity that has become normalised in today's gig economy, screenwriter Tripper Clancy doesn't take that path either. The fact that an ordinary guy is basically held hostage not just by a gun-toting symbol of law and order, but by the need to retain a near-exploitative second job that relies heavily upon keeping privileged customers happy, should serve up a potent, insightful and searing statement about modern-day life. But in Stuber, it's just an excuse for an onslaught of outdated Lethal Weapon and Rush Hour-style antics, plenty of routine violence, and an escalating body count. To be fair, Dowse and Clancy don't just play up the buddy-cop angle, although Bautista always seems seconds away from declaring that he's too old for this shit. Taking the clown car approach — aka trying to stuff in as many possible sources of humour as it can, even if they don't fit — Stuber also attempts to wring laughs out of physical comedy, and find affectionate chuckles in Stu and Vic's mismatched interpretations of masculinity. Alas, watching someone stumble around with a visual impairment, even a temporary one, isn't funny. Nor is seeing paper-thin archetypes realise that being a man requires the right balance of sensitivity and courage, particularly when the supposedly heartwarming situation is completely one-note. That the movie's best joke stems from a throwaway line about plural nouns, and its second best from calling Vic "Douche Lundgren", says a lot. Add Dowse's visuals to Stuber's pile of misguided choices, with the film careening and chaotic in both its look and feel. The only time that it boasts any real spark is when the under-utilised Uwais (The Raid) unleashes his martial arts skills. That said, the picture's dull, commercial-style appearance does underscore its blatant core as a virtual Uber ad. Showing just how outlandishly messy a drive with the ride-sharing service could be isn't likely to entice new car-owners or customers, but that's not the point. Instead, Stuber mentions the company's name more times than a jingle, explains how it operates and even references its other various services. It's product placement packaged as a movie, and only the first part of that equation — the wrong part — works. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMCUWR5ODkY
There are plenty of aspects of lockdown that suck, but one giant ray of sunshine through the whole experience has been all the top-notch, inventive takeaway options coming from some of our favourite Sydney businesses. One such restaurant is Redfern's Bart Jr. The Pitt Street spot is cooking up a range of lockdown specials including date night packs, heat-at-home meals and fancy panko-crumbed market-fresh ling Fillet-O-Fishes — but the crowning jewel of Bart Jr's lockdown menu is its lobster roll. Piled high with fresh WA Rock Lobster, NSW Clarence River king prawns, tarragon, chive and horseradish, Bary Jr's lobster rolls are available every Friday from the restaurant's takeaway window — lovingly named Bart Mart. With local lobster prices lower right now due to slower international trading, the Bart Jr team jumped at the opportunity to add a more affordable lobster dish to its menu. The rolls were originally created as a one-off dish, but after a huge community response, they've been added to the Bart Mart menu as a weekly Friday item. "I had about 50 people on Instagram message me asking if they could pre-order for next time, and so many people came by afterwards and said, 'please do it again'," Bart Jr owner George Woodyard said. If you miss out on a lobster roll you can pre-order a beef brisket roll packed with cheddar, zucchini pickles and chipotle mayo, available every Saturday. You can also keep your eyes on the Bart Jr Instagram for weekly deals. Last week's date night pack was filled with fried halloumi dusted in a za'atar-spiced semolina, 12-hour slow-roasted lamb shoulder, orange and polenta cake and a set of two bottled cocktails. At Bart Jr's Instagram you'll also find the details on how you can pre-order both hot rolls and DIY at-home dinners. Once you pre-order, you can pick up your lockdown dishes between 12–3pm, Thursday–Saturday. [caption id="attachment_824127" align="alignnone" width="1920"] George Woodyard, Destination NSW[/caption] Images: Destination NSW
The American Whiskey Show has returned to celebrate spirits from the other side of the Pacific for one day only on Saturday, August 19, at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. There will be over 100 sips from all over the USA and Canada including ryes, bourbons, single malts and more. There will also be a pop-up bottleshop for you to purchase a bottle or two to take home at special show prices. All your favourites will be in attendance, such as Michter's, Wild Turkey, Jack Daniels, Woodford Reserve and many more, including some newcomers to the Aussie market. Tickets include a whiskey-tasting glass, which you will use to sample the spirits at the show and keep for at-home tastings of your North American dram or choice. Hungry for a bite? Smokin' Hot & Saucy Texan BBQ food truck will be slinging classic southern brisket and burgers. If you get tired of tasting (how could you?), there will be a pop-up bar where you can chill with a beer or cocktail and listen to the live band promising sweet southern croonings. The American Whiskey Show, hosted by The Whisky List, is taking place on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. There are two sessions at 12-4pm and 5-9pm. For more information check out the website.
If you associate classical music with opera houses and black tie, then it's time to enter a brave new world. Surry Hills' underground bar Soultrap is bringing violins, violas and cellos into the bar. And you're welcome to wear jeans and drink cocktails. Spearheaded by pianist Evan Streater, The Chamber Project is a new gig series aiming to get you to experience classical music in a fun, relaxed environment. You'll hear some of Australia's best musicians, many of whom work regularly with Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. But, rather than watching them from the discomfort and distance of a concert hall's nosebleed section, you'll be up-close. The next Chamber Project —titled Four. Three. Two — is happening at 6pm on Thursday, June 6, then again on the Queen's Birthday public holiday, Monday, June 10 from 3.30pm. Featured on the program is a quartet of two violins, a viola and a cello, set to play Haydn's String Quartet in D minor, Op. 76 No. 2, 'Fifths' and Philip Glass' String Quartet No. 3, 'Mishima'. These larger works will be interwoven with arrangements of Nordic folk tunes. Between each 20-to-30-minute piece will be a break so you can grab another drink and soak in what you've just heard. Several types of tickets are available. Opt to sit up close at a table and you can be treated to charcuterie and cheese boards. Meanwhile, holders of standing tickets will score a gourmet toastie and/or cocktail. The Chamber Project will take place on Thursday, June 6 from 6pm and Monday, June 10 from 3.30pm. To purchase tickets, head this way.
If you've ever wanted to throw right back to your primary school disco — and pffft, who wouldn't? — then here's your chance to push the limits. The city limits, to be precise. That's because some local legend is breaking out the boom box and taking to the front of the Sydney Opera House to host a mass group groove sesh, featuring a huge, synchronised version of the Nutbush dance. Yep, the classic Tina Turner track and the daggy (yet, truly iconic) dance it inspired here in Australia will send the Opera House forecourt right back to the 90s, from midday on Saturday, September 8. Best channel your Year 6 self and start practicing in front of the mirror, because already more than five thousand punters have said they're keen to get involved. Here's a video, if you need a quick refresh. Last month, as part of the Birdsville Big Red Bash in QLD, a crowd of 1,719 broke the official Guinness World Record for the largest-ever Nutbush dance — let's see if Sydney can top that effort. Image: Letícia Almeida
Get your dancing shoes on, because one big ol' glittery party series is headed to your living room. LGBTQI+ club night Poof Doof is throwing weekly digital dance nights — so expect to get down to anthems by the likes of Gloria Gaynor, Madonna, Pet Shop Boys and Cher, 'cause this party is here, loud and (very) queer. The legendary Melbourne party collective is streaming Poof Doof Direct every Saturday from 9pm via Facebook, Twitch and YouTube. Each week, you'll be treated to pumping tunes from a range of DJs. And of course, it wouldn't be a proper Poof Doof party without some drag performances, too. Coming up on Saturday, May 2, is a massive one-off Poof Doof Sydney party live streaming straight from The Ivy. Poof Doof took up residency in the Sydney institution last November and has been dishing up a weekly dance-heavy night ever since. Not even COVID-19 can keep it completely quiet. Expect to be dancing to a packed lineup of DJs, including headlining act Sneaky Sound System, Sveta, Troy Beman and James Alexandr. Plus, catch dazzling drag performances from queens Danni Issues, Hannah Conda and Faux Fur, with Jimi The Kween hosting the entire night. For Sydneysiders wanting to take their night in to the next level, you get a Poof Doof Party Pack ($75) delivered to your door. It'll be filled with vodka, two cans of red bull, some soda water and two Hahn Super Drys. Orders can be made here prior to 9am on Saturday. To catch a glimpse of what you're in for, check out the video below. https://www.facebook.com/PoofDoof/videos/1048635328855408/
For locals and tourists alike, Mt Coot-tha is one of Brisbane's must-see spots, particularly if you like peering down on cities a great height. From next year, visitors won't just drive up to the lookout to enjoy the view, walk along its trails or picnic in its parklands, however — they'll also be able to glide through the treetops and soar down from the summit via a zipline. Approved by the Brisbane City Council in 2017, set to start construction later in 2018 and due to be fully operational by 2020, the Mt Coot-tha zipline will consist of three parts, each of which will open in stages. Actual ziplines comprise two of the components, and yes, there'll be more than one, with nearly three kilometres of zipline included in the entire project. Firstly, a treetop canopy tour will span 1.5 kilometres between multiple platforms, starting at the west of the summit and finishing to the west of JC Slaughter Falls. As its name suggests, it'll zip through the trees to take riders on a tour of the site's flora, fauna and indigenous cultural heritage. It'll be the first to open to the public, from sometime in 2019. In 2020, it'll be joined by a two stage 'megazip' tour that features six parallel lines between the summit and the Mt Coot-tha botanic gardens. As well as that 1.1-kilometre stretch — all in a single span, without any platforms along the way, and with users reaching speeds of around 60 kilometres per hour — there'll also be a second 340-metre run within the gardens, taking patrons zooming over the Melaleuca Lake. The final section of the project will involve a guided indigenous experience across a new 335-metre suspension bridge that'll be built above JC Slaughter Falls, connecting to the treetop canopy tour and the new arrival centre on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive. And, so that everyone can get between destinations other than via zipline, there'll also be a shuttle bus linking various points. Brisbane City Council will put $1 million towards the zipline, which will be built by Zipline Australia — and, once it's finished, it'll be the longest zipline in the country. The project has also attracted criticism, including worries about its environmental impact throughout the vegetation-heavy area. In response to concerns, "extensive independent expert studies have been undertaken as part of the project to ensure the Mt Coot-tha zipline design is sensitive to the environment, including the natural habitat and Botanic Gardens," Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk advised The Courier-Mail. Images: Brisbane City Council.
One of Sydney's leading hospitality groups is set to venture outside of New South Wales for the first time, with Merivale announcing its upcoming entry into Melbourne. The industry giant, which is helmed by CEO Justin Hemmes, will take ownership of Tomasetti House at 277 Flinders Lane in the heart of the Melbourne CBD. The historic building, built in 1853, is located just off of Flinders Street — a five-minute walk from Federation Square. Merivale currently operates more than 60 venues across Sydney, including popular restaurants Totti's and Mr. Wong, Sydney stalwarts The Beresford and Vic on the Park, and expansive bars Ivy and Coogee Pavilion. Hemmes' collection of bars and restaurants has been growing in recent years, with the purchase of venues such as The Duke of Gloucester Hotel and Hotel Centennial. Earlier in 2021, Hemmes and co purchased waterside bar The Quaterdeck on the NSW south coast, marking Merivale's first venture outside of Sydney. "Melbourne's CBD has suffered terribly from the hardships of the past year. We are committed to doing everything we can to help reinvigorate the city and support it in its road to recovery," Hemmes said in a statement. "Its local hospitality industry is one of the best in the world; brimming with creative culinary talent and supported by a passionate community of diners." [caption id="attachment_702661" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Totti's by Nikki To[/caption] Originally opened as a warehouse, Tomasetti House has operated as everything from a warehouse to a bar and nightclub across its 150-plus years. Most recently, the building has been in the hands of hospitality and tourism group Millet Group who have operated The Mill House out of the building's ground floor. Merivale is set to receive the keys to the multi-storey building late this year, with further details and plans yet to be announced. Merivale will open its first Melbourne outpost at Tomasetti House, 277 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, with further details yet to be revealed. To keep an eye out for future announcements, head to the Merivale website. Top image: The Mill House
Love of the arts in its truest sense is behind everything you will experience on a visit to the New Theatre. It runs on a volunteer basis - from actors to technicians - so the productions are built on tiny budgets and a lot of passion. The shows are raw and bold; taboo subjects are brazenly explored covering everything from historical politics to human rights to mental health. As one of the longest-running theatre companies in Sydney - it was set up in 1932 - it has been the launchpad for many careers in the arts across its more than 550 productions. Visit for an authentic theatre experience: professional execution in a community setting. Image: Bob Seary
The Australian premiere of a Tony-winning musical is gracing the Sydney stage, with the Darlinghurst Theatre Company presenting Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812. The show is playing for a limited season until Sunday, August 27. Be sure to secure your tickets now to avoid missing out. The production, from composer and lyricist Dave Malloy, takes inspiration from Tolstoy's War and Peace. It focuses on the scandalous story of young, impulsive Natasha and her affair with her lover, Anatole, alongside the journey of her lonely friend, Pierre, and his ongoing search for his life's purpose. This is the first show produced under Suzanne Pereira, the Darlinghurst Theatre Company's new executive director, working with artistic director Amylia Harris. An exceptional back-of-house team includes Dean Drieberg (Hamilton, resident director), Claire Healy (SIX, musical director) and Brendan Yeates (Hamilton, resident dance supervisor). All bring their exciting pedigree to this Australia-first production. Costumes play an important part of the story. Demi-couture designers Nicol & Ford have adapted their renowned 'Comet' collection, which debuted at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week. Nicol & Ford have tailored their designs to represent each character, so expect ethereal high-fashion with a touch of the avant-garde. The cast includes Grace Driscoll as Natasha, Zoy Frangos as Pierre and Jules Pendrith taking on the role of Anatole. This quadruple-threat ensemble effortlessly doubles as an on-stage orchestra, playing an array of instruments from bass clarinet to the keytar. All celebrate the musical's diverse mix of sonic inspiration, covering folk, indie-rock, electro-pop and techno. This is one show you won't want to miss. Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 is currently taking up residence at Eternity Playhouse until Sunday, August 27, on Tuesdays through Sundays. For more information and to get tickets, visit the website. (Photo credit: Brett Boardman and Robert Catto.)
Just Not Australian is an exhibition bringing together the work of 19 Australian artists — of varying ages, cultural backgrounds and mediums — to creatively challenge the concept of Australian nationhood. It's been on tour around the country and has just arrived at its final stop in the Museum of Sydney. From Saturday, March 11, till Sunday, June 4, Just Not Australian will question what is meant by the term 'un-Australian', using insights from a multitude of cultural lenses. It's an adjective that's been sharpened into a vocal weapon by both sides of an endless political duel, but the free entry CBD gallery aims to blunt that weapon and break it back down into words. [caption id="attachment_891838" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Liam Benson, 'Participatory community embroidery, You and Me'[/caption] Expect to ponder subjects of race, place and belonging in Australia through paintings, sculptures and other immersive works. No component of the Australian national identity is in the safe zone here — larrikin humour, mateship, multiculturalism (or lack thereof) and colonial biases are all fair game. Curated by Artspace and developed in partnership with Sydney Festival and Museums and Galleries of NSW, the nationally-touring exhibit features works by Abdul Abdullah, Hoda Afshar, Tony Albert, Cigdem Aydemir, Liam Benson, Eric Bridgeman, Jon Campbell, Karla Dickens, Fiona Foley, Gordon Hookey, Richard Lewer, Archie Moore, Vincent Namatjira, Nell, Raquel Ormella, Ryan Presley, Joan Ross, Tony Schwensen and Soda Jerk. For more information and to plan your visit, head to the website. Top image: Top image: ©️ James Horan for Museums of History NSW (first), Hoda Afshar, 'Dog's Breakfast (second).
Macquarie University's annual astronomy night is returning at the uni's North Ryde campus on Saturday, September 23. The night will kick off at 5pm and will feature various intergalactic activities that will engage and entertain space aficionados of all ages. A tonne of fun and exciting activations will take place throughout the event. You can head to the physics magic show that will be wowing audiences with clever scientific tricks, a telescope park where you can take a guided tour of the stars, a range of talks from Macquarie University academics and experts, and a robotics room where you can even drive an interactive robot. Plus, the planetarium will be in full swing, showing immersive peaks into the expanses of the universe. With the number of amateur astronomers in Sydney, pre-purchasing tickets is a must. Passes for the event are available for $40 for adults, $25 for concession card holders and $23 for kids.
Stop what you're doing. Run out of the office. Cancel your lunch plans. Whatever it is, it can wait, because this is happening again: In-N-Out Burger is back in Sydney for one of its late-notice pop-ups. It's happening right now, too, at Darlinghurst's East Village Hotel until 4pm today, Wednesday, June 29 — or until sold out. The venue announced the news on its social channels, because these pop-ups always happen with absolutely zero notice (as you might remember from past In-N-Out frenzies before the pandemic). View this post on Instagram A post shared by East Village Sydney Hotel (@eastvillagesydney) On the menu: the chain's double-double, animal-style and protein-style burgs, all while stocks last — with limited quantities available. If you've been to one of In-N-Out's previous Sydney pop-ups, you'll know these burgers sell like, well, cult-status burgers — so you'll have to get there ASAP. Now. Go. It's been three years since the LA fast food legends last made a Sydney appearance, five since the chain set up shop at L'il Darlin (also in Darlo), and six since it whipped together a few burgers at Surry Hills' Dead Ringer. Yes, that means you can bet burger aficionados of Sydney are particularly desperate so get their hands on those buns. Yes, we know that if you're reading this, you're one of them. The In-N-Out burger pop-up is running from 10am–4pm today, Wednesday, June 29 at East Village, 234 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst. We suggest you go line up now.
A massive multi-dimensional Christmas festival is coming to the Royal Botanic Gardens for 16 nights from Friday, December 9. The free festivities will bring lights, projections, Christmas carols, a pop-up market, food trucks and a drone show to the gardens, running all the way until Christmas Eve. As you arrive at Noël Sydney, you'll be treated to the Noël Night Trail, a luminous journey that has consumed the buildings surrounding the festival with immersive light projections. A digital reimagining of The Nutcracker will guide you through Macquarie Street, past iconic buildings like the State Library of NSW, the Hyde Park Barracks and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Each night, the festival's Christmas market will open from 6pm, boasting stalls from 40 different local businesses. Squeeze in a spot of Christmas shopping before you explore the remainder of the Digital Christmas Forest. This festive hub of the festival has transformed the Royal Botanic Gardens into a Yuletide wonderland full of music, art and activities. Heading up the performance lineup will be David Campbell, Katie Noonan Trio and Chris Sebastian alongside the Noël House Band, juggling and circus acts, and dancers. A spectacular drone show will take to the sky each night at 8.15pm and 10pm featuring hundreds of colourful drones, and hands-on entertainment like decoration and wreath-making workshops will be a part of each night's program. Completing this multi-day feast for the senses will be an array of hospitality stalls, food trucks and a pop-up bar ensuring that festival-goers are well-fed. Images: Noel Sydney
The good ol' Marly has bid farewell to its upstairs neighbour Miss Peaches and is about to welcome something much quirkier in her place. The Newtown boozer's first floor space will soon be home to the weird and wonderful Cuckoo — a kooky bar inspired by Germany's alpine resorts. Venture on up and you'll feel a bit like Alice tumbling into the rabbit hole. Brought to life by hospitality group Solotel with help from International Worldwide (the creatives behind the recently renovated George Hotel, The Duke, The Old Fitz) and Monster Children, Cuckoo is filled with knick-knacks, a lounge room bar pulled straight from your opa's house and constant sounds from the collection of cuckoo clocks adorning the walls. It even has a bouldering wall, so you can really pretend you're climbing up Zugspitze. The quirkiness is also embraced wholeheartedly by the drinks list, which boasts plenty of house-infused schnapps, alongside crafty concoctions like the cardamom, sour apple and ginger-laced Apfelschorle cocktail. Meanwhile, taps are pouring Germanic-style beers from local breweries like Batch and Wayward — try yours in a stein or in the glass shoey the team's calling Das Boot. [caption id="attachment_745121" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Das Boot[/caption] Sticking with the theme, Cuckoo's food offering is filled with German classics like schnitzel, sausage and spätzle, though, thanks to a dedicated, fully-stocked condiment station, the house-made pretzels might just steal the show. Cuckoo officially opens to the public on Friday, October 18, with a rollicking launch party from 6pm. You can RSVP over here. Cuckoo will open above The Marlborough Hotel, 145 King Street, Newtown, on Friday, October 18.
