Something delightful has been happening in cinemas in some parts of the country. After numerous periods spent empty during the pandemic, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, picture palaces in many Australian regions are back in business — including both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. BULLET TRAIN Buy the ticket, take the ride, strap in for an onslaught of frenetic locomotive-bound fights: that's high-octane action-comedy Bullet Train on- and off-screen. Set on a shinkansen hurtling from Tokyo to Kyoto, in as stylised a vision of Japan that anyone not named Quentin Tarantino has ever thought of, this neon-lit adaptation of Kōtarō Isaka's 2010 page-turner Maria Beetle couldn't be more onboard with its central concept. That premise isn't snakes on a plane, but rather assassins on a train — plus one snake, one of nature's hitmen, actually. Cramming all those killers onto a single engine sparks mayhem, banter and bodies, not to mention chaotic frays in the quiet car and almost every other space. And when it works, with John Wick and Atomic Blonde's David Leitch steering the show, Tarantino and Guy Ritchie alum Brad Pitt as his main passenger, and a lifetime's worth of references to Thomas the Tank Engine slotted in, Bullet Train is as OTT and entertaining as it overtly wants to be. It doesn't always completely work, however; every journey, zipping along on a high-speed train or not, has its dips. Still, there are plenty of moving parts trying to keep the movie in motion — and plenty of plot, for better and for worse in both instances. In his second 2022 action-comedy after The Lost City, Pitt plays Ladybug, who is back riding the hired-gun rails after a zen break packed with new-age self-help platitudes. That's what he spouts to his handler (Sandra Bullock, The Unforgivable) by phone, in-between rueing his bad luck, as he tries to carry out what's supposed to be an easy job. All that Ladybug needs to do is take a briefcase, then disembark at the next station. But that piece of luggage is being transported by British assassin double-act Tangerine (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, The King's Man) and Lemon (Brian Tyree Henry, Atlanta), as they escort a Russian mobster's son (Logan Lerman, Hunters) home. To up the hitman ante, the shinkansen is also carrying The Prince (Joey King, The Princess) and Kimura (Andrew Koji, Snake Eyes: GI Joe Origins), who have their own beef, as well as the revenge-seeking Wolf (Benito A Martínez Ocasio aka Bad Bunny, Fast and Furious 9). As is always the case whenever anyone asks "are we there yet?" IRL, there's more: more twists and turns to the narrative, more bickering, more familiar names facing each other down, and a mass of flashbacks to events minutes, hours, days and months earlier, most of which make the leap from the page via Zak Olkewicz's (Fear Street: Part Two — 1978) screenplay. Wondering if the scribe and Leitch have seen Kill Bill, or the Pitt-starring Snatch, or the 90s attention-grabbers that were Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels as they bring Isaka's novel to the screen is thoroughly pointless. But, after The Gray Man, Bullet Train is the second big, star-studded, midyear action flick that's pieced together from familiar components, only to boast the cast and visual spectacle to carry it off more often than not. What a treat Pitt is, and has been for more than three decades — because that's how long it's been since Thelma & Louise thrust him to fame. Bullet Train draws upon his Ocean's Eleven brand of chattering, casual, happy-go-lucky charisma, even with Ladybug grappling with an existential crisis over his chosen profession. Pitt is comic, but never reaches Burn After Reading's goofiness. Amid the navel-gazing and bromides, he's still calm, collected and supremely capable at holding his own, but never to a Once Upon a Time in Hollywood extent. Although Leitch doesn't give Pitt his own John Wick or Atomic Blonde, it's as crucial a piece of casting. Neither of those two flicks would be the gems they are without their specific stars, and Bullet Train similarly wouldn't have hit the marks it does without its bucket hat-wearing biggest name and his detailed performance. Read our full review. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in Australian cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on May 5, May 12, May 19 and May 26; June 2, June 9, June 16, June 23 and June 30; and July 7, July 14, July 21 and July 28. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Petite Maman, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Firestarter, Operation Mincemeat, To Chiara, This Much I Know to Be True, The Innocents, Top Gun: Maverick, The Bob's Burgers Movie, Ablaze, Hatching, Mothering Sunday, Jurassic World Dominion, A Hero, Benediction, Lightyear, Men, Elvis, Lost Illusions, Nude Tuesday, Ali & Ava, Thor: Love and Thunder, Compartment No. 6, Sundown, The Gray Man, The Phantom of the Open, The Black Phone, Where the Crawdads Sing, Official Competition, The Forgiven, Full Time and Murder Party.
There's nothing quite like a rooftop bottomless brunch with Sydney skyline views to ring in the start of spring. Take advantage of the warm weather and longer days at a Brunch n' Boujee session at Lady Banks Rooftop. The Bankstown bar, which boasts panoramic views from the city to the Blue Mountains, has started a monthly bottomless brunch on the first Sunday of each month. For $79 per person, you'll get a choice of a savoury main alongside unlimited pancakes and waffles with your choice of toppings. The savoury options include eggs benedict with lobster mornay, avocado and crab or truffled mushroom and spinach. You can also choose from smashed avocado flatbread with harissa eggs, pulled lamb flatbread with yoghurt and coriander, breakfast hash with chorizo or a brunch burger. And of course, you can enjoy bottomless bloody marys or marias, mimosas, grapefruit bellinis or prosecco with your meal. Brunch n' Boujee will be held on the first Sunday of every month, so make sure you snag a table before they book out. Find out more and book in for the next session on Sunday, October 1 at the Lady Banks Rooftop website.
Whether you share your life with a tail-wagging puppy, a cat that sleeps all day, a vocal parrot or a colourful little fish, if you're a pet owner, you can show your love for your chosen companion in a variety of ways. You can attend a boozy art class and paint a picture of them. Firmly fitting in with the times, you can get their photo plastered across a mask. And, in another pitch-perfect 2020 option, you can also buy a jigsaw puzzle emblazoned with their cute little face. Smoochy Poochy is the Australian company helping you piece together a portrait of Fido, Fluffy, Polly or Nemo — and, while you can obviously opt for whatever kind of personalised puzzle you like, why wouldn't you want one of your pet? Think of it this way: you've already spent so long gazing at them because they're just so adorable, and you've well and truly committed their face to your memory in the process, so this should be the easiest jigsaw that you've ever done. A number of sizes are available, which means that you can decide just how much of a challenge you're after. If you're eager to go big, you can opt for a 1000-piece puzzle that measures 50.2 centimetres by 76 centimetres, which is the largest size. Otherwise, you can pick between 12, 30, 35, 60, 88, 100, 120, 180, 200, 300 or 500 pieces. Prices range from $28.95 for the smallest puzzle, up to $59.95 for the largest. And if you'd like to provide more than one photo for a single puzzle — as uploaded via the company's website — you can. Smoochy Poochy will even create the collage for you, for free if it uses four or fewer photos, and at an extra price for five or more pictures. Smoochy Poochy's personalised pet puzzles are available to order via the company's website.
We've got some great news — the duo behind some of Sydney's most beloved coeliac-friendly sweet treats is opening a new flagship venue. Nutie has grown a cult following through its stores in Surry Hill and Balmain — as well as its pop-ups throughout Sydney. Now, after saying farewell to the Balmain outpost, co-owners Sina Klug and Jacques Dumont have arrived in Dulwich Hill with an exciting new venue. The crew behind Miss Sina's vegan pastries and Nutie's famed doughnuts will now be dishing out their gluten and dairy-free treats from a new flagship store in Sydney's Inner West. Officially launching on Saturday, September 2, this new location will double as both a bakery and a cafe, decked out with a humble shopfront and a 100-percent gluten free pastry kitchen, alongside some cosy outdoor seating so you can catch some rays while enjoying the pastry (or pastries) of your choice. Swing by Nutie's opening party on Marrickville Road this Saturday and you'll be met with some exciting festivities. Not only will the newly launched neighbourhood eatery be handing out a free doughnut with every purchase from 10am, but there will also be $2 coffee on offer alongside a selection of savoury eats to indulge in — and you may even score some lucky prizes by simply dropping by. At Nutie's newest location, you can look forward to a selection of familiar classics ranging from flakey pastries — think croissants, danishes and pain au chocolates — to traditional baked goods like creamy basque cheesecakes, perfectly baked eclairs and the bakery's iconic vanilla slice. Plus, there's a primary focus on utilising seasonal produce and local ingredients at the forefront of every Nutie creation, so you can look forward to new creative confections launching regularly. You'll find Nutie's flagship store at 496 Marrickville Road, Dulwich Hill. It opens on Saturday, September 2 and is open 8am–4pm Wednesdays–Sundays until Monday, September 18. Following that, you'll be able to swing by daily.
Over in The Rocks, The Glenmore's rooftop is one of Sydney's most scenic spots, boasting primo views across to the Sydney Opera House and the harbour. Usually, these sweeping views are perfectly accompanied by a pint or a cocktail, but head on up on the last Thursday of July and you'll find yourself involved in a different activity with TMPL's Rise on the Rooftop series of morning workouts. Across two morning classes (6.30am and 7.30am) on Thursday, July 28, this sky-high session will have you working up a sweat. TMPL is located in Republic Square in Darlinghurst. Its usual studio brings nightclub-style lighting and DJs serving up big dance tunes to your daily workout and this is the energy TMPL will be bringing to these picturesque sessions at The Glenmore. The workouts will consist of high-intensity interval training, where you push yourself through short bursts of intense exercise between active recovery time. Tickets to the classes are $30 each.
Early in Phoenix, Nelly (Nina Hoss) wakes up after facial reconstruction surgery and follows another bandaged woman into an office. There, she spots a noticeboard featuring a few photos from her past — and discovers that she's not only trailing someone in a hallway, but confronting the ghost of her former self. Yes, the film tells a tale of duality and doppelgangers, but it's not quite what that description might lead you to expect. Set amidst the rubble of post-war Berlin, it is haunted by the difficulties of moving forward when the past remains ever-present. Of course, getting a makeover, righting previous wrongs, seeking revenge and starting life anew are all familiar film tropes. Luckily, there's little that's routine or commonplace about the way writer-director Christian Petzold and his frequent co-scribe Harun Farocki bring Hubert Monteilhet's 1961 detective novel The Return from the Ashes to the screen. Their effort is part atmospheric drama, part slow-burning thriller. Phoenix is composed and compelling, rather than pulpy or clichéd. In other hands, it might've been exaggerated and cheesy; here, it's understated and moving. WWII is over and cabaret singer Nelly has survived not just a German concentration camp but a bullet to the head, though her nearest and dearest — including her husband Johnny (Ronald Zehrfeld), who might've sold her out to the Nazis — think otherwise. Despite her friend Lene (Nina Kunzendorf) urging her to escape her troubles and move to Palestine, Nina is determined to return home. Alas, when husband and wife cross paths at the nightclub that gives the film its name, Johnny doesn't recognise her; instead, he thinks she merely resembles Nelly, and asks for her assistance in obtaining his wife's hefty inheritance. Forget Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, and Wes Anderson and Bill Murray: Petzold and Hoss are this generation's quintessential director-star duo. Here they reteam for their sixth film together and once again make movie magic, conjuring up strong reminders of Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo in the process. His choices — the smoke and shadows that linger around Nelly, the repeated sounds of the song 'Speak Low', the gradual build to a quietly powerful ending — are masterful. Her performance — conveying so much conflict with little more than a look or a gesture — is equally as commanding. Indeed, taking your eyes off of Hoss proves close to impossible, though Phoenix is a polished affair all round. Zehrfeld, who also co-starred in Petzold and Hoss' last pairing, Barbara, is equally hypnotic in a far less sympathetic but just as complicated role. Together, they help convey two sides of a nation struggling with its identity in the aftermath of a great tragedy — a recurrent topic for Petzold. That's not a cause for concern; his characters might be toying with the past, but his layered, lingering film does much, much more than just recreate his former glories.
If you needed a new reason to make the journey to Palm Beach, we have it here. After six months of renovations from new owners The Boathouse Group, longstanding Palm Beach restaurant Barrenjoey House reopened at the end of last year — and now the adjoining hotel is open for business as well. The heritage-listed restaurant and guesthouse is the eighth venture from the Sydney hospitality group, which, headed up by husband and wife team Pip and Andrew Goldsmith, runs various Boathouse venues around Sydney. Most recently, the group opened the Boathouse Hotel just across the way in Patonga. Barrenjoey House has retained its original name, but the group has paid homage to the old building and its waterside location by refreshing the interiors with its signature coastal feel — think shell mirrors, wooden furnishings, banquette seating and local art. [caption id="attachment_710401" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The restaurant downstairs.[/caption] The restaurant, on the ground floor, is open for lunch and dinner daily. The menu has a focus on fresh local produce and seafood takes centre stage. The casual nature of the restaurant means that you can pop in for a snack — maybe kingfish ceviche or fried calamari — after a swim at the beach or you can book in for lunch or dinner. Main dishes include rare yellowfin tuna spaghetti, a Murray Cod with fennel, orange and cucumber, and an Eye Fillet with good old-fashioned mashed potato and green beans. Sweet tooths will be pleased with the dessert options that include a strawberry sundae and a peanut butter parfait. The drinks list continues with the seaside atmosphere, with cocktails like a coconut mojito and a cucumber cooler on the menu. Beer, cider and non-alcoholic beverage options are available, too, and the extensive wine list could easily see you lose a lazy summer's afternoon. If you're planning on having a few of the above, you should book a room for the night. The building's seven guest rooms have just opened for bookings — choose from either views of Pittwater or the private courtyard, or go all out and book the larger loft suite. While you'll be sharing the lounge and courtyard with other guests, you'll have your own bathroom. Rooms aren't cheap though, with standard ones going for $400 during the week and $450 on weekends ($350 and $400 in low season) and the loft for $650–700 ($600–650 in low season). And seeing as you've ventured this far north, make a day of it and walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for panoramic ocean views, or take the 15-minute ferry ride across to Patonga for more coastal vibes. Find Barrenjoey House at 1108 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach. The restaurant and bar are open Tuesday to Sunday from noon till 9pm.
Three studio albums in and tUnE-yArDs (real name Merrill Garbus) is still showing no signs of creative predictability. She might have proclaimed to have become "bored with herself" following the 2011 release of breakthrough record Whokill, but listening to new full-length Nikki Nack (released in May) you'd never guess it. Rousing tribal beats and vocal gymnastics of Olympic proportions rub shoulders with lazy Sunday afternoon reggae grooves and no-holds-barred, politicised lyrics. "I don't want to just say, 'Let's dance all night', as if there's nothing wrong with the world," Garbus told The Guardian in a recent interview. "Because that's a big old lie." She certainly doesn't preach, but she does write about things that matter: Western culpability in developing world poverty, racism and disintegrating American neighbourhoods. At the same time, she's all about seeing some serious "arse shaking" at her shows. Winging our way to play Splendour, she'll also treat us to two servings on the side: one at Melbourne's Howler on July 24 and the other at Sydney's OAF on July 28. https://youtube.com/watch?v=jbiFcPhccu8
The inner west suburb of Dulwich Hill will soon be home to an exciting new tamaleria and Mexican deli. It'll be the first permanent eatery from Rosa Cienfuegos . You may recognise the name from her twice monthly — and super popular — La Casa Latina pop-up at the Marrickville Market and her regular pop-ups at Young Henrys and The Grifter Brewing Co. As of September 16, Cienfuegos will launch her own digs along the budding strip of Marrickville Road. The takeaway-only shop will offer a range of signature Mexico City and Oaxaca-style hot tamales — think chicken with mole sauce, pineapple pork in green sauce and the vegetarian rajas con queso (poblano chillies with cheese). Cienfuegos hails from Mexico City, so you can trust her when it comes to authenticity. "Tamales are a pre-Hispanic dish that is well preserved in Mexico and is one of the most common breakfast items, served on many street corners in Mexico," says Cienfuegos. "Every state has its own style and can go from being wrapped in a corn husk or in a banana leaf, from huge to small and from spicy to sweet." Pre-packed, street-style tacos will also be on offer at the deli counter — ranging from slow-cooked brisket and lamb barbacoa to marinated pulled pork and a spicy cactus salad. Plus, rotating specials like chiles rellenos, empanadas, tuna croquettes and vegan ceviche will make the way onto the menu, along with sides like refried beans and verdolagas (Mexican greens). Apart from the prepared food options, Cienfuegos will also sell branded small goods, including her homemade salsas, sauces, specialty Mexican ingredients and DIY kits for at-home cooking. "There aren't many authentic Mexican options in Sydney, and even though you can buy the ingredients from different suppliers and shops, people are not sure how to use them or what they are for," says Cienfuegos. "I'll be at the shop to help and share recipes with the correct ingredients." The fit-out aims to fit-in with surrounding Dulwich Hill vibe, including with the signage (designed by Jocelyn Eng) that uses images of the surrounding main street. The simple interior focuses on wooden decor, with a bit of Mexican flare coming from the hanging sarapes (brightly coloured rugs). Rosa Cienfuegos will open on Sunday, September 16 at 463 Marrickville Road, Dulwich Hill. Opening hours are Tuesday–Sunday from 8am–6pm, and Thursdays from 8am–8pm.
If there's one surefire way to warm yourself up, it's by helping someone else. With that in mind, winter is the perfect time to get involved with the community. And what better way to do that than through hearty, delicious food? Whether you're rescuing it, cooking it, giving it away or sharing it, food has a way of making everyone feel better while strengthening community connections. Here are five ways to give back over the next few months — from channelling your inner MasterChef to eating brunch in Surry Hills to volunteering your green thumb at a local community garden. HELP PROVIDE MEALS FOR THOSE WHO NEED THEM BY EATING BRUNCH Giving back to the community doesn't get any easier than this. All you have to do is eat. Surry Hills eatery Gratia donates 100 percent of its profits to charity and, this winter, every cent is going to OzHarvest, which rescues leftover food from restaurants and delivers it to charities across Australia. To make this clear, OzHarvest has taken over Gratia with the organisation's signature yellow and a waste-conscious menu created by executive chef Travis Harvey. Not all items are rescues, but many are — look out for the ramen noodles made from old loaves of Brasserie Bread, the jam made with discarded watermelon rind from Black Star Pastry's signature cake and donated produce from Select Fresh. Best part is that, for every dollar you spend at the cafe, you could help provide two meals to someone who needs it via OzHarvest's services. That should erase any regret when you hand over $25 for brunch. [caption id="attachment_678178" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] CHALLENGE YOUR FRIENDS TO A COOK-OFF FOR CHARITY With another season of MasterChef almost over (the finale's on Tuesday), it's now time to put all those hours of viewing to good use — and make a sweet donation to charity. Jacob's Creek has set up a temporary MasterChef-inspired kitchen in Surry Hills for those who want to both refine their chef and wine-pairing skills and put their total viewed hours to good use. Here's how it'll work: on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until August 12, award-winning chef Daniel Wilson, who has been a MasterChef guest several times, will guide attendees through a two-course cooking demonstration of one entree and one dessert — naturally, there will be a little friendly competition (but no tears, only prizes). Of course, you'll get to sit down and eat your creations. To take some pressure off, Studio Neon will take care of your main course and Jacob's Creek Barossa Signature wines will be matched to each course. Tickets are $95, but here's the kicker: 100 percent of profits are being donated to SecondBite, a charity that provides food and support for those in need. The pop-up is aiming to raise enough money to feed over 100,000 Australians — if you ask us, that's a pretty good excuse to don an apron. TRY GEORGIAN FOOD AND SUPPORT A LOCAL REFUGEE FAMILY Another spot where you can do your bit by simply feasting is Four Brave Women in Summer Hill. Operated via not-for-profit The Trading Circle, this restaurant is run by a refugee family, which changes every eight weeks. Right now, Yulia and Iana, owners of catering business The Magic Tablecloth, are in the kitchen, cooking up Georgian and Eastern European goodness. They serve lunch and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. Meanwhile, through the week, the venue is a cafe, where Adi serves Ethiopian-inspired hot brekkies, lunches, snacks and drinks. Food is served as a buffet, allowing you to chat with the chefs while you fill up a bowl of your choosing. Having a meal here will not only financially support the family, but it will give the individuals the skills and training to start their own business beyond Four Brave Women. LEND A HAND AT OUR BIG KITCHEN Like OzHarvest, Our Big Kitchen rescues food that would otherwise be thrown out, then transforms it into meals and delivers them to charities such as Wayside Chapel, Redfern Community Centre and Oasis Youth Support. The kitchen is in Bondi and you're invited to lend a hand with the cooking — an array of jobs need doing, from food prep and packaging to cleaning and distributing. Before signing up, you'll need a working with children check. If you're unable to volunteer, but still want to help, consider giving a donation, be it money, equipment or food. Another option is to hire the kitchen for a catering job of your own: proceeds go straight to the charity. VOLUNTEER AT A COMMUNITY GARDEN There are 20 volunteer-run community gardens across the City of Sydney, so, if you're keen to get your hands dirty, you don't have to travel far. Community gardens play an important role in bringing people together, plus they help the environment, by reducing waste through composting and protecting diverse plants and seeds. What's more, they add to the city's total green space, providing people with places to rest, think and breathe easy. On top of that, you can eat the results — or share them with someone else. To get the ball rolling, give your nearest community garden group a buzz. There's a list over here. Jacob's Creek Kitchen Collective will take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until August 12. Only 16 seats are available for each session, so move quickly and nab your spot here. 100 percent of your ticket will go straight to SecondBite.
Discussing complex issues like climate change can be difficult even for the most skilled orators. But, if we are going to make a difference when it comes to sustainability, more of us are going to need to speak up. This class welcomes prominent author and climate campaigner Anna Rose, who'll provide you with the necessary tools to not only feel comfortable talking about climate issues but also use your own power to affect real change. Across this interactive session, you'll learn the strategies that work best when you need to motivate people in your life to get engaged with climate science. Plus, you'll be encouraged to stay in contact with your fellow attendees to put your newfound skills into action. Anna Rose's interactive session about how to talk about climate change will take place on Saturday, June 1 from 11.30am–1pm and Sunday, June 2 from 10.30am–12pm. Tickets cost $45 per person ($36 for members). This event forms part of the Museum of Contemporary Art's Conversation Starters 2019: Temperature Rising program. To see the full program, head this way.
Out with the old and in with the new. The Butler, Potts Point's beloved terrace bar, has been given an all-around refresher and a new bar to boot. The lobby area is now home to Juanita's, an Ibero-inspired cocktail bar featuring fruity Pisco and tequila drinks that will transport you to the tropics. Before you step out to enjoy The Butler's panoramic views of the city skyline, you can first cozy up in the 'plantation-style' bar with a drink in hand. The seasonal drinks menu currently includes the Juanita Spritz — a vodka mix of rhubarb, lemon and an unusual rosé syrup — and a toasted coconut twist on the espresso martini classic. If you're more of a tequila drinker, the Crackerjack is a concoction of lime, ginger, cracked pepper, and, of course, tequila. Or change it up with a chocolatey mezcal cocktail in the Smoke & Chocolate. The drinks menu is paired with some bites from The Butler's new menu, created by newly appointed head chef Amber Doig. Pair Juanita's cocktails with Doig's cured salmon with green apple, habanero and citrus or slow cooked lamb shoulder in banana leaf. The space is named after journalist Juanita Nielsen, one of Victoria Streets' most famous former residents and an activist from the '70's. The fitout also pays tribute to history by preserving the building's original sandstone and timber, all the while giving off a luxe appeal. The bar also has its own fireplace, so these cooler months are no excuse to stay at home.
It's difficult to top the intensity of two rival teams going head-to-head — especially when they're from the same city. On Saturday, May 1, you can head to Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta to catch the nail-biting derby match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC. The stadium is the Wanderers' home turf, so expect the fans to be passionately cheering. Not to mention the event is the team's biggest match of the season. So, round up your crew for an evening of thrilling sports action. Tickets start at $15 for a standard seat and, if you're chasing something a little more luxe, you can grab a spot in the Legends Lounge for $90. Head here to secure your tickets and cheer on your team at this local derby.
A huge celebration of Greek food, music and culture is coming to Burwood on Sunday, November 12. The Greek Street Fair will takeover Railway Parade and Burleigh Street (just near Burwood train station) from 11am–5pm with food trucks, market stalls, performances, mascots and family-friendly activities. You'll be able to buy goods made by members of the local Greek community, feast on a garlic-laced array of traditional Greek eats and catch live performances and Greek tunes. Heading up the program are the Paradise Band, DJ Krazy Kon who is hosting his Greece Mix, Vol 28 (20 Years Edition) album launch, and much-loved viral food and TikTok personality YiaYia's Kitchen who will be there cooking up a storm. There will also be a couple of giveaways on the day, with the chance to win a two-night stay at Crown Plaza Burwood by entering the free draw, or a $50 Westfield voucher by uploading a photo with Mitos the Greek Street Fair Donkey who, we must inform you, is in fact a human dressed in a donkey outfit and not an actual braying creature on four legs.
A pop of colour or soft flowing fabric can make all the difference to your home decor, and 123 Home has all the trimmings to help you do a mini home renovation without ripping out any walls. This chic store will sort you out from the kitchen to the living room and any other nook or cranny that requires a refresh. Find candles, cushions and throws in every shade of the pastel spectrum, plus cutting boards and crockery to impress at any dinner party. And if you want to look as suave as your new lamps and wall hangings, there's also a range of jewellery, sunglasses and tote bags to deck yourself out with.
It has finally happened again, Sydneysiders. The city's projectors remained silent, its theatres bare and the smell of popcorn faded during the city's almost four-month-long lockdown; however, Sydney's picture palaces are now back in business. When stay-at-home restrictions are in place, no one is ever short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made over over the last year or so, including new releases, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent more time than usual in the past 18 months glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that. And, after checking out the best new movies that you could only see on the big screen when picture palaces reopened, we've now rounded up, watched and reviewed the new movies that have just arrived in theatres this week. HALLOWEEN KILLS They can't all be treats. That's true each time October 31 hits, sending children scurrying around the streets in search of sweets, and it's true of the film franchise that owns the spookiest time of year. Since debuting 43 years ago, the Halloween series has delivered both gems and garbage — and off-kilter delights such as Halloween III: Season of the Witch — but its latest and 12th entry carves a space firmly in the middle. Halloween Kills ticks plenty of boxes that a memorable Halloween movie should, and is also a horror sequel on autopilot. Somehow, it's also a Halloween movie lacking purpose and shape. It has The Shape, of course, as Michael Myers is also known. But it's more an exercise in spending extra time in Haddonfield, in its boogeyman's presence and in world inhabited by franchise heroine Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis, Knives Out) than a compelling slasher flick on its own. After giving the Halloween realm its second-best chapter in 2018, it's easy to see why returning writer/director David Gordon Green (Stronger) and his frequent collaborator Danny McBride (The Righteous Gemstones) have taken this approach. When you've just made a classic follow-up to a stone-cold classic — again, only John Carpenter's iconic franchise-starter is better — you keep on keeping on. That's not quite how Halloween Kills turns out, though. It picks up immediately where its predecessor left off, lets Michael stab his way through small-town Illinois again, and brings back Laurie's daughter Karen (Judy Greer, Where'd You Go, Bernadette) and teenage granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak, Son) from the last spin. It also pads things out with a vengeance storyline that endeavours to get political, yet proves about as piercing as a butter knife. In the last film — called Halloween, like the flick that started it all — Laurie faced the man who turned her into a victim back when she was a 17-year-old babysitter. She unleashed four decades of rage, fear and anxiety during a moment she'd been preparing for across all of that time, and it proved cathartic for her and for viewers alike. This saga was always going to add another sequel, however. As the second part of a trilogy under Green and McBride's guidance, Halloween Kills will also gain its own follow-up in a year's time. When it arrives in 2022, Halloween Ends won't actually live up to its name. No horror movie lover would want it to. Still, it already haunts Halloween Kills — because, like the townsfolk that the latex mask-sporting, overall-wearing Michael just keeps stalking, it feels uncertain about where it should head. First, Halloween Kills sends its three generations of Strode women to hospital, riffing on 1981's Halloween II. Sadly, it also replicates one of the latter's missteps, leaving Laurie there as her nemesis keeps slicing — and splitting its attention around Haddonfield. Here, both Karen and Allyson have also had enough of Michael's nonsense. So has Tommy Doyle (Anthony Michael Hall, The Goldbergs), one of the kids that Laurie babysat on that fateful night all those years ago. So, he rallies a mob and transforms the grieving and scared locale into a haven for vigilante justice; "evil dies tonight!" is their cheer. Read our full review. PASSING Locking gazes across the room, staring intently with a deep fascination that feels fated, seeing oneself in the sparkle of another's eyes: when these moments happen in a movie, it's typically to fuel the first flushes of romance. When they occur early in Passing, however, it's because former childhood friends Irene (Tessa Thompson, Westworld) and Clare (Ruth Negga, Ad Astra) have spied each other in a swanky Manhattan hotel. The pair peer back and forth, intrigued and attentive. That said, it isn't until Clare approaches Irene — and calls her Reenie, a nickname she hasn't heard in years — that the latter realises who she's been looking at. It's the immaculately styled blonde bob that fools Irene, as it's meant to fool the world. As becomes clear in a politely toned but horrendously blunt conversation with Clare's racist husband John (Alexander Skarsgård, Godzilla vs Kong) shortly afterwards, Irene's long-lost pal has built an entire life and marriage around being seen as white. Passing's eponymous term comes loaded not just with meaning, but with history; adapted from Nella Larsen's 1929 novel of the same name, it's set in America's Jim Crow era. This introductory scene between Irene and Clare comes layered with multiple sources of tension, too, with Irene only in the hotel because she's decided to flirt with visiting a white establishment. Still, she's shocked by her pal's subterfuge. When she initially spots Clare, the film adopts Irene's perspective — and its frames bristle with a mix of nervousness, uncertainty and familiarity. Irene rediscovers an old friend in a new guise, and also comes face to face with the lengths some are willing to go to in the name of survival and an easier life. Friendships can be rewarding and challenging, fraught and nourishing, and demanding and essential, including all at once, as Passing repeatedly demonstrates from this point onwards. Irene can't completely move past Clare's choices and can't shake her fears about what'd happen if the vile John ever learned Clare's secret; however, she's also quick to defend her to others — to her doctor husband Brian (André Holland, The Eddy), who swiftly warms to Clare anyway; and to acclaimed white novelist Hugh Wentworth (Bill Camp, News of the World), who's her own entry point into an artier realm. Indeed, in household where talk of lynchings is common dinner conversation, Irene recognises far more in Clare's decision than she'll vocally admit. Almost everyone she knows is pretending to be something else as well, after all, including Irene in her own ways. Largely confined to Irene and Brian's well-appointed Harlem home and other parties in the neighbourhood — after that first hotel rendezvous, that is — Passing is an economical yet complicated film. It may seem straightforward in charting Irene and Clare's rekindled acquaintance, but it's exacting and precise as it interrogates both societally enforced and self-inflicted pain. Its Black characters live in a world that pushes them aside and worse merely for existing, with its central pair each internalising that reality. Their every careful move reacts to it, in fact, a bleak truth that actor-turned-filmmaker Rebecca Hall (The Night House) never allows to fade. That's one of the reasons she's chosen to shoot this striking directorial debut in elegant, crisp and devastatingly telling monochrome hues: both everything and nothing here is black and white. Read our full review. RIDERS OF JUSTICE Few things will ever be better than seeing Mads Mikkelsen get day drunk and dance around while swigging champagne in an Oscar-winning movie, which is one fantastic film experience that 2021 has already delivered. But the always-watchable actor is equally magnetic and exceptional in Riders of Justice, a revenge-driven comedy that's all about tackling your problems in a different and far less boozy fashion. In both features, he plays the type of man unlikely to express his feelings. Instead of Another Round's mild-mannered teacher who's so comfortably settled into his adult life that his family barely acknowledges he's there, here he's a dedicated solider who's more often away than home. Beneath his close-cropped hair and steely, bristly beard, he's stern, sullen and stoic, not to mention hot-tempered when he does betray what's bubbling inside, and he outwardly expects the same of everyone around him. Mikkelson excels at transformational performances, however. He's also an exquisite anchor in films that dare to take risks. No matter what part he's playing, the Danish star is gifted at conveying subtlety, too, which is ideal for a character, Markus, who slowly realises that he needs to be more open with his emotions. And, while Mikkelson is usually expertly cast in most entries on his resume — the misfire that is Chaos Walking being one rare outlier — he's especially in his element in this genre-defying, trope-unpacking, constantly complex and unpredictable film. With a name that sounds like one of the many by-the-numbers action flicks Liam Neeson has starred in since Taken, Riders of Justice initially appears as if it'll take its no-nonsense central figure to an obvious place, and yet this ambitious, astute and entertaining movie both does and doesn't. After a train explosion taints his life with tragedy and leaves him the sole parent to traumatised teenager Mathilde (Andrea Heick Gadeberg, Pagten), Markus returns home from Afghanistan. Talking is her method of coping, or would be if he'd let her; he refuses counselling for them both, and opts not to discuss the incident in general, because clamming up has always been his PTSD-afflicted modus operandi. Then Riders of Justice's writer/director Anders Thomas Jensen (Men & Chicken) and screenwriter Nikolaj Arcel (A Royal Affair) send statistician Otto (Nikolaj Lie Kaas, The Keeper of Lost Causes), his colleague Lennart (Lars Brygmann, The Professor and the Madman) and the computer-savvy Emmenthaler (Nicolas Bro, The Kingdom) knocking at the grieving family's door. They're a trio of stereotypically studious outsiders to his stony-faced military man, but they come uttering a theory. Mathematically, they don't think that the events surrounding the accident add up, so they're convinced it wasn't just a case of pure misfortune — because it's just so unlikely to have occurred otherwise. The nervy Otto, who was on the train with Mathilde and her mother Emma (Anne Birgitte Lind, The Protector), has even started to narrow down possible culprits with his pals. Markus, with his action-not-words mindset, is swiftly eager for retribution, but again, this isn't like most films of its ilk. Narratives about seeking justice often ride the expected rails on autopilot, getting from start to finish on the standard vengeance template's inherent momentum; this attentive and layered gem questions and subverts every usual cliche, convention and motif along the way, including by putting its characters first. Read our full review. ANTLERS When daylight nightmares infiltrate the horror genre and expose humanity's fears to the sun — in 2019's Midsommar, for instance — viewers tend to take notice. That isn't the case with Antlers, a film that's as gloomy in appearance and mood as an unsettling movie can be, whether it's finding darkness in mining shafts, neglected homes or the memories that haunt teacher Julia Meadows (Keri Russell, The Americans) upon returning to her home town after fleeing as a teen decades earlier. This is a grim and bleak feature in every way it can be, in fact, but it also throws sunlight upon troubles that too often go unmentioned. Writer/director Scott Cooper (Black Mass) uses Antlers' brooding hues and tones to lurk in the realm of myth, to confront domestic abuse, and to muse on the persecution of and violence against America's First Peoples and their land — and, as grey as this creature feature always proves, it wields its colour palette like a spotlight. Antlers can be blunt and blatant, traits that don't bode well for a film about a ravenous beast out of Indigenous American folklore that's biting back at its oppressors. It can be delicate and savvy as well, though, especially when it explores how Julia and her student Lucas Weaver (feature debutant Jeremy T Thomas) both grapple with childhoods no one could ever dream of. Julia has only come back to live with her brother Paul (Jesse Plemons, Jungle Cruise), who is now the town's sheriff, after their father's death. She still sees her younger self cowering in fear wherever she looks, and she can't help but gaze with yearning at bottles of liquor in the local store. Lucas, a slip of a boy, is nervy, jittery and defensive. He looks at the ice cream parlour with the same desire, wanting to lose himself in something fleeting but soothing — a sugar rush, in his case. It was never going to take long for Julia to notice that Lucas is also victim; however, in adapting Nick Antosca's short story The Quiet Boy, one of the smartest things that Cooper, Antosca and their co-scribe Henry Chaisson do is to make the connection via a lesson on storytelling. Julia informs her class about the importance and function of spinning tales. Then, only because he's called upon, Lucas shares his own illustrated version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears that's definitely no fairytale. Antlers may too often opt for the obvious route as it tracks the horned creature stalking the town, as well as the illness that's overcome Lucas' father (Scott Haze, Minari) and younger brother (Sawyer Jones, Modern Family) — two things that are linked from the movie's very first scene in that aforementioned mine shaft-turned-meth lab — but in baking the way we use stories to cope with life's horrors into its frames, it's also devastatingly astute. When Antlers is at its best, it echoes with unease, longing, guilt and sorrow. As both Crazy Heart and Out of the Furnace have shown, Cooper is no stranger to the latter trio emotions — and as both prior movies also demonstrated, he's at his finest when his cast is up to the task of conveying all three. Russell and Thomas each fit the bill here with a sense of trauma that's always haunting. Their respective characters tussle with threats both external and internal (and supernatural and domestic), and weariness and tension seeps through their every move. Antlers perceptively makes that malaise pulsate in a broader sense as well; it's the malaise of people and towns, and of a culture and a land subjected to far more than it should have to bear. And, in its gore, ooze, horns and crunched bones, it ensures that pain feels visceral. Cooper can't always find the right balance from scene to scene, but when Antlers pierces, it wounds. RON'S GONE WRONG In Ron's Gone Wrong, an internet-enabled R2-D2-style kids' gadget starts operating beyond its standard programming. Illegally sold to Barney Pudowski's (Jack Dylan Grazer, Luca) father (Ed Helms, Rutherford Falls) and grandmother (Olivia Colman, The Father), who are desperate to get the pre-teen the belated birthday gift he wants, the damaged robot sports an off-kilter personality and is nowhere near as concerned with mining the details of its owner's life for corporate data as it's meant to be. The same can't be said of this family-friendly animated film, unsurprisingly. It's a tech-focused all-ages flick straight out of the box, and designed to sell merchandise to its target audience. It's sweet, lively and bouncy enough, but also thematically problematic; stressing the importance of individuality and switching off while also positing that everyone needs an online device and social media to make friends and unlock their best will do that. Ron (voiced by Zach Galifianakis, Baskets) is a B-Bot; "your best friend out of the box" is the marketing slogan. When Facebook-meets-Apple style tech giant Bubble releases the product, every student at Nonsuch Middle School soon has one — except Barney, who gets teased about his rock collection instead. The peer pressure to get his own robot soon gives way to disappointment when he learns of Ron's idiosyncrasies; however, in its broad strokes, Ron's Gone Wrong tells a story of acceptance. After Bubble learns that one of its products has gone rogue — including pushing around Rich (Ricardo Hurtado, Malibu Rescue), the prank-loving bully making Barney's life hell — it decides to claim Ron back and crush him, but an entire grade's worth of children come to discover that that's not how you treat a friend. As spirited as Ron's Gone Wrong repeatedly proves, there's still a strong and inescapable sense of disconnection between its cavalcade of conflicting messages, which include: be yourself; be authentic; love your friends for who they are; don't try to change people; appearances don't matter; everyone has something in common; let technology help you find pals by showing what you all share; connect with others via your gadgets; and living your life online will lead to your best self. As a result, the film plays like a colourful mechanism for turning young viewers into eager consumers — of the Ron-shaped toys they'll now want immediately, and of social media — especially given how weakly it satirises big tech. When it's just about Barney, Ron and the joys of having a best friend, a warm-hearted thread of human-AI buddy comedy does manage to lurk inside writer/director Sarah Smith (Arthur Christmas), co-directors Jean-Philippe Vine (Shaun the Sheep) and Octavio Rodriguez (The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants), and co-screenwriter Peter Baynham's (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan) film. Much about the movie's parodies of technology's insidiousness and the way mobile phones have changed our daily lives balances both truth and humour, too — but not enough to make the overall formula, soulless product-spruiking and Ron's Gone Wrong glossy #sponcon Instagram post-esque atmosphere go right. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas, check out our rundown of new films released in Sydney cinemas when they reopened on October 11, and what opened on October 14 and October 21 as well. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of movies currently screening, such as In the Heights, Black Widow, Nine Days, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Old, Jungle Cruise, The Suicide Squad, Free Guy, Respect, The Night House, Candyman, Annette, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), Pig, The Killing of Two Lovers, Nitram, A Fire Inside, Lamb, The Last Duel, Malignant, The Harder They Fall and Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain.
Sydney winemaking duo Sebastian Keys and Zachary Godbolt have brought their beloved natural, organic and vegan wine brand DOOM JUICE to a brand-new cellar door. Boasting a sun-lit courtyard and a mural from local favourite Struthless, the new wine venue is housed in the garage of The Music & Booze Co's new live music venue The House of Music & Booze in St Peters (formerly the White Horse Hotel). Each Sunday, the cellar door turns into the Saint Lawrence Bistro and hosts a different chef from some of Sydney's best and most cutting-edge restaurants and bars. Already locked in to take over the kitchen: Toby Stansfield (The Old Fitz), Marcelo Munoz (Continental Deli CBD), Wesley-Cooper Jones (P&V), Sammy Rozsnyoi (Cafe Paci), Luka Coyne (Fish Shop), Ed Saxton (Sagra) and Anna Ugarte-Carral (10 Hats). "Every week will be different. [The chefs] are all working on their own speciality things," confirmed Keys. "The whole point of DOOM JUICE really, we wanted to be a really great way to get into natural wine, to be one of the first points of call into the wine world." Joining the DOOM JUICE crew each Sunday will be Sydney party collective Fruit Bowl who's hosting its weekly Fruit Bowl Sundays event upstairs in The House of Music & Booze, meaning you can hit the dance floor after you enjoy some natural wine and top-notch eats. Saint Lawrence Bistro Initial Schedule September September 11 - Ed Saxton (Sagra) September 18 - Jack Fitzhenry (Bastardo) September 25 - Wesley Cooper Jones (P&V Paddington) October October 2 - Toby Stansfield (The Old Fitz) October 9 - Sammy Rozsnyoi (Cafe Paci) October 16 - Cicerone October 23 - BTB Kirribilli October 30 - Dan Rocha (Wholebeast Butchery) November November 6 - Marcelo Munoz (Bar Louise) November 13 - Anna Ugarte-Carral (10 Hats) Images: Angus Bell Young
One of Sydney's most esteemed, view-heavy restaurants is currently celebrating 20 years. Bondi's iconic Icebergs Dining Room and Bar has been serving up top-quality meals with sweeping ocean views for two decades, and following a recent renovation, the eastern suburbs mainstay is marking the occasion with a series of events and parties. One such is Icebergs Winter Sundays. Across four weeks between July and September, four Sydney faves will be popping up at Icebergs for a guest shift as the sun sets. The CBD's Double Deuce Lounge will kick things off on Sunday, July 9 with five hours of cocktails and tasty bar snacks. The following month, Sydney's award-winning Maybe Sammy team will be popping up for a tequila-fuelled takeover on Sunday, August 6. On Sunday, August 27, Inner West mainstay Earl's Juke Joint will be emerging from its hidden King Street speakeasy to run the bar at Icebergs. And rounding out the series on Sunday, September 3 is Swillhouse's underground American-themed tavern Shady Pines. The initial Icebergs Sunday takeover from Double Deuce Longue will feature four signature cocktails for $25 a pop, plus a snack menu starring the likes of Jatz and French onion dip, American-style cheeseburgers, Boon Luck Farm lemonade fruit jelly and sopressa salami toasties. Each Winter Sunday pop-up sports free entry, and walk-ins are welcome. All you have to do is rip yourself off the couch on each given Sunday and end the weekend with a bev by the ocean. Images: Nikki To
While Messina's main jam is usually crafting supremely scoffable varieties of gelato, the brand's love of food extends far beyond the freezer. The cult gelateria has often teamed up with savoury-focused culinary heroes, throwing big ol' food parties. While these tasty pop-ups used to be hosted in the carpark of Messina's Rosebery store, the recent unveiling of a massive new Marrickville HQ means they're on the move. Following the Baba's Place and Whole Beast Butchery collaboration, the carpark parties will continue with an old favourite from back in Rosebery, Hoy Pinoy. The Filipino barbecue masters have been teaming up with Messina for years now, with the duo set to take things to another level at this latest iteration in Marrickville across Friday, June 23–Saturday, June 24 — running from midday until late. The team will be grilling up skewers of beef rump, chicken and pork belly, as well as corned beef brisket loaded fries, steamed rice with green papaya pickles and a massive next-level barbecue plate. Opt for the latter and you'll be treated to bistek tagalog-glazed beef, pakpak adobo wings, pork belly sausage, steamed rice and Filipino pickles. For dessert, Messina will be whipping up monay milk buns filled with your choice of ube, leche flan, cheese or pandan gelato. And, to drink, there'll be a combination of sweetened coconut milk and pandan jellies.
Sometimes cocktails enter the zeitgeist and quickly fade away again. But with a tome like The Madrusan Cocktail Companion, staying on top of classic drinks and modern twists becomes much easier. Crafted by Michael and Zara Madrusan — the brains behind acclaimed Melbourne venues like The Everleigh — they've transformed what began as an in-house manual into a treasured resource spanning 2800 cocktail recipes. With the recent release of the book capturing headlines, the duo are doing the rounds on the cocktail-making scene, next appearing at Rozelle's Red Mill Distillery on Tuesday, November 25. Presented by Balmain's Roaring Stories Bookshop, guests are served up a fascinating evening that combines art, history and cocktails. From 7pm, Michael will showcase how to create world-class cocktails bound to impress your friends and family over the holiday season. Leaning into sophisticated drinks heavy on the Red Mill Rum, guests are treated to two tasting cocktails on the night. Plus, you'll be able to purchase more tasty concoctions, as well as take home a signed copy of the duo's landmark book. And if you have bartending questions, Michael and Zara will be on hand to provide their revered advice. The setting for this masterclass could hardly be more appropriate, either. Set inside the reimagined 150-year-old White Bay Steelworks, Red Mill has established a stellar reputation for small-batch, high-quality rum. With the entire production handled in-house, this historic distillery is also home to a sprawling barrel hall, housing over 300 casks, from which the goods undoubtedly make their way into countless cocktails.
During COVID-19, there have been reports across the globe of animals taking over cities while humans are in lockdown. Mountain goats have run amok in Wales, wild boar have strolled through the streets of Barcelona and deer have reclaimed a now quiet corner of East London. Down here in Australia, we're playing right into the stereotypes. Yep, old mate Skippy has been videoed hopping through the streets of Adelaide. In footage posted to South Australia Police's Twitter account, you can see a kangaroo casually bouncing through the CBD's quiet streets. The post is captioned with the local police saying "a suspect wearing a grey fur coat... was last seen on foot heading into the West Parklands". There's no word yet on whether the suspect was breaching any of the government's stay-at-home restrictions, however. If you've been trying to convince your American mates that you do indeed ride 'roos to work Down Under, this may finally be the proof you need. https://twitter.com/SAPoliceNews/status/1251721467189813250 While the above stories are true, if you've been hanging out on Twitter of late, you would have seen many fake images of animals returning to cities as part of the viral 'Nature is Healing' meme. There have been reports of dolphins swimming through the canals of Venice and elephants getting drunk in Chinese tea fields, but as National Geographic has pointed out, they are indeed fake. Regardless, some are quite clever and may elicit a bit of a chuckle. So, we'll leave you with a few of our favourites: https://twitter.com/TPZanetic/status/1249116743555002368 https://twitter.com/Julian_Epp/status/1243992034324746240 https://twitter.com/roobeekeane/status/1244320113958019073 https://twitter.com/willjennings80/status/1241497390735069184
If you're a fan of author, comedian and NPR humorist David Sedaris, then you'll know that he's a frequent visitor Down Under. Missed him on his last trip in 2023? 2025 is your latest chance to experience his snappy wit, as well as his discerning and astute ability to observe life's moments — both trivial and extraordinary — in both an observational and unique way. This is Sedaris' seventh trip Down Under, spanning stops in both Australia and New Zealand — including at Sydney Opera House on Monday, February 10–Tuesday, February 11. If you haven't seen Sedaris live before, his shows are part of the reason that he's built up such a following. Onstage, he regularly weaves in new and unpublished material, too — and the satirist will throw it over to the crowd for a Q&A as well, and also sign copies of his books. [caption id="attachment_862849" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anne Fishbein[/caption] Sedaris has more than a few tomes to his name, so you have options for him to scribble on, including Happy-Go-Lucky, Calypso, Theft by Finding, Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Holidays on Ice, Naked and Barrel Fever. Sedaris is equally celebrated for his constant This American Life appearances and must-read pieces in The New Yorker, and boasts everything from the Terry Southern Prize for Humor and Jonathan Swift International Literature Prize for Satire and Humor to the Time Humorist of the Year Award among his accolades. If you've been searching for a supportive environment to use the phrase "how very droll", this is it. [caption id="attachment_862850" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anne Fishbein[/caption] Top images: Jenny Lewis, Prudence Upton.
Over a year ago, a new Asian food hub began to unfold on the third floor of Haymarket's Market City. Australia's second (and Sydney's first) Mr Meng Chongqing Gourmet outpost was the first venue to open in the 1909 Dining Precinct. The noodle franchise is known for its particularly spicy bowls and is run by the host of Chinese dating show If You Are the One, Meng Fei. A large chunk of the other venues opening in mid-April last year, with the second bout of openings including Korean barbecue joint Kogi, Chinese eatery The Eight, Yayoi Japanese Teishoku Restaurant, a CBD outpost of Ashfield's famed Beijing Impression, sushi train Fugetsu and popular Macau hot pot chain The Dolar Shop. Now, the precinct is finally complete, and is home to nine restaurants ranging from casual takeaway joints to theatrically designed dining rooms with custom-made rickshaw installations.. The latest spots to join the hub are sushi burger venture Gojima (by award-winning Sokyo chef Chase Kojima) and Nanyang Tea Club – a traditional Singaporean and Malay restaurant spearheaded by Kaisern Ching (Chef's Gallery) and Billy Chong (Ipoh Town). [caption id="attachment_715423" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sushi burger from Gojima.[/caption] Nanyang Tea Club's 88-seater fit-out is reminiscent of colonial-era Singapore, featuring rattan furniture, antique finishings and a bespoke rickshaw installation. Food wise, the restaurants draws from both Chef's Gallery and Ipoh Town's culinary styles, boasting a menu of traditional dishes such as chilli crab, coconut chicken soup and the signature bak kut teh (pork rib broth). On the more casual end of the spectrum, Gojima's American-Japanese fusion menu is more compact, with nine sushi burgers — made with a sushi rice and nori bun — and a selection of sides, such as Japanese-style southern fried chicken. For dessert, frozen custards and chocolate miso, green tea or strawberries and cream thickshakes are also available. 1909 Dining Precinct is located on Market City's third floor. It's open seven days a week until late.
Stadium food isn't normally anyone's favourite part of footy or cricket, but that all changed late last year when Sydney hospitality giant Merivale announced it was moving into the Sydney Cricket Ground to take over the dining offering. For the past six months, dishes from acclaimed Merivale executive chefs such as Jordan Toft (Mimi's, Bert's Bar & Brasserie) and Dan Hong (Ms.G's, Mr. Wong) have been on offer at the ground, with the stadium even sporting pop-up Queen Chow, El Loco and Vinnie's Pizza outposts. Now, with Allianz Stadium set to reopen its doors on Sunday, August 28 after its multimillion-dollar rebuild, Merivale is moving in next door and bringing a range of its top-notch eats to the new stadium as well. It was announced that Justin Hemmes and co would be running the food and beverage offerings out of the new Sydney Football Stadium when the original SCG deal was revealed last year, but we now have a heap of new details including an expansive list of vendors that will be setting up shop at the Moore Park ground. [caption id="attachment_864353" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Queen Chow, El Loco, Vinnie's Pizza and Jimmy's Falafel will all be making their way over from the SCG. Joining them will be offerings from Totti's Pasta Bar, Bert's Bistro and Ms.G's. Ms. G's will be serving up cheeseburger spring rolls, pork buns and salt and pepper squid; Totti's will be offering burrata and mortadella as part of its antipasti menu alongside fettuccine stracciatella and bolognese pappardelle; and Bert's will be taking the member's concourse to the next level with a truly luxurious menu featuring oysters, garlic butter lobster and wagyu sirloin bearnaise. There's also an exciting new drinks offering that will add to the stadium experience for sports- and concert-goers. Spritzes and martinis from Bert's, negronis from Totti's and margaritas will be available to purchase alongside a selection of beers, wine and bubbly beverages. [caption id="attachment_864365" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] If you are still after burgers, hot dogs and hot chips — those trusty stadium faves — never fear, they'll still be available, too. Merivale won the tender to become the SCG and SFS's exclusive hospitality experience partner for almost six years, with its tenure in the Moore Park precinct currently set to run until September 2027. Allianz Stadium will officially reopen on August 28 with a free open day and an opening-night celebration featuring performances from Guy Sebastian and Baker Boy. From there, its first events will include NRL and A-League matches, international rugby and soccer games, and two official opening concerts from Grammy Award-winning international superstar Bruno Mars. [caption id="attachment_864352" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Merivale's food and drink lineup will be available at the Sydney Football Stadium from its opening on Sunday, August 28. Images: Phil Hillyard.
The party people at Frankie's are looking to add some rock 'n' roll to your after-work routine. The venue's popular TNT Trivia is back in action, running every Tuesday from October 6. True to form, this will not be your average weeknight trivia. Expect hard rock-themed questions, a live band and some seriously cool prizes to boot. Those prizes are courtesy of music companies BMG and Maric Media, who will be shouting rare collectibles for hard rock music fans. Those include the 50th anniversary box set of Black Sabbath's 1970 album Paranoid and the 40th anniversary deluxe collectors box set of Motorhead's 1980 album Ace Of Spades. Alongside the music prizes, Newtown's Young Henrys will be offering up heaps of free beer, gift boxes, brewery tours and beer tastings at its inner west bar. New prizes will be on the docket each week, with trivia on each and every Tuesday from 8pm. Images: Katje Ford
If you've been hoping to dance like Christopher Walken, pretend you're in Cruel Intentions, or just get transported back to the late 90s and early 00s when Fatboy Slim returns to Australia in 2025, and you're in Sydney, you might've been making out-of-town plans. When he dropped his latest tour dates, the British dance-music legend's only New South Wales appearance was in Bowral. Thanks to a just-announced new addition to his Australian itinerary, however, you can now hit up Roundhouse in the Harbour City for one night only as well. For the third time in the 2020s, Fatboy Slim is heading to Australia to break out 'Right Here, Right Now', 'The Rockafeller Skank', 'Praise You' and plenty more dance-floor fillers. After touring the country in 2020 and 2023, he's returning in March 2025 on what's now a six-stop trip, four of which will get him spinning tunes in wineries — with his Sydney gig his only indoor show. [caption id="attachment_975624" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Selbymay via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] For the NSW capital, he's slotted in Tuesday, March 18, a few days after he'll play Centennial Vineyards in Bowral. The tour kicks off in Perth, at the only other show that isn't at a vineyard, on Friday, March 14. After Bowral and Sydney, Fatboy Slim is then off to Peter Lehmann Wines in the Barossa Valley, Mt Duneed Estate in Geelong and Sirromet Wines in Mount Cotton. While DJ Seinfeld, CC:DISCO! and Jennifer Loveless are supporting the UK legend at his other five gigs, special guests for his exclusive headline Sydney show haven't yet been revealed. [caption id="attachment_975623" align="alignnone" width="1920"] neal whitehouse piper via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Norman Cook has been making music since the 80s, but took on the name Fatboy Slim in the mid-90s, starting with 1996 record Better Living Through Chemistry. His 1998 album You've Come a Long Way, Baby was the club soundtrack to end the 20th century — a staple of every 90s teen's CD collection, too. As for 2000's Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars, it gave the world 'Weapon of Choice' and its iconic Walken-starring (and Spike Jonze-directed) video. Fatboy Slim's discography also spans 2004 album Palookaville and 2013 single 'Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat'. [caption id="attachment_878696" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Carlos Luna / Secretaría de Cultura CDMX via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] You might not be able to dance along the walls when Cook hits the decks — but you'll want to thanks to his big beat sound. Indeed, alongside the Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, The Propellerheads and Crystal Method, he helped bring the style to mainstream fame.If you've seen Cook live before — or the epic live video from his 2020 Melbourne gig at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl that's notched up more than 3.2-million views — then you'll know that any Fatboy Slim tour is always news to get excited about right about now. Fatboy Slim 2025 Australian Tour Friday, March 14 — Langley Park, Perth Saturday, March 15 — Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Tuesday, March 18 — Roundhouse, Sydney Friday, March 21 — Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley Saturday, March 22 — Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong Sunday, March 23 — Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton [caption id="attachment_878697" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Fatboy Slim is touring Australia in March 2025. Ticket presales for his Roundhouse show in Sydney start from 10am AEDT on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, with general sales from 10am AEDT on Friday, February 15, 2025. Head to the tour website for more details. Top image: Selbymay via Wikimedia Commons.
It's a scenario that many Australians can relate to: it's summer, the temperature has reached scorching levels and you can hear the sounds of someone splashing around in a cool, refreshing pool. Sadly, those noises aren't emanating from your own swimming spot — because you don't have one — and you don't know your neighbours well enough to just pop by for a dip. And, maybe your local waterhole is too far away, you don't live near the beach or the nearest public pool is closed for the day. Combine all of the above, and you're stuck trying to chill out in the bath or under the fan in the sweltering heat. Enter Swimply, a service that's like Airbnb, but for pools. Already operational in the US and Canada, and finally launching in Australia on Tuesday, November 26 — in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane so far — it's a fairly typical sharing economy-style platform. One person rents out something they have and don't use all the time, while another person with a short-term need reaps the benefits. In this case, Swimply lets folks with pools lease out their backyard swimming spots when they're not in use, and helps people without pools find a place for a splash, all via an iOS and Android app. If you fall into the latter category, you can hire a spot by the hour. You can also look for pools with specific facilities and inclusions — such as chairs, lounges, towels, wifi, a changing area, access to a bathroom, a barbecue, a shady spot to sit under, night lighting, pool toys and heated waters. Some allow pets, while others are fine with parties and alcohol. Before booking, you can also scope out just how many guests you can bring (and whether kids are allowed), as well as how private the pool is from the neighbours. That said, prices aren't particularly cheap. Splashing around for 60 minutes hovers around the $40 mark, with some pools as low as $20 and others topping out at $50 per hour — all depending on the cost set by the owner. Of course, if you're planning a dip with your pals and can split the price, it's much more affordable. So far, just a small range of pools are available in Australia, with three in Sydney, five in Melbourne and five in Brisbane. Still, if you're keen to hop in one of them, Swimply is offering first-time users a 20 percent discount until December 31, 2019 — just use the code 'SWIMDOWNUNDER'. And if you're wondering about safety, pools are vetted before being added to the platform, in conjunction with pool and spa maintenance company Poolwerx — and checked to ensure compliance with Australian health and safety standards. Swimply is now available to download on iOS and Android.
Sydney's Cambridge Markets are coming to the Shire for the first this holiday season when the Kurnell Christmas Market takes over the Bonna Point Reserve on Sunday, November 25 from 10am–4pm. The gift bazaar will feature 120 stalls offering everything from artisan clothing, accessories, sustainable homewares and pet goods to Christmas trees, puddings, organic hams and turkeys. Apart from packaged smallgoods, an array of hot food stalls — ranging from vegan hamburgers to Vietnamese food — will help you fuel up for the shopping frenzy. Live music is on the docket too, along with rides, henna and face painting booths for little ones. For commuters, there will be a special market bus running from Cronulla station to Bonna Point Reserve from 9.30am–4.10pm that day. As in previous years, The Cambridge Markets will also host the Watson's Bay Twilight Market on December 7 from 3pm and the Entertainment Quarter Christmas Market on December 15 from 8am (at the market's headquarters in Moore Park). Keep an eye on the Cambridge Markets Facebook page for further Christmas market details and updates.
Break out the pink and don't even dream of wearing sweatpants: it's Mean Girls brunch time. Come April, themed mid-morning meals dedicated to the 2004 teen classic will be popping up in yet-to-be-disclosed locations in Sydney and Melbourne. Yes, like Gretchen's devotion to the word "fetch", someone is trying to make this happen. On offer is a get-together filled with prosecco, cocktails and something edible, plus the flick itself playing in the background. It's the latest in what's proving a growing trend, given the enormous popularity of the already sold-out Harry Potter-themed Wizard's Brunch. If the Plastics were to give their opinion on it, however, we're not certain it'd get the Regina George stamp of approval. Other than the pink-hued outfits and just generally gossiping about the Tina Fey-written, Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams-starring movie, there's not that much else to really throw into the mix. Will attendees eat in a school cafeteria-like setting? Will it feature an all-carb menu to go with Regina's all-carb diet? Will tables be split into cliques like "actual human beings" and "desperate wannabes"? Will Kalteen bars feature? Perhaps a Spring Fling King and Queen will be crowned, which is what's happening at London's version of the event. Also on the agenda is immersive entertainment, although just what that'll be hasn't been revealed. The Mean Girls Brunch will take place at locations in Sydney and Melbourne later this year. We'll let you know when you can buy tickets, and you can sign up for updates here.
The haunting and atmospheric imagery created by Singapore-born, Sydney-based artist Ben Ali Ong will be on show at Artereal Gallery this month. The artist usually works across photo media, film, and mixed media; however, his newest series Nyctophilia is a nocturnal suite of black and white photographs. This understated and contemplative exhibition is aimed at inviting ideas rather than expressing them. Among the new batch of photographs, there are foggy nights with slivers of moon, spot-lit mannequins, creased love letters, and verses of censored poetry. Many of the works featured contain suggestive fragments. In combination, they take on the air of an arthouse murder mystery. Ong found himself in hot water a few years ago when he was accused of plagiarism. Back in 2012, he was an artist on the rise, exhibiting as a finalist across multiple art prizes and major galleries. The controversy ignited the familiar debate around originality in the art world. Three years later, it seems he's back on the path toward cementing himself as a significant Australian photographer.
Queensland is known for more than a few things. Endlessly warm weather, fearsome footy, particularly wild wildlife and a bustling arts and culture scene to name a few. But it's also home to a long legacy of scientific discovery. This history — and that of the science community the world over — is celebrated annually at World Science Festival Brisbane, which is returning this March for its 2023 edition. Taking over several venues citywide over its five-day run, World Science Festival Brisbane is here to both delight and educate across a range of scientific fields. Just like last year, the event is coinciding with Curiocity Brisbane, which runs until Saturday, April 22 — so you're guaranteed a double dose of thought-provoking attractions. If you plan on seeing it all, you're in for a jam-packed five days. Head to QPAC for one or all of Professor Brian Greene's four conversation sessions, which are set to cover astrology, neurology, history and more. For a good laugh, visit QPAC on Saturday, March 25 for the live comedy quiz show Night of the Nerds, or Sunday, March 26 for a live recording of A Rational Fear, the award-winning podcast series that explores – and manages to laugh at – all the ways the world could end. Fascinated by the oceanic realm? Artistically inclined? Head to Brisbane Planetarium between Thursday, March 23 and Sunday, March 26 to catch a screening of the award-winning short film CORAL: Rekindling Venus. And, excitingly, Curiocity's city walk returns. From Wednesday, March 22 till Saturday, April 22, your stroll through South Bank will be dotted with 14 immersive artworks and displays that explore everything from cat-babysitting AI to T-Rex farts. Beyond all of that science-fuelled fun, the loggerback turtle hatchery is returning to Queensland Museum (a true fan fave), interactive experiments are popping up across Brisbane, there's the chance to picnic amongst prehistoric animals at the South Bank Piazza and more. For more information and to nab your tickets to World Science Festival Brisbane, visit the website.
Been meaning to get into stargazing but don't know where to start? This could be your gateway event. On Wednesday, March 23, you can join thousands of Aussies attempting to smash the World Record for Most People Stargazing Simultaneously Across Multiple Locations in Centennial Park. There is lots of starry-eyed fun going down across the country, but the Centennial Park celebrations kick off at 7pm. There'll be a little something for stargazers of all levels, including a Q&A with CSIRO and UNSW astronomers, and Indigenous educators telling traditional Aboriginal stories about the stars. From 8pm, catch the ABC's live stargazing broadcast on the huge outdoor screen, hosted by Julia Zemiro and physicist Brian Cox. There'll also be telescopes available to order, and food trucks on hand in case all that gazing leaves you feeling peckish.
In I Am Mother's vision of the future, humanity has almost become extinct, the earth is a wasteland and the only known person alive is a teenager (Clara Rugaard) born, raised and living in an underground facility. Known only as Daughter, the adolescent has been brought up by a robot that she calls Mother (voiced by Rose Byrne) — but when a woman (Hilary Swank) comes knocking on their door, the girl begins to doubt everything she knows, including her android protector's motives. So far, so familiar, especially if you're a fan of sci-fi thrillers and dystopian tales. Australia has made a few, including the hugely successful Mad Max franchise; however this homegrown sci-fi thriller definitely finds its own niche. Shot in Adelaide, screening as a work in progress at the 2018 Adelaide Film Festival, premiering internationally at this year's Sundance and also slated for this year's Sydney Film Festival, it's now heading to Netflix from June 7 as well. Get ready for a bleak, tense and twisty effort that makes the most of its premise, nods to both the Alien and Terminator sagas, features immersive production design, and should bring its stellar young Danish lead Rugaard to further attention. It's also the debut feature from Australian filmmaker Grant Sputore, who directs and co-penned the underlying story with fellow big-screen first-timer Michael Lloyd Green. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5BKctcZxrM I Am Mother drops on Netflix on June 7.
Acclainmed chefs Cuong Nguyen (Penelope's, Hello Auntie) and Jack Kulusai and Tanya Boonprakong (Porkfat) are joining forces for an exclusive two-night dinner series. Taking place on Monday, May 20 and Monday, May 27, Chu Fat marks the second iteration of Nguyen's Chef Series collabs. Diners can expect intense flavours and inventive combinations for $85 per person. [caption id="attachment_956129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Chad Konik[/caption] The menu begins with snacks and light bites such as tamarind wings with lime gel, garlic and chilli, and a Thai mortadella with toasted brioche 'pork toast'. Next, indulge in calamari noodles doused in a southern Thai-style curry sauce, and sweet pork and gkapi rice served in a clay pot, before moving to a main serve of dry-aged wagyu ribeye with smoked tamarind and a side of snake beans. You'll finish with a dessert of choux filled with a kaya sticky rice diplomat and pandan sherbet. Find out more about the collab at the Hey Chu website, and book your spot for either May 20 or May 27 via the reservations page. [caption id="attachment_956128" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Chad Konik[/caption]
A new omakase ramen restaurant from one of Sydney's most renowned Japanese chefs is coming to Chatswood. Chase Kojima (Sokyo, Gojima, Chuuka) is opening Senpai Ramen in Sydney's lower north shore. The 25-seat restaurant will open in February 2022 with a focus on presenting ramen in a new and exciting way. Senpai Ramen will be based around a series of ever-changing set menus. Omakase is a Japanese dining tradition that translates to 'leave it to the chef'. Diners at the Chatswood restaurant will be offered five, six or seven-course meals that begin with smaller plates and build towards the signature ramen varieties. Ramen on offer will include a tonkotsu ramen with seasonal flavours and unexpected toppings such as 13-hour cooked abalone and A5-grade charcoal wagyu. The initial smaller dishes will also be paired with cocktails created in collaboration with PS40 bartender Michael Chiem. The feast will set patrons back between $69 and $109 depending on how many courses you choose. "The concept of the restaurant will be comforting, relaxing service but very professional," Kojima says. "I want to help take our guests a little bit out of their comfort zone and let them try something they have never had before: an entirely new ramen experience." Senpai Ramen will run as a sister venue to Kojima's new sushi and sashimi venue Simulation Senpai which opened in Haymarket earlier this year. A centralised kitchen has been set up in Artarmon that will support both venues once Senpai Ramen opens up. The kitchen contains a new machine designed to make ramen-making safer and less labour intensive. "Making ramen, and particularly tonkotsu ramen, is very labour intensive. Traditionally to make the broth, the pork bones must be boiled and stirred by hand for eight hours. A lot of chefs get injured during this process," Kojima says. [caption id="attachment_666031" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sokyo[/caption] Senpai Ramen will open at G05, 88 Archer Street, Chatswood in February 2022. Top image: Alan Richardson
We all love a good day out in Sydney. Between the glistening harbour, the pretty beaches and the many restaurants, there's a lot to do. But bumper-to-bumper traffic, fighting over the radio station and snacks melting in the glovebox? Not ideal. It's time to turn off the engine and explore Sydney in a new way. Life's too short to spend hours in the car. P&O Cruises is encouraging us to get out from behind the wheel and find our inner adventurer. So, put those car keys back, grab your sunnies and start exploring our fair city in a different way. [caption id="attachment_803045" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Filios Sazeides, Unsplash[/caption] ENJOY A LEISURELY PADDLE AROUND A HARBOUR COVE A SUP, short for stand-up paddleboard, is a pretty cool way to see the city — especially if you choose to go paddling at sunrise. This watersport has seen an influx of interest in the last few years and there are multiple groups dotted around the city catering for everyone, ranging from beginners to advanced SUPers. It's a relatively slow-paced way to see the city and you'll meet new people as you paddle from spot to spot. If you want to take advantage of some epic harbour views, make tracks to Watssup in Watsons Bay or Point Piper Kayak Centre in Rose Bay. Plus, some groups (like Flow Mocean in Manly) incorporate other elements like yoga if that's what floats your boat. [caption id="attachment_803049" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elton Sa, Unsplash[/caption] SOAR ABOVE THE CITY IN A HELICOPTER — OR TRY YOUR HAND AT HANG GLIDING The sky is the limit. Literally. Helicopter rides over the Harbour with Sydney Helitours run for 20 minutes ($220), and you can share the exhilarating experience with up to five friends. As you soar above the city, you can point out your favourite landmarks and see them from a new perspective. Meanwhile, hang gliding sessions are available along Sydney's beautiful coastline. Jump on a train down to Stanwell Park. The folks at Sydney Hang Gliding Centre will collect you from the station and take you to nearby Bald Hill, which is internationally renowned for hang gliding. As you cruise peacefully up in the air, accompanied by a trained instructor, the views will take your breath away. SAIL THE HIGH SEAS A food festival and getting to exploring Sydney (and beyond)? Yes, please. Lap up the likes of croissants and calamari, along with coastline views, on a P&O Cruise to the Sapphire Coast Food Festival. Across four days, you can enjoy the world-famous harbour by evening light, a walking tour of Ben Boyd National Park, local delicacies from some of the finest chefs in the Sapphire Coast region and more. On your day at sea, take advantage of P&O Cruises' top-class facilities, such as a spa, an outdoor pool area and even an onboard nightclub. Just choose your room and pack your best stretchy pants, then away you go. [caption id="attachment_803051" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] ADMIRE THE CITY ATOP A SYDNEY LANDMARK There is no shortage of lofty landmarks in Sydney — especially in the CBD. Bridgeclimb Sydney will take you 134 metres above sea level to its summit with amazing views of Sydney Opera House and the harbour. Plus, you get a free cap, so what's not to love? If the journey up the Harbour Bridge's 1621 steps sounds like a bit of a chore, let an elevator do the climbing for you at Sydney's tallest structure: Sydney Tower Eye. You'll get a 360-degree view of the city (and beyond) and not even break a sweat. [caption id="attachment_787429" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour, Destination NSW[/caption] POUND THE PAVEMENT Sydney has some pretty epic walks, ranging from mellow meanders to full-on hikes. There are more coastal walks than you could shake a shell at, so find one that suits you and get those legs moving. Here are some of our favourites to get you started. There are also city walking tours, which are a good way to get to know Sydney's history. The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour, which runs between 10.30am–12pm daily, explores the connection between the Harbour's foreshore and waterways with Dreamtime and the cultural heritage of local custodians. Or, if you do your best exploring with your stomach, opt for a walking food tour. The Sydney Connection offers dining tours in three inner city suburbs: Potts Point, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst. Each tour begins with a welcome cocktail in a local bar before visits to three restaurants — and you get to enjoy a course at each one. Along the way, your tour guide will share stories about the suburb and introduce you to some of its quirky locals, too. For more information about P&O Cruises, head to the company's website. Top image: Brideclimb, Destination NSW
Redfern's much loved Donut Papi hooked us in a long ago with its many Asian-inspired flavours. Now, thanks to Filipino-born owner Kenneth Rodrigueza, the shop is turning out a full menu inspired by popular Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee. The homegrown brand is a firm favourite in the Philippines for breakfast rice meals, fried chicken and spaghetti — and, if you've ever visited or know any Filipinos, you'll know this homage is kind of a big deal. For the entire month of March, the doughnut shop will sling this special 'JollyPapee' tribute menu. The options are of course limited and sadly won't include any of the above. But, you can nab a classic Jollibee-style hotdog 'sandwich' topped with banana ketchup, tangy cheese sauce and grated cheese; tater tots drizzled with banana ketchup and mayo sauce; and a spam-and-egg sandwich, which hails from the chain's US branches. Sweet treats includes peach 'n' mango and chocolate mallow cream doughnuts, a banana jackfruit fritter and the Philippines signature halo halo: a shaved ice dessert with fresh fruit, macapuno coconut, sweetened beans and jelly cubes, all topped with ice cream and evaporated milk. To quench your thirst, there's a fresh pineapple slushie, too. For the full menu details, head over here. Be aware that the savoury options, drinks and sides are only available Friday through Sunday until March 31 — so head on in this weekend and have yourself a Filipino feast. Donut Papi is located at 24 Redfern Street, Redfern. Its Jollibee-inspired menu is available from 10am–8pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until March 31.
Once, Ned Kelly and Mark "Chopper" Read called it home. Soon, a microbrewery, pub, 15-screen cinema and apartments will do just that instead. Yes, the times are certainly a-changin' at Coburg's Pentridge Prison, with 2017 marking 20 years since the site stopped its incarceration operations — and also marking the first time they're throwing a two-day festival. What was formerly Victoria's longest running gaol will host an all-ages fest filled live music, market stalls and food trucks on April 8 and 9, in what is hoped will become a yearly event. Attendees keen to get a dose of the facility's past can break up the eating and tunes with hourly tours of the prison's B Division, exercise yards and solitary confinement cells. Music-wise, the lineup features local acts such as Big Words, Cumbia Massive, Billy Davis and Funkalleros, while meals on wheels will be served up by Mr Burger, Beatbox Kitchen, Pasta Face, White Guy Cooks Thai and Billy Van Creamy, among others. Indeed, the fest has lured the likes of Zero 95 and Fancy Hanks to turn into food truck vendors for the event, treating visitors to their tasty fare beyond their usual four walls. It wouldn't be an outdoor food festival without picnic rugs aplenty — with everyone in the vicinity encouraged to hang out on the grass in the Pentridge piazza — or a beer garden bringing some booze to the celebration. Best of all, the event is free. Unlike the site's residents from times gone by, you won't want to leave. Pentridge Festival takes place at Pentridge Prison, Coburg on April 8 and 9. For more information, visit pentridgecoburg.com.au.
One of Sydney's best fresh food markets, Paddy's Markets in Flemington, is taking its show into the night, bringing together some of the city's best food trucks for a new weekly night food market. Starting July 1, the massive car park venue will be transformed into a bustling eatery for street food lovers every Saturday night from 6.30–10.30pm. Over 25 of Sydney's veteran and up-and-comers in the food truck scene will converge on the car park, including Chur Burger, Kayter Co., Maverick Wings and Dirty Bird. Sit at one of the converted crate tables and tuck into delights such as gelato brioche, chocolate gözleme and soda served out of lightbulbs. Menus will change regularly to match a monthly theme, so you can constantly change it up — even if you visit the same food vendor. Entry is free — as are the retro arcade games, including Daytona and Pac-Man — and there will be regular live music by resident DJ Mike Hyper and special guests. Free parking is also available on-site.
Two of Australia's best-loved listening bars are joining forces for a month-long celebration of good tunes and good drinks. Melbourne's Waxflower Bar is swapping Brunswick for Baranagaroo, taking over Rekōdo every Wednesday in May for a weekly series of DJ sets, hand-selected wines and Japanese eats. "Rekōdo and Waxflower are both inspired by the iconic 'jazz kissaten' of Tokyo and the listening bar scene of Brooklyn and London, whilst providing their own unique flavour to their respective cities," says Waxflower co-founder David Byrne. "Red-hot sound systems, incredible food, delicious drinks. We think it makes perfect sense for them to come together." Waxflower has curated a lineup of five guest DJs for the residency, with Perth's Montana and Melbourne's Myles Mac, Earl Grey and DJ Possum all taking charge of the tracks alongside the bar's co-founders, Byrne and Malter Majik. While the usual Rekōdo drinks menu will be on offer, Waxflower is also bringing along a few its own favourite tipples. You'll be able to get sips like the Yuzu Chuhai, combining yuzu, soda and prosecco, and an Umeboshi Old Fashioned. There will be some of the bar's favourite natural and minimal-intervention wines on pour, too, including the Borachio Pash Rash Pét-Nat, Eastern Peake Chardonnay and Tom Shobbrook 'Poolside' Chilled Red. The two venues have also collaborated on a snack menu that will feature bites like kabayaki-style beef skewers and soy dashi chicken wing gyoza. Check out the DJ lineup and book your spot at the Barangaroo House website. In the meantime, check out local legend Donny Benet's picks for the best records to create a vibe, which he ran Concrete Playground through while he was the guest selector at Rekōdo: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Concrete Playground Sydney (@concreteplayground) Image: Steven Woodburn
Sissy Ball, one of the biggest events on the Mardi Gras Festival calendar, is returning on Saturday, February 22. Making the move from Carriageworks to Enmore Theatre for the first time, the event will again shine a light on the Asia Pacific ballroom scene with an epic vogueing championship soundtracked by a lineup of international DJs. Multidisciplinary artist and founder of western Sydney artist collective House of Slé Bhenji Ra has curated the lineup, which'll see ballroom DJs from across the world come together for "disco house bounce pop" tunes. [caption id="attachment_758346" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ann-marie Calilhanna[/caption] Meanwhile, houses and individual walkers will be battling it out as hand performers, runway models, glam faces, sex sirens and voguers. The action kicks off at 6pm and you can grab final release tickets for $75 — we suggest you snap one up quick smart if you're keen to head along. Image: Ann-marie Calilhanna
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is celebrating the legacy of Pintupi artists and the 21st anniversary of the Western Desert Dialysis Appeal with The Purple House, a new exhibition featuring eight historically significant artworks created between 1999 and 2015. The West Desert Dialysis Appeal was held at AGNSW in 2000 and raised more than one-million dollars for Pintupi communities which led to the establishment of the community-controlled health service Purple House. The organisation provides dialysis care to communities across the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia. Reflecting on the 2000 auction, Purple House director Irene Nangala said, "I was in Sydney for that auction 21 years ago. We were dreaming for one dialysis machine in Kintore so that our families could come home. It was a great night. We were all so proud and happy. People were very kind. The money raised that night helped us get our family home to Kintore and then we kept going and going." This new free exhibition will see three of the four major collaborative work that were part of the West Desert Dialysis Appeal placed on public display for the first time in over 20 years. Works on display include the Kiwirrkura men's painting, which was painted by nine artists in 1999 and depicts a water site in Tjangimanta, north-east of Kiwirrkura; and Untitled (Two Goanna Ancestor), which portrays the travels of the goanna ancestors. The exhibition is free and will run through until Sunday, February 27 2022. If you'd like to learn more about the exhibition and Purple House, you can also join the free online In the Frame talk on Tuesday, October 26 which will feature Chief Executive Officer of the Purple House, Sarah Brown, Pintupi artist Bobby West Tjupurrula and exhibition curator Coby Edgar. If you want to donate to The Purple House, the organisation has just launched its Balgo Dialysis Appeal campaign. [caption id="attachment_829628" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Barney Campbell Tjakamarra, Charlie Tjapangati, George Tjapanangka, Hilary Tjapaltjarri, John John Bennett Tjapangati, Joseph Jurra Tjapaltjarri, Kenny Williams Tjampitjinpa, Morris Tjapaltjarri, Nolan Tjapangati, Turkey Tolson Tjupurrula, Willy Tjungurrayi, 'Kintore men's painting' 1999, synthetic polymer on canvas, 257 x 212 cm, Collection of Peter and Agnes Cooke[/caption] Top image: Installation view, featuring works by Patrick Olodoodi Tjungurrayi and Helicopter Tjungurrayi, from the exhibition The Purple House, Art Gallery of New South Wales, 2021. Photo © AGNSW, Mim Stirling
Earlier this year, we had a cupcake ATM. Now, just in time for the warm weather, we're getting an ice cream ATM. Yup, it's a dispensary filled with ice cream instead of money. It's part of Campbelltown's pop-up Macarthur Beach Club, which is bringing a bit of sand and sun to Macarthur Square Shopping Centre from September 29 to October 14. The ATM is courtesy of The Scoop Gelato, who is dolling it out for free. In order to access the goods inside the machine, visitors will have to first nab a 'credit card' — 150 will be hidden inside the sandpit every Saturday and Sunday of the pop-up, and another 30 will be given away on weekdays from noon–1pm. Apart from the sandpit and free (though gimmicky) ice cream ATM, there'll be a ball-pit to jump in, a giant carnival-esque deck chair to lounge in, board games to play and a sand castle competition. The first 100 people through the door on opening day will also nab a free beach towel, and local food vendors and DJs are on the docket, too. The Ice Cream ATM is open from 12–1pm weekdays and 11am–3pm on weekends.
What matters most: good food, good drinks, good vibes or good prices? Well, the team behind Don Casamigos says: why not all of them? This classy, curtain-draped Mexican hotspot is from the same team behind Fortuna Drink and Eat, a colourful and energetic Italian eatery in Darlinghurst. They're on a hot streak and have taken one of Fortuna's most popular experiences – the bottomless Italian brunch – to the next level at Don Casamigos with an after-dark equivalent, the Bottomless Mexican Fiesta. The interior of this Victoria street spot screams tequila bar, with crimson drapes, gleaming tabletops and bright splashes of colour thanks to plants and a humming neon sign – but this bottomless menu is about more than just the drinks. It's the complete Don Casamigos experience. For $99 per person, you get delicious modern Mexican share plates and margaritas to pair. To get specific, those share plates are pan con tomate, chorizo peppers, patatas bravas, pork neck tacos, mushroom quesadillas and sweet churros to finish. Wash down those hot and hearty flavours with four different kinds of margaritas: spicy, classic, Tommy's or sweet – or bottomless house wines and rosé if you're feeling extra fancy. It's an experience your tastebuds will never forget – and perfect for sharing with amigos. The Bottomless Mexican Fiesta is available Wednesday to Friday from 5 til late, Saturday to Sunday from 12 - 6pm. For more information and to make a booking, visit the website.
Since opening its first shop in Taiwan in 2006, Gong Cha has already grown to 1500 stores globally. And, because that's clearly not enough, the brand also operates the first boba tea shop at sea. Gong Cha's luxury cruise liner — dubbed the Majestic Princess — sails all around the world, from Alaska and Europe to Tahiti and the Panama Canal. It also offers guests 15 different teas to choose from, including a trio exclusive to the cruise. If you'd rather get your Gong Cha fix on land, you can choose from a whopping 36 stores in Sydney, stretching from Campbelltown to Castle Hill to Penrith and everywhere in between. It's a big menu, so newbies should go for one of the top ten — which includes milk tea with pearls, mango and jellies, matcha red bean and milk foam green tea. Plus more unusual items like rosella plum tea with white pearls and lemon-roasted melon with basil seeds.
Once a staple part of Sydney's working class culture, the Walsh Bay finger wharves are now iconic Sydney real estate. A rotation of restaurants, bars and cafes have all tried their hand at establishing a long-term presence on this slip of harbour foreshore, with varying degrees of success and longevity. Seventeen, a brand new restaurant and deli, is the latest to join the ranks alongside its Walsh Bay neighbours Fratelli Fresh and Walsh Bay Kitchen. Created by the owners of neighbouring restaurant El Phoenican, and overlooking 17 of the wharfside area's floating moorings, Seventeen will operate as a cafe by day and transform into a contemporary restaurant by night. Heading up the kitchen is notable chef Clint Jaeger, whose career spans Tetsuya's, Banc, Bill's and Hugo's. The 100-seater's breakfast menu traverses a wide selection, ranging from a nod to Sydney's health food obsession with an acai coco bowl with almond meal and honey salted cashews, to offering up more indulgent fare with ricotta hot cakes topped with Callebaut chocolate and honeycomb butter. For lunch, think seafood — fresh Yamba prawns, slow-poached lobster rolls, and a lineup of grilled meats and salads are the focus. Dinner turns up the fancy a notch or two, with summer asparagus with twice-cooked, coddled, brioche-crumbed egg and truffle pecorino; apple duck confit with celeriac remoulade, macerated figs and herbs; and Otway crispy skin pork belly. Finally, you can take your pick from a selection of Australian charcuterie and cheeses from The Deli by Seventeen for a little something-something to take home. As well as breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches and more available for takeaway, the cafe will be experimenting with a concierge service, delivering brekkie in bed to local residents from February next year. If that gains traction, they'll consider offering the same service for lunch and dinner too. Find Seventeen at Shop 2, 17 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay from December 7. Visit their website and Facebook page for further details.
Following the news that Merivale will be running the food and beverage outlets at the new Allianz Stadium — providing stadium-goers with the opportunity to enjoy lobster, oysters, negronis, Totti's pasta and Dan Hong's cheeseburger spring rolls while enjoying the footy or a concert — the Sydney hospitality giant is bringing back its 49-percent off promotion in the lead up to two blockbuster events relaunching the stadium. Previously, the promotion spanned all of Merivale's venues, but this time, it's limited to Allianz Stadium, giving fans the opportunity to explore the new ground and its vendors while enjoying nearly half-priced drinks. From 5–7pm on Friday, September 2 in the lead-up to the blockbuster match-up between rivals the Rabbitohs and the Roosters, all drinks at the stadium, ranging from craft beers to champagne and cocktails, will be 49 percent off. The deal will then pop up again the next day, in the two hours leading up to the Wallabies and Springbok test match. The offer applies to all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at the stadium under $200, and really, who's dropping $200 on a bev at the footy? While you're enjoying your discounted drinks, you can nab food from the range of vendors including the aforementioned Totti's as well as Bert's, El Loco, Jimmy's Falafel and Ms. G's. [caption id="attachment_864352" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption]
Lebanese-style charcoal chook in Sydney has long been synonymous with El Jannah. Yes, there's northern Sydney chain Chargrill Charlie's, but its sauces — Greek Island, Portuguese Piri Piri and Thai Fresh Herbs — are notably missing toum. Frango has firm Portuguese roots and Red Rooster is, well, Red Rooster. Today, though, another player has flown into the proverbial coop. Henrietta is the new restaurant by Nour's Ibby Moubadder and Jorge Farah specialising in Middle Eastern charcoal chook — and it's not too dissimilar to its Crown Street sibling. Both restaurants celebrate traditional Lebanese cooking techniques, but aren't afraid to stray from the straight and narrow. Nour's falafel comes in crumpet form and its halva is served alongside pumpkin cheesecake. Henrietta's baba ghanoush gets an umami hit from miso, its beef brisket is served atop tacos with zhug (a Yemeni hot sauce) and its chicken tawouk comes, not as a kebab, but inside spring rolls. But the newcomer's focus is not the rule-breaking sides, it's the charcoal chook. Henrietta's take comes with a glistening layer of smoky, spicy sauce, the requisite char and juicy flesh. It comes with the requisite garlic toum, too, as well as zingy pickles and Lebanese bread. It's suggested sumac chicken salt-covered chips are ordered, too, and rolled using that bread — together with the chicken, toum, chilli sauce and pickles — to create a DIY chicken sandwich. Just how you do this is illustrated in easy-to-follow steps on the menu. Sound like too much work? You can order one, pre-rolled, for $14. Alongside the charcoal chook, you'll find three Lebanese-ish desserts — chocolate mouse with rose, baklava sundaes and rice pudding with halva — as well as seven fun cocktails. A slushie machine is pumping out frozen takes on a Pornstar Martini, while a bartender shakes the likes of spicy passionfruit margaritas and hibiscus sours. Walking a fine line between casual-night-out-with-the-crew and date-night, the 65-seater restaurant has been designed by creative agency DS17 and is filled with neon signs of 'Henrietta', concrete walls and terrazzo bars. While dining out is allowed in NSW — and has been since mid-May — some Sydneysiders are still dining in. Henrietta is catering for both with its takeaway window selling its charcoal chooks for $18 a pop. Henrietta is now open at Shop 1, 500 Crown Street, Surry Hills. It's open from 11.30am–late daily.
People of the gluten-free world, do we have some news for you. Nutie, Sydney's much-loved maker of GF doughnuts, is moving into Surry Hills. But, instead of focusing just on baked goods, it'll be doing breakfast and lunch as well — meaning that it will churn out a whole menu of sweet and savoury gluten-free goodness. Nutie opened its first shop in Balmain in 2017 and, since May this year, has been running a pop-up cafe on Pitt Street in the CBD. These venues have been super popular but, due to the kitchen size, can only do coffee and an array of baked goods. The new Holt Street cafe will have a full-service kitchen to produce a breafast and lunch menu that is entirely free of any trace of gluten. This includes porridge, Scandinavian-style topped toast and vegan sans-egg 'huevos rancheros'. While this is particularly good news for coeliacs, it's also a win for vegans. Many of Nutie's goods are dairy-free and vegan, including the cakes, brownies, tarts, cookies and — of course — a selection of doughnuts. Look out for the lamingtons, lemon meringue pies and s'more cookie sandwiches. To celebrate the opening of the Surry Hills store next week, Nutie is giving away 500 doughnuts. Get there at 10am (or earlier) on Tuesday, October 30 to land your paws on one. As an added bonus, it'll also be doing $1 coffees for the whole week. Nutie will open at 44 Holt Street, Surry Hills on Tuesday, October 30 at 10am. It'll then be open from 7am–4.30pm Monday to Friday and 8am–4.30pm Saturday.
