Located a stone's throw from the new Victoria Cross Metro station, this trendy four-venue hospo hub has added yet another reason for Sydney's foodies to venture north of the harbour. Guests can start their day at Sol Bread + Wine, a bakery and cafe by day and an intimate wine bar by night that channels an Iberian spirit with design cues from Italy and Spain. A palette of earth tones is accented with geometric tiles and warm timber furniture, creating a space that effortlessly transitions from a breakfast bakery to a laidback cicchetteria serving top drops and sophisticated snacks. Ascending a bold red spiral staircase delivers diners to Soluna. Open from lunch through to dinner, this 110-seat restaurant, with a 60-seat bar and 30-seat, armchair-filled lounge, is another flexible concept that is as much a place for intimate catch-ups with friends over a glass of wine as it is a go-to for larger parties celebrating a major occasion. Changing gears, the colourful Japanese diner Genzo boasts a temperature-controlled sake room, a selection of expertly balanced, Japanese-inspired cocktails and a menu focused on raw dishes and kushiyaki prepared over a traditional robata grill. Accessible from the street, swish providore Una stocks gourmet produce, artisanal goods and pantry essentials as well as house-made pastas and other take-home gourmet meals. A considered edit of local and imported ingredients, from cheeses and charcuterie to boutique wines and spirits, makes this luxury grocer a boon for any North Sydney gastronomes hoping to wow at their next dinner party. Images: Steven Woodburn
As it turns out, Luke Powell of LP's Quality Meats had a long-held dream of opening his own pizzeria. Mates Joseph Valore and Elvis Abrahanowicz over at Porteño had similar fancies. It just took a recent trip to the USA to seal the deal, and now Sydney's welcomed the group's first joint venture, Bella Brutta. Taking over a King Street shopfront that's been home to many a former pizza joint, the crew has finally brought its ideas to life: a laidback 50-seater, with bar seating and a pizza oven that's just arrived from Italy. The style of pizza served up here isn't traditional. The bases are a mix between Neapolitan and Roman style — blistered and chewy like the former, but crisp enough that it can be eaten with your hands (like the latter) — and toppings vary widely, taking their inspiration from America and across Italy (and even around the corner in Chippendale). If you've been to LP's in Chippendale you've probably tried its house-made mortadella. And, here, you'll find it atop a a pizza ($25) with garlic and green olives. The Clam ($26) pizza, however, takes its inspiration from a bit further away — New Haven, Connecticut, to be exact. This white-based pizza is heavy on the chilli and garlic and unlike anything else we've tried in Aus. Elsewhere on the menu, there's house-made pickles ($10), braised green beans ($12) and LP's salami ($15) to kick off the meal, and Italian doughnuts ($9) and cannoli ($6 each) to end it. Drinks lean natural and are sourced from across Australia and Italy. Full review to come. Images: Kitti Smallbone. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Pizza in Sydney for 2023
As Sydney's Little India, Harris Park in Parramatta is the city's go-to for truly authentic Indian fare. However, in recent years, the CBD's satellite suburbs have produced some of the most innovative Indian diners in town — the likes of Foreign Return and Don't Tell Aunty in Surry Hills, and the superb but sadly recently closed Raja in Potts Point. The latest addition to these pioneering contemporary curry houses is Madam Ji in Darlinghurst, which has taken over the storied spot on Burton Street once occupied by Pocket Bar — one of the original vanguard of small bars that flourished after NSW's licencing laws were amended in 2017. Offering a menu that mixes tried-and-true favourites alongside radical fusions, this colourful addition to Darlo's thriving dining scene is ready to welcome those in search of classics like butter chicken and biryani, as well as epicurean adventurers hungry for something surprising. Somewhat ironically, among those unexpected dishes are riffs on two of the most predictable starters you can find on countless menus across Sydney and beyond. Creamy burrata and its faithful sidekick, tomato, are enlivened by a fiery house-made tadka — a mix of fresh and dried chillies — while a ceviche of kingfish balances its citrus edge with the earthy spice of curry leaf oil. The restaurant's co-owners, who are also lifelong friends, were both born in India, but cut their teeth in the hospitality industry in top Sydney venues and hotels. While Executive Chef Rakshit Sondhi commands the kitchen, Maninder Singh, who studied at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Sydney before taking on senior roles with the Hilton group, will look after front-of-house operations. Adorning the walls of the dining room are portraits of Indian women wearing vibrant saris. Sondhi and Singh wanted their new venture to be "a celebration of empowerment and individuality, inspired by the resilience and freedom of women in Indian culture". Beyond these artworks, the restaurant's fitout — much like its menu — is a mix of traditional cues, such as dark-stained wood panelling and mosaic floors, and modern touches, most notably the bar's eye-popping pink neon sign. In addition to its evening dinner service, Madam Ji will also offer a tasty addition to Sydney's increasingly diverse array of bottomless brunches. On Saturdays and Sundays from midday, guests can enjoy free-flowing house wines for $79 or bottomless cocktails for $99 per person for two hours. Soaking up those drinks is a multi-course feast with sides, including a starter of papadams served with signature dips and chutneys; the aforementioned tadka-spiked burrata; buttery, flakey parotta drizzled with chilli oil; and ribs of bhutta (a variant of white corn popular on the Indian subcontinent) served with sigdi chicken tikka. The main course stars Madam Ji's signature butter chicken with all the trimmings, including the all-important naan bread. Find Madam Ji at 13 Burton Street, Darlinghurst — open 5–9.30pm Monday–Thursday, 5–10pm Friday, 12–10pm Saturday and 12–9.30pm Sunday. Head to the venue's website for more details. Images: Katje Ford
After unveiling first-look images for Fallout season two, Prime Video hasn't left fans of the game-to-streaming series waiting long for a deeper dive into what's on the way in the post-apocalyptic hit. A day later, the platform has revealed the show's first trailer for its second season. Also included: an exact release date, after previously advising that Fallout will return in December 2025. You'll start watching the eight-episode sophomore run on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, with instalments dropping weekly. "I'm looking for someone," Lucy MacLean (Ella Purnell, Yellowjackets) notes to kick off the season two teaser. The reply: "common story around here". The Ghoul (Walton Goggins, The White Lotus) pipes in when she's also asked if she's seeking "someone you care about ... or someone you hate?". "Oooh, what a great question" is his observation — and everyone who has watched season one will surely agree. When it dropped its initial eight episodes in 2024, Fallout took its cues from the games that debuted on computers back in 1997, with three released sequels, a fourth on the way and seven spinoffs all following. The live-action television iteration follows Lucy, a lifelong vault-dweller, who leaves her cosy underground digs to navigate the irradiated wasteland that earth has remained for two centuries after the nuclear apocalypse. Crossing her path: bounty hunter The Ghoul, who has ties to life before the devastation; and Maximus (Aaron Moten (Emancipation), an aspiring soldier with the Brotherhood of Steel, who don giant robotic suits. In this nightmarish future, a hellscape filled with mutants, wild west vibes and plenty of violence lingers beyond the bunker that the optimistic Lucy, daughter of Hank (Kyle MacLachlan, Overcompensating), who oversees Vault 33, has always called home. New Vegas is now her destination with The Ghoul — because if "you wanna know why the world ended," he advises, that's where this story will take you. The first season two trailer also features a glimpse at Justin Theroux (Poker Face) at Robert House in the show's jumps backwards, as well as a peek at a Deathclaw, one of the franchise's post-apocalyptic predators. Bringing the chaos to life is a behind-the-scenes team featuring Westworld creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, plus Geneva Robertson-Dworet (Captain Marvel) and Graham Wagner (Silicon Valley) as writers and co-showrunners. And yes, Bethesda Game Studios has a hand in it as well. After premiering in 2024 and becoming one of the platform's top-three most-watched shows ever, notching up more than 100-million viewers globally, this game adaptation isn't just making a comeback for its second season — earlier in 2025, Prime Video advised that Fallout has already been renewed for a third season, too. Check out the teaser trailer for Fallout season two below: Fallout streams via Prime Video, with season two premiering on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Read our review of season one, and our interview with Walton Goggins, Ella Purnell and Aaron Moten. Images: courtesy of Prime Video.
Surry Hills' beloved drinking establishment and local institution The Cricketers Arms has welcomed a winning new update to the dining room. Head up the stairs from the boisterous revelry of the always-jammed front bar to find Chez Crix, a bistro with unpretentious but beautifully-executed French-leaning food and a predictably excellent drinks offering including a forward thinking wine list focused on natural and low-intervention drops and killer martinis. The evolution of Chez Crix has been a collaborative effort from long-time owner Dominic Juillet, Head Chef Antoine Vassallo and and General Manager and drinks list curator Jackson Duxbury (formerly of The Agrarian Kitchen and Franklin Hobart). And the result is a laid-back dining room with a frisky atmosphere where the service is warm and effortlessly efficient. Duxbury sums it up perfectly: "Our community, and the legacy of the Cricketers Arms, is certainly at the forefront. We talk a lot about the sense of ownership long-term patrons hold of the venue — it's the people's pub. For years, this place (certainly downstairs), has felt like an extension of people's living rooms. We hope Chez Crix feels like an extension of their dining room." While the feel of the room does indeed have a casual dinner party vibe, the food is several notches beyond what the average person can achieve on a Friday night in the home kitchen. Antoine Vassallo has pulled together a menu of approachable hits like a gorgeously juicy roast chicken with jus gras and steak frites with Bordelaise sauce, and the house-made chicken liver parfait (to be ordered with a chewy baguette) might just be the pick of the menu. The wine list is firmly focused on natural wines and the entries traverse the globe with selections from across Australia, Europe and beyond. If you're perpetually wine-curious or just plain indecisive, leave your choices in the hands of Duxbury and the floor staff who'll delight you with a compelling selection by the glass or bottle. Chez Crix is the restaurant the Cricketers Arms deserves and has been long overdue for. Booking is very much recommended as the venue has been full-to-overflowing ever since it opened.
Keen to transform your outdoor area into your own dreamy oasis? Breathe new life into your garden, patio, balcony or courtyard with a bespoke piece from Osier Belle. The custom-designed outdoor furniture specialists are located in Neutral Bay and are sure to create stunning furnishings that'll stand the test of time. Book a consultation and speak to the team about creating unique pieces tailored to suit your needs — think daybeds, outdoor dining sets and hanging pods. Once you land on a design, it's outsourced to a small-scale, ethical workshop in West Java. Whatever you've ordered, you can bet the furniture will withstand the elements — rain, hail or shine — as all Osier Belle pieces are specifically designed for the Australian climate. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Sydney is known for its beaches, and while Bondi, Coogee and Manly get all the praise (and, subsequently, the tourists), there is another beachfront spot that has flown mostly under the radar. Just 13 kilometres from the CBD, you'll find Brighton-Le-Sands. The original vision for this strip of sand was to transform it into a seaside resort, similar to Brighton in the UK. That didn't quite happen — but in the past few years, the promenade that runs behind the beach has blossomed into a haven for food lovers, with restaurants, cafes, function centres and more. Step a little further away from the beach and you'll also come across local boutiques and family-run establishments that are sure to greet you as one of their own as you walk through the door. We've teamed up with American Express to highlight some of the local businesses that make this seaside town thrum with life. Better yet, you can shop small at all of these spots with your American Express Card.
Perched on an eastern corner of the Manly Corso, the Hotel Steyne is just a stumble away from the beach. When it comes to dining and drinking at this multifaceted venue, you have a few options. For the most expansive beach views and a healthy dose of sunshine, lodge yourself in Seaside Bistro. Here you'll find oysters ($39/dozen), chicken wings ($15/half-kilo) and classic pub meals seven nights a week. Alternatively, you can head upstairs to the rum bar and live music venue, Moonshine. The balcony has stunning views of Manly Beach, so it's the perfect place to perch yourself, dark 'n' stormy in hand, and watch the sun go down. If you prefer your spirits clear and mixed with tonic, head over to the Glasshouse. This gin and tonic bar has an extensive list of botanical cocktails, charcuterie boards and G&T happy hours. Images: Katje Ford.
It's that time of the year when people get extra lovey-dovey, so booking a romantic escape feels like the perfect move. Alternatively, the love-sick nature of Valentine's Day might just make you want to escape to a different continent altogether. Whatever your motivation for boarding a plane, Scoot's latest Gotta Scoot Tuesdays sale is stacked with heavily discounted fares to a host of dream destinations. This way, you can plan out one romantic experience after the next, or trade the overpriced roses for a date-worthy retreat. Running now through Monday, February 16, this limited-time sale features stellar travel periods, so you can take your romance to the next level right away or hold off until later in the year. This time around, the available travel dates are: February 24–March 20, April 14–May 29, July 13–September 17, and October 4–October 31. And the destinations? Well, they're primed for starry-eyed couples' trips, backpacking adventures with your best pals or an overdue solo vacation where you hopefully won't have to hear another word about Valentine's Day. Highlights include one-way fares from Sydney or Melbourne to Singapore starting from $210. You can also book flights to Koh Samui from Sydney for $315 or from Melbourne for $300. If you'd prefer the Thai mainland over the island life, Sydneysiders fly to Chang Mai from $295, while fares from Melbourne start from $285. For those envisioning nonstop date nights in big cities, Scoot is offering discounted airfares for those places, too. Trips from Sydney or Melbourne to Bangkok start at $255 and $260, respectively, while fares to Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City start from $230 for Sydney travellers or $245 for lovebirds departing Melbourne. Scoot's Gotta Scoot Tuesdays sale is on now, running until Monday, February 16. Head to the website for more information.
The historic space at 10 Neild Avenue has left a bit of a black mark on the Sydney restaurant scene, with both celebrity chef Robert Marchetti's Neild Avenue and Keystone Group's Rushcutters closing after just brief stints in the location. But, not to be deterred, chef Paola Toppi and co. have taken on the enormous Rushcutters Bay warehouse. About 30 years ago she and her mum opened Machiavelli Ristorante, a Sydney institution that championed Italian home cooking, and this newest venture is an extension of the Machiavelli brand. The focus here is on antipasto and homemade pasta, which is a pretty appealing combination. But is it the right fit for a grand venue with a pretty grand price point? I'm not sure. Even though simple Italian food is harder to achieve than many realise, paying a fair amount of money for it can feel extortionate — especially in an area like Sydney, where so many good options are readily available and expectations are always high. The huge warehouse space has been reimagined by a deft hand in design Jason Mowen, who's used lighting, acoustics and creative flair to turn the previously cavernous and austere room into something quite appealing. He's used dark bare timber tables and some well-placed tall lamps to create a warm glow in what could easily be an open, cold atmosphere, and a mural coupled with cinematic images projected onto the high bare brick walls creates a fun, unpretentious feel to it all. There's an energetic hum from the clientele, who are mostly the kind of folks who pop into Catalina for a bite to eat on a Tuesday. The service is mostly attentive and enthusiastic, particularly behind the bar; they're keen sellers of items from their signature cocktail list, which includes the fresh and sharp peach and whisky number the Impeachment, and a surprisingly good take on a Negroni. As for the food, it's a bit of a hit and miss affair. On one hand, Bar M has some of the best salumi in town; the prosciutto, for example, with burrata and figs ($28) is perfect. Also on the antipasto menu, you'll find kingfish tartare with fennel salad, fried king prawns with Japanese breadcrumbs and grilled cuttlefish with caramelised onions and chilli. The pasta, which is served in pretty big portions and is beautifully made, has moments of total loveliness; the scampi spaghetti in a light tomato, chilli and garlic sauce ($59), a simple spaghetti carbonara ($39) and a duck ragu fettuccini ($39) are all hits. However, you can give anything with a beurre blanc sauce, like pappardelle with crab meat ($49) a miss. For mains, expect classics. There's a wagyu scotch fillet with potato ($49), rack of lamb with sweet potato mash ($49) and john dory fish served with panfried broccolini ($49). The desserts are a bit heavy, resembling something out of an '80s cookbook, like the tiramisu, ricotta-filled cannoli and profiterole with ice cream. Overall, Bar M is buzzing with hype and patronage at the moment, but it'll be a test of time to see if it can live on in its newest palatial home.
It's hard to say when it started, but the bubble tea craze in Sydney has well and truly taken over. What originated as a Taiwanese sweet treat has grown into a global phenomenon, and Sydneysiders are all too happy to embrace the trend. Our deep love of tapioca balls in milky or fruity teas has taken on a force all of its own. The ever-growing list of boba shops in our city is astounding. To help you find the best of the best, we've put together our list of the best bubble tea stores in Sydney. From mega chains and traditional Taiwanese operators to homegrown Sydney talent and all the cheese foam you could ask for, this list has you covered.
Australia's reigning gelato kings are back at it. Gelato Messina, which transformed from a single Sydney store in 2002 into a bona fide national empire, has just launched two Woolworths-exclusive flavours — and we are running, not walking, to get out hands on these ones, winter be damned. Landing now in freezers nationwide and online, the brand-new P.B. Peanut Butter Fudge & Praline and Super Flan sound exactly like the types of indulgent flavours that has seen Messina become a household name, stacked with in-house sauces and signature mix-ins. Channeling strong 'give the people what they want' energy, each of the new flavours is a riff on a beloved Messina signature. Long-time devotees might find the P.B. Peanut Butter Fudge & Praline familiar, and they wouldn't be mistaken — it's a supermarket-ready take on one of the brand's most in-demand scoop-shop specials. Each tub is a flavour bomb of creamy peanut butter gelato swirled with house-made peanut praline and rich peanut fudge. Meanwhile, Super Flan brings one of the brand's biggest fan faves to the masses: a creamy vanilla custard gelato rippled with Messina's in-house dulce de leche, made the proper Argentinian way. Each flavour comes in a 475ml pint, and joins the five Messina tub flavours lining Woolies shelves — namely, Pistachio Praline, Tiramisu, Dulce de Leche, Hazelnut Praline and Dulce de Leche, and Robert Brownie Jr. Since its October 2024 launch, the tub line has become one of the supermarket's best-selling frozen dessert lines, with over 500,000 pints already having flown off the shelves. While you're likely more concerned with what's going on inside the tub, the artwork on the front is worth a second look. The colourful characters that adorn each tub have been designed by Bondi-born, New York-based artist Jeremyville, who was also responsible for the vibrant murals in Messina's original Darlinghurst store. "Gelato Messina has always been about quality, creativity, and making people happy, and pushing the boundaries of flavour and quality," says Gelato Messina founder, Nick Palumbo. "Expanding into Woolworths has allowed us to share our passion with more Australians, while staying true to our roots." Messina's new P.B. Peanut Butter Fudge & Praline and Super Flan flavours are available now and exclusively at Woolworths, in the freezer aisle or online. For more info, head to the Messina website.
You'll have a new perch to soak up Sydney's summer weather, as the Watsons Bay Hotel has just revealed its fully renovated top and middle decks. With work commencing back in April, this significant update breathes new life into the 190-year-old venue, with a cool $3 million going towards shaping these much-loved decks into contemporary spaces that not only elevate events but also make the most of the harbourfront views. Embarking on a new vision, the primary goal behind the transformation was to create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Punters who know and love the Watsons Bay Hotel will now discover wrap-around bifold windows, making the most of the fresh air and scenery. At the same time, a newly added dry bar is lined with high stools, meaning just about every guest can find a place to admire the world-class skyline in the distance. "The Top Deck has always been a special part of our venue — it's where locals and visitors have gathered for years to enjoy those incredible harbour views," says Laundy Hotels owner, Danielle Richardson. "With this renovation, we've enhanced what was already great about the space while solving practical challenges that allow us to better serve our community and guests who have made this venue a Sydney institution." Now with a capacity of 150 seated guests, the top deck has been reshaped with weddings and special events in mind, adding a dedicated internal entrance and direct bathroom access. Meanwhile, the middle deck's revamp has gone further, with a full-scale rethink bringing about new decking, banquette seating and reimagined furnishings that Emilie Delalande, Director of Etic Design, says will foster a space "where people feel they can stay for hours." Beyond both decks, the Sunset Room & Bar has also received a significant refresh, with a redesigned bar, flooring and bathrooms evoking the look and feel of a Hamptons estate. Think beachside charm but with better flow and functionality for year-round use. Combining with a colour palette brimming with coastal blues and deep harbour tones, oversized sculptural lighting elevates the evening atmosphere with creative touches that rise above tired nautical themes. Dining also has received an uplift, with Head Chef Damian Heads introducing a fresh summer menu. Inspired by Sydney coastal cuisine, expect top-quality seafood and plenty of pub classics. The venue is also levelling up its day party offering, as the Watsons Bay Hotel introduces Club Amalfi. Looking to the Med for inspiration, a bustling beach club will take over the top deck once a month, featuring share plates and premium wine magnums made for sun-drenched Sundays. Watsons Bay Hotel's top deck and mid deck have reopened. Head to the website for more information.
New York and Sydney may be almost 10,000 miles apart, but when it comes to capturing that iconic American panache so many of us know and love, recently opened Bowery Lane aims to prove distance is relative with the right ingredients. Hidden away under the towering office block at no.1 O'Connell and accessible via a second street-facing entrance, the cafe restaurant combines fashion with farm, taking its inspiration from the once-agricultural-then-high-society suburb of early 1800s Manhattan. The former is evident in the warehouse-style ceilings, gorgeous high booths, exposed bulb lighting above large communal tables and soft black leather banquets juxtaposed with crisp, white tiles and hessian curtains. The latter, as you can imagine, via the menu. With an emphasis on locally sourced produce, cocktails and a comprehensive spirits list to sate its predicted majority banker/lawyer clientele, said menu has already had a little journey of its own. Initially linked to chef Jeff Turnbull (High St Bistro), it received its first write up via Braden White (Rickys, Noosa). However, according to general manager Nick Bayss, ex O Bar and Dining, Richard Duff now heads up the open kitchen, visible via a gangway linking the main restaurant to a hotplate takeaway section for busy business folk on the go. Already packed out come 1pm, the dining room is designed for breakfast, lunch and (by early September) dinner too. Again according to Bayss, the main attractions here are the slow-cooked lamb ($55), barbecue organic chicken ($48) and pork collar ($46) share dishes, which, with a couple of sides, will happily feed three or four people and only set you back about $30 a head. Just two on our visit, however, we decided to pick through the menu, beginning with warm Mt Zero olives ($7), manchego croquettes and chargrilled lamb ribs (both $14). The smoked chilli aioli with the croquettes packed a perfectly balanced fiery punch, while the tender, award-winning Milly Hill meat fell off the bone with the help of some seriously vibrant chimmichurri. One of our accompanying cocktails, sadly, was not as impressive. While the New York Sour ($15) was nice and subtle with a firm Bulleit Rye whiskey presence, the Cosmopolitan City ($16) was too sweet. That being said, there are eight more on the menu we didn't try. Next came the house smoked hickory salmon ($17), served with thinly sliced toasted rye bread, puffed wild rice and bottarga salad (cured fish roe). Fresh, thick and meaty, the salmon comes in three fat chunks and makes an ideal sized entree for the giant pork cotoletta (aka schnitty, $27) that followed with slaw and garlic aioli. If you like your condiments, you'll enjoy the aioli, but hats off to these guys here: this deep-fried cutlet was so juicy all we needed was a squeeze of lemon, plus the apple and pea slaw — genius. Throughout we sipped on the fabulously deep and weighty South Australian Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon ($57 per bottle), one of the 50 or so local and US wines on offer. But to put it simply, whether you're after a long boozy lunch like us, or something smaller, Bowery Lane will impress. If the intention here was to prove Sydney can add its own stamp to the service and selection that makes New York such a world renowned destination: mission accomplished.
You'd be forgiven for thinking that you're dining at Nonna's house when you eat at Verde. The casalinga-style restaurant is warm and cosy with nourishing food and friendly service to match; albeit, Nonna's perhaps wasn't as fancy as this. That's not to say that Verde is pretentious — not at all. In fact, what sets Verde apart from other posh restaurants is how it expertly fuses together Southern Italian cuisine with a friendly, family-like yet fine dining experience. Situated on Riley Street in Darlinghurst, Verde Restaurant and Bar is tucked away in an old Victorian-era building. Downstairs, the modern interior is characterised by dark timbers that exude a casual, warm vibe. Upstairs delivers an even more relaxed space — the bar offering an ideal place to have a Bellini cocktail ($15) either pre or post-meal. The owner and chef Antonio Ruggerino is irrepressibly passionate about food and life, and this is reflected in the menu, which takes inspiration from his childhood and family background. Southern Italian cuisine is distinct from the other regions, with eggplant, tomatoes and olives predominantly featured. Speaking of olives, whet the appetite with some warm Sicilian olives — gratuito. From there it only gets better. Word of warning, however: don't wear a belt as portion sizes are indicative of the Italians' love of food. Antipasti offerings include chilli dusted calamari ($12) that are perfectly spiced, yet could be crispier, and arancini balls with grape tomato salsa ($6 for two or $12 for four) that yield just the right amount of cheesy mozzarella inside. Zucchini flowers ($14) are delicious too, but go easy: stuffed with ricotta and spinach, they are quite the rich starter. It's unthinkable that pasta not be on the menu, with the Calabrese braised pork shank ragu ($28) a star attraction. Make sure you enjoy it with a glass of the Italian Sangiovese ($10). The quintessential linguine marinara is replete with prawns, mussels and barramundi ($32) and a glass of Cesaro Pinot Grigio ($12) is a great accompaniment. The pan-fried barramundi with chicory salsa and beans ($32) is palatable yet needs a tad more gusto. For something fresh and simple alongside, the rocket and pear salad ($12) or buffalo mozzarella with vine-ripened tomatoes and basil ($16) both live up to their fashionable expectations. You may be pressed for stomach space, but it is hard to pass up Antonio's desserts: the tiramisu ($14) is worthy of some kind of medal; and buffalo milk gelato is sweetened up with berries and yellow gum honey ($14). The affogato with Frangelico liquore ($15) is on the 'next time' list. All in all, Verde delivers a certain amount of chic and complexity, whilst undoubtedly being proud and passionately Italian. It's modern, refined yet somewhat akin to Nonna's dining room — comfortable enough for any occasion.
Think about geomagnetic storms and you might think about disaster movies. If you were in a part of Australia where the Aurora Australis was visible over the weekend of Friday, May 10–Sunday, May 12, 2024, the term will now always be synonymous with a stunning sky show. Thanks to extreme planetary conditions, as per the Bureau of Meteorology, aurora sightings lit up the heavens — and widely, including not just in Tasmania, but also in Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and even Queensland. If there's ever been a reason to look at the night sky, this was it — and look, plenty of people did. So, whether you slept through the bursts of colour, couldn't see the Aurora Australis in your part of the country or are keen for another glimpse, there's ample photographic proof that inky black heavens gave way to psychedelic hues. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Tscharke | Tasmania (@tscharke) Missed all the details, too? The Bureau first issued a warning for a G4 geomagnetic storm on Friday, May 10, noting that the event — which sees the earth's magnetic field experience fluctuations — could arrive that night. The G4 grading is the second-highest on the G-scale, with G1 considered minor and G5 extreme. The Bureau also advised that a few things can happen, such as disrupting power grids and satellite services, and also creating vivid auroras — including the latter in places normally considered dark-sky locations. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sean O' Riordan | Ireland (@seanorphoto) Then, on Saturday, May 11, the organisation revealed that the geomagnetic storm was a G5 event — the first since 2003 — and that the conditions would continue that day. On Sunday, May 12, it advised that the storm had shifted down to G3, but aurora sightings would still be possible. Cue social-media feeds filled with spectacular snaps — some of which we've compiled above and below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ela / Australia (@sea.of.lights1) Aurora Australis last night at Mentone Beach, Victoria, Australia #AuroraAustralis #aurora pic.twitter.com/0Gb9zEnsEB — Findlay Ferguson (@Findlaybf) May 12, 2024 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eliza Sum 沈韪嫦 (@elizasum) I lived in Finland for 6 years and never thought that the best Aurora in my life I'd see in Melbourne 😳#AuroraAustralis pic.twitter.com/nZ4ulfrHaF — Maria Ermakova (@mary_in_vivo) May 11, 2024 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brent Martin (@brent_martin_photography) I lived in Finland for 6 years and never thought that the best Aurora in my life I'd see in Melbourne 😳#AuroraAustralis pic.twitter.com/nZ4ulfrHaF — Maria Ermakova (@mary_in_vivo) May 11, 2024 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lachlan Gardiner (@lachlan_gardiner) Visible with the naked eye from the far southwest of Western Australia! ⭐️💥⭐️#AuroraAustralis pic.twitter.com/PpsJVE2gbo — Jinni Wilson (@earthseastar) May 11, 2024 View this post on Instagram A post shared by George Berg (@george_berg_photography) For more information about the geomagnetic storm and Aurora Australis, head to the Bureau of Meteorology website. Top image: patrickkavanagh via Flickr.
In 2019, just one Australian bar made it into the World's 50 Best Bars list: Maybe Sammy. This year, not only has the innovative bar in The Rocks made the list again, it has jumped 32 places to number 11 — and it's joined by two more Sydney spots. Laneway mezcal bar — and one of Concrete Playground's favourite openings of 2019 — Cantina OK! came in at number 28, while Bulletin Place, which has made the list many times during its eight-year life, came in 39. If you've been looking for an excuse to spend a night drinking cocktails in the city, this is it. With many Sydneysiders WFH during the pandemic, CBD bars have done it tough, with some venues reporting drops in revenue of 40 percent and more. Now, it's more important than ever to go out and support them (in a COVID-safe way, of course). For those yet to be acquainted with Maybe Sammy, its luxurious styling nods to old-school Vegas glamour, all blush pink velvet banquettes and lush indoor greenery, while the list of theatrical signature drinks pays homage to the classics. Cocktails are served with the likes of scent-filled pillows, hand cream and rosemary bubbles. The latter, comes atop the much-Instagrammed Dunes cocktail, pictured below, which is a delicate balance of gin, fino sherry, watermelon and agave. [caption id="attachment_788842" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dunes cocktail at Maybe Sammy by DS Oficina[/caption] While Sydney cleaned up in the top 50, only Melbourne venues (from Australia) featured in the 51–100 list, which was announced late last week. Fitzroy bar The Everleigh snagged the 73 spot, while newer CBD haunt Byrdi came in at 80. Petite Collingwood bar Above Board followed not too far behind at number 84 and the long-running Black Pearl — which has scooped a spot in the Top 50 list numerous times throughout the award's 12-year history — was voted in at 98. The annual World's 50 Best Bars awards are voted on by over 540 bar industry experts from around the world, including bartenders, consultants, drinks writers and cocktail specialists. You can check out the full lineup of the World's 50 Best Bars 2020 here, and see 51–100 here. Top image: Cantina OK! by Kimberley Low
2030 will mark 28 years since one of the best zombie movies ever made first hit screens: 28 Days Later from filmmaker Danny Boyle (Yesterday). Before that milestone arrives, however, it's likely that you'll be watching a new flick from Boyle in the same franchise. It'll still be called 28 Years Later — and it's officially in the works. 28 Days Later has already spawned one follow-up thanks to 2007's 28 Weeks Later, but Boyle didn't direct it. Screenwriter Alex Garland, who also penned Sunshine for Boyle, then hopped behind the camera himself with Ex Machina, Annihilation, Men and TV series Devs, also wasn't involved with 28 Weeks Later. But they're both back for the third film in the series, which might become the middle chapter. Not only is a new movie locked in, but it's being talked about as the start of a new trilogy. As detailed by The Hollywood Reporter, Garland is writing 28 Years Later, Boyle is helming, and they're looking for studios or streamers to jump onboard. It's expected that Boyle will only direct the initial new picture, while Garland will pen the entire trio. There's no word yet if any of the OG film's stars will return, with 28 Days Later among the movies that helped bring Oppenheimer star, newly minted Golden Globe-winner and likely Oscar-recipient Cillian Murphy to fame. He played Jim, a bicycle courier who wakes up from a coma in a deserted hospital 28 days after a pandemic of the rage virus changed the world forever — and from Boyle and Garland to audiences everywhere, who wouldn't want him to reprise the role? Marking Boyle and Garland's first proper collaboration after Boyle adapted Garland's best-selling novel The Beach for the big screen two years earlier, 28 Days Later still ranks among the best work on either's resume — and on Murphy's as well, even if it didn't win him any of Hollywood's top shiny trophies. Set in the aftermath of the accidental release of a highly contagious virus, the film's images of a desolated London instantly became iconic, but this is a top-notch movie on every level. That includes its performances, with then-unknowns Murphy and Naomie Harris (the Bond franchise's current Moneypenny) finding the balance between demonstrating their characters' fierce survival instincts and their inherent vulnerability. If you wondering why 28 Months Later hasn't been made, it was talked about for years, but the time has now passed unless the new trilogy includes a flick set between 28 Weeks Later and 28 Years Later. [caption id="attachment_910048" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oppenheimer[/caption] 28 Years Later and any following sequels don't yet have a release date — we'll update you when more details are announced. Via The Hollywood Reporter.
Those currently working from home have probably seen two major changes to their routine: less shoes and more snacks. To help with the latter, Australia's much-loved biscuit maker Arnott's is opening its vault and releasing some of its coveted recipes — for the first time in history. For weeks one and two of the snack expert's Big Recipe Release it unveiled its Monte Carlo and four-ingredient Scotch Finger recipes. Next up is a much-loved childhood-favourite: the Iced VoVo. Topped with pink fondant, raspberry jam and coconut, it's a little like Arnott's answer to the lamington. This recipe has been adapted for home bakers by Arnott's Master Baker Vanessa Horton, who suggests creating love heart shaped bikkies for mum — but, honestly, you can create whatever shape you like. Have a dinosaur shaped cookie cutter? Go wild. None at all? You can just cut them into squares. As you'd expect, you do, in fact, need flour to make Iced VoVos, but we've rounded up some of the spots selling the essential ingredient across the country, which aren't supermarkets. Australia's oldest baker will continue to release a new recipe for one of its famous biscuits every week until social distancing regulations are lifted. Next up, will it be the Tim Tam? Mint Slice? Pizza Shapes? We'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, though, here's the Iced VoVo recipe: ARNOTT'S ICED VOVO 180 grams unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (75 grams) soft icing sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups (300 grams) plain flour Royal Icing 1 large egg white 1 1/2 cups (200 grams) icing sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon glucose syrup 1-2 drops pillar box red colouring 1/2 cup raspberry jam 1/2 cup desiccated coconut Heart-shaped cutter (optional) Piping bag and nozzle (optional) Method Pre-heat fan-forced oven to 160°C. Line two baking trays with baking paper. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, icing sugar, and salt for two minutes or until pale and creamy. Sift the flour into the butter mixture and mix on low speed until combined. Place half the mixture between baking paper and roll out to approximately five millimetre thickness. Using a six centimetre heart shaped cutter, cut out biscuits, transfer to baking sheets. Repeat rolling and cutting heart shapes with remaining mixture, rerolling scrap dough to make more hearts. Bake for 16–18 minutes or when biscuits start to turn golden. Leave on the tray to cool. Royal icing Place egg white in a clean mixing bowl and mix on low speed with the whisk attachment until the whites begin to break up. Gradually add the icing sugar, vanilla and glucose, whisking until combined and glossy. If the mixture is too stiff add a teaspoon of water to loosen it up but ensure it isn't too runny as it will slide off the biscuit. It should form a smooth surface. Add your colour and stir until combined. Cover surface of icing with cling wrap until ready to use to prevent the icing going hard. Place a small round tip (we used a no. 2 nozzle) and fill your piping bag 1/3 full of icing. Don't overfill your bag. Fill another piping bag with raspberry jam. Pipe a jam strip down the centre of the heart biscuit and pipe pink icing around the edges before filling in the remainder of the heart with icing. Sprinkle with coconut. Place iced biscuits in a single layer of an airtight container to set overnight. Tips Be very light handed when adding your colour to ensure a soft pink colour. If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a snap lock bag and snip the corner off. Biscuits can be made into any shape, including the traditional rectangle.
A new whiskey bar has just arrived on the lower level of Sydney's York Street. Jolene's Sydney is a Nashville-inspired bar boasting one of the biggest collections of whiskies Sydney has ever seen. Located across from Sammy Junior and the Prince of York, Jolene's comes from Simon Rose-Hopkins who has worked across other American-themed Sydney venues like Surly's American BBQ and Nola Smokehouse and Bar. The CBD venue boasts a collection of more than 150 different whiskies, including 100 sourced specifically from American whisky distillers. At Jolene's, you can opt for your whiskey neat, on the rocks or in one of the bar's many exciting cocktails. Try the Islands in the Stream, which gives Tennessee whiskey a boost of boozy tropical juice, or the Superbowl Sundae which is reminiscent of a whiskey espresso martini topped with whipped cream. Taking influence from whiskey-loving Nashville, the dimly lit bar has red-velvet booths named after country singers. You can opt to spend your night in the Chris Stapleton, Johnny Cash or pop-country queen Taylor Swift booth, or big groups can book out the 12-seat VIP Dolly Parton booth. The Nashville influence doesn't stop there. Keeping in the spirit of the southern musical hub, Jolene's hosts local country and rock musicians four days a week. Rose-Hopkins, a frequent visitor to Nashville, says, "The bar is my way of paying homage to some of the best nights of my life and bringing that genuine Southern hospitality to York Street." Food-wise, patrons can expect a reserved menu of diner-style American snacks. Think hot dogs and tater tots. And, while the drinks menu is obviously veered towards whiskey aficionados, there are gin and vodka cocktails on offer alongside a selection of craft beers on tap. Jolene's is located at 73 York Street, Sydney. It's open 4pm–late Wednesday–Sunday.
It's already nicknamed the River City. It's also locked in for a stint as an Olympic city. Now, Queensland's capital will become the shimmering city, too, thanks to a new long-term after-dark light show. When Lumina Night Walk makes Brisbane its latest home, it'll get the Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha aglow — and it won't just be sticking around for a few weeks or months. Brisbane City Council has announced that it approved an application on Friday, July 28 to establish a Lumina Night Walk in the inner-west spot, and for 150 evenings per year. The plan is to get the gardens looking luminous on Friday and Saturday nights, and also likely during school holidays, with attendees peering at eight light show stations across a one-kilometre path. The site's existing Gardens Explorer Trail will get the Lumina Night Walk treatment, with the light show stations being camouflaged from view. BCC advises that no plants or trees will be removed for the new attraction. Although no opening date has yet been announced, visitors will take 50–60 minutes to enjoy the experience, with between four and six sessions held every ten minutes each night that Brisbane's Lumina Night Walk runs. The River City joins seven locations in Canada, three in Japan, one in Singapore and another in France in boasting a Lumina Night Walk. Moment Factory, which keeps hosting radiant pop-ups to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens as part of the South Australian capital's winter Illuminate Adelaide festival, will design and produce the light show. The company's standard remit: getting botanical gardens, zoos, national parks and heritage sites dazzling, aka exactly what it's bringing to Brisbane. Brissie's Lumina Night Walk will be funded, installed and operated by Australian company LightDreaming, and BCC advises that the revenue that the council receives from LightDreaming will be put back into the gardens. And, it expects that taking a lit-up stroll will be popular, increasing the Mt Coot-tha location's visitors by up to 15 percent per year. Brisbane does love an excuse to bask in a glow, as Roma Street Parkland's annual end-of-year Enchanted Garden keeps proving to sellout crowds. Over at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, after-dark fest Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside shines a light — many, many lights — each year, too. And, during 2023's Brisbane Festival this September, Lightscape will come to town, setting up a two-kilometre trail of light and colour also at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens on Alice Street in the CBD. Of course, shimmering sights aren't just a Brisbane favourite, as Lightscape's stints in Melbourne and Brisbane have proven, plus everything bathing both cities in radiance during their respective RISING and Vivid fests. Brisbane's Lumina Night Walk is planned as a tourist drawcard in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as one of many changes sweeping the city before, during and after the global sporting events. "Brisbane is Australia's fastest growing capital city and a world class night-time experience such as Lumina Night Walks will create more to see and do and make Brisbane an even better place to live and visit," said Deputy Mayor and Civic Cabinet Chair for Economic Development Councillor Krista Adams about the approved application. Among the other changes headed Brisbane's way: a two-level pavilion with a gin distillery and rooftop garden at The Summit atop Mt Coot-tha; a 100-metre-tall Sky Deck at the new Queen's Wharf precinct in the CBD; tearing down and rebuilding the Gabba; renewing and reinvigorating South Bank, complete with a treetop walk, a permanent handmade goods market and new riverside lawns; and making over Victoria Park. And, there's also the revamping and expanding of Northshore Hamilton, adding a new seven-hectare riverside parkland to South Brisbane, opening a fifth theatre at QPAC, and Kangaroo Point's new green bridge with an overwater bar and restaurant. Brisbane's Lumina Night Walk doesn't yet have an opening date, but will run 150 nights per year, on Friday and Saturday nights and during school holidays. Keep an eye on the Lumina website for further details. Images: Lumina.
Paddington has long been one of Sydney's cultural tastemaking suburbs. From the Paddington Markets to Oxford Street's galleries and clubs, the neighbourhood is a destination for people to soak up the best of Sydney's nightlife and culture. With PADDO(collective)'s third annual Live Music & Art Week, this reputation shows no sign of stopping any time soon. PADDO(collective) Live Music & Art Week brings together live gigs, gallery openings, DJ sets, historical walking tours and culture across the suburb's favourite bars, pubs and galleries. Running from Wednesday, January 28, to Sunday, February 8, the week is a suburb-wide celebration featuring both free and ticketed events. Here are some highlights to lock into your summer itinerary. Sunset Soiree at Saint Cloche On Wednesday, January 28, Saint Cloche gallery is hosting an opening for artist Joshua Searle and his work, The Birds Who Drank the Sun. It's an exploration of memory, inheritance and cultural reclamation through painting and sculpture. Head to Saint Cloche from 6–8pm for free entry and an evening of art, live music from guitarist Mike R, and sunset drinks. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SAINT CLOCHE GALLERY (@saint_cloche) Paddington Uncovered Walking Tour In Paddington Undercovered, Sydney crime historian Max Burns-McRuvie leads an immersive walking tour that reveals the hidden scandals of Paddington. From notorious underworld figures and raucous gambling and grog dens to Victorian love cons gone wrong, this walking tour takes you through village streets and heritage terraces to uncover Paddington's past. Tickets are $32 per person and include a free drink at the end of the tour. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PADDO (collective) (@paddocollective) Tune Inn Wednesday at Paddo Inn On Wednesday, February 4, the Paddo Inn is bringing a Sunday session feeling to your midweek. Enjoy acoustic tunes from 5pm as the summer sun sets. It's the perfect weekday afternoon to make the most of these long summer days. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paddo Inn (@paddoinn) reWINEd Thursday at Paddo Inn Also held at Oxford Street's Paddo Inn, reWINEd is a free-entry event that pairs songs that have aged like fine wine with actual wine. On Thursday, February 5, enjoy classics from Prince, Whitney Houston, INXS and more from 5pm in Sydney's cultural suburb. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paddo Inn (@paddoinn) Street Sessions at Tequila Mockingbird On Thursday, February 5 from 5pm, Tequila Mockingbird is taking its famous street sessions out into the summer sun. With $15 margaritas, $12 tacos, and live music from Manning (whose influences include Paul McCartney, Crowded House and Fleetwood Mac), it'll be a relaxed evening made for unwinding with friends. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tequila Mockingbird (@tequilamockingbirdrestaurant) KLEVA VINYL at The London Looking to launch into your weekend this Live Music & Art Week? DJ Klevaone is a Sydney-based turntablist, producer and multi-instrumentalist who spins soulful vinyl tracks. Entry is free on Friday, February 6, from 6pm until late, so if you're a live music-lover, be sure to head down to The London in Paddington. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tequila Mockingbird (@tequilamockingbirdrestaurant) DISCOTHÈQUE at Wine Library Taking place in one of Sydney's original wine bars, the disco night at Wine Library is set to be an evening of '70s and '80s classics. With free entry and walk-ins welcome, you and your friends can enjoy $18 disco spritzes and snacks early on, followed by a set from DJ Ben Howes from 9pm until late. Boogie on down to the Wine Library on Friday, February 6. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wine Library (@winelibrarywoollahra) Afternoon Sessions at The Paddington Cap off a week of events, community and culture with live music at The Paddington. On Sunday, February 8, enjoy a mix of local talent in a chilled afternoon setting from 3–6pm at local favourite, The Paddington. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Paddington (@thepaddingtonsydney) Proudly supported by Woollahra Municipal Council and NSW Government. Image credit: Supplied
While there are fewer feet dancing in the Cross than there used to be, the Kings Cross Hotel is still flying the good-time flag high. From the dive bar to the rooftop, you'll have ample opportunity to get your freak on. Bask under the neon light of the Coke sign on the club level as you pull your best moves to some of Sydney's finest DJ talents. At the occasional takeover, the entire six floors of the venue are transformed into one big party, and, yeah, you might want to take the following Monday off.
So you've just finished your latest rewatch of Pulp Fiction, Gilmore Girls or any number of David Lynch classics and you've got a hankering to hit up an American-style diner. Look no further than Valentinas in Marrickville. But, don't fear, this isn't some cheap gimmick. The Livingston Road spot combines classic diner aesthetics and southern dishes with the best of Australian cafe culture to create one of the most-hyped brunch spots in the Inner West. Head past the pies and doughnuts resting in the front counter and take a seat in the throwback dining room decked out with green corduroy backrests, plenty of wood panelling and branded coffee mugs that give it the appearance of a local joint you'd find in the American Mid-West. For the traditional diner experience, you can order yourself bottomless filter coffee for $9. But, if you can't pass up your regular latte or cold brew, don't worry, Valentinas isn't committing to the bit that seriously. The selection of eats can be broken into three sections. There's the all-day breakfast menu, where breakfast sandwiches ($13.50–17), cheese omelettes ($20) and fluffy pancakes ($9–21) are the stars of the show. Further down you'll find the section of the menu simply titled 'Not Breakfast', where you can order a Whole Beast Butchery patty melt on toasted rye ($24) and a loaded fried chicken sandwich smothered in your choice of ranch, mustard or hot honey ($17.50). Rounding out the food is the aforementioned dessert cabinet, offering slices of pie ($9), snickerdoodle cookies ($7) and that day's delivery from Grumpy Donuts. If this all sounds up your alley, schedule a trip on a weekday or make sure to head over on a weekend when you have time to spare and plenty of patience. Valentinas doesn't take bookings and it's always a hot spot for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays so waiting in the sun for a seat is all part of the experience. Appears in: The Best Cafes in Sydney Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
There's a reason conversation is referred to as an art. It's not an exact science, for starters, but when done properly it's something that can organically take on a life of its own — it can be colourful, inspiring, thought-provoking and radical. Whether you're a veritable Caravaggio of conversation or you've not quite nailed your chat game just yet, interesting — and, yes, provocative — conversation prompts can go a long way to you uncovering more about people you think you already might know so well. Inspired by our upcoming event The Slow Lounge in partnership with American Honey, we put out a call to you, our readers, to reveal your favourite conversation starters — and we're delighted to report that you did not disappoint. Sure, not all of these will be appropriate for every situation (who's your favourite Muppet? might not be a solid opener for your future mother-in-law), but here are some of your go-to catalysts for good chat. What makes you happy? Would you rather be a metre taller or a metre shorter? What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten? What's been the best part of your day so far? What is a language you love to listen to, even if you don't speak or understand it? Instead of "What's been happening?", ask "What's the most important thing happening in your life right now?" If you could go back and change one decision you've made in your life, what would it be and why? Who's your favourite Muppet? What's the most outrageous thing you've done in your life? What food best describes your personality? What song describes your life to now? Who would you least like to get stuck with in an elevator? What's your favourite cocktail? What has been the best thing about emerging out of COVID-19 hibernation? What are your three favourite vegetables? If you could be a fruit, what fruit would you be and why? What's something about you that people are surprised about when they first hear it? What is something about yourself that you love? What is your fondest live music memory? What is your favourite Arnott's biscuit? What do you want to achieve this year? What's been the best moment of your week? When was the last time you built a Lego set? What was it and what have you done with it since? If you were sent to Antarctica and could only take one person and two objects, who and what would you take? If a squirrel could talk do you think it would have a really high voice or a really low voice? Who would play you in a movie about you? For more inspo on how to create your own golden moments with mates, head to the American Honey website. Top image: Cottonbro (Pexels)
World-renowned masterpieces such as Michelangelo's David have established the blank human canvas as an artwork; however, a recent series of naturist tours has artist Stuart Ringholt taking this to the next level by not only appearing naked himself but requiring all tour participants to also turn up in the flesh. Officially titled Preceded by a tour of the show by artist Stuart Ringholt 6-8pm (the artist will be naked. Those who wish to join the tour must also be naked. Adults only), the tour has already taken place at Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art and Melbourne's Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. At such tours, Ringholt has allowed guests to gain a new perspective on existing works by viewing them in a new context where getting kitless is mandatory. Importantly, these tours have taken place outside of the standard venue opening hours, so there is no fear of outsiders or general creepers peeking in. Hypochondriacs will be relieved to know that you can keep your sneakers on, but it might be hard to choose a pair that will match the rest of your outfit. Ringholt's art has long been equally confrontational and controversial. In one of his performance pieces, the aptly titled Embarrassment, Ringholt placed himself in some red-faced situations. These included one instance where he walked in public with toilet paper hanging from his pants. Other pieces have documented a period of his life in the mid-'90s where he suffered from a drug addiction and subsequent psychotic episodes. Sydneysiders will now have a chance to experience Stuart Ringholt in all his naked glory when he conducts these tours at the Museum of Contemporary Art on April 27-29, 2012. Bookings for these sessions open on March 1, and enthusiasts would be wise to get in early after the high demand in other Australian cities. These will be open to adults only. Birthday suit up.
The guys behind cured meat diner Chester White — Nick Sullivan and Stu Curran — have taken the phrase cottage industry to heart. This cosy spot inside a converted old Potts Point terrace is named after a breed of pale-skinned pig, pictured on the wall and menu, prompting customer to make an oinker of themselves. Dining at Chester White is much like a very well-researched picnic in a bar environment: high-quality salami and prosciutto shared plates, lots of cheese, cocktails and vino aplenty. The kitchen, as it is, is behind the bar, with meats dangling from hooks. It's a very canny and affordable way to operate a tapas bar, which is how Chester White functions best. You wouldn't come here to get a feast, but instead while away a few hours with something to munch on and some drinks. For $28, you can choose any two meats, which will come with house pickled vegetables and fruit, two cheeses, olives and lavosh. There's also duck pâté ($15), handmade empanadas with meat or veg ($18), parmesan-crusted cauliflower with pickled grapes and sage butter ($18), vitello tonnato ($17) and a seasonal salad ($19). [caption id="attachment_776052" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cacio e pepe[/caption] For heartier dishes, expect braised beef cheeks slow-cooked for six hours ($25), torched octopus with smoked romesco, pickled onion and charred lemon ($19) and, the main star, pasta. It's hard to look past the truffle cacio e pepe ($26), which comes out in a cheese wheel, gets mixed through, then served onto your plate. Otherwise, there's the traditional-style carbonara ($26) with organic porcini mushroom, caramelised speck, egg yolk and pecorino (no cream) and the two types of hand-rolled ricotta gnocchi — wild mushroom ragu and spicy nduja ragu — which both cost $26. There's a nod to 1950s Americana, with retro bar stools, blues tunes playing and an almost New Orleans-like ground floor balcony. You'll also find the staff often sporting boots, denim, western-style shirts and hats. It's a deliberately laidback premise with a buzzing atmosphere and affable staff. It's walk-in only, which means you can check out one of the many neighbouring bars while you wait, too. Updated: July 15, 2020
Traditional Turkish fare with a modern Australian twist is what's on offer at this sprawling, laidback Crows Nest eatery. The bulk of the menu is inspired by the recipes of the owner's mother. For breakfast, think Yengen toast, a toastie with traditional Turkish cheese, chorizo and tomato. There is also a build your own option or a set breakfast banquet menu which is great for groups. Lunch sees a mixture of dips, salads, rolls and plates all featuring traditional Turkish fare, while dinner sees more large meze plates featuring seafood, lamb and chicken. Some Turkish wines are available as well as Efes beer and a selection of local and imported beers on tap. Dessert is a must and regularly features poached pears, Turkish ice cream and baklava, with a different dessert special of the day, too. Images: Mel Koutchavlis
A new food/art installation in Tokyo is offering a multi-sensory eating experience that combines delicate Japanese cuisine with stunning projections and sound. Located inside Sagaya, a Saga beef restaurant in the city's Ginza district, the permanent installation, titled Worlds Unleashed and then Connecting, was created by art collective teamlab and serves just eight guests each day. Projections depicting Japanese scenery and wildlife illuminate the walls and table, and react different to each artfully presented dish on the rotating monthly menu. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLYxixvQ_hw "When a dish is placed on the table, the world contained within the dish is unleashed, unfolding onto the table and into the surrounding space," explains the collective. "A bird released from one dish can perch on the branch of a tree unleashed from another. The trees that grow from each dish are not identical; their sizes and shapes are affected by the worlds unleashed by the other dishes on the table. These unleashed worlds are also affected by your behaviour. If you stand still, a tiny bird might alight on your hand; if you move suddenly, it might fly away." Pretty lofty, but we're never opposed to ambitious creativity on our plates. Via Designboom.
Making a cup of barista-worthy coffee at home is an art. But, it needn't be daunting. With a combination of science and play, crafting a delectable morning brew simply takes a bit of practice. If you've decided that 2026 is the year you level up your coffee game (and stop spending six dollars every single day), we tapped the owner of Clubhouse in Nundah, Brisbane, Josh Prete, to learn how to become an at-home barista. Josh has been working in the coffee industry since 2016 and says it was the "reliability and consistency" of a good cafe that drew him in. "When you visit the same place often enough, you meet people, you hear stories, and you naturally become part of the community. That led me into the science behind making coffee well. I don't think about one perfect cup. I think about making great coffee all day, every day, and teaching people how to do the same." [caption id="attachment_1044092" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Clubhouse[/caption] What equipment do I need to make great coffee at home? To make coffee from home, the first thing you're going to need is equipment. Don't worry. You don't have to shell out for a $4000 state-of-the-art espresso machine straight off the bat. If your go-to brew is an espresso-based drink, Josh believes you can get a lot out of entry or mid-level machines. Josh notes the most important three items for barista-worthy coffee are: A good grinder, fresh, quality beans (ideally within 30 days of being roasted), and a simple scale so you can repeat your results. "Most people think the espresso machine is the hero," says Josh. "The grinder is the real engine." For the new coffee aficionado, Josh recommends investing in a 0.1g scale, a gooseneck kettle, an AeroPress, V60 or Chemex, and a good hand grinder. "They can give you an incredible cup, and you get full freedom to experiment. There are so many variables. The fun is discovering how you like your coffee." According to Josh, the pour-over method (i.e. pouring hot water over freshly ground coffee, which then drips into a mug or carafe) is the best method for making barista-style coffee at home. "It teaches you the fundamentals: grind size, flow rate, water temperature, bloom, and timing, and those skills translate into every brewing method, including espresso," Josh shares. "Pour over gives you clarity and consistency. If you learn to control flavour on a V60 or Chemex, you'll understand how coffee actually works, not just how to use a machine." What beans should I start with? Josh recommends looking for beans with a recent roast date, but make sure it's not too recent. "If it was roasted yesterday, it's still going to be degassing. This means that if you brew it too soon, it may taste overly acidic and be prone to channelling." Channelling is when water finds a narrow path through the espresso's coffee puck in a machine, creating an uneven extraction. This can result in an espresso shot that may taste weak, sour or bitter. Not ideal. Josh also recommends looking for coffee beans with clear details on origin, process, and tasting notes. "If there is a recommended brew method, and recipe that's awesome too." If you find your at-home coffee tasting less than desirable, Josh has some tips. Does your brew taste sour? It's under-extracted, meaning you need to grind your beans more finely. To fix a bitter coffee, grind more coarsely because your coffee is over-extracted. If your coffee is too weak or watery, you have to increase the amount of coffee and decrease the water. When adjusting your grind size, be sure not to change any other variables. The dose and yield should stay the same, notes Josh. "If [your shot] ran short or long, just taste it. Learn to understand what over and under-extraction tastes like." What's dialling in? While coffee jargon can be a little intimidating at first, it's simply a science. Dialling in refers to the practice of fine-tuning your coffee's variables, i.e., brew time, grind size, and water quality. "It's simply adjusting the variables to get the flavour you're aiming for," says Josh. For example, when it comes to espresso, a great starting point is a one-to-two ratio—20g of ground coffee yielding 40g of espresso in about 25–30 seconds, and using a medium or medium–dark roast that's roughly ten days post-roast. [caption id="attachment_1060672" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Clubhouse[/caption] Simply dose out 20g of coffee, brew the espresso until 40g of liquid espresso flows into a cup (i.e. one-to-two), and then time how long your shot takes to pour. If your shot takes 14 seconds to run through, the grind is too coarse, and you need to make it finer. On the other hand, if your shot takes 46 seconds or longer, the grind is too fine, and you need to make it coarser. "Keep adjusting until you're consistently hitting that 25–30 second window, then taste it," says Josh. "That alone will get you most of the way there." "Espresso is all about accuracy," says Josh. "It's a short, sharp extraction, and it can frustrate you quickly when you're learning. No machine will dial in the coffee for you, so if you buy an espresso setup, you have to take some ownership of the process. Don't blame the beans." How do I heat barista-worthy milk? Often, the difference between a cup of coffee you're willing to trade for a minimum of five dollars and a burnt, foamy brew at home comes down to its silky smooth milk. Josh's tips for creating a barista-worthy flat white or latte are all about the technique. Oh, and don't even think about latte art until you've mastered the texture. "The depth of the wand dictates the amount of air you are letting enter the milk," says Josh. "Too shallow, and you will have too much air and a big mess. Too deep and you will just heat the milk up. You want to start shallow, allowing air in, and then slowly move the wand deeper into the jug. You only need to adjust the depth of the wand. Practice makes perfect." Once you've mastered well-textured milk, you can get started on latte art. Josh's final tips Hopefully, you're feeling a bit less intimidated and more inspired to tackle your goal of crafting a barista-worthy cup of joe at home. Josh's biggest tip, however, is to start simple. "You don't need premium equipment; you just need to understand the basics. Once you get a feel for flavour, you can make incredible coffee with very little—and have a lot of fun doing it." Image credit: Clubhouse
It's not every music festival that feels like a country weekend fete — and it's definitely not every music festival that feels like a country fete while being headlined by Rodriguez. But, hey, that's exactly what Fairgrounds 2016 promises to be. After a stellar debut last year — with Father John Misty headlining, no less — the boutique camping festival in the small NSW town of Berry is coming back this December. And the lineup has two big thumbs up from us. Taking over the local Berry Showgrounds on December 2 and 3, the two-day festival is making a triumphant return — much to the delight of everyone who went last year (including us). In a huge coup for the small festival in its second year, they've secured the legendary Rodriguez to headline on the Friday night. It's something of a self-fulfilling prophecy as the film in which Rodriguez is the subject, Searching for Sugar Man, was screened at the festival last year. Like last year, they've also nabbed some talent from Victoria's Meredith Music Festival, which will take place the weekend following Fairgrounds. In great news for NSW-bound music lovers, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Jagwar Ma, Angel Olsen and Japandroids will all be doing back-to-back festival weekends. There's a notable Aussie music presence (go team), with old hats The Drones and the ever-talented Sarah Blasko both playing the festival, along with Big Scary, who should be releasing their new album any day now. With a strong focus on the local NSW South Coast area, Fairgrounds isn't just about the tunes. Last year local nosh, market stalls and the local swimming pool played equally starring roles at this multifaceted festival — something we're sure made Berry residents pretty happy. Between watching films at the openair cinema, sack races, bouts of tug-of-war and dips in Berry's local pool (within the festival grounds and equipped with hectic DJ sets), punters feasted on local delights, from South Coast candy from Berry's own Treat Factory, and fresh rock oysters from An Australian Affair, harvested less than half an hour from the festival site. Plus pies, pies, pies, pies, pies. Straight-up, it warmed our jaded little hearts to see a smaller scale festival like Fairgrounds supporting local nosh, something still spearheaded by the likes of local loving' bigwigs like Bluesfest and Splendour. We can't wait to do it all again this year. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday, August 19 at 9am. But we know what you're here for. Here's the full lineup. FAIRGROUNDS FESTIVAL 2016 LINEUP Rodriguez King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Angel Olsen Big Scary Jagwar Ma Japandroids Julia Jacklin Julien Baker Sarah Blasko Sheer Mag Son Little The Drones The Tallest Man on Earth Fairgrounds Festival will return to Berry on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 December, 2016. Onsite camping will once again be available from Friday. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday, August 19 at 9am at fairgrounds.com.au. By Shannon Connellan and Lauren Vadnjal. Image: Andy Fraser.
You'll find this cafe inside a restored police cottage overlooking the Nepean River in the Regatta Park Precinct. The family- and dog-friendly spot has a bright and all-around homey decor to make you feel welcome indoors, as well as picnic tables out on the lawn. On Saturday nights and on Sundays at lunch, live tunes from local artists add to the relaxing atmosphere. The all-day brekkie menu has treats like buttermilk scones, a deep dish macadamia pancake, the Man Bun (a full fry-up stuffed into a soft milk bun) and pork belly benedict on offer. Meanwhile, the lunch menu brings a luxe lobster and prawn roll, burgers, nachos, poke bowl and salads. The venue is also open for dinner, Wednesday through Saturday, with an eclectic range of modern classics available — think cheeseburger spring rolls, crispy maple pork ribs and chargrilled octopus. And don't skip the cocktail menu, with signature tipples named after former residents of the cottage. Perhaps you'd like to try the Constable Thorsby (a mango and lime caprioska) or Constable Musgrove (lychee martini).
Always dreamed of visiting the Mediterranean island of Sicily? Then you might want to bump it to the top of your post-COVID-19 travel plans. If you do, you could score some handy financial help — with the Sicilian government offering to cover some travel expenses once Italy is out of lockdown. As first reported by The Times, the regional government is offering to pay a portion of flight costs and accommodation expenses — covering half the price of airfares to and from the island, and paying for one in every three hotel nights. It'll also stump up the entire cost for tickets to museums and archaeological sites, so that visitors can do plenty of sightseeing. At present, few other details have been revealed, such as when it'll come into effect, when eager tourists will be able to start booking, who the scheme will apply to and where in the world you'll be able to fly in from. That said, when the plan is implemented, it'll be done via vouchers available from the Visit Sicily website — so you might want to bookmark it for future reference. The Sicilian government will spend €50 million (AU$86.4 million) on the scheme to revive its tourism industry — which, with not only the country but most of the world enforcing restrictions to help contain the spread of COVID-19, has understandably taken a battering in recent months. Italy has been in lockdown nationwide since Sunday, March 10, but announced on Sunday, April 26 that it would enter 'phase two' from Monday, May 4. That'll involve the slow easing of current restrictions, including allowing Italians to travel within their regions to visit relatives. Factories, parks and public gardens will also reopen, with museums, galleries, libraries and shops able to open their doors from Monday, May 18, then bars, restaurants and hairdressers from Monday, June 1. For further details about the Sicilian government's tourism scheme, keep an eye on the Visit Sicily website. Via The Times.
While she's been a leader in Australia's creative scene for over a decade, Yasmin Suteja is currently pivoting to a new era of her career. In 2013, the photographer, director, and content creator founded Culture Machine, a creative services and talent agency that focused on collaboration. She worked on Culture Machine alongside the likes of Kath Ebbs, Mimi Elashiry and her brother, Kai Suteja, just as the content creation and influencer era was kicking off. In the years since, Yasmin has become one of Australia's most in-demand creatives, partnering with global brands including adidas, JD Sport, THE ICONIC, Bumble, and many more. [caption id="attachment_84094" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Declan May[/caption] While the photographer and director was seen as a mentor for Culture Machine's talent for years (despite only being in her twenties herself), Yasmin knew it was time to get her hands dirty and be the least experienced person in the room for the first time in a decade. This drive pushed her to cold email Heartbreak High director Gracie Otto "about twenty times" to get onto a film set. "It was an amazing opportunity. I got to see how TV is made, and how a Netflix show happens—how many people are involved, and what the role of a director is in that capacity." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Second Life Markets Australia (@secondlifemarkets) Alongside her experience assisting on Heartbreak High, in 2023, Yasmin's debut documentary, Dying To Succeed, won the 2023 Fresh Cuts initiative at the Australian International Documentary Conference. Moving to Melbourne from Sydney has been another "game-changing" catalyst in her new career chapter. What began as a three-month contract with a production company has resulted in a fresh perspective and new collaborators. "Melbourne's opened me up to the most incredible creatives. Everyone's so excited to volunteer their time to what I'm trying to do. They really believe in me," she says. As a director, fashion naturally weaves into the stories Yasmin is trying to tell. "The medium of fashion means expression to me," says Yasmin. "I think it's the way that I kind of get to find my people in a lot of ways." [caption id="attachment_84096" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Declan May - Galaxy Z Flip7 is featured[/caption] While Yasmin's creative energy is often used to art direct other projects, how does personal style influence her expression? "When it comes to my personal style, [I like] blending being comfortable but also having a statement piece where you feel fashionable and put together." "At the same time," she says, "I need to be able to run around, be on set and do my job." Yasmin's experience in shooting for a multitude of fashion clients means that often her creative inspiration connects back to that world. "Fashion comes into my work and craft because it's predominantly what I shoot. My work is known for being tapped [into] fashion and [having] an appreciation for style." [caption id="attachment_1028569" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Declan May - Galaxy Z Flip7 is featured[/caption] When it comes to her new city, Yasmin credits Melbourne's fashion scene as a big source of inspiration. While searching for more pieces for her photoshoot at the vintage store, Retro Star, Yasmin notes Melbourne's love for unique (and often second-hand) pieces. "Melbourne has inspired me a lot in terms of fashion and style," says Yasmin. "There's a real appreciation for archive designer quality pieces — pieces that have lasted the test of time." As she enters a new era of her creative career, Yasmin also credits the rapid development in technology as something that excites her. "I think [technology] is making way for the next generation." One tool that is helping Yasmin's creativity is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7. Yasming uses the phone to snap inspiration, navigate a new city, and log her favourite fashion stores. The phone is supercharged by Google Gemini, making it even easier to discover, capture and share your style. While it's easy to stay in your lane and stick to what you know, Yasmin proves that the first decade is only just the beginning in a creative career. From moving cities to gaining television director credits and finding new creative collaborators, it seems Yasmin's next chapter is going to be a good one. Explore more at Samsung. Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Gemini Live feature requires internet connection and Google Account login. Available on select devices and select countries, languages, and to users 18+. Fees may apply to certain AI features at the end of 2025. Flex Mode supported at angles between 75°and 115°. Some apps may not be supported in Flex Mode. Fees may apply to certain AI features at the end of 2025. Results may vary depending on lighting conditions.
When owners Giorgia and Brittany opened this Mediterranean-inspired boutique hair salon in 2021, they did it with one thing in mind — creating effortless, lived-in hair. Since then, the salon has quickly grown into the premier destination for all things blonde and specialise in creating quintessential beach-blonde locks. You'll find this bright yet cosy salon in Collaroy on Sydney's beautiful Northern Beaches. Here, the team use top-tier brands including LAKME and Olaplex to ensure your colour lasts long after your visit. But don't worry if you aren't looking to go to the lighter side. The Blonde Cartel has you covered with a range of colour, cut and styling services suitable for all hair types. Haircuts range from $45-$116 or, if you need to tame that seaside frizz, book in a Keratin treatment for $250. No matter your tress treatment, the team will make sure you feel confident and relaxed from start to finish.
Get ready to embark on a tantalising culinary journey that will transport you straight to the sun-kissed shores of the Amalfi Coast — all without leaving Aussie soil. Together with Aperol, we've scoured every corner of this vast land to curate a guide to the bars and restaurants that capture the essence of coastal Italy's gastronomic wonders. From echoing laidback osterias to swanky harbourside bars exuding Riviera-style opulence, our roundup is a tribute to the vibrancy of Italian culture infused with an Australian twist. So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for an unforgettable expedition. Your table overlooking the azure seas awaits — no boarding pass required.
Glebe Point Road's Oh My Days is baking 'buttery' croissants and pastries along Glebe Point Road — and they're all vegan. Owner and fine-dining chef David Rigby (Bentley, Est. China Doll) opened the vegan bakery and cafe in mid-2019. Here, the pastries are baked daily in-house, with pastry chef Yosef Paulsen (Kitchen by Mike) overseeing the bulk of the baking. Apart from almond ($7), chocolate ($7) and plain croissants ($6) — which are made using wholewheat stone ground flour — you'll also find berry danishes ($7), tarts ($7) and banana bread ($4.5). Elsewhere on the menu, the French influence is swapped for Mexican flare (and the fit-out follows suit). All-day brekkie includes burritos ($17) and bowls ($19) filled with scrambled tofu, grilled corn, butternut squash and jalapeño salsa. There are also blueberry and blue corn pancakes ($18) topped with cashew coconut ice-cream and organic maple syrup. For lunch, there are mushroom and cauliflower adobo tacos ($13 for three), plus more burritos ($18–19) and a 'chilli sin carne' quesadilla ($18) for good measure. On the drinks side, coffee beans are roasted in-house by barista John Lee (Devon Cafe) — and made using nut milks, of course. Other options include hibiscus and tangerine kombucha ($5), and cacao and banana 'milkshakes' ($9), made with coconut ice cream. If you're after something boozy, it's also slinging natural wines, craft beers and a selection of cocktails — we suggest you enjoy these in the venue's outdoor courtyard.
When it debuted in 2022 with a full-frontal embrace of feminism, penises and 70s porn for women, Minx instantly cemented itself among the year's best new TV shows. The setup: Vassar graduate and country club regular Joyce Prigger (Ophelia Lovibond, Trying) makes her dream of starting her own magazine come true, but for Bottom Dollar Publications pornography publisher Doug Renetti (Jake Johnson, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse). Created by Ellen Rapoport (Clifford the Big Red Dog) and executive produced by Paul Feig (Last Christmas), the show wasn't shy about the industry it dived into, even if its protagonist initially was. It wasn't afraid to push the strait-laced Joyce out of her comfort zone, see the empowering side of erotica for the fairer sex and champion the female gaze, either. The end result: a savvy, smart and breezy series that was as layered as it was astute and funny — and, yes, one that happily filled its frames with male genitalia. It took mere months for Minx to score a season-two renewal, and welcomely; however, the path from that great news to the show's second go-around arriving — from Friday, July 21 on Stan in Australia — bears more than a little in common with the attitudes that the series rallies against. Originally made by HBO Max, HBO's US streaming service, Minx was then cancelled in December 2022 during production. Underestimating the appeal of something confident and unashamedly raunchy where women are in control? Yes, that's what this casualty of David Zaslav's cost-cutting measures at Warner Bros Discovery demonstrated. Luckily, fellow American network Starz then stepped in. Watching Minx's bigger, richer and deeper second season, it's mindboggling to think that it almost didn't make it to screens. "Minx is back and better than ever," announces Doug with his usual likeable, affable, shambling brand of swagger — the kind that Johnson long-perfected in New Girl, and also in film roles in Drinking Buddies and Win It All — and he isn't wrong. Of course, he's talking about the series' eponymous erotic mag, not the series itself, but he's on the money. First, though, the again vibrantly shot, styled and costumed show has season-one finale fallout to deal with, after Joyce and Doug ended their tumultuous working relationship. The former goes looking for a new publisher, with boardrooms overflowing with besuited men dropping compliments and promising money awaiting. Then billionaire and ex-shipping industry titan Constance Papadopoulos (Elizabeth Perkins, The Afterparty) shows an interest in the magazine, in supporting and mentoring Joyce, and in having Doug involved. Decades of TV sitcoms and procedural dramas have spent episode after episode testing their characters with problems, then restoring the status quo before the credits roll and the next instalment arrives. Minx falls into neither genre, nor that trap. Joyce and Doug were always destined to reteam as colleagues early in season two, but this series doesn't go backwards. There's a new dynamic at play with Joyce leading the charge, Constance pushing for growth and Doug attempting to find his best new angle. (Some ideas: hosting a screening of Deep Throat, international expansion and taking the mag from the page to reality Chippendales-style.) There's another case of mirroring, too, this time firmly within the show; the world at large navigates sexual freedom and the women's liberation movement, and Joyce and Doug endeavour to work out what that truly means for them, and also what they want it to. Egos and ambitions still clash, and the naked male form remains a frequent and ample presence, but Minx has evolved from a fledgling enterprise to a success both on- and off-screen. Within the series, that sees Joyce, Doug, Constance and the returning magazine staff — namely Bottom Dollar's former model Bambi (Jessica Lowe, Miracle Workers), photographer Richie (Oscar Montoya, Final Space), Doug's girlfriend and ex-secretary Tina (Idara Victor, Shameless), and Joyce's sister Shelly (Lennon Parham, Veep) — try to grasp what their ideal version of a popular, well-known, boundary-pushing Minx is. Making a splash sparks expectations and fame. It deepens the challenges and compromises. And it brings attention, competitors and the potential for bigger losses with bigger risk. Minx season two backdrops the workplace chaos — because yes, this is a workplace-set series as much as fellow 2022-debuting aces Severance and The Bear — with familiar historical details. Deep Throat is just the beginning, with Joyce profiled by Rolling Stone and enjoying a fling with a musician, and references to Gloria Steinem and Annie Leibovitz popping up. The Battle of the Sexes match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs gets the men and women of the office competing themselves (including by swinging tennis racquets in an unorthodox way). Key parties get a shoutout via Shelly's new arc, which is playfully introduced via an errant earring spotted on her bedroom floor. That stray piece of jewellery does belong to another woman, but because Shelly has embraced suburban swinging with her dentist husband Lenny (Mad Men alum Rich Sommer). That isn't the only way that she's exploring herself sexually, and not just by reigniting her dalliances with Bambi, either. Joyce and Doug earn much of Minx's spotlight again, spending plenty of their time clashing and bickering as they learn and grow, but season two realises how strong the series is as an ensemble effort. There wasn't a disappointing performance among the key cast in season one, which the show leans into more heartily. Not just Shelly but also Bambi, Richie and Tina receive meaty arcs — with Bambi, now Bottom Dollar's Chief Fun Officer, wanting to be valued for more than her looks; Richie campaigning to service Minx's queer male readers but receiving homophobic responses; and Tina striving to be seen for her business acumen, not her trusty place at Doug's side. And, not just the excellent scene- and show-stealing Parham but also Lowe, Montoya and Victor turn in weighty portrayals to match. Surveying shifting gender dynamics as well as the complicated media landscape, Minx also knows that it's peering back to the past while pointing out what has and hasn't changed today. Sometimes, it's as direct as a centrefold, as witnessed when Joyce is invited onto a panel with other editors of female-centric publications, most of them are male and those men expect her to fight with the only other woman onstage. Sometimes, it builds slowly and steadily for just as spectacular an outcome, including as it widens its focus. Season two's only real issue: eight episodes doesn't feel like enough. Wanting more of a great thing? Now there's a very Minx problem. Check out the trailer Minx season two below: Minx season two streams via Stan.
Maybe your day hasn't truly started until you've had your caffeine fix. Perhaps you like the ritual of the coffee shop experience. Or, you might just love pairing your cuppa with a cafe spread. Whichever applies, you'll have your favourite spots for a coffee — and you'll know that not all venues slinging it are created equal. According to the first-ever Top 100 Coffee Shops list, the very best place for a cuppa on the planet is Down Under. Toby's Estate Sydney flagship cafe and roastery in Chippendale in has been named the best in the world in the inaugural ranking, which made its picks based on the quality of coffee, barista experience and customer service, as well as each venue's approach to innovation, ambience and atmosphere, plus its sustainability practices, food and pastry quality, and consistency. Combined, Australia and New Zealand account for a tenth of the list, with eight other Aussie spots joining Toby's Estate, alongside one from Aotearoa. Two of those other Australian coffee shops also made the top ten: Proud Mary in Melbourne at fourth and Coffee Anthology in Brisbane at eighth. From around the globe, they were joined by Onyx Coffee Lab in the USA at second, Gota Coffee Experts in Australia in third and Tim Wendelboe in Norway at fifth — then Singapore's Apartment Coffee taking sixth place, Kawa in France at seventh, Malaysia's Story of Ono in ninth and Colombia's Tropicalia Coffee at tenth. Back to Down Under coffee havens, Veneziano Coffee Roasters in Melbourne came in at 19th, fellow Melburnian Calēre Coffee ranked 28th, Adelaide's Exchange Coffee placed 37th and Fonzie Abbott in Brisbane took 70th spot. Next came Melbourne's Vacation Coffee at 71 and Seven Seeds, also in Melbourne, at 87. Flying the flag for NZ, Rocket Coffee in Hamilton notched up 62nd place. [caption id="attachment_733568" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Proud Mary[/caption] So, in plenty of cities across Australia and Aotearoa, you've got no excuse to drink a subpar coffee. While Toby's Estate's Sydney flagship earned the list's love, it also has locations in Brisbane and Melbourne locally. "At Toby's Estate, coffee is at the heart of everything we do, and I think that's reflected in our customer's experience. Our whole team puts in an immense amount of effort to make the best coffee possible, so we're absolutely delighted to be awarded this incredible recognition," said the brand's General Manager Jody Leslie about the win. [caption id="attachment_992420" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Toby's Estate[/caption] [caption id="attachment_935274" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fonzie Abbott[/caption] [caption id="attachment_631878" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vacation Coffee[/caption] [caption id="attachment_918220" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Seven Seeds[/caption] [caption id="attachment_992421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Toby's Estate[/caption] For more details about the Top 100 Coffee Shops list, head to the ranking's website.
Fans of weighty Australian fare that reckons with the country's past are fans of the Mystery Road franchise, spanning both the big and small screens. They're fans, then, of the way that the outback-set saga surveys the nation's distinctive ochre-hued landscape from above in picturesque drone shots, all while contemplating the racist ills waged to live and work upon it. Stan's new six-part series Black Snow borrows much that's made Mystery Road such a hit, including a shock murder in a small town, a cop riding in to solve the mystery it heralds, a grim look at Aussie history and a bird's-eye view of its setting. But when this instantly compelling show peers down, it spies fields of green sugar cane fields far and wide. And, when it explores the country's traumas, it focuses on the treatment of the Australian South Sea Islander community. Seventeen-year-old Isabel Baker (talented debutant Talijah Blackman-Corowa) is the first person seen in Black Snow's opening moments, riding her bike hurriedly through the cane in the thick of night, making a frantic call from a remote phone booth and getting spooked by a music-blaring car's sudden appearance. The year is 1994, and the evening is the high schooler's Year 12 formal, as well as her last alive. Black Snow's second face belongs to James Cormack (Travis Fimmel, Raised by Wolves), a Brisbane-based Cold Case Unit police officer trying his luck in 2019 at a claw machine in a pub. He's troubled in a different way, haunted by emotional pain he attempts to deaden by paying for a Fight Club-style beating in the bar's back alley, and he'll swiftly be on Isabel's trail. Flitting between the two timeframes — hopping back and forth so heartily that Isabel is as much Black Snow's protagonist as Cormack, meaningfully so — this series isn't short on 90s touchstones. VHS stores, mix tapes, camcorders, Smashing Pumpkins and You Am I on the soundtrack, a Thelma & Louise video, teen chat about piking and being cut, a mention of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: they're all covered. The best TV show of that decade, Twin Peaks, doesn't get an overt shoutout; however, David Lynch's influential masterpiece springs to mind while watching as clearly as Mystery Road does. Ashford, Black Snow's setting, is indeed a quaint locale centred around a mill and populated by inhabitants who all know each other. And, due to the murder of its most promising daughter, the town's secrets start to spill. As simple maths makes plain, Ashford's 90s tragedy bubbles up again a quarter-century later, in one of creator Lucas Taylor (Harrow) and co-writers Beatrix Christian (Hearts and Bones) and Boyd Quakawoot's (Black Comedy) sharpest moves. In what's supposed to be a moment of celebration to mark the local school's centenary, the town gathers to unearth a time capsule buried by Isabel and her classmates, with the blasts from the pasts that result spanning far beyond nostalgia. In addition to providing the series with an immediate point of difference — outsider detectives dropping by to solve dead-girl crimes is a well-worn on-screen trope — the excavated box also signals Black Snow's devotion to looking backwards. Fields like the fictional Ashford's have been blighted by blackbirding, the exploitation of South Sea Islanders involving forced relocation, severe underpayment and brutal working conditions, a grim form of slavery that isn't forgotten here. In the show's 2019 timeline, Cormack heads north to sweaty heat, an unwelcoming Senior Sergeant Turner (Kim Gyngell, Wakefield) — who originally led the case, and is adamant a passerby was responsible — and a mixed reaction from Isabel's sister Hazel (potent first-timer Jemmason Power), mother Glenda (Seini Willett), aunt Rosa (Lisa Blackman) and pastor father Joe (Jimi Bani, Mabo). His job: to find the murderer by "finding out who people really were back then", he notes, with his enquiries also involving Isabel's boyfriend Anton Bianchi (Alexander England, How to Please a Woman) and best friend Chloe Walcott (Brooke Satchwell, The Twelve), the former a farmer's (Rob Carlton, Bali 2002) son and the latter gifted every advantage courtesy of her mill-owning father (Erik Thomson, Blueback). Back in 1994, Isabel wades through her own chaos, with the younger Hazel (Molly Fatnowna) watching on. Her parents are strict, so much so that she's scared to tell her dad about plans for a pre-university road trip to Sydney with Chloe (played by The Unlisted's Annabel Wolfe as a teen). Anton (Josh Macqueen, Significant Others) is hardly reliable, but he is jealous of the time she's spending with the picked-on Hector Ford (Fraser Anderson, Rock Island Mysteries). Plus, Isabel soon has her own investigation causing waves around town, tied to fresh-faced Vanuatu newcomer Ezekiel Iesul (musician Ziggy Ramo), absent visas, hellish abuse and missing people. Without its leaps backwards, Black Snow would still be gripping and well-acted, with Fimmel giving the series an expectedly dogged but quietly magnetic cop — one so breezily spoken that he stands out from every other detective that's ever chased comparable cases — and Power living up to her name as a woman that's spent more than half her life in a tragedy's shadow. Still, it can't be overstated how essential the 1994 segments prove. They gift Isabel a voice and presence past being a mere victim; showcase Blackman-Corowa's luminous performance in the process; and inescapably anchor Black Snow's narrative in colonial crimes, horrors waged for centuries since, the deep-seated intergenerational traumas they've caused, Australian South Sea Islander culture and telling class clashes. Come for Australia's latest must-stream crime drama, and the first of 2023, then, but stay for a show that embraces and interrogates much more than its recognisable basic setup typically indicates. Stay, too, for taught and tense direction from helmers Sian Davies (Spreadsheet) and Matthew Saville (A Month of Sundays), an emotive score by Ramo with Jed Palmer (Animals), and eye-catching cinematography from Eric Murray Lui (We Are Still Here) — scenic sights lush with greenery but as stained with hurt, woe and sorrow as Australia's reddest soil. Check out the trailer for Black Snow below: Black Snow streams via Stan.
It's been a decade since lockouts and lockdowns dimmed the glittering lights of King's Cross. Once the epicentre of Sydney nightlife, the 2014 O'Farrell lockout laws, introduced to lower violent crime in The Cross, smothered much of the after-dark culture of the area, driving many businesses to close. The double-whammy of the pandemic lockdowns further compounded The Cross' decline, earning Sydney a reputation for having the nation's worst late-night offering. However, with the lockout laws repealed and the pandemic a distant memory, this resurgent precinct is ready to take back its nightlife crown. Starting November 1, more than 30 King's Cross venues — including Piccolo Bar, Teddy, Mirage KX and Pelicano — will be joining forces to revitalise King's Cross with the Light Up The Cross campaign. Through a series of electrifying events, nostalgia-infused experiences and exclusive after-dark offerings, local venues will summon the spirit of The Cross' glory days while ushering in a bright, new era. At the heart of this campaign are local owners and operators, invested in the future success of The Cross. "We're excited to be part of this incredible initiative and can't wait to see The Cross come alive again. It's amazing to see local venue owners come together to reignite this iconic part of Sydney," said Rosie O'Shea, owner of Arms Length on Kellett Street. As you venture through the vibrant street of the precinct, keep an eye out for neon signs marking the participating venues. Each is offering a unique glimpse of The Cross's storied history and its rich cultural diversity. Kings Cross visitors can look forward to $12 food and drink deals along with a variety of special offers from participating venues. At Chula, immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Dia de los Muertos with a special glow-in-the-dark drink and snack menu featuring a Lights On pomegranate paloma ($16) and a zesty tonic-cured prawn ceviche tostada ($12). At Arms Length, Sip on a glow-in-the-dark Luminous Lagoon blue margarita ($12) with a side serving of drag queen entertainment. And don't forget to check out Grove Bar's Dark Energy DJ party every Friday and Drag in the Dark series - 'Show me the light' every Saturday. On Bayswater Road, Penny's is serving up its own cocktail homage: the Rough Around the Edges, a sweet yet smoky mingle of scotch, ginger syrup, brown sugar and bitters, inspired by the salacious Kings Cross of old and its softer present. At basement cocktail lounge and cabaret bar Dulcie's on Darlinghurst Road, guests can let fate decide their order with $18 drink raffle tickets for one of a quartet of hypercolour 80s-inspired cocktails. The Potts Point Hotel is also mixing up some neon-hued cocktails — the NeonTini and the Tiki Tonik. Inspired by the dazzling lights that used to light up The Cross, they are available for $18. Light Up The Cross" isn't nostalgia bait, but a promising revitalisation of community spirit within the precinct. "Kings Cross has always been a place of vibrant energy, creativity, and inclusivity. We're thrilled to bring that spirit back and welcome everyone to experience the Cross in a whole new light," said Nathaniel Bourke, Strategic Director of the Kings Cross Quarter team. "This revival isn't just about the venues – it's about the growth in the precinct over the last few years, rekindling the community, and celebrating the history and culture that make Kings Cross unique." For a full list of participating venues, head to the Light Up The Cross website.
This vibrant beer garden has provided an inner city oasis for over one hundred years. Tucked between the busy stretches of City Road and Cleveland Street, the intimate beer garden gets just as crowded as its bustling surroundings after 5pm, minus the noise and smog. Meanwhile, the low-lit lamps scattered across the garden make for a much more pleasant ambience than the glaring traffic lights beyond. Just down the road from Sydney Uni, The Rose Hotel is the watering hole of choice for students, testament to its affordable prices and lively atmosphere. The Rose boasts an extensive bistro menu, just a little pricier and a little more pretentious than its $10 lunch dishes. Exotic pizza choices provide the menu's crowning glory, with the option of tomato, garlic and chili bases plus experimental toppings, such as roasted pumpkin, blue cheese, spinach and hazelnuts. With prolonged happy hours more akin to happy days, The Rose is a great option for a few drinks amongst a vibrant crowd. Images: Destination NSW
[nggallery id=260] Marlowe's Way is a little foodie haven tucked away from the dreary, 7-Eleven-dominated CBD precinct between George Street and Pitt Street. Nestled into the side of a wall on Tank Stream Way, it's a place you're unlikely to find unless someone's recommended it to you, which is what I'm doing right now. It's a small joint, inviting and warm, with a hand-painted mural along one wall and a rotation of local artworks hanging opposite. A chilled selection of cafe soul music crackles from a vinyl player and the terracotta-tiled bar and glass display cabinet plays host to a selection of gourmet sandwiches, salads, and tasty treats (including fresh stuffed doughnuts, cookies, and croissants) from William Leonard in Paddington. The owners take their coffee seriously here and have developed a signature blend, roasted by Little Marionette, cheekily dubbed Bankistan in reference to the number of banks surrounding the cafe. They also serve up a rotating single origin, and today's is from Sidamo in Ethiopia, known for its deep chocolaty aroma and spicy flavour. A hand-scrawled menu, which also changes daily, features a considered selection of home-style Italian fare. Today it's Rigatoni con Tonno with tuna, basil, and sugo ($12) or Beef Fillet Pot Roasted in Herbs and Red Wine with mayo, provolone, rocket, and tomato ($12.50). They also do soups and salads ($10-12.50). The Roast Veggie Salad with baby beets, heirloom carrots, parsnips, mini zucchini, rocket, fetta, and roasted almonds is heartwarming: smoldering and crunchy in all the right places. Paninis start at $6.50, and whether it's the Smoked Chicken and Italian Chilli Jam with Mozzarella and English Spinach, the Double Smoked Ham with Artichoke Pate or the Pork and Fennel Sausage Panini with Oregano, Cabbage and Tomato Relish, the ingredients are fresh and carefully prepared, so it's hard to put a foot (or mouthful) wrong. This is the perfect place for a solo lunch expedition or a midweek morning coffee date. The staff are super-friendly, keen to learn your name and explain their menu, which makes for a winning combination of classic cuisine with a community vibe and contemporary culinary craftsmanship on constant rotation to keep you coming back. Images by Lindsay Smith.
In 2023, Melbourne welcomed a brand new reason to explore the city in the thick of winter, and to make the most of the Victorian capital's arts and culture scene whether you're a local or looking for an excuse to visit. Announced in November 2022, then taking place in August 2023, Now or Never was that event — a sprawling fest filled with music, performances, installations, talks and more. Mark your calendars for 2024, because it's coming back again this year. The dates for your diary: Thursday, August 22–Saturday, August 31. The fest returns after proving a success on its first run, which featured work from 300 artists and creatives. This year's theme: 'look through the image', which is set to hone in on imagination, emotions and contemplation. While the program won't start being released until the end of May — with the full lineup dropping at the end of June — Now or Never will have big shoes to fill based on 2023's debut. Its highlights included Melbourne's historic Royal Exhibition Building hosting its first large-scale live music performances in over 20 years; Never Permanent, a one-day Semi Permanent headlined by Roman Coppola; and a 1.2-kilometre art trail through Docklands. Also helping usher in the first-ever Now or Never in a big way: a 360-degree cinema dome in the Melbourne Museum forecourt; 70-plus music performances in two days in a heap of other notable Melbourne spots; sculptural illuminations and projections over the Shrine of Remembrance. And that's only a small section of 2023's program. "After making an incredible debut last year, the City of Melbourne's newest festival Now or Never is back in 2024. The inaugural festival attracted more than 150,000 people into the city — generating almost $14 million in economic impact and supporting hundreds of local jobs and businesses," said Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp, announcing the fest's return. "Now or Never will feature leading local and international artists and creatives across a program of groundbreaking music and audio-visual performances, immersive art installations, provocative talks, spectacular technology and much more." "We are focussed on bringing Melbourne to life in quieter periods like over the winter months. Major events are an enormous drawcard for tourists and visitors to Melbourne, providing a significant boost to the economy," added City Activation portfolio lead Councillor Roshena Campbell. Now or Never will pop up to cap off the coldest season of the year after RISING also fills the city with a feast of art, music and performances — a 2024 lineup that spans 105 events featuring 480-plus artists, in fact — to start off winter, running from Saturday, June 1–Sunday, June 16. Now or Never 2024 runs from Thursday, August 22–Saturday, August 31 around Melbourne — head to the festival website for further details.
ALDI's cult-favourite Special Buys are officially making the jump online. From January 7, Victorians will be the first in Australia to have their pick of the supermarket's most coveted middle-aisle treasures delivered to their doors through DoorDash — with the rollout set to expand nationwide from January 21. The update marks the next evolution in ALDI's partnership with the delivery platform, which first brought grocery delivery to Australian households in 2025. Now, shoppers can order everything from air fryers and Bluetooth speakers to back-to-school shoes and lunchboxes without leaving the couch. "Our partnership with DoorDash has been a game changer for shoppers," says Simon Padovani-Ginies, Group Director at ALDI Australia. "It's given them greater access to our Good Different shopping experience, direct to their doors through the tap of an app. Launching Special Buys on DoorDash means shoppers can now get high-quality everyday grocery essentials — and our most-loved limited-time drops — delivered straight to their homes." Just like in stores, Special Buys will drop on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with limited stock available until sold out. The launch kicks off with ALDI's Back-to-School range, offering everything from stationery and backpacks to tech accessories and school shoes — all available for delivery via the DoorDash app. "Our Special Buys have become almost ritualistic to some shoppers, who mark their calendars and scour our catalogues regularly," Padovani-Ginies says. "Now, they'll be able to get their hands on those same products in an entirely new and convenient way." Simon Rossi, Vice President of DoorDash APAC, adds: "ALDI's famous middle aisle has long drawn shoppers to stores on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Now, these products will be conveniently available to customers through on-demand delivery for the first time." Not everything will make the move online — any Special Buys that require a two-person lift (like large furniture) won't be available for delivery — but the vast majority of categories will be included, from homewares and tech to beauty, fashion, food and seasonal favourites. Delivery fees and item prices may vary slightly compared to in-store, but the supermarket promises the same 'Good Different' value and limited-time charm that's made Special Buys a weekly obsession for shoppers. Shop now via DoorDash. Images: supplied
First, Melbourne Museum became the top spot right now, in this very galaxy, to see Star Wars come to life via Lego. Thanks to the world-premiering Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition, it's the only place to see life-sized recreations of the space saga's locations, characters, duels and moments as made out of eight-million-plus plastic bricks, in fact. Next, the same venue in the Victorian capital is welcoming another Australian debut: the nation's first-ever Star Wars cafe. Blue milk is definitely on offer, because it wouldn't be a Star Wars-themed spot for a snack and a sip without it. That's the only menu item that's been revealed so far. The full range will feature other dishes and selections inspired by the franchise, however — but it hasn't yet been confirmed if green milk, fruit platters, fish eggs or purple juice will be among them. While Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition opened on the appropriate date — May the fourth, of course — the Star Wars Galactic Cafe is launching on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The pop-up also promises an immersive eating and drinking experience beyond what you're consuming, taking you to a Corellian Star Cruiser to get feasting, as part of an Australian-first collaboration between Museums Victoria, Disney and Lucasfilm. "The Star Wars Galactic Cafe showcases Museums Victoria's expertise in creating rich, sensory experiences — taking visitors on a deliciously immersive, intergalactic journey. Combining world-class hospitality with the timeless appeal of the Star Wars galaxy, the Star Wars Galactic Cafe offers Melbourne Museum's visitors yet another way to engage with this premier exhibition, in a cosmically cool atmosphere," said Museums Victoria Chief Executive Officer and Director Lynley Crosswell. As for the Aussie-exclusive exhibition, aka the largest collection of life-sized Lego Star Wars models ever assembled and the biggest touring Lego showcase ever, the force is strong with this one — the Lego-building force, that is. The Millennium Falcon, Emperor Palpatine's throne flanked by two Royal Guards, a stormtrooper helmet, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader facing off, and the Mandalorian and Moff Gideon: they're all featured. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition hails from Ryan McNaught aka Brickman, who has indeed been spending time turning plastic rectangles, squares and other shapes into a recreation of the smash-hit franchise that's been soaring across screens big and small — and beyond — for almost five decades now. To build, the showcase took more than 25,000 hours at McNaught's headquarters in Tullamarine. The Star Wars Galactic Cafe opens on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton. Head to the museum's website for bookings and more details. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition runs from Sunday, May 4, 2025–Monday, January 26, 2026 at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton. Head to the exhibition's website for tickets and more details. Exhibition images: Eugene Hyland, Museums Victoria / The Brickman.
Next time that you're heading or the ICC for an event, consider popping into the neighbouring multimillion-dollar pub Darling Pavilion for a beer. The venue comes from the hospitality group the team behind Universal, Newtown Hotel and The Imperial, dishing up a dose of casual luxury on Harbour Street. Head in and you'll discover an elegant design from Dreamtime's interior designer Michael McCann (Mr Wong, China Diner and Felix) partnered with a relaxed atmosphere. Seating over 350 guests, Darling Pavilion's interiors consist of timber-covered ceilings, textured feature walls and copious amounts of natural light with spots of greenery littered throughout. Residing in the centre is an eye-catching 20-metre stone and marble bar — the focal point of the indoor space. Opt to unwind in the huge outdoor terrace and you'll find the perfect spot to soak up some rays: the cosy lounges. Plus, there are custom-built DJ decks offering up live tunes to accompany you throughout the day and well into the night. When it comes to a pub lunch, expect familiar favourites like the beloved schnitty and Neapolitan-style pizzas alongside dishes pulling inspiration from the Mediterranean. A few stellar options include the braised lamb shank, and the mushroom and truffle pizza. Plus, there are tempting lunch specials that are sure to draw you in for a midweek feed. The venue's signature artisanal cocktails — ranging from classics like the spicy margarita and a stiff negroni to seasonal sips like the fruity Oh Darling martini — reside alongside an array of beers and wines, catering to any sip you find yourself in the mood for. Images: Chad Konik.
