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
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.
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.
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.
One of Sydney's most distinct locations is set to be reinvented with several new hospitality venues arriving next year. Part of the historic Sydney Harbour island, Fort Denison will be transformed into a restaurant offering fresh produce and unbeatable views with an ex-Aria chef at the helm. The new restaurant is spearheaded by hospitality collective The Point Group and will pay homage to Fort Denison's historic significance as a former defence facility. Patrons will be offered a unique dining experience featuring uninterrupted views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Sydney city skyline. The boundary-pushing restaurant will champion a menu focused on sustainable seafood and local Australian produce. Alongside the opening of the island restaurant, The Point Group's proposal will reimagine Fort Denison with educational tours to help visitors appreciate the island's unique heritage and significance in history. A casual dining area, bar and wine room, and three exhibition spaces are also outlined in the proposal along with new interpretive installations. [caption id="attachment_822517" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joel Nickford and Brett Robinson[/caption] The Point Group has secured a 25-year lease of the iconic Sydney site. NSW Environmental Minister Matt Kean said the proposal submitted by the hospitality collective delivered "a state-of-the-art visitor experience for the whole community to enjoy, that celebrates the unique heritage and environmental values of this iconic site". Overseeing the food at Fort Denison Dining will be The Point Group's newly appointed Culinary Director Joel Bickford. Bickford has spent the last four years leading Aria's culinary team as Executive Chef and will now work in collaboration with The Point Group's Co-Founder and Director Brett Robinson to curate the dining experiences across The Point's venues. Bickford is known for his refined and innovative culinary style with a preference for seasonal Australian ingredients. [caption id="attachment_822519" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shell House[/caption] The same hospitality group has also been hard at work transforming another historic Sydney building. Announced back in May and originally slated to open in July before the latest Sydney lockdown, Sydney mainstay The Shell House is set to reopen inside the new multibillion-dollar Brookfield Place development under the guidance of The Point Group. The venue is now slated to open in October, pending public health orders, and will feature The Menzies Bar, a ground floor bar and bistro, and The Dining Room, a light-filled open kitchen, as well as a Mediterranean-influence rooftop bar with 360-degree views of Sydney. The Shell House is located at 2 Carrington Street, Sydney and is expected to open in October 2021. Fort Dennison Dining is set to open in September 2022.
Supply Store has been dishing up some of the best streetwear from niche and lesser-known labels since throwing open its doors in 2002. A few years after opening, the brains behind Supply Store decided it was time to upgrade, which lead them to the current location and a second outpost in Melbourne. Championing both global and local brands — visvim, Supreme and PAM, for example — is Supply Store's M.O and the selection online is extensive. But if you prefer to touch and feel the goods before you buy, or are looking for a more curated collection of apparel (read: you want the tough decisions made for you), then heading in-store to the flagship Darlinghurst location is a no-brainer.
There's no doubting that Death and Other Details loves whodunnits, or that it's made with a murderers' row of them in mind. Playing "spot the nod" is one of this ten-part Disney+ series' games. Sleuthing along with its plot is the other, obviously. So, as an odd couple with an age discrepancy team up to attempt to solve "a classic locked-room mystery" — the show even calls it such — among the preposterously wealthy on holiday, and on a boat at that, where everyone has a motive and a battle over who'll seize control of a family business is also taking place, gleaning what creators and writers Heidi Cole McAdams and Mike Weiss (who also worked together on Stumptown) have been reading and watching isn't a puzzle. Nudges and references are regularly part of the murder-mystery genre anyway; here, they sail into a tale that's also about what we remember and why. Recalling Agatha Christie's oeuvre, its movie adaptations — complete with Kenneth Branagh's recent spate — and especially Death on the Nile is as blatant as knowing that no one onboard Death and Other Details' SS Varuna will be exactly who they appear. Thinking about Only Murders in the Building, Knives Out, Poker Face and The White Lotus is also instantly easy. So is pondering Succession, with narratives about business empires passing down the reins bound to pop up as frequently as detective capers even now that the HBO hit is over. But when other films and shows earn a wink here, Death and Other Details also digs into the purpose behind the minutiae that sticks in our memories. It's a savvy yet risky gambit, getting viewers ruminating on how they spy patterns and filter their perspectives, too, while chancing coming off as derivative. Mostly the series bobs in the first direction; however, even when it sways in the second, it still intrigues its audience to keep watching. That seemingly mismatched pair: Imogene Scott (Violett Beane, God Friended Me) and the Hercule Poirot-esque Rufus Cotesworth (Mandy Patinkin, Homeland), with the second regularly dubbed "the world's greatest detective". Most folks might believe that label, but Imogene does not. The duo shares a history spanning two decades, from when she was a child (Sophia Reid-Gantzert, Popular Theory) mourning the shock killing of her mother that he couldn't solve. Back then, Rufus was on the case at the behest of the wealthy Colliers, who work in textiles, employed Imogene's mum as a personal assistant to patriarch Lawrence (David Marshall Grant, Spoiler Alert) and took the girl in when she had no one else. Now, both Rufus and Imogene are guests on a cruise chartered by them — she's there as basically a member of the family; he's accompanying the Chuns, with whom the Colliers are in the middle of a billion-dollar business deal. The entire decadent jaunt is in aid of getting crucial signatures, securing the Colliers' future and anointing Lawrence's daughter Anna (Lauren Patten, a Tony-winner for Jagged Little Pill) as the next CEO — she hopes. Death and Other Details doesn't lack in people taking to the seas, though, not only including the aforementioned characters. Chun matriarch Celia (Lisa Lu, American Born Chinese) and her granddaughter Eleanor (Karoline, Dead Ringers), Lawrence's dutiful spouse Katherine (Jayne Atkinson, Baby Ruby) and coked-up son Tripp (Jack Cutmore-Scott, Oppenheimer), Anna's paranoid former-journalist wife Leila (Pardis Saremi, Hell of a Summer) and the Colliers' slimy long-serving manager Llewellyn Mathers (Jere Burns, NCIS: Los Angeles) are all onboard. So is ship owner Sunil Ranja (Rahul Kohli, The Fall of the House of Usher). The unruly Keith Trubitsky (Michael Gladis, The Company You Keep) is also among the passengers, until he's found dead via a harpoon in his cabin. Everyone is eventually a suspect, from a pool that features Washington Governor Alexandra Hochenberg (Tamberla Perry, They Cloned Tyrone), the politically influential Father Toby (Danny Johnson, The Equalizer) and his social-media star son 'That' Derek (debutant Sincere Wilbert), Jules (Hugo Diego Garcia, Touchées) from the vessel's security outfit, and hospitality head Teddy Goh (Angela Zhou, Promising Young Woman) and her sister Winnie (Annie Q Riegel, Kung Fu) as well. But fingers initially point in Imogene's direction, after she's caught on camera in the victim's room not long before he met his end. Rufus, who she's furious to see but has been tasked with looking into the matter until Interpol arrives, can assist — and wants her help cracking the mystery in turn. No one needs to be badged "the world's greatest detective" to pick that their current situation and Imogene's mother's murder have connections. "Pay attention: details matter," advises Rufus early, with Death and Other Details endeavouring to fill its frames with tidbits that prove that notion. And there are tidbits; just like the lengthy list of folks associated with the show's two cases, there's no shortage of backstories, links, twists, detours, motives, secrets, lies, affairs, clues and other finer points. Although not everything convincingly earns its place, the non-stop flow gives Imogene and Rufus plenty to dive into, in the present, common past and much in-between. And while the extravagant ocean liner that the bulk of the current-day timeline is set upon doesn't seem to be in a hurry to get anywhere, the series' plot is pacy and bouncy, never letting a moment drag. Death and Other Details' jumps backwards are always tied to memories and, in another choice that could've sunk or swum — thankfully, it's the latter — often insert Imogene into the recollections. Accordingly, the act of scouring one's brain and scrutinising someone's story for aspects that've might've been overlooked receives a visual representation. The underlying idea isn't just a passing theme, either. That almost everything is subjective isn't a unique revelation, but examining the distortions of our minds, what we choose to see and to block, and what recurs again and again, is particularly potent in unpacking grief and trauma. Such is Imogene's tale, which Death and Other Details never forgets even as it luxuriates on an opulent ship, splashes around sunnily and glossily shot sights, and also steams into the eat-the-rich realm. As the investigators sifting through a motley crew of players with their own idiosyncrasies, Patinkin and Beane unsurprisingly leave the biggest imprint among the cast. Ever-reliably great, he's in classic gumshoe and Columbo-type mode, while she's shrewd and determined. The contrast — as familiar as it is — works a charm. Indeed, as the series coasts entertainingly along, wanting more of Rufus and Imogene sleuthing together, and more of them stepping beyond their present boat-bound scenario, is the main takeaway. For now, their maiden Death and Other Details' voyage boasts much to keep audiences wanting to continue breezing along with them. Check out the trailer for Death and Other Details below: Death and Other Details streams via Disney+ from Tuesday, January 16. Images: Hulu.
Everyone's definition of what makes a good pastry is different. For us, any type of dough doused in sugar, glazed in butter and served fresh out of the oven will do just fine. For some, however, pastry perfection means a whole lot more. Indulgent macarons, the perfectly iced cupcake, lemon tarts and chocolate mousse cakes are probably the tickets to making bona fide sweet tooths froth at the mouth in pastry ecstasy. So in celebration of all things pastry, here are our top 10 picks of Sydney's best patisseries. 1. Black Star Pastry Just off King Street in Newtown, this hole-in-the-wall patisserie is unlike anything you've ever seen. With rebels in the kitchen and hipsters on the floor, Black Star is one of a kind. What sets them apart from the rest? The creativity tablespooned into every single mixing bowl. And the end result? An eclectic combo of offerings, sure to wow all of one's senses. For beginners, we recommend the strawberry watermelon cake with rose cream (four potions for $24). Then, try the lemon meringue tart with basil jelly, a genius concoction that will have you ordering a dozen at a time. For the kids, there's Ginger Ninjas ($4), which have replaced the somewhat jaded gingerbread man at this happening hotspot. 277 Australia St, Newtown; 02 9557 8656; www.blackstarpastry.com.au 2. La Renaissance Patisserie Step through the baroque-style doors of this Sydney institution and you're half way to the heart of the city of light. Macarons, flans and cakes abundantly adorn the interior of this humble, Parisian-inspired patisserie in the Rocks. This patisserie's focus lies in the light, buttery batters of their cakes. From classic to contemporary, La Renaissance offers some of the best cakes around town. Each one is unique yet all are beautiful. We suggest the Passion de Pierre ($52 for the large) for anyone who loves passionfruit. For the chocoholics, the list is large and decadent. We'd opt for the heavenly chocolate mousse cake, made of traditional creamy Valrhona chocolate mousse, encased in a patterned joconde ($49 for the large). 47 Argyle Street, the Rocks; 02 9241 4878; www.larenaissance.com.au 3. Bourke Street Bakery Opening in 2004, Bourke Street Bakery was Sydney's answer to San Francisco's Tartine Bakery. Pioneering the artisan bakery movement in the inner city, their products are respected as some of the best. They are the originals and their authenticity shines through in all their offerings, from their rustic sourdoughs, flaky pastry tarts, and seasonal fruit muffins to their warm sausage rolls and pies, decadent cakes, gourmet sandwiches and even homemade lemonade. Known for their long lines on Saturday mornings, we suggest making the quest on a quieter weekday afternoon. You avoid the rush and you can completely appreciate the full range available in store. We suggest trying the middle-eastern inspired lamb, almond and harissa sausage roll ($4), followed by their signature ginger crème brulee tart ($4.40). 633 Bourke Street, Surry Hills; 02 9699 1011; www.bourkestreetbakery.com.au 4. Sweetness the Patisserie Sweetness' specialty is their confectionery marshmallows, their go-to product. Spectacularly light and fluffy, they are available in every possible flavour and even covered in chocolate. We suggest a mixed nine pack ($8); you’ll find it impossible to just stop at one. It's hard to resist everything this patisserie produces. From caramels, biscuits, tarts and jellies, to cakes and truffles, this is a utopia for anyone with a sweet tooth. With its perfectly packaged products finding their way onto the shelves of Sydney's best delis, grocers and gourmet food markets too, there is no question quality is first class, as is the friendly service. 38 Oxford Street, Epping; 02 9869 3800; www.sweetness.com.au 5. Adriano Zumbo Adriano Zumbo is a household name for taking an unconventional approach to the art of patisserie. Take his macaron menu for example: pancake and maple syrup, malted milkshake and salted butter popcorn are but a few of the flavours available. There's nothing that compares, however, to his wacky Willy Wonka-style creations. He's a true creative force who's found a niche and is exploiting it. And if you're feeling adventurous, we suggest heading over to the Star because we hear his new dessert train is a sweet ride. Shop 1, Cafe Court, the Star, Pyrmont; www.adrianozumbo.com/the-star-pyrmont/ 6. Victoire Bakery You are spoilt for choice at this inner west favourite. Specialising in rustic sourdough breads, the olive baguette is one of the best on the market, they also produce a range of classic Parisian-style pastries, tarts and cakes. Each carefully constructed and perfectly decorated, Victoire bakery is the go to when you're time poor and need something to 'wow' dinner guests with. Victoire doesn't over complicate things either. There is no desiccated coconut, no fluro-coloured icing, and no garish chocolate work. Simple, elegant and refined patisserie classics made from quality ingredients. 660 Darling Street, Rozelle; 02 9818 552 7. Baroque Patisserie From the family that brought you La Renaissance Patisserie comes their latest and most impressive venture, Baroque. Think bistro meets bar meets patisserie, and everything is on show in their exhibition-style kitchen set up. We suggest trying their famous macarons, available in a variety of flavours: dark chocolate, salted caramel, rose and jasmine to name but a few. Don't fret if macarons aren't your choice, though. There's an extensive dessert menu on offer too, which we're certain will delight. Unfortunately, they don't have a retail outlet, so the only way to sample their scrumptious sweet offerings is to dine in. 88 George Street, Sydney; 02 9241 4811; www.baroquebistro.com.au 8. Sweet Infinity Located in the historic Strand Arcade, this pokey patisserie, founded by ex-Infinity Sourdough chef Leanne Beck, is one of Sydney's top patisseries. With delectable, decadent chocolate brownies and light-as-air lemon meringue tartlets, this place quickly rose to fame. Not surprising, considering their dazzling window display is enough to startle even the more savory inclined amongst use. Our picks are either a lemon meringue tartlet ($2.50) or a chocolate brownie ($3.50). The Strand Arcade, 412-414 George Street, Sydney; 02 9231 0472 9. Flour and Stone Flour and Stone is the brainchild of ex-MG Garage pastry chef, Nadine Ingram. And Ingram is no ordinary Patissier. She has learnt from some of the best in the industry and now offers her own simple, honest and wholesome creations, such as a lemon drizzle cake and fine apple tart. Ingram also offers some more interesting, inventive options, such as the beetroot and seed cake, as well as the lamington pannacotta at $5.50. The contrasting textures, the crisp coconut coating against the smooth creamy pannacotta centre, create the perfect pop and crunch. 53 Riley Street, Woolloomooloo; 02 8068 8818; www.flourandstone.com.au 10. La Banette Located next to Glebe favourite, Clipper Cafe, is this humble patisserie called La Bannette. Since it's arrival in the big smoke from the sunny Northern Beaches, this place has got everyone talking with it's sweet aromas of caremelised sugar, melted butter and golden, baked pastries. Irresistible displays showcase their freshly baked collection of tarts, cakes, pastries and biscuits, all of which exude rustic, artisanal charm. We suggest trying the chocolate fig tarts with a rich chocolate ganache filling adorned with a darkly caramelised fig and raspberries. It's heaven in a bite. 18 Glebe Point Road, Glebe; 02 8095 9688
Executive chef and owner Ben Varela — whose culinary credits include The Collaroy and Bistro Moncur — has realised his Miami-inspired dreams at the Sunset Diner. Located three minutes' walk from Avalon Beach, this pink-and-peach striped hideaway serves up burgers and griddle dogs with boutique wines and craft beers — and OTT sundaes. Take a seat on a millennial pink chair inside or, if you're travelling with your pup, in the pet-friendly outdoor courtyard, and prepare to feast. Among the burgers are The Double ($18), with double beef patty, double cheese, double bacon, pickles and Sunset Sauce and the Five AM Catch ($15) with beer-battered fish, cheese, herb-and-cabbage slaw and pickled jalapeños. Meanwhile, the trio of griddle dogs includes the Smoked Brisket ($12) packed with a signature frank, smoked brisket, mustard, pickle relish and onion. You'll find a match in a cocktail, local beer or wine from the substantial list. From there, it's way too easy to lean into a sundae. If you've had an afternoon of surf and sand ahead, dig into the Caramel Pretzel ($8) a mountain of caramel sauce, salted peanut butter pretzels and toasted peanuts. Equally tempting is the old-school Banana Split ($8) a merry (and enduring) meeting of banana, white chocolate fudge and chocolate sauce. Images: Kitti Gould.
Cycleworld, in Concord, is a premium bike shop, stocking a wide range of brands including Shogun, Giant, Avanti, Bianchi, Giant, Mongoose and GT. The shop has a full service workshop attached, so if you're in the market for renewing your current bike rather than going for a complete changeover, the team at Cycleworld will be able to help you pimp your ride. If you're here for a new helmet, its range of Bell and Liv helmets come in under $100. You'll also find headlights, bottle cages, panniers and locks. Keep an eye on the store's Instagram page for helpful tips on making annual licensing more affordable for cycle racing, or for dream bike build inspiration.
You can forget about cramped seats and other people's heads obscuring your view of the big screen when you next catch a flick, because Sydney has scored a new next-level movie-going experience. And it's from the same minds behind Gold Class, V-Max and the multi-sensory 4DX cinema. The latest luxe additions to Event Cinemas George Street, the two boutique theatres each boast their own unique design, the 'Paparazzi' auditorium inspired by red carpet glamour and sibling space 'The Library' celebrating the art of storytelling. They're intimate cinemas, with room for just 46 and 28 guests, respectively. Dubbed Event Boutique cinemas, they're decked out with luxurious recliner chairs, state-of-the-art sound technology, in-seat waiter service and a not-boring menu of food and drinks. [caption id="attachment_725804" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Library[/caption] Step inside and you're in for a premium experience, helped along by extra large screens featuring world-class laser projection. What's more, while you're kicking back watching a film, you'll also be tucking into a top-notch lineup of eats and drinks — delivered to your seat by a waiter, of course. Think platters of cheese and charcuterie courtesy of Vic's Meats, smashed avo, croissants and banana loaf from Sonoma Bakery, as well as wagyu beef burgers, braised brisket pies, reuben sandwiches and mini pizzas topped with the likes of mortadella and pumpkin and goat's cheese. For dessert, there are fried-to-order cinnamon doughnuts, pints of Magnum ice cream and popcorn-topped chocolate brownies, as well as all the candy bar classics. As an added bonus, each Event Boutique cinema is customisable, so they're primed for functions, special events and private screenings (if you wanna be that extra). It's just the latest luxe cinema experience to land in Aus, too, with Palace Cinemas also recently stepping things up a notch with its Palace Platinum offering, now available in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne.
Summer's gig guide was a huge one, with one long-awaited show set to round out the season. That was supposed to be Belgian techno superstar Charlotte de Witte, who was meant to bring her high-octane bangers to Sydney's Hordern Pavilion this March. However, with travel disruption out of Europe preventing the superstar DJ from making the trip, this headline show was cancelled at the last moment, along with her top-billed appearance at Pitch Music & Arts Festival. On the bright side, Untitled Group has just revealed the rescheduled dates for one of the most sought-after names in electronic music today. Now appearing at Hordern Pavilion on Friday, December 12, 2026, Charlotte de Witte's enormous Australian fanbase will get the chance to welcome her back to our shores. Touring in support of the release of her debut album, expect this huge venue to be filled with the same thunderous, high-energy performance that captured massive attention at local and international festivals, from Beyond The Valley to Tomorrowland. And for those hanging out for news about a rescheduled Melbourne show, stay tuned as the Untitled crew is working behind the scenes to hammer out the details, with an announcement coming soon. Head to the website for new ticketing information.
If you're a fan of Pedro Pascal (Gladiator II), 2025 is a busy year. The Last of Us is back for its long-awaited second season. Thanks to Materialists, he's in a rom-com from Past Lives' Celine Song. With Eddington, he's battling Joaquin Phoenix for Beau Is Afraid director Ari Aster. Then there's Pascal's leap into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The latter film arrives Down Under on Thursday, July 24, 2025, and sees the MCU finally get fantastic as it speeds towards notching up two decades of superhero movies and TV shows. As both the initial teaser trailer and just-dropped full sneak peek show, First Steps explores Mister Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Thing and The Human Torch's beginnings in the 1960s — family dinners, big life changes, the worries that come with that, facing stresses together and world-threatening foes all included. Slipping into Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm's shoes in First Steps: Pascal as stretchy group leader Richards; Vanessa Kirby (Napoleon), who is bending light as one of the Storm siblings; Joseph Quinn (Gladiator II) proving fiery as the other; and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear), who is no one's cousin here, instead getting huge, rocky and super strong. Directed by WandaVision, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Succession's Matt Shakman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps pits Pascal, Kirby, Quinn and Moss-Bachrach against Ralph Ineson (Nosferatu) as space god Galactus and Julia Garner (Wolf Man) as the Silver Surfer — both of which pop up in the latest trailer. Also co-starring in the film: Paul Walter Hauser (Cobra Kai), John Malkovich (Ripley), Natasha Lyonne (Fantasmas) and Sarah Niles (Fallen). Pascal, Kirby, Quinn and Moss-Bachrach's characters aren't new to cinemas. Before there was a MCU, there were Fantastic Four movies. The first two to earn a big-screen release arrived in 2005 and 2007, with the latter hitting the year before Iron Man kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As Deadpool and Wolverine did 2024's Deadpool and Wolverine, the Stan Lee- and Jack Kirby-created superhero quartet now join the list of characters who are being brought into the MCU fold, as has been on the cards ever since Disney bought 20th Century Fox. Pascal and company are taking over from two batches of past film takes on the superhero team. In the 2005 and 2007 flicks, Ioan Gruffudd (Bad Boys: Ride or Die), Jessica Alba (Trigger Warning), a pre-Captain America Chris Evans (Red One) and Michael Chiklis (Accused) starred. Then, in 2015, Chronicle filmmaker Josh Trank gave the group a spin — still outside of the MCU — with Miles Teller (Top Gun: Maverick), Kate Mara (Friendship), a pre-Black Panther Michael B Jordan (Sinners) and Jamie Bell (All of Us Strangers). Check out the full trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps below: The Fantastic Four: First Steps releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Images: courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and 2025 MARVEL.
If you've ever wondered how variety can be the spice of life if simplicity is the ultimate in sophistication, it will do you good to head along to Sagra, one of Darlinghurst's most talked about Italian restaurants tucked inside a cute corner terrace on Stanley and Riley Street. With a juicy reputation in and around the eastern suburbs for unpretentious, humble Italian like Nonna used to make, on a menu that changes daily, you’ll soon understand how tasty this so-called paradox can be. Literally translating to 'festival' (of the small town variety), Sagra is owned and operated by head chef Nigel Ward (Lucio’s, Sean’s Panaroma and Trullo in London), and it’s safe to say the main attraction here, apart from the thoroughly inviting home-like and sparse-yet-still-cosy interior, is his philosophy of seasonally inspired food without the frills. Throw in traditional and cheeky Italian service with a genuine appreciation of the dishes in-hand, as well as knowledge of wines back home from The Boot, and you’ve got yourself plenty of reasons to nab a space at one of the 11 or 12 tables scattered inside. Luckily, you can book. When in Rome we began with a Negroni ($15) as we munched on the complimentary house-made bread and plump Sicilian green olives. Then one of the few long-term dishes made its way to our mouths: garlic soup (if, like on our visit, this isn’t displayed on the menu, definitely ask). Made from pureed Aussie cloves and olive oil, pepper, bread and cheese, this friendly little bowl packs a punch without any aftermath, smacking fellow diners in the face via your breath and their nostrils. The visible menu is divided between antipasti, primi (pasta) and secondi (main courses usually in the form of one meat and one fish). Skipping the antipasti in favour of the aforementioned favourite, we moved onto the pappardelle ($17) mingled with mascarpone, rocket and 'nduja (spreadable, spicy pork sausage) and some seriously good malfatti in sage butter (blob-like pasta balls literally meaning “badly formed”). Both dishes were perfectly proportioned, leaving plenty of room for the pork ($31), gemfish ($29) and rosemary potatoes ($7) that followed. The pig was tender and accompanied well with cabbage and verjuice salsa, while the thick white fish kept its natural flavour alongside cauliflower and heirloom carrots. Wine-wise our waiter helped us out with a powerful bottle of Italian Nebbiolo from the Piedmont region (also not on the menu). As we say here in Oz: too easy. At the end of the night and a little time poor, in search of something sweet we sadly had to substitute the house-made ice cream with a shot of thoroughly satisfying house-made lemoncello. But to be honest, after a couple of hours eating, drinking and generally being as merry as those fabulous Italians themselves, we’re not ashamed to admit “in search of something sweet” actually meant finding any excuse not to leave. Hey, simple variety. We love it.
One of the joys of exploring the inner west is stumbling upon niche speciality stores like Mineralism. Whether you identify as a gemstone person or not, this Glebe gem store is worth a visit. Opened in 2015, the shop is choc-a-block with precious stones, minerals, fossils and handmade jewellery gathered from all around the world. You'd be surprised just how excited the store's owners Jed Underwood and Jessa Lahoud can get when they talk about aquamarine, labradorite and larimar – and it's hard to not feel enthused about rocks yourself after a chat with the passionate owners. The business partners and couple have direct relationships with many miners and travel the world curating the in-store and online collection. It's a family affair, so expect to see Jessa's parents manning the till, whose knowledge as both jewellers and miners in Lightning Ridge help make Mineralism more than just another store. Images: Kitti Smallbone.
Arisun's CBD eatery has long been a late-night favourite for big, rowdy groups sharing their signature beer towers and Korean fried chicken sets. In 2018, it expanded to Cabramatta. It may not stay open as late, but it offers the same extensive menu. You'd be remiss to overlook the fried favourite, which is really perfected by the house-made sauces on offer — including spicy garlic, shallots and wasabi, sweet, sour and spicy options. Choose from boneless or bone in (all $32) and make sure to keep the beer flowing. There's just something special about tucking into a big bowl of fried chicken with a cold beer, and Arisun has perfected this.
Heading to Vivid Sydney this year? You can expect all the usual suspects: glowing light installations, huge crowds, immersive tunnels, pop-up bars – and one very sleek electric SUV stealing the spotlight. Kia is back for its fourth year as a major partner of Vivid, and in 2025, the brand is taking things up a notch. At the centre of this year's activation is the Kia Portal, which invites visitors of the festival to experience the Kia EV3, a cutting-edge, all-electric small SUV. Unlike usual car displays, this one isn't hiding behind velvet ropes or spinning on a showroom podium. You can watch as the body of the car transforms with synchronised waves of light, colour and playful motion. Positioned along the famous Vivid Light Walk at The Rocks, the activation feels like a science museum display combined with a music video. As you approach the glowing platform, you'll spot the EV3 GT-Line at its centre. A giant sweeping screen slides across the vehicle, revealing a surreal X-ray animation that peels back the car's exterior and gives you a rare look inside. Pulsing lights trace the EV's inner systems, including its panoramic display, spacious interior and smart cabin tech. Did we mention there's also a family of animated X-ray skeletons showcasing the EV3's features? The full 90-second experience loops continuously and is set to a cracking soundtrack from Kia Australia's latest zombie campaign, Wyclef Jean's 'We Trying To Stay Alive' ft. John Forté and Pras. It's entertaining, fun and definitely worth the stop as you stroll around the festival. Compact but seriously capable, the Kia EV3 is designed to bring high-end electric innovation into a more accessible, everyday package. The car's stylish design takes cues from its bigger sibling, the EV9, but reimagines it for tighter city streets and smaller garages. The car comes with loads of cool features. You can charge devices or run small appliances with its vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature, handy for camping trips, remote work setups or just topping up your laptop on the go. And with up to 604 kilometres of driving range and ultra-fast charging, it's just as practical as it is good-looking. If you're keen to check out this all-electric SUV, the Kia Portal is the perfect way to do it. It's entertaining, creative, and just a little bit magical, making it feel right at home in Vivid. Find the Kia Portal at The Rocks, right along the Vivid Light Walk. The activation is free and open every night during Vivid Sydney 2025, from May 23 to June 14. Learn more about the EV3 or book a test drive here. By Jacque Kennedy
You live in Sydney, so walks on the beach probably aren't that out of the ordinary. But one that involves riding on top of a camel? Now we're talking. Oakfield Ranch runs camel rides on Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekend throughout the year that start from Birubi Point, the northernmost point of Stockton Beach. No bookings are required for the standard 20-minute day rides, which cost a very reasonable $35 per person. But if you'd really like to lean into the experience, make a booking for one of the 60-minute sunset treks for $90 each. As you stroll along the water's edge with views out to the ocean on one side and the monstrous sand dunes on the other, you'll feel much further away from home than you actually are. Images: Destination NSW
There is only one way to enter the Darlinghurst dive bar, Shady Pines, through a shady-looking warehouse door down a Darlinghurst alley — super chill. As you descend the stairs adjust your eyes to the dark underground haze, stamping one boot on the peanut shells left dishevelled on the ground, and moving the other to the timeless twang of Johnny Cash, you then eye the bartender who is sporting a ten-gallon hat and a grand 'ol 'tashe and order some of the best whiskey in Sydney. Of course, there are other ways to enjoy this Nashville-inspired saloon and by that I mean there are other drinks worth tasting. Try from a range of boutique beers including Coopers Malt and Newcastle Brown then move up to a whiskey sour, or an old-fashioned. In between sips (or chugs) feast on the beer snacks and get comfortable in your bar stool as you let the learned bartenders regale you with stories of the perfect whiskey. If you are willing to try, prices go up to $25 a shot, but it's worth it. If you're more drawn towards a bargain, you're in luck — Shady Pines has a killer daily happy hour. Between 4–6pm, the bar mixes $10 margaritas and negronis and pours $5 wines and beers. The bar's don't-give-a-damn attitude coupled with its staff's expert liquor knowledge makes this a themed bar you will want to keep coming back to. Plus, there's country and Western music on Sundays. Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
Located a stone's throw from The Domain in the heart of Sydney's inner city sits the Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool. Known for post- and pre-work swims right by the harbour, as well as its bustling, recently revamped Oh Boy Cafe, it remains one of the Harbour City's most beloved public swimming pools — but it's about to be out of action for 16 months from this autumn. The Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool will close for an extended temporary period from May (the pool's usual colder month shutdown period) and it's expected to reopen in September 2025. So that means you can count it out as a swim option during the 2024/25 spring and summer period. According to the City of Sydney, the shutdown will allow it to conduct "critical and extensive maintenance work". This will include transitioning the pool heating to electric heat pumps, an upgrade that will future-proof the pool and make it more climate-conscious. "The City is committed to tackling climate change, and we aim to reach our net zero goal by 2035," says a City of Sydney spokesperson. "All of our operations are powered by 100-percent renewable electricity and transitioning away from polluting fossil fuels will be crucial to reducing emissions in the City's operations." [caption id="attachment_826623" align="alignnone" width="1920"] DNSW[/caption] On top of this, the tiles and waterproof membrane in both the 50-metre and 20-metre pools will be replaced. Luckily, the pool will still be open for a few more months until it closes, so you can head over for harbour-front swims and poolside eats at the Oh Boy Cafe. While it lasts you can even book yourself in for a bottomless brunch featuring free-flowing mimosas, sparkling wine and rosé alongside a selection of choice dishes from the menu and some killer views. The Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool is located at 1c Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney. It will close in May 2024 and is expected to open in September 2025. Find out more about the pool at the City of Sydney website.
While not quite a true speakeasy (it's hard to claim secret status when there's a prominent sign pointing to your door), this secluded cocktail lounge behind the lobby of the Amora Hotel on Jamison Street still channels the Prohibition-era hedonism that made the 1920s roar. Parquet floors, marble countertops and deep-pile velvet upholstery. Chevrons, curves and polished wood finishes. A palette of corals, umbers, moss greens and midnight blues. Add them all together and Brooksy's opulent decor is a full-throated love song to the art deco and bauhaus movements, down to the last draped curtain and brushed-brass light fixture — a fitout so luxe, it could make a Gatsby blush. And yet, for all its OTT extravagance, this 70-seat venue is still compact enough to feel intimate. The cocktail list, designed by award-winning bartender Brendon Hill, is a tribute to the golden age of travel — when globetrotting socialites crossed continents in search of adventures. Each concoction marks a stop on a grand global tour, taking in Australia, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and even the Caribbean. Expect some theatrics too, when you order the Taishō, a Japanese-inspired mingle of yuzu sake, gin, strawberry, Calpico and miso served with a side of fruity bursting boba and a bubble of mist sitting on top, which pops to release a floral fragrance with your first sip. The Wilderness Symphony is inspired by the frozen tundras of Alaska, which blush pink at sunset when the sun's last rays dance across the fields of ice. Designed to share, this sparkling number sees vodka, elderflower liqueur, triple sec, prosecco and winter fruits added to a large glass bottle with an eerie skull design and flash-chilled with the addition of liquid nitrogen. A rush of mist erupts from the bottle, making it one of the biggest showstoppers on the menu. However, the top spot, as far as spectacle is concerned, goes to the Popcorn Blazer, a pyrotechnic fusion of Benriach 10-year-old whisky with a splash of Drambuie and a dash of walnut bitters, finished with popcorn-flavoured syrup before being ignited. Marvel as your bartender pours cascades of flaming liquid between copper cezve pots before serving your beverage in a brandy snifter, warm and steaming. If all that excitement has helped you work up an appetite, executive chef Hemant Dadlani's menu of bar snacks is at the ready. It also takes its cues from Hill's international concept, with yuzu scallops with zippy hits of ikura and wasabi, Glacier 51 toothfish served with shiro miso and cucumber salsa, and fiery Jamaican jerk chicken sliders among the dishes on offer.
Part of North Sydney's fine dining boom, Toki Bistro & Bar is a fusion of everything there is to love about French and Japanese cuisine in a space that looks as good as everything tastes. Sitting across from the colourful Miji Bar & Grill, with which it shares an owner, Toki feels like the yakitori joint's elegant sibling that spent a year abroad and came back home with impressive new skills. The space is designed after Parisian bistros, blending a marble bar, mahogany flooring and classic red seating with stone tables and vintage glass chandeliers. Park up in the public dining room for an à la carte meal or set dinner, or book one of the private dining rooms to enjoy the set menu to the fullest. Head Chef Jay Choy brings that same overseas-learned skillset to the kitchen, with Michelin-starred hours under his belt in the US and a top ten nomination from San Pellegrino's Young Chef Awards. Wines are of Australian, French and Asian varieties, and the cocktails are designed to accompany the menu. Said menu takes this union of culinary styles and applies it to a unique storytelling method: a multi-course journey through life's most significant moments. It works best in its set form as a chronological dinner, but can be ordered in parts à la carte and with extra sharing-size dishes. Highlights include the spatchcock with miso stew, corn and fried chicken; Marron Udon with beurre blanc and lobster bisque; and the Bone Marrow Custard with bacon jam, uni and ikura on a crumpet. Diners in the private rooms get the story from cover to cover. Chapter one opens with three courses signifying the early stages of life, including Sydney rock oysters topped with a citrus shiso mignonette and bluefin tuna in a sweet potato crisp. Chapter two is where one learns to embrace the complexities and challenges of life, with an Amaebi Tart with a zesty citrus cream and yuzu tamarind dressing, and the house signature Chicken Liver and Unagi. Chapter Three is the last main course, portraying the stage of life when you've (hopefully) got it all figured out. Dishes include marron served with al dente ravioli in a lobster bisque, plus a succulent eye fillet served with parsnip puree and beef jus. The tasting menu's final chapter symbolises when life slows down, with the likes of a strawberry sabayon topped with cardamon foam and a petit four.
Dessert fiends rejoice — Magnum is back to fill your every sweet tooth desire with the return of its Pleasure Store. Gone are the days when you had to make the painstaking decision between a Magnum Ego and a good ol' fashion almond one, too. The pop-up store, located within Westfield Sydney from Tuesday, July 16 until Saturday, September 7, is where you can design your own Magnum. You can get your vanilla ice cream dipped in white, milk, dark chocolate or indulge in the brand's new Double Dipped Duet, with milk and white chocolate. Then top your Magnum with luxurious delights like rose petals, dark chocolate shavings and gold feuilletine. Finish off the dessert with a chocolate drizzle of your choice. If there was ever a reason to indulge during your lunch break, this is it. And, if you're too busy to escape the office, the Pleasure Store can come to you as the ice creams will be available to order on UberEats within a 2-kilometre radius of the store. You can start planning your Magnum online here. Plus, you'll receive a complimentary additional topping by doing so. The Magnum Pleasure Store will be located at Level 2, Westfield Sydney and will be open every day, from Tuesday, July 16 until Saturday, September 7.
