With restaurants opening in Sydney every other day, it can turn into a full-time task trying to keep in-the-know. Advice on where to eat from someone who really knows their stuff is your one-way ticket to a finger-licking, stomach-patting culinary experience. Who better to ask than up-and-coming and top-of-their-game Sydney chefs? These guys are the lauded creatives who live and breathe food and are here to tell us where to eat no matter the occasion. Dan Hong eats at Golden Century Dan Hong has been climbing the ranks of Merivale since 2008. Hong opened super cool Asian diner Ms G's in 2010 and moved on to the epic Mr. Wong just last year. He has also headed up a string of recent El Loco pop-ups. My favourite late-night eat is ... "Golden Century is hands-down number one because it's open until 4am in the morning and they have fantastic live seafood." If Hong had to take an international chef out for a bite his preference would be to lead them on a "massive eating expedition in Cabramatta to show them how good our Vietnamese/Cambodian/Lao/Chinese food really is". Andrew 'Gomez' Braham eats at Sixpenny Adam 'Gomez' Braham has been around the cheffing traps for quite sometime. He started working in Sydney for hatters like Quay and Aria before flexing his egg-beating muscles in Europe and then in Monaco cooking for Russian billionaires. If I were to entertain a visiting chef I would take them to ... "Sixpenny because they showcase the best Australian produce in their food. You can go to restaurants for a view, but at the end of the day all a chef wants to look at is the kitchen, the plates and the food that comes out on them." For a late-night feed, Braham's choice would be Arisun for their deep-fried chicken in "all its mouth-watering glory," accompanied by a mini five litre keg of beer for the table. Image credit: Joseph Ng. Jamie Thomas eats at 3 Weeds Jaime Thomas hails from the mother country and has been in the business for about 22 years. Being English, a love of old pubs with loads of character is practically in Thomas' DNA, so it makes perfect sense he's executive chef at the Drink n' Dine Group which includes The Abercrombie, The Norfolk and The Forresters. For a casual meal, nothing beats ... "A beer and a burger at 3 Weeds in Rozelle." Lauren Murdoch has just taken over as chef at this popular pub, which has a separate restaurant serving dishes like crumbed lamb brains, and pork belly and chorizo meatballs. Brent Savage eats at Quay Brent Savage, the chef that took the stiff back out of fine dining with his restaurant Bentley, has done it again. Hi latest venture, Monopole, is a casual eatery with a wine list at its heart. If I had to take a chef out, I'd take them to ... "Quay or Sepia for the technique-driven food and for the full fine dining experience." Savage's late-night choice is Chat Thai and of a Sunday? You'll find him sipping green tea and eating dim sum at Zilver Restaurant in front of Capitol Square. One of the best places for yum cha in town, so we're told. Daniel Puskas eats at Fleetwood Macchiato Daniel Puskas is one half of the duo behind Stanmore eatery Sixpenny. A night at this place is most definitely something special. Local produce is key with both Puskas and co-owner James Parry growing their own produce on a lot in the Southern Highlands. Then of course there's their famous kitchen garden out back. On Sundays I eat at ... "Fleetwood Macchiato or newbie Brickfields for family day with my daughter Isobel and partner Alicia. Brickfields has a seriously tempting array of sweet, crumbly things whipped up by Simon Cancio who previously worked his floury magic at Luxe. And if eating with a foreigner? "If it was before midday most likely Zilver for dumplings and if after a night out it'd most likely be Golden Century or Arisun. In between, some of my favourite places to take people are Rockpool Bar & Grill for a burger, Berta or Billy Kwong and for something special it would be Quay, Marque or Sepia," said Puskas. Chui Lee Luk eats at Din Tai Fung Chui Lee Luk stepped into very large shoes when she took over Claude's as its fourth owner, a mainstay of Sydney's dining scene for the past 36 years. Luk's Asian heritage has helped keep Claude's relevant; she's added unexpected flavours to the menu while maintaining the restaurant's French heritage. She's also split the restaurant in two, with a more casual space downstairs and the full degustation experience upstairs. If eating with a fellow chef, I'd take them to ... "Northern Dixon Street in Chinatown because it's full of Chinese regional cuisines like Xinjiang, showing how Eastern cuisine translates overseas. Black Star Pastry is also great for new and old-fashioned pastries, and to experience Newtown." If Luk was looking for a bite under $15, she would hit up Din Tai Fung for dumplings, Northern Noodle House for zhajiang mian and Ichiban Boshi for ramen. Steven Skelly eats at Sean's Panorama Steven Skelly is British-born but now a fixture of Sydney's dining scene after quickly making a name for himself when he moved here ten years ago. Landing first at Hugo's in Bondi, he moved to Bilson's and won the restaurant its third hat. He now calls The Sailors Club, an apt place for him to express his love of Australian seafood. For a casual Sunday, Skelly eats at ... "Sean's Panorama for its laid-back attitude more than anything else. They rarely have a double sitting so it can turn into a long BYO-allowed lunch!" Steven also tells us he's had great meals at Marque and Sepia.
Juliette Binoche stars as an actress adapting to the expectations of her age, Kristen Stewart argues the merits of mainstream entertainment, and Chloë Grace Moretz arrives as the next big thing. In Clouds of Sils Maria, art may appear to imitate life — and it does, and it knows it — but there's more to Olivier Assayas' film than that. Much more. Binoche plays Maria Enders, a screen veteran who first came to fame in the play Maloja Snake by Wilhelm Melchior. Twenty years later, she's poised to pay tribute to the writer and director at an event in Zurich; however, mid trip, news arrives of his death. Supported by her assistant, Valentine (Stewart), she reluctantly agrees to participate in a new staging of Melchior's production, co-starring rising starlet Jo-Ann Ellis (Moretz). Once Maria was the hot young ingénue of the piece; now she's the obsessed older woman. The film may spend much of its time in the titular region — one known, yes, for cloud formations that weave through the mountains like a serpent — yet where Clouds of Sils Maria clearly resides is in the space between then and now in the abstract sense. The past and the present clash furiously before Maria's eyes, as she copes not only with her friend's passing but with saying goodbye to her youth. In scenes between Binoche and Stewart, this couldn't be more apparent, even though the latter is her employee rather than her rival. As Valentine helps Maria run her lines, as they argue over whether Maria should do the play, and as they debate the state of modern filmmaking, they're discussing the gap between the old and the new over and over again. Their interplay also mirrors the tension at the heart of Maloja Snake in its power struggles, its flitting between closeness and distance, and its undercurrent of yearning. Clouds of Sils Maria is a conversation-heavy movie, and not all of that conversation works, particularly anything that stems from the play (the dissections of the material within the material are much more effective). Instead, it is savvy casting that helps Assayas' point come across, and not just in reflecting Binoche, Stewart and Moretz's off-screen realities, but in their talents. The savviest stroke of casting, and the film's best performance, belongs to Stewart. She won a César Award for her role — and became the first American actress to do so in the process. It's not that the Twilight star is a revelation, more that her skills are just so perfectly suited to the part. When the camera isn't focusing on the film's three leading ladies, it has plenty of location eye candy to rove over, and rove it does. Assayas creeps and sweeps through the setting just like the clouds lingering above, the frame — and the feature — always seeming like it is floating. Perhaps that's why Clouds of Sils Maria feels like it washes over the viewer, instead of just being watched. As it uses nature to comment on authenticity and well-known stars to comment on celebrity, perhaps that's why it also feels immersive yet just out of reach, as well.
Did you know that crabs' teeth are located in their stomach? Better brush up on your crab trivia in preparation for the Morrison Bar & Oyster Room's inaugural Crab Carnival, a two-week-long successor to last year's Oyster Festival. Enjoy the festivities while munching on crab menu specials — including $5 crab tacos — and sipping on crab-inspired cocktails. What would a carnival be without the games? Each Thursday for the duration of the Crab Carnival, the Morrison will hold hermit crab races at 7pm. If you're more in the market for eating crab, face off against the chefs in their crab eating contest, which will be held on Wednesday, April 2, at 7pm. The entry fee is $20 and all profits from the contest will go to the SeaLife Conservation Fund. Don't miss out The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room's inaugural Crab Carnival. Spaces will fill up fast for the crab racing and crab eating contests, so make sure to get there early.
Australian-Vietnamese artist James Ngyugen lived in a factory in south-west Sydney during the 1990s, working hard to assist his family save their struggling textile business. Drawing from these experiences, he will be presenting Exit Strategies at 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, an exhibition tracing the hardships faced by migrants in an adopted country. Tackling a set of issues that are perhaps more pertinent than ever, Nguyen stitches factual and autobiographical details into a fictional story. The newly commissioned four-channel video work will present the artist’s parents assuming the role of their children and re-enact scenes from the past. Through this role reversal, Nyugen hopes to communicate the sense of vulnerability plaguing migrants and refugees seeking to build new lives. The show will feature sculptural elements alongside the video work, stimulating a broader conversation about the evolution of industry in Australia, the transformation of labour and the decline of manufacturing.
When Michael Crichton put pen to paper and conjured up a modern-day dinosaur-filled amusement park, he couldn't have known exactly what he'd done. The author easily imagined the story making its way to the big screen, because the Jurassic Park novel started out as a screenplay. He could've also perceived that a whole film franchise could follow, and that folks would be quoting the movies for decades. And yet, we're guessing that he didn't predict the latest development: a recreation of Jurassic World, the fourth movie in the series, out of Lego. Australians will soon be able to wander through and peer at more than 50 dinosaurs, props and scenes from the 2015 movie that have all been recreated with the popular plastic bricks. They'll be on display at Jurassic World by Brickman, an exhibition that'll hit the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from Thursday, April 1–Monday, May 31, then tour the rest of the country. Exactly which other cities Jurassic World by Brickman will head to, and when, hasn't been revealed as yet — but there is plenty for Melburnians and Aussies elsewhere to look forward to. More than six million Lego blocks have been used in the exhibition, to create the four-metre-tall park gates, the lab where the dinosaurs are genetically engineered, those instantly recognisable jeeps, a petting zoo, a heap of creatures and more. Lego dinosaurs are obviously the main attraction, and this event is going big. There'll be a life-sized brachiosaurus that weighs more than two tonnes, a huge tyrannosaurus rex, two life-sized velociraptors (Blue and Delta), and everything from a stegosaurus to a triceratops, too. You'll see some in a baby dinosaur enclosure, encounter some on the loose, and learn how to track them over the exhibition's recreation of Isla Nublar (while using your imagination a whole heap, obviously). If it all sounds rather sizeable, Jurassic World by Brickman will be the largest Lego experience in Australia. And if getting a closer look at Jurassic World sounds a little familiar, you might remember the non-Lego exhibition that hit Melbourne back in 2016. Lego aficionados will also be able to get building while they're there, with 2.5 million bricks to play with. Obviously, this'll be a family-friendly affair, so expect to have plenty of small dinosaur fans for socially distanced company. Jurassic World by Brickman makes its world premiere in Melbourne and, after hitting up the rest of Australia, will also tour globally. And if you're wondering when you'll next see a Jurassic World flick on the big screen, Jurassic World: Dominion — the followup to 2018's Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom — is due to release in June 2022. Jurassic World by Brickman will display at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from Thursday, April 1–Monday, May 31, before touring the rest of the country — with other stops around Australia yet to be announced. Tickets for the Melbourne run go on sale at 10am AEDT on Thursday, March 11.
Eurovision might be known for synth, synth and more synth, but Australia isn't one to bust out the usual Europop tunes. When you're a country outside of Europe that competes in the huge song contest, you want to make a splash for something other than geography. 2023 saw Perth synth-metal band Voyager bust out a pop-metal tune, for instance. In 2024, Electric Fields are representing the nation with 'One Milkali (One Blood)', which features the language Yankunytjatjara from the Anangu peoples. Yes, May is here, which means that Eurovision is here. And, so are the latest batch of earworms that'll get a spin on the Eurovision Song Contest stage in Malmö, Sweden — the host for this year after Loreen's 2023 win for 'Tattoo'. This is Christmas for pop songs belted out competitively in a glitzy ceremony filled with eye-catching outfits. The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will kick off at 5am AEST on Wednesday, May 8, which is when Electric Fields will take to the stage in the hope of making it through to the grand final on Sunday, May 12 (which is again at 5am AEST). For newcomers, Eurovision started back in 1956 as a competition between a mere seven nations. Now, almos seven decades later, it's a glitter-strewn and spandex-fuelled global musical phenomenon. Thirty-seven countries not only in Europe but from elsewhere will compete in 2024 — hello Australia — and viewers tune in en masse to watch, sing along and add new pop tunes to their queues. Australians keen to tune in will be directing their eyeballs to SBS, with the broadcaster's usual annual celebration of all things Europop returning for another round. 2024 marks 41 years of the network showing Eurovision, in fact. When Electric Fields play their track, they'll be up against performers from 14 other countries — including Silia Kapsis, who was born and raised in Sydney, has Greek and Cypriot heritage, and is representing Cyprus with the song 'Liar'. Other competitors across both the contest actor and singer Olly Alexander (It's a Sin) for the UK; Austria's Kaleen, who has been Eurovision's stage director before and now gets her shot behind the microphone; Aiko, the first Czech artist to feature on Times Square's screens; and 5MIINUST x Puuluup, teaming up pop and zombie-folk for Estonia. There's also the 90s-style Finnish sounds of Windows95man; Germany's ISAAK, who started as a street musician; Hera Björk, who represented Iceland in 2010; and Belgian singer and actor Mustii — and the list goes on. If Electric Fields makes their way through to the grand final — with only 21 acts making the cut, and France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Sweden automatically guaranteed spots — you'll also want to get up early on Sunday, May 12. Or, even if they don't, that's when this year's winner will be anointed. Of course, for those who can't tear themselves out of bed before it's light and can somehow manage to avoid the internet and social media, both semis and the grand final will also screen in primetime on the same dates. Electric Fields, aka vocalist Zaachariaha Fielding and keyboardist Michael Ross, are making history in their use of Yankunytjatjara, which will be heard at Eurovision for the first time. The pair are performing with guest vocalists Brendan Maclean, Alyson Joyce and Simi Vuata, and are accompanied by Fred Leone on the yidaki. When you're watching their performance, as well as the rest of the event, SBS' usual local hosts Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey will once again be leading the Australian coverage. This year, Courtney Act joins in from behind the scenes at Eurovision. If you can't decide whether to beat the sun or wait and host a party at sensible hour, it's worth remembering that Australians can indeed vote for Eurovision, but only until around 15 minutes after the last song is performed in each live semi-final broadcast and about 25 minutes after the last track ends in the grand final. Voting is open to everyone in all finals — whether you're from a country participating in that final or not — and the artists who get through from the two semi finals to the grand final will be solely chosen by the audience at home. Still remaining the same: the rule that says Australians can't actually vote for Electric Fields, because no one can vote for the country they represent. Eurovision 2024 Broadcasts: LIVE BROADCASTS: Semi final one: 5am AEST on Wednesday, May 8 on SBS and SBS on Demand — featuring Electric Fields Semi final two: 5am AEST on Friday, May 10 on SBS and SBS on Demand Grand final: 5am AEST on Sunday, May 12 on SBS and SBS on Demand STREAMING REPLAYS: Semi final one: from 8.30am AEST on Wednesday, May 8 on SBS on Demand — featuring Electric Fields Semi final two: from 8.30am AEST on Friday, May 10 on SBS on Demand Grand final: from 10.30am AEST on Sunday, May 12 on SBS on Demand TV ACCESS ALL AREAS BROADCASTS: Semi final one: 7.30pm AEST on Friday, May 10 on SBS — featuring Electric Fields Semi final two: 7.30pm AEST on Saturday, May 11 on SBS Grand final: 7.30pm AEST on Sunday, May 12 on SBS SBS' Eurovision 2024 coverage runs from Wednesday, May 8–Sunday, May 12. For more information, head to the broadcaster's website — and for more information about Eurovision, head to the event's website. Images: Alma Bengtsson / Sara Louise Bennett.
Sydneysiders, you may have noticed more outdoor dining popping up out the front of the city's restaurants and bars over the past two years. If you've seen new sets of tables and chairs spring up around suburbs like Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, that's a direct consequence of the City of Sydney's on-road and footpath dining program. Originally set up in 2020 as a response to the pandemic, the program — which removes red tape and encourages businesses to set up outdoor dining throughout the City of Sydney — has now been extended until the end of 2024. The council has committed $4 million towards the program on top of its previously announced commitment to waive all associated footpath fees until June 2025. In its first two years, the increase in al fresco dining areas has not only been a pleasure for patrons but also had a major positive impact on the participating businesses. More than 500 City of Sydney bars and restaurants have added new outdoor dining spaces in this time, generating an additional 4460 square metres of footpath and road dining areas. [caption id="attachment_893718" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Hollingworth[/caption] "In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to do everything we could to help businesses get back on their feet while bringing communities together," the City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. The City of Sydney reports that 91 percent of participants said the program was crucial to their business, with three quarters confirming they've had to hire more staff due to increased business and one-third directly linking the program to an increased turnover of 20 percent or more. Speaking about the outdoor dining at The Dolphin Hotel, Point Group CEO Brett Robinson said "they are generally the first seats to fill up each day, and the area that drives interest and further patronage once it's occupied. People love the casual and social setting it provides." [caption id="attachment_814178" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Dolphin Hotel[/caption] "It's added so much vibrancy to the street frontage of the hotel. We are now far busier overall due to the passing traffic seeing activity out the front of the venue and being drawn to the venue as a result." The extension also affords the City of Sydney the opportunity to carry out a review of the scheme and create plans to make some of these on-street dining spots permanent. For more information on the City of Sydney's outdoor dining program, head to the council's website.
Both Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement will be present when Flight of the Conchords make a long-awaited, eagerly anticipated return to television — as part of a one-off live special filmed during the duo's recent sold-out tour. Announced earlier in 2018, Flight of the Conchords: Live at the London Apollo has now been given a US airdate, with the special screening on HBO in America on Saturday, October 6. As the name really does makes plain, it was recorded in the UK, where Flight of Conchords took their show on the road in March and then returned in late June and early July, following a forced break after McKenzie broke his hand. Yes, it'll be business time, Bowie will be in space and no one will have hurt feelings. Fans can expect to hear the classic tracks that everyone has had stuck in their heads since the folk parody pair's TV series aired between 2007 and 2009, of course, as well as a few new songs. It's also a case of Conchords almost coming full circle, with nabbing a spot on HBO's One Night Stand in the mid-00s one of their big breaks. Just when and where the new special will appear on TVs outside of the US has yet to be revealed, but in the interim, check out the date announcement video featuring McKenzie and Clement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLZQfnFyelTBOQ15kmHSgEbdjzLMWzZpL7&v=xz_-9PlcouE
It was once used as grazing land but now the regenerated leafy spot along Byron Creek in Bangalow Parklands is home to a forest of native plants important to the Bundjalung people. On the Bangalow Bush Tucker Tour, local First Nations guide Delta Kay teaches you the uses of each plant you encounter, whether edible, medicinal or used for making jewellery, tools and weapons. Then, over bush tea, biscuits and some of the local bounty, she'll share local Indigenous history and traditions passed down from her ancestors. You can join a tour each Thursday from 4pm, including pick-ups and drop-offs within six kilometres of Byron Bay CBD. The tour costs $65 per person.
If you've got the itch for a bit of outdoor adventure, you're in for a treat. Last year, we reached out to you, dear readers, to share your favourite camping spots, and after a year of exploring, we were due for some fresh ideas. So, in partnership with The Bottle-O, we've pulled together a whole new list of standout camping spots that were submitted by Concrete Playground readers. Whether you're into beachfront bliss, rainforest retreats, or bushland beauty, there's something for everyone. Grab your mates, pack up the car, stock up on good-value booze from The Bottle-O and get set for your next adventure in the great outdoors. [caption id="attachment_943842" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Millstream Chichester National Park, Canva[/caption] Miliyanha Campground, Millstream Chichester National Park, WA Our first suggestion takes us to the wild west, where the red dirt meets clear blue skies. Miliyanha Campground in Millstream Chichester National Park is an absolute gem. Reader Bruce reckons it's the ideal spot for some 'twitching' aka bird-watching. "Miliyanha is a perfect spot for a bit of twitching. There are lots of raptors, rainbow bee-eaters, blue-winged kookaburras, and the local hills kangaroos, and if you're lucky, you might spot a quoll!" It's a fairly remote campsite so don't check in without swinging by The Bottle-O first. Because what's a camping trip without a well-stocked cooler and some primo local vino? Closest The Bottle-O: Karratha [caption id="attachment_943841" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Freycinet Beach Landscape, Chris Putnam[/caption] Friendly Beaches, Freycinet National Park, TAS Let's head south to the Apple Isle where the beaches are as pristine as they come. Freycinet National Park boasts not one, not two, but several top-notch camping spots. From Friendly Beaches (Isaacs Point) and Richardsons Beach to Honeymoon Bay and Ranger Creek, you're well and truly spoilt for choice. Reader Sarah swears by the beachfront camping experience: "Nothing beats falling asleep to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore at Friendly Beaches. It's my go-to campground all year round." Swing by The Bottle-O on your way to grab a bottle of Tasmanian-made whisky for a special seaside nightcap. Closest The Bottle-O: St Helens [caption id="attachment_943836" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cape Tribulation, Emil Rasmussen[/caption] Noah Beach, Cape Tribulation QLD Head north to the tropics where the world's oldest rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. The Daintree Rainforest is the largest in Australia and is home to flora and fauna you can't find anywhere else on earth. Tucked beneath the canopy of Daintree National Park, it provides the ultimate escape from the rat race of city life. Our reader Gavan recommends Noah Beach camping area in Cape Tribulations as the best spot for a digital detox: "Just you, the wildlife, and the sounds of the rainforest". How good. For all your beverage-in-paradise needs, The Bottle-O has you covered so stop into the Mossman store before you head into the Daintree National Park. Closest The Bottle-O: Mossman [caption id="attachment_943840" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jervis-Bay, Cyril Cayssalie[/caption] Honeymoon Bay, Jervis Bay, NSW In New South Wales, about three hours south of Sydney, we find ourselves in stunning Jervis Bay. With crystal-clear waters and famous white sands, it's a cracking location for swimming, snorkelling or just lazing about in the sun. The choice is yours, and they're all good. Our Instagram follower Kylie is a sucker for Honeymoon Bay campground: "All of the beaches around Jervis Bay are fab, but Honeymoon is my favourite. Cheap, cheerful and ideal for snorkelling." You'll need to bring everything with you (and take it all when you go to keep this spot so awesome), and that includes all your drinking water and cooking supplies. Hit up The Bottle-O to fill your esky with ice and all your go-to drinks for evenings around the campfire as the sun sets across the beach. Closest The Bottle-O: Oak Flats [caption id="attachment_943839" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Grampians, Halls Gal Drive, David Burke[/caption] Smith's Mill Campground, The Grampians, VIC Last but not least, we head to the heart of Victoria's Grampians National Park. Smith's Mill Campground near Halls Gap is the perfect base for exploring everything that this amazing Aussie destination offers — just be mindful of the local emus. Our reader Mike places this campground above all others: "Smith's Mill is right around the corner from Mackenzie Falls, an ideal spot for a splash on a hot day after trekking up Pinnacle Walk for the epic views. There's a bush shower at the campground if you miss out." Again, make sure your esky is fully loaded by making a pit stop at The Bottle-O for all your beverage needs as this is a remote spot. Closest The Bottle-O: Sebastopol Wherever the road leads you on your weekend adventuring, find your nearest The Bottle-O and stock up on some standout bevs. Ready to start planning? Head to the website. Top image: Canva
Living, breathing and coveting Greek cuisine is a reality for many living in Australia — but particularly for Dimitri Travlos. Raised in Kefalonia, a small Greek island in the Ionian Sea, Travlos grew up surrounded by and appreciating the hospitality behind big, traditional Greek lunches. He moved to Sydney as a young adult and began training as a chef. Now, Travlos runs three outposts of Hellenic Greek — this one on the rooftop of Westfield Hurstville, the original in nearby Brighton-Le-Sands and another in Mosman. Here, the menu offers something for every varying degree of hunger and is all based around local produce and hearty classic dishes cooked with passion — think souvlaki skewers, pitas, baked lamb, moussaka and spanakopita. And yes, there are haloumi chips. If you're peckish, you can't go past the slow-cooked pork pita wrap. Or if you're up for a challenge, grab a mate and sit down to the Eat Like A Greek platter — a monstrous plate featuring slow-cooked lamb, bifteki, haloumi, salad, chips and tzatziki with a side of pita. And if your eyes are too big for your stomach, don't worry — the friendly staff will pack up any leftovers for you to take home. Images: Trent van der Jagt.
Friday, March 26, saw Shaun Gladwell’s new exhibition Interior Linework/ Interceptor Intersection open at Campbelltown Arts Centre. Gladwell has become a ubiquitous presence in discussions of contemporary Australian art and may now also appear in conversations relating to that $64,000 question: ‘what is our national identity?’ After studying at COFA, Gladwell began exhibiting at significant local galleries such as Artspace and Sherman Galleries. In addition to paintings, Gladwell introduced skateboarding, BMX riding and hip hop dancing (activities not usually associated with the white cube) as subject matter in his works. Yet for all his interest in the fashionable and narcissistic forms of video and performance, and the inclusion of these ‘cool’ subcultures, Gladwell did not lose his interest in making objects as art. The miniature BMX bikes displayed in a vitrine at the most recent Sydney Biennale, were, for me, extremely aesthetic objects. In addition to some new works, Interior Linework/ Interceptor Intersection consists of works from the MaddestMaximvs project, which was shown at the official Australian Pavilion at the 2009 Venice Biennale. MaddestMaximvs marks a paradigmatic shift for Gladwell and, most significantly, sees the artist engage with Australian cultural identity and explore dimensions of Australian masculinity. Max, the protagonist in George Miller’s trilogy, is an Australian icon. A composite drawn from our inherited cultural imagination, he is part lawman, part outlaw — reminiscent of bushrangers, explorers and even boundary riders. However, as Blair French notes, reverence of this character has led to audiences missing subtleties and particularities of identity and meaning, not to mention points of doubt, lack, failure and critical wounding. For me, it is crucial that Gladwell strongly subverts the legacy attached to Max. From a formal starting point, Gladwell’s signature slow motion and fixed camera alert viewers to a different stylistic lexicon from the rapid cutting and euphoric visual adrenalin of Miller’s films. In a sense, this parallels Gladwell’s break from the shaky hand-held, constantly moving camera that characterised the skating videos Gladwell encountered and in turn critiqued. Concurrent with earlier works, Gladwell documents activity with no apparent pragmatic or productive output. Audiences are left to consider Gladwell’s explorations of time, place and our relation to the spaces of this country — whether a desert track near Broken Hill or a car park in Kings Cross. For me, much of art’s attraction lies in its ability to polarise opinion. Instead of making the pilgrimage down to the Masterpieces show in Canberra, stay closer to metropolitan Sydney and visit Campbelltown’s impressive gallery space. This is a show that will drive you to either agree with John McDonald’s description of Gladwell’s oeuvre as banal, or to encounter a series of works that are incredibly relevant in terms of indigenous relations as they presently stand (in the mind of Nikos Papastergiadis), or agree with me that Gladwell’s work is utterly relevant in relation to our constant identity crisis. And, if nothing else, there are two rebuilt V8 Interceptors included in the show, and they’re rad.
So many places to visit, only so much cash in the bank. When Australia starts to reopen its borders both domestically and internationally, that's the situation we'll all face. So, if you're looking to save some money on airfares once you can start heading off on holidays again, that's understandable. Enter Bonza, the new Aussie low-cost airline that's set to launch early next year. An exact date hasn't been revealed as yet, but sometime in 2022, you'll have another choice when it comes to flying across this country of ours. The new independent carrier will focus on local flights with low fares — and on opening up routes to more of regional Australia. "Bonza's mission is to encourage more travel by providing more choices and ultra-low fares, particularly into leisure destinations where travel is now often limited to connections via major cities," said Bonza founder and CEO Tim Jordan, who comes to the airline with 25-plus years experience in low-cost carriers such as Virgin Blue, Cebu Pacific in The Philippines and central Asia's FlyArystan. While the airline's list of destinations hasn't yet been announced yet either, the aim is to service "regional communities by providing new routes and greater travel opportunities," Jordan continued. The airline will base its headquarters in a yet-to-be -revealed part of regional Australia, too. Wherever it ends up heading, Bonza will fly Boeing 737-8 aircraft. Fare prices and inclusions — such as baggage, meals and snacks, and selecting your own seat — haven't been mentioned as yet, with the airline still working through the regulatory process. When it launches, the carrier will take to the skies with the backing of US private investment firm 777 Partners, which also has a hand in Canada's Flair Airlines and the Southeast Asian-based Value Alliance. And yes, this now means that your 2022 Aussie holidays just got a whole lot cheaper — and that, alongside Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia, you'll have more airline options. Bonza is set to start flying sometime in 2022. For more information, head to the airline's website.
Following successful markets in other suburbs, Cambridge Markets is back at it again with new markets in Wentworth Point. This iteration will take place on the third Sunday of every month at Marina Square on Wentworth Place, just across the water from Ryde Wharf Market. Like its sister markets, punters can peruse 60 stalls showcasing a range of Sydney's favourite homegrown creatives and makers, with a mix of fresh fruit and veggies, flowers, gourmet produce, pantry items and locally designed homewares, apparel and gifts. There'll also be plenty of hot food options for yourself and your family. But that's not all — the intrepid marketers are hosting a twilight gourmet market on the first Fridays of warmer months, dubbed Eat Drink Nights, at the same location. This night-time epicurean escape features international cuisine, tasty beverages and fun activities for the whole family. The next Eat Drink Night will take place on Friday, March 1, followed by Friday, April 5, before the events return on Friday, September 6. Not only is it a picturesque spot to while away a Sunday morning or Friday evening, but it's easy to get to, too. Marina Square is accessible by ferry, train or bus, with ample parking within a short stroll. Wentworth Point Market takes place at Marina Square, Wentworth Place, from 9am–2pm on the third Sunday of every month. Eat Drink Nights at Wentworth Point takes place at Marina Square, Wentworth Place, from 5pm–9.30pm on the first Friday of the month. For more info, head to the website. Images: Jessica Nash Photography
It's such a simple thing, putting pencil to paper and finding yourself in another world. With a few flicks of the hand, a page can conjure up all of your wildest dreams, lay bare the deepest worries lurking in your subconscious, or even combine the two. Exploring that experience in a published novel and then a feature film isn't quite as simple, but in A Monster Calls, the end result remains every bit as insightful and cathartic. If you were to mash together the bedtime story from The Princess Bride, the stunning gothic images from Pan's Labyrinth, the oversized non-human pal from Pete's Dragon, and the quest to conquer childhood fears from Labyrinth, you'd almost end up with A Monster Calls – although the key word there, of course, is 'almost'. Adapted by director J.A. Bayona (The Impossible) from Patrick Ness' book, the film might ostensibly follow in the footsteps of plenty of other coming-of-age adventures and sensitive adolescent journeys. Yet its heartfelt awareness of the difficulties of tussling with life's complexities remain wholly its own. Here, things couldn't seem bleaker for British schoolboy Conor O'Malley (Lewis MacDougall). His beloved mother (Felicity Jones) is dying from cancer, his father (Toby Kebbell) has a new family in America, and he's far from fond of the strict grandmother (Sigourney Weaver) he's told he'll eventually have to live with. Trying to put on a brave face at home but mercifully bullied in class, sketching provides Conor much-needed coping mechanism, as well as a way of remaining close to his art-loving mum. Then his scribblings and his nightmares combine, with a monstrous tree (voiced by Liam Neeson) coming to life to tell him three tales, while also demanding to hear one in return. Further tying Conor's drawings and dreams together, Bayona brings the latter to the screen in a series of gorgeously animated sequences, with inky scrawled heroes and villains cavorting through vibrant watercolour backgrounds. If you're going to adapt a book about vivid imaginings in times of personal trouble, then your movie has to look the part, after all. Indeed, as a literal visual illustration of the power of creativity to help process life's woes, A Monster Calls excels. But it's not just the images that Bayona gets right — it's the emotions as well. Alongside Ness' winning work turning his own novel into a script, that largely comes down to the performances. Jones is raw yet subtle, while MacDougall's sorrow is positively palpable. And don't underestimate the impact of Neeson's gravelly tones. There's something so sincere and affecting about the way the Irish actor imparts the tough but true wisdom at the movie's core. While we might better know him these days for his hard-as-nails characters in films like Taken and The Grey, he's just as perfect as the beating dark heart of this tender and touching fable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPh9mr-ZGOY
There's only one thing better than jumping in the car and travelling to a place you've never been before, and that's knowing that, upon arrival, you've got days of discovering epic food and drinks ahead of you. And if there's one area in Victoria that offers a plethora of hot restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs to get around, it's the Bendigo region, which includes Heathcote, Castlemaine, Maldon, Maryborough, Talbot, Inglewood and Wedderburn. This collection of towns feature some of the most gorgeous spots to have a meal or two (or three) and, good news, the region's less than two hours from Melbourne's CBD. So, if you can muster up the energy to leave the couch and head off on a weekend getaway this winter, make it the Bendigo region — we've got you sorted for all the best bars, pubs and eateries to hit up while you're there. TUCK INTO SMOKY MEATS AT THE WOODHOUSE The Woodhouse is, as you may have guessed from the name, all about wood, smoke and fire — so, expect plenty of grilled and roasted meats and seafood, wood-fired pizza and more. This beloved Bendigo eatery boasts several different types of grills, which burn through around 40 tonnes of local red gum per year and bestow distinctive flavours and heavenly caramelisation on everything they come into contact with. Priding itself on its veritably strong connection to the local land, The Woodhouse spotlights some of the area's most revered producers, farms and vineyards. Step into the warm brick dining room, brimming with happy locals and the aroma of woody smoke, and you'll feel right at home. [caption id="attachment_731734" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] HAVE DINNER INSIDE A HISTORIC THEATRE Located in one of Australia's oldest theatres, the Theatre Royal, Lola is an easygoing eatery with simple furnishings and decor, low lighting and food that feels like you're eating a perfect homemade meal at a mate's place. All of the pizza and pasta options are sublime — boasting fresh and innovative combinations while maintaining a rustic aesthetic. After dinner, explore more of what the Theatre Royal has to offer — after a much-celebrated reopening in 2016, the historic building is now a live music venue and cinema and also houses an espresso and wine bar. [caption id="attachment_747407" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Masons of Bendigo[/caption] ENJOY AN ARTFUL FEAST AT MASONS OF BENDIGO Artfully housed in the historical Mason glass factory, this buzzing restaurant places focus on colour, distinctive plating and small-scale local produce. The modern interior by Russell & George, featuring white brick walls, black chairs and bright timber, brings an airy, casual vibe to the upscale meal you'll be eating. Yep, Masons is one of the most relaxed fine dining experiences one can find. Try one of the Roaming menus ($69.50 per person for dinner or a very affordable $36.50 for lunch), which allows chefs Nick and Sonia Anthony to give you a true tasting tour of Victoria's luscious produce, intricately woven together to create edible art on the share-style plates. ENJOY A HEARTY PUB FEED IN THIS STUNNING HERITAGE BUILDING The Bull and Mouth Hotel was closed for a decade until locals Mick and Jo Reid finally reopened it following extensive renovations by a developer. The reopening in 2017 brought a bright, spacious boutique hotel, cafe and restaurant to the area. The hotel, which originally opened around 1904, is historically significant to Maryborough. Its resplendent Edwardian architecture — uncommon for the time in country Victoria — has acted as a historical local meeting place and landmark for years. Today, the pub and eatery is still well worth a visit for its grandeur, its history and its impressive contemporary take on beloved pub food classics. [caption id="attachment_731736" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] SIP WINE THEN SLEEP UNDER THE STARS AT BALGOWNIE ESTATE Balgownie Estate, famed for its cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, is a remarkable one-stop shop if you're looking for a special getaway. This lush, longstanding winery not only offers a gorgeous classic cellar door experience, but it also has a wine museum and a restaurant with an unmistakably French-inspired menu — think twice-baked cauliflower and goats cheese soufflé to start, followed by crispy skin duck breast with ratatouille and house-made petit fours to finish. There's stunning accommodation on offer, too. The winery has permanent glamping tents with top-notch amenities, so you can feel like you're in a luxe hotel room while lounging on the deck drinking vino under the stars and soaking in the beautiful vineyard views. EAT YOUR AWAY ALONG THIS BUZZING LANEWAY Chancery Lane is Bendigo's answer to the much-loved Melbourne laneway scene — but, if possible, it's even more charming. Enter the black Gaudi-inspired gates, designed by local artist Yvonne George, to find a vibrant laneway filled with salons, boutiques and art. You'll also find a great selection of places to eat and drink along here, too. Your first stop should be El Gordo, an incredibly popular all-day brunch and Spanish tapas bar. Here, you can enjoy huevos rancheros, bocadillos (Spanish sandwiches) and a selection of traditional conservas and tapas — think sardines with tomato and stuffed squid in ink sauce served with tostadas. Come dinnertime, make your way to The Dispensary to feast on an array of European- and Asian-inspired share-style plates. You can start with goat and turmeric croquettes or crispy tofu with broccoli before moving on to bao, confit duck cassoulet or charred pork cutlet with ratatouille and pumpkin puree. Peruse the extensive drinks menu or, for something a little different, book in for one of the venue's gin or whisky masterclasses, which will leave you with an in-depth understanding of the selected spirit — and samples, of course. TUCK INTO LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCE AT TALBOT'S PROVEDORE AND EATERY This bright venue chooses not to describe itself as a restaurant or a cafe — it's simply an 'eatery'. This summarises Talbot Provedore and Eatery's mantra for everything: simple, adaptable, everything going back to the absolute basics. Everything that's served, from the garnishes to the wine, is really and truly local — all grown or made within around an hour's drive from the kitchen. Some of it is grown in the community-maintained garden next door to the restaurant, and often Talbot residents and foragers will simply leave boxes of excess produce at the eatery's door. This means there's no menu for you to peek at before visiting, as it changes regularly depending on what produce is in — yet it's all consistently top-notch. HOP BETWEEN THE HEATHCOTE BREWERIES If you're a beer lover, then no Bendigo weekend is complete without a day trip travelling between the impressive array of nearby breweries. Start at Palling Bros — a captivating craft brewery named after Henry 'Rood' Palling, an 1850s convict who developed many of the institutions that established the area. The brewery offers a food menu that wanders far beyond your average pub grub, so you can demolish some gyoza, a pork belly yellow curry and a chocolate porter while learning all about the titular larrikin who put Heathcote on the map. Next stop is the Tooborac Hotel and Brewery. The 'Tooby' is the oldest National Trust listed country pub in Victoria, so there's plenty of history here — the brewery taps pay tribute to the working traditions of settler Australia with titles like the Shearers Lager and the Woodcutters Ale. If you're in need of a feed at this point, the hotel offers classic pub meals, as well as an in-house pie shop. Also worth a visit is Cornella Real, a microbrewery that focuses on traditional British ales. Cornella Real is located at The Shiraz Republic, right in the heart of wine region, so you can hit up the cellar door and taprooms in one go. Finish your visit with a leisurely pizza in the sunshine overlooking the grapevines. [caption id="attachment_731733" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] WANDER THROUGH AN ART AND FOOD PRECINCT The days of the old Castlemaine Woollen Mill being empty and derelict are gone. This is now the spot of The Mill Castlemaine — a creative hub for art and food lovers alike. Inside, you'll find a thriving food precinct including a cafe, coffee roastery and specialist stores for bread, cakes, beer, smallgoods. There is also an artisan and vintage precinct. It's worth putting aside a few hours to spend here, so you can spend time thumbing through the secondhand goodies at Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar and browsing the different art galleries. But when you get hungry, head to Das Kaffeehaus. This spot emulates a Vienna cafe with an element of grandeur. You can eat sausages, cold cuts, Viennese coffee and cake while surrounded by lavish period paintings, gold-framed mirrors and a chandelier. After lunch, make your way to The Taproom. It's a laidback space offering pints of a wide range of beers from the on-site Shedshaker Brewing ranging from classic ales and IPAs to more enigmatic brews such as espresso black lager and a hemp pale ale. Or, if you're more into your vino, pay a visit to Boomtown Wine, a shared co-op where winemakers can come to make (and taste) small-batch, locally sourced wines of all varieties. To start planning your trip to Bendigo — and to discover more of what's happening in the region — head to the Bendigo Regional Tourism website.
If one were to be cynical, it could be thought to say a lot about the state of contemporary theatre that a play in which the female lead is mainly wearing a dress with her own vomit on it and the male lead only escapes punishment for stealing and spending a large sum in used £50 notes because his supervisor in organised crime has a heart attack can be described as heartwarming. But somehow it was, and as such we can set aside the world-weariness and simply work out what was charming about Midsummer (a play with songs), brought out from Scotland's Traverse Theatre by the Sydney Theatre Company (STC). The Edinburgh accents and vocabulary are one place to start with that: Cora Bissett as Helena and Matthew Pidgeon as Bob deliver their characters' words to one another and to the audience in broad and delightful dialect, punctuated with 'aye's and things being described as 'mad', which the story certainly is. A 'lost weekend' sort of a situation that the pair alternately recount and act out, it has the reassurance of its definition as a romantic comedy that things are going to work out for the chance-met pair, an uptight divorce lawyer and the petty crim who is repeatedly to be seen reading Dostoevsky, "to cheer myself up". A lot of the fun of the play comes from repeated motifs like this and a peculiarly existential parking meter that tells the two that "Change is possible", alongside the playing out of a sort of exceptionally drunken crime caper within the structure of the tropes of romantic comedy — opposites attracting, accidents bringing them together, a dramatic declaration of love as someone is about to disappear overseas. It's an insider's guide to the romance, with Bob and Helena telling the adventure as the story of how they fell in love, and the moments of sadness and reflection and awkwardness are cushioned by the evidently happy ending and the cushioning effects of how a story is retold, a topic on which both characters have some meta-narrative musings. Having managed to survive the hangovers and the Japanese bondage and the determination that despite really agreeing on a lot of things and not wanting to leave one another's company and both thinking that the other one is "quite fit", let alone the breakup of Helena's affair with a married man and Bob's little affair with the Tesco bag full of money that doesn't belong to him, the couple tell their story as a story they've told many times before, a story that has become a legend. There is comedy and comfort and love and there are, indeed, songs (one featuring a ukelele).
Sydney is in much need of a good laugh at the moment. It's been a tough few months so getting a giggle is important. Thankfully, with the city coming back to life again, we've been able to catch up with mates and enjoy life outside our own four walls for a while. Now, injecting more joy into our nightlife is a series of live stand-up sessions — hosted in a glamorous underground disco den. Taking place every Wednesday from July 8, the live comedy nights are a collaboration between CBD bar Prince of York and Kings Cross comedy club Happy Endings. Each week, the comedians will take the stage in the Prince's nightclub Pamela's, which has pink velvet banquettes, terrazzo tables and cocktail punchbowls named after music royalty such as the Bobby Womack and the Diana Ross. So, not only will the event have you in stitches, but you'll be sipping some next-level booze as well. While the comedians will remain a surprise until the night, we do know that it'll be homegrown talent. Kicking off at 7.30pm, each set will run for about two hours, although you won't need to race out once the curtains close. Entry costs $15, with only 25 tickets available for launch night due to current COVID-19 restrictions. Best be quick. [caption id="attachment_737670" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prince of York[/caption] Images: Kimberley Low
Assumptions are dangerous. You can never say everyone is normal. You can never say your home is permanent. You can never say you really know and trust your loved ones. You can never say all the lyrebirds are dead. Cate invites June over for birthday dinner. It sounds like a pleasant arrangement, but what would have been a nice house in the 'burbs with a laid table, sauvignon blanc, cultured chatter and cake has become something altogether different. Every Australian's worst nightmare has struck them. Like the insidious acrid tendrils of fire smoke, the atrocities of Black Saturday creep into Lyrebird, written by award-winning writer Amelia Evans and directed by recent NIDA graduate Jemma Gurney. A vast wasteland of charred remains stretches out beyond these five connected yet displaced friends and family, who now live in caravans and use Port-a-Loos. Forced to hang in limbo, homeless, "until the insurance comes through," they must wait. And wait they do. June (Lucy Miller) convincingly fills the stage as the bubbly family wrecker and shares both tension and laughter with Cate (Sara Zwangobani), the bitter zipped-mouth housewife. The absent patriarch, Tim (Jordan Kelly), lets his eyes drift above and beyond the audience, always searching and hopeful. Meanwhile, the younger playmates, Jess (Maeve MacGregor) and Henry (Christian Willis) awkwardly contend with snap, sex, death, alcohol and early adulthood. Evans, who grew up in a national park in Kinglake, muses, "It's so much bigger than us; the bush is so overwhelming, so much more significant than these little humans." Set designer Gez Xavier Mansfield re-creates this nebulous yet thrilling phenomenon of the bush on stage through unusual materials and fabrics, conveying a burned-out environment that you can almost smell. Experimental and powerfully atmospheric, sound designer Nate Edmondson's ghost-like echoes, incongruous whizzing, birdcalls and siren trills from 'Heart of Glass' by Blondie leave you filled with a wistful, hollow abandonment felt only in the bush. No-one knows how each of us would deal with this tragedy until it happens. Some bitterly retreat, some become jolly and reckless, others remain in control or fret, and the odd one goes mad and eats lasagne off the ground. As despair brings people closer, it also lances the truth — a truth ready to ignite and reveal itself. Assumptions are much too dangerous. I think I heard a lyrebird call...
Honestly? I've never considered a cruise holiday before. So when an opportunity came up to see New Zealand by boat I jumped at the opportunity, but given that my only reference for travelling on water was a round trip on a Sydney ferry, I truly didn't know what to expect. In the end, it turned out to be the voyage of a lifetime — being greeted by bottlenose dolphins as we coasted by Milford Sound's soaring cliffs at sunrise, sipping Aperol Spritz while gazing at ocean sunsets from the ocean, and eating our weight's worth of meals on the ship's many restaurants. Here's an account of how the trip went down here. FIRST IMPRESSIONS When me and my partner boarded the ship, we made a beeline straight to our new home-away-from-home: a surprisingly spacious room with a luxurious king size bed, cosy living space, fully stocked mini bar and private verandah which served as home base for many room service breakfasts and sunset drinks. After settling in, we were ready to explore the labyrinth of amenities. If you're anything like me (a complete cruise novice), you probably hazard a guess that a cruise ship is akin to a large resort with a pool, some snazzy restaurants and a few shops. What you might not realise — and what I quickly discovered on board the Celebrity Eclipse (the vessel I traveled on, one of many from the Celebrity Cruises fleet) — is that the inside of a cruise ship is more comparable to a mini floating city. It had everything from a giant broadway theatre, spacious grass lawn, basketball court, and more pools, spas, restaurants, bars and shops than you could count on your fingers and toes. CRUISE CUISINE When it came to its dining options, the Eclipse really blew my expectations out of the water (pardon the pun). From immersive 3D concept dining at the Le Petit Chef, to ocean-fresh sashimi and caramelised gingerbread with wasabi gelato at Sushi on 5, to the fully stacked and ever-changing buffet that you'd anticipate on a cruise. The Le Petit Chef 3D projection dining experience was a strange highlight — watching a tiny 3D-animated chef prepare tomato tartine in front of you while you are 100km away from land was a surreal experience to say the least. Another culinary highlight was Murano, a restaurant where chefs masterfully prepared traditional recipes like lobster bisque in front of your very eyes. This is clearly a difficult thing to express in words and kind of just needs to be experienced. The all-inclusive dining options were also well worth writing home about. Between the crowd-pleasing menu at the chic Moonlight Sonata with well-executed retro classics like prawn cocktail, creme brulee and New York cheesecake, to the clean eating options at Blu, which boasted biodynamic wines and dishes like Beyond burgers, black truffle gnocchi and tuna tataki with spicy mango scallions. [caption id="attachment_900893" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Room service breakfast on the balcony of a Celebrity Cruise cabin[/caption] And when it came to drinks, you couldn't find a more picturesque place to sink back a beverage. From the breezy Sunset Bar with sweeping ocean views, to the cosmopolitan Martini Bar with top-notch bartenders, or the premium concoctions at Blu with names like Nightfall Elixir and Garden Breeze and tasting notes of fresh crushed strawberry, maple and Veuve Clicquot. (We had the classic drinks package which entitled us to unlimited drinks in the 'classic' category, which included everything from beers to bubblies). ENTERTAINMENT AT SEA (AND LAND) If you've ever wondered what one does on a 12 day cruise besides eating and drinking, I was surprised to discover it's a whole lot more than you might expect. Cruise guests are encouraged to download an app that surfaces a menu of entertainment and experiences for each day of the journey. The seemingly endless list of activities included everything from Broadway shows with acrobatics to rival Cirque Du Soleil, to an endless supply of luxury treatments and massages at the spa and salon. If you want to get your daily steps in, the Eclipse features a substantial running track, a premium gym and fitness centre and plenty of workout options from barre to boxing. Which brings me to my next point, which everything that happens onboard it's surprisingly easy to forget that you actually get to visit the incredible travel destination that is New Zealand. We had a whole host of New Zealand cities on our cruising agenda - from the staggeringly beautiful Milford Sound, to the cultural hub of Wellington - and each city we saw came with a curated list of Celebrity's shore excursions. Our most memorable excursion saw us hopping on board a WWI-era train through New Zealand's wine country, beginning in Picton and travelling through Marlborough's lush hills and valleys where 85% of New Zealand's wines are made. We enjoyed complimentary wine tasting, lunch and views that could only be described as cinematic. This was definitely one for the proverbial picture books, or Instagram Story highlights. [caption id="attachment_900843" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The view from on board the train during the shore excursion in Picton[/caption] WOULD I CONSIDER FUTURE CRUISES? Overall, going on a cruise was one of the most unique and memorable holidays I can recall. While being away from land was something I'd never experienced, the whole encounter made being away from home feel very homely indeed from the ultra lush rooms to the endless entertainment, and some of the kindest hospitality and staff I've encountered on any type of holiday. If you want to be the main character on your next trip, satisfy your wanderlust without having to pack and unpack your bags, and eat and drink to your heart's content a cruise holiday is an option I would definitely consider again. If you're curious about doing some cruise-based exploring of the Southern Hemisphere yourself, Celebrity Cruises has announced the arrival of one of its most luxurious ships yet: the Celebrity Edge which will debut Down Under in late 2023 or early 2024, allowing you to traverse the coastlines of Australia, New Zealand and the tropical South Pacific including Bali. Set to rival the world's most luxurious land-based resorts, the 2023/24 intake promises to reimagine cruise travel with some of the world's most indulgent on board amenities. Concrete Playground travelled as a guest of Celebrity Cruises. Main image: The view from Celebrity Eclipse near Dunedin on the South Island of New Zealand
Dishing up desserts across Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland the Australian Capital Territory, Gelato Messina obviously specialises in frosty sweet treats. But, because the chain has amassed quite the following, it also has a range of merchandise. Earlier this year, for instance, you could nab one of its gelato-scented candles (and presumably give yourself a constant craving for a few scoops). Now, you can also grab yourself an item of clothing decked out with a picture of its towering ice cream cones. Messina's new 2020 merch line is now available to purchase, spanning black and grey hoodies, grey and navy sweatshirts, and t-shirts in white, navy, rust (aka a red-orange colour) and black. Each has an image of gelato on the front or back — with those pics varying between different styles of clothing and different colours. After releasing a selection of flavours inspired by fashion brands back in October, all to celebrate Incu's 18th birthday, Messina has teamed back up with the retailer on its new threads. It's also showcasing the work of artist Ella Grace, who specialises in detailed watercolour paintings and illustrations — as you'll see from the images of gelato on Messina's merch. Yep, expect it to make you mighty hungry. For those keen on wearing gelato-adorned items while eating gelato, you'll pay $45 for a t-shirt, $65 for a sweatshirt and $75 for a hoodie. All garments are unisex, and made from 100-percent cotton — and they ship Australia-wide. For tiny dessert fiends, Messina's online store also has onesies for babies — because you're never too young to love ice cream. And, you can grab Messina caps with its logo and socks with its wallpaper print as well. For more information about Gelato Messina's merchandise — and to make a purchase — head to its website.
The Kite String Tangle is the project of Brisbane-bred alternative electronic artist and producer Danny Harley. After being unearthed by Triple J last year and generating some serious buzz at Falls Festival, he is continuing strong into 2014 with a national tour scheduled for February. Inspired by the dreamy and atmospheric soundscapes of artists like Active Child, The Kite String Tangle offers a combination of ethereal pop and ambient electronica. The harmonic and hand-crafted textures of tunes such as 'Given the Chance' are rallying public and critical attention, having just made it into the Triple J Hottest 100 at No.19. Before heading to the states in March to play several showcases for SXSW, Harley's national run-around is already sporting some sold-out labels. However, additional shows have been added in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. You won't want to miss this upcoming Australian producer weaving his musical magic. https://youtube.com/watch?v=6qBwQtTHu4g
On September 25, 1981, Sydneysiders got their first look at the revolving restaurants inside Sydney Tower. Exactly 39 years later, the restaurants have reopened after a $12-million renovation, with new looks, A-plus cocktails and a star cast of Sydney hospitality elite. The tower's dining precinct is split into three levels: 70s-inspired Bar 83, opulent fine-diner Infinity and casual buffet restaurant Sky Feast. Each space has a unique design by Loopcreative, pulling inspiration from the likes of space odysseys, Aussie backyard pools and bygone Kings Cross bars. Here, we'll walk you through each level. BAR 83 Part-retro, part-futuristic with circular red and white lounges, gold lights and striking mirrors, Bar 83 is officially Sydney's highest bar. Some have suggested the bar looks as if it was pulled straight from an episode of The Jetsons, but Loopcreative director Rod Faucheux says the design is a nod to the building's history and Sydney bars from the 70s and 80s, such as Baron's in the Cross. As the name suggests, it's towering above the city on level 83, with views across to the edges of the suburbs. While there's no denying the bar's main drawcard is the views, the cocktails are equally impressive. Award-winning bartender Jenna Hemsworth (Restaurant Hubert, The Baxter Inn) has stepped in as venue manager, and is stirring up outstanding cocktails including Pain Pleasure Principle (with cognac, cacao and lemon myrtle) and the Ignore All Rules (tequila, sherry, tomato and basil). Snacks don't push the boundaries too much (oysters, bread and olives, roasted nuts) but you're not here for the food — that's all happening on the levels below. That said, it'd be remiss not to order at least one of the lamb and harissa sausage rolls while you're there. INFINITY While Bar 83 is playful, Infinity is dark, moody and sophisticated, with leather banquettes, deep purple carpets and brass details. It's where you come when you're ready to do some serious eating. In the kitchen is Chef Mike Dierlinger (The Bridge Room), who is plating up five- and seven-course degustations. The menu is decidedly international, with raw swordfish paired with miso and enoki mushrooms, Shanghai-style drunken chicken served with yellow beets and brioche, and lamb belly coming with a side of Yemeni sauce called zhoug. It's not the cheapest degustation in the city — five courses come in at $115, seven at $145 — but it's far from the most expensive (eight courses will set you back $290 at Quay). And you're paying for the views, which, on this level, are 360 degrees. Like its predecessor 360 Bar and Dining, Infinity rotates. SKY FEAST The final restaurant in Sydney Tower is Sky Feast, which, according to the team, caters to a broader tourism market. Its design is a throwback to suburban Aussie backyards of the 70s and 80s with pebblecrete, breeze blocks, terracotta tiles and plenty of blonde furniture by Melbourne's Ross Didier. Food here is served buffet-style, but at the moment, because of COVID-19, it's a buffet that the staff bring to you for $80 a head (or $60 for lunch). There are more than 30 dishes on the menu, which we won't run through here, but expect plenty of seafood (oysters, mussels, baked barramundi), curries, noodles and six different desserts. If you've got a hunger that a regular dinner just won't fix, a big feed here might be just what you need. Bar 83, Infinity and Sky Feast are now open at Sydney Tower, between Pitt and Castlereagh streets, Sydney CBD. Images: Robert Walsh, @robertwphoto.
Forget taking the hobbits to Isengard. In March 2023, Airbnb wants to take you to Hobbiton instead. In news that's better than second breakfast, more precious than a certain glimmering piece of jewellery, and worth journeying there and back again for, you can live your best Lord of the Rings-loving life on the New Zealand sets where the original LOTR film trilogy and The Hobbit movies were shot — and slumber like one of Middle-earth's shortest residents on the very property as well. You shall pass — and enjoy the enchanting place's first-ever overnight stays — but only if you're lucky enough to score an Airbnb booking. 2022 marks a decade since the first of The Hobbit flicks, An Unexpected Journey, hit cinemas, if you're wondering why the accommodation-sharing platform is now offering the one vacation to rule them all. Actually, there are three different two-night stays available, all in 2023: from March 2–4, March 9–11, and March 16–18. To nab one, you'll have to try to make a booking at 8am AEDT / 7am AEST / 10am NZDT on Wednesday, December 14 via the Airbnb website. And, you'll need to pay the hobbit-sized fee of AU$10 per night, to further pay tribute to The Hobbit films' tenth anniversary. This once-in-a-lifetime stay will take you and up to three friends to the set, which includes both Hobbiton and The Shire, that helped make such entrancing movie magic in Peter Jackson's flicks. That means you'll be trekking to New Zealand's Waikato region, and to a 2500-acre working farm owned by Russell Alexander. Seeing why the iconic director and his crew realised it had to be their on-screen backdrop instantly comes with the territory. While walking in Bilbo Baggins' footsteps, you'll score a private tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set's 44 hobbit holes, The Millhouse and The Green Dragon Inn, as well as a range of other sites inspired by JRR Tolkien's books. Get ready to spend a heap of time in those locations, too, courtesy of your own personal hobbit hole, a writing nook at The Millhouse, and an evening banquet at The Green Dragon Inn complete with beef and ale stew, whole roast chickens, freshly baked breads and plenty of ale. And yes, second breakfast and elevenses will be served each day. "For more than two decades, we've welcomed millions of passionate fans to Hobbiton Movie Set, but never before has anyone had the opportunity to spend a night in Middle-earth," said Alexander said, announcing the stay. "I am delighted to share the beauty of my family's farm and pleased to be hosting this iconic location on Airbnb for fans from around the world." One big caveat: while the stay itself will only cost you AU$10 per night, you will be responsible for your transport to and from Auckland, flights and all. From there, a round-trip drive to the set is included, covering the two-hour journey between the airport and Hobbiton. Also, whether you're a hobbit, elf, wizard or Sauron — ideally not the latter — you'll need to have a verified Airbnb profile, a history of positive reviews and be aged over 18. Hobbiton joins Airbnb's growing list of movie and TV-inspired getaways, including the Bluey house, the Moulin Rouge! windmill, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion, the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop and the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage just in 2022 alone. For more information about the Hobbiton listing on Airbnb, or to apply to book at 8am AEDT / 7am AEST / 10am NZDT on Wednesday, December 14, head to the Airbnb website. Images: Larnie Nicolson.
When you book an Airbnb, a set of rules normally greets you when it comes time to check in. We know one that'll be on list at the platform's latest stay: don't say "Beetlejuice" three times. Just to be safe, you mightn't even want to say it twice in a row, even if the spot that you'll be visiting is all about Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Adding to its Icons category, aka the pop culture-themed abodes that you wouldn't be able to step inside without Airbnb making them a reality, the service now has the Beetlejuice and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice house on its books. The latter movie hit cinemas in September and is available to watch at home on digital now, ready to inspire a whole new round of Halloween costumes — and get you primed for a vacation like the ghost with the most this November. The Deetz residence has been at the heart of both of Tim Burton's (Dumbo) Beetlejuice flicks, starting back in 1988 when Michael Keaton (The Flash) first began sporting black-and-white suits on-screen. In the initial movie, Barbara and Adam Maitland (GLOW's Geena Davis and Dr Death's Alec Baldwin) met an untimely end, found themselves haunting their own abode with a Handbook for the Recently Deceased in their ghostly hands, weren't thrilled about the new family who moved in and called upon a certain bio-exorcist for assistance. Those new occupants: the Deetz crew, of course, including Schitt's Creek's great Catherine O'Hara (Argylle) as matriarch Delia and Winona Ryder (Stranger Things) as her daughter Lydia, plus Jenna Ortega (Miller's Girl) as the latter's daughter Astrid in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. If you've seen one or both films, you'll recognise the home, complete with the black mourning veil it sported in the second picture after the death of the Deetz family patriarch. You'll also spot plenty of familiar bits and pieces inside, including artwork and the portal to the afterlife. Delia is listed as the listing's host. "Now that my work is posthumously appreciating in value and recognition, it's only fair that artistic souls be invited to my magnificent home," the character said in a statement. "So, come admire my life's work and Create with a Capital C in the first-ever art class from beyond the grave. Just watch out for that pesky trickster in the attic!" Until 5.59pm AEST on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, ten bookings are on offer for visits between Saturday, November 16–Wednesday, November 27, 2024; however, there is a difference with this Icons spot compared to the others. This time, you'll only be there for three hours, nor overnight. There is still a stay involved, though, just at an Airbnb listing in Princeton, New Jersey at no additional cost. Upon arrival at the Beetlejuice house, you and up to five friends will get to wander around checking out Delia's work, plus the Maitlands' model of Winter River — the town that the Beetlejuice movies are set in, even though you'll be physically heading to Hillsborough Township, New Jersey — in the attic. Although saying a certain name isn't recommended, naturally everyone is going to utter it, which is how you get to the afterlife. Yes, the glowing green light, the waiting room and the disorienting hallway are all there. Then an art class is on the agenda, before you head to where you're bunking down for the evening — all if you nab one of the bookings. As always, your travel there and home (including to and from the US from Down Under) is at your own expense. It was back in May that Airbnb announced that it was doing things a little differently in 2024 with these once-in-a-lifetime listings. The platform is no stranger to giving travellers dream vacation options — see: Shrek's swamp, Barbie's Malibu DreamHouse, the Ted Lasso pub, the Moulin Rouge! windmill and Hobbiton, to name just a few — which it previously announced at random, with no advance warning. Now, it has created the Airbnb Icons category, grouping them all together but also still unveiling surprises along the way, like this one. In the past, Airbnb has also featured the Bluey house, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion, the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop, the Sanderson sisters' Hocus Pocus cottage, the Paris theatre that inspired The Phantom of the Opera and a Christina Aguilera-hosted two-night Las Vegas stay. Its Airbnb Icons category has also made sleeping at the Purple Rain mansion, the Up house, Inside Out 2's headquarters, the X-Mansion from X-Men '97 and the Ferrari Museum a reality, as well as stays hosted by Doja Cat, Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor and Kevin Hart. For more information about the Beetlejuice house on Airbnb, or to book it until 5.59pm AEST on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for visits between Saturday, November 16–Wednesday, November 27, 2024, head to the Airbnb website. Images: Emily Shur, Damien Maloney and Randy Slavin. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Founded in 2013 by distiller Philip Moore and coffee enthusiast Tom Baker, Mr Black has become a go-to for Australians looking to create bar-quality espresso martinis at home. Now, the distiller and coffee roaster is making things even easier by launching a new range of espresso martinis in ready-to-drink cans. These canned cocktails have been three years in the making, with Mr Black trialing 156 different recipes, two production methods and three canning technologies to create their newest product. Each can contains arabica coffee, Australian distilled vodka and Mr Black coffee liqueur, and is charged with nitrogen in order to give you the frothy head of a real espresso martini. All you need to do is shake, pour and maybe add a couple of coffee beans to the top if you're really trying to enjoy the full espresso martini experience. Canned and bottled cocktails have become an increasingly common trend in the past couple years, with many local bars also getting on board during Australia's lockdowns. Mr Black joins the likes of Kahlua, Lexington Hill and Curatif in offering canned espresso martinis, distinguishing itself with the fan-favourite taste of the brand's coffee liquor. The on-the-go cocktails have been launched just in time for warmer weather and the rolling back of restrictions in many states, allowing espresso martini fans the opportunity to bring the caffeinated cocktail with them on a picnic, to a dinner party or away on a trip without needing to pack several bottles of spirits. You can find Mr Black's canned espresso martinis online, as well as in Liquorland, First Choice, Vintage Cellars and independent liquor stores. The cans come in a four pack of 200-millilitre cans which will set you back $34.99; however, if you purchase via the Mr Black website, you can can nab ten percent off your order by using the discount code MRB10 at checkout. For more information about Mr Black's espresso martini cans, and to nab ten percent off your order by using the discount code MRB10 at checkout, head to the Mr Black website. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Whether you were alive during the 80s or have gathered all your knowledge from the iconic decade from pop culture, there's no denying that, in retrospect at least, it seemed like a simpler — and certainly more colourful — time. So, if you're wanting to temporarily escape 2022 and lean hard into some 80s nostalgia, we've got just the thing. Apple TV+ has teamed up with Retrosweat to host an epic aerobics class at 10am on Saturday, June 25. We're sure you've heard about these mega-popular workouts, hosted by Shannon Dooley, before. They celebrate everything that was wonderful about the 80s — from the questionable hair and outfits to the glorious music and dance moves. Now, you'll get the chance to try one out for free, and in a pretty spectacular location, too: the Museum of Contemporary Art. But you'll have to be quick to RSVP — via the website — because the spots are limited. It's all in honour of the season two release of Physical, the dark comedy starring Rose Byrne, now streaming on Apple TV+. ICYMI, Physical shares the story of Sheila Rubin, a dutiful housewife who becomes an unlikely lifestyle guru when she discovers aerobics. In season two, audiences will watch as Sheila faces many obstacles on the road to building her fitness empire, thanks to new competitors and a less-than-perfect love life. All experience levels are welcome so don't rule yourself out if you think you have two left feet. Plus, if a sweaty workout always leaves you feeling ravenous, you'll be pleased to hear the session will wrap up with canapés and cocktails served with spectacular Sydney harbour views. https://vimeo.com/722014951 Pop on your finest g-string leotard, pull back your teased hair with a scrunchy and pull up those leg warmers because it's time to shvitz. Want to get involved? Head to the website to secure your spot. Then relive it all with 'Physical' Season 2, now streaming on Apple TV+.
Obviously, here at Concrete Playground, we're big advocates of getting out and making the city your own personal, well, playground. But sometimes a night with your best pals away from the hustle and bustle is called for, and there aren't many more altruistic reasons to stay home than raising some dosh for cancer research, prevention and support. So, we've teamed up with Cancer Council NSW to spread the word on its Girls' Night In campaign, which is running across February and March this year in line with Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and International Women's Day (Sunday, March 8). Sign up to host a Girls' Night In, round up all your mates (regardless of their gender), and give what you would have spent on a big night out to a worthy cause. Here are a few ideas for taking it a step above Netflix-and-spill. SHOP YOUR MATE'S STASH There's never a bad time for a good wardrobe clean out, so turn your lounge room into a marketplace for an epic clothes swap. And you don't even need to limit it to clothes — get everyone to bring all their unwanted shoes, accessories, books, kitchenware and weird knick-knacks, too. One (wo)man's crap is another (wo)man's treasure. If everyone pops price tags on the goods, with proceeds going to Cancer Council, you could walk away from it all with the shoes you've been coveting for months and the warm and fuzzy feeling of giving to a good cause. HOST AN OSCARS VIEWING PARTY Cinema's night of nights is almost upon us, with the 92nd Academy Awards airing on Monday, February 10. The theme of the evening lends itself to some easy and delicious snack options, so fire up the popcorn maker and roll out the red carpet. There's a way to turn anything into an opportunity to raise more cash, so pop a big bowl on the coffee table and make sure everyone brings their coin jars. Get everyone to choose a celebrity and chip in a dollar when they're on screen — or a fiver if they win a gold statue. And whenever someone gets political during a speech, that's another dollar. The possibilities are endless. THROW A GOOD OL' FASHIONED POTLUCK PARTY The 'bring a plate' tradition is pretty well known in Aussie party etiquette. But the parameters are usually pretty loose — it could range from a salad to a box of chocolates. But to really get into a party spirit, try setting a theme to your next potluck party. With Lunar New Year festivities continuing into February, you could host a festive celebration featuring fortune cookies, red and gold decorations (symbolising power, happiness and prosperity) and traditional red money envelopes for Cancer Council donations. Other themes could be getting everyone to bringing a traditional dish from their family's culture, their favourite meal from when they were a kid or a dish they've been wanting to attempt for ages (inspired by watching endless hours of Bon Appetit tutorials on Youtube). GET COMPETITIVE WITH A GAMES NIGHT Movies have made us believe that games nights are for nerds and out-of-touch parents trying to bond with their teenagers over Monopoly. Dare to play a rousing game of Exploding Kittens, battle it out at Trivial Pursuit, stretch your mind over Scattergories or Bananagrams, and practice your blank stare with a passionate round of poker or two. Better yet, take a leaf out of the Friends script and make your own trivia game about your friends and family. You can even partake in the healthiest form of gambling there is — the charity kind. THROW AN ALL-OUT MARDI GRAS PARTY Mardi Gras is, without a doubt, the most fabulous time of the year. With the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival set to kick off on February 14, and the parade rolling through Darlinghurst on Saturday, February 29, there's no better time to cover your house in glitter, crank this Pride Classics playlist and have a boogie with your chosen family — even if it's just as a pre-party before heading to the parade. Or, if crowds aren't your thing, invite everyone over for a screening party, and queue up films like The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (obviously), Pride (starring everyone's favourite 'hot priest' Andrew Scott), The Birdcage and Paris Is Burning. Gather your crew together for a Girls' Night In and donate what you would've spent on a night out to Cancer Council to help those affected by cancer. To register as a Girls' Night In party host, visit the website.
Head to any bar, and you're likely to find a margarita on the menu. The tequila-focused cocktail is a pillar in the drinks world, a staple of Friday nights and weekend celebrations. From sickly sweet pre-made mixes to a spicy marg that sets your mouth on fire, it can take a while to find a margarita that truly impresses. One of the most essential ingredients of the margarita, however, is the salt rim. Get it wrong, and your tipple can taste more Pacific Ocean than refreshing Mexican drink. Get it right, and your tastebuds can dance the perfect line between sweet and salty. Maldon Salt is one of the most reliable salts when it comes time to put that finishing touch on any dish, not just a drink, with flakes that taste refreshing, balanced and ooze flavour into whatever meal or drink they're paired with. These three Sydney venues use Maldon Salt as their secret cocktail ingredient to craft unique margaritas that value quality over quantity. The Boathouse, Rose Bay The Rose Bay Marina outpost of The Boathouse group keeps in tradition with the group's other venues — in that it's a nautical eatery with a view over an iconic Sydney waterfront. Focusing on classic Australian seafood fare and the freshest local produce, the restaurant also serves a margarita that'll surprise you. With pineapple-jalapeño-infused Olmeca Altos tequila, triple sec, lime and Maldon Salt, the Boathouse Margarita is one to put at the top of your cocktail wishlist. The Boathouse also offers the El Tropo – a coconut and mango-infused margarita featuring a Maldon charcoal salt rim for extra flavour, and the La Trajinera, a margarita crafted from mandarin liqueur, key lime, sugar syrup, and the classic Maldon sea salt rim. Pair your margarita with The Boathouse's Yellowfin Tuna Bruschetta, Crab Toast or Crispy Fried Eggplant, and your tastebuds will be thanking you in no time. Alegre Bar and Dining, Darling Harbour If you want the best margarita, head to a Mexican bar. Alegre Bar and Dining is Darling Harbour's premier Mexican restaurant with a menu inspired by Tulum cuisine. Alegre fuses native Mexican ingredients, including poblanos, pasillas chiles, varieties of corn like pozole and Mayan chocolate, with Australian ingredients like finger lime, saltbush, and pickled cumquat. Alegre Bar and Dining offers a number of classic and signature margaritas with tequila upgrades for any willing connoisseurs. The standout, however, has to be the Pepino Picante. It features muddled cucumber and mint, jalapeno-infused El Tequileño reposado, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, Cazcabel honey tequila, freshly squeezed lemon juice and a Maldon Salt rim. If you like to keep it simple, opt for the classic margarita with El Tequileno blanco, Cointreau, lime juice and Maldon Salt. The Depot, Bondi You may not look to a Bondi cafe as your first stop on a margarita tour, but The Depot may surprise you. It's open for lunch seven days a week and dinner on Thursday and Friday nights. The cafe's traditional margarita is the classic you know and love. But this time it's served with a Maldon Salt rim, creating a seaside-infused cocktail. Its spicy margarita features finger lime, cucumber, and spice, complemented by native lemon myrtle and Maldon salt for seasoning. The coastal-inspired menu features ceviche of kingfish with fried tortilla guacamole, coconut-crusted prawns with Tajin and Maldon Salt and Sydney rock oysters with smoked Maldon Salt and fresh lime — best enjoyed while taking in a classic Bondi sunset. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mayers Fine Food | EST. 1957 (@fmayerimports) Find the art of the salt rim at Maldon Salt.
Bondi is well and truly picking up its game. From new outpots of Masala Theory and Belles Hot Chicken to red-hot newbies like Zama, Makaveli and Easy Tiger, as well as Ksubi's exclusive beach house pop-up, the suburb is truly delivering on its status as the it-suburb of the warmer months. Now, entering the fray is the Devon Cafe crew who have landed in Bondi Junction with DOPA, a Japanese-focused newcomer starring a simple, fresh rice dish curated exclusively for the health-conscious Bondi local: the donburi. This retro-themed casual eatery reimagines the staple rice bowls from Japan with a focus on sustainable production and high quality ingredients, with the seventh DOPA to grace the suburbs of Sydney. Opt for the donburi and you'll be met with 20 variations featuring teriyaki chicken, wagyu beef tongue or a Bondi-exclusive, the vegan-friendly 'Bondi don' starring a plant-based patty. For dessert, take your pick from the selection including the mochi daifuku (ranging from matcha to fruity flavours like strawberry) and a slice of DOPA's original cheesecake. Plus, you can wash your meal down with DOPA's in-house-brewed iced teas with a choice between raspberry, lychee and yuzu — perfect for a sweltering summer day. You'll find DOPA Bondi inside Bondi Junction's Westfield at 500 Oxford Street, open from 11am to 5pm Sunday to Wednesday, 11am to 8pm on Thursday or 11am to 6pm on Saturday.
Seattle fans got a mid-2000s throwback last night (Tuesday, September 24) when the Jonas Brothers reunited with The Veronicas on stage for the first time in 17 years. As part of their JONAS20: Greetings From Your Hometown 20th anniversary tour, Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas have been surprising audiences with guest performers. On Tuesday, they brought Brisbane sisters Jess and Lisa Origliasso on stage to perform their 2005 hit '4ever'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by THE VERONICAS (@theveronicas) It was the first time the two acts had performed together since 2008, when The Veronicas supported the brothers on their Burnin' Up tour at the height of Disney-fuelled pop mania. For fans who came of age in that era, the reunion was a full-circle moment — The Veronicas were breaking through internationally while the Jonas Brothers were cementing themselves as teen-pop icons. The brothers teased the cameo with a tongue-in-cheek skit posted earlier in the day, in which Kevin asked, "You think they're going to play 4ever by The Veronicas?" A deadpan Joe replied, "No," before cutting to the onstage moment. Within hours, the clip had amassed more than 500,000 views. @jonasbrothers @THE VERONICAS ♬ original sound - Jonas Brothers Clips of the joint performance quickly flooded social media, with fans calling it "the crossover we didn't know we needed" and "2007 in the best way possible." For the Jonas Brothers, it was another highlight in a tour that's doubled as both a victory lap and a nostalgic tribute to their history. For The Veronicas, it was a reminder that '4ever' still hits hard, 20 years on. Top image: Getty
For the second year in a row, Splendour in the Grass will be without one of its big-name acts, with Lewis Capaldi cancelling his plans to head Down Under in July. The Scottish singer-songwriter announced in a statement that he's taking a break from touring following his Glastonbury set, which means sitting out Byron Bay's annual excuse to wear gumboots, as well as his other planned gigs in Australia and New Zealand. "The fact that this probably won't come as a surprise doesn't make it any easier to write, but I'm very sorry to let you know I'm going to be taking a break from touring for the foreseeable future," said Capaldi via social media. "I used to be able to enjoy every second of shows like this and I'd hoped three weeks away would sort me out. But the truth is I'm still learning to adjust to the impact of my Tourette's, and on Saturday it became obvious that I need to spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order, so I can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come," he continued. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lewis Capaldi (@lewiscapaldi) "I know I'm incredibly fortunate to be able to take some time out when others can't, and I'd like to thank my amazing family, friends, team, medical professionals and all of you who've been so supportive every step of the way through the good times and even more so during this past year when I've needed it more than ever." "I'm so incredibly sorry to everyone who had planned to come to a show before the end of the year but I need to feel well to perform at the standard you all deserve. Playing for you every night is all I've ever dreamed of so this has been the most difficult decision of my life. I'll be back as soon as I possibly can." Capaldi was set to lead the 2023 Splendour in the Grass lineup from Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23 alongside Lizzo, Flume, Mumford & Sons and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs — the latter of which were slated to headline 2022's Splendour in the Grass lineup, but cancelled in the lead up. With his solo shows, the 'Someone You Loved', 'Before You Go' and 'Wish You the Best' talent was due to play two shows in Sydney and Melbourne, and one each in Perth, Adelaide, Auckland and Wellington, all in July. Before Glastonbury, he had also taken a break from touring. [caption id="attachment_907307" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alexandra Gavillet[/caption] Splendour now has three gaps in its lineup, with Slowthai and Rainbow Kitten Surprise also no longer appearing at the festival. Organisers have advised that replacements for all three will be announced this week. The festival will contact Friday-only ticketholders via Moshtix about the process for refunds, while folks with tickets to Capaldi's headline shows will automatically receive their money back in full via whichever method they paid with. [caption id="attachment_891054" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ian Laidlaw[/caption] SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2023 MUSIC LINEUP: Lizzo Flume (Australian exclusive: ten years of Flume) Mumford & Sons (Australian exclusive) Yeah Yeah Yeahs Hilltop Hoods J Balvin Sam Fender Idles Little Simz Tove Lo 100 Gecs (Australian exclusive) Arlo Parks Ball Park Music Iann Dior King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard 070 Shake Pnau Ruel Loyle Carner Benee Marlon Williams Hooligan Hefs Peach PRC Palace Dune Rats Tkay Maidza Noah Cyrus Skegss Sudan Archives Cub Sport Meg Mac X Club. Claire Rosinkranz Jack River The Smith Street Band Lastlings Jeremy Zucker Young Franco Sly Withers MAY-A The Vanns Telenova Vallis Alps Jamesjamesjames Kaycyy RVG Teenage Dads Balming Tiger Automatic Harvey Sutherland Gali Del Water Gap Royel Otis Shag Rock Big Wett Mia Wray Memphis LK Gold Fang Milku Sumner Forest Claudette Full Flower Moon Band William Crighton Hellcat Speedracer Triple J Unearthed Winners Mix Up DJs: Tseba Crybaby Latifa Tee Foura Caucasianopportunities Luen Mowgli DJ Macaroni Crescendoll Splendour in the Grass will take over North Byron Bay Parklands from Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23, 2023 — head to the festival website for further details and tickets. Top image: Harald Krichel via Wikimedia Commons.
Capturing Sydney iconography while dining can be considered touristy, but you can't deny the appeal of a meal in the shadow of Harbour City symbols. There aren't many places where it's possible to see both the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge from your table, but one is House Canteen. It is ideal for a laidback feed by the harbour or to pre-game a show at the Opera House. The menu shifts throughout the day from coffee and baked goods in the morning to hawker-style Pan-Asian street food from lunch till late. The early bird gets the worm, and in this case, said worm is the bakery menu — including the likes of coffee, cold-pressed juice and tomato and aged cheddar croissants. There are also sweeter treats like jam doughnuts, seasonal fruit danishes and orange almond slices. A visit later in the day will see street-food-style goodies become available, ranging from light snacks like prawn crackers with chilli salt or sticky chicken with shallots and sriracha to larger meals like mixed sashimi, crispy pork belly with Chinese broccoli and shiitake or brown rice poke bowls with mixed vegetables. From 9.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, a late-night menu is available and offers dumplings, bao buns, grab-and-go sushi, and a wide range of cocktails to complete your evening. No matter the time of day you arrive at House Canteen, a proper feed is all but guaranteed.
There are few better spots to kick back with a cold one in the Northern Rivers than at Hotel Brunswick. Yet this easygoing riverside spot is getting a rev up this summer through a special collaboration with farm-to-table connoisseurs, Three Blue Ducks. Known for championing sustainability and ethically sourced ingredients, chefs Darren Robertson and Andy Allen have crafted a sharp menu that champions this responsible ethos without sacrificing the inviting spirit of a down-to-earth Aussie pub. Featuring ingredients gathered from across the Northern Rivers region, The Ducks at Hotel Brunswick presents a menu loaded with clever twists on pub classics and Cali-inspired bites that pair perfectly with summer's boundless sunshine. Whether you usually opt for a parmy, fish and chips, pizza or a stacked burger, Robertson and Allen have searched high and low for the best local producers to give these choice classics a paddock-to-plate lift. Plus, the Rainbow Region's fishing and surfing communities serve as inspiration for a selection of carefully considered seafood dishes. "Think Australian bay lobster rolls; pickled octopus; prawn toast with nam jim; old school prawns with Marie Rose sauce; Travla beer-battered fish and chips; chilli chicken wings; and even fried apple pie for something sweet. There's also a brand new pizza oven going in so we're going to be serving epic pizzas, flatbreads and of course there'll be a couple of cheeky salads too," says Robertson. While Hotel Brunswick's sunny beer garden makes a crisp lager or draught almost irresistible, a refreshed wine list might prove even more tempting. Across 30 hand-picked wines highlighting Australian winemakers and regions, the team behind Three Blue Ducks has placed a notable spotlight on local favourite, Jilly Wines. If cocktails are more your vibe, there are three styles of margaritas to indulge in alongside time-tested classics like mojitos, lychee martinis, amaretto sours and Japanese slippers. "We see The Bruns as one of the most iconic pubs out there and we're super pumped to bring our food to the venue," says Allen. "Personally, I can't wait to sit back in the beer garden, listen to some live music and sample what we've done." This is just the latest collab for Three Blue Ducks, who have seen their approach to sustainability, ethical produce and waste reduction grow from humble beginnings in Bronte to venues in Byron Bay, Rosebery, Nimbo, Melbourne and Bellingen. Head along to Hotel Brunswick to experience the fusion of a much-loved coastal pub with a forward-thinking culinary mindset. Images: Kitti Gould The Ducks at Hotel Brunswick is happening now. Head to the website for more information.
It was always going to be an intimidating task to adapt the bestselling novel of Japan's most popular contemporary author, Haruki Murakami. Norwegian Wood is one of the most anticipated films showing this year. Directed by Tran Ahn Hung, it's the story of university student Toru Watanabe in 1960s Tokyo. Living a solitary life at university, Watanabe runs into Naoko, the beautiful and broken girlfriend of his best friend who has recently committed suicide. Falling in love with her as she goes into a dizzying downward spiral, he has to grapple with responsibility and the irrational devotion of his own heart, while Midori, the kind of girl who makes him promise to take her to a porn film, a really dirty one, to get her over the death of her father, becomes an increasingly important part of his life. Norwegian Wood is just about my favourite novel. Part of me never wanted a film to be made, but at the same time I wanted the film to match up to the beauty of the novel in my mind. I wanted to love it. And you know what? Norwegian Wood is a spectacularly beautiful film. Some of the shots I wanted to freeze and photograph, frame them and hang them on the wall. The colours, depth of field and structure of each shot evoke perfectly everything that is beautiful in the novel. But there are problems. A lot of the context of the book is lost in the adaptation, so some of the plot seems confusing, and a lot of the cuts between scenes are disorientating. And although the soundtrack was composed by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead, the music often felt bossy and overly sentimental. The most affective scenes are the ones where there's no music at all — one in particular brought me to tears, and I never, ever, cry in films. So while it might help if you've read the book, you should definitely check out Norwegian Wood as soon as you're able. https://youtube.com/watch?v=tqiYXmpb41I
Before you ever watched your first horror movie, you probably learned one of the genre's undying truths: that, by turning out the lights, things instantly get spookier. That idea also proves accurate at The House After Dark, which sees the Sydney Opera House opening its doors for late-night tours. Returning for a second season between Thursday, May 27–Friday, June 25 — after a successful first run between January–March — the new tour marks one of the rare occasions that you'll be able to explore the Opera House when all of its performers, patrons and staff have gone home. And, if that isn't eerie enough — because wandering through big public spaces when they're free from crowds is always a little disconcerting, as the pandemic has taught us — you'll also hear ghost stories, learn secrets about the site and discover all the mysterious occurrences that have taken place in the famed venue's halls. And, you'll mosey through hidden tunnels and passageways, too. Tickets cost $55 per person, which includes drinks and dessert before the 90-minute tour. You don't want to roam around the place on an empty stomach, after all — or without a sip of something to bolster your courage. Taking place on selected nights — ranging from Wednesdays to Saturdays, with exact days varying per week — each session kicks off at 10pm, with arrivals at the State Door at 9.45pm. There's a maximum of ten people per tour, so you won't have much company. And, when tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday, May 19, getting in quick is recommended — as the first round of tours sold out quickly. [caption id="attachment_797498" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Trent Parke[/caption] Top image: Hamilton Lund. Updated May 19.
Long before the pandemic hit, all manner of books, movies, self-help websites, Instagram feeds and slogan-emblazoned homewares told us that we should all value the little things in life. That message has probably felt particularly relevant over the past year — or, right now, given the spate of lockdowns that have recently swept through most of Australia's state capitals. So, even though it's the very definition of a s small win, scoring a free packet of Tim Tams likely seems especially appealing at the moment. Locked-down residents of Sydney — and folks in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra, too — can nab a chocolate biscuit fix on Wednesday, July 7. The occasion: World Chocolate Day. Yes, it's one of those food-focused celebrations that pops up all the time, but it's also an excuse to indulge your sweet tooth. Deliveroo and Tim Tam have teamed up to give away 5000 packets of bikkies. You'll need to order some food for delivery, you'll have to spend at least $25, and you'll need to pick from one of 100 participating restaurants nationwide, too. Also, you'll need to get in early, because the freebies are available until stocks last. Eateries taking part include Bar Luca, the Rashays chain and Johnny Bird in Sydney; Boss Burger Co, Peach's Fried Chicken and Royal Stacks in Melbourne; and Arrivederci Pizzeria, Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers South Brisbane and The Yiros Shop Fortitude Valley in Brisbane. In Perth, Charco's The Flaming Chicken and Kitchen Inn Express are on the list, while Adelaide's Lukuomades and The Potato Project are also taking part — and so are Fricken Fried Chicken and Mama Dough Pizza Shop in Canberra. On Wednesday, July 7, if you order a meal that costs at least $25 from 100 different restaurants, you can score a free packet of chocolate biscuits. For further details, head to the Deliveroo app. Top image: Bilby via Wikimedia Commons.
Whether you love his work, get frustrated by his off-screen behaviour or just don't know what to make of him, Shia LaBeouf can't be accused of being boring. His resume spans everything from family sitcoms, Transformers flicks and lyrical road trips into America's heartland, to performance art at the Sydney Opera House and live-streamed anti-Trump protests — as well as marathoning his own movies in public, and wearing a paper bag on his head at the Berlin International Film Festival. His output and antics can only be described as eclectic, and, as much as anything can fit that pattern, LaBeouf's next project seems to. Called Honey Boy, it's an autobiographical film written by and starring the actor. Delving into his past as a child star, LaBeouf doesn't play himself, but instead steps into his father's shoes. Laying bare his own tumultuous ups and downs during his childhood and young adult years, LaBeouf grapples with his fame, mental health and addictions — while getting Noah Jupe (Wonder, A Quiet Place) and Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea, Lady Bird, Boy Erased, Ben Is Back) to play versions of his on-screen alter-ego, called Otis, at different ages. Directed by first-timer Alma Har'el, the film also features FKA Twigs, Natasha Lyonne, Clifton Collins Jr, Maika Monroe and Martin Starr. While, on paper, Honey Boy certainly sounds as if it could go either way — as many of LaBeouf's stunts have over the years — it premiered at Sundance back in January to rave reviews. And, as the just-released first trailer shows, it doesn't hold back when it comes to delving into trauma. The same can be said of LeBeouf's performance as his dad, and of Hedges' impersonation of LeBeouf as a teenager. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2jNCFjALSA Honey Boy doesn't have a release date Down Under as yet — we'll update you if and when that changes.
It all gets a bit much sometimes, doesn't it? With global warming, economic collapse in America, riots in London, population explosions in India, the destruction of forest in Indonesia, the cost of housing in Sydney (in fact, the cost of everything in Sydney), even the optimists among us would have to agree that we have some serious challenges to meet, and we will need some seriously good ideas to meet them. So it is nice to know that there are people like Polish architect Aleksander Krasinski, a man whose foresight might prove to be as far reaching as his imagination. Krasinski, who already has a enviable architectural career, has developed and designed the concept of the floating artificial island in response the potential threats of rising sea levels. The artificial island, which resembles a giant skyscraper, would be approximately 1000 metres in height and diameter and would include luxury apartments, office spaces, an airport, a sea port, gardens and pubic areas, all of which would centre around inner atrium, which would be dedicated to commercial and recreational pursuits. It is also remarkably beautiful. Housing up to 52,096 people, the artificial island might be the antidote to some of the world's future potential geographical and ecological problems. And while realistically, it may not be something we see in our lifetime, it nice to know the grandkids might have somewhere nice to live.
When COVID-19 first started making an impact around the globe, the pandemic felt eerily familiar to movie buffs, all thanks to decades of films about contagions and outbreaks. Now, the coronavirus has forced much of the world to retreat indoors, cancel all plans for the foreseeable future and practise social-distancing — and, via a whole heap of flicks about isolation, getting stuck inside and being trapped in one location, cinema has plenty of tales that feel overwhelmingly relevant. For years, we've all been heading to cinemas to see movies about folks stranded in space, renting DVDs about kids left home alone and adding features about sisters confined to their house to our streaming queues. Unsurprisingly, these types of films seem like perfect viewing material at this very moment. As always, it's important to remember that they're only fiction — and that whiling away your days inside won't really make Jack a dull boy — but if you're looking to watch a few movies about being cooped up while you're cooped up, here are ten that you can stream right now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb3exxD2nGo MOON If you're looking for new hobby ideas while you're stuck in one spot, Moon's Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) has more than a couple of suggestions. During his three-year stint living solo in a mining base on the far side of earth's only natural satellite, he has worked up a regular exercise routine, watched plenty of old sitcoms and whittled a miniature village out of wood. But, as this stellar sci-fi film explores, Sam's attention soon gets diverted elsewhere. Two weeks before he's due to be sent home, he crashes his lunar rover — and nothing is quite the same again. The debut feature by Duncan Jones (the director of Source Code, Warcraft: The Beginning and Mute, and also David Bowie's son), Moon proves smart, sharp, contemplative and engaging as it charts a distinctive scenario. And, while it was made nearly a decade before Rockwell won a Oscar for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, this remains his absolute best performance. Moon is available to stream on YouTube, Google Play and iTunes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ftmr17M-a4 THE THING There are few places on the planet as isolated as Antarctica, the setting for not one, not two, but three versions of The Thing. And, with zero offence meant to 1951's The Thing from Another World, John Carpenter's 1982 remake is the best of the bunch (no, the recent 2011 film with Joel Edgerton and Mary Elizabeth Winstead doesn't come close to beating it). All three draw upon John W. Campbell Jr's 1938 novella Who Goes There?; however Carpenter's sci-fi/horror classic finds the perfect mix of action thrills, unnerving frights and existential dread. It also benefits from a perfectly cast Kurt Russell leading the charge. The setup: in an American research station at the globe's southern-most point, a parasitic alien life-form starts not only attacking the residents, but taking over their bodies first. The Thing is available to stream on Foxtel Now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td_ksayX4tU MUSTANG While many movies about confinement and solitude toy with horror and sci-fi scenarios, Deniz Gamze Ergüven's Mustang instead ponders the grim reality of life for women in conservative Turkey. Set in a remote village, the Oscar-nominated film steps into the teenage existence of five orphaned sisters (Güneş Şensoy, Doğa Doğuşlu, Elit İşcan, Tuğba Sunguroğlu and İlayda Akdoğan), who take a trip to the beach with some boys from school. Upon returning home, the quintet are forbidden from leaving the house by their horrified uncle. When the sisters start rebelling against their isolation, their grandmother decides to start marrying them off. While The Virgin Suicides might instantly spring to mind, Ergüven's debut feature is marked by its cultural specificity and its spirited tone — and this account of female empowerment and camaraderie has much to say about the expectations placed upon girls in patriarchal societies. Mustang is available to stream on Kanopy, YouTube, Google Play and iTunes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcBPzqxBnRU WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE In Where the Wild Things Are, Max (Max Records) doesn't need to be trapped in one place to feel lonely. His parents are divorced and his sister barely pays him any attention, so the eight-year-old spends more time by himself — and dressed in his favourite wolf costume, too — than with anyone else. After a fight with his mother (Catherine Keener) about her new boyfriend (Mark Ruffalo), Max runs away. And, as anyone who read and re-read the book of the same name when they were a kid will know, he soon finds himself on an island inhabited by beasts known as Wild Things. Brought to the screen with imaginative visuals, excellent effects and a rich vein of thoughtfulness, the result is a moving and melancholy delight that contemplates being alone on multiple levels. Director Spike Jonze has helmed plenty of gems, including Being John Malkovich, Adaptation, Her and a heap of Beastie Boys videos, but this is his most tender and heartfelt work by far. Where The Wild Things Are is available to stream on Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C5Az-239uM JEANNE DIELMAN, 23 QUAI DU COMMERCE, 1080 BRUXELLES Unfurling in real time across more than three hours, Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce 1080 Bruxelles charts the highlights of three days in the life of its titular character (Delphine Seyrig). At first, 'highlights' might seem like an overstatement, with Jeanne's housebound routine revolving around cooking, cleaning her house, taking care of her son and — in order to earn money to pay the bills — sleeping with men for money. As the time passes, however, Belgian writer/director Chantal Akerman not only examines the ins and outs of Jeanne's daily existence with meticulous precision, but uses one single mother's time in her home to lay bare the minutiae of domesticity. Both when it first released in 1975 and still today, Jeanne Dielman is unquestionably experimental; however it's also unshakeably brilliant at immersing viewers in its eponymous figure's reality. Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce 1080 Bruxelles is available to stream on Kanopy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZspM1JrOmA8 THE SHINING Stephen King famously hated it. The Simpsons parodied it. Last year, cinemas welcomed its long-awaited sequel. For four decades now, Stanley Kubrick's The Shining has cast an enormous shadow over popular culture — as you'd expect of one of the greatest films ever made. Whether you're watching it for the first time or the hundredth, this horror masterpiece is never less than nerve-rattling. Indeed, that's the case from the moment its iconic opening scene, with its windy drive through the Rocky Mountains and its ominous theme music, initially creeps across the screen. As the Overlook Hotel's new winter caretaker Jack Torrance, Jack Nicholson puts in an exceptional performance as a man plunging into unhinged delirium in his isolated (and haunted) new surroundings, while both Shelley Duvall and Danny Lloyd also make an imprint as Torrance's wife and son. The Shining is available to stream on YouTube, Google Play and iTunes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8KBYAvYpO4 BURIED Before he became Deadpool's merc with a mouth, but after he was one of the titular figures in 90s sitcom Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place (hint: he wasn't the pizza place), Ryan Reynolds endured an incredibly tense stint in a coffin. In the economical and supremely effective Buried, he plays Paul, an American civilian working in Iraq who awakens one day to find himself stuck in a casket. Said coffin is already six feet under when Paul discovers his unfortunate predicament. He's desperate to escape; however he only has a lighter and a mobile phone on hand. Dedicating its concise 95-minute running time to its trapped protagonist's efforts to extricate himself from the situation, Buried serves up Hitchcock-level thrills, smarts and style with its one-location setup. And, while his character obviously feels otherwise, Reynolds adapts to the scenario by dishing up one of his most memorable performances. Buried is available to stream on Stan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKdVYUXyBzU GREEN ROOM If you only see one movie featuring Patrick Stewart as a fascist, heavy metal club owner, make it Jeremy Saulnier's follow-up to the criminally under-seen Blue Ruin. The actor also known as Jean-Luc Picard and Professor Xavier will send chills down your spine — but there's a just as impressive bunch of actors trying to fend him off. As the title suggests, the bulk of Green Room takes place backstage. After punk band The Ain't Rights (Anton Yelchin, Arrested Development's Alia Shawkat, A Prayer Before Dawn's Joe Cole and Emma's Callum Turner) stumble across something they shouldn't have, they become trapped behind the scenes as the locals endeavour to make sure they don't talk. Prepare to feel on edge as you watch this violent, claustrophobic and all-round excellent thriller — and prepare to appreciate Yelchin's many talents for one of the last times as well. Green Room is available to stream on SBS On Demand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzdpqRGA1qc HOME ALONE At some point in the next year or so, it's likely that a brand new Home Alone movie will be demanding your attention. Yes, the 90s classic is getting remade — by Disney+, and with Jojo Rabbit's Archie Yates, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt's Ellie Kemper and Catastrophe's Rob Delaney among the cast. But the Mouse House's streaming platform is already serving up classic Home Alone delights, with the 1990 original, 1992's Home Alone 2: Lost In New York and 1997's Home Alone 3 all currently available. Naturally, the first flick is the one that not only calls everyone's names each Christmas, but whenever you find yourself sitting in your house solo (i.e. quite often in today's COVID-19 times). Home Alone was the highest-grossing live-action comedy at the US box office for more than two decades for a very good reason, after all. Watch as Macaulay Culkin puts in a star-making performance, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern play bumbling burglars, and plenty of inventive booby traps get in the way. Home Alone, Home Alone 2: Lost In New York and Home Alone 3 are all available to stream on Disney+. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5BKctcZxrM I AM MOTHER Sci-fi thriller I Am Mother might seem familiar, story-wise; however this Australian-made standout definitely finds its own niche. Led by certain future star Clara Rugaard — who channels shades of science-fiction cinema's best leading ladies, such as Alien's Sigourney Weaver and The Terminator's Linda Hamilton — writer/director Grant Sputore's movie introduces viewers to a girl who has been raised in a high-tech underground bunker by a supremely intelligent robot she calls Mother (voiced by Rose Byrne). For years following the decimation of the human race, the pair have only had each other for company. Then, unexpectedly, a stranger (Hilary Swank) arrives asking for help. The rest is best discovered by watching, with an already bleak and twisty movie delving further into its dystopian premise. I Am Mother is available to stream on Netflix. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
When you think Halloween, you probably don't immediately think theatre. However, there's something spooky about heading down into a crypt for a show — so, if that sounds like your cup of tea, Deadhouse: Tales of Sydney Morgue is for you. Down in the crypt of St James Church, the second season of Deadhouse promises a collision of Aussie history, true crime, and drama across two immersive plays. Kicking off between October 23 and November 9, you can catch the return of Louisa Collins: A Poison Crown. The tale sees 19th-century widow Louise attempt to prove her innocence in the murder of her two husbands. Or, if a story of jailbreak and life on the run tickles your fancy, you'll want to check out Simmonds & Newcombe: The Deadly Run from November 20–30. For each show, a guide will take audiences through the eerie tunnels and rooms, while the dark scenes play out around you. Since both shows run twice a night for an audience of less than 30, you'll want to get in quick and nab your spot.
I'm not sure if 'show, don't tell' is as cardinal a rule for theatre as it is for film, but the Sydney Theatre Company's production of Orlando, directed by Sarah Goodes, is an excellent example of why it should be. Snippets from Virginia Woolf's source text which could have made some incredible images if further explored — the great frost for example, in which a young woman from Norwich was "seen by onlookers to turn visibly to powder" — are tossed away in narration as instead excessive use is made, yet again, of the stage's revolve. Tone is also a major problem. In the first five minutes, the source, a satirical, poetic, mysterious exploration of the biographical form and a fascinating subject, is frog-marched to the pantomime gallows and hung high. It spasms occasionally, Woolf's text struggling to escape its current form. Orlando is a boy — "for there could be no doubt about his sex, though the fashion of the time did something to disguise it" — and an aspiring Elizabethan poet who catches the Queen's eye. After a series of emotional misadventures, he finds himself dealt an unusual hand; approaching middle age, he transforms into a woman — and an immortal one at that. The narrative sees her navigate her way through the centuries to the 'present moment' of the 1920s. The cast is made up of a four-man chorus/ensemble (Matthew Backer, John Gaden, Garth Holcombe and Anthony Taufa), Sasha — an enigmatic Russian love interest played by Luisa Hastings Edge — and Jacqueline McKenzie as Orlando. They all shine during particular moments — although for a script which sets about complicating notions of gender, there are a disturbing number of Widow Twankeys that appear throughout proceedings. That said, once the laughter subsided, Gaden's Elizabeth was an interesting portrait of fading power and Backer's Marmaduke Shelmerdine was understated but intriguing in his defiance — hand in hand with Orlando — of the traditional parameters of gender. The audience on opening night were no doubt engaged, laughing throughout and returning the cast to the stage for two encores. But with lines like "This must be middle age. I pick up a handbag and think of a dolphin frozen beneath the ocean", I can’t help but feel that there was a richer vein of strangeness and complexity to the piece that was flogged into submission by men in silly wigs.
There's no shortage of museums in Germany. Berlin has a whole area dedicated to them, serious and important centres exploring the events of Second World War can be found all around the country, and separate spaces celebrate everything from currywurst and Easter eggs to lipstick and David Hasselhoff. The European nation's newest addition just might be its cutest, however — and a reason to make a dash to the Bavarian town of Passau, particularly if you're a dog lover. With a name like Dackelmuseum, there's only one four-legged critter that could be in the spotlight: the daschund. Also known as the Dachshund Small Residence, it boasts the world's largest collection of dachshund-related items. Inside, you'll find more than 4500 objects, and here's guessing that they're all as adorable as dachshund themselves. Drawing upon a collection compiled by florists Seppi Küblbeck and Oliver Stor over the course of 25 years, the museum steps through the history and impact of the sausage-shaped pooch in 21 display cases, with types, cultural references, music, toys and their connection to nobility all covered. Other topics include the dachshund as a muse — which is something anyone who has spent too long looking at the elongated doggos can relate to — plus dachshunds and beer, famous dachshunds, sleeping dachshunds and the 1972 Olympic mascot (who, you've guessed it, was a dachshund called Waldi when the event was held in Munich). Next time you're in Germany, you'd be barking mad to miss it. Images: Dackelmuseum
How do you fill 18 Victorian winter days with movies? That's the glorious problem that the Melbourne International Film Festival is tasked with solving each year. 2025's solution for its 73rd event will span hundreds of pictures, brand-new local features and must-see international award-winners alike, as MIFF delivers every August. Some examples this time around: Jafar Panahi's Cannes Palme d'Or-winning It Was Just an Accident, almost-100-year-old masterpiece The Passion of Joan of Arc with a new score by Julia Holter performed live, an Australian time-loop comedy involving tequila, a Baker Boy- and Hugh Jackman (Deadpool & Wolverine)-narrated tribute to David Gulpilil, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind filmmaker Michel Gondry's latest and the world-premiere of natural disaster-focused virtual-reality documentary When the World Came Flooding In. Yes, it's MIFF first glance time, with the festival revealing its initial batch of titles for 2025 — and it's a hefty collection. While there's many more to come, 26 films are now officially on the lineup and set to hit Melbourne's big screens between Thursday, August 7–Sunday, August 24. Some will also play regional Victoria venues across two weekends, Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 17 and Friday, August 22–Sunday, August 24. Then there's the return of MIFF Online via the Australian Centre for the Moving Image's streaming platform Cinema 3, sharing selected fest titles with the rest of Australia across Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 31 (and with Melburnians, too, for a week after the physical festival ends for the year). Among the films mentioned above, the combination of Julia Holter and Carl Theodor Dreyer's 1928 silent great The Passion of Joan of Arc is taking over Melbourne Recital Centre for two evenings; One More Shot will get the spirits flowing amid temporal trickery with help from Emily Browning (Class of '07), Apple Cider Vinegar co-stars Aisha Dee and Ashley Zukerman, Sean Keenan (Exposure) and Pallavi Sharda (The Office); Journey Home, David Gulpilil charts the iconic actor's journey to be laid to rest; and Maya, Give Me a Title hails from Gondry. But even from the first-glance batch, they're just the beginning. Also on the bill, for instance: Richard Linklater's (Hit Man) Blue Moon with Ethan Hawke (Leave the World Behind), Margaret Qualley (The Substance) and Andrew Scott (Ripley); Carey Mulligan (Spaceman) in music-fuelled comedy The Ballad of Wallis Island; the Dylan O'Brien (Saturday Night)-led Twinless; and Dreams, with Jessica Chastain (Mothers' Instinct) reuniting with her Memory helmer Michel Franco. "It all starts here — the full MIFF 2025 program is soon to arrive; set to be a world-ranging, celebratory and all-out extraordinary collection of films," said Melbourne International Film Festival Artistic Director Al Cossar, announcing his team's debut picks for this year. "I'm excited to share some of our first announcement of titles, and incredible highlights, of this year's MIFF: beloved auteurs, festival blockbusters, the best of new Australian filmmaking, alongside the incredibly special and absolutely unmissable live-score cinema event Julia Holter: The Passion of Joan of Arc." Similarly on the way to Melbourne: A24's Sorry, Baby starring Naomi Ackie (Mickey 17), Harvest's pairing of actor Caleb Landry Jones (DogMan) and Greek filmmaker Athina Rachel Tsangari (Chevalier), actor Jay Duplass (Dying for Sex) making his solo directorial debut with SXSW Austin favourite The Baltimorons, and The Bear and Beef alum Alex Russell also doing the same with the obsessive Lurker. The 60s-era Bond-style homage Reflections in a Dead Diamond should be at the top of your list as well if you were a fan of Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani's Let the Corpses Tan when it played MIFF back in 2018, or Amer and The Strange Colour of Your Body's Tears in general. Or, catch Cloud, with e-commerce in the spotlight in Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa's (Serpent's Path) new thriller. Plus, Marlon Williams: Two Worlds — Ngā Ao E Rua is about its namesake New Zealand musician, while Fwends is set in Melbourne and marks Sophie Somerville's first feature. If you've been paying attention to Sydney Film Festival's 2025 program and you're spotting some familiar pictures, MIFF does indeed share some of the same films, as is the custom each and every year. [caption id="attachment_1002698" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Greg Cotten.[/caption] The Victorian capital's annual major film fest boasts its own premiere fund, though, which helps to finance new Australian movies. That's where not only One More Shot but a range of other titles come in, with 2025's haul also spanning the likes of Filipino Australian photographer James J Robinson's debut feature First Light, documentary Not Only Fred Dagg But Also John Clarke about the comedy icon, the competitive Microsoft Excel-centric Spreadsheet Champions and Nigerian stand-up comedian Okey Bakassi in Pasa Faho's window into being African Australian, MIFF's program already goes on from there, and already boasts oh-so-much to get excited about; however for even more, the full 2025 lineup will arrive on Thursday, July 10. [caption id="attachment_997749" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alistair Heap/Focus Features ©2025 All Rights Reserved[/caption] The 2025 Melbourne International Film Festival runs from Thursday, August 7–Sunday, August 24 at a variety of venues around Melbourne; from Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 17 and Friday, August 22–Sunday, August 24 in regional Victoria; and online nationwide from Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 31. For further details, including the full program from Thursday, July 10, visit the MIFF website. Top image: Ben King/Stan.
It happened with The Nutcracker, Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Frozen II, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, just to name a few past Disney movies, and it's occurring again for Snow White: to immerse everyone in the world of the Mouse House's new film beyond cinemas, The Grounds of Alexandria in Sydney has given itself a temporary makeover. Expect social media feeds to be filled with snaps of this enchanted garden, plus the themed dishes now on the menu for the next couple of months — and expect Harbour City locals and visitors alike to flock in. How have all things Snow White taken over? With scenery that looks like it's been transported out of the film — greenery aplenty, plus woodland creatures as well — and everything from red apple mocktails to sweet treats inspired by the movie on offer. Yes, there's a magic mirror on the wall. And also yes, you'll spot more than a few apples. You've got until Sunday, May 25, 2025 to head by, and to sip that Evil to the Core drink (made with red apple, raspberry and citrus) at The Cafe, The Garden and The Potting Shed at The Grounds of Alexandria. Food-wise, Waiting on a Wish (a toasted almond sponge with pear cream and blackberry compote) is on the menu in The Cafe and the Poison Apple for two (spiced caramelised apple, dulcey crèmeux and mascarpone cream) is available in The Potting Shed over the same period. The film in the spotlight releases in cinemas on Thursday, March 20, starring Rachel Zegler (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) as Snow White and Gal Gadot (Heart of Stone) as her evil stepmother. Marc Webb (The Only Living Boy in New York, Gifted, The Amazing Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man 2: Rise of Electro) is behind the lens.
Art plus bar. This almost universal gallery opening deal is a pretty tasty mix already. But the MCA adds extras to this time-honoured tradition with its now SMAC-winning series ARTBAR. They're evenings of strange and interesting things at play among the art, recurring monthly and curated by a rotating cast of local artists. This month zine-maker, artist and architect Keg de Souza helps the MCA celebrate the moveable bar's first anniversary. Helping her throw this Weird Science-themed party will be glass-muncher Justice Yeldham, weed lover Diego Bonetto and former director of Eastern Bloc and robot-maker, Wade Marynowsky. Image by Amy Loves Yah.
When a new restaurant and bar opens, or relaunches after a revamp, the menu always takes pride of place — but we all know that that's not the only attraction when you're heading to a venue. Design-wise, what's on the inside counts as well. And, at the Australian Interior Design Awards, top-notch decor in hospitality, residential, workplace, retail and public settings all gets thrust into the spotlight. On AIDA's 2022 shortlist, plenty of places have been given the nod — all now vying to emerge victorious when the gongs are handed out this winter. This marks the accolades' 19th year of showcasing the finest design minds working in Australia's residential, commercial and public sectors, and the work on display by the contenders is unsurprisingly stunning. Obviously, if you like your interiors swish, plush, luxurious and stylish all round, you're going to want to visit, live in or work at all of the places up for this year's awards. Among the hospitality, retail and public spots that've earned some love, dropping by to scope of their interior design is definitely possible. [caption id="attachment_849500" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Genovese Coffee House by Alexander CO. Photography by Anson Smart.[/caption] It helps if you live in Sydney or Melbourne, with spots in New South Wales and Victoria featuring heavily on the shortlists. Starting in the Harbour City, standouts include Genovese Coffee House in Alexandria, Ursula's Paddington, The Woollahra Hotel and The Imperial in the hospo field, and the revamped Theatre Royal Sydney in the public design category. Melbourne's Smith Street Bistrot, Entrecôte Prahran, Yugen Tea Bar, Tokyo Tina, Untitled, Hector's Deli South Melbourne, Ovolo South Yarra, Society, Flower Drum and Yakimono also rank among the places in the running, plus The Lume Melbourne and Victorian Pride Centre. [caption id="attachment_849499" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fugazzi by studio gram. Photography by Jonathon VDK.[/caption] In Queensland, only six spots have made the cut: homes in Toowong and New Farm, Alba Noosa Providore and Wineism in the retail field, and two workplaces — with the local hospo industry missing out. Elsewhere, Inka Japanese Restaurant in Canberra, and Fugazzi and Arkhé in South Australia join the places in contention. The rundown goes on in all fields, which means that there's no shortage of strikingly designed new, revamped and refurbished places demanding your attention around around the country. This year's winners will be announced in-person at a dinner the Hyatt Regency Sydney on Friday, June 17. For the full Australian Interior Design Awards 2022 shortlist, head to the AIDA website. Top images: Society by Russell George. Photography by Sean-Fennessy and Shannon McGrath. / Flower Drum by Studio 103. Photography by Pete-Dillon. / The Imperial by Welsh Major. Photography by Clinton Weaver.
Following the success of its Chatswood outpost, Japanese cult-favourite Gram Cafe has opened a second flagship Sydney store, serving fluffy soufflé pancakes inside The Galeries. The dessert specialist's new CBD store is an 80-seat banquet-style dining space, doubling the capacity of the original Chatswood spot. Founded by Takeshi Takata, Gram Cafe opened its first store dedicated to sky-high soufflé pancakes in Osaka back in 2014, before quickly gaining a cult following across Japan (and across the internet). Since then, it has opened more than 60 stores in Asia, Canada and the US. While the crowds flock to Gram for the soufflé pancakes, if you're looking to deviate from the classics you can opt for mochi pancakes, french toast or a new savoury addition to the menu, The Benedict with bacon, cheese and hollandaise sauce. The signature and exclusive dish for the new store is The Galeries Premium Pancake which piles nutella, banana and toasted hazelnuts on the soufflé pancakes. "We are so excited to open our second Australian store in such a major fashion here in the CBD," Gram Cafe Australian Chief Executive Officer Scarlett Zhao said.
When James Lowe, the chef and owner of Michelin-starred Lyle's in London, visited Ester in Chippendale, he felt he'd discovered his 'spirit animal restaurant'. He subsequently invited Ester's chef and owner Mat Lindsay to fly over to join him for an edition of his Game dinner series. Now, the two are collaborating again. This time they're in Sydney, to create a chapter in Vivid's Chef Series at Ester. Over three nights, the duo will cook up an eight-course storm featuring the best Australian produce they can get their hands on. Prepare for super-fresh seafood, bold flavours and plenty of fire — the two chefs both love cooking over it. Tickets, at $250 per person, are available online. You can add matching wines for $150. Looking for other spots to dine during Vivid? Check out Vivid Fire Kitchen on the Goods Line, the Sydney Opera House Forecourt Food Village and Nigella Lawson's multi-course dinners in the Muru Giligu pedestrian tunnel.
