Neither the cash nor inclination to hotfoot it to Byron Bay this Easter? Folks no longer willing to stash eggs in your backyard? Despair not. Take a staycation and get into some good ol' hometown fun. Find beachside shenanigans, live music, banquets and aqua egg hunts on the harbour. Say farewell to one of the last of the openair cinemas for the season, or take a bike tour along Sydney's foreshores. For those who like to spend their Easter weekend with a bucketload of hip hop and '00s R&B, there's more than one party for you.
Camperdown is really coming into itself of late. As Newtown's quieter sister suburb, it's always seemed to slightly live in the shadows when it comes to openings — it's pretty geographically dominated by the University of Sydney and RPA. But in 2016, Camperdown is like Cady Heron ala Mean Girls Act Two (that is, after she gets a big ol' makeover, and is still sassy and sabotaging the Plastics, but before she becomes a mean girl for real). Go with it. Camperdown is fetch. We're not the only ones to hold this opinion though, as a whole murder of cafe openings have cropped up recently (yes, the collective noun for cafe openings is murder, sure). First up, we've got Boss Lady Food & Co on Purkis Street — which already has our allegiance for the name alone. The menu is a mixture of Greek and Egyptian influences with an Aussie twist, and dishes are named after the boss ladies themselves. Because they're boss ladies. For something a little more retro, Little Lord Cafe has also just opened on Salisbury Road, and it's definitely pushing the grandma and grandpa's house nostalgia vibes. Their menu is a simple affair of coffee, cakes and sandwiches, all plucked from a few generations ago. Think pineapple upside-down cake and scotch eggs, and all served in cosy, living room-style surrounds. Little Lord took over the space that once housed the adorable Pigeon Ground Records, and we're stoked to see the continuation of twee-ness. And we’re expecting a few more exciting openings in the next few months too, after the unfortunate closure of Mo’s Pantry on Purkis Street. And so the impending gentrification of the inner west continues. But in the meantime: Camperdown, you're lookin' mighty fine. Image: Boss Lady.
A new Sicilian restaurant headed by internationally acclaimed chef Lino Sauro is the latest venue set to join the still-blooming Kensington Street precinct. Opening on the second floor of the newly restored Old Rum Store, it will join first-level French restaurant Bistrot Gavroche, Japanese-American fusion newcomer Eastside Grill, and new pop-up The Private Kitchen on level three. The best part? It'll have its own rooftop terrace. Sauro has spent the past ten years in Singapore where he headed Sicilian restaurant Gattopardo. His new Sydney venture is called Olio, which is the Italian word for olive oil — a very appropriate name given that olive oil, which will make up the base of the Sauro's dishes, sourced from his family farm in Sicily. As for the rest of the ingredients, seafood, wild fennel, raisins, saffron and couscous all play a big part in the menu. Sicily's natural environment — like the ocean and its abundance of olive trees — and historic relations with North Africa and Mediterranean Europe are major influences on Sicilian cuisine. Sauro's own farming heritage has also inspired a passion for cooking with fresh, local produce. For Olio, he's prioritised international award winners in his choice of architects too. LAVA, who are also responsible for designing Abu Dhabi's Masdar eco city centre and Sydney's Martian Embassy, have designed both the indoor dining room and the rooftop terrace to reflect the menu. They've incorporated the industrial history of the space — like its exposed brick and loft-style windows — into a modern revamp, which includes hints of Mediterranean blue and olive green in the colour scheme and Sicilian tiles. Those dining on the terrace will be treated to views of Central Park's vertical garden and Kensington Street's Spice Alley while surrounded by olive trees. Olio opens January 28 om the second floor of The Old Rum Store, 2-10 Kensington Street, Chippendale. Images: Lauren Commens.
As far as Henry Miller was concerned, alone time is crucial to creativity. “An artist is always alone,” he wrote, “if he is an artist. What the artist needs is loneliness.” But spending day in, day out, with only your cat for company isn’t always a recipe for inspiration. Luckily, Etsy is well aware of the problem. So, every year, they host an enormous, worldwide Craft Party. Artists and craftspeople all over the planet are encouraged to get together to paint, draw, sculpt, sew and make — with like-minded others. This year, the gathering will be happening on June 6 and the theme is 'Kaleidoscope: Paper taking shape'. It's all about collages and paper cutting techniques this year, so come armed with scissors. Etsy Craft Parties will be held all over Australia. You can organise your own, or to attend one of Sydney's major bashes, book a spot online.
The Lobo Plantation crew should have no time for fun. Sydney legends and Lobo co-owners Jared Merlino, Mikey Hwang and Eddie Levy been way too busy of late. Jared's teamed up with Lewis Jaffrey (formerly of The Swillhouse Group) to create Oxford Street's hip hop cheese and wine bar Big Poppa's (opening next week), and Jared, Mikey and Eddie run one of the city's best cocktail spots, Lobo. But they've had even more on their epic to-do list of late: they're opening their highly-anticipated new cocktail bar next week. Named Kittyhawk, the bar will take over a space on Phillip Lane in the CBD, formerly occupied by short-lived '80s richo business bar Bondy's (the one with the $20,000 cocktail and a theme inspired by Alan Bond). It's a two-level space in the heart of the city, also once housing posh pub Bull and Bear. The ground floor will be opened first as cocktail bar Kittyhawk, and then word is that work will begin on a restaurant upstairs. Drinks-wise, their initial announcement suggested there'd be a focus on rum and rye whiskey, with super bartender Paige Aubort behind the wheel. And the trainings begin! Team Kittyhawk absorbing all of the Rum and Rye knowledge before we swing open the doors next week. Watch this space. @kittyhawksyd @paigeaubort @dre.walters A photo posted by Kittyhawk (@kittyhawksyd) on Jun 21, 2016 at 5:46pm PDT So, what theme have the Lobo crew chosen this time? AZBCreative has designed the joint, celebrated for their work with Lobo as well as Pink Salt, The Island, The Goodwill Society and pop-ups like Sydney's Duff Beer bar. Neither Kittyhawk's major owner Jared or his co-captains Mikey and Eddie haven't revealed much about the bar's layout or menu, we're taking clues from the name. Kittyhawk is an alternate name for a US World War II fighter aircraft, the Curtiss, and the bar's Instagram account seems to suggest a WWII-based theme, particularly focused around Paris during the Liberation in the 1940s. To give you more of an idea, the website looks pretty wartime: Kittyhawk opens in the CBD next week at 16 Phillip Lane, Sydney. Details TBC. Image: Lobo Plantation.
Australians are notoriously picky when it comes to their daily coffee. But how many of us actually know how and why coffees can vary so much from place to place? Sure there's the skill of the barista, but it might be time to learn a bit more about the beans to inform our preferences. Here's a handy guide to coffee tasting, from what aromas to look for to how to drink better coffee in general. You'll be hosting your own coffee cupping sessions at home in no time — something you can even do with the humble coffee pod. [caption id="attachment_578979" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Daniel Ruswick.[/caption] WHY DO A COFFEE TASTING? Coffee cupping sessions are about educating people on the difference in beans. Where they're from, if they're single origin, how they're roasted and ground all contribute to a different product at the end of the line. Sam Gibson co-owner of Back and Forth cafe attends quarterly cupping sessions with his supplier Gabriel coffee. "Coffee tastings are important to identify the profile of the coffee, where it's from and how it's roasted determines the flavours which inform our choices of what to serve." Back and Forth has a house blend then a monthly single origin coffee it grinds freshly and sells to customers. Cupping sessions are also available and gaining popularity at places like Campos in Newtown and Rueben Hills in Surry Hills. DO'S AND DON'TS Don't do anything silly like brush your teeth just before doing a tasting. Cleanse the palate with sparkling water, that's not too cold between tasting. Don't swallow the coffee, but do leave it and swill it around your mouth a bit before spitting it out. Don't add sugar. When you're sipping, Gibson advises to take in a little bit of air with the mouthful, in the same way as when you're tasting wine. "It's really important as it gets the coffee to the back of the mouth and all over the tongue," he says. [caption id="attachment_578982" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Drew Coffman.[/caption] WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR "Aroma is really important and the first thing to be considered," says Gibson. Before tasting the coffee smell each one after the other and notice the difference. Then smell each one again just before you taste it. "Very roughly speaking the darker blends are better for milky coffees as they hold up with their more full bodied, bitter chocolatey characteristics." Lighter blends tend to be a bit more earthy, floral and citrusy which suit black coffee. When tasting the coffee think about characteristics beyond the actual flavour profiles like body, acidity, complexity, mouth feel and finish. Try to think of words that describe the flavours you're tasting, such as grassy, earthy. chocolatey, sharp, delicate, bitter, bold etc. COFFEE TASTING AT HOME With the rise in popularity of portable espresso machines at home, so too are people developing tastes for their favourite beans and blends in the pods. Australian startup company Tripod Coffee sources single origin and blended regional beans, then roasts and vacuum sealed locally to retain freshness. It might be an idea to get one of their sample packs, which has all five varieties from their spicy, savoury, cedar style 'Grey Gaucho' to their raisiny, citrusy and coco bean-esque 'Blue Beret'. Otherwise getting a small pack of a few different beans from a cafe, having them freshly ground and serving them French press style side by side, is a surprisingly good way to compare the characteristics of the beans. TIPS FOR DRINKING BETTER COFFEE Adding sugar is a real no-no for coffee purists. But knowing what kind of bean suits the way you drink your coffee (black, espresso or flat white, for instance) can help you make an educated choice to bring out the best in your coffee. Never keep coffee in the freezer at home, but tightly sealed somewhere dry. The best thing you can do is invest in a grinder and grind small quantities of beans as you make your coffee. And try as much coffee as you can — shake it up.
He's created culinary delights for Cate Blanchett, David Beckham and U2, now chef Nelly Robinson (formerly of the Aria group) wants to cook for you. Snuggled in an underground bunker-style space in Surry Hills, Robinson's brand new London-like eatery nel. restaurant is the city's newest 'progressive dining' spot. Sitting on Wentworth Avenue on the border of Surry Hills, nel. works around an open, modern kitchen layout — you'll be able to see your nosh prepared from every seat in the house. Decked out with copper facades, exposed brickwork and minimalist leather booths, nel. is sure to be on the top of Sydneysider must-try lists. Food-wise, nel. is all about shaking things up. Robinson has worked with acclaimed Northern English chef Nigel Howarth (Northcote Manor, UK), so this is his own personal branch-out. Robinson's crafted a monthly rotating seasonal menu — right now we're talking venison carpaccio with a chocolate dust and pickled enoki mushrooms; slow-cooked and water bathed Tasmanian lobster with paprika and garlic butter, charred sweet corn and fresh mango; and blowtorched peach with elderflower sorbet and a buttermilk mousse. Accompanying the constantly changing menu is ten specially-matched wines — you'll be served two with each dish so you can experience different tastes (without the judgement-bait of having two wines at a time). nel. restaurant is located at 75 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills NSW 2000. nel. restaurant will be open for lunch Tuesday-Saturday 6pm-late, Thursday-Friday 12pm-3pm. For more info and bookings, call (02) 9212 2206 or visit the website.
A basement bar with 150 whiskies and a fireplace, The Doss House is exactly where you want to be during the winter months. But, its new pop-up openair bar is made for balmy summer nights. Running until February 9, The Dock Yard has taken over the historic sandstone courtyards surrounding The Doss House. It's open from 4pm Thursday—Sunday serving up Furphy and Guinness on tap, Aussie wines and four classic cocktails: negronis, old fashioneds, Aperol spritzes and espresso martinis. Cheap espresso martinis. If you head along from 4–6pm, Thursday–Sunday, you can grab one for just $6. To eat, you'll find cheese, charcuterie — including the likes of kangaroo prosciutto and wild boar salami — and ploughman's boards, hefty sandwiches and sourdough with hummus. The bar is inspired by the many sailors and merchants that frequented The Rocks during the 1800s, so expect nautical theming and knick-knacks scattered throughout, too. The Dock Yard is open from 4pm–midnight Thursday–Saturday and 4–11pm Sunday.
Sydney record label Of Leisure are teaming up with V MoVement to host a party with all the good things: lawn bowls, putt-putt, ping-pong and of course, killer tunes. Did we mention it's free? The label launch party will be headlined by Brisbane's Young Franco, who has been touring the country with the likes of Basenji and Touch Sensitive. Last time Young Franco made it to Sydney, his show at Civic Underground sold out two weeks in advance. MUTO, Tyler Touché and GRMM will kick things off, along with Of Leisure DJs and a mystery special guest. The dress code is listed as 'Australiana inspired White, Off White, Cream, Beige, Pastel' — bust out the stain remover and interpret this however you wish. The shenanigans will be taking place at Marrickville Bowling Club. Entry is free with with an RSVP at the Of Leisure webpage.
When the sun goes down every Wednesday, the Art Gallery of NSW decks the halls with jam-packed evenings of talks, guided tours, and live music. A super-charged extension of the Gallery's usual Wednesday night Art After Hours program will run on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, dubbed Up Late with The Greats. After the Gallery's usual closing time of 5pm, you can take an extended jaunt through The Greats exhibition — featuring the likes of Titian, Botticelli, Gauguin and Degas, all the way from the National Galleries of Scotland — and partake in a ramped up range of activities. On Wednesday nights, celebrated comedian and SERIOUS art nerd Hannah Gadsby will be unveiling her SERIOUS art history chops and treating gallery-goers to a VERY SERIOUS rundown of different eras of Western art history each week. There'll be salon drawing on Thursday nights, and live music by members of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra on Friday nights. On all three nights, Young Henrys will be serving a limited edition masterpiece-inspired brew at the Gallery’s pop-up bar. Up Late With The Greats will run Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays from January 6 – 29.
Forget about the mouldy old sandwich you’ve got sitting in the communal office fridge. Today only, ride sharing service Uber and food charity OzHarvest have teamed up with some of the best chefs and restaurants in the country, and will be delivering gourmet lunches right to your office door. Starting at noon today, hungry Uber users in the Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Gold Coast CBDs will be able to log into the app and request a lunch box. The meal will cost you just $12, and will be delivered to you by an Uber driver. Better yet, your money will go straight to OzHarvest in order to help them feed impoverished Australians. Uber has already donated $10,000, which will be used to fund 20,000 meals. So what does your money get you? Sydneysiders will chow down on a corned beef burger from Neil Perry’s Burger Project, while Brisbanites can enjoy a Reuben Sandwich from Matt Moran’s ARIA, and Melburnians get stuck in to a George Calombaris mix plate that includes mini spanakopita from Hellenic Republic, flat bread from Gazi, grain salad with chicken from Mastic and petit fours from The Press Club. Neil Perry pops up again in Perth with a Reuben from his Rockpool Bar & Grill, whereas Adelaide gets a Jock Zonfrillo vegetarian option of fire pit pumpkin with goats curd, spiced macadamias and crispy salt bush. Last but not least, diners on the Gold Coast can choose between slow-braised beef brisket with pearl barley and garden salsa, or roast butternut squash, capsicum, zucchini, pearl barley & sun dried tomato pesto — both courtesy of Dennis Duncanson’s Paradox Coffee Roasters. You’ll have to get in quick though. There are just 200 meals available in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and even less in Perth, Adelaide and on the Gold Coast. The promotion runs until 2pm, but odds are they’ll sell out long before. To order your lunch, log into your Uber app starting from 12pm today and put in a request. For more info, go here. If you’d like to donate directly to OzHarvest, visit www.ozharvest.org. Image: George Calombaris' Grain Salad.
Two fast food staples, both alike in dignity, in fair Hong Kong where we lay our scene. An unlikely pair of greasy star-cross'd lovers have been fused by the world's biggest chicken specialist — KFC has created the unholy union of pizza and fried chicken. Found only in Hong Kong for now, KFC's new Napoli Crispy Pizza Chicken sees the chain's immortal fried chicken breaded with marinara, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. It's pure, horrifying genius. They've even got some slightly freaky children's choir in on the local ad. We thought things would settle down after KFC decided to replace their buns with chicken, but no. This mighty fast food hybrid proves our suspicions that the global trend toward fusing unlikely food friends is getting more messed up by the day. Just go with it, we guess? Via Gizmodo.
If you’re the kind of person who thinks spotting the key vinyl pressing missing from your collection at the bottom of a box is comparable to the highs of first love, At First Sight at Carriageworks is the part record fair, part live gig, part passionate affair for you. Following its sell-out success in 2013, when more than 5000 people wandered through the doors, At First Sight is back for another Saturday of finding your new music love. Rather than having you wait until you get home with your new finds to jam out, this record fair with a difference is bringing you some the best Aussie artists and DJs to keep you company. While you flip through rows of vinyl-filled milk crates curated by Sydney's independent record stores, labels and private dealers, you can expect bands like Blank Realm, Rolling Blackouts, Total Gionvanni, Lost Animal, Donny Benet, My Disco, Palms, Richard Cartwright, Tees, World Champion and more to join you in the aisles, as well DJs including Adi Toohey, Kali, Andras and DJ Jonathan Toubin — who VICE declared “the only DJ we actually like” — bringing you his Soul Clap & Dance Off from the USA. Lacking the dance moves needed for your new tunes? Sydney choreographer Amrita (known for her Beyonce Dance Classes at Goodgod) is collaborating with DJ and videographer Ego for a unique performance on the day. Dreamed up by FBi Radio’s Martin Doyle, this may be the one record fair to rule them all. The festival runs noon to 11pm, while the record fair runs 10am to 6pm.
Wine is amazing, spirits are brilliant, and even cider has a place, but nothing takes the mid-week edge off like a delicious, crisp beer. There's nowhere better to visit than Bitter Phew, an Oxford Street bar with 12 taps that consistently rotate through some of the best craft beers on the scene. As such, there's always something for everyone — whether you're after the crisp, fruity palate of a pale ale, or looking for the deeper, chocolate tones of a dark ale. Treat yourself to an early mark, a couple brews and Mr Crackles or BL Burgers delivered straight to your table, as Oxford Street comes alive with fellow hump day revellers.
Sydney's got a brand new pop-up bar — but it's a little bit different to the ones we're used to. It's not a whisky bar or a wine bar, or a craft beer hole-in-the wall. Nope, this bar's poison of choice is water. An installation art piece in the Paddington Reservoir Gardens, the H2O: Water Bar resembles something between a laboratory and a speakeasy. The work consists of various flasks of water collected from different spots along the east coast, which will be served up to visitors to sample. In tasting the subtle differences between each type of water, visitors are asked to consider its importance and fragility, lest we continue to squander our planet's most important natural resource. The bar is the brainchild of Janet Laurence, an acclaimed local artist whose work often intersects with the natural world and humanity's relationship to it. Having exhibited her art everywhere from London to Tokyo to the recent global climate summit in Paris, Laurence hopes that her new work "will make people realise that water is a real treasure". As the H2O: Water Bar opens up to Sydneysiders for the first time, we spoke with Laurence about the origins of the project, the relationship between art and politics, and how water can be a lot like wine. [caption id="attachment_559821" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Janet Laurence and her buddy, Muddy.[/caption] Where did the idea for the H2O: Water Bar come from? "Well, funnily enough, it came from seeing inside the Paddington Reservoir, when it was being renovated years ago. I was captivated by this beautiful space, and I just thought that we had to have a water artwork in here of some sort. I have in the past done some works using water. I did a big piece for the Olympic site that was all about water chemistry, and I did a piece that emulates the hydrology of the CH2 [Council House 2] building in Melbourne. And they were both very research-based works about water. So you develop this knowledge and it becomes part of your language, so every work is more researched, and develops a bit further." What are you interested in exploring through your work with water? "My area of interest in my art has always been our relationship to the natural environment. Which is quite broad. It can take us into really focusing on particularly fragile or extinct species, right through to more atmospheric things — things like water. It's about trying to create an immersive installation that will bring the audience in to recognising that there are issues to be considered. At the same time, it's an aesthetic experience. It's not a purely didactic thing." What should people expect when they visit the bar? "Firstly, the visitors are going to be brought into the most beautiful space. People often see the park above, but they don't realise that underneath is this magnificent reservoir that has been restored into this magical inside-outside garden. So they have to walk through this to arrive at the inner chamber, which is this very solid structure, and at the end they'll see a very fragile treasure chest of all the flasks housing water. These will then be offered to [visitors] by water bearers — or 'water conductors' as I'm calling them — who will walk around [with] all these different waters in test tubes. It's sort of like, if you go for a wine tasting or a cheese tasting, you're not going to sit there and drink down gallons of wine. It's about tasting and sampling and trying to experience different tastes of water according to where it's from, and questioning why it tastes different...at a time in the world when water is becoming so precious, we really have to think about all of these things." So, we have to ask, it really is possible to distinguish between the waters by their taste? "In actual fact, you can. You probably notice yourself when you travel how different water tastes in all the different places that you go. But we don't know how to talk about that elemental aspect of it...the difference in the rock they've passed through, how long water takes to reach a place. All of these things we don't consider." What do you hope visitors will take away from their visit to the H2O: Water Bar? "What I hope the whole project will do is make people realise that water is a real treasure...these waters connect us to the earth, and I think that's really important. Especially in a country like Australia. Indigenous people have always treated water as sacred and precious, whereas we've been so indulgent with it, and wasteful, and think it'll never end. I'm very much interested in art having a voice in those issues, because artists can speak about things in a way that politicians and scientists often can't. H2O: Water Bar will run at Padding Reservoir Gardens until Sunday, February 28. For more information on the pop-up, visit their website. Images courtesy of City of Sydney. Photography by Nikki To.
Winter has come to an end, so you can pack away the mittens and embrace the warm mornings with sunrise yoga on the Sydney Opera House steps. The ten-week program kicks off on October 10 with classes running three days a week. Yoga will be led by Crawf Weir (of Barefoot Yoga in Paddington) on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Following the popularity of last season's yoga, additional classes have been added on Wed and Sat — if you're not a morning person, you'll be happy to know they're later on, too. Tickets are a little steep at $25 each, but there's surely no better way to start your day than by saluting the sun as it shimmers over the harbour and those legendary white sails as your backdrop. If the weather's not brilliant, yoga will be held inside the Concert Hall Northern Foyer instead. Sunrise on the Steps will run from October 10–December 15 with classes held at 7am and 8.30am on Wednesdays, 7am Fridays, and 7.30am and 9am on Saturdays. Images: Ken Leanfore.
As temperatures (finally) begin to drop and sidewalks become blanketed with layers of leaf-litter, its time to take things indoors. But rather than skipping straight to the wintery ritual of cozying up in front of the fireplace of your neighbourhood pub, we've found you the perfect autumn watering hole. A Surry Hills institution, The Winery welcomes the team from champagne house Perrier-Jouet for a residency you'll want to get along to. Le Jardin by Perrier-Jouet brings drinkers a Garden of Eden-inspired pop-up bar, complete with lush indoor greenery and plenty of champagne flowing. Opening their doors from 5pm Thursday and Fridays, as well as Saturdays and Sundays from 3pm, Le Jardin is the grown-up garden party you've always wanted to be a part of. And this Wednesday, April 27, Perrier-Jouët will host a champagne masterclass in the Le Jardin space. The masterclass, hosted by Perrier-Jouët's Global Champagne Ambassador Chris Sheehy, will take participants through a selection of the French champagne house's famed cuvees — including the Grand Brut, the Belle Epoque 2007 and the Blason Rose. Each Champagne will be paired with a specially created menu, featuring natural oysters with cucumber granita, pan seared salmon with Champagne Beurre Blanc, orange and fennel, and white chocolate pannacotta berry compote. You can buy tickets here, or enter your details below for your chance to win a spot at the table. [competition]569492[/competition]
Anita Sarkeesian is one of the world’s bravest women. One of the key players taking aim at misogyny in the world of video games, Sarkeesian has been both applauded and attacked worldwide for her outspokenness about the gaming industry — she even explained #Gamergate to Stephen Colbert. Her blog Feminist Frequency and video series' Tropes vs. Women and Tropes vs. Women in Video Games have seen anti-feminist trolls sending serious threats her way — Sarkeesian even had to cancel a speaking appearance at Utah State University after terrorist threats. But haters be damned, the feminist critic at the forefront of gaming debates is finally coming to Sydney, one of All About Women’s most important speakers. Returning to the Sydney Opera House as part of the Ideas at the House program, All About Women returns for its third year in 2015 for one day of panels, readings and talks, celebrating, discussing and analysing women and their stories. Ideas at the House have attracted the likes of Tavi Gevinson, Yoko Ono and Alice Waters to the SOH stage over the years, and this year's AAW is one of their most ambitious programs yet. Most fittingly this year, AAW lands smack bang on International Women's Day, March 8, joining a global high-five to women worldwide. Joining Sarkeesian for this year’s festival is a powerhouse of a lineup over 19 sessions. Sarkeesian will join the ever formidable Germaine Greer — wouldn’t be AAW without her — for a panel called How to Be a Feminist, alongside ever outspoken novelist Tara Moss, feminist pop culture writer Clementine Ford, The Atlantic contributing editor Kate Bolick and kickass author, editor and English professor Roxane Gay. Ever the provocative writer, Gay will lead her own talk, Bad Feminist, focused around her controversial book of the same name which debates, “We don’t all have to believe in the same feminism.” Gay loves Sweet Valley High and blasting rap with degrading lyrics, can she still identify as a feminist? National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence and modern day Steve Zissou, 79-year-old Sylvia Earle, will teach us How to Save The Planet, while Eat Pray Love author Elizabeth Gilbert picks up where her straight-up killer TED talk left off (that one with the cheeky nine million views) reflecting on the handicaps of creative ‘genius’. Amazingly, Gilbert’s hairdresser is also a boss writer; Syrian-born, US-raised Rayya Elias talks ‘80s New York City, drug addiction, homelessness and the punk/performance scene. Contributing editor for The Atlantic and author of one of their most successful cover stories, 'All the Single Ladies' (with over one million readers), Kate Bolick will unpack the idea of singleness ahead of her 2015 book release, Spinster, while Washington Post staff writer and New York Times bestselling author Brigid Schulte delves into her book Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has The Time. The ever convivial Annabel Crabb will unpack her book, Breaking the Wife Drought, Judith Lucy discusses her new ABC show All Woman, while author of Hideous Kinky, Esther Freud (yep, of those Freuds), talks about her own childhood — imagine growing up a Freud. Greer brings in her Emeritus Professorship in English Literature to team up with her contemporary John Bell for the talk Shakespeare’s Women, then returning after two sold-out years at AAW, the Baulkham Hills African Ladies Troupe tell stories of survival, human resilience and joy. Being a woman in 2015 has never been more discussed, with Emma Watson carving up the UN, Beyonce flashing the F word in our faces, Jennifer Lawrence sticking it to the perves and Malala Yousafzai showing us all what true bravery looks like. Let's rep it on the home front shall we? All About Women comes to Sydney Opera House on March 8, 2015. Check out the full program and the AAW festival calendar at sydneyoperahouse.com/aaw. Tickets from $25, on sale 9am Monday 15 December through SOH or 02 9250 7777. Top image: Alex Lazara.
In the space of one month, you can learn the 'Nutbush' for six hours, check in with Sierra Leone's courageous fashion choices post-civil war, and find neon caves, giant, glowing phalluses and large-scale demon murals lurking inside the Art Gallery of NSW, MCA and Carriageworks. Paradigms be damned, this month, Sydney galleries are putting eclecticism first. Whether an autumn storm's raging or the city's immovable humidity is too much for you to bear, find your way to Sydney's best galleries this April for candy-coloured models of Palm Springs, eerie landscape photography and Xanadu roller skating displays. By Lucy McNabb with Matt Abotomey, Imogen Baker and James Whitton.
The Museum of Contemporary Art's Artbar has become a firm fixture on Sydney's after-dark cultural calendar. For the uninitiated, Artbar combines art, music, design and performance for a huge adults-only art party on the last Friday of every month, curated by a different artist each time. This month, the event will be held a week early, and comes under the direction of Melbourne-based artist Kate Beynon. Beynon draws on cultural identities — including her own upbringing in Hong Kong and the UK — to tell stories through paintings and soft sculptures. For Artbar, Beynon has chosen the theme of 'mixture' to run the proceedings, curating a night that explores multiculturalism and hybridity through fantastical installations, performances and, of course, a dance party on the MCA rooftop. Your ARTBAR ticket also includes free entry to Pipilotti Rist's Sip My Ocean.
Whenever an exciting tour announcement arrives, it usually heralds two pieces of good news. Firstly, someone ace is coming our way. Secondly, they probably have something new — an album or a book — to spruik. That's firmly the case with the latest revelation for 2023: David Sedaris' next Australia tour. This time, the author, comedian and NPR humorist has just dropped New York Times best seller Happy-Go-Lucky, and he's heading to Hobart, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to talk about it. Known for his snappy wit, as well as his discerning and astute ability to observe life's moments — both trivial and extraordinary — in both an observational and unique way, Sedaris is making his sixth trip Down Under to chat about the book, which focuses on the pandemic. If you haven't seen Sedaris live before, his shows are part of the reason that he's built up such a following. Onstage, he regularly weaves in new and unpublished material, too, so — and the satirist will throw it over to the crowd for a Q&A as well, and sign copies of his book. Sedaris is celebrated for his constant This American Life appearances, must-read pieces in The New Yorker and his past unputdownable books such as Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls and Theft By Finding: Diaries (1977-2002). If you've been searching for a supportive environment to use the phrase "how very droll," this is it. His live evenings always sell out quickly — all of his Aussie tours have so far — so you'll want to jump on tickets ASAP when they go on sale on Wednesday, August 3. [caption id="attachment_862851" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS 2023 TOUR DATES: Wednesday, February 1 — Theatre Royal, Hobart Friday, February 3 — Regal Theatre, Perth Saturday, February 4 — Adelaide Festival Centre Sunday, February 5 — Canberra Theatre Centre Monday, February 6–Tuesday, February 7 — Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne Wednesday, February 8 — Brisbane Powerhouse Thursday, February 9 — Sydney Opera House David Sedaris tours Australia in February 2023. For more information, or to sign up for ticket pre-sales — which start on Tuesday, August 2, with general sales from 9am on Wednesday, August 3 — head to the tour website. Image: Anne Fishbein.
Leave everything up to the chef at this intimate omakase restaurant in Darling Square. Make your evening even more special with a complimentary Haku martini paired with the multi-course meal. Kuon is located right in the heart of Sydney's Chinatown and the hub of Asian cuisine. We sat down with Head Chef Hideaki Fukada to chat about passion, precision and his sushi knives. What sets Kuon Omakase apart from the other stunning omakase restaurants in the city is the incredibly intimate size of the venue, with only a dozen seats, the chef's counter, a few drinks fridges and a smoker taking up residence inside. Kuon Omakase regards itself as "modern Japanese Edomae sushi": an evolved, refined way of enjoying sushi and combining elements of the west and east, old and new. At Kuon, guests can enjoy aged sushi served with sake alongside fresh seafood caught off the coast of Australia — everything in balance. If you want to level up your omakase experience, from Tuesday, October 3, till Friday, November 3, all seatings at Kuon will begin with a complimentary lychee and cherry blossom Haku martini, dubbed the Sakura Spring Lychee Martini. Kuon Omakase is serving its complimentary bespoke Haku cherry and lychee martini with its omakase menu from Tuesday, October 3 till Friday, November 3. This offering is available across two seatings: Tuesday – Sunday at 5.15pm and 7.45pm. Mark your diaries: the booking window is now open. Haku Vodka's signature serve is the Haku martini — a drink that showcases the craftsmanship, nuanced flavour and exceptional quality of the premium Japanese liquid. To learn more, head to the House of Suntory website. Images: Brooke Zotti
Fresh off their epic car park screening of Fight Club featuring Ikea furniture, group therapy sessions and stuntmen beating the crap out of each other, clandestine cinema specialists Curious Cartel are back for their second top-secret event. The location? A mystery. The movie? Who knows. The dress code? High school formal. Curious Cartel's 'Prom Night' is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, and is expected to run from 6pm through to midnight. While the specifics are being kept under wraps, we do know that there'll be music, food and a fully licensed bar as well as interactive activities and performers. Screenings take place in unique and unexpected spots and cult films feature in this creatively crafted immersive cinema experience. Tickets for Popcorn Therapy are not cheap, at $60, but this is a much, much bigger event than your last Netflix marathon. The event is strictly 18+.
Some of the biggest names in burgerdom will descend upon Barangaroo to determine once and for all who has the best buns in town. For one day only, six of Sydney's finest chefs will fire up their grills at the Wulgulul pop-up, giving visitors the chance to decide which burger they like best. Will it be Neil Perry's mouth-watering Cape Grim beef creations, or can Belle's Hot Chicken take the crown? Whoever comes out on top, we guarantee you'll leave with a full stomach. Burger Kings, as the event has been fittingly titled, is scheduled to take place from 11am on Sunday March 20. In addition to Perry, and Belle's Morgan McGlone, chefs tapped for the cook-off include Kerby Craig from Ume Burgers, Jake Smyth from Mary's, Somer Sivrioglu from Anason, and Monty Koludrovic from Icebergs. The event is un-ticketed, so just rock up whenever you're feeling hungry. Although we can't promise they won't sell out. Popping up next Sunday @thestreetsofbarangaroo burger pop up. 🍤🍤🍤🍤🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔 Nothing but ebi Katsu burger, umami salt fries 🍟🍟🍟 20th March - 11ish until sold out A photo posted by Kerby Craig (@kerbstarr) on Mar 10, 2016 at 10:55pm PST Of course we at Concrete Playground have our own opinions on who makes Sydney's best burgers, having sampled more than our fair share. Here are a few of our favourites right here. For more information about the Burger Kings event at Barangaroo, follow this link. Image: Burger Project.
During the working week, time away from your desk is a rare and precious commodity. We're all guilty of killing time mindlessly trawling the web, but as excellent as cat GIFs may be there's far more exciting things we could be doing on our coffee break. Make even the shortest of respites count and carve out time in your day for a bit of adventure, whether it's a morning mission or an after-work moment to blow off steam. Take the break you, as a hardworking human being, deserve. [caption id="attachment_583618" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Alex Jones.[/caption] LEARN TO MAKE POTTERY Replace your usual wine after work routine and get your hands dirty at a pottery class. Over the course of three weeks, The Pottery Shed in Surry Hills will teach you the basics of throwing, trimming and glazing. While you can't expect to enjoy it quite as much as Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore so famously did in Ghost, pottery is an activity that you can easily lose yourself in for a couple of hours. It's challenging and takes time to master, but it sucks you in and is a great way to switch off at the end of the day. JOIN A BOOK CLUB Somewhat of an institution, Better Read Than Dead in Newtown has won the hearts and minds of countless bookworms in Sydney. Not just a bookshop, Better Read Than Dead host regular events such as book signings, author talks and even high teas. Though it's their free book club that really sets them apart. Open to anyone, you simply look up the book online and then turn up at Better Read on the third Tuesday of the month. There's even a specific Jane Austen book club and one off meet ups such as the Harry Potter book club. To fuel the literary wisdom there's cheese supplied. TRY YOUR HAND AT LIFE DRAWING Fancy a bit of creativity to top off your Tuesday? 107 Projects is a not-for-profit organisation that has turned what used to be a garage in Redfern into a space where everyone from amateurs to artists can come and get creative. They run a number of regular events and workshops, of which life drawing is one. There's a limited number of easels, so you'll want to book in, and they also ask that you bring your own supplies. If you're feeling a bit sheepish about the idea of staring at someone in the nude for two hours, get a glass of wine and remember, it's art. [caption id="attachment_548085" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Giant Dwarf.[/caption] LAUGH OFF YOUR WEEKDAY WOES There are few better ways to forget the finicky foibles of your workplace than chuckling at a comedy night. Most nights in Sydney, local comedians are also experimenting, pushing boundaries, and putting on innovative work that might one day see them stepping out on to the world stage. Check out our list of the ten best comedy rooms in Sydney you haven't heard of yet, unique, weekly nights everywhere from Giant Dwarf to Cafe Lounge — you might catch a visiting international comedy bigwig if you're lucky. THROW SOME CASUAL SHAPES Whether it was pure intrigue or a genuine desire to learn, Big Freedia and Miley inspired most of us to give twerking a go — even if it was just that one time. Dance Central's Jamaican dancehall classes are a chance to tackle twerking against a wall with well-versed supervision. When a class is described as rough and feverish — and you're told all you need to bring is your booty — you know it's going to be a good way to blow off steam. From NYC hip hop to Hawaiian hula, French Cancan and even ballet, whatever your jam, Dance Central has a class to cater for you.
Members of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will surround their instruments with vats, drums and miscellaneous brewing gear on Thursday, September 10, when Young Henrys turns into a classical stage for the night. The unconventional gig is the fourth instalment of Vanguard, a concert series that sees SSO musicians playing experimental, informal shows in unusual locations. So far, they've appeared at a carpark in Kings Cross, a warehouse in Chippendale and the Mortuary Railway Station. “We got involved in Vanguard through a mutual friend,” said Oscar McMahon, co-founder of Young Henrys. “It’s a collective of musicians, who are trying to change the way that people see symphony music and extend it to people who wouldn’t necessarily buy a subscription and go to the Opera House. I love the idea of music being for everybody.” Vanguard performers have the freedom to perform pieces of their choice — in the way that they choose to perform them. “So far, they’ve played avant garde pieces and New Orleans jazz, and there was even a rendition of ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ at one stage,” said McMahon. Audience members don’t know what’s in store until the show starts. In Vanguard, Young Henrys has found a great match. “We’re interested in people who are genuinely interested,” he said. “All the people who make up Vanguard are great people. They’re passionate. They love what they do. They’re inspired it. Vanguard is extracurricular for the musicians — it’s their passion project; it’s them having fun. And Young Henrys is a business built on passion and fun, as well as a bit of doing what people don’t expect us to do.” To attend Vanguard concerts, you need to become a member, which you can pay for monthly or annually. Vanguard is a philanthropic programme, with proceeds supporting the chair of Leah Lynn, Assistant Principal Cello in the SSO. Vanguard is coming to Young Henrys on Thursday, September 10. More info over here.
It's been three decades since Sydney institution Golden Century opened its doors in Haymarket. The late-night Chinese restaurant is famed for its unbeatable midnight feasts and the queues of chefs, celebrities, hospo workers and everyday diners that line up to partake into them. And in September last year, the Golden Century Group announced it will be opening a new restaurant in Darling Square in late 2019. While the group didn't divulge much information then, it has just announced the name of the new spot: XOPP by Golden Century. Those who have eaten at the restaurant might recognised the name as a homage to its pipis in XO sauce, a dish that's so revered that even David Chang has called it "the best dish in the world". The new 160-seat restaurant will be helmed by Billy Wong — son of original owners Eric and Linda — who will develop a more contemporary dining concept that he's hoping will speak to a whole new generation of diners. Most notably, there will be a bar serving snacks and smaller dishes. So it won't be the same as Golden Century in Chinatown, but you can expect to see a few nods to the OG restaurant — including the pipis in XO, we assume. [caption id="attachment_686701" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The XO pipis, shot by Parker Blain.[/caption] The venue will be located on the mezzanine level within Darling Square's striking new six-storey Exchange building designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. It's one of a dozen dining options opening on the ground floor of the building, which include a second outpost of Andy Bowdy's Saga, a new bar from craft beer specialists Bucket Boys and an exciting new Japanese pasta shop created by Hamish Ingham and Rebecca Lines of Banksii and Kerby Craig of Ume. The original Golden Century will remain open until 4am each morning as usual, and will even score the addition of a fancy new upstairs 'wine bank' for private dining and events in June. Along with The Century, which opened at The Star in 2012, this will be the group's third restaurant. XOPP by Golden Centry will open in Darling Square in August 2019. Stay tuned and we'll let you in on more info and an opening date as it's announced. Images: Katje Ford and Parker Blain.
It wouldn't be Sydney Craft Beer Week without a big blowout at Frankie's. This year, the venue has collaborated on nine brand new beers (including the official SCBW beer) from some of the best Australian and New Zealand brewers around, from Grifter and Garage Project to Big Shed and Brewcult. Frankie's house band will also be rockin' from 9pm to 3am. You'll have to make it to this event to see what these masterminds have come up with.
On the last Friday of each month, the Museum of Contemporary Art transforms into a stylish, after-dark art experience. Supported by Audi and curated by prominent Australian artists, Artbar fills the four levels of MCA with pop-up exhibitions, live acts, music and chic Sydneysiders sipping sparkly beverages. If you haven't already danced away in the foyer, this month's Artbar makes for an excellent debut. First, it's in the midst of Vivid, so you'll already be down in Circular Quay screaming at light installations. Second, the MCA facade features Mechanised Colour Assemblage, Perth artist Rebecca Baumann's audiovisual collaboration with French projectionists Danny Rose. Baumann is the May curator for Artbar, so you'll be wholly in her creative world for the night, inside and out. As a clue for how this may look, Baumann's works heighten our experience of colour, transforming spaces with shimmering reflections, coloured smoke and raining glitter. Add an optional ticket bundle with MCA's Light Show exhibition, and you'll be aglow all night long.
Our city's biggest summer celebration of local and international talent has finally arrived – and you've managed to bag tickets! Good start, compadre. But as any regular arts-goer knows, finding pre- or post-show eats is a tricky business. That's why we've chosen our top places near the main Sydney Festival venues, so whether you're heading to the Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent and see some cheeky cabaret, to Carriageworks for Nick Cave's immersive Until exhibition, Barangaroo to visit the giant Always sculpture or one of the many lunar exhibitions or Riverside Theatre for a 30s-inspire Shanghai circus, we've got your nosh needs covered. [caption id="attachment_643114" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jamie Williams[/caption] IF YOU'RE HEADING TO... MAGIC MIRRORS SPIEGELTENT OR CITY RECITAL HALL LONG CHIM RESTAURANT HUBERT INDU Seeing a show in Angel Place? Take a turn before China Lane. From here, head through a small door, and follow your nose down a few flights of dimly lit stairs. Indu, which takes its inspiration from the southern coastal regions of India, is owned by doctor, philanthropist and all-round hero Sam Prince. Indu's menu is refreshing, totally innovative and surprisingly light — a far cry from the heavy Indian curries that characterise most Indian restaurants in the city. MERCADO Previously head chef at the acclaimed Nomad and co-creator of ice creamery Good Times, Nathan Sasi blends fine dining finesse with a love of the rustic and a real hands-on approach at Mercado (nominated for Concrete Playground's Best New Restaurant in 2016). The laneway establishment does all their pickling, curing and smoking on-site and combines fresh produce with a modern, agreeably loose take on Moorish and Spanish food. IF YOU'RE HEADING TO... THE OPERA HOUSE OR ROSLYN PACKER THEATRE OPERA BAR D'uh. Pop by this revamped icon, given brand new life by Matt Moran last year. Equip yourself with a refreshing pomegranate and mint Sydney Sling ($18) and head outside to the sun-drenched deck where you and 699 other people can now find a seat. BENNELONG Peter Gilmore has ditched the fancy, fiddly techniques he's famous for (see: Snow Egg) and created an informal menu with approachable prices at the opera house. Bennelong has five different dining options to choose from. There's The Bar and The Circle for drinks and nibbles; Cured and Cultured, the casual dining option; The Restaurant, the main event; and The Kitchen, six VIP seats in the kitchen for a behind-the-scenes experience. Try the theatre dining option. GATEWAY SYDNEY If you've spent one too many nights wandering hungry around Circular Quay, dodging dodgy fish and chips and bad pizza, you'll welcome this place. This new $60 million precinct has been transformed by Woods Bagot Architects from a very average walk-past-worthy food court into a slick new dining area. The ground floor features Gelato Messina's first CBD store (sorry Gelatissimo), Four Frogs Creperie (ham and cheese galettes for brekkie, yes please) and a new outlet for Adriano Zumbo's pastries. Also featured is Roll'd, Workshop Espresso, The Gozleme Co. and health food outlet Urban Orchard, among a slew of others. WALSH BAY KITCHEN Walsh Bay Kitchen, within the Roslyn Packer Theatre, sits on the burgeoning food strip of Hickson Road. The space is slick with off-Broadway style: think parquetry floors and leather banquettes. The recessed lightboxes seem a nod to stage lights, casting dress circle moodiness. If mirth and merriment bars a thousand harms and lengthens life, there isn't a better reason to catch an end-of-season show and dig in here. Check out their Festival Feast. HOTEL PALISADE & HENRY DEANE Standing proud in Millers Point, the Hotel Palisade forms a unique and improbable part of Sydney's foreshore history; when it was built a century ago, it was the city's highest building. Now been revived with a smart new maritime design by Sibella Court, Hotel Palisade serves up pub food that avoids the familiar schnitzels and steak sandwiches and opts instead for snacks like creamy chicken liver pate with a sweet Young Henrys cider jelly ($12) or a beef brisket sanga ($18) with a mug of salt and vinegar chips. Venture upstairs for the swanky Henry Deane rooftop bar, with some of the best views in the whole city. THE GLENMORE The much loved local's-style pub remains on ground level, but as you head up the stairs towards the first level and rooftop terrace, you can see just how much this oldie has been spruced up. It has one of the best views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, along with some great pub food. IF YOU'RE HEADING TO... CARRIAGEWORKS RON'S UPSTAIRS REDFERN CONTINENTAL Redfern's day-to-night European diner is just a short walk from Carriageworks. Birthed by the guys who brought you Arcadia Liquors (just across the road on Regent), Redfern Continental really is a little bit of everything: the perfect neighbour in a suburb fast becoming an eclectic hub of food and drink in Sydney. RISING SUN WORKSHOP Tinker on your motorbike and slurp your way through bowel of ramen on the same premises at Rising Sun Workshop's permanent Newtown digs. For the uninitiated, Rising Sun is a social enterprise that serves two purposes. On one hand, it provides its motor-revving members with a communal space for repairing and polishing up their bikes. On the other, it's a café, serving coffee, cookies and seriously killer ramen. LEADBELLY Want more after the show? The space that once housed the infamous and much-loved Vanguard has been quickly revamped as Leadbelly. While the bar and restaurant is a new concept, it has fully embraced the building's history by offering live gigs Thursday through Sunday — for free. Leadbelly is a restaurant too, after all. The Southern US-style food menu is essentially a round-up of perfect gig snacks — think popcorn shrimp and smoked brisket po' boys. IF YOU'RE HEADING TO... PARRAMATTA/RIVERSIDE THEATRES EL-PHOENICIAN There may be cheaper Lebanese options along Parramatta's Church Street, but you're unlikely to find better quality than at El-Phoenician. Known for its generous servings and loud groups, this local institution is offering festivalgoers a Festival Feast menu of all your favourites. But if you'd like a little theatre with your tabouli, make sure you lock in a ticket to Hakawati, a performance set in the restaurant itself. THE EMPORIUM This bustling, dual-level food and wine mecca from the guys behind the Coffee Emporium franchise opened in January 2015, and still promises great things for festivalgoers and Parramatta locals alike. With a Mediterranean-inspired menu designed by chef Leon Volk and an international wine list, The Emporium has raised the bar for the area's main eats street. Don't go past the Festival Feast menu. SABU This contemporary Japanese restaurant and sake bar sports a sleek fitout and a prime position in the Eat Street district of Parramatta. The menu ranges from sushi, sashimi to robata, with cocktails, sake and sake flights on offer. Sabu is known to exhibit local artists and often surprises guests with live performances, so if you're looking for a culture-infused dinner spot to relax in ahead of your SydFest adventures, this is your go-to. NICK AND NORA'S If you're heading further along the line to Blacktown for Urban Theatre Projects' outstanding immersive show Home Country, do not eat dinner. Just saying. IF YOU'RE HEADING TO... BARANGAROO AND DARLING HARBOUR PIZZA DA MARIO POP-UP Over in the Cutaway, after you've finished soaking up the fake surf and sun of The Beach at Barangaroo, grab a next-level sausage sandwich from Newtown's Sausage Queen Chrissy Flanagan, or continue the nautical theme with a visit to Pizza da Mario Pop-Up, a Da Mario-run pizzeria disguised as a shipping container. Apparently this is for mobility purposes, but the novelty alone makes it worth a visit (there's a three-tonne pizza oven inside). BANKSII Sydney's first vermouth bar and bistro opened late last year at Barangaroo. Named after botanist Sir Joseph Banks, Banksii comes from the couple behind Asian fusion favourite Bar H in Surry Hills, chef Hamish Ingham and sommelier Rebecca Lines. They're bringing a slew of aperitifs and a mod Oz bent to the waterfront space — and we're loving it. The Barangaroo development itself is a bit sterile, but design firm Luchetti Krelle has done a good job warming the place up with soft coral and turquoise tones, cream and worn blue linen coverings and orange dangly lights. ANASON Turkish eatery Anason was the first permanent restaurant to open its sleek navy doors in the Barangaroo precinct. Nestled neatly in an unassuming alcove, Anason is immediately warm and inviting inside and out; the indoor area is largely dedicated to an open plan kitchen and wine storage so most diners eat outside in the open-air terrace. The innovative menu is stridently Turkish, showcasing authentic mezze plates characterised by bold flavours and even bolder colour palettes. LOTUS Dumpling masters Lotus Dining have officially joined Barangaroo's waterfront promenade. Now open in The Streets of Barangaroo, the restaurant is Lotus's third Sydney edition and, with 160 seats, its second largest. On the menu is a stack of established favourites as well as a bunch of new, Shanghai-influenced creations, dashed with Australian native ingredients. BELLE'S HOT CHICKEN Belles has made things permanent with Sydney, opening the doors on a 130-seat eatery in South Barangaroo. Seemingly all grown up (sorta), Belles operates as a restaurant now instead of a canteen counter, developed by OLA Architects (responsible for Melbourne's Bomba) and co-owners Morgan McGlone and Miranda Campbell. Think table service, space for larger groups, an expanded menu and Belles' infamous bedfellow: Australian natural wines. Not keen for a sit-down meal? You'll still be able to order takeaway from a separate, dedicated window. By the Concrete Playground team. Top image: Jamie Williams.
Carving out some much-deserved 'me time' can be tricky but when you do it, the benefits are undeniable. Move your body and pamper yourself just a little and you'll feel strong, confident and ready to go after what you want — nay, deserve. To help you get those great weekend vibes going, Concrete Playground is hosting an intimate (and free) early-morning event on International Women's Day — Saturday, March 8 — in partnership with Revlon. Starting at 7.30am at Body by Berner in Bondi, Get Up and Glow will kick off with a 45-minute morning flow class led by owner Bernadette Fahy. Following your final Shavasana, the Breakfast Bar will serve smoothies, coffee and treats for you to refuel and a professional makeup artist will assist you in shade matching products from Revlon's Illuminance range. These products are packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalane, to hydrate and nourish the skin giving you that glam lit-from-within finish. You'll also get a gift bag filled with goodies from Revlon including the Illuminance Glow Filter, Illuminance Serum Concealer, Illuminance Glow Wands, Illuminance Glow Primer, Illuminance Balm Primer, a makeup brush and red nail varnish. This exclusive event is only open to 20 people (and their plus-ones). Click here to enter the draw and be in with a chance to get your name on the guest list.
For the past few decades, the line between news and comedy has become increasingly ill-defined. From The Daily Show to Jon Oliver's Last Week Tonight, programs that offer a tongue-in-cheek look at current events have proven increasingly popular with young audiences across the globe. Here at home, similar escapades like Shaun Micallef's Mad as Hell, The Chaser, and The Weekly with Charlie Pickering work hard to cut through the noise of the 24-hour news cycle, packaging hard-to-digest news stories in funny, accessible ways that make viewers actually want to tune in. The coalescence of real news and satire will be the subject of a panel at Storyology, Sydney's four-day journalism and storytelling festival presented by The Walkley Foundation. Among the speakers tapped for this particular panel, dubbed 'News Meets Comedy', are two poles of this new era: journalist Jeanette Francis, host of SBS TV's The Feed, and satirist James Colley, creator of The Backburner and a writer on The Weekly with Charlie Pickering. Ahead of the event, Concrete Playground spoke to both about the line between comedy and journalism, and how a blend of the two can help engage the public with news they might otherwise try to ignore. [caption id="attachment_580286" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Feed.[/caption] IS IT FUNNY NEWS OR INFORMATIVE COMEDY? One of the big questions faced by programs like The Feed or The Weekly is what comes first: the news or the comedy? "I think we're still debating amongst ourselves," admits Francis. "Are we a news program that's funny or a comedy program that's kind of newsy?" Colley, for his part as a satirist (as opposed to a conventional journalist), sees The Weekly more as "a comedy program that uses news as its fodder," but also says that the aim should be to both entertain and inform. "If I can keep this funny, but also teach you something worthwhile, that's like the Golden Goose," he says. "You can't be spending your day watching and reading everything... and I don't blame people for not wanting to tune into the news. I don't want tune into the news a lot of the time, and I get paid to do it. But I think if what we can deliver is half an hour where you're laughing a lot and you're having a good time, and if we are so lucky as to also impart something worthwhile, then that's a dream position to be in." For Francis, it boils down to a pretty simple formula. "One, it's got to be factual, and two it's got to be funny," she says. "As long as you've got the facts in there and as long as it's funny, I feel like you can kind of do whatever you want." [caption id="attachment_580287" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Weekly with Charlie Pickering.[/caption] MAKE PEOPLE WANT TO PAY ATTENTION Of course finding the humour in a serious news story isn't always easy. "One of the first big stories I got to work on in the first season was about Indigenous incarceration," says Colley. "Frankly, not a barrel of laughs. But it's a topic of deep importance, and one that means a lot for me." "What you're trying to do is turn an eye towards something, and make it less scary," Colley continues. "I know I'm onto a good story if something is absolutely horrifying and I'm wondering, 'Why didn't I know about this?' And the answer is always because I didn't bother to engage with it. And if I didn't, chances are other people might not have either. So then it's your job to form that into something [people] would want to engage with." This idea of making the news more engaging is something that appeals to Francis as well. "I think satire and comedy is a great way of communicating anything, and news is not an exception to that," she says. "For me, the journalist in the monochrome dress or suit standing in front of wherever it is talking into a microphone with that very journalistic voice that everybody has to learn, I think it's a style of journalism that is becoming a little bit more transparent... I think when there's comedy and there's satire, it goes a little bit past the headline and past just lifting the information and the facts of what happened. And I think that appeals to people." IT PAYS TO AVOID THE EASY JOKE With the rise of figures like Donald Trump in the US, as well as the resurgence of Pauline Hanson here at home, you'd imagine that this is a pretty good time to be working in satirical news. "Pauline Hanson will say a lot of things, and a lot of them don't make any sense," says Francis. "Sometimes you don't really need to point the finger at her repeatedly to get the point across. She does a very good job herself. But it's always been the case that conservative politicians, or politicians with a bit of flair, have always made good fodder for satirists." On the other hand, you don't always want to be grabbing at low-hanging fruit. "What I've come to understand in the last couple of years, is that as much as you would think that chaos and absurdity and the absolute worst of these people is good for satire, it's actually the opposite," says Colley. "When you're trying to be substantive, and do in-depth looks at things, it doesn't help for someone to be blatantly wrong and awful. A good example would be a couple of years ago when Abbott bit into that onion. It doesn't take a satirist to work out that hey, that's weird and funny. It doesn't help you because it's too easy... no one wants to dunk on a child's hoop. "I like when people talk in substance, because I don't want to be a flag-bearer for a side," he adds. "I want to have a debate of ideas to improve our democracy. To put it as loftily as I can, when I realise what I'm writing is dick jokes." See Jeannette Francis and James Colley speak at Storyology from August 10-13. Find the whole program here. To sweeten the deal, the first 20 Concrete Playground readers to book tickets score 20 percent off, thanks to our partners at the Walkleys. Book here.
For a fourth consecutive year, the team behind the Emerging Writers' Festival will host an online festival aimed at digital writers in Australia and around the world. The Digital Writers' Festival will bring together more than 120 storytellers to explore the future of writing in the digital era. Over 11 days, there will be live-streamed events focusing on new forms, content trends and digital literacy, as well as seminars, panel discussions and interactive projects. The festival is designed to foster new relationships between writers and connect likeminded individuals from all over the world. Learn to pitch stories, watch an editor in action, discover self-publishing or even explore writing for games. Plus, in an effort to transcend geographical boundaries, the entire festival will be broadcast on the website, but city-dwellers will also be able to attend a select few events in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane. The IRL events include: The Future of Storytelling — Tuesday, October 24 (Melbourne) Mapping Ecologies of the Digital — Saturday, October 28 (Perth) West Meets West — Tuesday, October 31 (Melbourne and Sydney) QUT Lit Salon — Wednesday, November 1 (Brisbane) Inside the Publishing House — Thursday, November 2 (Sydney)
Despite legislative appearances, Sydney's seeing plenty of new restaurants, cafes and bars actually open of late. Seems every week we're ranting and raving about the next newbie, bringing its own proposed offering/theming/novelty viral food item to this fine city of ours. But it's the centre of the city that's hogging the spotlight lately. Sydney's CBD has seen more than its usual share of interesting, creative and insanely hyped up openings this year, with basement restaurants, vista bars and reincarnations of longtime Sydney icons making headlines every other week. Here's a useful little list for you to get excited about, in case you're despondent over having eaten at Every Sydney CBD Venue Ever. Take heart, there's plenty more where that came from.
After surprisingly agreeing to take Kylie to new heights on her Kiss Me Once Australian tour, Giorgio Moroder has since announced a trio of his very own shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland. If you're not familiar with this multi-syllabic name, then you mustn’t have watched The Never Ending Story, Cat People, American Gigolo or Scarface. Because Moroder wrote the soundtracks to all of them, as well as to a long list of other films. And when he wasn't busy making good movies even better in the '70s and '80s, he was casually earning his title as the godfather of disco and transforming electronica into a mainstream thing. Moroder and Donna Summers famously worked together on ‘Love To Love You Baby’, ‘Hot Stuff’ and ‘I Feel Love’. Get the picture? Since then, loads and loads of artists have called on Moroder’s grooves, including Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Cher, Cheap Trick, Pat Benatar and Daft Punk. But the really cracking news is that, in January, he revealed that he’ll be releasing a solo studio album later this year — the first in thirty years. Titled 74 is the New 24, the album features Kylie, as well as Sia, Mikky Ekko, Britney Spears, Charli XCX and Matthew Koma. The title track's been filling dance floors all over the world, while second single 'Right Here, Right Now', has been hitting the Top Ten in Europe and Australian radio left right and centre. Image: Brad Elterman.
Coffin Bay Oysters, charcoal pork neck and baklava with quince ice cream. These are just a few of the creatively decadent items you'll find on the menu at Marrickville's new Mediterranean joint, Barzaari. Set to open on Addison Road in mid-July, the restaurant and bar is a brand new venture from chef Darryl Martin, whose resume includes the casually high-flying likes of Quay, Foveaux, and 3 Weeds. In other words, our expectations are pretty damn high. Co-owned by Martin along with friend Andrew Jordanou, the look and feel of the restaurant is inspired by — you guessed it — a bazaar, complete with exposed brick walls, charcoal pit and wood-fire oven. Diners will be greeted with artwork by local artist Jack Egan, along with the scent of Cypriot coffee cooked in heated sand. Once seated, visitors will have their run of the menu, most of which is designed to be shared. Start with snacks such as lamb's breast with cracked spices, sheep's yoghurt and black olive oil, before moving onto small plates like loukaniko (pork sausage) with silverbeet, mustard, fennel and roasted grapes. The mains are similarly appetising, and range from swordfish served in vine leaf to Spencer Gulf woodfired prawns. And for dessert — assuming you're somehow not tempted by the aforementioned baklava — try buttermilk custard with aniseed and apple tea granita. At the bar, meanwhile, you'll find a healthy selection of cocktails, along with a wine list curated by sommelier Dennis Roman. Three words: bring it on. Find Barzaari at 65-69 Addison Road, Marrickville from Tuesday, July 12. For more information visit www.barzaari.com.au.
Whether it's your life, your heart or your wardrobe that's a mess, let self-described 'dedicated absurdist' Geoff Sobelle help you explore it in this surprising, saddening show. Part-installation, part-storytelling session, The Object Lesson begins by inviting you into a vast room, filled with cardboard boxes. Inside them, you discover pile after chaotic pile of objects, trinkets and souvenirs. They're an imagining of what you might collect over the course of a lifetime — were you to keep each and every object that crosses your path. Using these items as a springboard and adopting a clown-like character, Sobelle relates a series of enchanting, thing-inspired tales. Drawing on humour, heartbreak and even a little bit of magic, his stories compel us to consider our relationship with objects — both past and present. The Object Lesson scored the 2014 Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award, which is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival's most prestigious award.
Victoria is truly a cornucopia of earthly delights. Just a few hours from the centre of Melbourne lie some of Australia's lushest landmarks – the Grampians, the Great Ocean Road and Wilsons Prom, to name a few. And yet something often stops us from getting out of the city. Whether it's a lack of time, a private vehicle, like-minded friends or camping equipment, it's easy to not take full advantage of our location and get out into nature. Enter Hike and Seek, a boutique tour company that take small groups on day adventures from Melbourne. After launching in September last year, co-founders James McCleery and Mette Kortelainen quickly realised they were onto something amazing. "We started with two tours and now we're doing six tours on a weekly basis," says James. "Generally we book every tour out…it's been an absolute dream for us." McCleery and Kortelainen live and breathe an outdoorsy lifestyle. They imagined Hike and Seek several years ago while hiking in Wilsons Prom and now spend six days a week leading hiking tours. Unlike big tour companies, Hike and Seek is a little more personal. With just eight people on a tour, you'll be picked up by a Kombi van named Olivia from either St Kilda or the CBD. From there on out, Hike and Seek provide everything, from equipment and ethically-sourced coffee from Supreme to fresh vegan food and snacks throughout the day. So where do they take you? McCleery and Kortelainen run full and half-day tours to some of the best hiking spots around Melbourne — Wilsons Promontory, the Otways, Cape Woolamai on Phillip Island, Mt Buller, the Grampians and the Mornington Peninsula all make the list. As the tour groups are so small, they're perfect for solo travellers and anyone looking to make new friends. But this isn't some tourist activity full of visiting families and rowdy groups of backpackers. "We thought our target marketing was the travellers and the backpacker, but we realised quickly that 70 percent of our market is Melbourne-based," says James. "We actually get a lot of corporate people. We get Airbnb customers and Melbourne-based people, who've just always wanted to do it — they've heard of Wilsons Prom or the Grampians, but they've never been. Or their friends bail last minute, or they don't have a car or they wanna do it with a group." Hike and Seek also offer something else you won't find with most big tour companies: delicious vegan food. Before becoming a full-time hiker, Mette studied nutrition in Helsinki, so all the food you'll chow down on is super healthy and animal product-free, and bound to give you plenty of energy to tear through your hike. "We're not preachers at all but so many people are so intrigued by it [the vegan food]," James says "They're there to get active and healthy as well, so there's a like minded group of people there who're embarking on a journey together". Come summer, they'll even be expanding to two- and three-day camping tours for those who CBFed buying a tent but crave time out from the city. All you have to worry about now is finding a comfy pair of shoes. Hike and Seek run tours from Melbourne most days of the week. Tours book out fast so you'll need to book in advance at hikeandseek.com.au. Love a good hike? Here's eight one-day hikes that you can do on your own from Melbourne.
Late last week, Sydney rock lads Gang of Youths released the follow-up EP to their ARIA-nominated 2015 album The Positions. If you were wondering how the beloved locals would go after releasing an album that tugged on All The Heartstrings, their new EP Let Me Be Clear, does not disappoint. It seems as though the band has been overwhelmed with the response from fans and music critics alike, and in order to say thanks, have announced a free show in Sydney tonight (August 2). The venue has just been announced as the Newtown Social Club, with doors opening at 7pm. Previously the Sly Fox had been announced for the show, but we're guessing that the hands in the air on social media might have caused them to change to a slightly larger venue. This event will be extremely limited capacity, so if you're a fan you'd better get there early to secure a spot to witness all of frontman Dave Le'aupepe's epic hair flicks. Gang of Youths play Newtown Social Club tonight, August 2, with doors opening at 7pm. Entry is free, first come first served.
Won't be rolling in the grass this July? Missed out on yesterday's ticket blitz? Never fear, there's plenty of Splendour in the Grass shindiggery to be had in your own city. Splendour has announced its official 2015 sideshows this morning (as have many unofficial venues). From Blur's epic arena shows to the rowdy British garage pop team-up of The Vaccines and Palma Violets, to more niche hypecard gigs like MØ and Elliphant or Years and Years, here's your rundown of the official Splendour sideshows. Exclusive Secret Sounds presale tickets are on sale 10am local time on Tuesday, April 28, while general public tickets on sale 10am local time, Wednesday, April 29. But if you're keen to nab tickets to the Blur sideshows, tickets are on sale 10am local venue time on Friday, May 1. Visit secret-sounds.com.au for more details. SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS OFFICIAL 2015 SIDESHOWS: BLUR With Jamie T Presented by Secret Sounds, supported by Spotify, Rolling Stone, The Music, Fasterlouder All tickets on sale 10am local venue time, Friday May 1 Sat 25 Jul — Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney Sun 26 Jul — Splendour In the Grass (SOLD OUT), Byron Bay Tue 28 Jul — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Thu 30 Jul — Perth Arena, Perth THE WOMBATS With Circa Waves *exc Perth Presented by triple J, The Music, Channel [V], Spotify Thu Jul 23 — Metro City*, Perth Mon Jul 27 — Enmore Theatre, Sydney Tue Jul 28 — Palais Theatre, Melbourne Thu Jul 30 — Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide (*Circa Waves not supporting in Perth) THE VACCINES With Palma Violets Presented by Tone Deaf, The Music, Spotify Mon Jul 27 — Corner Hotel, Melbourne Tue Jul 28 — Metro Theatre, Sydney PORTER ROBINSON [live] With Wave Racer and Cosmo's Midnight Presented by triple j, Channel [V], inthemix, Spotify Wed 22 July — Enmore Theatre, Sydney Thu 23 July — The Forum, Melbourne AZEALIA BANKS Presented by Channel [V], Music Feeds, Beat & Brag, Spotify Fri 24 July — Metro Theatre, Sydney Sun 26 July — Prince Bandroom, Melbourne EVERYTHING EVERYTHING With Urban Cone Presented by triple j, Channel [V], Fasterlouder, The Music, Spotify Thu 23 July — Metro Theatre, Sydney Sat 25 July — The Corner, Melbourne KITTY DAISY & LEWIS Presented by Fasterlouder, The Music, Spotify Sat 1 Aug — Metro Theatre, Sydney Sun 2 Aug — 170 Russell, Melbourne Tue 4 Aug — Governor Hotel, Adelaide Wed 5 Aug — Rosemount Hotel, Perth MØ & ELLIPHANT Presented by triple j, Channel [V], Oyster, Spotify Tue 28 July — The Corner, Melbourne Wed 29 July — Oxford Art Factory, Sydney MARMOZETS Presented by Musicfeeds, Blunt Magazine, Beat, Brag, Spotify Thu 23 July — Newtown Social Club, Sydney Sat 25 July — Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne MS MR Presented by triple j, Channel [V], Spotify, Pages Digital Wed Jul 22 — 170 Russell, Melbourne Sat Jul 25 — Metro Theatre, Sydney YEARS & YEARS Presented by Channel [V], The Brag, Beat, Spotify, Pages Digital Sun Jul 26 — Oxford Art Factory, Sydney Thu Jul 30 — Howler, Melbourne WOLF ALICE Presented by triple j, Tone Deaf, The Brag, Beat, Spotify Thu Jul 23 — Corner Hotel, Melbourne Fri Jul 24 — Oxford Art Factory, Sydney THE DISTRICTS Presented by Music Feeds, Spotify, The Music Mon Jul 27 — Northcote Social Club, Melbourne Tue Jul 28 — Newtown Social Club, Sydney Visit Secret Sounds for more details. Image: Linda Brownlee.
Every Wednesday, the MCA leaves the lights on until 9pm, letting you get to know the gallery when the day time crowds aren't around. Each month there's a Sundown Sketch Club session, the next will be held on Wednesday, 1 November. This laid back art class gives you a chance to have a scribble while sipping a glass of wine and soaking up harbour views, as your guided through the ups and downs of inspiration by an official MCA Art Educator. And once your masterpiece is complete, head to the Sculpture Terrace to celebrate with live music and a tasty morsel or two at the MCA Cafe. Image: Leslie Liu.
Mister Gee's food truck, founded by Gee Ozgen way back when food trucks weren't a thing in Sydney, is not only the best burger in the west, it's likely the best burger in Sydney. Gee took inspiration for the business from his travels through Asia and America, and knowing he wanted to work for himself, he tracked down a food tuck in Melbourne for sale, dragged it up to Sydney and has been flippin' burgers ever since. His story isn't rags to riches, but it has the same sentiment, as he says himself "this is a story out a guy that had nothing, and he turned that nothing into something." Something delicious, we might add. Located at North Strathfield, the truck has been serving up great takes on burgers since 2014. There's no glitz and glamor here, just serious burgers in a serious urban landscape, and the names reflect this. The Stoner's Revenge, a fav amongst, well, stoners, is decked out with a grass-fed patty, American style cheese, Dijon mustard, pickled onions, bacon and stoner sauce, which helps mellow it out a bit. Mister gee's 1900-Burger features burnt pineapple, bacon jam and a hotline burger sauce. The cheese boogie is your classic cheeseburger with boogie sauce. You get the idea yet? The joint made it's name though on the OG Truffle, with is Gee's pride and joy. With havarti cheese, caramelised onions and Gee's truffle mayo, no matter where you live in Sydney, it's worth the hours stuck in traffic to seek it out. Pair your burger with some chilli cheese fries and a Nutella shake and you are having yourself one hell of a meal, all thanks to Mister Gee. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Burgers in Sydney for 2023
Sydney, you love your roasted meat. So, Via Napoli is bringing a whole lot more of it at you. This week, the pizza gurus have opened a brand new rotisserie. Named Via Napoli - il Girarrosto, it'll be right next door to their Hunters Hill headquarters. So, you can pop in for a glass of wine or three and a plate of free range pork, before shuffling along a few seats and tucking into a pizza. The menu is divided into antipasti, frutti di mare, dalla rosticceria, contorni and desserts. On the antipasti menu is tagliere girarrosto is 36-month aged San Daniele prosciutto with salame felino, mortadella, bresaola and homemade carasau bread, as well as tagliere formaggi, which comes with gorgonzola cheese, vintage red wine-aged truffled cheese, pear, honey, walnuts and carasau bread, among many other tasty morsels. Over the fire and on the grill, you'll find a cornucopia of tasty, tasty meats. Think crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside free range pork seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, and free range grilled lamb cutlets marinated with garlic, rosemary and olive oil. Meanwhile, 18-months grass-fed Black Angus comes Fiorentina-style. There's also a slew of succulent seafood, including wood-fired prawns with ox heart tomatoes, Spanish onions and chilli, and charcoal-grilled scampi marinated with orange and fennel. Can't decide? Book a set menu and settle in for three courses. Via Napoli - Il Girarrosto is at 58-60 Gladesville Road, Hunter Hill. It's open Monday, and Wednesday to Saturday from 5 till 11pm, and on Sunday from 11am till 11pm. Images: Il Girarrosto
For the first time ever, the Sydney Opera House is scoring a pop-up bar for Vivid LIVE. And the last thing you can expect is chicken sandwiches and regulation sparkling. Because the duo making it happen is Jeremy Blackmore and Alex Dowd — whose work you already know if you've ever knocked back a tequila or two at Tio's or a tiki cocktail at The Cliff Dive. The bar, to be known as the Deep Purple Pool Hall (what a name), will be found inside the Concert Hall's northern foyer, where you can get cosy and warm while still taking in those epic harbour views. Expect a crafty menu, featuring what Blackmore and Dowd have dubbed 'downtown favourites', as well as live DJs and free pool. "I have wanted to set up a cool bar in this space for five years, ever since I arrived at the Opera House," said Ben Marshall, curator of Vivid Live. "Overlooking the harbour, it has the best view in Sydney and people will be absolutely blown away that this jewel in the crown of the Opera House hasn’t been used for this before. Whether you’re up for a pre or post-gig drink or on the look-out for the neon eight-ball outside, you can sneak up the back stairs of the Opera House to the Deep Purple Pool Hall and settle into an incredible secret space in the heart of the city, in the middle of this incredible festival." The Deep Purple Pool Hall will open in the Concert Hall Northern Foyer from 6pm till late every night of Vivid LIVE, which runs between May 22 and 31. Look for the neon eight ball on the Western Boardwalk and head up the back stairs.
Potts Point is quickly turning into the place to open a restaurant in 2017. In the last month we've seen wine bar Dear Sainte Éloise and cafe Joseph Hyde open in the suburb, plus the news that Gastro Park will be replaced by new venture Antipodean and that Paper Bird, an all-day eatery from the Moon Park team, will open in July. And now, we introduce Fountain, a new cafe doing breakfast and lunch seven days a week. As you might've guessed, it is named after King Cross' famous water feature — you'll find the eatery directly opposite the fountain on Darlinghurst Road. It's a cafe, serving up straightforward brekkies and brunches. There are sweet corn fritters, the Fountain duck fat hash with bacon, avo and an egg, and crème brûlée French toast, which comes with caramelised banana, toffee, berries and clotted cream. Meanwhile, the coffee's a special house blend and the cold-pressed juices are delivered (on bicycle) by local Simon Says. The lunch menu covers bar snacks, including salt cod croquettes and beer-battered zucchini flowers, as well as more substantial dishes, like the wild mushroom risotto with enoki, shiitake and oyster mushies, and black truffle emulsion and pecorino. ACME&Co took care of the design and it's a careful, impressive take on the art deco era, right down to the lamps. On sunny days, claim a seat outdoors overlooking Macleay Street and the fountain. Come spring, Fountain will also be a wine bar by night. You'll be able to take your pick of local or international drops or go for a sneaky cocktail, such as the Old Fashion at the Fountain or the smoked Negroni. Fountain is now open seven days a week from 7am till 6pm at 18 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point. Come September, it will open 7am till late. For more info, visit fountainpottspoint.com.au.
Recreating a neighbourhood stalwart in a suburb with no real community heart is a tough task. The flurry of suits that blow in and out at lunch time, the tourists tracking back from Circular Quay hungry for an arvo snack, and the Friday after-work cheese and wine crowds all are a far cry from the loyal locals you see at Newtown's Continental Deli. But, even so, the boys behind the neighbourhood deli-cum-bar — Head Chef Jesse Warkentin, General Manager Mikey Nicolian and Porteno's Joe Valore and Elvis Abrahanowicz — have managed to successfully transplant a bit of their neighbourhood charm to Continental's new Phillip Street location in the CBD. "Since we opened Newtown, we've continued to hear that the only problem is that there isn't one in every neighbourhood," says Nicolian. "So, we wanted to bring it to as many people as we could." Menu-wise, much remains the same. You'll still find artisanal cheeses, an outrageous list of charcuteries, the steak tartare with Parmigiano-Reggiano and some sandwiches at lunch. And although pasta dishes such as the rigatoni with broccolini, cuttlefish and sausage have been added, it's not the main focus. "Having pasta is not that big a difference," insists Nicolian. "It's something that we love and it fits our identity but we're definitely not a pasta joint." And of course, Continential Deli CBD is a champion of conservas, particularly seafood. Offering everything from anchovies to canned clams and Continental's own tinned Fremantle occy. "It's a pretty cool world to explore once you get into them," says Nicolian. "It can be as approachable as you like, with sardines for example or you can go as extravagant as you like with something like baby eel at $87. It's not cat food." The drinks are a little daintier (although Continental's still play on classics) with elegant glassware to match. Canned cocktails such as the famed Mar-tinny, Can-hattan and Cosmopoli-tin are still very much available with a new one in the works, the Ameri-can-o. Plus, the wine list's six times the size. The fit-out, designed by co-owner Sarah Doyle, has a refined Euro bistro touch with the New York accents of Art Deco posters and dark wood and leather chairs. Round tables fill the restaurant section by the open deli and kitchen with a 16-seat marble top bar on the other side of what Nicolian calls "the wall of wine." Sure, the one-level, open-plan space is different to Newtown's split-level terrace, but it echoes the same familial sentiment. "It's a different environment [to Newtown] but the backbone of the place is still very closely linked," notes Nicolian. "It's a homely environment. You want people to feel at home." Images: Kitti Gould Updated Friday, March 31 2023. Appears in: The Best Bars in Sydney The Best Degustations Under $100 in Sydney
