With the sun set to be high in the sky and the temperature gauge getting turned right up this weekend, it's the perfect time to look for a cool refreshing drink. So, beloved Sydney winemakers DOOM JUICE are coming in clutch and supplying the goods with a frosé function at The House of Music and Booze, the former home of their pop-up cellar door. The slushie machines will be switched on and filled with rosé on Sunday, February 19, as the DOOM JUICE team once again takes over the sunlit beer garden of the Princes Highway pub. The frosé will be available for just $10 from midday — plus there'll be a couple of special guest appearances in store for the day to accompany these chilly bevs. Firstly, King Street cafe Rolling Penny will be making the move to St Peters for the occasion and firing up the grill. That's right, you'll be able to treat yourself to $10 frosé from DOOM JUICE and tasty snacks from Rolling Penny in the one spot. Rounding out the festivities is a DJ set from Ziyad, who'll be in charge of the tunes from 4pm. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The House Of Music & Booze (@thehouseofmusicandbooze)
Opening a restaurant at any time is hard, but your back is really up against the wall if you try to do it in the midst of a four-month lockdown. Despite that, Amani Rachid, Huss Rachid and Sal Senan pulled it off, opening My Mother's Cousin in the middle of Sydney's lockdown to great success. My Mother's Cousin is a classic pizza and wing joint that nails the simple things. It's all about pizza and wings here and after kicking things off with takeaway and delivery during lockdown, the south Sydney spot is now open for dine-in as well. The dough for each of My Mother's Cousin's pizza is fermented for 48 hours and topped with high-quality ingredients that stray from the mundane while staying true to flavours Sydneysiders love to see on their doughy rounds. Simple classics like fennel Italian sausage with roasted capsicum ($24) or white cheese, garlic confit and caramelised onion ($24) are here, alongside a spicy nduja, sopressa salumi and ricotta pizza ($26) that is calling out for a drizzle of hot honey ($2). While the pizza can be a certified show-stealer here, the wings hold their own on the menu. You can order them in sets of six ($12) or 12 ($22) smothered in your choice of hot honey, Phil's in-house hot sauce, lime and pepper, or original recipe. Accompanying the chicken is an array of house-made sauces including a truffle mayo and good ol' gravy. Open Wednesday–Sunday, drop in and you may be treated to a limited-time special. Cream doughnuts, subs piled high with deli meats and limited-time pizza flavours all come and go week to week. The Bexley North pizza shop's name attempts to paying homage to Nineteen 43, a Rockdale cafe and the group's first venue. "We always treated Nineteen 43 as the mother, and My Mother's Cousin is the cousin of that mother," the team says. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Pizza in Sydney
This Cleveland Street staple has been serving up home-style Indian cooking to Surry Hills for years. While it does offer up an excellent Goan fish curry and tender tandoori chicken, Maya da Dhaba also offers an extensive range of veggo-friendly dishes, which showcase Indian cuisine's ability to make the most of legumes, grains and vegetables. Start with crisp onion bhaji, vegetable samosas and aloo tikki chat (fried potatoes and boiled chickpeas, served with yoghurt, zippy tamarind chutney, chat masala, onion and coriander). Mains are best shared — there are 16 vegetarian options alone, including saag paneer (spinach and cottage cheese), navrattan korma (a veggie curry with milk cream and cashew nut sauce) and punjabi baingan (pan-fried baby eggplant with onion, potato, tomato and chilli). Of course, you'll want to order plenty of paratha and naan to wipe up all of the delectable curry sauces. Maya Da Dhaba offers BYO wine.
Men's grooming has quietly grown into a dedicated, if niche, market, with specialty stores like NOAH Barber and Pickings and Parry leading the way. Launched online in November, Societe Men has arrived on the scene with ambitious plans. Taking cues from beauty empires like Mecca and Sephora, the new kid on the block wants to become a playground for men's grooming essentials. "Men have lacked a space that actually feels considered," said Societe Men founder Max Donne. "We took inspiration from the world's leading female beauty retailers — the theatre, the service, the curation — and asked why men didn't have the same experience." While brick-and-mortar is still in the works, the online edit already spans 22 labels from around the world, including two hitting Australian shores for the first time exclusively through Societe Men. One of them is Bravo Sierra, a New York-based body care line known for its military-tested formulas, and the other is Micky Day, a Kiwi hair care brand built on natural ingredients and local craftsmanship. The thoughtful curation mixes everyday essentials and standout finds. Find local heroes such as Patricks and Barberian on the shelves, or treat yourself (or someone else) to little luxuries like aerospace-grade Henson razors, Marvis toothpastes and combs from Kent Brushes. You can shop the Societe Men's range on the website now. If you're in the mood for a shopping spree, check out the best independent boutiques in Melbourne in 2025. Images: supplied.
Whether you're hopping over the ditch for a winter or summer escape, Queenstown has no shortage of sights and activities to create a jam-packed itinerary. It might be called New Zealand's adventure capital, but that doesn't mean your next holiday needs to be based around high-flying thrills and snow sports — the region is also known for its postcard scenery, backcountry cycle trails, bustling weekend markets and delicious wine. We've done a good ol' search in the area and found the following six activities that are sure to jam-pack your holiday full of fun, flavour and adventure. SHOP LOCAL AT THE REMARKABLES MARKET An unmissable Queenstown weekend destination is the Remarkables Market. Just ten minutes from the city in Frankton, the market is where you'll find locals stopping in for a caffeine hit and lounging about on the grass. Shopping-wise, you can pick up everything from chopping boards crafted out of French wine barrels to the famous Gibbston cheese and handcrafted jewellery. Zamora is one of the most popular stallholders at the market with its infamous pork belly sandwich. We suggest grabbing a spot at one of the communal tables and finishing off your experience with one of Plantera's vegan sweets. FLOAT TO 6000 FEET ON A HOT AIR BALLOON TOUR Sunrise Balloons is a family-owned operation that has been flying in the Queenstown region since 1998. The company's hot air balloon tours rise to altitudes as high as 6000 feet, drifting over the rugged terrain that makes up the incredible region around Queenstown. Expect to see filming locations from The Hobbit and majestic landmarks like the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. You'll get to help inflate the balloon and then pack it way, before finishing with a celebratory muffin and champagne in the landing field. Flights depart at dawn and last three to four hours. [caption id="attachment_687194" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julian Apse.[/caption] EXPLORE MORE THAN 75 WINERIES IN GIBBSTON VALLEY A short drive from Queenstown is Gibbston Valley, a region which is home to more than 75 wineries and cellar doors. For great wine in a picturesque setting we recommend dropping by Chard Farm. A visit to the family-owned winery in the Kawarau Gorge will lead you up a windy dirt road that was once part of the main coach link between Queenstown and Cromwell. The vineyard sits at the top and specialises in complimentary pinot noir tastings. Across the road is Penegrine, which feels more like steeping into a futuristic wine lab. Here, tastings are also complimentary and come with the option of choosing particular vintages or leaving your destiny in the hands or the host. If you'd rather leave the car at home, Alpine Wine Tours specialises in personalised excursions. Tours include a three-hour hop between cellar doors and a full-day trip through local vineyards and the Cardrona Distillery. Water, cheese tastings and transport to and from your accommodation are all included. COSY UP WITH A DRINK BY AN OUTDOOR FIREPIT Holiday Inn Express & Suites arrived in Queenstown earlier this year, bringing 227 spacious rooms to the heart of the picturesque resort town. The property's prime central location means that you're never short of breathtaking views and within easy reach of iconic attractions, from popular ski destinations and the Central Otago wine region to extreme outdoor adventures like mountain biking and bungee jumping. The hotel's outdoor firepit lounge is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring — just sit back with a glass of Central Otago pinot in the modern and comfortable lounge and soak in the views of Queenstown's surrounding mountain range. The unlimited, uncapped free wi-fi will also come in handy when planning your next big adventure. [caption id="attachment_688737" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miles Holden.[/caption] HIT A BACKCOUNTRY CYCLE TRAIL FROM ARROWTOWN TO QUEENSTOWN To really get your legs working, Around the Basin is a company offering both self-guided and supported cycle tours through the Gibbston wine region and backcountry. The Arrowtown to Queenstown tour is a 35-kilometre ride from the historic gold mining village back to the city. After shuttling from Queenstown you'll be left to make your way along the Arrow River Trail along the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers to the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The trail is recommend as a full-day ride, which allows plenty of time for exploring, photo opportunities and refreshment stops. On the trail you'll cover everything from isolated country roads and dirt tracks to swing bridges and pine forests. EXPERIENCE A MODERN INTERPRETATION OF NZ CUISINE AT AMISFIELD Amisfield executive chef Vaughan Mabee enlists expert foragers and charcutiers to ensure he's only using the freshest seasonal produce in his three-hatted restaurant. That dedication to championing the Central Otago region has seen the restaurant use backyard endemic ingredients and produce found no further than 250 kilometres from its dramatic stonework bistro. Previous hyperlocal creations have included everything from paua salami to kawakawa parfait and manuka-smoked blue cod pie. Diners are invited to build their own degustation from a selection of dishes. For lunch, that might mean a starter of eel on toast, smoked raw wild deer with local chocolate or a wild apple and kawakawa tart.
Before the rise of the small bar, cocktail bars were the only place to be rewarded when one had a thirst for both tasty and trendy. The Different Drummer was an oasis in a desert of old-man pubs and soulless bars. The Different Drummer in Glebe has a special place in the heart of the inner west. Since ages past the Drummer has been serving scintillating cocktails with a happy-go-lucky list of patrons who don't hesitate to share their thoughts on why the Agwacello (agwa coco leaf liquor, limoncello & cloudy apple) is the best cocktail on the menu. Settle in downstairs amongst the bordello-like luxury for your birthday or girls-night, or take a date up to the roof for a breeze and a good view. The bar is well positioned on Glebe Point Road's restaurant strip to cater for both pre- and post-meal drinks. This is fortunate as their drinks far outshine their food. The menu is a touch pricey and seldom Spanish, but don't be put off by the food, a daily 2-for-1 happy hour from 6 till 7.30 is more than enough to get you through the door. Image: Destination NSW
My Kitchen Rules alum Arrnott Olssen is bringing a flavour-packed Fijian feast to Deus Cafe in Camperdown for just one night in April. The Kana Club Pop-Up is hitting the breezy outpost from 6pm (with 5.30pm arrivals) on Saturday, April 13 with a four-course menu centred around local produce and dishes drawn from Olssen's childhood. At a previous Kana Club Pop-Up, guests were treated to a menu that traversed everything from Fijian fish curry to sweet potato gnocchi with a sea urchin emulsion. While the array of eats for this iteration hasn't yet been revealed, Arrnott's tavu tao — which consists of masala-spiced chicken wings paired with tamarind sauce and yoghurt, plus a serving of hummus dahl — is one of the cafe's current specials for the week. Olssen says dahl was regularly served in his house growing up because it was hearty and affordable. He's taken this staple of his upbringing and worked it into an inventive new dish that also pays homage to the Middle Eastern communities of Punchbowl, the first Sydney suburb he lived in. Tickets are available for $89, and there will be a paired drinks menu available for purchase on the night.
Southern Sydney's artistic haven, Hazelhurst Arts Centre, presents their groundbreaking exhibition, In the Arms of Unconsciousness: Women, Feminism and the Surreal, which will run until Sunday, September 3. This free event showcases the impressive talent of 22 leading Australian female artists, offering a cross-generational experience for art enthusiasts and culture connoisseurs alike. Explore an enchanting realm where feminism and the surreal collide through a diverse array of mediums, including painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture, video, and collage. The artists will delve into complex notions of womanhood and the female body – expect evocative and thought-provoking pieces that disrupt cultural norms and challenge our perceptions. Located in Gymea, Hazelhurst is approximately a 40-minute drive from the Sydney CBD, making it the perfect destination for a picturesque day trip. Head south to discover recent, newly commissioned and unseen works by the likes of Del Kathryn Barton, Honey Long & Prue Stent, Patricia Piccinini and more. Images: Honey Long & Prue Stent, Venus Milk (2015). Courtesy of the artists and Arc One Gallery, Del Kathryn Barton, love wants to give (2022).
Situated in the luxe Crown Sydney, the impressive Italian restaurant a'Mare is known for its elegant Italian fare and extensive wine list. If you're a fan of chef Alessandro Pavoni's elevated cuisine but are only after a low-key meal, the restaurant has opened a relaxed eatery in its in-venue bar. a'Mare Cucinetta serves up a concise menu of casual dishes for lunch and dinner. Start with gnocco fritto with wagyu bolognese, calamari fritti or an antipasto box to share. Chef Pavoni's famed pasta is still available, including a busiate with 12-hour slow-cooked wagyu bolognese or the simple but flavour-packed spaghetti aglio olio e pepperoncino. There are also more substantial meat and fish options. Plus, a'Mare's full beverage list is available. While bookings are available, walk-ins are encouraged. Pavoni wants the new venue to feel like a versatile osteria that diners can drop into for either a quick meal or a special celebration. a'Mare Cucinetta is now open at Crown Sydney. Lunch is available from 12–2.30pm every day except Tuesdays. Dinner is available from 5.30–12pm every day.
A huge lineup featuring some of the city's most beloved bars, restaurants and hospitality figures are all coming together for the return of StickyBeak festival. The two-day fest has been pulled together by local gin distillers Archie Rose with the help of P&V, FBi Radio and the National Art School (NAS). Taking place at the NAS Darlinghurst campus, the 2024 edition of the annual event will see a who's who of Sydney's hospitality scene serving up food, drinks and insights into their crafts. On the impressive list of vendors: Raja, Bloodwood, Bar Copains, Fabbrica, Gildas, King Clarence, Mapo Gelato, Penelope's, Porcine, Redbird, and plenty more. Everything from boundary-pushing Indian dishes and city-best pasta to next-level snacks and produce-forward interpretations of modern Australian cuisine will all be available to feast on across the two days. [caption id="attachment_937111" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gildas, Nikki To[/caption] Alongside the tasty eats, you can expect drinks from Archie Rose and P&V, plus PS40, Grifter Brewing Co, The Waratah, Double Deuce Lounge, The Emerald Room and Tucano's. Handling the soundtrack will be a roster of DJs curated by Sydney's beloved community radio station FBi Radio. Plus, the NAS will be hosting 45-minute masterclasses centred around life drawing, screen printing and heat-press collage. Stickybeak Festival kicks off at 5pm on both Friday and Saturday. Tickets start at $20, which grants you entry to the festival and the National Art School. If you want to attend a masterclass, you can buy an additional ticket to your session of choice. [caption id="attachment_909677" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raja[/caption]
Are you over the Valentine's Day hype before it's even begun? Bondi's Rocker is too, so the restaurant has teamed up with The Kraken Black Spiced Rum to throw an anti-Valentine's feast. Eat Your Heart Out features a three-course menu focusing on offal ingredients — yep, that's organs and entrails, dished up for your culinary pleasure. And there will be cocktails, too. Rocker's celebrity chef-owner Darren Robertson (Three Blue Ducks, Locura Byron Bay, Tetsuya's) and head chef Stuart Toon are taking nose-to-tail eating very seriously with this one. The menu is designed to challenge diners' 'preconceived ideas' about offal, beginning with a delicate tasting platter of sliced tongue with onions and rum-infused heart and liver brioche buns. The entree is pig's head in a salted blood plum sauce, and the main is 'whole cow stew', which you should take literally. For sides, there will be pickled red cabbage and smoked potatoes with bone marrow and capers. To finish, the boozy dessert is a rich treacle and spiced rum tart. Alongside these inventive dishes, you'll be treated to four cocktails featuring The Kraken Black Spiced Rum including The Kraken's Love Bite, a refreshing concoction featuring grapefruit and ginger juice, and The Kraken's Heart, with lime, blackberry liqueur, fig and honey syrup and activated charcoal. The whole experience will centre around an ice sculpture of the mythical sea creature's heart. Eat Your Heart Out tickets cost $100 per person. To make a booking, head here.
Some unexpected things have long artistic history. Cabbages for example, or horses in distress. Drapery hasn't always seemed synonymous with huge excitement, but it's an insanely popular motif that's been used for thousands of years to run contrast to sculpted marble bodies. The National Gallery of Victoria was so taken by the technique that it ran a whole exhibition on the theme of folded fabrics earlier this year, and New York's Metropolitan Museum has favoured the idea as well. At the edge of Redfern, artist-run Locksmith Project Space is about to take its turn. Anna John's Wind Now takes its name and inspiration from two albums by South-Korean seventies rocker Kim Jung Mi. The exhibition plays drapery against abstract skeletons of figures or buildings. Anna has put together anti-figures in the past — the detail's there, but the bodies have gone elsewhere to be implied by what remains. Along with such things, Wind Now also owns to a series of TV backdrops imagined for Kim Jung Mi. A half of Knitted Abyss, a third of Holy Balm and 50% of 2SER's The Modern Dance, Anna John has had her musical groove on at the Locksmith before. Now step in and see her art there, too.
Throughout the pandemic, the New South Wales Government has been providing the state's residents with multiple online maps that track COVID-19 cases, including by postcode and area. These handy resources have been updated every day throughout the state's response to the coronavirus, helpfully. Also now on offer on the NSW Government website, and also just as useful: a map that shows vaccination rates in each postcode. Covering the entire state, the nifty resource outlines jabs in two ways: first doses received by people who live in each postcode, and the number of folks who are fully vaxxed in each area. You just need to toggle between the two options, and then you can zoom in to check out the respective vaccination rates postcode by postcode. The map is colour-coded, and you can also hover over each postcode area for further details. In terms of hues, you'll see a yellow colour for under nine percent vaxxed, a light green for 10–29 percent, a darker green for 30–49 percent, then deeper aqua and blue tones through to navy at 50–59 percent, 60–70 percent and 80 percent. And, if you hover over a particular postcode, it'll tell you which suburbs it covers, the four-digit postcode, the eligible population and how many jabs have been administered. Also included: what percent has received a first dose, what percent has received both doses and an age split for vaccinations given — covering below 50, and then aged 50 and over. The postcodes are based on the location of a person's usual residence, as reported when they were vaxxed — and the map is refreshed each Tuesday and Friday. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has previously announced that some restrictions may ease once the state hits six million jabs — which it has just this week, with those changes in lockdown rules set to be revealed by Friday, August 27. NSW's path out of stay-at-home conditions in general is also tied to vaccination rates, with more restrictions set to relax when the state hits 70-percent and 80-percent double doses. These thresholds fall in line with Australia's new overall 'National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response' that was announced in July, too, which steps through how the country aims to move away from lockdowns, temper restrictions for fully vaxxed folks and handle COVID-19 cases moving forward. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in NSW and have a look at the COVID-19 vaccination map, head to the NSW Government website. Images: The NSW Government COVID-19 vaccine map as at Wednesday, August 25.
The time has come. Nintendo's highly anticipated new mobile Mario Kart game has raced onto smartphones everywhere, giving fans what they've always wanted: the ability to play the iconic title anywhere and everywhere, and zoom around tracks inspired by real-life locations. Yep, Mario Kart Tour ticks both boxes. Released yesterday — Wednesday, September 25 — on both iOS and Android, the game is a big deal for Nintendo, marking Mario Kart's first foray into the mobile realm. For the past 27 years, if you wanted to hop in a red-coloured kart, pretend you're the company's famous character and hurl shells at your competitors (all virtually, of course), you had to have a Nintendo console or handheld device — such as a Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Cube, DS, Wii, 3DS, Wii U or Switch. While Luigi, Bowser, Peach and the gang reappear in the game as they've always done, the fresh courses are also a huge achievement. Say goodbye Rainbow Road — Mario Kart Tour features tracks in Paris, Tokyo, New York and more. You can drive past Tokyo Tower, rush beside the Arc de Triomphe and zoom along Broadway, among other spots. The global tours will change every fortnight, too, so you can look forward to more locations. And, on select courses, some beloved Mario Kart characters can navigate their own special variations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgJO3000GXU Free to play (with in-app purchases), you use your finger to steer, drift and sling items. Otherwise, it's basically business as usual. Cycle through different karts and drivers, hit the accelerator and get ready to collect coins and unleash oh-so-many banana peels. Mario Kart Tour is now available for free on iOS and Android via the Mario Kart Tour website.
Sleeping on the job is a big no-no in Western culture — despite the fact that it's been proven to increase concentration, improve alertness and be a great help in dealing with accidental work hangovers. Surry Hills mindfulness studio The Indigo Project knows that napping is the key to being generally better at everything, so they gifted Sydney with lunchtime nap classes. Built around research that shows a 20- to 30-minute nap is the optimum length for a siesta, classes run for 30 minutes from 1pm. If you're feeling a little off at work, and like you just can't get your brain to kick into gear, head down to Surry Hills for a boost of energy to help get you through the day.
Whether you're self-isolating or social-distancing, we bet your couch has seen more of you in the past week than it has all year long. And if you've been looking for some motivation to (temporarily) pause powering through your chocolate reserves and flipping between Netflix and COVID-19 news, here it is: free fun workouts. While you can't get to the gym or go to your bootcamp, you can work up a sweat at home without spending a dime — and without running 66 kilometres in laps around your apartment like this guy. Here are some actually fun (and free) ways to work out at home. NIKE TRAINING CLUB If you want to get fit like the pros, the Nike Training Club is the way to do it. The app offers over 190 free workouts focused on strength training, cardio, endurance and even yoga and mobility. These workouts have been designed by the Nike Master Trainers, who offer video guidance via the app. Workouts are designed for all fitness levels and heaps are body weight-only, so you don't need at-home equipment, either. The more workouts you complete, the more customised the app becomes, and it even offers daily recommendations for regular users. Basically, it's created to make you feel like you have a personal trainer in your living room. Download the free Nike Training Club app for iOS or Android. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--jhKVdZOJM YOGA WITH ADRIENE Yoga trainer Adriene Mishler must be doing something right — she has over 6.55 million subscribers to her YouTube channel. Her chilled-out and calming disposition make her one of the best online yogis out there. And she has a lot of videos up, with more to come, too — so you you won't run out of workouts anytime soon. Her classes are also much more specialised than your average hatha, with videos themed around yoga for almost anything and anyone. Yoga for hangovers. Yoga for writers. Yoga for chefs. For runners, self-love, cramps, couch potatoes and lower back pain — which may be particularly important in this work-from-home culture. Mishler also offers a 30-day class flow, which you can follow along with daily. Oh, and you'll also get to work out with her dog, Benjamin the blue heeler. Check out all of Yoga with Adriene's videos on her YouTube channel. SMILING MIND Odds are, you aren't just going stir crazy physically, but mentally, too. It's important now more than ever to check in with yourself, watch your stress levels and look after your mental health. One of the ways to do this from home is through guided meditation. While there are heaps of meditation and mindfulness apps out there, Smiling Mind is absolutely free. So, you can enjoy all of the benefits of a meditation guru without the monthly subscription fee — and without leaving the house. The app only suggests ten minute a day, so it isn't a huge commitment, either. Its offering is broken down into age groups, too, and even offers meditation for kids and teenagers. Download the free Smiling Mind app for iOS or Android. 30-DAY SQUAT CHALLENGE When you're staring down the barrel of a few weeks (or more) at home, it can be good to have a daily exercise goal to keep you sane. This 30-Day Squat Challenge app offers just that. The month-long workout plan focuses on — you guessed it — squats, but there isn't just one way to do this move, either. The app focuses on a whopping 13 squat variations used across six different workouts. The intensity of the workout increases by the day, so that on day 30 you'll be a squat master — and have the booty to show for it. Download the free 30 Day Squat Challenge app for iOS or Android. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofddKYnkxTQ&t=5s THE FITNESS MARSHALL For a fun workout at home (that'll have you smiling if not sweating), it's time to start following fitness teacher Caleb Marshall. His YouTube channel already has 2.3 million subscribers, and for good reason — his workouts are actually fun. They're more dance classes than workouts, and you'll be grooving along to pop songs. Think Work by Rhianna, Truth Hurts by Lizzo and Womanizer by Britney Spears. Marshall's dance moves are for novices, not the pros — so anyone really can join in. And most of his videos are only the length of one song (three–four minutes long), so you can even dance along as part of a quick five-minute break. Check out all of The Fitness Marshall's videos on his YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukDLb3rAmTY JANE FONDA ON BEFIT If you haven't watched the famous 1982 VHS Jane Fonda's Workout, you've definitely heard of it. Selling over 17 million copies, the video workout accompanied Fonda's bestselling book of the same name. While you can't watch the OG VHS for free, you can watch a heap of Fonda's slightly-more-recent videos on the BeFit YouTube channel. These oldies-but-goodies are fun, easy and a bit of a laugh. Fonda offers a wide range of workouts, from cardio and fat burning to yoga energy booster and even a questionable dance class. So dust off your leg warmers and sweatbands and prepare for some indoor aerobics. Check out all of BeFit's Jane Fonda YouTube videos over here.
Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art boasts plenty of highlights, including its location right next to the Brisbane River. Art lovers can walk through the venue's halls, enjoy a snack at its waterside cafe and even relax on the grass while taking in the view — but they can't usually walk along a massive indoor riverbed. 'Usually' is the key word, with GOMA due to serve up just that during its huge 2019–20 summer program, Water. As part of an expansive exploration of the titular liquid substance in all of its forms between December 7, 2019 and April 26, 2020, the site will become home to Olafur Eliasson's Riverbed installation. Created by the Berlin-based, Danish-Icelandic artist, the huge piece will use more than 100 tonnes of rock to recreate an Icelandic stream inside the South Brisbane venue. The artwork has been described as both pre-historic or post-apocalyptic — and, to answer the question that immediately popped into your head, you can indeed walk on it. When Riverbed arrives in Brisbane, it'll be on display to the public for only the second time ever, following its debut at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark. Obviously, that means it'll be visiting the southern hemisphere for the first time as well. [caption id="attachment_725225" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Cai Guo-Qiang. China, b. 1957. Heritage (installation view) 2013, Animals: polystyrene, gauze, resin and hide. Installed with artificial watering hole: water, sand, drip mechanism. Purchased 2013 with funds from the Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Diversity Foundation through and with the assistance of the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © The artist. Photograph: Mark Sherwood, QAGOMA.[/caption] With more than 40 works by international and Australian artists included in the exhibition, Riverbed will have some serious company. Cai Guo-Qiang's installation Heritage will make its return to GOMA, with the piece inspired by Stradbroke Island, featuring more than 40 life-size animals drinking around a waterhole, and appearing at Water in a new arrangement. Queensland artist Judy Watson will also create a major new work with a local theme, not only drawing upon on the cultural memory of water, but reflecting upon the obvious nearby body — the adjacent Maiwar, or Brisbane river. And if you're fond of art that you can interact with and learning about the biggest threat facing humanity — and climbing — then keep an eye out for William Forsythe's The Fact of Matter, which is comprised of suspended gymnastic rings. As visitors make their way through the space, they're asked to contemplate the weight and strength of their body, the impact it has on the earth, and the power we can exert if we all come together to combat climate change. Expect topical pieces all round, with pondering the importance of water one of the exhibition's main aims. Overall, "the artworks featured in Water will make connections with many of the major environmental and social challenges faced by the world today," explains Queensland Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch. Water exhibits at the Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane from December 7, 2019 to April 26, 2020. Images: Olafur Eliasson. Denmark, b.1967. Riverbed 2014 (detail). Site specific installation. Pictured: The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Humlebæk, Denmark. Photograph: Iwan Baan. William Forsythe. America, b.1949. The Fact of Matter 2009. Site-specific installation comprising gym rings, fabric straps, gym mat and truss system. Dimensions variable. Pictured: Installation view, William Forsythe: Choreographic Objects, The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, 2018-19. Image courtesy the artist. Photograph: Liza Voll. © William Forsythe.
After a ten-month forced hiatus (and a long, hard push by the Pyrmont Ultimo Chamber of Commerce), the Pyrmont Growers Market is back and open for business every fourth Saturday of the month. Up until April last year, the market had been run by Fairfax for 18 years; when they announced its closure, there was much sadness among both the community and the producers. So it's easy to imagine the enthusiasm with which the growers have returned to the Saturday morning market once more. There's Sam from Grima's Farm Fresh Produce, who's been coming to the Pyrmont Growers Markets from his western Sydney farm since the market first launched. There's Long Paddock Eggs, who bring the eggs their free-range chooks laid just the night before up from Canberra. Then there's Pino, who is selling his Italian smallgoods at the market as his Kogarah shop undergoes renovations after a fire on Christmas Eve. As well as an expansive range of fresh produce, cheese and artisan food products, you'll also find market regulars like Black Star Pastry, Brooklyn Boy Bagels, Pepe Saya, Sonoma and Little Marionette Coffee. The market is open on the fourth Saturday of each month from 7.30am till noon.
Calling all French film fans: for the whopping 34th year, Australia's Alliance Française French Film Festival is screening a feast of flicks from the other side of the world. Hitting Palace Central, Palace Verona, Palace Norton St, Chauvel Cinema and Hayden Orpheum Cremorne in Sydney from Tuesday, March 7–Wednesday, April 5, this year's cinematic celebration will screen 39 movies throughout March and April — and the full program is something special. AFFFF's 2023 opening-night pick: Masquerade, spinning a tale of glitz, glamour and the Côte d'Azur's far-less-glossy underbelly under La Belle Époque's director Nicolas Bedos' guidance — and with Pierre Niney (Yves Saint Laurent) and Isabelle Adjani (The World Is Yours) among his stars. As a bookend on closing night, it's joined by Freestyle, which takes to the road with Benjamin Voisin (Lost Illusions) and Marina Foïs (Stella in Love), and promises to end the fest as memorably as it begins. In-between, must-sees include Saint Omer, with documentarian Alice Diop drawing from true events to craft a drama about a young Parisian journalist and novelist attending murder trial, then wading through the complexities it surfaces within her own family history; One Fine Morning, the latest film by Bergman Island's Mia Hansen-Løve, this time a family drama starring Léa Seydoux (Crimes of the Future); and The Innocent, as written by, directed by and starring Louis Garrel (A Faithful Man), based on his own experiences, and also featuring Noémie Merlant (Tár). There's also Final Cut, a French remake of Japanese cult hit One Cut of the Dead from The Artist director Michel Hazanavicius, starring Romain Duris (Eiffel); Winter Boy, the new film from Sorry Angel's Christophe Honoré, an autobiographical drama focusing on 17-year-old Lucas (newcomer Paul Kircher); Brother and Sister, with Marion Cotillard (Annette) playing a stage actor and sibling to Melvil Poupaud (Summer of 85); and Other People's Children, a Virginie Efira (Benedetta)-led effort about being a stepmother that's also inspired by director Rebecca Zlotowski's (Planetarium) own life. Two Quentin Dupieux films sit on the program, too, with the director of Rubber and Deerskin adding both Incredible but True and Smoking Causes Coughing to the lineup — and a sense of humour that only he possesses. Plus, there's award-winner Playground, which focuses on a seven-year-old girl; On the Wandering Paths, which brings Sylvain Tesson's novel to the screen so swiftly after The Velvet Queen also turned his work into cinema (including at AFFFF 2022); and The Origin of Evil, an account of a dysfunctional family that's one of three AFFFF 2023 movies to star Full Time's Laure Calamy. This year's focus is firmly on the new over the classic, but when it comes to looking backwards, 1988 French box-office smash The Big Blue does the honours. The full list of 2023 AFFFF titles goes on, as cinephiles have come to not just expect but thoroughly enjoy from a fest that's the largest celebration of French film outside of France.
Game of Thrones was always going to spark spinoff shows. Indeed, when HBO started thinking about doing a prequel five years ago, before the huge fantasy hit had even finished its run, it was hardly surprising. And, when the US network kept adding ideas to its list — including a Jon Snow-focused series with Kit Harington (Eternals) reprising his famous role, novella series Tales of Dunk and Egg and an animated GoT show, to name just a few prequels and spinoffs that've been considered, but may or may not actually come to fruition — absolutely no one was astonished. So far, just one fellow GoT-related series has hit screens: House of the Dragon, which jumps back into House Targaryen's history. When it arrived in 2022, it became an instant success. Accordingly, it was quickly renewed for season two. But if you've been hanging out for the next part in its story, and hoping to see it in 2023, you might have to wait a little longer. In an interview with Variety, HBO and HBO Max content CEO Casey Bloys has advised that viewers likely won't be returning to Westeros until sometime in 2024. He said that timing for House of the Dragon season two's debut "is a good guess", and that it probably won't be eligible for the Emmys held that year — which means that new episodes might be coming in winter Down Under, fittingly. The first season also started screening and streaming during Australia and New Zealand's winter, so that'll mean a two-year gap — or thereabouts — between the show's maiden go-around and its second effort. And, it means thinking "winter is coming" to yourself all over again, amid pondering the GoT realm's relationships, flowing long blonde hair, dragons, stabbings and fights for the Iron Throne (whether or not you turn watching House of the Dragon into a drinking game, as we did). The series kicked off 172 years before the birth of Daenerys and her whole dragon-flying, nephew-dating, power-seeking story, and gave HBO its largest American audience for any new original series in its history when it debuted. Yes, House of the Dragon is basically a case of new show, same squabbles, as it was easy to foresee it would be. Yes, it's pretty much Game of Thrones with different faces bearing now well-known surnames — and more dragons. If you haven't yet caught up with the series, it dives into the battle for the Iron Throne before the one we all watched between 2011–19. Paddy Considine (The Third Day) plays King Viserys — and it's exactly who should be his heir that sparks all the Succession-style fuss. The words "succession" and "successor" (and "heir" as well) get bandied around constantly, naturally. The king has a daughter, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (played by Upright's Milly Alcock, then Mothering Sunday's Emma D'Arcy), who is also his first-born child. But because putting a woman on the throne isn't the done thing, the King's younger brother Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith, Morbius) considers that spiky iron chair his birthright. And, this wouldn't be Westeros if plenty of other people didn't have an opinion, including Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans, The King's Man), the Hand of the King; his own daughter Alicent (The Lost Girls' Emily Carey, then Slow Horses' Olivia Cooke); and Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint, It's a Sin), who is married to Princess Rhaenys Velaryon (Eve Best, Nurse Jackie), who had a better claim to the throne when Viserys was named king instead. Also yes, this latest adaptation of George RR Martin's popular fantasy books is bound to continue on for more than just two seasons, but that's all that's confirmed for the moment. Check out the full House of the Dragon trailer below: House of the Dragon streams Down Under via Foxtel and Binge in Australia and SoHo, Sky Go and Neon in New Zealand. Read our full review of season one. Via Variety. Images: Ollie Upton/HBO.
Following a competitive tender process, one of Sydney's most recognisable bars has reopened under new management. Sitting beneath the white sails of the Opera House, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background, the Opera Bar — in its world-famous location — enters its new chapter under the stewardship of Applejack Hospitality Group. Solotel operated the Opera Bar for a remarkable 24 years before its management went up for grabs through a rigorous tender process. Just six weeks after being awarded the contract, Applejack has taken over, bringing new energy and a revitalised vision to the much-loved venue. Applejack is no stranger to the Sydney hospitality scene, operating more than ten celebrated venues across the city, including Bopp & Tone, June's Shoppe, The Butler Potts Point, Taphouse Darlinghurst and RAFI North Sydney. Applejack will also reopen House Canteen, Opera Bar's neighbouring casual all-day eatery, come October. Applejack co-founders Hamish Watts and Ben Carroll say, "This week marks a huge milestone for our team. We're honoured to be custodians of the lower concourse venues and can't wait for guests to experience the passion and care we're bringing to Opera Bar and House Canteen. We have an incredible team who seamlessly executed a quick turnaround, and we look forward to bringing you on the journey as we reimagine what's possible here." Applejack's culinary director, Patrick Friesen, is leading the charge in the kitchen with a reinvigorated new menu that showcases NSW produce. There are Sydney Rock Oysters, a sashimi platter with seasonal condiments and a Tiger Prawn cocktail if you're after a fresh start, as well as salads ranging from summer fattoush to vermicelli noodle and traditional Caesar. The Opera Bar's signature cheeseburger is served with burg sauce and fries, and there are also crispy chicken, crumbed fish or vegan burgers available if that's more to your liking. Pizzas, which are crafted from long-fermented dough made with sustainably grown wheat, are a vehicle for gourmet cheese from Auburn, and salamis cured in Kingsgrove. Friesen believes "Sydney is the most delicious city in the world" and wants to "celebrate the people who make it so. We have the incredible opportunity to showcase the producers, growers, and makers who define Sydney's food culture, from oyster farmers to artisan cheesemakers. We want every dish to celebrate and tell Sydney's food story." As part of the refreshed vision, Applejack has partnered with Arts-Matter to establish a weekly music program to ensure Opera Bar is a cultural extension of the experience of visiting the landmark destination. The program includes live acts and DJs every day of the week, including easy-listening afternoon acoustic performances, lively evening shows, and seasonal activations throughout the year. Images: Steven Woodburn.
As we enter holiday mode, it's time to celebrate with our nearest and dearest. But entertaining can be stressful — and we can't all be master cocktail makers. Luckily, Archie Rose has made it easy for us to enjoy a delicious cocktail without needing to do any heavy lifting, thanks to its range of limited-edition bottled cocktails that bring the bar to you. Whether you want a refreshing beverage on a hot summer's day or a classy nightcap to impress guests at your next dinner party, these pre-made cocktails are a sure thing. And even though the drinks are already taken care of, you can take your serve to the next level with our picks of easy (but effective) garnishes that will make anyone look like a master bartender. THE MOOD: Bright and summery THE SERVE: Salted Mango Spritz with sparkling wine and dehydrated mango For something bright and fresh, grab a bottle of the limited-release Salted Mango Spritz. This cocktail is summer in a bottle, and features Archie Rose Native Botanical vodka, tropical mango, salted caramel and chamomile. This salty sweet beverage is impressive enough when served straight from the fridge neat. However, you can really up your game with a couple of additions. Balance out the sweetness — and add a bit of sparkle — by topping up your glass with a splash of champagne or sparkling wine. Finally, add a slice of dehydrated mango as a garnish for an extra special touch. THE MOOD: Cool and refreshing THE SERVE: Cucumber Collins with elderflower tonic and a ribbon of cucumber If you're after something refreshing and aromatic to enjoy poolside, the Cucumber Collins is a perfect addition to any summer's day. It features juniper notes from Archie Rose's Bone Dry Gin, as well as accents of cucumber and jasmine. This cocktail will impress any guest for your end-of-year entertaining, especially with a couple of simple tweaks. Sure, you could serve it neat, but we recommend you jazz it up with soda or tonic water — try Fever-Tree elderflower for an extra hint of sweetness. Finally, add a cucumber ribbon (simply by taking a peeler to a cucumber) to enhance the flavours in the serve. THE MOOD: Smooth and sexy THE SERVE: Red Centre Negroni with pink grapefruit tonic There's nothing like a negroni on the rocks to kick-start an evening. This bottled version is from the Archie Rose Native Australian range celebrates local ingredients and adds a homegrown twist to the classic. This all-Australian negroni features gin with sweet vermouth by Victorian-based maker Maidenii, and Økar Island Bitter sourced from South Australia's Applewood Distillery. With notes of native riberry and strawberry gum, this cocktail is bursting with flavour. To take it to the next level, top with soda water, sparkling wine or Fentimans pink grapefruit tonic water. Garnish with a twist of grapefruit, a slice of orange, or a sprig of rosemary to compliment those native flavours. THE MOOD: A classy nightcap THE SERVE: Caperberry Martini garnished with a rosemary-speared olive For a classy nightcap to impress your guests, try a Caperberry Martini. This twist on the classic is crafted using Bone Dry Gin, Belsazar dry vermouth, sake and caperberry. Keep your bottle in the freezer and serve neat, or over ice if that's your thing. Or, you could enhance the subtle savoury flavours with a garnish to really bring the bar into your home. A classic Sicilian olive speared in a sprig of rosemary is a great addition for some fragrance. Or keep it simple with a whole-stemmed caperberry. If you really want to impress, then make a lemon twist with a knife or a peeler and wipe around the rim of the glass before serving to add an aroma of citrus. Discover Archie Rose's full range of pre-bottled cocktails at the website.
The summer festival season was marked by tragedy this past weekend, when a suspected mass-overdose event saw a fatality at techno festival Dreamstate and another six attendees hospitalised, with one in a critical condition at the time of writing. This follows a warning issued early last week about high-dose MDMA tablets in circulation in NSW that were detected to contain synthetic stimulants. While a police investigation into the event is still underway, NSW Health has confirmed its commitment to working with festival organisers to ensure the festival was as safe as possible. A spokesperson for the government organisation said, "A range of harm reduction initiatives are in place at festivals, including support and health promotion workers, health messaging, free chilled water, misting fans, chill-out spaces and well-equipped medical services," all of which are required by NSW law. However, the ABC confirmed that NSW's pill testing trial was not available at Dreamstate. [caption id="attachment_965220" align="aligncenter" width="1917"] Ian Laidlaw[/caption] That pill-testing trial was a 12-month commitment that began in March of 2025, during which free, anonymous testing would be made available at up to 12 music festivals. As mentioned, Dreamstate was not on the list of participating festivals — however, Laneway Festival, which took place the day after, was the eleventh and most recent festival to take part. Run on the ground with staff from the harm-prevention organisation NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA), the program was not a commitment to a fixed testing site, but a case-by-case trial of mobile testing planned by NSW Health with the music festival industry and harm-reduction organisations. Because this is a case-by-case offering, not every major festival has participated in the trial. Discussing the tragedy at Dreamstate with the ABC, Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy, John Graham, said these events were a reminder that pill testing allows health warnings to reach the public before they come into contact with dangerous substances, adding that "We really want to get the word out about the dangers here." Across NSW's test program and national drug-testing services, there is an acknowledgment that illicit substances will always be present in the live music scene, and that festivals should prioritise patrons' safety through free, anonymous, on-site testing, free from prosecution. The program in NSW uses rapid testing technology, allowing patrons to present substances to testing staff, who will, in turn, provide information about what is present in the sample and its potency when applicable, and tailored advice on how to reduce risk if patrons still intend to consume the substance, or safe disposal methods if they decide not to. In 2024, a study published by Associate Professor Jennifer Schumann, from Monash University's Department of Forensic Medicine, revealed that between 2000 and 2019, 64 drug-related fatalities occurred at Australian live music events. According to a 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household survey, 64 percent of Australians support drug checking services as a whole, not exclusive to festivals. So, what are state governments actually doing about it? Canberra led the charge, opening CanTest, the country's first fixed pill-testing site in 2022, with funding to operate until June 2027. Victoria opened its first permanent pill-testing facility in August 2025, alongside a mobile testing program that saw 65 percent of participants have their first-ever harm-reduction conversation. On the opposite side of the conversation, Queensland pulled funding for its two fixed testing sites in Brisbane and the Gold Coast last April, before banning pill testing outright in September. In the NT, the ABC reported in 2021 that 73 percent of surveyed festivalgoers supported pill testing, but no government actions have been taken to enact it. In Tasmania, the state government remains opposed to pill testing rollouts despite 65 percent of voters calling for the services to be made available. That negative sentiment is shared by state governments in South and Western Australia, who remain firmly opposed to pill testing. [caption id="attachment_965685" align="aligncenter" width="1917"] Jordan K Munns[/caption] Government sentiment aside, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation reports that in almost all cases, pill testing trials have led to less consumption of potentially dangerous drugs and greater awareness of the risks involved in drug use. Additionally, the ADF highlighted that public support for pill testing has steadily been rising across the nation in the last decade, so what's going to happen next in NSW? The NSW Government will seemingly still conclude the testing trial next month, following appearances at Yours and Owls, HTID, Field Day, Lost Paradise, EPIK, Hypersonic, Strawberry Fields, Knockout Outdoor, Hyperdome, Midnight Mafia and Laneway. But currently, the program home page does not outline where the trial will conclude, nor has the NSW government announced any intention to extend the trial or establish a fixed testing site from April 2026 onwards, leaving safety to the individuals for the foreseeable future. If you or anyone you know would like more information or harm-prevention support in NSW, the Alcohol and Drug Information Service provides 24-hour, seven-day-a-week telephone counselling, support, referrals and information for those affected by alcohol or other drugs. Alternatively, PeerLine is a confidential peer-support service that offers support, referrals and individual advocacy, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
People of Enmore, The Duke has reopened. This weekend, you can head along to the neighbourhood pub for crisp-yet-succulent porchetta or, if you're a vegan, perhaps a cauliflower steak — and stay until 2am. Now owned by James Wirth and Michael Delany, The Duke of Enmore — formally known as The Duke of Edinburgh — has had quite a revamp. You might be familiar with the duo's work — previously, they bought and made over The Norfolk, The Flinders, The Carrington and The Oxford Tavern, before selling them all in 2016. "Everything was gyprocked and painted white — it felt a bit like a shopping centre," says Wirth, explaining The Duke's pre-reno state. "So, we decided to rip it all out and see what we could find. I wouldn't say we gutted it, but we reskinned it, pretty seriously." Their efforts revealed layers of history. Built way back in 1870, The Duke has seen many a drinker and many a late night. "We found a 1940s ceiling, original timber, original brick and original tiling," says Wirth. After exposing and smartening up some of these elements, the duo added more timber, expansive windows, stained glass, a new bar and tartan carpet. They also covered the entire facade in 1960s-style tiles. "We just wanted to give it some love and make it feel like a good, solid, local pub," says Wirth. "It's not meant to be anything too wild or too fancy." The food, presided over by Head Chef Toby Wilson (Bad Hombres, Ghostboy Cantina), follows suit. The emphasis is on high-quality pub grub. Start off with fried salt-and-pepper enoki mushrooms with chilli soy dipping sauce, then tuck into a chicken parmigiana (or the equally great eggplant version) with fresh mozzarella, fries and salad, before finishing up with malt ice cream with toasted buckwheat and stout caramel. One of the stand-outs is the porchetta, first cooked at high temperatures to encourage extreme crispiness, then slow-cooked for five hours, to promote juiciness. It comes in a roll or on a plate, with white bean puree, salsa and greens. There are 12 taps at The Duke, offering old-school classics, like VB, Carlton Draught and Resch's, plus new classics, like Young Henrys. Wirth says the plan is "to play around" with the other eight, with a focus on local craft breweries. Meanwhile, Joel Amos (founder of natural wine retailer Drnks) is on the wines, bringing you — as you'd expect — a bunch of drops made with minimal interference. There are signature cocktails, too, including the Robert Mitchum: a concoction of Jack Daniel's, whole egg, orange juice and maple syrup, which, according to Wirth, tastes like a "boozy banana shake" and makes for a great "meal in a drink" at brekkie time. Find The Duke of Enmore at 148 Enmore Road, Enmore. Opening hours are Wednesday–Saturday, 11am–2am; Sunday, 11am–10pm; and Monday–Tuesday, 11am–midnight. Images: Kitti Gould.
Add this to the list of top-notch summer traditions: watching movies under the stars, and being spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a viewing spot. When the weather is warm, Sydney definitely isn't short on openair cinemas — but a trip to Hunters Hill Open Air Cinema includes checking out new releases and classic flicks with water views as a backdrop. Running every night throughout January at Bedlam Bay, Hunters Hill's setup also includes wine, beer, tapped cocktails and food truck eats — so you can say cheers to your movie of choice, and also add pizza, hot dogs and waffles to your film-viewing snacks. And as for what you'll be seeing, the lineup spans the Timothée Chalamet-starring Dune and The French Dispatch, horror flicks Last Night in Soho and Antlers, sing-along sessions of The Sound of Music and Mamma Mia!, and also everything from The Matrix Resurrections and West Side Story to House of Gucci and Eternals. Plus, in excellent news for your wallet, tickets are just $9 per person.
A new plan for Kings Cross supported by the City of Sydney has been revealed, after the NSW Government's controversial lockout laws were scrapped in March. The plan addresses solutions for a revitalisation of the struggling nighttime economy hub. Created by independent urban policy think tank, Committee for Sydney, the report lays out a new vision for Kings Cross through support for new venues and increased public spaces. According to the report, the area has lost 33 percent of its jobs in pubs and bars since the introduction of lockout laws. Hospitality and retail has taken a 12 percent and 10 percent hit respectively. In response, the committee has laid out several suggestions for how to reinvigorate the area and transform it back into a thriving Sydney precinct. At the heart of the plan is a commitment to incentivising new theatres and live performance venues in the area. The report points to the success of areas like Newtown and Parramatta as successful entertainment precincts and advocates for Kings Cross' Metro Minerva to be reinstated. The historic theatre has been closed since the 1970s, and is the current subject of recent a community-led push for its reopening. Alongside these suggested initiatives, a centralised agency to manage noise complaints is also encouraged in order to help promote live entertainment. During the committee's consultation process, many Kings Cross residents and business operators complained that "vexatious complainants were making it impossible to operate businesses", and that "NIMBYs were driving the life and vibrancy out of the Cross". A major overhaul of public spaces is another recommendation provided by the report. This includes reducing through-traffic to several main streets, increasing tree canopy and greenery and an expanded public square in front of the iconic Coca Cola sign at the top of William Street. It also supports a push by the City of Sydney to encourage more rooftop gardens in the area. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore says it's "time to start a new chapter", proclaiming that she's confident the next chapter in King Cross' history will be "safe and lively, with a thriving residential community and a diverse economy that includes fabulous nightclubs and bars, restaurants, theatres, shops and cultural institutions open late". You can read the Committee for Sydney's A Vision for Kings Cross here. Image: Supplied.
Start packing that suitcase and plotting your annual leave, because there's a new Aussie beachside resort to add to your bucket list. And this one's a little different to most. Making its home amongst natural bushland at NSW's Cabarita Beach, The Hideaway is a boutique escape offering guests a rare chance to go glamping by the sea. Here, you can fall asleep and wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, just metres from your pillow. Doesn't that sound like a total treat? The resort features three different styles of luxury bell tent, all kitted out with comfy Koala beds, soft furnishings and bath towels, charging sockets, floor rugs, proper lighting and tripod fans for those balmier evenings. In addition to the luxe suites, the unique resort boasts modern bathrooms and communal entertaining spaces, nestled cleverly within repurposed shipping containers. You'll also find plenty of open green space throughout, with native plant life lining the pathways and open fire pits primed for cosy communal gatherings in the cooler months. [caption id="attachment_747560" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristy Mason Photography[/caption] And when it comes to entertainment, there's no shortage. The Hideaway's carefully located near a world-class surf break, with opportunities for swimming, whale watching, hiking, bush walking and more right at your fingertips. Meanwhile, the nearby coastal town of Cabarita boasts its own award-winning restaurant, Paper Daisy, along with a solid offering of shops, cafes and eateries, all within strolling distance. Of course, the striking views of the Border Ranges, Mt Warning and that glistening ocean should keep you pretty occupied as well. Plus, if you need something to sweeten the deal, Cabarita Beach was named the best beach in Australia by Tourism Australia's Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer AM. The beach is located a two-hour drive south of Brissie and a nine hours north from Sydney (or a short flight to Gold Coast Airport and 30-minute drive). Find The Hideaway at 2-6 Tweed Coast Rd, Corner of Tweed Coast Road and Cypress Avenue, Cabarita Beach. Prices start from $189 a night. Images: Kristy Mason Photography Updated: December 20, 2019.
Ramblin' Rascal Tavern was always going to be a small bar with an advantage. Originally the brainchild of Charlie Lehmann, Dardan Shervashidze and Sebastian 'Cosmo' Soto (alumni of The Baxter Inn and the now-closed Frankie's Pizza), Rascal certainly boasts a feel reminiscent of other beloved drinking holes. This time things have moved uptown with this basement bar establishing itself in the old Laugh Garage on Park Street. The result? A bar of a very familiar vibe: a dimly lit, fresh-juice-squeezing watering hole, with recognisably boisterous bartenders. Loyalty shows in the all-Australian beer list, accompanied by a no-fuss but modern assortment of wines featuring a couple of whites, a couple of reds, a prosecco and a natural orange wine. There's a $6 Tinnie for the battlers (the brand changing to suit the mood of each week). And the cocktail list is just as unpretentious — its six house cocktails ($23 each) champion some great quality spirits without messing with them too much. [caption id="attachment_785468" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ramblin' Rascal Tavern[/caption] The decor is a throwback to childhood nostalgia — chalkboard walls in the bathrooms beckon all those drunken Picasso moments. The evening's soundtrack echoes a country twang typical of Shady Pines or Baxter's. But stay late enough and the beat will drop. The mood of the bar transforms until tables have been shifted out. of the way and suddenly you are cutting shapes with the bartenders to the likes of Nelly and Shaggy. If you're after a spot to eat, you're in luck. The bar has teamed up with Surry Hills favourites Butter to ensure you can have a box of fried chicken or a cheesy chicken burger delivered right to the bar. On a busy night, it might take a little longer to get to you than an in-house kitchen, but that just gives you more time to sample the drinks menu. True, in recent years Sydney has grown somewhat spoilt with trendy small bars. And perhaps it is becoming more difficult to stand out from the crowd. But the Ramblin' Rascal Tavern provides a lovable underground dive bar in the heart of the city, without resorting to too many theatrics and gimmicks. And for that, we thank it. Updated Tuesday, March 21, 2022. Appears in: The Best Bars in Sydney Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
The term 'hotel bar' is set to take on a whole new meaning when Estate opens within the Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach on Friday, March 13. The four-in-one venue boasts a seafood-focused dining room, a tropical terrace bar, a dedicated taqueria and even a hidden karaoke room. The multimillion-dollar refurbishment is headed by Chef (and Creative Director) Matthew Butcher, who has worked alongside a few of the culinary greats — including big names like Gordon Ramsay and Vue de Monde's Shannon Bennett. Butcher is joined by Head Chef Scott Eddington, who has clocked time with Rene Redzeppi at Noma, as well as at Australian favourites A1 Canteen, Belle's Hot Chicken and Melbourne's Mamasita. [caption id="attachment_764320" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lobster roll[/caption] Start off at the Terrace, an outdoor bar giving off Bali beach club vibes. Think beanbags, heaps of tropical palms and a projector screening sunset films and live sporting events. Bar snacks — such as lobster rolls, waffle fries and puffed pork with guacamole — are served out of a vintage Airstream trailer alongside locally made beers and wines. Meanwhile, over at the dining room — dubbed Kitchen — expect an ocean-themed fit-out that reflects the menu's focus on fresh, local seafood. Whole Moreton Bay bugs with green chilli butter, scampi risotto with caviar and salmon crudo with finger lime all make the regularly changing menu, as do tableside guacamole, lobster rolls and smoked mussels. For dessert, dig into Cherry Ripe bombe alaska or white chocolate s'mores. [caption id="attachment_764319" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Taqueria[/caption] In the Taqueria, there are neon lights, orange furnishings and bright patterns aplenty. The main offering here is the soft-shell tacos, which come in five varieties: pork belly with tamarind glaze, grilled fish with chipotle mayo spicy tofu, chorizo and barbecue chicken with tomatillo salsa. Otherwise, you can tuck into a big ol' bowl of vegan nachos. There are heaps of margaritas and micheladas going around, too — and a 25-strong tequila list is also available. Also hidden within the premises is Confessional, a private karaoke room that can (and should) be reserved for late-night revelry. Views of the Coogee coastline surround the venue and it's set up to fully embrace in those views —the courtyard even has three-step bleachers installed, from which punters can look out over the the ocean. Estate will be run separately from the hotel, though nothing is stopping you from turning your night out into a new excuse for a staycation. Find Estate within the Crowne Plaza at 242 Arden Street, Coogee from Friday, March 13. Terrace is open 4–10pm Monday–Thursday and 12–10pm Friday–Sunday; Kitchen is open 5pm–late Monday–Thursday and 12pm–late Friday–Sunday; and Taqueria is open 12pm–late daily.
Once, watching a movie in bed meant getting cosy indoors with whatever you choose to view on a small screen. Then Mov'In Bed came along. It takes the idea that catching a flick and lazing around on a mattress can go hand in hand, embraces it, and moves it outdoors. The crew behind it have delivered variations, too — on boats in Darling Harbour, in cars on Entertainment Quarter's rooftop and on sand at Barangaroo. Mov'In Bed initially debuted its outdoor beach cinema in January 2024. Unsurprisingly, it proved popular. Accordingly, Mov'In Bed Outdoor Cinema is returning to Harbour Park for another summer — this time for a hefty four-month run between Friday, November 28, 2025 through to April 2026. The concept behind Mov'In Bed has always answered a question: can't choose between hitting up an outdoor cinema or watching a film in bed? Here, you don't have to. The outdoor beach setup stacks on another layer to that equation like it's building a sandcastle. Can't pick between flicks under the stars, going to the beach or being cosy? Again, this is the solution. Here's how it works: you can park up on a king or queen-size mattress, or you can bring a towel to recline on on the sand. Whatever sits between you and all of those white grains beneath your feet, you'll be getting comfortable on top while peering at the 15-metre 4K screen silver screen and listening in via noise-cancelling headphones. The movie lineup features big names from 2025's cinema releases, including Regretting You, Tron: Ares, Twinless, One Battle After Another, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, Wicked: For Good, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Now You See Me: Now You Don't and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Given that the season runs over Christmas, yes, Elf and Love Actually, Home Alone, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Die Hard (yes, it's a Christmas movie) are on the bill as well. More movies will be announced for the beach club-style cinema, sticking to the above mix — so recent favourites and classics. This time around, there'll be 150 queen- and king-sized beds, all with pillows and blankets. Prices start at $12 if you're happy sitting on your own towel — and go up to $75 for a VIP package that includes sparkling wine, butler service, unlimited gourmet popcorn and a premium view of the screen.
There's only one thing that's wrong with The Soul Trembles, the Chiharu Shiota exhibition that's now sprawling across the entire ground floor of Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art until Monday, October 3: it isn't happening in Tokyo, at an art museum towering 53 levels above the busy streets, and against the inimitable backdrop that is the Japanese capital's twinkling skyline. That isn't a criticism of GOMA, its South Bank berth next to the Brisbane River, or the otherworldly display now gracing its halls and walls. But when this enchanting and entrancing Shiota showcase first debuted back in 2019, it did so in quite the striking Tokyo spot. The background now differs, but the art itself remains just as impressive — and as eager to live up to the exhibition's name. Japan-born, Berlin-based artist Shiota crafts works that force everyone who sees them to take in their place in the world, all while musing on their own inner worlds in the process. Her art skews existential in both a big and an intimate sense. The macro and micro alike lingers piece by piece, and through The Soul Trembles as a whole. That's all there in the masses of string, the wall of miniatures and the detached body parts. It also dwells in the dangling suitcases and the compilation of window frames, and in the paper cascading upwards — aka the GOMA exhibition's major new commission. [caption id="attachment_859135" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chloë Callistemon[/caption] Indeed, when you peer at Shiota's mazes of inky-black wool, including when they're woven around chairs and pianos, it's impossible not to think about infinity, mortality, obliteration, the darkness that awaits us all, the fragility of life and the fact that all things eventually turn to ash. When you take in her labyrinths of blood-red yarn instead, it's equally difficult not to ponder the crimson stuff pumping through our veins, all that makes our bodies work and function, and the reality that being alive is so physically complex, emotionally tangled and tangibly fragile. Also inescapable: that, just as one exhibition after the next proves in any gallery's ongoing calendar, humanity's very existence is oh-so-fleeting. Comprised of over 100 works from across 25 years of Shiota's career, and marking her largest exhibition to-date, The Soul Trembles is unsurprisingly a deeply gorgeous and wondrous showcase — and a deeply contemplative one. It's a ruminative artistic landscape to get lost in, and to think about who you really are and what you want out of life while you're standing within it. For Brisbanites now eager to do exactly that — plus interstate art-lovers keen to make the trip north to see the Australian-exclusive exhibition — here are eight pieces to look out for. [caption id="attachment_859136" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chloë Callistemon[/caption] UNCERTAIN JOURNEY Every exhibition that settles into GOMA makes a splash in its main gallery hallway. The venue's presentations fill plenty of its other spaces, but the South Bank spot loves a bold entrance. When Patricia Piccinini: Curious Affection was on display, a Skywhale-like balloon did the honours. During David Lynch: Between Two Worlds, a mini cinema inside a cube sat in the foyer, offering attendees a complication of music clips from his movies. Yayoi Kusama: Life Is the Heart of a Rainbow boasted yellow polka-dotted orbs, while Water featured suspended rings that you could climb through. At The Soul Trembles, Shiota's Uncertain Journey is no less spectacular — or memorable. Dating back to 2016, it features a series of metallic frames shaped like boats, all strung together by red thread. They're linked in a giant woven mass that spreads from wall to wall, making a wool canopy for a ceiling, and includes cavernous tunnels within the flame-hued strands. As far as welcoming you into Shiota's mindset, and making sure you're in the right headspace yourself, it's a perfect opening piece. Wanting to simply stand and stare comes with the territory. [caption id="attachment_859137" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chloë Callistemon[/caption] WHERE ARE WE GOING? Much about The Soul Trembles deals in contrasts: life and death, big and small, red and black, and beginnings and endings. But this is also an exhibition about the here and now, as well as the journeys that life takes us on from one extreme to another. That idea is plain in many of the artwork names, such as the aforementioned Uncertain Journey and now Where Are We Going?. And, in both, it's evident in Shiota's frequent use of vessel-shaped structures — all either encased in or hanging via threads. Dangling its wire boats from the ceiling, Where Are We Going? uses a monochrome colour scheme — letting the white wool of the ships' bodies clash with the black rope suspending them in mid-air. The installation sits just inside a doorway, but expect that passage to be clogged; just try not to stop immediately as soon as you lock eyes on the piece. That's a fitting reaction that speaks volumes about what strikes us in life, and where existence's bottlenecks reside. Still, thanks to its size and scale, you'll also want to take a minute to walk around Where Are We Going? as well. [caption id="attachment_859138" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Natasha Harth[/caption] IN SILENCE When Shiota was nine years old, the house next door to her home burned down. The following morning, a piano remained — scorched black, and drawing Shiota in with both its appearance and its quiet. In Silence responds to that event, and to the memory of it that still lingers. It muses on the things that tangibly remain, as well as those that haunt without a physical presence. It's also one of The Soul Trembles' most vivid sights. Visitors to GOMA have to walk through a few rooms to get to In Silence, which dates back to 2008. In the process, you'll take in installations, photos, paintings and videos first. But when this piece appears, filling a room with black thread — and wrapping up a piano, as well as chairs ready for an invisible audience, within all those fibres — it's as arresting as the exhibition gets. While it screams with physicality, it's also a ghostly vision. And, among everything else, its interplay of light and shadows is ethereal. [caption id="attachment_859134" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chloë Callistemon[/caption] REFLECTION OF SPACE AND TIME The Soul Trembles isn't focused on fashion, but it does feature two eye-catching dresses in one black cube. Like much within the exhibition, they're trapped within Shiota's beloved black yarn. A mirror also sits in the centre of the steel frame, dividing the space. Accordingly, as well as the items themselves, viewers also spy their reflections — and the setup is designed to make you merge the real and the illusory in your mind. It isn't by accident that, with her ever-present threads, Shiota covers an object that's already designed as a covering. With her mirrors, she also muddies the lines between what exists to touch — not that GOMA visitors can — and what only exists to the eye. A piece about skins and illusions, Reflection of Space and Time thinks big, as its name makes clear. It's a compact work compared to Shiota's installations, confined as it is to its cube, but it's also both stunning and weighty. [caption id="attachment_859140" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Natasha Harth[/caption] INSIDE — OUTSIDE Eyes may be the windows to the soul — one that trembles, or not — but windows themselves are revelatory in Inside — Outside. This installation nods to Shiota's adopted home of Berlin, which she moved to in 1996. Attached together to form a barrier that fences off one corner, this piece takes inspiration from one of the German capital's most infamous structures: the Berlin Wall, obviously. Shiota has crafted Inside — Outside out of discarded Berlin windows, in fact, all gathered from construction sites in the mid-2000s when the city was being redeveloped extensively. The structure sits adjacent to images of the city, with the combination sparking thoughts about separation, destruction and renewal, boundaries, and open and closed-off spaces. It's another work that makes gorgeous use of light, too. [caption id="attachment_859139" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Natasha Harth[/caption] CONNECTING SMALL MEMORIES When wool stretches across vast hallways and fills rooms, The Soul Trembles is immense. It can be tiny, too, though. That said, the feeling that emanates when you see Connecting Small Memories and its array of miniatures is definitely voluminous. Big things can make an impact and leave an imprint, as plenty of Shiota's works do — and their minuscule counterparts can as well, including when arranged together along an entire wall. It features items you won't see elsewhere in GOMA — ironing boards, rocking horses, tables, beds, chests of drawers, curtains, cupboards and more, all looking like something out of Honey I Shrunk the Kids — but Connecting Small Memories also resembles The Soul Trembles made pocket-sized. Red threads link its pieces, doing what the artwork's moniker promises. [caption id="attachment_859132" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chloë Callistemon[/caption] A QUESTION OF SPACE AND TIME The Soul Trembles comes to Brisbane from Japan, where Shiota was born. It features a piece made about Berlin, where she has lived for decades. The exhibition also has a strong and vivid link to Australia, too, in the form of newly commissioned work A Question of Space and Time. Shiota spent part of the 90s Down Under, studying at the Canberra School of Art from 1993–94 and travelling — including visit Uluru, which this installation contemplates. Yes, string is once again a feature. Strands of black rope hang from the ceiling, taking up an entire room. Within it, items of found furniture sit within the middle. A Question of Space and Time then tops that desk and chair with hundreds of suspended pieces of ordinary 80gsm paper, all leaping upwards like someone has just thrown an entire ream into the air. The result: a work that's mysterious and mesmerising, and another piece that's worth viewing from multiple angles. [caption id="attachment_859141" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Natasha Harth[/caption] ACCUMULATION — SEARCHING FOR A DESTINATION If you're a frequent GOMA attendee, you'll remember what once filled the gallery where Accumulation — Searching for a Destination now hangs. Over the summer of 2019–20, the room was piled with 100 tonnes of rocks, recreating an Icelandic stream. That Olafur Eliasson piece was phenomenal. So is the unrelated installation that now calls the same space home. They feel like mirror images: Accumulation slopes from left to right, affixed to the roof, where Riverbed reached right to left from the floor up. Experiencing both, even three years apart, is something special. Accumulation suspends hundreds of suitcases on red thread, all jostling in the air. This isn't a new work, and it wasn't a response to the pandemic and the barriers to travel it sparked, but it's easy to muse on both while standing in front of it. This is another of The Soul Trembles' pieces about journeys, of course, and also about valuing minutiae. What is a suitcase if not a receptacle for all we see fit to keep with us when we venture away from home, and a physical item to which we attach our fondest travel memories? Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles displays at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane from Saturday, June 18–Monday, October 3, 2022. For further details, visit the GOMA website. Images: installation views: Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles, Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, 2022 © Chiharu Shiota. Photography: Natasha Harth / Chloë Callistemon, QAGOMA.
Attenzione! Once a year, Australia's cinema screens swap their usual fare for a trip to Italy. That time is almost upon us for 2024. Didn't spend your winter in Europe? Don't have a getaway to the other side of the world planned any time soon? Keen to see an Italian box-office smash without leaving the country? Haven't caught The Godfather Part II on a big screen before? Eager to check out Ralph Fiennes (The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar) and Stanley Tucci (Citadel) as Cardinals electing a new Pope? The Italian Film Festival has you covered. For a month between Wednesday, September 18–Wednesday, October 23, the fest will play a range of picture palaces in Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, Byron Bay and Ballina, Adelaide and Perth — with dates varying per city. Whichever spot you call home, a diverse lineup of Italian cinema will flicker through the projectors, led by opening night's Gloria!. If the name Gloria always gets the song of the same moniker stuck in your head, that's fitting: this movie is directed and co-written by a singer. Margherita Vicario didn't give the world the famous tune, but she is the driving force behind this feature about a maid at a refuge in Venice. Vicario is also travelling to Australia for the Italian Film Festival, attending the opening-night festivities in Sydney and Melbourne. Gloria! is just one of the fest's high-profile picks in showcase slots. The Great Beauty, Youth and The New Pope filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino's latest is playing as the festival's centrepiece film, with Parthenope following a woman in Naples with the same title as the mythical siren that the city was once named after — and co-starring Gary Oldman (Slow Horses). Then, closing out the fest is Conclave, which is where Fiennes and Tucci come in (plus Killers of the Flower Moon's John Lithgow and Spaceman's Isabella Rossellini, too) for papal thrills. The aforementioned cinema hit on Italian shores? That'd be post World War II-set melodrama There's Still Tomorrow, aka 2024's Sydney Film Festival Prize-winner. It follows a wife and mother who dreams of a different future, with actor Paola Cortellesi (Petra, Don't Stop Me Now) both starring and making her directorial debut. And Francis Ford Coppola's (Megalopolis) masterpiece The Godfather Part II is celebrating its 50th anniversary at the festival, in one of two throwback flicks. The other: Bread and Tulips, which opened the first-ever Italian Film Festival back in 2000. Other standouts include Marcello Mio, with Catherine Deneuve (The President's Wife) and Chiara Mastroianni (Monsieur Spade) playing versions of themselves in a comedy that explores the legacy of Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni, the mother-daughter pair's respective former partner and father — and also the Thom Yorke-scored, love affair-focused Trust; Commandante, which opened the 2023 Venice Film Festival; Alba Rohrwacher (La Chimera) in drama In The Mirror; and the mystery-led A Dark Story. The lineup goes on, whether you're interested in a revenge-thriller meeting a coming-of-age tale in We Were Children, Monica Bellucci (Mafia Mamma) and Vincent Cassel's (The Three Musketeers: Milady) daughter Deva Cassel starring in the page-to-screen The Beautiful Summer, laughing at actor Margherita Buy's (Ripley) directorial debut Volare or catching Beatrice Grannò from The White Lotus season two in rom-com Bad Conscience. In Sydney and Melbourne, the fest will also say ciao to documentary The Rise of Espresso — so coffee fiends, take note. Italian Film Festival 2024 Dates and Venues: Wednesday, September 18–Wednesday, October 16 — Palace Moore Park, Palace Norton St, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema, Sydney Wednesday, September 18–Wednesday, October 16 — Palace Electric Cinema, Canberra Thursday, September 19–Wednesday, October 16 — Palace Barracks and Palace James Street, Brisbane Friday, September 20–Thursday, October 17 — The Astor Theatre, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Penny Lane, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema and Cinema Nova, Melbourne Thursday, September 26–Wednesday, October 16 — Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Fair Cinemas, Byron Bay and Ballina Wednesday, October 2–Tuesday, October 22 — Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas and Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Adelaide Thursday, October 3–Wednesday, October 23 — Palace Raine Square, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Windsor Cinema, Perth The 2024 Italian Film Festival tours Australia in September and October. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the festival website.
With the days growing shorter and the nights growing colder, comfort food is coming into its own and nothing is more comforting than a traditional Sunday roast. Perhaps previously associated with stodgy British pub fare, or laborious home cooking, the Sunday roast is becoming more of a gourmet affair in Sydney pubs, with great care taken to recreate and reimagine the classic British meal. The following is a list of our pick of the finest pub roasts in Sydney, sure to chase away the winter blues and provide a hearty feed.
How do you make a blockbuster ancient Egypt exhibition even bigger? At the Australian Museum's upcoming Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs, adding the royal coffin that provided the resting place for the showcase's namesake will do the trick. Already set to feature more than 181 rare artefacts and treasures, the Sydney event has now confirmed that the sarcophagus of Ramses II will also be on display Down Under — giving audiences a rare treat. It isn't often that the coffin is permitted to leave Egypt; however, it will head to the Harbour City after also recently displaying at the exhibition's stop in Paris. When that happens, Sydney will become just the second city in the world outside of Egypt to show the 3000-plus-year-old item. "The beautiful sarcophagus of Ramses II will be the star attraction in the Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition and is a wonderful opportunity for Australian audiences to see this rare, fragile artefact in real life," said Australian Museum Director and CEO Kim McKay AO. "Ramses' coffin is a work of inestimable value and a powerful symbol of one of the greatest leaders of the ancient world. Egyptians worshipped their pharaohs, and their devotion to Ramses II can be seen through the craftsmanship of the coffin." "The coffin of Ramses II was one of the most popular objects in Ramses & The Gold of the Pharaohs in Paris, so we anticipate Australian audiences will find this priceless artefact equally enthralling. Shown in Australia for the very first time, Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs and the extraordinary loan of the coffin direct from Egypt, highlights how dynamic international relationships develop across the globe," added World Heritage Exhibitions CEO John Norman. This piece of history is carved from cedar, and discovered with the pharoah's body more than two centuries ago, in 1811 within the Royal Cache at Deir el-Bahari. If you need a reminder on your Egyptian history, Ramses II ruled over the country from 1279–1213 BCE. When Saturday, November 18 rolls around this year, a collection of items from the pharaoh's rule will gleam in Australia, as first announced back in 2021 — including animal mummies, royal masks, jewellery, amulets and other golden items from the ruler's tomb, plus now Ramses II's coffin. Focusing on Egypt's third pharaoh from its 19th dynasty — a ruler also known as Ramses the Great, who enjoyed the second-longest reign of any pharaoh, and is considered a symbol of the country's prosperous ancient New Kingdom period — the overall showcase is set to be big. The Australian Museum has dubbed it the largest cultural collection Down Under in more than a decade, in fact. While the hefty number of objects featured is impressive, so is their rare status; some of the pieces included haven't ever left Egypt before. Bringing a slice of history to Australia's shores, Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs will be filled with items from museums and historical sites in Egypt, which are being loaned to the exhibition by Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities. Also available for an additional fee when booking: letting attendees enter two of the ruler's monuments — the Tomb of Queen Nefertari, and the temples of Abu Simbel — virtually. [caption id="attachment_908641" align="alignnone" width="1920"] World Heritage Exhibitions[/caption] Presented in partnership with World Heritage Exhibitions, Neon and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, with support by Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and also funding from the NSW Government's Create NSW Blockbusters Funding initiative, Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs heads to Australia after showing in Houston and San Francisco in the US, as well as its recent season until September in Paris. Australia will also play host to another huge exhibition about ancient Egypt in 2024, with Pharaoh set to feature at Melbourne's NGV International from June. Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs will display at the Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney, from Saturday, November 18, 2023–Sunday, May 19, 2024 — head to the exhibition's website for further details and tickets, with booking well in advance highly recommended.
Sydney CBD's George Street is currently undergoing developments to extend its car-free zone, which will see the vehicle-free area spread across its entire run between Town Hall and Railway Square. The first new pedestrian zone since the $43.5 million project begun has now been unveiled, with a new area between Bathurst and Goulburn streets now open to the public. Under the multimillion-dollar City of Sydney plan, George Street will become a pedestrian-friendly boulevard, with wider granite footpaths replacing car lanes, new street furniture installed, more trees planted, improvements to intersections and added spaces for outdoor dining. The project will ultimately see more than 9000-square-metres of new public space added to the bustling inner-city street. The remainder of the project is currently under way, with work at the Goulburn Street intersection and a transformation of George Street between Goulborn Street and Rawson Place slated to be finished early next year. [caption id="attachment_808419" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Artist render of George Street between Hay Street and Rawson Place[/caption] It's the latest change for the bustling street in the heart of the city, which has undergone quite an evolution already over the past decade — including the installation of the infamous new light rail. The City of Sydney and local business owners are hoping that the proposed changes will help revitalise the area. Sydney's lockout laws saw the closure of venues like Hudson Ballroom around George Street, and the hardships that venue owners were already facing were only compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. "This part of town has always been a bustling entertainment hub that attracted a diverse demographic looking to eat, drink and come together at a range of venues, but due to COVID, we saw business slump overnight," director of operations for the owners of the Albion Hotel, David Highet said when the project was first announced in April. "When we cautiously return to the city while seeking to maintain physical distancing, wider footpaths and more space for pedestrians are critical," said Lord Mayor Clover Moore, announcing the opening of the new stretch between Bathurst and Goulburn streets. "Creating this space opens new opportunities for businesses, and, crucially, provides places for people to gather and get around safely." For more information about the car-free boulevard along George Street head to the City of Sydney website.
The City of Sydney has unveiled an ambitious plan to create a more liveable and sustainable city over the next thirty years. The plan builds upon the Sustainable Sydney 2030 strategy that the City of Sydney has been working towards since 2017. The plan promises a better-connected and more open city with increased public spaces, town squares and greenery, improved public transport and greater cultural identity. Now labeled Sustainable Sydney 2030-2050 Continue the Vision, the new plan includes already announced projects like the completion of the Yananurala foreshore walk, boosting green cover across the city to 40-percent and creating a harbour that facilitates swimming, alongside infrastructure innovations including the permanent and temporary transformation of roads into public spaces, and transport improvements to the Metro train line and Green Square town centre. "All successful cities have long-term plans to ensure their economies and communities prosper, business invests with confidence and all governments work together providing essential infrastructure and services," said Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore. [caption id="attachment_849521" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Town Hall Square render[/caption] By far the most ambitious of the announced plans are three linked public squares the City of Sydney wants to create at Circular Quay, Town Hall and Central. The squares will be connected by the new and improved George Street and the light rail, radically changing these sections of the CBD. The plan for Circular Quay suggests removing the Cahill Expressway, creating an openair civic space in front of Customs House, while the vision for Town Hall features a far-reaching green space linking Hyde Park, Sydney Square and Town Hall Station. The future of the Cahill Expressway has been a focus of the current NSW Government on several occasions, with the road being used to host a week-long music and arts festival over New Year's and current NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet naming it one of ten iconic buildings he'd bulldoze. The City of Sydney's plan also prioritises cultural and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. "The cities that will recover and thrive most effectively are the ones that provide affordable housing, working and cultural space, a myriad of cultural offerings, walking, cycling and excellent late-night public transport, green, cool calm streets, laneways, small bars and late-night activity," says Moore. [caption id="attachment_849518" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Central render[/caption] Sustainable Sydney 2030-2050 Continue the Vision will be presented to the council on Monday, April 11. Top image: Circular Quay render supplied by the City of Sydney.
Whether it's the start of a brand new year or time for a mid-year rest, a bit of re-centring and rejuvenation is always in order. And there's almost no better way to do that then with a few days at a yoga retreat. Not sure where to go for your R&R? We've rounded up eight stellar retreats across the country — ranging from the budget-friendly to the all-out luxurious — that are guaranteed to leave you feeling calm, contented, and ready to take on the world. BILLABONG RETREAT, MARAYLYA, NSW Set in 12 acres of natural bushland, this 30-bed eco yoga retreat offers relatively affordable escapes that include beginner-friendly yoga, meditation workshops and accommodation in gorgeous treetop cabins. Extra perks include a magnesium-infused swimming pool and delectable vegetarian food. Don't have time for a weekend retreat? Drop in for a cheeky day visit and you'll be back in Sydney by dinner time, all relaxed and centred. When? Retreats vary between one and seven nights, and run all year round excluding over New Year. How much? Around $250 for one night to $1260 for a week, which includes all meals, twice daily yoga and meditation. Day retreats cost $200. EDEN HEALTH RETREAT, CURRUMBIN VALLEY, QLD Located in the lush rainforest on the Gold Coast hinterland, Eden Health — one of Australia's first retreats — offers guests an individually tailored experience. Want to improve your general health? Manage your stress? Or just chill the hell out? Eden Health will design a program to meet your specific goals over the course of your stay. The centre's extensive facilities (a spa, a natural mud bath, tennis courts, and a heated pool are just a few of the offerings) also mean you'll have plenty to keep you occupied during your downtime. When? Retreats run each week from Sunday to Saturday all year round. How much? Prices start from $3350 for the week, which includes all meals, classes, use of facilities and $300–400 of therapies. YOGA CUCINA, NSW If you thought yoga retreats were all silence and brown rice, Yoga Cucina invites you to reconsider. Initiated by a trio of yoga instructors — and wine drinkers — it's a new kind of yoga-inspired getaway. The retreats — which run a few times a year — let you spend a weekend practising your salutes to the sun and downward dogs, in between sampling several drops, feasting on Italian fare, playing darts and swimming beneath waterfalls. On the first night you'll meet for a pre-dinner wine tasting, then sit down to a big Italian feast. The rest of the weekend will see you waking up to yoga sessions, honing your practice in workshops, trundling off to national parks for swimming under waterfalls, learning how to make pasta, eating, drinking and playing games. When? The next retreat will run over the weekend of September 6–9, 2018. How much? The weekend costs $1050–1200 per person, which includes all activities, food, wine and accommodation. RADIANCE RETREATS, BYRON BAY, NSW As Australia's yoga capital, Byron offers wellness retreats aplenty. While many are geared towards yoga buffs (and can, therefore, be rather intimidating to the beginner), Radiance Retreats focuses on deep, slow vinyasa, making it a great choice for newbies. Run by renowned yogi and author Jessie Chapman, the retreats supplement top-notch yoga classes with meditation, hikes, beach walks, and spa therapies. When? Five- and six-night retreats run about six times a year, with the next two happening on on November 9–14, 2018 and over NYE 2018. How much? Around $2000–2800, which includes all meals, classes, activities and a massage. GLAMPING YOGA RETREAT, WARRANDYTE, VIC Not all retreats have to cost you your yearly yoga member ship. Melbourne-based yoga teacher Maud Léger has just launched a new retreat in Warrandyte, and instead of fancy lodgings, the accommodation is a glamping village. While the camping vibe helps keep costs down, you will in no way rough it — all tents include mattresses, nice linen and rugs, and you'll practice in the estate's studio and deck. When? The next retreat will run from November 3–6, 2018. How much? Prices start from $767 for a shared tent. TRANQUIL POINT BIKRAM YOGA SCHOOL, CYGNET, TAS Searching for a Bikram (that is, hot yoga) retreat? Tranquil Point Bikram Yoga School in Cynget, Tasmania, specialises in this variety. Located 45 minutes from Hobart, the school boasts gorgeous ocean views, an orchard, and an organic vegetable garden. Anyone can drop in for a class, but you can sign up for one of the many retreats on offer — these vary from beginner retreats to weekend getaways to 30- and 60-day challenges. It's a good option for those who are interested in a more active retreat as you can fill your hours off the mat with bushwalks, kayaking and leisurely swims. When? Classes and retreats run throughout the year. How much? Rooms start at $250 a night and retreats can go all the way up to $7500. GWINGANNA LIFESTYLE RETREAT, TALLEBUDGERA, QLD A firm favourite among the yogi crowd, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat last year won Luxury Travel Magazine's Best Australian Health and Wellness Property award. The all-encompassing wellness experience pairs yoga and meditation classes with naturopathy, nutritional advice, an award-winning spa and stunning accommodation. While a few days at this luxurious retreat will put a serious dent in your wallet, if you can afford it, the experience is well worth it. When? Retreats vary between one and seven nights, and run all year round. How much? Around $1000 for the weekend to $3485 for the week, which includes all meals, classes, use of facilities and airport transfers and some therapies. PREMA SHANTI YOGA AND MEDITATION RETREAT, DAINTREE RAINFOREST, QLD It doesn't get much better than working on your downward dog in a world heritage rainforest. Two hours north of Cairns, Prema Shanti is a secluded, intimate, and eco-friendly retreat that offers a yoga temple, meditation room, and boutique accommodation. Rather than booking in a set retreat, you just book in how many nights you want to stay, from two days up to two weeks. Greet the day with a meditation session, wind down with an evening yoga class, and spend the hours in-between relaxing with a massage or another spa treatment. Best part? Rooms start at $90 a night. When? Classes run throughout the year. How much? Rooms cost $90–120 a night.
On the big screen, Beetlejuice is making a comeback, with a sequel currently in the works. The original 1988 film is rarely far from cinemas anyway, proving a staple at retrospective screenings. But watching the ghost with the most sing and dance onstage? That's a brand-new experience for Australian theatre audiences. Start chanting three times: seeing the Beetlejuice musical Down Under will become a reality in 2025. Penned by the nation's own Eddie Perfect and debuting on Broadway in 2019, this take on Beetlejuice still focuses on the character from Tim Burton's beloved 80s flick, of course — just with songs and dance routines. Cinema's famous 'bio-exorcist' will start haunting Melbourne's Regent Theatre sometime in April 2025, in what'll be its Aussie-premiere run. "While Beetlejuice began on stage in America, this show has a macabre sensibility and twisted humour that Australians will delight in," said Perfect, announcing the Aussie premiere. "I always hoped it would have a life here at some point and I am thrilled that moment has finally arrived. I can't wait to share it with a home crowd for the first time." "Australian fans were some of the loudest begging us to bring Beetlejuice to Australia. We listened and we can't wait to expand our community of Netherlings down under. We are thrilled to bring this hilarious and remarkably touching show to a whole new place and share the electrifying experience that audiences on Broadway, and now throughout North America, have fallen in love with," added Mark Kaufman, Beetlejuice Executive Producer and Executive Vice President of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures. You don't need a Handbook for the Recently Deceased in your ghostly hands to head along, but you will spend time with a couple with one: Barbara and Adam Maitland. And, you'll see what happens when they start to suspect that they're no longer alive, a new family moves into their house and they decide they need that bio-exorcist. When Beetlejuice first burst into picture palaces, it did so with The Flash's Michael Keaton, Stranger Things' Winona Ryder, Schitt's Creek's Catherine O'Hara, GLOW's Geena Davis and Dr Death's Alec Baldwin all starring. Who'll follow in their footsteps in Melbourne is yet to be revealed. No matter which actors take to the stage in the Beetlejuice musical's Aussie debut, audiences are in for an acclaimed production directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), and with a book by Emmy-nominee Anthony King (Broad City) and Scott Brown (Sharp Objects) — plus Perfect's Tony-nominated original score, of course. The show picked up a whopping eight Tony nominations in 2019, and won Timbers a Drama League Award for Excellence in Directing, plus both Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nods for set design. The Beetlejuice musical will make its Australian premiere at Melbourne's Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne, from April 2025 — head to the production's website for further information and to join the ticket waitlist. Images: Matthew Murphy, 2022.
Whether you share your life with a tail-wagging puppy, a cat that sleeps all day, a vocal parrot or a colourful little fish, if you're a pet owner, you can show your love for your chosen companion in a variety of ways. You can attend a boozy art class and paint a picture of them. Firmly fitting in with the times, you can get their photo plastered across a mask. And, in another pitch-perfect 2020 option, you can also buy a jigsaw puzzle emblazoned with their cute little face. Smoochy Poochy is the Australian company helping you piece together a portrait of Fido, Fluffy, Polly or Nemo — and, while you can obviously opt for whatever kind of personalised puzzle you like, why wouldn't you want one of your pet? Think of it this way: you've already spent so long gazing at them because they're just so adorable, and you've well and truly committed their face to your memory in the process, so this should be the easiest jigsaw that you've ever done. A number of sizes are available, which means that you can decide just how much of a challenge you're after. If you're eager to go big, you can opt for a 1000-piece puzzle that measures 50.2 centimetres by 76 centimetres, which is the largest size. Otherwise, you can pick between 12, 30, 35, 60, 88, 100, 120, 180, 200, 300 or 500 pieces. Prices range from $28.95 for the smallest puzzle, up to $59.95 for the largest. And if you'd like to provide more than one photo for a single puzzle — as uploaded via the company's website — you can. Smoochy Poochy will even create the collage for you, for free if it uses four or fewer photos, and at an extra price for five or more pictures. Smoochy Poochy's personalised pet puzzles are available to order via the company's website.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has evolved into a remarkable cultural institution since its beginnings as an anti-discrimination protest (and commemoration of the Stonewall riots) over three decades ago. This year’s theme — ‘Infinite Love’ — as well as seeming to recall the spirit of the 60s counter-culture, signifies (together with its new logo) a future-vision in which the parameters of love-definitions are enlarged, or are made infinitely reinterpretable. An ever-burgeoning program of exciting happenings — this year packing-in over 60 events(!), over a huge three-week calendar — will, from 12 February to 4 March, see spectators and participants traversing all ends of the Harbour City. Whether one wishes to barrack for their pick of the racing drag queens at the Bondi Beach Drag Races, to cool-off at The Flinders and Beresford hotels for The Laneway post-party, or to engage with some Queer Thinking at The Seymour Centre, there’s certainly ample to see and do. The festival’s climax, of course, remains the pride-parade: an extravagant procession of more than 9000 exotically costumed performers, dancers, and political expressionists, who will float their way down Oxford and Flinders Streets on Saturday 3 March from 7:45pm. And after years of buzz and speculation, we should be so lucky to hear that the pop princess herself — Kylie Minogue — will be returning to the Mardi Gras this year, to perform atop the biggest float in the parade’s history. With simply so much on, this year the Mardi Gras promises to be the biggest, the best, and the most fabulous yet.
In a society as culturally diverse as Sydney, food is an excellent way to highlight community approach and rich global culture. In particular, Newtown is a hub of good food and community spirit. So what better way to celebrate this success than with the Newtown Good Food Fair? On Sunday, 13 October, Newtown will mark Sydney's Good Food Month by playing host to a celebration of food and community. Newtown locals and broader Sydneysiders alike are invited to embark on a taste sensation: sampling a little of everything that the friendly neighbourhood will be offering on the day, for the dirt cheap prices of regular street food. Held in the Newtown Square, the culinary lineup for the day is, in itself, something to celebrate. On offer will be feasts from a selection of Newtown's 'new wave' of food, with spreads put on by Miss Peaches, Newtown Hotel's The Animal, Suzy Spoon's Vegetarian Butcher. Old favourites like Bloodwood, Mad Pizza e Bar, Kuki Tanuki, Rubyos, Twelve, Coopers Hotel and WaterHorse Small Bar will also be there to cook up a bite-sized storm. Newtown Good Food Fair has been organised in association with the Newtown Precinct Business Association, with all money raised going towards the Newtown Community Centre. The event will take place from 11am to 4pm. Image: Miss Peaches.
Croissants aren't easy to make, and no one in Australia knows that better than Kate Reid. For a decade, she's been the face of Lune Croissanterie, the bakery acclaimed by everyone from Yotam Ottolenghi (who called its flaky wares "the croissant that should act as the prototype for all others") to The New York Times (who anointed them "the finest you will find anywhere in the world"). The Melbourne-born chain's pastries didn't just luck into that effusive praise, however. Drawing upon her background as an ex-Formula 1 aerodynamicist, Reid took to the task of making the perfect croissant with scientific precision back when she changed fields. Lune's climate-controlled glass cubes, where its croissants are made and baked, have also become famous — adding even more complexity to an already-intricate pastry-creating process. After ten years spent crafting its titular treat, and also expanding the brand across Melbourne and Brisbane (plus Sydney in 2023), Lune has its croissants down to an art — and a science. Australia's pastry fiends clearly agree, spanning the chain's classic OG number through to its rotating array of monthly specials; head to any Lune location and the lines are proof enough. But Reid doesn't want croissant aficionados to only covet Lune's baked goods by heading in-store, not that anyone needs much encouragement there. Cue recipe book LUNE: Croissants All Day, All Night, which endeavours to share and demystify the croissant-making method — the butter, layers and laminating all included — across its hefty 272 pages. [caption id="attachment_871783" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lune's Kate and Cam Reid[/caption] Reid hasn't found a croissant-making shortcut for the masses, but she has reworked Lune's greatest hits to whip up at home. "Making croissants is really hard, and there's a reason why it's normally a bakery with commercial equipment," she tells Concrete Playground, chatting while touring the country launching the book. When it came time to write the tome, the pandemic struck. Reid describes herself as "a hermit" as a result, but put the situation to good use. "It was coincidental that we ended up in a lockdown, and I was basically stuck in my kitchen at home," she explains. "I was like, 'okay, well what I'm surrounded by is what everyone who buys the book is going to be surrounded by'. So I basically rewrote the recipes from scratch with the home baker in mind." Yes, while everyone else was trying out sourdough, Reid was creating the world's next home-cooking obsession. (When Concrete Playground suggests that perhaps readers will approach Reid's recipes Julie & Julia-style, baking their way through them all from start to finish, she laughs approvingly.) If that commitment sounds like the act of a perfectionist, it is, and Reid freely uses the label to describe herself. You don't get to be an Australian who's globally renowned for a French pastry — so much so that LUNE: Croissants All Day, All Night is being snapped by up folks with bakeries in Wales and Prague, Reid advises — without being diligent and meticulous. You also don't get there without learning plenty. When Reid founded Lune, she did "honestly just want to make the best croissant". She was dedicated to that task — starting work at 5am and putting in 10–12-hours-plus a day rolling croissants up until just a couple of years ago — but didn't once dream of having "five stores around Australia, soon to add to Sydney to the mix (which we're all super-excited about), a book, 170 staff and a wine bar", as she itemises. She credits that modest initial outlook and the genuine passion behind it for Lune's success. It might seem surprising for someone clearly so detail-oriented, but she also champions discovering when to not sweat the small stuff, as she talked through in a chat about croissant dreams, cookbook essentials and the best advice she's ever received. ON STARTING LUNE TO CHASE THE PERFECT CROISSANT "The story's well known about leaving Formula 1 and coming back to Australia, and being interested in being a baker or a pastry chef. But it was going to Paris and spending the time at Du Pain et des Idées, and working exclusively in their raw pastry kitchen. Prior to that, I'd been working in cafes, and making cakes and tarts and biscuits — and while I enjoyed that, I needed something that presented far more of a technical challenge. Discovering that at a bakery in Paris, I finally felt like every single one of the receptors that I needed to be stimulated to feel fulfilled in my work were. I was working in a bakery in France where I had to speak French, and learn new techniques that are physically challenging. I came back from Paris so inspired by what I'd learnt — and then wanting to find a croissant in Melbourne that had matched what I'd been eating and making in Paris. I couldn't really find anything that came anywhere near it, so I guess that was where the idea for Lune was born." [caption id="attachment_668102" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Tarasiuk.[/caption] ON SWAPPING A CHILDHOOD DREAM FOR A PASTRY-FILLED FUTURE "I think I'd turned 30 the year I started Lune. For 20 years just preceding that, I'd been laser-focused about a career in Formula 1. I'd literally planned out my retirement. I was going to be the first female technical director of an F1 team, and wanted to retire in Scotland. When I got sick and came back to Australia, the thought of planning too far ahead scared me, because planning so far ahead had put me in a pretty dark place and things hadn't panned out the way I'd thought. So Lune was a bit more of a one-step-at-a-time approach. Like, 'okay you've discovered this new thing that you love, and you've got an ideal to open a little wholesale bakery in Melbourne — let's start there'. Maybe that's been one of the keys to the success of Lune, in that I didn't have a hard and fast outcome that I needed to achieve other than continuing to hone and perfect this pastry, and therefore it has grown in quite an organic direction. The right people have come along at the right time. Cam [Reid's brother and co-owner] came along 18 months in and he's been instrumental. And Nathan [restaurateur Toleman, of Dessous, Hazel and Common Ground Project] came onboard another year or so later, and he's been instrumental as we've been growing in Victoria and interstate. And then there's the chefs that've crossed our paths over the years. We didn't even know that we were going to go to Brisbane up until two years ago, when the opportunity presented itself. I think now where we are, it's important for us to have a growth plan and a vision, but I think all of us — myself, Cameron and Nathan — are all aware that you don't know what life's going to throw at you, or what your business or you are personally going to have to face, and what challenges are going to come. And it's better to be open-minded, as doors will open when you don't expect." ON WRITING A LUNE COOKBOOK TEN YEARS ON — AND CATERING FOR ALL BAKERS "I've had experiences, not just with bakery books but cookbooks in general, where you follow a recipe to the letter in a book and somehow the end result isn't exactly what it promises to be in the photo or the inscriptions. You always blame yourself, because you're like 'well I'm not a professional chef that wrote that recipe, and I don't work in that restaurant, so I must've done something wrong'. I really wanted to write a book that, short of having me in the kitchen with you, the person who bought it and wanted to cook from it really felt like I was like coaching them through the process in a very detailed way. So, the recipes had to be achievable by a home cook. In order to do that, I discovered over probably six or seven weeks of pretty frustrating trials at home last year that I couldn't just replicate what we did at Lune, obviously, because no one in their home kitchen has all the commercial bakery equipment that we have at Lune. I make no bones about it: there's a reason that we don't make croissants at home. But I think especially over the past few years — and with thanks to people like Chad Robertson from Tartine, who's really normalised and championed more technical baking at home, especially with the understanding of making sourdough bread — people out there want a bigger challenge. Especially over the last couple of years with going in and out of lockdown, people got really savvy in their own kitchens making things that otherwise they might've just wandered down to the local bakery to get. There will be many people who read the recipes I've written and, at the start it tells you you've got to dedicate three days to it —there's managing of temperatures, and pulling batches of pastry in and out of the fridge to make sure the butter's the right consistency; it's very technical. The technical home baker will absolutely dive into the recipes. But for those people who don't want to dedicate three days of life to try to make them from home, there's a couple of chapters in the book dedicated to twice-baked recipes that are cult-classics at Lune — like our coconut pandan or the carrot cake, the mocha, the choc-chip cookie-slice bake — and then there's also a leftovers chapter. Those chapters mean that you can just walk down to your local bakery, buy half-a-dozen plain croissants, then engage with the book and cook from it in a couple of hours of cooking in the kitchen, rather than three days." ON PICKING THE RECIPES — AND PLAYING FAVOURITES "I actually compiled a list of every single special we've ever done at Lune, and the list is hundreds long. Then I looked through it, and basically went and picked out my 60 favourites. The book had to come from my heart, and I needed to make sure that there was a really lovely story behind each recipe included. I also wanted it to be a good balance of sweet and savoury, of simple and complex, and pastries that Lune customers remember from the last ten years. It'd be very hard for me to go past the traditional croissant, and just the challenge of mastering the plain croissant at home. Anyone who embarks on that recipe is going to have a great amount of satisfaction when they pull them out of the oven on day three. But in terms of what to do with the croissant pastry and be creative with it, there are so many recipes in the book. The fish pie one is genius because it uses the scraps of the scraps, so nothing needs to get thrown in the bin. And then with the kouign-amann recipe, which isn't a cult Lune recipe — it's a classic French pastry — even if you've stuffed up your lamination a bit in the raw pastry, you are going to get the most delicious pastry you've ever made at home." ON THE BEST ADVICE REID HAS EVER RECEIVED "It's probably been from Cam, my brother. I am absolutely a perfectionist, maybe to my detriment, and had Cam not come along I potentially could've gotten really stuck in the detail of perfecting the croissant — and at the expense of making a viable business. I'm a control freak as well, so it took me a long time to be able to step back and let go of control of elements that ultimately I didn't need to have control of. The advice is to let go of the things that don't matter, and let other people take hold of things, because somebody's always better at something than you are. If you can find someone that's better at it than you, it's going to be to the benefit of the business and the product, and ultimately you as well. And trusting in people. I think my biggest learning is that to grow a business, 100-percent the most important thing is to have a really good recruitment program, because to get the right people involved in your business is the only way for a business to grow and succeed." AND SOME ADVICE FOR LUNE: CROISSANTS ALL DAY, ALL NIGHT READERS "Source really good ingredients to start with, because you can't make something great from bad ingredients – you just can't. They're your foundation, your good ingredients. If you live in a really hot, humid environment and you don't have air-conditioning, it's probably going to be the most frustrating recipe of your entire life. It's really not designed for warm environments, and if you don't have the ability to control the room that you're doing the pastry in, then you're not going to have a great time. And please tag me on Instagram if you try to make it, because I'm so excited to see everyone's results. That's not advice — that's a request!" LUNE: Croissants All Day, All Night is available at Australian bookstores and online, with the hardback edition retailing for $55.
Pier One is looking to get your mind ticking over a bit more this month with a new program of creativity-focused events. The Creative Hub is a three-week event series running from Friday, May 7 through until Monday, May 31 which includes insightful chats with industry experts and a series of workshops for those looking for a dose of self-improvement this May. The Creative Hub will be held in Pier One's Bridge Marquee, which will be transformed into the Art Bar as part of the festivities. The marquee has been reimagined for the festival by Goldberg Aberline Studio with inflatable art, fun furniture and a pop-up cocktail and champagne bar. Each week at the Art Bar you can catch a series of panel discussions with a range of successful Sydney creatives. Between Thursday, May 13 and Sunday May 30, you can join the audience for Creative Sydney Icons in Conversation with an array of panelists including Sydney Fringe Festival CEO, Kerri Glassock, National Art School Executive Producer and former Mardi Gras CEO, Terese Casu, Bangarra Dance Theatre Executive Director Lissa Twoomey and fashion designer Frida Las Vegas. Tickets to the panels are $25 and include a drink at the bar. Budding interior designers can join former Vogue Living Creative Director Jack Milenkovic and Atelier business owner Luke Bonano for a styling and interior design masterclass. Attendees can listen to the principles of bedroom and lounge room design, plus tips on how to include your personal style into your home. Tickets are $150 and include a $50 bar and dining voucher. [caption id="attachment_812595" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kerri Glasscock by Sally Flegg[/caption] Top Image: Frida Las Vegas by Eamon Donnelly
UPDATE, October 23, 2020: Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is available to stream via Netflix, Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube, iTunes and Amazon Video. The film that inspired DC Comics fans to ridiculously call for Rotten Tomatoes' closure, 2016's Suicide Squad was many things. Filled with nefarious characters forced to band together to save the world, it was supposed to be a Joker-led villainous team-up flick — and, while it ticked that box, it was also formulaic, bloated, unsubtle and overflowing with ugly CGI. As a result, it was mostly just dull and a slog to watch. And while the anti-hero onslaught is still getting a sequel in 2021, only one element truly stood out. That'd be Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, the Arkham Asylum psychiatrist who jumped into a life of crime when she became the jester of genocide's main squeeze. From the moment that Robbie stole the show in Suicide Squad, a Quinn-focused spinoff was always inevitable. So, knowing when they're onto a good thing — and witnessing their now Academy Award-nominated Australian star keep rising in fame via I, Tonya, Mary, Queen of Scots, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Bombshell — the folks behind the DC Extended Universe have gone and done the obvious. Thankfully, the powers-that-be learned a few lessons along the way, leaning into everything that first made the anarchic character attract so much big-screen attention. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is vividly stylised, irreverently upbeat, and both frenetic and fluid. To the benefit of every fight and chase scene, it's also more concerned with eye-popping action choreography than overblown special effects. The movie's riotous mood, lurid colour scheme and kookily comic sensibilities can't smooth out all of its bumps, though, but put it this way: Suicide Squad, this definitely isn't. After breaking up with the Joker (Jared Leto's awful green-haired version of the villain is nowhere to be seen, luckily), Quinn finds herself at a crossroads. Just like anyone who's newly single, she's not quite sure what to do with herself, other than drinking, downing comfort food, cutting her hair and getting a pet. Just when she's starting to reclaim her havoc-wreaking spark, she also discovers an unexpected consequence of changing her relationship status. Now that she's no longer the clown prince of crime's other half, every lowlife in town wants to settle the score for all the times she's done them wrong. One of them is psychopathic nightclub owner Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor) — and, in trying to save her alabaster skin from her new number-one nemesis, Quinn gets caught up with a posse of other feisty Gotham gals. Enter: Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), a hard-nosed detective constantly overlooked by the brass; Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), a singer at Sionis' club with a helluva voice; and the crossbow-wielding, vengeance-seeking, leather-clad Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Light-fingered teen Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco) actually brings them all together, with Sionis' goons chasing her, too. These ladies comprise a disparate bunch throughout much of the movie, but — because this flick is based on and named after a comic-book superhero team — becoming a girl gang is blatantly on the agenda. Yes, even with candy-coloured trickster Quinn leading the charge and grinning away as she's doing so, Birds of Prey brandishes a familiar caped crusader template. Besting Suicide Squad is an incredibly low and easy bar to conquer, which Birds of Prey does. Completely finding its own groove is a trickier task and, despite the best efforts of director Cathy Yan (Dead Pigs) and writer Christina Hodson (Bumblebee), it proves harder to master here. Sporting a punk-ish, perky, peppy attitude, Birds of Prey feels unique in the DC movie realm, even against other standout franchise entries like Wonder Woman and Aquaman. But its goofy, off-kilter vibe also feels just a few shades away from Marvel's Thor: Ragnarok on occasion. Quinn's cheeky, knowing, mile-a-minute narration, as well as the playful plot structure that comes with it, can also veer too close to Deadpool territory. That makes Birds of Prey fun, purposefully chaotic and mostly entertaining, but also sometimes struggling to keep it all together. That's Quinn herself in a nutshell, though — and while this isn't a case of a film perfectly aping its protagonist in every possible way, there's still some nice symmetry at play. And, there's always something enjoyable going on on-screen. Often, it's the kinetic fight scenes, with credit to second-unit director (and John Wick franchise director) Chad Stahelski. At other times, it's the dazzling, glittering production design, or a memorable dream sequence that casts Quinn as Marilyn Monroe. Usually, it's the cast, which firmly pushes a diverse array of girls to the front. An over-the-top McGregor relishes his rare cartoonish bad guy role, but Birds of Prey's motley crew of female stars soar highest. Robbie most of all, unsurprisingly — and just as Joaquin Phoenix's take on the Joker looks likely to nab him an Oscar, it's a delight to see Harley Quinn still stealing the spotlight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygzqL60kvwU
Journey into an underground bitter theatre as the MUCHO Group's negroni-fronted Herbs Taverne opens for launch, building upon classic cocktails with a tightly curated menu of negronis, aperitifs and digestifs. Expect the same creative flair as seen in bustling sister venues, like Cantina OK!, Centro 86, Bar Planet and Tio's Cerveceria, with a myriad of drink and design influences blended together to create a dynamic space that borders on the psychedelic. Centred on 12 core drinks that impress and surprise in equal measure, Herbs' menu spans three riffs on the classic negroni, three aperitifs, three house-blended digestifs, and three original cocktails. The eponymous Herbs Negroni nods to tradition, with gin, Campari and an inventive mix of two red vermouths — one rich and one bright. Then, the Gold Negroni brings a tropical twist with Lillet Blanc, Cocchi Americano, gentian and Chinola. As for the aperitifs, one highlight is the Fernando: a fresh take on a Fernet and coke, which sees MUCHO's locally distilled orange coriander vodka combined with Fernet and Chinotto. From the trio of digestifs — each blended in-house and served ice-cold from the freezer — consider the Handshake, featuring Raspberry Eau de Vie and Averna. Plus, there's a monthly spritz special, with the debut drink pairing sauvignon blanc with passionfruit and olive oil. "We're honoured to open our sixth beautiful venue, Herbs Taverne," says Daisy Tulley, MUCHO Group's General Manager. "Herbs is another nugget of joy for Sydney — a warm, cosy, artistic space with delicious, surprising cocktails and an inclusive and empathic team who are ready to make memories. And the popcorn recipe is our best yet." While the influences behind Herbs come from far and wide, the bar's philosophy also looks inward to Sydney's culinary pantry. Merging European drinking traditions with down-to-earth ingredients, the 45 amaros collected from Italy to Japan are complemented with fixings picked from Polish delis and Chinese grocers, capturing the city's multicultural makeup. "We're trying to connect flavours that sing together, without being boxed into the expectations of their origin. Delicious cocktails that step just far enough outside of frame to feel distinctively MUCHO," adds Jeremy Blackmore, Creative Director at MUCHO Group. Herbs' design also doesn't miss a beat, ramping up the ethos further with an eclectic fusion of 1900s theatre, mid-century diners, German shoe shops and Flemish Renaissance paintings. Surreal but somehow cohesive, the venue immerses visitors through a wrap-around mirror, red velvet furnishings and vintage wood-panelled decor. Meanwhile, the soundtrack proudly leans into early 2000s New York indie nostalgia. Primed for a big night out, kick back with a ruby-red concoction, MUCHO's iconic complimentary popcorn, and the irreverent tones of LCD Soundsystem or The Strokes beneath the disco ball. Herbs Taverne is open Sunday–Wednesday from 4pm–12am and Thursday–Saturday from 4pm–2am at 213 Clarence St, Sydney. Head to the website for more information. Images: Nikki To.
A modern Lebanese restaurant has opened in Surry Hills where a taste of the fresh, authentic mezze will transport you to the banks of the Bardouni River in the shadow of Mount Sannine. Zahli is named after a city in Lebanon famous for food and wine, and draws inspiration from the rich tradition of mezze (small dishes designed to share) popular in the region. Owner Mohammad Issmail welcomes patrons like old friends, yet Zahli skips the overly casual banquet vibe. It retains the lively shared dining experience that comes naturally with mezze, but it's a bit more of a white tablecloth affair. The contemporary open-plan space is fitted with rendered concrete walls, stylish tiled floors, architectural lighting, hints of Scandinavian design and a grand marble bar. The acoustically designed ceiling muffles out the loud chatter at a nearby table and allows the Arabian chill-out music to quietly serenade our meal. The marble bar may be chic, but the dated cocktail list is a little out of touch in a suburb where trendy watering holes pride themselves on bespoke cocktails and crafted beer. With a namesake derived from 'the city of wine', it would also have been nice to see a bottle from the region represented on the menu. Nevertheless, we weren't disappointed too long as a glass of the sharp Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc ($60 bottle) hit the spot. The food, however, is arguably some of the best Lebanese in town. Issmail handpicked head chef Abdul Shams, whose international experience at some of Dubai's 5 star hotels aligned with the vision of a sleek inner east venue. Each dish has the authenticity of a Lebanese grandma's cooking, but with a sophisticated twist. The menu has an abundance of appealing options; so plentiful, in fact, we had trouble deciding. To buy some time, we opted for the mixed dips ($20) and shortly afterwards were presented with a basket of crispy spiced pita and a serving of soft pitas along with an enticing trio of freshly made smokey baba ghanoush, nicely tart labne and hummus. From the cold mezze offerings, the vine leaves ($14) come recommended. Served in an impressive Jenga-style stack, the soft pillows of rice-stuffed vines had a delicate flavour. We naturally progressed to the hot mezze. The entree-sized platter of the mixed finger food ($17) is the ultimate choice for the indecisive diner. It's an appetising selection of fried kibbeh (croquettes of minced meat and burghul), falafel and traditional pastries served with olives, imported Lebanese pickles and tahini sauce. The signature mansaf lamb ($28) is a traditional rice dish often produced at family gatherings, with strips of meat that are succulent and fall apart on your fork and lightly toasted almonds, cashews and pine nuts giving a satisfying crunch. On the side, order the refreshing fattoush ($15), a salad of lettuce, tomato, cucumber, peppers, onions and toped with crunchy baked pita, dressed with pomegranate molasses. The dessert menu is filled with alluring Middle Eastern sweets. The elegant mhalabiye ($10) is one of the prettiest desserts imaginable — a cold milk pudding scattered with fresh blueberries, edible flowers, juicy golden sultanas and speckles of pistachio and then drizzled with fragrant rose water. Linger over the thick and earthy traditional coffee, simply brewed in a metal pot. Its bitter taste is not to everyone's liking but is nicely balanced with the sticky, gorgeously sweet Turkish delight ($8), and if you shut your eyes tight enough, you might forget you're in Surry Hills.
Sydney can prepare to see a few less dockless share bikes around, as one council makes good on its promise to start impounding those that are left lying around damaged or abandoned. Waverley Council — which covers Bondi, Bronte, Vaucluse, Dover Heights, Bondi Junction, Waverley and parts of Rose Bay — last week backed a motion by Mayor John Wakefield to start clearing wayward bikes from the streets, with Business Insider Australia reporting as many as 60 were impounded on Monday alone. Currently, it costs operators $70 to get each bike back, though the council says it's looking into charging as much as $500 a pop under environmental legislation. There are plans to recycle any unclaimed bikes after one month. Waverley is one of the six councils that teamed up last December to write a new set of share bike guidelines, giving operators three months to step up their game and fix the many problems their bikes appear to have created. Later this month, there'll be a review of the companies' responses to the new guidelines, which call for bikes to be removed from dangerous spots within three hours, require bikes to be unlocked for council staff upon request and state that any damaged bikes must be deactivated immediately. Right now, there's an estimated 2000 share bikes around Sydney, though who knows how much longer that will be the case if their owners don't lift their game. Via Business Insider.
