How much cake can you eat? Performance Space are betting a lot. As part of their Halls for Hire series, the Brown Council is making a valiant, doomed and tasty attempt to cook every single cake in the classic Country Women's Association cookbook Jam Drops and Marble Cake with Mass Action: 137 Cakes in 90 Hours. Too easy? They’re planning to cook non-stop across in just under four days. And there are rules. The judging and eating sessions are booked out already, but there’s still plenty of time to get close to the non-stop baking action, perhaps with a lunchtime visit to see the baking in action or follow the baking tally and webfeed live online. The cooking process is open to the public Tuesday from 12-3 and Wednesday to Friday from 12-3. The (booked out) afternoon tea is on September 1 from 2-4.
Remember the girl who supposedly left a heartbroken (and potentially drunken — but who's to say when Messina's involved) break-up voicemail on Gelato Messina's answering machine when she found they had closed early on New Year's Eve? Well, you can thank her, because this afternoon Messina is delivering tubs of a gelato created in her honour — for just $1. Yep, $1. In an attempt to win back upset ice cream lover Cecillia, Messina has made a bespoke creation from her favourite flavours. And from salted caramel gelato with baked cheesecake, candied macadamia nuts and hazelnut fudge, the Voicemail was born. Perhaps as an act of good faith, Messina is selling it in 500-gram tubs for just $1. You just have to order it through Deliveroo today — Tuesday, January 24 — between 3pm and 5pm. It's available for delivery in the Sydney CBD and inner east area and around Fitzroy and South Yarra in Melbourne. If you miss out on the delivery window, don't chuck a tantie (or ring Messina) — the Voicemail is going to be available on Deliveroo past 5pm (albeit at a regular price).
Imagine an Eminem-style rap face-off. Then replace the hip hop MCs with contemporary street artists. Throw in a maniacal live audience. Now you’re on the right track. Secret Walls is a gig disguised as an art event. Two artists have a blank wall, one hour, black paint and a handful of markers. Two artworks are created like magic before our eyes. The crowd votes on the best creation by way of applause. That’s it. It’s a simple and winning formula that really broadcasts the insane creativity and spontaneity of some genius street artists, who go far beyond tagging and old school graffiti. This time it’s Dale Bigeni versus Sindy Sinn. But it almost doesn’t matter who the artists are - these nights are always engaging and inspiring and above all, fun. And that’s what contemporary art should be, right?
Promised to us since March this year, French restaurant Été has opened on the Barangaroo waterfront, with fine dining chef Drew Bolton (Aria, Quay, Vine Double Bay) at the helm. Every second eatery in Sydney is big on seasonality these days, but Été takes the word into new territory. It's not only the dishes that change with the weather, but the interior, too. "Not only does the food menu evolve with the seasons, but we want the aesthetics and general vibe to reflect that as well," said Bolton. "We want guests to feel really engaged with what we're trying to do — like they've stepped into another world and have escaped the city." The feel is somewhere between bistro and fine dining, with Bolton bringing both his classical training and his experimental tendencies to contemporary French-Australian dishes. Results include clay-baked chicken with asparagus and truffled potato puree; pork with fermented apple and hibiscus sauce; and, for dessert, crème brulee with peach and lemon balm. If you want to head down for lunch from Monday to Friday and have a $50 note handy, you can indulge in a plat-du-jour, which changes weekly. "We think the plat-du-jour will be a local favourite, as our guests are able to experience the quality technique that you would normally expect from fine dining," said Bolton. There's an impressive wine list and, even if you don't want to buy a whole bottle, you can sample any drop by the glass — thanks to the Coravin, a nifty device that allows you to pour wine without removing the cork. Été offers 125 seats, both indoors and outdoors, overlooking the water. The French provincial-meets-Australian-contemporary interior was the work of Foolscap Studio (Noma Sydney), plus Chicago-based artist John Zabawa, who added some extraordinary artworks including full-wall murals. Find Été at Tower 1, Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo, or head to their website for further information.
Now in its third year, the MCA Social at Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art promises another extravagant night in the name of creativity and philanthropy. With the theme 'Art Eclectic', and the encouragement to go all-out in the fashion stakes, the evening offers the opportunity to make the most of that outrageous Gaga-esque outfit you've been waiting to wear. But what's more, this annual fundraiser offers both budding and established art supporters a chance to actively support the country's best emerging artists. All proceeds will fund the museum's Primavera exhibition, an internationally recognised platform for the promotion of these promising young Australians each year. There'll be an auction and a raffle on the night, with prizes including a 12-month rental from ArtBank worth over $5,000. Not only will the work of one of this year's artists, Marian Tubbs, be showcased on the night but you'll also have the chance to mingle with past Primavera creatives between sampling inventive Heston Blumenthal-style canapes and cocktails at the open bar. Expect live DJs, performances and custom-designed projections from La Petite Mort to light up the dance floor. Plus, you'll find a makeup artist in the lift (yes, the lift), on hand to add final flourishes to your look on your way up to the party. The MCA Social is on Saturday, July 26, from 8pm, and tickets are $150 each via the MCA website. Thanks to the MCA, we have one double pass to the event to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
Three chefs with serious culinary pedigrees have turned their attention to the mighty burger (as is the current casual trend). And, as of 5pm this afternoon, you'll be able to get your mouth around their creations (just), when Burger Head opens in Penrith. The powerhouse trio is made up of Richard Borg (ex-Momofuku Seiobo), Josh DeLuca (ex-Quay) and Timothy Rosenstrauss. They got to know one another while working at the now-closed Master and decided to team up for a more casual venture. On-the-pulse Penrith foodies had a chance to preview the menu on December 14, thanks to a pop-up at the Aussie Night Markets. Burger Head showcased their dedication to house-made ingredients — from secret sauces and pickles to homemade beef patties. Offerings included a $10 cheeseburger (beef pattie, house-made secret sauce, house-made pickles, American cheese, toasted milk bun), a fried chicken burger, puffed pork ($5) and for vegos, a shroom and kale burger. Drinks-wise, you can expect shakes and soft drinks, with a rather delicious-sounding roasted white chocolate milkshake having appeared at the pop-up. Down the track, the boys are planning on getting a liquor licence, which will bring you cocktails, beers and wines. Find Burgerhead at Shop 17, 98 Henry Street, Penrith. It opens at 5pm on Friday, January 6.
Next time someone complains that you're glued to your phone, tell them that you're earning free food. Yes, that's the dream the burger-slinging legends at Royal Stacks is making come true with their new interactive game. Getting your favourite meat-and-bread combo is about to become as easy as spending hours doing something that, let's face it, we all already do. Available to download from the iTunes store from December 2, Royal Stacks' foray into phone-based entertainment combines fun with freebies, and virtual burgs with the real thing. Created by Melbourne's PlaySide Studios, the Tetris meets Jenga-like game requires players to stack ingredients onto a bun, line everything up to make the ideal tower of pixellated deliciousness, and try to make sure the massive creation doesn't topple over — all while building the biggest burger possible. In the process, as you work your way up from Royal Stacks' Single Stack to The King — and work through different skins and themes — you'll receive points that can be used in store for things like burgers, fries, milkshakes and frozen custard. And, if you visit a Royal Stacks joint on the day the game launches and download it while you're there, you'll also get a free serving of fries. Okay, so we all know that this is a clever piece of marketing — but we all want free burgers. Basically, it's the best of both worlds — and everything a game-playing burger lover (aka everyone) could've hoped for, really. Available to download from iTunes.
If you’ve feasted on jalapeno kingfish sashimi and paired it with next-level aged sake, then you’re familiar with the culinary creativity of Sake. If you haven’t, we reckon it’s about time you were treated to one heck of a dinner. To that end, we’ve teamed up with Urban Purveyor Group to give one of our clever, hungry readers 200 bucks worth of free nosh. Yep, 200 bucks. That’s enough cash to buy you and your loved one or mate or mum a serious feast. We're talking 'gramworthy new-style sushi to significantly impress your date. To enter, all you have to do is pop over here, fill in a quick form and write something vaguely interesting in ten words or less. That’s it. Then spend up at Sake's Double Bay venue or OG spot in The Rocks. GO. Why not brush up on your sake knowledge in the meantime?
It's been about an hour since I left the theatre and I still seem to be unable to stop talking in Oscar Wilde. There is something so endearingly intrusive about Oscar Wilde's prose. While the finer points of his comments on society are perhaps lost on those who are not surrounded by turn of the century London society, his barbarous wit is ever amusing. Only Wilde could come up with a story where two women insist on marrying a man called Earnest, and where two men pretend to be Earnest in order to secure the love of said women, and one of the men happens to have once been found in a handbag in Victoria Station. The Importance of Being Earnest is an immensely popular play. There have been at least two film productions boasting names such as Judi Dench and Colin Firth. It does become then, one of those productions that it is hard to tackle without being compared to numerous other incarnations. The Darlinghurst Theatre Company have, however, managed to live up to the challenge. Though faced with a relatively small space and, I assume, a budget much smaller than that of the most recent Hollywood Reese Witherspoon-starring screen version of the play, director Nicholas Papademetriou has done an excellent job with staging, simplifying the stage down to the most important elements. The actors, including Linda Cropper as Lady Bracknell, who is currently featuring on Channel Ten's Offspring, are all well cast and manage the task of the outrageous comedy with considerable outrageousness. While the pomposity of the upper class accent occasionally defeats some, for most it's spectacularly well done. Watch out in particular for Adele Querol's Cecily — a great talent whose aristocratic airs were more than spot on. The most important thing to remember with a Wilde play is that it's meant to be completely ridiculous. Like the Greek playwrights before him, Oscar Wilde takes everything to extremes. While at times it means that each line is far too outrageous to be true, it is always funny. You won't be disappointed by a trip to Darlinghurst Theatre's The Importance of Being Earnest. In fact all I need advise is to stock up on the cucumber sandwiches before you go. After watching the actors consume copious amounts of tea, sandwiches and muffins, by the end I was truly famished. Rather.
Theatres in Sydney over the last 12 months have been brimming with anti-epic domestic snapshots of fraught intimate relationships, and the latest from UK physical theatre company Frantic Assembly continues the trend. Todd and Kali are despicable human beings. They never leave each other’s side, love IKEA, brag about their beautifully equipped kitchen and say things like "fuck off Ingmar Bergman you are so fucking talented" after watching The Seventh Seal. They will disgust you on multiple levels. The play on ‘Stockholm’ — being both the yuppie couple’s syndrome and dream getaway destination — is excessively literal, and the script is ultimately unambitious in its breadth and depth. The performances are strong, with Leeanna Walsman coming off brilliantly as the obsessive, vulnerable and sensual jealous lover. However, she and her co-performer Socratis Otto are clearly not dancers, and the movement sequences work with mixed success. The climactic fight scene is both highly charged and graceful while the bedroom make-up sequence is almost unbearably clumsy. This is a contained and consistently tense production, a highlight being the live aroma of chopped onion cooking in butter on stage — here’s to theatre exploiting its olfactory capacities more often. Image by Brett Boardman.
Moseying along George Street can involve many things. Rushing to get the train at Town Hall, weaving in and out of QVB or The Galeries, trying to avoid throngs of people doing the same thing — they're all on the list. But on Friday, December 3, the stretch between Market and Park streets will host a huge three-course lunch, serving 600 people right there on the pavement. The sprawling al fresco midday meal is fittingly called George Street Long Lunch, with Chat Thai's Palisa Anderson, Kitchen by Mike's Mike McEnearney, Glass Brasserie's Luke Mangan and Continental Delicatessen's Michael Nicolian all whipping up dishes. It'll also come with a soundtrack, thanks to George Ellis Orchestra featuring Josh Pyke, as well as the Hot Potato Band. If you're wondering why Sydneysiders are being asked to sit down for lunch in the middle of the city street, it's part of a day-long series of dining pop-ups around town that's been dubbed Sydney's Open for Lunch. Aiming to give the city's hospitality sector a boost, the overarching event is all about long-table lunches, other dining and drinking activations, and just spending a day out of the house as Sydney recovers from this year's lengthy lockdown. While the George Street lunch is one of the event's big drawcards, Sydney's Open for Lunch will span across the city — through the CBD, Chinatown, Barangaroo and Parramatta.
The Rocks is celebrating Halloween this year with a series of events across the weekend. Head around the inner-city area to discover haunted houses, catch spooky flicks at an open air cinema or hit the dancefloor at The Argyle during this multi-day celebration of the October holiday. If you're looking for an authentic ghost experience, you can head to a series of five haunted heritage buildings between Saturday, October 30 and Sunday, October 31, each with a secret letter hidden in the form of a QR code. If you find all five letters, it will spell a codeword which will allow you to claim a prize at The Rocks Square. Similarly, a ghost tour will be taking patrons around spooky spots in the Rocks on the same Sunday from 8pm. If you're looking for more of a party-heavy Halloween experience, neighbouring venues The Argyle and El Camino Cantina are both throwing huge dress-up parties across the weekend. Head to El Camino for ghost and ghoul-themed versions of their famed giant frozen margaritas as well as a dress-up party, or pop next door for DJs and fancy dress at The Argyle Asylum. Those looking to participate in the time-honoured tradition of watching a scary movie on Halloween can head to The Rocks' Laneway Cinema to watch family-friendly flicks like Scooby Doo and Hotel Transylvania, as well as the ghostly comedy classic Ghostbusters and acclaimed horror film A Quiet Place.
There's something special about visiting a vineyard. Seeing the grapes up close and meeting the people who create big kids' juice makes you appreciate every drop of vino that little bit more. But going to a winery has been a little trickier this year. So, to makes things easier, we're bringing the high country to your house with Delatite Wine's DIY Wine Blending class. On Friday, September 17 and Friday, September 24, you can take part in an online wine blending workshop with Delatite Winery's David Ritchie and Andy Browning. Throughout the session, you'll sample the leafy aromatics and blueberry characters of the 2019 cabernet. Then, you'll get to enjoy the rounded, juicy goodness of the merlot from the same year. You'll also learn about Delatite's own wine blending process and discover why it chose to make wine naturally and without filtering. Plus, you'll be encouraged to make your very own blend to go in the running to win a $150 voucher to spend at the winery's restaurant (when you're finally able to visit). To ensure you've got the right goods, you'll be sent a sampling kit filled with all the essentials. The pack will include four different bottles of Delatite wine, an empty bottle for you to build your own blend in, a measuring cylinder, wine pourer, tasting mat and more. Just make sure you register a week before kick-off to ensure it arrives in time for the class. Sound like a superior way to kick off your weekend? Delatite Winery's DIY Wine Blending will take place at 5pm on September 17 and September 24. For more information and to book yourself a spot, visit the website.
Burger lovers of Sydney, rejoice. Cocktail lovers, too. Harpoon Harry has been back in business for a month or so now, after temporarily closing due to COVID-19 lockdowns. And, after celebrating June with cheap burgs, the Surry Hills spot is doing the same in July — and adding a range of boozy tipples to the deal. On the burger front, it's serving them up at $10 a pop all day every day in July. Usually, the special only applies on Wednesdays; however, as we all know, there's absolutely nothing usual about 2020 so far. That price applies to all three burgers on the regular menu, so you can take your pick — between the fried chicken burger with hot sauce, coleslaw, lettuce, tomato and pickles; the wagyu with cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions and Harry's sauce; and the crumbed eggplant 'schnitty' with grilled haloumi, lettuce, tomato, pickles, charred onions and aioli. It also applies to the weekly special burg, too. And, your tenner will also score you some fries — with the burger and chips combo on offer daily from 11.30am. Drinks-wise, five different cocktails are available, also for just $10 each. Choose from a classic margarita, espresso martini, negroni, spritz and whatever the weekly 'secret cocktail' happens to be. Bookings are recommended, but you can also just walk on in. Harpoon Harry's $10 burgers (with fries) and $10 cocktails are available for the entire month of July.
We've all been spending more time inside than usual this year. In the process, we've all been looking at our furniture far more often than we usually would. So, if you've suddenly been rocked by the urge to redecorate, rearrange and reorganise, that's hardly surprising — those well-loved cushions, that old couch or your overflowing shelves could probably do with sprucing up. If IKEA is your furniture go-to, then its mid-year clearance sale is here to help, too — offering discounts of up to 50 percent off on some items. Whether you're in need of something big like a bed, chair or desk, or you're eager to fill your walls and surfaces with frames and vases, you'll find slashed prices on a heap of products. The sale runs until Monday, August 10 — and, for Sydneysiders, you have multiple options if you're eager to start buying. Head into the Tempe, Rhodes or Marsden Park stores; browse online, then opt for click-and-collect; or do all your perusing and purchasing on the company's website, before waiting for delivery. IKEA's mid-year clearance sale runs until Monday, August 10 — in-store and online.
Keen to inject a bit more fun into your life this spring? Then head on down to Moore Park for this year's Spring Family Fair, which is taking over Entertainment Quarter for two weeks. Whether you're wanting to channel your inner kidult or you're looking for a way to entertain your actual kids over the school holidays, this epic fair is a surefire (and super-fun) way to kill time. Running from Saturday, September 26 till Sunday, October 11, the Spring Family Fair will have everything from carnival games to thrilling rides, such as dodgem cars, spinning teacups, a giant slide and one called the Super Sizzler. You'll also be able to cool off with a handful of water activities, including the massive Wave Slide and a paddle boat pool. Then, check out the dog talent shows, or pick up gourmet goodies and seasonal fruit and veg at the biweekly Cambridge Market, which runs from 8am–2pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Of course, there's a global pandemic to be mindful of, so expect social distancing measures to be in place, plus numerous hand washing facilities and sanitising stations around the fair. Spring Family Fair is taking over the Entertainment Quarter from September 26–October 11. Open 10am–4pm, Monday–Wednesday, and 10am–5pm, Thursday–Sunday. Pre-book your tickets here.
If 2020 has been good for anything, it's upskilling. No doubt you started making sourdough from scratch, did some DIY projects around the house or took up an online course. You probably attempted to mix up a negroni, amaretto sour or perfectly balanced martini at some point, too. But, if your concoctions didn't quite match the expertise of the bartender at your favourite watering hole, now's your chance to level up. This winter, three top Aussie bartenders are bringing the festivities to your living room with a series of online cocktail classes. Kicking off the series is Eau de Vie Melbourne's Jonny Linstead on Thursday, August 20, from 6–6.30pm. He'll be showing you how to make a vodka-based martini dubbed the D'Vine Time. At the same time on Thursday, September 3, Brisbane bartender Millie Tang, behind old-world cocktail bar The Gresham, will be mixing up a twist on the classic Moscow Mule: the Polish Pony. Then, rounding out the three-part series will be award-winning bartender Kate McGraw from Sydney's izakaya-style bar Isabel on Thursday, September 17. Fittingly, she'll be whipping up a Kyoto Highball, which will have you dreaming of trips to Japan. [caption id="attachment_777922" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Polish Mule[/caption] A collaboration between premium vodka distiller Belvedere and drink delivery company Boozebud, the at-home cocktail classes will focus on top-quality natural ingredients. Each drink recipe will have a 'less is more' approach, so you'll be making cocktails that you'll actually be able to recreate — again and again and again. The masterclasses are free to stream via Facebook. For Jonny Linstead's class head here, Millie Tang's here or here for Kate McGraw's. But, to make the most of it, you'll want to get a cocktail pack delivered beforehand. The packs cost between $93.99–99.99. Purchase your cocktail packs via Boozebud, then head to the respective Facebook events at 6pm on August 20, September 3 and September 17 to take part in the virtual masterclasses. Images: Kate McGraw, cocktail, Jonny Linstead and Millie Tang
Set above the Sydney Fish Market, the Sydney Seafood School has been a staple for top-notch cooking classes for a whopping 30 years now. To celebrate its three decades in operation, Manager Roberta Muir has put together one helluva summer program. And it features cooking classes by some of the best chefs in the biz. Coming up on December 14, Belles Hot Chicken's Morgan McGlone will team up with P&V Wine and Liquor Merchant's Mike Bennie to host a Hot Southern Chicken & Cool Natural Wines event. Then, on January 18, Totti's Mike Eggert will make seasonal veggies the star of his show, while Mike McEnearney (Kitchen by Mike) will host a sourdough-making class on February 1. And February 18 will see Lucio's Lucio Galletto pair his Italian banquet with boutique regional wines by Godot Wines' Piero Tantini. [caption id="attachment_671693" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Belles Hot Chicken[/caption] This all-star lineup of chefs also includes Mark LaBrooy (Three Blue Ducks), Palisa Anderson (Chat Thai), Paul Carmichael (Momofuku Seiōbo), Giovanni Pilu (Pilu at Freshwater) and Alessandro Pavoni (Ormeggio at The Spit) — to name just a few. Each class acts as a three-part experience, with a live demonstration in the tiered theatre followed by a hands-on cooking class in the kitchen, and finally a communal feast (paired with wine, of course) in the dining room. To check out the full program, head here. The classes are a bit pricey, ranging from $140–$175, but, with the calibre of chefs, you're getting a lot of bang-for-your-buck. And tickets to any one of these would certainly go down a treat as a Christmas gift. Top image: Franz Scheurer
Returning for its second year, Sad by Sad West is a community focused festival that's all about embracing emotion in both music and life. It's taking things back to basics and helping locals to recognise and appreciate their immediate surroundings and the artists that occupy it. Presented by Lesstalk Records and Papaiti Records, the self proclaimed fringe festival is geared toward connecting the community through events that showcase shared ideas and values through art and music. The artists will perform across different genres and mediums in an effort to portray artistic thought in a new light. The three-day Sydney event will take over venues in Marrickville and Parramatta from Thursday, May 4 through Saturday, May 6. First up they'll partner with Marrickville's Cornersmith for a D.I.Wine and Dine event, pairing a three-course meal with five Aussie artists, including Zzzounds and Micro Lectures. On Friday, May 5, the party is headed over to Beatdisc Records in Parramatta, where the stage will be shared by Aussie six acts, including Daniel Comensoli and Dave Drayton, along with New Zealand band Long Distance Runner. On Saturday, May 6 the festival will finish off at Marrickville's Red Rattler with a huge lineup of Aussie acts and an addition of two imports, New Zealand's Carb on Carb and Subsumer from the States.
You can never have too many food trucks and chicken wings, and King of the Wings is hoping that the poultry-loving people of Sydney agree. After slinging their spicy pieces around Brisbane since 2014 — and proving one of the first purveyors of meals-on-wheels in southeast Queensland, in fact — they're heading south to bring their tasty morsels to a whole new batch of hungry customers. Come May, King of the Wings will pop up at The Observer Hotel in The Rocks for what they've dubbed 'wing week', serving up tender, tasty chicken galore. Just running your eyes over their menu should be enough to motivate you to be there. It's about quality over quantity here, with the self-proclaimed wing kings specialising in five flavours: their signature Southern-style herb and spice rub, a sweet chilli-infused honey sesame sauce, traditional American barbecue, the extra hot 'Chillogy' and a Portuguese crumb. You'll be able to order them in six, 12, 20 or 30 packs. The Sydney pop-up comes hot on the heels of King of the Wings adding a second, split-level design truck to their fleet, as well as competing in last year's New York Wingfest — where they took out the best new vendor field, and came second in the best wing sauce category. Sydneysiders, if you want to find out why, you'll just have to head along.
Guaranteed to set the staffroom afire with gossip and outrage, New Theatre wades into the prickly issue of teacher-student relationships with Evan Placey's Consensual. Seven years ago, Diane was 22, a teacher's assistant just getting to grips with the blend of riot control and guile needed to haul adolescents through a class curriculum. She made a mistake and got too close to a student who took advantage of her. Seven years ago, Freddie was 15, unhappy and a mess. A teenager, in other words. He was groomed by one of his teachers and bragged about it after the fact. Now, Diane is a qualified teacher and trying to get a new Sex Ed programme through the skulls of her Year 11 class. When Freddie turns up looking to press charges, both versions of events are played out, but Placey isn't interested in who's right. Rather, Consensual promises an unflinching account of what we tell ourselves about the horrible things we do to other people.
Variety might be the spice of life, but it's also the idea behind multiple-course dinners. If you're going to eat your way through several plates, you'll also want to eat your through several different types of food, or so the general line of thinking goes. It's a sensible concept, and one that's been serving the restaurant industry well for years — but The Pasta Masters Collaborative Dinner is about to blow it out of the water. Here, five rounds of dishes means one thing five times: pasta, pasta, pasta, pasta and pasta. Indeed, all things pasta are on the menu at this series of two dinners, which brings a top chef quartet — aka Sotto Sopra's Alessandro Pavoni and Mattia Rossi, and Flour Eggs Water's Sandro Di Marino and Eugenio Maiale — together for a night of food and pasta-related discussion. The evenings won't just celebrate the meal in question, but will focus on the flavoursome fare from the culinary wizs' respective regions in Italy. Dinners will be held at Sotto Sopra on July 19 and Flour Eggs Water on August 23, with tickets costing $75 per person — or $125 with matched wines.
Calling all creative ladies, this 'un-conference' is for you. After a strong debut as part of Vivid Ideas 2016, this two-day event "for, by and about creative women" features a super successful lineup of pioneering international and homegrown talent. With a crew of female-identifying attendees, Make Nice is a two-day creative event that isn't your regular conference format. Each presenter will offer practical advice for working in the creative industries, unpack the value of idea exchange and dialogue, and focus on the importance of genuine professional support. But they'll also be sitting next to you for the conference, learning from your ideas and having mad chats. It will kick off with a non-awkward pre-drink event on Friday, September 22 before the main event, a full-day conference that kicks off at 8.15am on Saturday. This year's speakers include Nashville designer Becky Simpson, sought-after tatooist and artist Stanislava Pinchuk (aka Miso) and journalist and co-host of the Call Your Girlfriend podcast Ann Friedman, amongst others. They'll be speaking on topics that cover imposter syndrome, starting a business, getting into a routine while staying sane and how to avoid completely burning out. Each attendee will be invited to a private online forum (along with the speakers) that will be active year round, connecting you to each other after the event and inviting you to future Make Nice events. The full schedule will be released soon.
Whether you're a whiskey-enthusiast, aspiring table-stylist or wannabe pickler, the Tramsheds has you sorted this winter. Every Monday through Wednesday from July 3 to September 23, Winter Nights gives you the chance to mix up your midweek winter routine — and your own cocktail while you're at it. Pop-up workshops include watercolour and wine, tea blending and detox juicing, along with a native cocktail mixology class that uses all local ingredients. Or satisfy your chocolate-craving at the Chocolatier Know-How workshop where you'll temper your own chocolate (and learn what that actually means). The classes are budget-friendly, too — starting at only $16 — so you can learn some new skills on the cheap. Check out the full list of events here.
The Commune Waterloo will be transformed into a sensory explosion when Eid in the City returns for its second year on Friday, August 4 from 5pm to 10pm. A celebration of Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan, the Middle Eastern Night Markets will bring together a massive variety of street food, art, craft, design, music, photography and film. Ramadan, for those not in the know, is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It's the holy month, during which participants fast, pray and give to charity. The aim is to promote empathy, generosity and an attitude of gratitude, and Eid is the festivity and feast that follows. While Ramadan and Eid were celebrated back at the end of June this year, the Commune is keeping the party going with their massive event. You won't be short of company, either — the Facebook event has racked up nearly 5000 RSVPs and counting. Tickets are only 10 bucks but are strictly pre-sale only, so make sure to head over here to nab one.
The Giant Dwarf loves to bang on — so much so, they're dedicating two whole weeks to celebrating the art of it. A brand new festival for the Redfern theatre, YACK will bring together a selection of Sydney's funniest, smartest and most provocative comedians, podcasters and panellists. The little festival will feature big laughs with a great lineup of people who like to have a good ol' chinwag. We're pretty excited to see the Kates (of The Katering Show) live In Konversation and Sam Simmons read a phone book in his hilarious and celebrated show A-K. Peter Helliar, co-host of The Project, will be debuting his first family-friendly show following the release of his bestselling children's novel and Hannah and Eliza Reilly (who you might know from the ABC's Growing Up Gracefully) will remind us of our public speaking insecurities with The Yarramadoon PS Debaters Night. Add to the mix a performance by The Chaser — who will be reminiscing on their most audacious stunt ever (can you guess which one?) — and the first ever live performance of Zan Rowe and Myf Warhurst's podcast Bang On, and you'll most probably be on the ground in stitches. Some of Australia's most witty writers, including Benjamin Law, Cameron James and Caitlin Welsh, will be collaborating with Songs and Stories to pay their respects to the music that has shaped them and Rebecca Huntley and Sarah MacDonald will host The Full Catastrophe, an afternoon-slash-therapy session with people well known for turning horrible moments into hilarious stories. Judging by the state of world affairs, two weeks of non-stop laughing at YACK will be just what the doctor ordered, so head over to the Giant Dwarf website for tickets here. The festival will run from November 6–19.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is rolling out a new winter art workshop program. Inspired by the gallery's popular Sundown Sketch Club, these two-hour Wednesday evening sketching workshops will led by Sydney-based artist Will French, and take place once a month in June, July and August. The classes will focus on still life and nude drawing, with participants using a range of fine art materials and getting a few tips from French along the way. The ever-changing installation will include a model alongside the rather specific ingredients of fresh grapes, white flowers, juicy pears, brioche, hazelnuts and almonds. The evening will be capped off with nibbles, cheese, a glass of Champagne from sponsor Ruinart and a backdrop of Sydney Harbour. The first workshop will take place on June 14, with sessions following on July 19 and August 23. Tickets are $65 and beginners are welcome. Just make sure to book ahead as these events have sold out in the past.
In 1947, one country became two and the world was forever altered. Following centuries of governance by the British, India was divided into distinct, independent territories along religious lines. One would still be known as India. The other would become Pakistan (and later, Bangladesh as well). Unsurprisingly, it was a massive task requiring significant contemplation and causing considerable repercussions, both for the officials charged with overseeing the partition, and for the locals who would be forced to live with the change. Such a chapter of history seems an obvious candidate for a dramatic film treatment — and that's just what Bend It Like Beckham's Gurinder Chadha delivers, stepping through the upheaval and exploring just how the two groups coped in such a turbulent period. But while she focuses firmly on the emotional toll of the partition, it's hard not to think that the director has actually missed the best story. Viceroy's House concludes on a rather touching personal note, explaining that Chadha's own grandmother lived through the events depicted on screen. Frankly, you could be forgiven for wishing she'd told that tale instead. Instead it's the last British head of India and his staff that drive the narrative of Viceroy's House. Accompanied by his wife Edwina (Gillian Anderson) and daughter Pamela (Lily Travers), Lord Louis Mountbatten (Hugh Bonneville) tries to negotiate an arrangement for the future of the sub-continent that keeps the various conflicting parties and his English superiors happy. Meanwhile, within Mountbatten's luxurious Delhi mansion, servant Jeet (Manish Dayal) yearns for his childhood sweetheart Aalia (Huma Qureshi), a situation complicated by the fact that he's a Hindu and she's a Muslim. Accordingly, a quest to determine the shape of two nations and a Romeo and Juliet-style affair combine, albeit somewhat awkwardly at times. Jumping between bureaucratic manoeuvring and matters of the heart isn't always packaged with the smoothest transitions, and doesn't give either side of the story much depth. Nevertheless, Chadha's main aim, of examining the ramifications for the country as well as its people, is successfully achieved. The film wrings most of its feeling from its many contrasts, be they ideological, political, religious or romantic. Standard as it all might be, Viceroy's House still proves a handsome effort. Think lush visuals and a rich score, plus fine performances. Downtown Abbey's Bonneville stays nicely in familiar territory, while Anderson couldn't be more enjoyable to watch. She mightn't be the movie's main star, but she's given the job of embodying its chief message of rising above prejudice and finding the right path in times of turmoil. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4ZnofZJCD8
If you're the sort of person who likes to eat meat until you start shaking with the meat sweats and can (m)eat no more, then a festival very relevant to your interests is coming to town. Meatstock Festival, a two-day celebration of all things animal, is setting up its smoky self in the Sydney Showgrounds on the weekend of May 6 and 7. Not just your regular food festival, bands on the Meatstock lineup include The Delta Riggs, Dusty Boots, Roy Rose, The Tommyhawks and The Fumes. Sure, there'll be less music than there is at Woodstock, but there will be 200 percent more tasty meat-related foods. The food stars of the show are Burgers by Josh, Chrissy's Cuts, Rangers Texas BBQ and more. Try both, or all of the food stalls and then fall into a sweaty, cholesterol-heavy heap — don't say we didn't warn you. Finally, for a little old-fashioned rivalry, the festival will be running both Barber Wars and Butcher Wars, which will basically be a bunch of hopefully unbloodied people running around competing and wielding various knives. What a weekend.
You love rosé, we love rosé, everyone loves rosé — but like every type of tipple, there's just so many to choose from. Not sure which pink drink takes your fancy? Adored some but haven't been fussed about others? Wish you could try a whole heap and pick your favourite? Or, perhaps you're fond of them all, and you're just eager to indulge. Whichever category you fall into, Rosé Days is for you. Sorry, it's just one day; however it does feature nine whole hours dedicated to the vino in question. Around 20 Australian and international winemakers, distilleries and even breweries will come together to celebrate the best in not-quite-red-coloured wines, offering up tastings aplenty. There'll also be rosé gummy bears, raspberry beer, wild rose vermouth and rosé cider. In addition, attendees can enjoy rosé-themed food from the likes of Three Blue Ducks, Kingsmore and Frenchies; entertainment to get your cheeks nice and rosy, such as indoor pétanque; cooking masterclasses and a dedicated rosé chill-out space. It all takes place from 10am on November 4 in the most appropriate suburb for it: Rosebery. Head to The Cannery for some pink-hued fun, with tickets $22.50 in advance or $25 on the day.
Just try not to gaze longingly into the shimmering azure sea seen in Roza of Smyrna. Sorry, it's impossible. The film has been called a Greco-Turkish Romeo and Juliet, and its blend of scenic sights and romantic drama is a great fit for the Greek Film Festival's 2017 opening night. While you're watching, you'll fall in love with the story and the picturesque region. With the fest taking over Palace Norton Street from October 10 to 22, that's just one of the titles on offer in a rather sizeable program. Other highlights include The Killing of a Sacred Deer, the Colin Farrell-starring latest from The Lobster director Yorgos Lanthimos (and one of our MIFF standouts); The Bachelor, which has been dubbed the Hellenic version of The Hangover; and Dogs of Democracy, which aims to be an Athens-set, canine-centric version of cat doco Kedi. From Greece's candidate for next year's Oscars to a musical road film about Southern Europe's migrant situation, the flicks just keep coming, including a short film fest within the main fest. It's the festival's 24th year, and they're making the most of it. We'd smash some plates in celebration of that.
Since launching in October 2016, social campaign Proudly Pokies Free has been drawing attention to the effects of poker machines while simultaneously celebrating the venues that have ditched them. The next shindig on the calendar is BLOW-UP, an epic afternoon and evening of free live music, happening at The Lansdowne Hotel on Sunday, September 10. The event will take over both levels of the pub from 2am till midnight and is an official stop on the King Street Crawl. Leading the program are Ribongia and Clypso, both Sydney-based electronic acts with a penchant for tropical grooves, as well as Ziggy Ramo, a hip-hop artist and activist from Perth. You'll also be hearing from Bad Deep DJs, Ariane, Mike Who, Flex Mami, Nes and Anno (Love Bombs). And you won't have to worry about hearing any annoying beeps or whirs or jangly music in the background.
Residents of Sydney's inner west are in for a treat (again). In a move that gives local street artists a legal blank canvas, and property owners a say in what ends up on their walls, brand new street artworks have popped up all over the area. It's all part of an annual council initiative called Perfect Match (running August 4 to 6) that pairs artists with residents and business owners to transform once-boring walls (the kind that tend to lure in spray can-toting taggers) into works of art. Owners were matched with artists and collaborated to commission the works. If you've been wandering the streets of the inner west in the past week, you might have stumbled upon them mid-painting. If not, the council has organised a series of tours (by bike, bus, train or foot) over the weekend, showcasing the work. Alternatively, just download the Perfect Match program and map and take to the pavement — or stop by for a chat and a beverage at a meet the artists session. It's all a proudly local, site-specific way to pretty up our streets. What a way to play Cupid. Image: Askiew, Elixir Photography/Perfect Match.
Drones: if filmmakers aren't deploying them to capture bird's-eye sights, they're making thrillers about their use and impact. Expect plenty of the former at Drone Film Festival Australia + New Zealand, as lofty visuals get their time to shine — and swoop, soar, float, glide and more. Touring Australia throughout September and October, the fest showcases 36 unique short drone films, stories and documentaries from around the world, including those made by filmmakers, production companies and everyday drone hobby enthusiasts. It's the kind of cinematic package those not so fond of heights mightn't be eager to see, so consider yourself warned. For the rest of us, however, it's a chance to look at the world from a whole new vantage. Last year's highlights included superhero-like tales, jaunts through natural and urban spaces, and even a beer odyssey, as filmmaking took to the skies thanks to the latest unmanned aerial technology. Expect a whole new crop when the festival comes to Dendy Newtown on October 3 for a one-night-only stopover.
Every Monday, Salt Meats Cheese Broadway serves up slices upon slices of pizza for its weekly all-you-can-eat night. It's a time when gluttony isn't a sin — but if you're vegan, you might've been holding back. Fancy as much pizza as you can handle, but without any animal products? Then mark Tuesday, June 19 in your diary. From 5pm, SMC will serve up unlimited vegan slices for $20. The only catch is that you'll have to buy a drink as well, but you can choose from both booze and non-alcoholic options. As for the pizza lineup, patrons can choose from six varieties, all of which come topped with not-zzarella cheese. Pizzas include the margherita, eggplant with basil salsa, and roasted potato with garlic and rosemary. Or, opt for the vegetariana, which combines tomato, zucchini, eggplant and roasted red capsicum — or a slice of truffle and mushroom.
If you're of an age to remember burning your friend's So Fresh CD so you could stay up to date with the coolest songs of the season, congrats. You're old now. But also, congrats because you will seriously enjoy this shindig — yep, it's another So Fresh Party. After rocking the '00s once already, the nostalgic party to end all nostalgic parties is returning on April 27 at the Hudson Ballroom in the CBD. This time they're calling it The Last So Fresh Party, but whether this is your final chance to step back in time or not, they'll be playing bangers strictly of the 2000-2009 vintage. You can expect a disturbing percentage of Channel 10 alums (Australian Idol winners/losers and ex-Neighbours actors) as well as way too much Nickelback for polite company. Also, just throwing this out there: we're desperately hoping for a timely comeback of the Duff sisters duet 'Our Lips Are Sealed.' Tickets will set you back $16.83 and of course it's obviously 18 and over, because if you're under 18 you definitely don't know what So Fresh is. Or CDs, probably.
At Cake Wines' latest excuse for a cheeky vino or several, three misconceptions are in the spotlight. The first two relate to their tipple of choice for the evening, dispelling the ideas that all Rieslings taste the same and that all Rieslings are sweet. The third? It's one we've all become accustomed to, even if we haven't thought about it in-depth: that jazz is the only appropriate wine-drinking soundtrack. Calling their February 24 shindig Riesling & RnB, that's just what they'll be serving up. Attendees can expect a particular white varietal in all of its guises, and rhythm and blues tunes spun by DJs Shantan and Phat Controlla. And, while you're sipping and listening to RnB beats, sommelier Samantha Payne and Cakes Wines' Glen Cassidy will talk through the ins and outs of Riesling — including sparkling versions. Taking place at Cake Wines Cellar Door, the fun kicks off at 6pm, with tickets costing $30. Wine is included in the price, with additional drinks available to purchase. And, with demonstrating the natural relationship between wine, food and music also on the agenda, you'll be able to buy bites to eat as well.
Get your fill of the best vegan food in town at the Vegan Day Out. Come March 10 and 11, The Cruelty Free Shop is putting together a walking tour of vegan cafes, restaurants and retailers, many of which will be offering discounts, deals and free samples to anyone who stops by. For Saturday and Sunday, socially conscious eaters can stop by The Cruelty Free Shop on Glebe Point Road, and grab a map outlining their route. From there, it's all about making your way to to plant-based delights aplenty — and making a day (or two) of it. Whether you're a dyed-in-the-wool vegan or just curious to give it a go, you'll find a whole world of retailers catering to animal-free eating, offering meal deals, two-for-ones, coffee, wine tastings and savings on vegan groceries. The Cruelty Free Shop will also be running its own tastings throughout the day, as well as offering discounts on some of its 3000+ products.
One moment Dominika Egorova (Jennifer Lawrence) is the pride of Russia. The next, she's being bundled off to "whore school". They're her words, all but spat at the shady uncle (Matthias Schoenaerts) responsible, and they say plenty about Red Sparrow. She's a Bolshoi prima ballerina cut down in her prime by envious colleagues, he's a high-ranking honcho with one of the country's intelligence agencies, and their entire relationship consists of him exerting power over her with a lecherous glint in his eye and no qualms about resorting to violence. Unfortunately, this muddled and murky film is all too happy to follow his lead. With her dancing dreams dashed and the her mother's (Joely Richardson) health insurance under threat, Dominika has little choice but to take her uncle's career advice. After agreeing to meet a suspected traitor and bearing witness to his assassination, her only option is to become a 'Sparrow' — a highly trained spy enlisted to seduce and manipulate using everything at her disposal. When she's subsequently put into the field to procure the name of a Russian mole from an American CIA agent (Joel Edgerton), our heroine is quickly forced to give her new skills a workout. Thanks to Lawrence's typically committed and uncompromising performance, Dominika possesses an indefatigable air and quite the formidable stare. But Red Sparrow isn't an ass-kicking female-driven flick in the vein of Atomic Blonde, Haywire or La Femme Nikita, or even the action spin on Black Swan that it nods to in its name. Nor is it a pulpy revenge story, an icy espionage thriller or a rousing tale of a victimised woman using her feminine wiles not only to survive, but to bring down the system that's stacked against her. Based on a novel by retired CIA operative Jason Matthews and directed by three-time Hunger Games helmer Francis Lawrence (no relation), the film is simply a routine array of predictable twists packaged with a particularly problematic approach. Specifically, there's nothing empowering or entertaining about a movie that constantly wears its heroine down just because it can. Red Sparrow tries to frame its treatment of its protagonist as an example of an entire country's corruption ("your body belongs to the State!" Dominika is told in one of the film's more blatant moments), but that rationalisation fails to convince. At the same time, the screenplay touches briefly on themes ranging from toxic sexual politics to the treatment of women in the workplace, but that social commentary falls flat as well. It's hard to take seriously any statement on the objectification and exploitation of women when your female protagonist spends most of the movie being raped, beaten, pushed around and bled dry, often while naked or close to it. Frequently, it feels like Red Sparrow is putting Lawrence in the same situation as Dominika, using her for the audience's gratification. Still, Red Sparrow does have some saving graces — all of which come courtesy of the film's stacked supporting cast. There's Charlotte Rampling as Dominika's no-nonsense trainer, Jeremy Irons as a slippery Russian general and Mary-Louise Parker doing some excellent drunk acting. A better movie could be made about any of their characters, and mightn't need to include cringeworthy dialogue like "the West has gone weak, drunk on shopping and social media!" As we see demonstrated again and again, that kind of overcooked writing really does speak volumes about this troublesome film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFpJAIy-cow
Fried chicken in one hand and a beer in the other. This weekend, Potts Points' Paper Bird and Marrickville's Wildflower Brewing are inviting you to do just that. They're joining forces for an east-meets-west pop-up on Saturday, March 10, with beers flowing from 1pm and East Asian fare on offer from 2pm. The famed fried chicken has been making waves in Sydney's food scene since the now-closed Moon Park introduced it to the city back in 2014 (and more waves when Paperbird brought it back last year). The shrimp-brined fried chicken will be the star of the show on Saturday, served with biscuits and gravy, perhaps, or soy and syrup. While the full pop-up menu has not yet been revealed, expect the restaurant's usual East Asian flavours and — hopefully — some other menu favourites (hi, hash browns). Unlike other inner west breweries, Wildflower doesn't have its own rotation of food trucks, so this is a rare chance to get some eats while tasting head brewer Topher Boehm's wild ale blends. He's offering up a huge range of his beers on the day, with 15 different blends available by the glass. The list includes a very limited test batch of an amber re-fermented on sweet cherries, along with a range of golds, lagers and the brewery's signature table beer on draught.
It's true that Christmas shopping can be nothing but a nightmarish tussle of overcrowded shopping centres and overblown credit cards. But it can also be a lot of fun. The trick is doing it right. And key to that is having a cocktail in your hand — which is exactly what'll be on offer at Since I Left You's Xmas market on Saturday, December 16. More specifically, the CBD bar's cocktail menu will feature Christmas-inspired specials, such as a summer mulled wine, boozy eggnog and Mum's Chrissy punch. And you'll be matching them with toasties, packed with ham, caramelised onion and Gruyere cheese, or turkey, brie and cranberry. But don't forget, in your boozy, toastie haze, that you're there to get your shopping done. Between 3pm and 9pm, a bunch of Sydney's hardest-working, most talented makers will be peddling their wares in SILY's carriageways and courtyard. Adding to the festive spirit will be live music by Jerome Fandor, playing souled-out versions of Christmas classics, followed by the Post Pluto Intergalactic Groove Committee with a mix of hip hop, funk, soul and disco.
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 it started lunchtime nap classes. And now the studio is gifting Sydneysiders with free classes for five days in the week leading up to Christmas. The free half-hour classes will run at 1pm from December 18-22 — they've been built around research that shows a 20–24 minute nap is the optimum length for a siesta. If you're feeling a little off at work, stressed about the Christmas craziness or 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. Sessions are free, but you should book your place in advance. Image: Kimberley Low.
Forget crappy plastic skeletons and fairground employees in masks: the team at the Sydney Festival are bringing the classic ghost train hurtling into the 21st century. Created by filmmaker Jasmin Tarasin and musician Jonnine Standish, this high-tech take on the classic carnival ride incorporates virtual reality with a choose your own adventure-style narrative. Riders will don a Samsung Gear VR Headset and be immersed in a world of ethereal imagery and bone-chilling music. As the train trundles down the rickety (virtual) tracks, they'll be asked to make choices that will lead them to salvation… or doom. "On this ghost train, you take a trip through the rooms of your mind on a journey full of beauty, tension, humour and, of course, fun," says Standish. Photo credit: Sarah Walker
Venture around the back of Surry Hills' Porteño and you'll find WyNo — aka, a wine lover's haven. Taking over the space formerly inhabited by 121BC, you can eat, drink or take a bottle home with you. Or, do all three. There's another option. Every second Monday of the month from January 8, you can head in at 6pm, settle in for a wine dinner and get acquainted with the best the venue has to offer. Yes, WyNo is launching a monthly series, with chefs Ben Milgate and Elvis Abrahanowicz cooking up a storm to match the chosen vino. First cab off the rank is Bobar from the Yarra Valley. Launching the event, winemaker Tom Belford will be on hand for the intimate affair, telling you all about his tipples. Tickets cost $80 per head, and are certain to get snapped up quickly — so call or email WyNo to reserve your place.
Every autumn, the farmers, winemakers and chefs of the Murray River get together to celebrate their creations at the Sun Country Food and Wine Festival. On the calendar this year are brewery tours, picnics by pedal, decadent degustations, tastings soundtracked by live music and loads more. All in all, 14 events will take place across the region between March 16 and 25. If you're into Mexican, book a seat at Cactus Country's three-course feast in Strathmerton on Saturday, March 17. The event includes a twilight tapas tour of a stunning ten-acre cactus garden, which features cacti from all over the world. Or add a dash of adrenaline to your culinary adventure by grabbing a ticket to Picnic and Pedal in the Grove. On your arrival at Rich Glen Olive Estate, Yarrawonga, you'll be handed a bicycle and a picnic basket packed with local produce then let loose to find an idyllic spot where you can while the afternoon away at your leisure. Meanwhile, a 14-course high tea whipped up by a pastry chef will be on offer at Cafe3641 in Strathmerton. In between sipping Monichino Brut Cuvee and bottomless tea, you'll be treated to a string of dainty delights, made with local produce and served on fine china. Cafe3641 is in a gorgeous, restored homestead surrounded by rose gardens. If you're keen to sample some Indigenous foods, then get along to Ku De Ta in Cobram to spend an evening on the Murray's banks, eating sliders made with kangaroo, emu and barramundi, matched with native berry sangria. There'll be live didgeridoo, too. Another option is The Butlers Pantry Unique Culinary Experience. Taking over Dubuque Homestead for an afternoon, this event is centred on an Indigenous grazing table and gives you the chance to try delicacies both traditional and contemporary. To plan your visit to the Sun Country Food and Wine Festival and explore all the autumnal delights the region has to offer, check out the Visit Victoria website.
Making its return after a year hiatus, the German Film Festival is set to shower Sydney's screens with the latest and greatest in Deutsch cinema. And we really do mean latest and greatest — opening night's true tale The Silent Revolution premiered at the Berlin Film Festival mere months ago, while closing night will celebrate Wim Wenders' newly restored Wings of Desire, the exceptional 1987 effort about angels in Berlin. Screening at Palace Norton Street and the Chauvel Cinema from May 22 to June 5, the rest of the lineup spans from stars to snow to psychological thrills, plus everything from biopics to road trips to a beloved German comedy trilogy. Explore the tension of a new couple taking to the mountains in Three Peaks, laugh at the Fack Ju Göthe franchise — about an ex-con trying to get his loot back and unwittingly becoming a teacher in the process — or catch Gutland's account of an outsider just showing up in a small town, featuring Phantom Thread's breakout talent Vicky Krieps. Other highlights include's Mademoiselle Paradis, which delves into the story of blind piano player Maria Theresia von Paradis; 303, a flick that follows a pregnant student driving to reunite with her boyfriend; and 2017 German box office hit Paula, a biopic about artist Paula Modersohn-Becker. Or, step into a dark fairy tale with Heart of Stone, or test your nerves with crime thriller Four Hands. Plus, if you have any young movie buffs in tow, the festival is also screening a children's program called Kino for Kids.
When a couple of food and drink legends join forces, very good things can happen. This is confirmed by the latest boozy collaboration between burger maestros 8bit and beloved brewery Young Henrys. These mates have dreamed up a next-level creation celebrating that perfect partnership of beer and burger, dubbed the Malted Beast. It's a no-holds-barred assembly of a signature 8bit meat patty, beer onions made with Young Henrys' Newtowner pale ale, cheese, local pastrami and bacon glazed in porter, with a good helping of both Handsome Devil Co. barbecue sauce and rich Young Henrys' Cloudy Cider cheese sauce. And it'll set you back just $16. This all-local monster is set to make its debut at 8bit's Darling Square digs on July 19, kicking off with a launch party from 6pm. There'll be DJ tunes, games and prizes aplenty, and if you're one of the first 100 to RSVP to the Facebook event, you'll score discount burgers and free beer. If you fancy a taste of the Malted Beast, you'd best be quick — it's here for a good time, not a long time.
Much-loved Kings Cross venue Barrio Chino is making a comeback. The Mexican restaurant and bar, which closed its doors in April 2016, is popping up inside the Darlo Country Club from Friday, June 8. Run by Peter Lew, co-owner of the newly opened Chula and the original Barrio Chino, the pop-up will have Tulum beach vibes — with a palm-thatched roof, booths and fairy lights — a changing menu of modern Mexican eats and a slew of Mexican and Tiki-inspired cocktails. The food menu will feature tacos, burritos, enchiladas and nachos, that can be stuffed (or piled high) with fried chicken, slow-cooked brisket and pulled pork. There'll also be guacamole, of course, and dishes are expected to change throughout the duration of the pop-up, too. Drinks, prepared by Michael Hwang from Lobo Plantation and Kittyhawk, will be big and colourful — expect lots of rum, tequila, glowing cocktail jugs (yes, really) and skull-shaped mugs. If you'd prefer your cocktails without the glow, there'll also be a few standout margaritas on the list. There's no word yet on how long the pop-up will be sticking around for, but it will be staying up late — it's running a 2am licence on Friday and Saturday nights. We suggest heading in for a taco and a tiki cocktail, tout de suite. Barrio Chino is now open inside the Darlo Country Club. Opening hours are Thursday, 5pm–midnight; Friday, 5pm–2am; and Saturday, 11.30am–2am.
