Frozen has done it. Beauty and the Beast and Shrek, too. The Lion King is set to again in 2026. We're talking about animated movies making the leap from the screen to the stage Down Under, as another childhood favourite is, too. With Anastasia, Russian history first inspired a 90s hit, which then became a Broadway stage production since 2017. The musical is treading the boards in Melbourne from December 2025, marking the show's Australian debut, then playing Sydney from Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Sydney Lyric is hosting Anastasia's New South Wales premiere, with the Tony-nominated musical unveiling an all-ages-friendly tale inspired by Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov during the Russian Revolution, as the 1997 movie also charted. Accordingly, accompanied by songs such as 'Journey to the Past' and 'Once Upon a December' — both from the big-screen release — theatregoers can get ready to spend time with a young woman named Anya on her journey to discover her past, and to unearth a story that some in the narrative don't want revealed. Audiences have writer Terrence McNally and songwriting team Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens to thank for Anastasia's existence as a stage musical — and between its Broadway run and its Aussie stint, Anastasia has also toured North America, and hit the stage in Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico and Japan. Images: Roy Beusker.
UPDATE, March 4, 2021: God's Own Country is available to stream via Netflix, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. When God's Own Country begins, it's with a quiet Yorkshire farmhouse swiftly disturbed by the sound of retching. Johnny Saxby (Josh O'Connor) has had yet another boozy night out, and he's suffering the consequences. Unfortunately for him, the land and the livestock won't wait for his hangover. It's an appropriate opening to a film that looks like a gritty, austere, social realist drama, but contains much that cannot be constrained. The after-effects of drinking have nothing on lusty, bubbling emotions. The first feature film from writer-director Francis Lee, God's Own Country pairs its struggling farm setting with surging desire, and asks its characters to weather hardships with both. Shot in the part of England the filmmaker grew up in, on a property much like his own father's, the movie follows Johnny's reaction when handsome Romanian Gheorghe (Alec Secareanu) arrives to assist during lambing season. Initially, Johnny's reluctant and even rude, though he can't help being impressed by the newcomer's skills with the job at hand. But cold nights spent in the countryside eventually warm up more than his appreciation for hard work. As something physical blossoms into even more, Gheorghe proves a positive influence on Johnny's self-destructive tendencies. If that description reminds you of another movie, you're certainly not alone. The phrase "British Brokeback Mountain" has been used to describe Lee's film since it premiered at Sundance in January. More than just a convenient way to describe a rural queer romance, it's a comparison that's well and truly earned. Men working the land and making a connection; concerns about the response of Johnny's unwell father (Ian Hart) and stoic grandmother (Gemma Jones); scenic sights and swelling feelings: the commonalities are all there, although God's Own Country ultimately follows its own path. More importantly, both films present a raw and affecting love story teeming with honesty and emotion. One thing's for certain: this isn't a restrained affair. Instead, it wears its heart proudly on Johnny and Gheorghe's muck-covered sleeves. It's a film that's unafraid to depict the harsh realities of farm life, or delve into the frustrations and troubles that come with it. Nor does it shy away from the heated passion of its erotic scenes. Blood, spit, mud, rough tumbles and tender moments all wash across the screen, drawing viewers into a realistic, resonant account of the two men's growing intimacy. In the process, God's Own Country does what every romance endeavours, but can't always manage: it ensures that every stolen glance, hard-earned smile, quiet gesture and clenched hand is felt by more than just the people on the screen. Pitch-perfect performances by O'Connor and Secareanu help, of course, with the actors giving their characters both texture and sincerity. So too does the fond but still clear-eyed way that cinematographer Joshua James Richards lenses everything from the sparse, sprawling hills to Gheorghe and Johnny's breathless encounters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-N_tdBhCjI
Sydney can already lay claim to being a major voice in the low-to-no-waste food movement, thanks to the international reputations of seafood savant Josh Niland (Saint Peter, Fish Butchery) and zero-waste drinks-smith Matt Whiley (the currently closed Re). Following in the footsteps of those two trailblazers, a new craft distillery in the Northern Beaches suburb of Warriewood is showcasing an innovative approach that is combatting the issue of food waste in a uniquely local way. Hang 10 Distillery has been over two years of experimentation in the making. The brainchild of Marine Raynard and Deon Rowe, it uses bread from local bakeries such as Bonfire Bread and Berkelo to create the base alcohols for its range of craft spirits, transforming stale loaves that would normally end up in the dumpster into Hang 10's signature gins and vodka. [caption id="attachment_962292" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Darcie Collington[/caption] Inspired by an ABC documentary about the 7.6 million tonnes of food waste produced by Australia annually, Raynard and Rowe set out to find a way of up-cycling unwanted produce. Another documentary about a Ugandan distillery using bananas to create gin put them on the path to founding their own distillery. "We began with bananas to see if it worked, but we had a lot of issues with the processing, so Deon searched for another food source other than fruit that was widely available with excessive waste. That was when we found bread," Raynard said. [caption id="attachment_962293" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Marine Raynard[/caption] The distillery's name comes from another passion Raynard and Rowe share: surfing. "'Hang 10 embodies the grace and style of longboarding, and just as mastering the perfect wave requires patience, skill and dedication, crafting exceptional spirits demands the same level of commitment and expertise. Surfing isn't just a hobby — it's a way of life that inspires us to push boundaries and embrace adventure everyday," Raynard explained. In addition to its line of spirits, the Hang 10 crew has collaborated with the Half-Pace Brewing Company to create a rotating selection of craft beer, which punters can sample at the Hang 10 cellar door and bar. If you're not thirsty for a frothy, a refreshing G&T can whet your whistle, starring Hang 10's Bakers Dozen Gin — the first Australian-made gin to use surplus sourdough bread as its base, in concert with 13 organic botanicals. Or you can try Hang 10's Ocean Crest Vodka, which combines malt barley with the bread-made alcohol for a silky smooth finish. Raynard and Rowe also offer tasting tours where visitors can learn about the unique bread-to-booze process from the waste-fighting pioneers themselves, all while sampling their latest drops. [caption id="attachment_962294" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Darcie Collington[/caption] Find Hang 10 Distillery at Unit 48/5 Ponderosa Parade, Warriewood, open 3–10pm Friday and 2–10pm Saturday — head to the venue's website for more details. Top image: Marine Raynard
One of the city's most successful hospitality companies, Point Group, who also operate the ever-popular Shell House, has launched its second major dining destination in the CBD, featuring not one but three venues in the former Botswana Butchery digs. The International features a wine bar, a steakhouse-style fine diner and a rooftop watering hole showcasing a worldly array of culinary experiences that celebrate the diversity of flavours that are so essential to Sydney's restaurant scene. "We're excited for The International to become the cultural cornerstone of this lively and engaged part of the city," Point Group CEO Brett Robinson said. "Our approach will be simple: if it's fun, delicious and exciting, it's on the menu. Our team has had the opportunity to pull together this new project with total creative freedom and without limitations to define a new standard of big-city dining. The International is not just a restaurant; it will be a social and culinary destination where the only rule is that the food, the wine and the hand-crafted beverages must be delicious and of exceptional quality and the service dedicated, inspired and authentic." Sydney already has an excellent pedigree when it comes to pyro-powered cuisine, championed by the likes of Neil Perry at Rockpool, Lennox Hastie at Firedoor and Corey Costelloe at 20 Chapel. The Grill joins this impressive list of woodfired fine diners with culinary director Joel Bickford delivering a menu driven by provenance, high-quality produce, seasonality and simplicity. Custom mid-century furniture and bespoke joinery create an atmosphere that is both luxurious and comfortable. Guests enter through a glossy walnut bar where they can enjoy artisanal martinis or a flute of chilled champagne. The dining room showcases striking geometric marble flooring and a cold bar of local seafood, complemented by an open kitchen where licks of open flame catch the attention of diners. Bickford says The Grill is a destination for celebrating special moments while also being somewhere guests can enjoy everyday pleasures through exceptional food and wine. "Ultimately, it's about the food; provenance, best-in-class produce, seasonality and simplicity with absolutely no cutting corners, delivered by the very best chefs in the city working to deliver a unique perspective on classic traditions, internationally renowned preparations and worldly perspectives," he said. The Wine Bar delivers a more casual (yet no less refined) offering, with a menu by Executive Chef Danny Corbett leaning on small plates inspired by worldwide cuisines. The venue comprises three distinct spaces: a 60-seat piazza-style courtyard restaurant with an outdoor bar, perfect for all-day dining and socialising; an intimate 40-seat wine bar with a terrace overlooking Martin Place and an open kitchen featuring a Marana Forni pizza oven; and a 60-seat circular dining room with plush decor, ideal for special occasions and wine tastings. In addition to the food offering, there is an extensive wine list, including generous by-the-glass options, curated by sommelier Alex Kirkwood. Finally, The Panorama Bar on the top floor of The International is a vibrant social hub, made for sun-soaked lunches, golden hour drinks and after-dark get-togethers. The bar will offer all-day dining and late-night drinking. Culinary Director Joel Bickford and Executive Chef Danny Corbett have created a menu of sharing plates and bar snacks, including cold bar options and Japanese bites prepared over Hibachi grills. Guests can enjoy a seasonal drinks list curated by award-winning bartender Josh Reynolds, including signature cocktails and an extensive champagne and chablis selection, perfect for a summer thirst-quencher. With views of the art deco architectural masterpieces of Martin Place and the bustling courtyard at the foot of Harry Siedler's iconic skyscraper, the outdoor terrace of the aptly named watering hole channels a glamorous yet playful vibe. Fire pits, comfortable loungers and leafy planting set an enticing tone while live DJ sets in the evening pump up the party atmosphere.
Whether they riff on fairy bread or turn lamingtons into something cold and creamy, plenty of Gelato Messina's popular desserts transform other foods into a frosty sweet treat. Who doesn't love a culinary mashup? Not this chain and its devotees, clearly. And, since 2021, the brand has been taking that process a step further by whipping up a chocolates based on its already-inventive gelato flavours. With 2022 now here, Messina is kicking off the new year the way it always goes on — with a fresh batch of one-off specials, starting with a return to its gelato-inspired choccies. This time, there's four varieties available, all in one box. So yes, you'll get to try them all without having to choose which one you'd prefer. Love Messina's take on Iced Vovos, Coco Pops, lamingtons and fairy bread? They're all accounted for here. And they all look the part, because of course they do. They all look delicious, too. The Vovovroom bar comes filled with layers of raspberry cream, raspberry jam, desiccated coconut and sablé biscuit, then coated in raspberry chocolate. With the Just Like a Chocolate Milkshake bar, you're getting chocolate malt cream, milk chocolate-panned rice bubbles and chocolate sablé biscuit, all coated in milk chocolate. Obviously, the fairy bread bar is coated with 100s and 1000s — and includes layers of toasted breadcrumb cream and sablé biscuit coated in white chocolate as well. Or, for the lamington, you'll get chocolate cream, raspberry jam, chocolate-dusted desiccated coconut and chocolate sablé biscuit, as wrapped in dark chocolate. Boxes cost $40 each and you'll need to place your order on Monday, January 17, with times varying depending on your state. You can then pick up the choccies between Saturday, January 22–Sunday, January 23. Gelato Messina's chocolate box will be available to order from on Monday, January 17, from 9am local time in Queensland and the ACT, 9.30am in Victoria and between 10am–11am in New South Wales.
Award-winning wine bar Monopole's eight-year stint in Potts Point will come to an end this September. But it's not the last we'll be seeing of this Sydney favourite — instead, The Bentley Group's Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt are simply moving Monopole to the CBD. They've already secured a Hunter Street location, adjacent to Australia Square, and will reopen the restaurant in these new digs come October. Though it may seem sudden to patrons, the duo has been planning this CBD relocation for a while now. The new space will seat 80 all up and serve a bistro menu by day and, as expected, its signature wine bar offering by night. "We've been wanting to move Monopole to the CBD for a while and were offered a great site that is ideally suited to the evolution of Monopole," Hildebrandt said in a statement. "When we first opened, we loved that locals would drop in regularly for a glass of wine and snacks. This is a big part of Monopole's identity, which we look forward to introducing to the CBD." As far as the new menu goes, Savage plans to put the"Monopole twist" on classic bistro dishes — think steak frites and salad niçoise — and dish up snacks like Moreton Bay bug rolls. [caption id="attachment_637770" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leticia Almeída[/caption] Monopole's existing wine list has over 500 labels, and you can expect the new venue's offering to be equally expansive. It'll again feature emerging local winemakers, little-known international grape varieties and classic, big-name drops from around the world. The Potts Point original also boasts a whopping 30 wines by the glass, which punters will see transferred over to the CBD, too. The fit-out by Pascale Gomes-McNabb — who has overseen the design of the duo's other venues: Cirrus Dining, Bentley and Yellow — will aim to bring the outdoors in, with floor-to-ceiling bi-fold glass doors. Expect, also, a 20-seat marble bar, a 25-seat private dining room and blonde timber tables and chairs. For those who want to say their farewells to the original Monopole, the venue will remain open until September. Once the restaurant moves to the CBD, a new concept will open in the old Potts Point space — so keep an eye out for announcements on what's to come. Monopole will remain at its current location at 71A Macleay Street, Potts Point until September and is slated to reopen on Hunter Street in October. Images: Leticia Almeída
Bess Scott was born to be a florist. She comes from a line of flower growers and spent her childhood visiting the Sydney Flower Market. She opened the eponymous store on William Street in Paddington a couple of years ago. It's filled predominantly with Australian natives grown by her father atop Mangrove Mountain on the Central Coast. Her arrangements are impactful — vibrantly hued and huge in size — and start at $100 a bunch. Other artisanal wares can also be found here, including Just William Chocolates, hand-poured candles, jewellery and handmade ceramics.
Ahh karaoke: the best fun you can have with a microphone in one hand, a beer in the other and a group of giggling friends tumbling over themselves around you. And let's be honest, karaoke establishments are not thin on the ground in Sydney - head down to Chinatown and there's a plethora of skeezy joints with dim lighting, squashy booths and '80s ballads coupled with K-pop videos and mis-translated lyrics. While these places have their charms, the best karaoke experiences are to be had in a select few of the city's sing-along establishments. So we've taken it upon ourselves to provide you with a list of the places we reckon are best for belting out renditions of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'I Will Survive' in the wee hours of the morning to your nearest and dearest. 1. Ding Dong DangDing Dong Dang is something of a Sydney institution for karaoke fans. Down the Central Station end of Surry Hills, it's much like the karaoke equivalent of the suburb itself: understated, intimate, offbeat and quirky. There's a fully stocked bar to choose from and an easy-to-browse song directory with all the classics lined up, accompanied by K-pop videos which are nothing short of endearing. The rooms are reasonably priced, but better yet they're themed - the space odyssey room is a particular favourite. There's a decent selection of beer and wine to be had, mirror balls and couches sturdy enough to jump around on. Overall, you couldn't ask much more of a karaoke joint. Address: 7 Randle St, Surry Hills 2. MizuyaUnlike many of the more dodgy karaoke establishments in this area of town, Mizuya inexplicably closes at midnight as opposed to three or four or even six in the morning. With over 100,000 songs which are constantly being updated, Mizuya is clean and well-designed and a good choice for a birthday party or awkward after-work bonding session. Mizuya a full bar with over 200 drinks - significantly more than you'll find at most karaoke joints - and there's also a Japanese restaurant attached, from which you can order tasty things on sticks through the touch screen in the room. Genius. Address: 614 George St, Sydney 3. Ju JuKaraoke is served alongside dinner on most nights at this underground Japanese restaurant in the Cross. The best dinner and karaoke combination night to be had in Sydney, it's not for the shy or belligerent. There are no private booths, just a microphone that circles the room, so everybody gets to hear you sing. Generally you'll have to wait until a reasonable post-10pm time to begin belting out tunes, but being part of a restaurant there's a pretty good range of tasty Japanese comfort food to be had, and beers like Asahi and Sapporo are readily available. And remember, it's bad manners to wear your shoes here, so put on your best socks. Address: 82-94 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross 4. Strike Bowling BarThis is karaoke attached to ten-pin bowling, and possibly a spot of laser skirmish if you're keen. Strike charges per room, as opposed to per person, so it works out well if you're in a big group. All the rooms are immaculately themed and clean - there's the polka dot room, the Victorian boudoir, the executive party room, and there's a pretty flash touch screen to order your songs, but sadly no soft-filter video clips to accompany your choices. Moreover, there's a prop box with wigs and over-sized glasses to enhance your performance, and a couple of tambourines and maracas to add a bit of pizzazz to your performance. They've also got an excellent menu of snacks and a decent bar serving cocktails for your tipsy lady-friends. Address: 22 The Promenade, King Street Wharf and 207/122 Lang Rd, Moore Park 5. The Pickled PossumA room filled with middle-aged karaoke enthusiasts belting out '70s and '80s classics has never been as fun as this; just make sure to show up in a big group later at night and with a couple of stiff drinks in you. Widely renowned as one of the more bizarre establishments in Sydney, the person with the microphone is king at the Pickled Possum, and drinks are frequently made by seniors wearing rubber gloves. There are no booths, so you have to be prepared to sing to a crowded room, but the eccentric collection of inebriated 'characters' are having so much fun and taking the karaoke enterprise so seriously you wouldn't want to be in a booth. Address: 254 Military Rd, Neutral Bay
I have been to Ching-a-Lings many a time, yet never can I remember precisely where it is. Despite its entrance being located on Oxford Street, Ching-a-Lings has an almost Harry Potter-esque ability to disguise its entrance from the eyes of the public. All I can ever remember is that it's kinda near an Indian restaurant. To avoid looking lost, I recommend counting the building numbers in a nonchalant manner from the opposite side of the street. Ching-a-Lings was one of the first small bars to pop up a couple of years ago and it has stuck, because it's good and it's friendly. There's nothing that makes you feel like you're wearing the wrong shoes or sipping the wrong drink when you walk in. Most importantly, it's not ostentatious and there's no gimmick. That's why people love the place and keep coming back. The whole thing is a little bit industrial, with a dark staircase you ascend only by following the shadows of the feet in front of you. You emerge upstairs to exposed brick walls, a recycled bar, people reposing on couches and a DJ pumping out some rather fine beats in the corner. You'll find more people hanging out on the deck, which is a little on the slender side. While there's nothing amazing out there, it's simple, well-designed and, as one of my friends has often pointed out, a very good spot to watch the bats fly over the city in summer. One of the nicest things about Ching-a-Lings is that its drinks are unpretentious. Wine and beer are pretty standard, nothing special, but Ching-a-Lings is a chilled place and it all fits with the vibe. Because while it's great to have bars in Sydney that have three hundred types of wine and cocktails mixed from strawberry and pixie tears, it's also nice just to go somewhere and not have to stress about what you're ordering. You come with good company, pull up a couch or a bench outside, and while away a couple of hours while Oxford Street seethes and pulses below you.
Located in the harbourside suburb of Woolloomooloo, Viand Thai is a classy Thai restaurant where the dishes are served up like miniature artworks and the ambience is designed to relax and enthral. Head chef Annita Potter is driven by the sensory pleasure of eating — clearly evident as the fragrant aromas waft from the open plan kitchen into the dining room all night long. The unique ceramic dinnerware is also a visual feast for the eyes. Viand is an archaic English word which means "an unlimited assortment of foods" and looking at its menu you know it wasn't kidding when it took that name. This is a tasting menu only type of place, with the options ranging from five courses to eight courses, including vegan and pescatarian options. Highlights on the five-course menu include grilled Hokkaido scallops with shallots and peanut chilli dressing and the deep fried crispy king dory with roasted chilli dressing in long leaf coriander. Dessert is a mix of sweet Thai wafers with coconut meringue and preserved lychees. The vegan menu is equally as impressive, with the aromatic curry of kipfler potatoes, baby tomatoes and pickled cucumbers a big win. We also can't overlook the broth of assorted mushrooms with tapioca and green onions. It is unlike anything you've had before. Then you've got Viand's extensive drinks list. Expect local beers and classic cocktails as well as an carefully curated wine list including French and Italian reds, German resilings and classic Aussie chardonnays. This is the kind of place you go to treat yourself to an extra special dining experience.
Mindfulness practice — achieving the mental state of focusing on the present moment — is gaining popularity as people attempt to regulate their stressful lives. People have turned to everything from meditation to colouring books to achieve mindfulness, but perhaps few people would think of doing a triathlon to achieve inner peace. Take three activities that promote mindfulness — specifically running, yoga and meditation — and you've got yourself a 'mindful triathlon'. Wanderlust 108 has been running these triathlon festivals since 2014, and the standard day has a few main components. First, there's the five kilometre run, although the site reassures you that you can walk instead of running — or even "prance, skip, stroll or strut" — as long as you reach the finish line. After that, theres 75 minutes of yoga accompanied by a DJ set, and finally 30 minutes of meditation to round out the whole-group activities. Once the structured section of the day has wrapped up, participants can also head to activities such as aerial yoga, acroyoga and hooping, or to lunch. It's part exercise, part dance party, part fest — and 100% focused on helping attendees feel great inside and out. Also on the agenda: walking meditation, essential oil classes and the Mindful Marketplace, which will help you take your new blissed-out state home with you. By Siobhan Ryan and Sarah Ward.
UPDATE, November 11, 2020: Goldstone is available to stream via Stan, Netflix, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Australian cinema has a new hero — or heroes, to be exact. In case 2013's neo-western crime thriller Mystery Road didn't make that apparent, Goldstone shouts it across the outback. On screen, Indigenous police detective Jay Swan (Aaron Pedersen) stalks through another remote desert town searching for the truth. Behind the camera, writer-director Ivan Sen guides another insightful examination of race, prejudice, inequality and exploitation inextricably linked to the Australian landscape. Indeed, across their two features to date, both the character and the filmmaker confront not only the challenging reality of present day Australia, but the deep scars left by the past. Accordingly, as much as Goldstone is a follow-up, it's also far more than just a narrative sequel to Mystery Road. Instead, the companion piece expands upon its predecessor's themes to explore a host of different topics, including human trafficking and the government-sanctioned mining of resources, in order to further push Sen's ongoing cinematic conversation about the state of his country today. Swan isn't quite the same no-nonsense cop viewers will remember from the previous film. When he's first spied driving drunk on the outskirts of the titular mining community, local officer Josh Waters (Alex Russell) is surprised to find a police badge stashed amongst his belongings. Reports of a missing Chinese woman, possibly linked to the town's brothel, have sparked Swan's visit, but he's hardly given a warm welcome. Josh is reluctant to help, mayor Maureen (Jacki Weaver) oozes malice behind her big smile, and goldmine boss Johnny (David Wenham) is clearly unhappy about strangers rolling into town. Given all that, it's hardly surprising when bullets start flying in Swan's direction. With the narrative also exploring Swan's links to his heritage via Aboriginal elder Jimmy (David Gulpilil), as well as the dynamic between a madam (Cheng Pei-pei) and her reluctant workers, Goldstone dives into complex territory. And yet, with Pedersen always front and centre as the unflappable Swan, the film filters its many threads through a confident, commanding central presence. Amidst an excellent cast, Pedersen demonstrates why he's one of the country's most talented actors, in a portrayal that conveys more through glances and body language than most say with words. His is a performance of quiet determination, and of breaking through pain to find a way forward. In fact, Pedersen is so convincing that Sen's decision to drop back into Swan's story after significant unseen turmoil feels completely natural. And just as the character refuses to give up, the writer-director (who also serves as producer, editor, cinematographer and composer) refuses to underestimate the audience's ability to piece the necessary parts together. Some of the dialogue is a little bit blunt, but sometimes both force and nuance are required to make a strong statement. It's how Sen balances the two that's pivotal. As it alternates between intimate close-ups and vast aerial shots, punctuating a contemplative pace with expertly choreographed gun battles, Goldstone proves a masterclass in maintaining that balance.
To celebrate its 15th year, Spice Temple has launched a special, Sydney-exclusive menu starring dishes that have defined the fine diner over its journey. Throughout June, you'll be able to indulge in the long-standing institution's most celebrated dishes of past and present with this 10-course banquet. In true Spice Temple fashion, the menu, curated by Executive Chef Andy Evans, draws upon an array of flavours and cooking methods from Chinese provinces spanning Sichuan, Yunnan, Hunan, Xinjiang and more. You can expect the likes of Sichuan-style poached chicken, which is dressed in a green chilli dressing for an additional kick; Evans' spin on the restaurant's original lamb and fennel dumplings in spring roll form; Hong Kong-inspired squid coated in tapioca starch, fried and topped with a roasted five-spice mixture; and Hunan-style silken tofu paired with preserved eggs. For mains, you'll tuck into your choice of one of three OG Spice Temple dishes, all of which have become menu mainstays due to popular demand. Take your pick from the stir-fried Sichuan prawns, steamed Jiangxi-style flathead or fish drowned in heaven-facing chilli, which packs a flavourful punch. A sweet and dry Hunan-style pork dish, stir-fried cumin beef fillet and fermented chilli creation originating from Shaanxi and greens tossed in ginger and garlic round out the savoury offer. As for the final sweet treat, the incredibly light three milk cake finished with dried raspberries, roasted pistachios and roasted almonds — the brainchild of Spice Temple's original pastry chef, Catherine Adams — will end the feast. This is one trip down memory lane you'll want to book in ASAP — spots for the limited-time dinner series are filling up quickly. Image credit: Kitti Gould.
Inspired by Madonna, Michael Jackson and Nine Inch Nails, Auckland based synth pop duo Computers Want Me Dead have decided they're not going to take themselves too seriously – resulting in a sound that's chaotic, almost dizzying synth pop that you can't help but pull shapes to. They've played Rhythm + Vines, Big Day Out and supported 30 Seconds to Mars – all while having only released their debut EP in March this year. They've taken over New Zealand and plan to take over the rest of the world later on this year, one synth track at a time. One half of Computers Want Me Dead, Sam Harvey, chats to Kirstie Sequitin about Gary Numan, Nine Inch Nails and embracing their inner synth pop. I read this thing on your Facebook profile last night, saying that your set is 'a whirling and buzzing tornado of sound akin to some wonderful lovechild of Gary Numan and Nine Inch Nails on ecstacy'. And then I saw that you had a photo taken with Gary the other day – did he have something to say about that? Yeah, yeah that was amazing! A friend of mine was organizing the Gary Numan show over here in Auckland, so as soon as I found out I ran in saying 'please, please, please can I meet him?' And I met him, he was the nicest guy I've ever met, it was incredible. Did he listen to your music at all? I don't know. It was funny because the friend that hosted the television show knows I'm a huge fan (of Gary) and actually gave him a copy of our CD live on air. I was like 'Oh my God, I can't believe you did that.' But, I don't know. I'd like to think that he would have heard it but yeah, no idea. Why do computers want you dead? The name is definitely ironic, because we both love computers and we're kind of nerdy in that way. But it actually comes from a friend of mine who had moved to Chicago wrote me this massive long email on MySpace, back in the day when MySpace was all the rage. So she wrote me this massive email and clicked send and… it timed out. She had spent two hours writing this email and was really really pissed off. The next email she wrote was titled 'Computers want me dead'. I was like, "I'm totally going to use that as a band name". She didn't believe me until we put out a single. What were you guys doing before Computers Want Me Dead and how did you guys start working together? I was wearing a Nine Inch Nails t-shirt at a work function and Damien came up to me and was like, "Oh yeah, I'm a fan of Nine Inch Nails too." And we just got talking. We were both talking about how we wanted to, you know, start a band, and we started jamming. We ended up moving into an apartment – I live here with Damien and his girlfriend – and it kind of just went from there. So how does a love for Nine Inch Nails translate to the stuff that you guys make together? Well, it's funny - it started off being a lot darker and kind of grittier. Then one day I changed the bass line on something and added the sort of poppy sounding synth and all of a sudden it was a different song and we just ran with that. But yeah, Nine Inch Nails are definitely a massive influence on both of us and kind of evidence of earlier stuff that we've done. I've played one of our singles to a friend of mine who is also a Nine Inch Nails fan and – I don't know if this is compliment but - he said "It sounds like Nine Inch Nails on E". And I was like, "Sweet. That's awesome". That was the coolest thing he could've said. You say that your music comes from being able to embrace pop music shamelessly; do you think other bands take themselves too seriously? Do you think that there's a bit of synth pop in every band? (laughs) I think everyone has a potential to take themselves too seriously. We're all guilty of it sometimes. But yeah, I don't know, there's some music that's more serious than others – and I'm a big fan of all kinds of stuff. I don't look at people who are really into what they're doing as taking themselves too seriously – I don't think they're pretentious or anything, but it's just not what this band is about. Computers Want Me Dead's self-titled EP is out now.
Now streaming on Disney+, Moon Knight arrives as the latest chapter in a seemingly non-stop franchise that's near monopolised popular culture over the past decade and a half. The newest episodic series to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it adds yet another tale to the saga's ever-expanding web of superhero stories — this time focusing on a character first seen on the page back in the 70s; hardly as well-known as the likes of Iron Man, the Hulk, Captain America, Thor and Captain Marvel; and otherwise wholly unseen in the MCU so far. Moon Knight also starts unfurling as the latest instalment in another trend. For the second time in less than a year, Oscar Isaac stars in a must-see streaming series. In cinemas in-between, he's also added Dune and The Card Counter to his resume, too, because the compulsively watchable actor pinballs between projects vast and intimate — and between blockbusters and character-driven pieces. His two most recent small-screen projects couldn't demonstrate that chasm better, although Moon Knight has more in common with 2021's Scenes From a Marriage than it might initially seem. Or, to be accurate, it boasts one very specific and important shared trait: it wouldn't be what it is without Isaac's magnetic performance. Make that performances. The setup: in this six-episode miniseries, Isaac plays Steven Grant and Marc Spector. They're one and the same due to a case of dissociative identity disorder, although this is news to mild-mannered British gift-shop employee Steven. Usually, he wishes that he could lead tours at work, obsesses over studying Egyptian history and, thanks to a sleeping disorder, chains himself to his bed at night. But as gaps in his days lead him to learn, he is also American mercenary Marc Spector — or, to be exact, vice versa. Complicating matters further, he's the on-earth conduit for the Egyptian moon god Khonshu (voiced by Mythic Quest's F Murray Abraham) as well. Already struggling with being able to tell the difference between being awake and asleep, Steven's role as the moon god's offsider is a source of stress, unsurprisingly — especially with shadowy cult-like figure Arthur Harrow (Ethan Hawke, The Good Lord Bird) hanging around. Character-wise, the Steven/Marc combo swiftly proves as complex as the MCU has delivered so far in Moon Knight's first four episodes, as deepened even further during a continent-hopping mystery-adventure that has him doing Khonshu's bidding. That's where Harrow comes in, complete with unfinished business with the moon god and big plans of his own. Archaeologist Layla El-Faouly (May Calamawy, Ramy) also adds another layer, sporting ties to Marc's past that Steven is initially unaware of, and sparking a patch of romantic rivalry. Even within franchise confines, Isaac is mesmerising playing duelling dual personalities in Moon Knight, turning in the kind of portrayal that the MCU has been lacking. It isn't known as an actor's showcase, which is why even this far in — 27 movies and now six Disney+ series — the sprawling saga's standout performances make a splash bigger than throwing mjölnir into an ocean. It's what made Tom Hiddleston a hit in his big-screen outings, and also in fellow streaming show Loki. Also on the small screen, the greater texture served up by Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany, and the scene-stealing perfection of Kathryn Hahn as well, ensured that WandaVision left an imprint, too. Isaac bests them all; while Marvel's knack for casting has long been one of its superpowers — even with simply entertaining rather than necessarily meaty performances resulting — it flexes those talents magnificently in Moon Knight. Indeed, it's as shrewd a casting move as has been made to-date in this pop-culture behemoth. The fact that Moon Knight also tasks Isaac with playing someone that film and TV fans aren't already acquainted with is also pivotal. Welcomely, the Marvel formula feels fresher here. The series still spins an origin story, and will undoubtedly tie into the broader narrative to come. It also often falls back on a template between daring to be stranger and weirder. And yet, by branching off with a previously unseen protagonist, this is the first MCU Disney+ series that doesn't feel like homework. That isn't a slight upon WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki and Hawkeye, but recognition that reaching in new directions reaps considerable rewards. Moon Knight doesn't lack in star power, of course — there's a reason that Isaac is rarely seen suited up with his face covered, Hawke is also fantastic, and they bounce off of each other compellingly — but it hasn't enlisted its big-name MCU newcomers to merely go through the by-the-numbers motions. Similarly leaving an impression: having Egyptian filmmaker Mohamed Diab (Clash) direct four episodes, and getting American sci-fi/horror wunderkinds Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (Synchronic, The Endless, Archive 81) to helm the other two. Both help ensure that Moon Knight's biggest thrills come from its best asset, especially given that he's doing double duty in a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde-style premise — and the scenes where Steven and Marc bicker with each other about who gets to control their shared body (which happens via reflective surfaces such as mirrors and puddles, and are shot with not just flair but boldness), are the show's clear highlights. The Indiana Jones nods, and the swings in The Mummy's direction, are clunkier, but the end product is still easily the most intriguing small-screen Marvel effort so far. Actually, when Moon Knight does ultimately end up overtly linking into the MCU in its final two episodes — and if it smoothes itself down in the process — that'll feel like a let down. Check out the trailer for Moon Knight below: The first episode of Moon Knight is available to stream via Disney+, with new instalments dropping weekly. Images: courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.
There are seemingly endless picture-perfect stays across Australia to choose from, so convincing yourself to smash that book button is often easier said than done. Yet keeping tabs on what like-minded holidaymakers are sharing on socials is one way to avoid analysis paralysis when it comes to finding a short-term stay that delivers a breathtaking experience. With this in mind, Airbnb has turned to social media to identify which stays have generated the most Instagram and TikTok engagement over the past 12 months. Resulting in a list capturing the most-loved stays on the platform, a single Aussie Airbnb made the final cut — and it's as serenity-inducing as you'd expect. That'd be Gilay Estate, a meticulously designed off-grid tiny house that calls the similarly small New South Wales town of Quirindi home. Nestled into the state's food bowl on a family farm, this wonderfully cosy Airbnb offers a charming perspective over the laidback farming region, blending contemporary comfort with the natural beauty of Liverpool Plains. When you're not tucked up next to the fireplace with a glass of wine in hand, guests are welcome to stroll the scenic grounds, unwinding amid the fresh country air. Alternatively, the surrounding paddocks and open skies can be enjoyed from the outdoor hot tub or adjacent firepit, primed for sunset cookouts that evoke a slow-living ethos. According to Airbnb, the global survey data used to create the list shows that younger travellers are using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to discover new destinations. Delving a little deeper, Airbnb says the most-loved listings often share some key characteristics, those being the chance to connect offline and feel inspired by unique surroundings. As for the rest of the most-loved list, there's no shortage of fascinating stays to explore. In the US, guests can relish a soothing escape perched right alongside Washington State's glacier-fed Cascade River. Meanwhile, an unsurprising hit on social media is Quetzalcoatl's Nest, a Javier Senosiain-designed stay that reflects Mexico's organic architecture movement. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Australia's best Airbnb hosts for 2025 or head to the website to see the full list.
How does Jon Snow's future pan out? Sorry Game of Thrones fan, you're going to keep knowing nothing. Back in 2022, it was announced that HBO was potentially making a Jon Snow-focused sequel series, but those plans have now hit a wall according to none other than Kit Harington himself. If you're a fan of the series and you've been mourning the show's end back ever since 2019, you'll know that the US network has floated no shortage of options for extending everyone's time in Westeros. Prequel series House of the Dragon premiered in 2022, and will return for season two in 2024. Another series set before Game of Thrones itself, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, will arrive in 2025. Among the rumours, a second new series to the Targaryens has also been mentioned. But this is the end of the line for the Jon Snow spinoff at the moment. In an interview with Screen Rant, Harington (Eternals) advised that "currently, it's off the table, because we all couldn't find the right story to tell that we were all excited about enough". "So, we decided to lay down tools with it for the time being. There may be a time in the future where we return to it, but at the moment, no. It's firmly on the shelf," he continued. The series was set to explore Jon Snow's story after the events of Game of Thrones' eighth and final season. You might recall that that last batch of episodes were rather eventful for the character, even more than normal. He found out that he was born Aegon Targaryen, and that he has a claim to the Iron Throne. He also ditched Westeros — after being exiled — to head North of the Wall. So, for now, you'll just have to look forward to the return of House of the Dragon this winter Down Under (when else?), starting on Monday, June 17, 2024. And as for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, it is based on the novella series Tales of Dunk and Egg, as has been rumoured for a few years now. The story follows knight Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg as they wander Westeros a century before the events of GoT, when the Targaryens remain on the Iron Throne and everyone still remembers dragons. Check out the latest House of the Dragon season two trailer below: HBO's Jon Snow Game of Thrones spinoff is no longer happening. House of the Dragon streams Down Under via Foxtel and Binge in Australia, and SoHo, Sky Go and Neon in New Zealand, with season two arriving on Monday, June 17, 2024. Read our full review of season one. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight is set to premiere in 2025 — we'll update you with exact details when they're announced. Via: Screen Rant. Images: Helen Sloan/HBO.
In 2020, Netflix's Enola Holmes asked a question: what if Sherlock Holmes had a teenage sister who was just as good at sleuthing as he is? Now, in 2021, the streaming platform has another query for fans of the famed detective: what if there was actually a team of teens who were tasked with solving his mysteries, all while Sherlock gets the credit? That latter train of thought provides the premise for The Irregulars, Netflix's next dalliance with the character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Set in Victorian London, the eight-part series meets its motley crew of adolescents as they're asked by Doctor Watson (Royce Pierreson, The Witcher) to work for Holmes (Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Killing Eve). As the just-dropped trailer shows, they're also enlisted for their new gig as the city and the world comes under threat from insidious supernatural forces — which only they can stop. Yes, it sounds like something that an algorithm would concoct (and probably has) after seeing how many people stream both Stranger Things and the multiple other iterations of Sherlock Holmes that have reached screens over the years. But at least part of the concept does tie back into Conan Doyle's work, with the Baker Street Irregulars even popping up in 1887's A Study in Scarlet, the first novel to feature Holmes and Watson. When the series hits Netflix on Friday, March 26, you'll be watching Thaddea Graham (The Letter for the King), Darci Shaw (Judy), Jojo Macari (Sex Education), Mckell David (The Gentlemen) and Harrison Osterfield (Catch 22) as Irregulars members Bea, Jessie, Billie, Spike and Leopold — and Clarke Peters (His Dark Materials) as The Linen Man. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTE5MAGpflw The Irregulars starts streaming via Netflix from Friday, March 26.
One year ago, long-time doughnut-lover Kenneth Rodrigueza opened his first retail space in Redfern. Since then, Donut Papi and its small-batch, handmade doughnuts — and they're wacky flavours, which include everything from pepperoni to Vegemite and Cheetos — have proved a huge hit with locals. To celebrate its 365 days on the block, Donut Papi is giving away a heap of free doughnuts — 300 to be exact. From midday on Saturday, December 8, the compact eatery will be slinging freebies, limited to one per person, until they're all gone. If you do miss out, don't stress too much — there'll also be a heap of discounted doughnut packs, drinks and even some limited-edition merch (if you'd like to take your love for the fried, sugary goods to a (w)hole new level). There's no word yet on what flavours will be available, but we recommend keeping an eye on the Donut Papi Instagram. Donut Papi's First Birthday giveaway will kick off at 12pm.
For not the first time in his career, Steven Spielberg deserves some serious credit. Lincoln is not only the director's most accomplished, audacious, and affecting film of perhaps the past 20 years but also his most surprising given the focus of the story he chose to tell. It's actually hard not to envisage the faces of the DreamWorks executives as he walked into their offices and said: "I'm ready to make another film". Jackpot. "And I want to do it about Lincoln." Double jackpot. Our most beloved president — bring on the inevitable Oscars and fortunes! "But instead of focussing on the Civil War=" ...uh-huh... "-and rather than looking at his assassination" ...yeeeeah… "-I want to spend three hours talking about the passing of some legislation by the House of Representatives." …Okay, umn…Steven, are you SURE you don't want to do it about the War? Because the War was VERY interesting…I mean there were explosions and everything. Well, screw that imaginary Dreamworks executive, because it's precisely that specificity and lack of action that makes Lincoln such an unexpectedly compelling biopic. It's also a notable counterpoint to 2011's Iron Lady in that, instead of covering the president's entire life, it essentially focuses on just a few weeks in January 1865 when Lincoln attempted to enact the 13th Amendment to the Constitution to abolish slavery. The traditional challenge for any historical narrative is that the audience already knows how it ends, meaning tension must be sought elsewhere, in the emotions rather than the events. Apollo 13 is a fine example of this. We all know Lovell and his crew made it back safely, but those final few minutes remain impossibly tense because we're so invested in the characters that didn't know. Hence the drama in Lincoln comes not from 'Would the anti-slavery bill pass?' but rather 'How did it pass, and at what cost?' The result is a beautifully nuanced film about statesmanship, quiet contemplation, and — above all else — principle. After years of devastating Civil War, Lincoln (in another mesmerising performance by Daniel Day-Lewis) finally finds himself presented with an opportunity to end the bloodshed subject only to the southern states' right to maintain slavery. With even his own children on the battlefield, the decision to make peace seems obvious, and yet, so too does equality — something deemed so obvious as to be self-evident. "We are stepped out upon the world stage now," he declares to his cabinet amid fierce opposition to the bill, "with the fate of human dignity in our hands." That he persisted and triumphed is why history reveres him, but how he did it and with whose help is why it's so worth watching.
What's a Full Moon Crab Feast? It's a crustacean feast that's only happening on, you guessed it, full moon nights. There's a lot of debate about whether or not the best crab eating is during a full moon. We say, who cares? There's no reason to complain if you're chowing down on northern mud crab and Queensland spanner crab with one of Sydney's most beautiful ocean views. The two-course menu features boiled claws with spicy aioli; polenta croquettes; freshly cracked crab with chilli, saffron and olive; and sides like steamed potatoes, roasted crab oil and herbs. Yummy. Park yourself at the bar and enjoy the best of Australia's seafood. Don't wear white.
Drive two hours northwest of Melbourne and you'll arrive in the town of Lexton. Perched in Victoria's Pyrenees region, this tiny township is surrounded by outstanding wineries and outdoor adventures, ensuring a visit here will be jam-packed with unforgettable experiences that'll live long in the memory. Whether you prefer to roam grand pictorial gardens or scale the Pyrenees mountains, finding the experience you crave is almost guaranteed. To give you a head start, we've teamed up with Wild Turkey to highlight the activities that'll keep the good times flowing for you and your crew on your next out-of-town adventure. [caption id="attachment_846008" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arianna Leggiero[/caption] STAY IN A CONVERTED CHURCH Considering the immense beauty of Victoria's Pyrenees, booking yourself into some suitably snug accommodation is the best way to spend the night. Arguably the top spot in the area is Grayling's Gift, an immaculate 19th century church rejuvenated with luxurious furnishings and amenities. Inside, the antique decor includes an elegant clawfoot bathtub, a vintage chesterfield lounge and a wood fireplace that elevates the cosiness factor to the extreme. While breakfast is provided during your stay, there's also a compact kitchen to use — we suggest using it to put together a grazing platter with local produce to enjoy during a star-gazing session in the expansive fields on your doorstep. [caption id="attachment_844023" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] TREK THROUGH THE RAINFOREST Situated on the edge of the Great Dividing Range, Lexton is home to mind-boggling natural beauty. To experience the variety of landscapes in one place, a 30-minute drive to Mount Buangor State Park is your best bet. With its 15 kilometres of interconnected trails, this is the place to explore mountain peaks or delve deeper into the valley floor. If you're looking for a low-intensity hike, the Waterfalls Nature Walk trail should be at the top of your to-do list. Taking just 45 minutes to complete, this return journey sees hikers wander through blue gum forests on their way past three waterfalls, including the stunning Ferntree Falls and the Cascade Falls. [caption id="attachment_844026" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] EXPLORE WINE COUNTRY It might seem a little on the nose, but this part of Victoria does indeed get its name from the Pyrenees region stretching between France and Spain. Our Pyrenees wine region dates back to the 1960s, so expect your visit to this thriving food and wine country to be overflowing with delicious flavours. More than 40 cellar doors provide ample opportunity to sample the local varieties, and Blue Pyrenees Estate is considered one of the best. Head to this sprawling estate on the outskirts of Avoca for tasting tours and a refined cafe that overlooks the vineyard. In nearby Moonambel, Summerfield Wines offers an equally delectable experience, featuring world-class vino and woodfired pizzas. ROAM HISTORICAL GARDENS AND HARVEST FRESH PRODUCE Despite its location in the heart of the Goldfields region, Lexton didn't quite have the same luck as its neighbours when it came to buried treasure. However, that didn't stop several great estates from being established in the area. For example, the Mount Mitchell Homestead serves as a lasting symbol of Victoria's pre-federation history. Founded in 1838, this sprawling home offers ten acres of pristine gardens from which to admire the Pyrenees Mountains that rise to the west. Stop in to stroll through the beautiful gardens and working farm, where you can pick up fresh produce like eggs from the resident hens, catch yabbies and fish from the property's lake and pick your own fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs from the orchard and kitchen garden. [caption id="attachment_844028" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matt (Flickr)[/caption] HIT UP PARMA PALACE When you roll into any country town, a good pub meal is often one of the first things to seek out. Lexton's Pyrenees Family Hotel isn't afraid to put its reputation on the line, with the self-appointed nickname of the 'Parma Palace'. There are 12 plate-sized varieties of the pub classic to choose from here, with each one bound to leave you very satisfied. The pub also features the hallmarks of any classic country pub: there's a top-notch beer garden where you can enjoy a crisp lager beneath the shade of a mulberry tree, a pool room and jukebox. Plus, if you stop by on a Friday night you can even try your luck at winning a meat tray. [caption id="attachment_844031" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] TEST YOUR BUSHWALKING SKILLS There's stellar bushwalking to be found all over the Pyrenees region, but you can quickly access some of the best with a short drive to Beaufort. Here, you'll find the challenging Ben Nevis Walk – a 9.6-kilometre circuit that kicks off with a seriously steep climb up an old 4WD track. As the terrain levels out, you'll have the energy to admire the wildflowers and panoramic views that adorn this landscape. Although this adventure will definitely put even the fittest bushwalkers through their paces, the views from the peak make this journey supremely worthwhile. [caption id="attachment_844032" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Francesco Vicenzi (Flickr)[/caption] EXPERIENCE A NEXT-LEVEL BUSH DOOF Bush doofs don't come much bigger, or more colourful, than the annual Rainbow Serpent Festival. Launched in 1998 in the dusty fields surrounding Lexton, this hedonistic playground presents a global showcase of electronic music, ranging from psytrance to minimal techno. With the pandemic and bushfires quashing recent years, a return is on the cards for Easter 2023. Alongside the mind-melting tunes and sparkling outfits, the festival invites you to explore your spiritual side through immersive art installations, workshops and otherworldly experiences. If that sounds up your alley, get your pals together for a metaphysical reawakening. Just be sure to take a few days off to guarantee your recovery. Find out more about Wild Turkey's Discovery Series at the website. Top image: Elliot Kramer
Thanks to a wave of passionate Sydneysiders, Keep Sydney Open's offline petition received well-over 10,000 signatures and is being debated in the NSW lower house today. The debate is open to the public which means you can show your support of the cause directly to Parliament — an event worthy of an afternoon sickie. From massive rallies to a crowdfunded documentary, a large portion of Sydney's community has really defended the nightlife of the city we know and love. Clearly, the uproar hasn't been heard on deaf ears, with a review under way by the Independent Review board and now a full-on political debate. For those truly dedicated to the cause, this is a rare chance to not only show your support but also find out if politicians have really been listening. You'll have to take it down a notch though, as campaign t-shirts and banners are not allowed in Parliament. Immediately following the debate, Keep Sydney Open is organising a meeting in Martin Place for a group photo-op and discussion around the campaign's progress. The schedule: 4:00pm: Arrive at Parliament and go through security at public entrance.* 4:15pm: People to be seated in chamber. 4:30pm: Debate starts. 5:00pm: Gather for a post-debate photo at the top of Martin Place *Note that campaign t-shirts and banners are not allowed in the Parliament. Looks like the government will finally be forced to openly consider the closures of music venues and the major hit on Sydney's night-time economy and vibrant nightlife. Keep Sydney Open believes there are many alternative means to keep the city safe at night without shutting it down — and they clearly have a lot of local support behind them. RSVP here to attend today's debate. The debate will happen today, May 12 from 4pm to 6pm at NSW Parliament House, 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney. Image: Kimberley Low.
2018 came and went without new episodes of two of television's most popular series. Thankfully, the same won't prove true of 2019. Game of Thrones' final season is coming in April — before winter — and Stranger Things will return mid-year. Mark your calendars accordingly. In the case of everyone's favourite 80s-set sci-fi/horror series, Stranger Things will drop its third season on Thursday, July 4. Prepare to return to Hawkins and face the demogorgon once more — and to find out what 1985 has in store for Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), Will (Noah Schnapp), Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Galen Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) and the gang. Netflix unveiled the date as part of a brief teaser, which doesn't feature any new footage from the forthcoming eight-episode season, but does interrupt a New Year's Eve broadcast with cryptic government messages. It also reveals that the series will be set around the July 4 American holiday, continuing a trend of releasing new episodes to coincide with special occasions. The show's second season dropped in October 2017, with Halloween weaved into its storyline. While the streaming platform is yet to launch a proper trailer for season three of Stranger Things, it did reveal the season's episode titles in another teaser back in December. Feel free to ponder the meaning of names such as 'Suzie, Do You Copy?', 'The Mall Rats', 'The Case of the Missing Lifeguard' and 'The Battle of Starcourt' until July 4 rolls around. https://www.facebook.com/NetflixANZ/videos/366266914175965/?__xts__[0]=68.ARB6tA30GHZBliVxnjVfAQxVNsz_44Zuezt6075kSgJQk1NDr6kHK5hQSmwE2gCZIba35AqA010k8OC9d1oImVX3qqzIh89nRh4BIPIfRfFeZlosAB31BFi-mC6se4R0ibCnvdo3R9RSi4Ip36BjZ_j_UmOpbYQdZdlUPAYsg4kQhBxseS4PgzCL3nYHlLTru5XVDn1GV5dzbtMsMGjQmlmRqzND6gm9xeqit_zmru8SrmgqXGSOJhoL42UFS5cUGT45wf_7vlSdE0PcfB5WK0OfczrE8pUODXnX0KNVzBvIzICi_tw-Klap4ZgIDKKInsCSUU-lGzAkgFZMt42oackL8lqMKpVaedzLZA&__tn__=-R Stranger Things season eight will arrive on Netflix on Thursday, July 4.
Little Beach is Sydney camping spot for people who don't like to share. You and five mates can claim the entire campsite for yourselves — there are just six pitches in this tiny campground. It's hidden along a small, secluded cove within the Central Coast's expansive Bouddi National Park. Backed by coastal rainforest and shaped by stunning cliffs, the Little Beach surrounds are hard to beat. It also offers picnic tables, barbecues and toilet facilities for those who need a little extra creature comfort. If you have time to spare, take on the eight-kilometre Bouddi Coastal Walk, which runs between MacMasters Beach and Putty Beach. Images: Central Coast Tourism
With its heritage-listed sandstone cottage building, melt-in-your-mouth duck dish, and connection to local farmers, Ennui in Haymarket has stood out from Sydney's food scene. Three hospitality friends, Thomas Bromwich, Peter Chan and Samuel Woods, originally envisioned Ennui as an intimate bar. It's now a two-storey restaurant with space to seat 100 guests and just celebrated its first birthday. [caption id="attachment_1026040" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Ennui[/caption] "Bringing Ennui to life was no small task," says director and cook Samuel Woods. "Three years of heritage approvals, landlord negotiations, and months of construction tested our patience and resolve. Yet the effort has been worth it." Located on the corner of Pitt and Hay Streets, opposite the Capitol Theatre, Ennui shares its interpretation of French cuisine in one of Sydney's most historic settings. In partnership with the business solution experts at Square, we spoke with Samuel to learn more about how they created a hospitality business that stands out from the crowd. From little things Samuel shares that Ennui began with a simple idea. "[We imagined] a small wine bar with food that spoke to our cultural backgrounds and connections with local farmers," Samuel tells Concrete Playground. "But when we were introduced to the Manse building, we knew this was something bigger." The cottage was built in 1846 and is one of the few buildings of its kind still standing in Sydney. Its historic, sandstone outer layer means the modern yet warm interiors stand out even more. [caption id="attachment_1026041" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Ennui[/caption] Keep it simple For Samuel, Peter and Thomas, their guiding principle to growing into one of Sydney's most popular new restaurants is simple: the guest comes first. "We want people to feel looked after, and we're always willing to be flexible in how we offer our service to make sure everyone feels welcome. That belief has shaped everything we do at Ennui." Restaurants and brands often focus on viral 'must-try' tactics to stand out in a crowded, algorithm-driven market. However, Samuel believes that the chase for uniqueness can undermine core values. [caption id="attachment_1026042" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Ennui[/caption] "For us, consistency is more important than chasing uniqueness. Guests should feel confident that the dish they saw online, or the one a friend recommended, will arrive at the table exactly as expected." "We want people to come back weeks later and relive the same great experience. That dependability is what builds trust and ultimately, lasting relationships with our guests," Samuel shares. Signature dishes One tenet of Ennui's success was knowing they wanted a dish that defined the restaurant. For Samuel, Thomas and Peter, this was always duck. Focusing on a signature dish (done exquisitely) has helped the restaurant stand out from other French-inspired restaurants across the city. [caption id="attachment_1026043" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Ennui[/caption] "I still remember dining at Monopole in Potts Point about ten years ago. The duck was unforgettable, and it stayed with me. From those early plans on paper to opening night, the idea of serving our own duck has been at the heart of the restaurant." Samuel credits this and word-of-mouth recommendations with helping to grow Ennui more than intentional marketing, proving that if you create an experience that people want to keep coming back to, they will. "It is one of the most important things in hospitality, to be hospitable." Learning and growing If you're new to the hospitality business, Samuel doesn't sugarcoat it — you're going to feel the heat. However, having a team of people in your corner can help to keep the dream alive. "We have been very lucky to have such a talented team of people around us, always pushing for new ways to drive business." He also credits Square's payment system as making the business side of the restaurant run more smoothly. "It's one less thing to worry about because I've got Square by my side." Samuel shares that muddling through and (sometimes) missing the mark can ultimately lead to business satisfaction."Some things have worked really well, and sometimes you try, but you miss the mark. Either way, we're happy with where we are now." From a history-rich building to collaboration and growth, it's clear that Ennui stands out from the Sydney food scene and keeps customers coming back for more. "What began as a dream between three friends who had worked together for years has grown into a restaurant that feels like home." Square empowers local businesses to thrive by making it easier to run, manage, and grow their operations. Find out how Square can help your business grow. Lead image: Ennui
UPDATE, December 11, 2020: The Prom is screening in select cinemas in Sydney, and is available to stream via Netflix. A word of warning to filmmakers eager to make the next big on-screen musical: cast James Corden at your peril. It may now seem like a lifetime ago that Cats proved a gobsmacking catastrophe, but that 2019 movie's horrors are impossible to shake — and while Corden's latest, The Prom, thankfully doesn't resort to repeating the word 'jellicle' over and over again to try to convince the world that it means something, it still follows in the feline-focused flick's paw prints as this year's all-singing, all-dancing misfire. The two films' common star is grating and relies upon gratuitous overacting in both features. He's hardly alone in bombing and flailing, though. In The Prom's case, a 2018 Broadway success with an important message about acceptance and being true to one's self has been transformed into an over-long star vehicle, as well as a movie that can't see past its sequin-studded pageantry and smug attitude to actually practise what it preaches. Miscast from the get-go, Corden plays Barry, a Broadway veteran playing second fiddle to multi-Tony-winning drama diva Dee Dee (Meryl Streep, Little Women) in Eleanor!, a new production about former US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Initially, the pair is on top of the world after the show's opening night — but then the reviews start piling in and piling on. Distraught from the critical savaging as they drown their sorrows with perennial chorus girl Angie (Nicole Kidman, The Undoing) and Juilliard-trained actor-turned-sitcom lead-turned bartender Trent (Andrew Rannells, The Boys in the Band), they concoct a plan to get back in the showbiz industry's good graces. Scrolling through Twitter, Angie spies a news story about Indiana teenager Emma (feature debutant Jo Ellen Pellman), whose high school has just completely cancelled the prom because she wanted to bring her girlfriend. As quick as a burst of confetti, Barry, Dee Dee, Trent and Angie are on a Godspell tour bus to America's midwest to rally against this injustice and whip themselves up some flattering publicity. In the screenplay written by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, both of whom worked on the original stage production, this is all meant to be a joke: that fading, has-been and never-were celebrities shallowly and calculatingly try to use one young woman's horrific plight for their own gain, that is. But The Prom likes the gag so much that it misguidedly decides that favouring stars over substance is the best approach in general. No one is disparaging Streep, Kidman, Rannells or Corden's fame or status, or that of their fellow well-known costars Keegan-Michael Key (Playing with Fire) and Kerry Washington (Little Fires Everywhere). While Corden is terrible, some of his high-profile colleagues have their moments — a flame-haired Streep eats the often neon-hued scenery and loves every bite, for example. When there's a tale to be told about an ostracised queer teen who is cruelly rejected by her school's Parents and Teachers' Association and her peers, and who sees her quest to simply be treated like everyone else become a national scandal, though, that story is far more interesting than the arrival of a self-centred quartet of blow-ins from New York. Perhaps balancing the two parts of The Prom's narrative works on the stage; on the screen, Emma seems as much of an afterthought to director Ryan Murphy (Eat Pray Love, plus TV's Pose and American Horror Story) as she is to Dee Dee and company. Both the movie and the characters it chooses to focus on have their own senses of worth pumped up by even feigning to care about something else, but the fact that the film and its main players can all convince themselves they're great doesn't mean they can do the same with those watching. Again, this terrain is designed to fuel the feature's main gags. Case in point: we're supposed to laugh heartily and knowingly when Dee Dee interrupts the latest PTA meeting — where Key, as a caring principal, is battling Washington, who plays the conservative parent leading the charge against Emma — with a song called 'It's Not About Me'. Alas, almost everything about The Prom constantly falls so flat that its attempt at self-referential humour is as hackneyed as the concept that a bunch of celebs can solve homophobia with a few ditties, a splash of dancing, and some fabulous outfits and decor. When Rannells' Trent heads to the local mall and attempts to do just that on one occasion — pointing out that Emma's schoolmates are picking and choosing which parts of the bible they're faithful about upholding, all via singing and breaking out fancy footwork on an escalator — it does give The Prom one of its best moments. The scene in question also emphasises how far the film is from many better, smarter, savvier-executed musicals on-screen and on-stage, however. Rannells has sung about faith and its contradictions before as an original Broadway cast member in the brutally clever The Book of Mormon, a comparison The Prom really shouldn't be trying to conjure up in viewers' heads. With Glee, Murphy made an entire teen-centric TV show that nodded to pop culture influences it could never live up to, so The Prom really just sees the filmmaker do more of the same but worse. That said, when the film actually spends time with Emma, her secret girlfriend Alyssa (Hamilton's Ariana DeBose) and even their anti-LGBTQIA+ classmates — following in Glee's footsteps in another way — it's a better movie. But the temptation to value flash over meaning, and to think that simply saying 'discrimination is bad, here's some glitter', never subsidies. Although it's shot by the acclaimed Matthew Libatique (an Oscar-nominee for Black Swan and A Star Is Born), the film's continually, needlessly and irritatingly circling cinematography captures The Prom's struggles perfectly, because it's too caught up in shiny things, recognisable faces and disposable songs to let everything that should matter, including its message, have any real impact. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ0jBNa6JUQ
Chippendale's Old Clare Hotel is going through some ch-ch-ch-ch-changes. It's about to farewell another one of its in-house restaurants. In 2016, the boutique hotel's Silvereye restaurant closed its doors, now, on October 21, British celebrity chef Jason Atherton's Kensington Street Social will follow suit. Atherton told Fairfax that the distance between London and Sydney was too great to devote enough time to the Chippendale restaurant. The bitter moment will quickly turn sweet, however, when Marrickville's Barzaari takes over the site on October 30. Barzaari Chippendale will serve up a menu of eastern Mediterranean share plates for lunch and dinner — focusing on the cuisine of Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt. The 120-seat dining room and private mezzanine will be swiftly transformed in the one-week gap between tenants thanks to award-winning architects Neri & Hu and designer Matt Darwon (Automata). Expect elements of the brand's Marrickville digs to make its way to Chippendale, including the signature sand pit coffee, market place vibes and The Four Seasons mural by Giuseppe Arcimboldo. Owners Andrew Jordanou and chef Darryl Martin (ex-Three Weeds and Quay) have teamed up with hotelier Loh Lik Peng (owner of The Old Clare's parent company Unlisted Collection) to bring the restaurant to Kensington Street. As in Marrickville, the menu will be designed around sharing and offers a range of bites, smalls and large plates, along with sides and dessert. The restaurant is named after a Cypriot market place where Jordanou's grandfather sold his produce, and the story makes its way onto the plate with a focus on seasonal veggies — think barbecued broccolini with spicy muhamarra capsicum dip, carrot juice and tomato, and woodfired green beans, mograbieh pasta and chilli. Larger plates we're keen to try include the kingfish with sunflower sprouts, falafel, broad bean and candied lemon; woodfired duck breast with globe artichoke, braised caper and black eyed peas; and lamb shoulder with whipped feta and harissa. Guests of the hotel will be lucky enough to order Barzaari for room service, too — it'll sure beat that late-night kebab. Barzaari Chippendale will open on October 30 at 3 Kensington Street, Chippendale. Opening hours are noon–3pm and 5.30pm–late, Tuesday–Saturday; and 11am–3pm Sunday. First image: Kensington Street Social
Rare champagnes, a cocktail featuring absinthe jelly and lobster rolls are all on the menu at Solera, a luxe small bar in Barangaroo. Working on the rather exotic drinks list is international hot shot Marian Beke, formerly of The Gibson, London. One example is the Apple of Louisiana, an original take on the sazerac, with apple brandy, absinthe jelly and rock sugar. "[We're] serving up some of the city's best cocktails... pushing the cocktail-making boundaries," said Roman Kristek, who co-owns Solera with Scott Bayly and Ty Van Emden. Beke has also been busy sourcing champagnes that you're unlikely to find anywhere else in Sydney. Look out for drops by Leclerc Briant, Jerome Dehours, Benoit Dehu and Ulysse Collin. Keeping them at the ideal temperature is the Kaelo, a high-tech cooling system that works at your table. Meanwhile, the kitchen is whipping up easy-to-share cheese and cured meat grazing boards. To match the decadent menu, designers Steel and Stitch (Lobo Plantation, Chula) have dotted the 100-seater, heritage-listed space with green velvet couches and splashes of marble. If you're keen to catch some sun, grab a table on the outdoor terrace. Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2024
If you love movies and the magic that goes into making them, it's easy to get spirited away when you head to the cinema. Come late August, however, that will definitely prove the case, because Studio Ghibli's moving castles, cat buses and cute balls of fluff are taking over screens across Sydney. From August 24, the acclaimed and adored Japanese animation house will be floating across movie theatres thanks to a month-long Celebrate Studio Ghibli showcase. The jam-packed program spans all 22 of their gorgeous flicks plus a behind-the-scenes documentary. Yes, that means devouring everything from Hayao Miyazaki's early efforts such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Laputa: Castle in the Sky, to perennial crowd-pleasers My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away, to later efforts like Ponyo and The Wind Rises. Of course, while Miyazaki might've become synonymous with the studio he helped build, he's not their only filmmaking force — as doco The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness demonstrates. Ghibli's other stars also get their time to shine, with the likes of Isao Takahata' Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, Tomomi Mochizuki's Ocean Waves, Hiroyuki Morita's The Cat Returns, and Gorō Miyazaki's Tales from Earthsea and From Up on Poppy Hill also on the bill. Basically, whichever Ghibli movie is your favourite, you'll get the chance to revisit it on the big screen.
The skies have opened, dropping loads of snow and ensuring the après-ski season is now in full swing. And it won't get much bigger than when much-loved DJ duo Peking Duk descends on Thredbo for a free party on the slopes. Taking over the stage on Saturday, July 26, expect your favourite hits and festival anthems for what might just be the wildest night of the season. Bringing their pop and electronic dance tunes to the snow for one night only, this crowd-pleasing experience will make your winter. Presented in collaboration with Canadian Club, the headline act will get behind the decks at 6.30pm. However, this Après Club runs throughout the day, with Big Deck Energy, Fin and Michelle Owen serving up non-stop house tunes and rare grooves from 1pm. For those kicking on, the Canadian Club Afterparty is a must, with Thredbo's Keller Bar keeping the vibes going until late. Forming part of Thredbo's Après Club lineup, other acts heading to the slopes during the season include The Jungle Giants, Sneaky Sound System, Bag Raiders and more.
Just like that, we're halfway through the year, and the winter school holidays are here. Wondering how you'll keep the minis busy while you're still working, cooking, shopping and the rest? We've come to your rescue — with eleven irresistible activities happening in and around Sydney in July. Head to Macquarie Centre to lead the kids through a Coachella-inspired wonderland featuring magic shows and bubble-canopied dance floors. Then, make tracks to Taronga Zoo to meet several cute new arrivals. Plus, there are workshops galore for kids who like to learn — covering art, craft, public speaking, sport and more. Your house is now officially a whine-free zone. FOR THE KID WHO LIKES A LITTLE MAGIC: MACQTOPIA These holidays, Macquarie Centre is taking inspiration from Coachella and transforming into a dreamscape for children. Treat them to a live gig by The Vegetable Plot, then head to a show with fantastical magicians Magic of Petar or Adam Mada. That'll give them inspiration to create a little magic of their own — be it a terrarium fairy garden or a kaleidoscope. Got a budding creative on your hands? Book a session at Paint 'n' Slurp or take them for a dance under a canopy of bubbles. Macqtopia is taking over Macquarie Centre at Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park, daily from Saturday, July 5–Saturday, July 19. [caption id="attachment_1011302" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul McMillan[/caption] FOR THE KID WHO GETS HANDS-ON: NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART FAIR LITTLE MOBS PROGRAM On the first weekend of the school holidays — Saturday, July 5–Sunday, July 6 — the National Indigenous Art Fair will take over the Overseas Passenger Terminal with artworks, jewellery, homewares, live performances, bush food, panel discussions and a communal weaving circle. While you check them out, the kids can get busy with the Little Mobs Program. Activities includes workshops in gum nut jewellery making, ochre painting and shell work. For kids who like to move, there are dance workshops with Buuja Buuja Butterfly, while green thumbs and budding chefs should join the native plants and bush food sessions with Indigigrow. Check out the whole schedule on the Art Fair website. FOR THE KID WHO'S PRETTY CRAFTY: WINTER WORKSHOPS AT DARLING SQUARE Are your little ones the types that need to keep their hands busy? Send them to Darling Square these school holidays. It's hosting a bunch of crafty, winter-inspired workshops for creative kids. From 11am–2pm on Friday, July 11, and Friday, July 18, snow globe making is on the agenda. For snowflake painting, head along from 11am–2pm on Thursday, July 10; Thursday, July 17; Saturday, July 19; or Sunday, July 20. To get your kids into the seasonal spirit, treat them to a free face painting session, where they'll get to choose their favourite wintry design — be it snowmen or snowflakes. You'll find the face painting station in front of The Exchange on Friday, July 11; Friday, July 18; Saturday, July 19; and Sunday, July 20, from 11am–2pm FOR THE KID WHO'S ALL ABOUT FUN: MINI-GOLF, BOWLING AND CHALLENGE ROOMS AT FUNLAB If your house is full of fun-lovers, then here's your school holiday solution. Funlab — which runs Holey Moley, Strike Bowling, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq and Hijinx Hotel — is offering a bunch of family-friendly discounts and deals this July. Pay just $14 per kid for a game of mini-golf, a round of bowling, or a session in a challenge room. Double your dollars at Archie Brothers — spend $35 on game cards for $70 credit, or spend $100 and get $200 in value. Plus, there's a $20 food and drink bundle at all venues, which buys you a potato tornado, a panda keep cup and unlimited soft drinks. FOR THE KID WHO GOES WILD: NEW ARRIVALS, SHOWS AND SLEEPOVERS AT TARONGA ZOO If you haven't met Taronga Zoo's youngest residents yet, these school holidays could be the perfect time. They include Bair, an endangered sea lion pup; Eve, a long-nosed fur seal pup; and three koala joeys named Eugene, Busta and Yanada. Swing by anytime to watch them learning to swim, climb, and enjoy the sea, sun and sky. Meanwhile, for kids obsessed with things that slide and slither, there's the Crawly Critters Alive Show, which is on twice daily at 11.45am and 2.30pm. Or, to learn more about Australia's native creatures, follow the No Place Like Home Trail. Is one day not enough? You and the kids can always spend the night in a safari-style tent at Roar and Snore, or in even more comfort at the Wildlife Retreat. [caption id="attachment_858445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maja Baska (NIDA)[/caption] FOR THE KID WHO LOVES THE SPOTLIGHT: NIDA HOLIDAY CLASSES Kids as young as five and as old as eighteen can get involved in NIDA's massive school holiday program this winter. Classes for both primary and high schoolers take place at various spots across Sydney, from Kensington to Chatswood, and cover a range of skills. Send your budding singer to a workshop for mini pop stars, or your future film star to a screen acting session for heroes, villains and spies. Then, for kids with a deeper commitment, there are five-day drama school courses or five-day musical theatre courses for those who aspire to act, sing and dance. Whichever they choose, your stage-loving cubs will explore the limits of their creativity and imagination in a fun and supportive environment. FOR THE KID WITH A COMPETITIVE STREAK: SPORTS SESSIONS AT SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK Got kids who are keen to stay active these school holidays? Make a beeline to Sydney Olympic Park, which will host an array of sporty activities from Monday, July 7–Saturday, July 18. Whether your mini wants to run, kick, bounce, swim, or even shoot a bow and arrow, there's an activity with their name on it. Throw them into the deep end at an intensive swimming program, train their hand-eye coordination at a sharp shooters session, or give them a chance to try it all at a day-long multi-sports camp. Classes are led by professional instructors and cater to all levels of experience — whether your little one is looking for something new or hoping to develop existing skills. [caption id="attachment_858493" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Penrith Regional Gallery[/caption] FOR THE KID WHO'S A DAYDREAMER: ART WORKSHOPS If this world is but a canvas, it is better that the canvas is an actual canvas rather than, say, your walls. If the kids are channelling their creativity these holidays, sign them up for an art workshop. At Bankstown Arts Centre, they can take their pick of activities — from building a ceramic bear to getting an introduction to Chinese calligraphy or making a traditional Indonesian mask. Penrith Regional Gallery has an equally impressive program. Keep them busy making shadow puppets, sculpting animals from clay, putting together their own artist book or, for three- to five-year-olds, learning the basics of art. Closer to the city, head to the Art Gallery of NSW for creative cityscape workshops, pet portrait sessions and native bee classes. FOR THE KID WHO CAN TALK THEIR WAY OUT OF ANYTHING: COMMUNICATIONS WORKSHOPS Give your little one the gift of life skills these school holidays by enrolling them in an interactive communications workshop with Speaks Craft Australia. The two-day, four-in-one sessions cover public speaking, debating, creative writing and drama, and are held all over Sydney, as well as online. Kids of all grades — from kindergarten to year 9 — can attend. In years one and two, the focus is on building confidence through games and storytelling, while the year three to five sessions aim to develop skills in persuasive speaking and writing. For years six to nine, the workshops cover debating, impromptu speaking and leadership. FOR THE KID WHO'S ALWAYS ASKING QUESTIONS: PERFORMANCES, WORKSHOPS AND TOURS AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE A host of experiences awaits at the Sydney Opera House this winter. Roald Dahl's much-loved The Twits is a big part of the school holiday lineup for yet another year, with a fun and chaotic production by Shake & Stir Theatre Co. Also on the bill is The Princess, The Pea (and The Brave Escapee), presented by the Australian Chamber Orchestra. It tells the unknown story of why the princess was out on a stormy night in the first place, soundtracked by live classical music. Another headliner is the timely BullyBully, which pits two world leaders against one another in no man's land. Through laughter, dance and movement, the duo fights it out for their spot as top dog. Meanwhile, at City of Wonder, children aged four and above can use creativity, problem-solving and collaborative skills to help build an urbanscape for the future. FOR THE KID WHO'S ALREADY A FILM BUFF: THE CHILDREN'S INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Does your ankle-biter wander around the house quoting Finding Nemo? Or maybe sharing their opinion of Paddington in Peru like a mini David or Margaret? Fuel their future as a film buff these school holidays at the Children's International Film Festival. Having started in early June, it'll keep rolling until Sunday, July 20. The massive program includes the Australian premieres of A Tooth Fairy Tale (US), Bartali's Bicycle (Italy) and Norbert (Spain) — among many others. Plus, there are special screenings of Smurfs (with Funday Natural Sweets included with every ticket), and Friday, July 11, has been declared pyjama day.
Amber Koroluk-Stephenson is one to watch. The Tasmanian artist is showing her most recent works at MOP gallery and they're an absolute delight. Her paintings of urban utopias are ever so slightly undercut by a subtle sense of uneasiness. The artist draws inspiration from her native Tasmania, presenting large, brightly coloured canvases filled with neat brick houses, overly manicured gardens, girls sunbaking and little kids about to take a dip in the backyard pool. Upon closer inspection, the suburban 'utopias' depicted begin to fray at the edges. Seats are overturned, the sunlight is a little too bright, and the picture planes shift ever so slightly, giving a fabulous sense of discord. The apple tree is laden with far too much fruit, and it's all falling neatly onto the blanket below. The title of the series, 'Quixotic Habitation', also points to the imperfection of the painted utopias, along with the titles of the individual works. Staging of an illusion, Prelude at the Garden's Edge and In the Interlude - there's something a bit filmic about the scenes. They feel a little staged, a little too studied. Also on show in the gallery are small, somewhat abstract paintings by Mason Kimber. The dreamlike works investigate 'architecturally remembered space'. His use of colour is terrific. You could spend quite a while gazing at these pieces. MOP is one of Sydney's best artist-run spaces. Their shows are consistently great and act as a vital springboard for emerging and unrepresented artists. With a pretty ambitious exhibition program - up to 35 shows a year – the volunteer-run space usually exhibits several artists at a time, creating a vibrant dialogue between works from different artists. The gallery sits on Abercrombie Street, Chippendale, a particularly urban and gritty part of Sydney. It's interesting to look at Koroluk-Stephenson's lush green works examining suburban utopias before wandering back out of the gallery onto the grimy, grey street. Image: Staging of an Illusion, Amber Koroluk-Stephenson. Image courtesy of the artist.
Sitting grand above Woolloomooloo, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of the largest in the country. Its permanent collections include everything from paintings to photography, audio clips and short films by both Australian and international artists. All up, there are five permanent galleries which you can check out for free, from the Yiribana Gallery showcasing artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, to the Australian, European, Asian and Contemporary galleries. It also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions every year. To check out what's coming up, head here. The Art Gallery of NSW is open daily, except Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Tasmania, with its perfectly calibrated natural conditions for turning out brilliant produce, is a paradise for foodies, attracting some of Australia's best and brightest. The locals know it and it calls acclaimed chefs and writers to up sticks and chase their flavour bliss in the rugged south. We've got five tastemakers of the Tasmanian food industry that you should keep an eye on. Passionate advocates and entrepreneurs, their food spans north to south, from flavours of the wild to tastes of terroir and the finest produce the earth and sea can offer. Whether they're homegrown Tasmanian talent or keen mainland foodies who uprooted for a more delicious life, they all share a love for this land and all it produces. We've partnered with Tourism Tasmania to find out what inspires their culinary creations, and captures their hearts — and tastebuds. MASSIMO MELE "Keep it fresh, use the best ingredients and let the produce be the hero." It's a recipe for success and it has served Massimo Mele well. Tasmanian-born Massimo has cheffed his way through restaurants in the US, London and Italy. But he found his home turf was the best place on earth to make the most of this ethos. As Food Director at Grain of Silos in Launceston, he's created a fine dining experience that shows off rustic roots, from refined riffs on wholesome classics to naming local producers. As Culinary Director at Peppina, Mele's flagship restaurant at Hobart's famous Salamanca Place, he can offer 'Italian the Tasmanian way', staying true to core principles of seasonal, local and Nonna-inspired. That means championing artisans, handpicked produce, small-batch, single-vineyard wines, and the home comfort of a porchetta roast and tiramisu — all made for enjoying with others. KIM SEAGRAM Did you hear? Launceston is an official UNESCO City of Gastronomy. And culinary industry overachievers like Kim Seagram are one good reason why. Her passion has helped launch a multitude of exciting hospitality endeavours. One example is Black Cow Bistro, which serves up "Tasmania on a Plate" in its Launceston home. Black Cow's culinary approach is centred on the sacred power of the cow as a symbol of nourishment, abundance… and flavour. She is the co-founder of Launceston's Harvest Market and is also the Chair of Fermentasmania. Stillwater, the luxury accommodation and restaurant offering that was developed with the help of Kim's talent and expertise, has an unparalleled location — sitting right beside Cataract Gorge. With water sourced from Cape Grim, food from passionate local producers, sustainably harvested seafood and character-filled rooms filled with Tassie products, it's a true immersion. Finally, there's Abel Gin — Seagram's collaboration with distiller Natalie Fryar, capturing the tastes of the Tasmanian wilderness. And that's why we referred to her as a culinary overachiever. BEN MILBOURNE Influenced by his dad's seafood cooking, his grandmother's passion for great ingredients and his home in the unique landscape of Tasmania's north west coast, Ben Milbourne's life as a professional foodie was inevitable. He's grown up on some of the best produce in his own backyard. After his success on season four of MasterChef Australia, he continues his commitment to celebrating the people who farm, fish and make the incredible ingredients he has been lucky enough to have access to. His TV series Left Off The Map showcases the best of the best in Tassie, a grand tour every locavore should take notes from. Where to eat, where to stay — a true foodie's guide to exploring Tasmania. Plus he has recipes to do that produce justice. Fact is, travelling in Tasmania gives you access to the kind of ingredients chefs go absolutely wild for. Why not try it out, if you have the chance to cook with the best? [caption id="attachment_867641" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Gibson[/caption] ANALIESE GREGORY What drives an acclaimed young chef from Michelin star restaurants of Paris and Sydney to leave it all behind with a dramatic tree change? The call of idyllic cottage life in one of the finest food and vino regions in the world. Analiese Gregory wrote her book, How Wild Things Are, to share her knowledge of farming, fishing, hunting, foraging and sourcing food from the farms and wilderness of Tasmania, and — of course — how to cook it beautifully. If you've watched her SBS series A Girl's Guide To Hunting, Fishing and Wild Cooking… you'll already know some of her favourite small-batch, local growers and makers of Tasmania. And if you're lucky, you might find her making culinary magic with this produce at events and pop-ups when you visit. MATTHEW EVANS Champion of sustainability, regeneration and learning farming by trial and error (and now great success), Matthew Evans is a writer, cook and farmer. Evans, together with his partner in life and in business, Sadie Chrestman, established Fat Pig Farm in the beautiful Huon Valley. He thinks Tasmanian producers are worth making noise about, and he's published numerous books on food, farming and even good soil. You can follow his journey from food critic to food producer on SBS series Gourmet Farmer, where he shares the spotlight with many local mates and collaborators, including Nick Haddow of Bruny Island Cheese and Glen Huon Dairy Farm. Sign up for a workshop in sustainable farming skills or try the food for yourself at a Fat Pig Farm Feast, a long afternoon celebration of sharing seasonal produce sourced as much from the farm as possible, with matched drinks and a guided tour, so you can see exactly where it all comes from. It doesn't get more farm-to-table than this ultra-locavore experience. Ready to plan a trip for your tastebuds around Tasmania? To discover more of what the island state has to offer, visit the website.
It's been a tough year for music festivals down under. With plummeting ticket sales, cancellations and postponements, a growing number of festival favourites have bitten the dust. Peats Ridge, Harvest, Homebake and Pyramid Rock have all collapsed under economic strain. Not to mention, the mother of Australian festivals, the Big Day Out, is in hot water after Blur's cancellation. We might ask, is this just a slump, or the start of a steady decline in the demand for large-scale festivals? Are we seeing a necessary weeding out of the gimmicky blockbusters that have passed their use by date? Some 'boutique festivals' are still on the rise. Event organisers are innovating and reshaping the festival experience, rather than falling back on the well-worn formula of hooking ever-bigger 'white whales'. A trend towards restricting crowd numbers and progressive culture-making has illuminated a handful of remaining festivals, the unassuming gems with a loyal following. FALLS FESTIVAL One festival that certainly hasn't taken a hit in the popularity stakes is Falls Festival. This year the Falls team is also bringing the party closer to home, with Falls debuting in Byron Bay. One of the longest running, boutique music events in Australia, the three-day festival boasts camping, music and arts acts from all over the globe. This year's headliners include (the greatest house band in the world) The Roots, festival favourites The Wombats and the always-interesting Grizzly Bear, as well as some killer local acts such as Hermitude, Big Scary, Chet Faker and Horrorshow. December 28 to January 3; Byron Bay, Lorne and Marion Bay. SECRET GARDEN FESTIVAL Secret Garden Festival might be the most enigmatic festival to grace the summer scene, but we know enough to know that it is rad. This is a festival for the gambler, with brave ticket-buyers knowing only that they are committing themselves to a three-day bender of booze, bands and bad behaviour. And yet it seems that for many this is enough, with tickets to Secret Garden 2014 selling out within the space of a day. Secret Garden is also for the big kid at heart, with the first day always “theme day”. February 28 to March 1; secret location. LANEWAY FESTIVAL As we watch many other festivals fall by the wayside, St Jerome’s Laneway Festival just keeps on keeping on. In fact Laneway is going from strength to strength, with dates now being added in New Zealand and Singapore, as well as all the usual places. Organisers have also been said to have been adding in an impressive bunch of tweaks to individual venues, so that you can get from the mosh to a gozleme in record time, or grab a cider on the way back from the toilets without missing half the festival. Laneway 2014 will feature the likes of Chvrches, Cloud Control, Danny Brown, Jagwar Ma, The Jezabels, Haim and the Girl of the Moment, Lorde. February 2; College of the Arts, Rozelle WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL Woodford Folk Festival is a six-day cultural festival, held in Woodfordia, Queensland. Sure, this isn’t a festival for the faint-hearted: six days and nights of camping and partying is an epic venture. But, oh boy, is the trip up from Sydney and pricey ticketing worth it. This truly is the summer festival to end all summer festivals, with over 2000 performers, 35 venues and 438 national and international acts to feature this year — including the likes of the beautiful Clare Bowditch, uber-talented Sydney boy Brendan Maclean, the timeless Tim Finn and dreamboat Matt Corby. This is the festival for the free spirit. December 27 to January 1; Woodfordia, Queensland. SYDNEY FESTIVAL It's never quite 'our city in summer' until the Sydney Festival starts up. Kicking off this year on January 9, Sydney Festival always brings with it a tidal wave of performance, music, art and other festivities. And the 2014 program is no exception. Look out for a much bigger festival garden this year (so big, in fact, it's now the Festival Village) in Hyde Park and the return of music venue Paradiso at Town Hall. Whether you like the city-wide atmosphere or perhaps just enjoy novelty-sized, inflatable animals, Sydney Festival is by far the biggest and most popular event in Sydney's summer calendar. See the festival program for more details. January 9-26; Various Sydney venues MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL There's the parade, yes. But before that, nearly a month of cultural and celebratory events of all stripes makes up the festival of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. And there's something for everybody, even Straighty McStraight-Straight - 'coz who relates absolutely and 100 percent to the social expectations of their gender and sexuality? Nobody, probably. And that's something to love, savour, and take away from this, the most fun and flamboyant of Sydney events. Plans for the 2014 season are well under way, with dates already in place for Fair Day on Sunday, February 9; a Harbour Party on February 22; and, of course, the iconic parade to be held on Saturday, March 1. With gay marriage rights so firmly on the agenda at the moment, 2014's Mardi Gras is sure to be one for the books. February 7 to March 2; Sydney TROPFEST Not only is Tropfest an establishment in the Sydney arts and culture scene, it’s just a bloody good way to spend a warm summer evening. This year there will be a new flavour, with the traditional location of the Domain changing to the Brazilian Fields in Sydney’s iconic Centennial Park and the date changing with it, from February to December 8. The day kicks off at 11am, with the Tropfest Junior program and red carpet arrivals filling up the day, before the famous night of screening commences. Tropfest is totally free and an event that begs for a picnic basket, wine and friends. December 8; Centennial Park SUBSONIC Not familiar with the ever-growing craze of the 'bush doof'? Do not fear. Before you fall completely behind in the times, let us explain. A bush doof is a festival/dance party/rave held in a remote location. Yes, essentially: doofing in the bush. And Subsonic is one particular festival gaining momentum, fast. Dedicated to all things beat and bass, Subsonic is set against the picturesque surrounds of Riverwood Downs Mountain Valley Resort, only three hours north of Sydney. Three days of music and camping, this is a lifestyle festival, bringing together a stellar lineup of local and international artists in a uniquely unconventional environment. Oh and although the Festival grounds are licensed, BYO is permitted at campsites — a perk lacking at other major festivals. December 6-8; Riverwood Downs Mountain Valley Resort By the Concrete Playground team. Top image: Secret Garden festival.
Everyone loves a good ol' fashioned housewarming. And after two wildly successful Melbourne events in 2011 and 2012, The Design Files has again opened its ridiculously well-designed doors to the general public — this time in Sydney. To be held in a beautiful residential property, The Design Files Open House will be an interactive and engaging retail experience — a stylised Australian home where everything is for sale. On offer is a massive range of linen, artwork, books, lighting, furniture and kitchenware. Just see it in the home environment, then buy it for your own. The pop-up event will be active for four days only in Sydney's Surry Hills. The initiative — led by The Design Files Blog creator, Lucy Feagins — is a unique concept, which encapsulates the imagination and style of thousands of design enthusiasts, supported by the immense readership of the popular website. The Design Files Open House will be open to the public from Thursday, December 5, through to Sunday, December 8 from 10am to 5pm. Find it at 5 Bennett Place, Surry Hills.
A Sydney institution, White Rabbit Gallery has been running free exhibitions showcasing contemporary Chinese art for over a decade. But visitors to the Chippendale space between now and Sunday, August 1 can expect a particularly luminous experience, with its latest eye-catching multimedia exhibition centred around the wonders of light. Showcasing works from 30 artists, Lumen's lineup stretches from interactive light pieces and frozen copper sculptures to video projections and rooms full of LEDs. As well as grabbing attention, each work on display uses light in a thought-provoking, awe-inspiring or fully immersive fashion. The boundary-pushing Zhang Peili, dubbed the father of video art in China, is displaying 2012 Portraits, a series of 14 portraits in which the both the subject and the viewer are blinded by light. Or, there's Yao Chung-Han's DzDz, which invites the audience to stand under movement-sensitive beams of light and create music by using their bodies. And, thanks to Wu Daxin's Ashley's Heart, you'll see copper tubes suspended in the shape of a heart and gradually frozen over the course of the day, creating a unique ice sculpture. [caption id="attachment_807673" align="alignnone" width="1920"] LUXURYLOGICO, Miniature, 2015, stainless steel, copper rods, LED lights, computer 207 x 576 x 168 cm[/caption] Art collective Luxury Logico is presenting two works as part of the exhibition. The first is Solar, a twinkling representation of the sun created using donated desk lamps — while the second, Miniature, is one of the exhibition's showstoppers. The display of LED lights draws upon images from a video reel, with each LED corresponding to a pixel. Both vivid and architectural in its appearance, the work is designed to remind viewers of celestial bodies in the sky, all while cycling through everything from reality TV and ads to soap operas and Adam Sandler movies. Lumen is running over all four levels of the White Rabbit Gallery. As usual with the site's exhibitions, entry is free and there are no bookings, so folks can just rock up and enjoy the art. And, free guided tours are available at 11am, 1pm and 3pm Wednesday–Sunday. [caption id="attachment_807667" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cong Lingqi, Dust 2, 2008, plastic, paint, metal, spotlights, dimensions variable[/caption] Lumen is on display at White Rabbit Gallery, 20 Balfour Street, Chippendale, until Sunday, August 1 — open from 10am–5pm Wednesday–Sunday. Top image: Miniature by Luxury Logico.
The Darling Harbour outpost of global hotel chain Sofitel is set to unveil a new two-storey spa overlooking the water at the start of next year. Set to open in January, Sofitel Spa is billed as a holistic retreat in the heart of the city, featuring an array of wellness treatments and spa facilities. It will join Sydney's existing impressive supply of luxe spa experiences. The spa will feature seven spacious treatment rooms, including two serene suites with soft timbers, alongside sandstone and marble finishes. Other elements include an infrared sauna, a meditation zone and a relaxation deck that will sit on level four of the hotel. The spa will sit alongside the hotel's previously opened level four infinity pool. The pool is heated year-round and offers guests the ability to enjoy a dip while soaking in panoramic views of Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD skyline. "We have designed our new day spa to nurture and empower guests in their wellness journey, assisting them in identifying their needs and gently guiding them in accomplishing their own goals, whether that relates to fitness, stillness of the mind, replenishment with nutrition or achieving glowing skin," Director of Spa and Wellness Cecilia Ferreyra says. "Our aim is to create bespoke journeys for each of our guests which means all treatments are tailor-made, so guests walk out feeling the full benefits of being in our care." Traditional treatments like massages, facials, body wraps and exfoliation will all be available alongside more holistic half-day experiences that combine exercise, healthy eating, a variety of treatments and introspection. French beauty brand Biologique Recherche and fast-rising Australian company Waterlily have been enlisted to provide the spa with its cosmetic treatment products, each of which will be personalised to any one guest's needs. Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is located at 12 Darling Drive, Sydney. Sofitel Spa is set to open at the hotel in January 2023.
Your tweets might be entertaining sometimes, but are they a narrative? A virtual page-turner? A form-bending flight of fancy? They could be, if you flex your fingers and join in the 2014 Twitter Fiction Festival. Friends, strangers and your favourite authors are using Twitter for their latest literary endeavours, right now until March 16. The best part is that, as with the recent Digital Writers' Festival, no travelling is required to get to it; it is entirely virtual and takes place on the platform it embraces, Twitter. While there are a select group of official participants — famous authors plus 25 contest winners — all Twitter users are encouraged to participate. Festival organisers (a grouping of American publishers) encourage everyone to use the hashtag #twitterfiction and make their stories easy to find for other users. The short stories call on many of the distinct features of Twitter. Users can collaborate, create multiple different character accounts, and incorporate pictures and videos into their fiction. Teju Cole recently wrote a story entirely through retweets. Ranging from romance stories to crime stories to the inner erotic thoughts of Mr. Bates from Downton Abbey, the 2014 Twitter Fiction Festival has something to offer everyone, particularly because these stories are so easily digestible. One fictional account is tweeting a new book of the Bible entitled #TheBookOfBieb. It recounts the rise and fall of the younger brother of Jesus, Justin Bieber. Alternatively, author Alma Katsu will be exploring what happens when a dead man's Twitter account seemingly comes back to life. Whether you're in the mood for a story about a tense hostage stand-off or need someone to relate to while you're stuck at the airport, finding fiction can be done by perusing the #twitterfiction hashtag or by checking the official Twitter Fiction Festival account to see what they're retweeting. Inspired to write your own Twitter fiction story? Get started on your own story with the Twitter Fiction tweet generator. If you just want to read, check out the program for more information. Via The Millions.
Elton John summed it up perfectly: when Marilyn Monroe died in 1962, her candle burned out long before her legend ever would. Six decades since her passing, the actor remains a Hollywood icon. Like Elvis, she may as well be mononymic. Her face is instantly recognisable, and still everywhere. Ana de Armas just received an Oscar nomination for playing her, after Michelle Williams earned one back in 2012 for also stepping into her shoes. And, the Some Like It Hot, Gentleman Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire star is also the subject of a sizeable exhibition heading to Australia for the first time: Marilyn: The Woman Behind the Icon. This Marilyn celebration will make its Aussie premiere at Sydney Town Hall, in the Lower Town Hall, from Saturday, July 1–Sunday, September 24. On display: more than 200 artefacts spanning Monroe's life, including handwritten notes, personal letters and other possessions. This is the largest Marilyn collection of its kind. Indeed, the objects set to grace the showcase stem from Ted Stampfer, owner the world's largest range of Marilyn items. With Marilyn: The Woman Behind the Icon, he's aiming to share insights into Monroe as a person, not just a celebrity — spanning her time in the spotlight, of course, but also back when she was Norma Jeane Mortenson. [caption id="attachment_905881" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joseph Jasgur, Ted Stampfer[/caption] Stampfer will be on hand on opening day providing a curator's tour, as part of an events program accompanying the three-month memorabilia exhibition. Friday-night sessions will feature music and entertainment, and film screenings will also be part of the lineup, letting attendees experience Marilyn's movie magic for themselves. As it celebrates the woman who scaled the heights of fame, became a household name, but received horrific scrutiny for her sex-symbol status and her love life — focusing on her hard work, not the stories spun about her — this'll be the only time that Marilyn: The Woman Behind the Icon will open to the public in this form. [caption id="attachment_905878" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ted Stampfer[/caption]
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 14, 2019 — Last month, Urbnsurf pumped out its first waves — and today, the first pro surfers rode them. That means the park is one step closer to its slated January 2020 opening. Memberships have also just gone on sale, if you're itching to get on the surf. Landlocked surfers of Melbourne, rejoice — Australia's first surf park is finally makin' waves and one big step closer to opening. It's also a whole lot closer to the city than Torquay or the Peninsula. Urbnsurf Melbourne will open in Tullamarine, near the airport, just 16-kilometres north of the CBD. Plans for the park first surfaced way back in 2016 and, while the team was initially hoping for a spring opening, Urbnsurf is set to open its doors to the public this summer. And today, the two-hectare space, has started to pump out its first waves. It's just testing things out at the moment, but when running at its full potential, it'll power up to 1000 waves per hour, day and night. And you'll get a choice of waves. Want to ride nothing but perfectly-formed right-handers for an hour? Or would you prefer a random selection, like what you'd experience in the ocean? You'll be able to take your pick. According to Urbnsurf founder Andrew Ross, "every wave has six different take-off spots", which equates to 3600 surfable positions every hour. The ability to create waves means that the park is built for both pros who are looking for steep, barrelling waves and novices looking for a safe place to get their start in the surf. At Urbnsurf, Ross predicts, most novices will stand on their board within an hour and ride across the green face within two. And not only will you get guaranteed waves — you won't be fighting for them. The park holds 84 riders per hour. And, should you get seriously hooked, you'll be able to enter amateur competitions, maybe with (or against) your mates. [caption id="attachment_750759" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Gibson[/caption] To kick things off, Urbnsurf has started to test out a few different wave types, including the Malibu, which is perfect for beginners, the intermediate-appropriate Turns and the Tubos — steep, barrelling waves for all you expert surfers out there. Also on the testing lineup are Giros I and Giros II, described as "performance turn waves" perfect for those wanting to carve and cutback. So how does it manage to create all these waves? Basically, they come from an 85-metre pier that runs down the centre of the lagoon. A series of pistons located on the pier then push the water to the left, then to the right, to create the waves. Ross likens the movement to "moving your hand back and forward like a shark's tail". If you need a break between sessions on the water, Urbnsurf will also be home to hot tubs, beach cabanas and a new two-storey restaurant by the owners of Sydney's Three Blue Ducks. And it's hoping to host a heap of live gigs, art shows and cultural experiences, too. If you're not in Melbourne, you'll be happy to know that a second Urbnsurf is set to open at Sydney Olympic Park in 2021. Urbnsurf is due to open in January 2020 near Melbourne Airport. You can still sign up to test out the surf park before it opens on the website — but get in quick. Images: Courtesy Urbnsurf, Ed Sloane and Adam Gibson.
There's not a whole lot that will coax you off the couch on a frosty winter weeknight, though we have an inkling Efendy's new weekly dinner deal should do just that. Balmain's acclaimed Turkish restaurant is this week, July 3, kicking off a series of kebab and bottomless wine nights, on offer from 5pm every Wednesday and Thursday. Yep — two nights a week, head in and cosy up to an authentic Turkish feast prepared by chef Somer Sivrioglu, with likes of adana kebabs, chicken skewers, beef kofte, lahmacun (Turkish pizza topped with minced meat and spices) and the spicy Turkish salad ezme. As well as all that food, diners will also enjoy a bottomless two-hour drinks package, sipping their way through an endless range of Turkish whites, reds and rosés — with the whole thing (food included) coming in at just $60 per person. If that's not worth coming out of hibernation for, we don't know what is.
Fresh naan bread, beef vindaloo and daal on a cold night is one way to beat the winter blues. Renowned for its wide variety of dishes and flavours, Shaahi Tandoori has a massive selection of hot biryani rice, curries, bread and entrees to keep the fire in your belly going. For a Pakistani favourite, there's the slow-cooked goat korma with bones, while Indian specialities include chicken tikka masala and lamb rogan josh. Do you dare dive into its spiciest dish? It's the vindaloo, packed with traditional spices and your choice of lamb, beef or chicken. Just add a side of jeera rice to mellow out the heat and have a mango lassi on standby if things start to get a bit too much. The best part? You can order from DoorDash right up to 11.15pm, so your late-night chilli cravings are sorted. Image: Cassandra Hannagan
Long gone are the days when fries meant, simply, fries. Now, that classic fast food side of golden shoestring chips is up against some pretty tough competition, as kitchens everywhere get a little crafty in the potato department. From fat sweet potato wedges to cheesy haloumi chips to those classic tater tots, piled high with toppings, we've embraced the humble spud in a whole bunch of delicious forms. But not all fries are made equally, so we've teamed up with Zeus Street Greek — makers of traditional Greek fare and exceptional haloumi chips — to find the best in your city. We've rounded up Sydney's best poutine, Melbourne's crunchiest sweet potato chips, Brisbane's favourite kimchi fries and, at the top of the proverbial chip pile, Zeus Street Greek's standout wintry loaded fries — topped with slow-cooked beef brisket, lashings of harissa aioli, feta and fresh — which are available in all three. Ditch the plain ol' shoestring for something a little more special — these fries are a whole lot more than just fries. [caption id="attachment_674236" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Zeus Street Greek, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane[/caption] HALOUMI CHIPS It's safe to say that salty cheese sensation haloumi has become a staple of the Aussie brunch menu, as at home at your local cafe as the ubiquitous smashed avo or chilli scrambled eggs. But why stop there? We're here to tell you that haloumi's true culinary calling might just be in chip form, as the ultimate cheesy snack. Aussie favourite Zeus Street Greek is dishing up a winning example of haloumi fries, as part of a modern menu that mingles traditional Greek flavours with top local ingredients. A cult favourite at the group's stores nationwide, these haloumi chips are the kind you'll dream about — lengths of that Cypriot cheese are tossed in tapioca flour, lightly fried and teamed with a smoky house-made yoghurt. A few bites of these and you'll wonder why you ever wasted your time on cheese-free chips. [caption id="attachment_676400" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Thirsty Wolf, Sydney[/caption] POUTINE Born in Quebec and often touted as Canada's national dish, poutine is that glorious mess of mess of french fries, cheese curds and gravy. And while the original concept has sometimes got lost in translation venturing to other parts of the world, we know of a few cracking interpretations to be found right here in your own backyard. For the real deal, pay a visit to Sydney bar and eatery The Thirsty Wolf, where the kitchen is doing those Canadians proud with its traditional offering of chips smothered in real curds and gravy. They'll even let you take things to the next level, loading up on bacon bits or extra cheese for a couple more dollars. Down south, Melbourne's Belleville is dishing up a menu of global-inspired street eats, where poutine sits happily alongside the likes of southern-fried cauliflower and miso-glazed chicken. This reworking of Canada's classic dish features a decadent assembly of beer battered fries, melty cheese and rich chicken gravy, finished with a kick of hot sauce. And while Brisbane's 5 Dogs is best known for its classic American-style hot dogs, you'll find it hard to pass up a go at the poutine chips — here, featuring hot, crisp fries, doused in both cheese and a house-made gravy. [caption id="attachment_676874" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Howler, Melbourne[/caption] SWEET POTATO FRIES As plenty of you will agree, those regular spuds ain't got nothing on sweet potato. Especially when they're cut into fries, salted and deep fried to perfection, with that crisp outer and soft potato middle just begging to be dipped and devoured. The fact they're supposedly a whole lot healthier than the other kind, full of beta-carotene and vitamins — well, that doesn't go astray at all. Luckily, food haunts across the country are coming to the sweet potato party, offering tasty creations that are sure to impress. Up in Sydney, inner west pub The Erko is whipping up fat sweet potato wedges that come drenched in sour cream and sweet chilli sauce — just try and find a better match to a few weekend arvo pints. Brisbane's Newstead Brewing Co is also embracing the humble sweet potato species at its Newstead headquarters, here served in fry form and teamed with a creamy aioli. And at Howler in Melbourne, the kitchen's beloved burger creations are made even better when devoured alongside a serve of their crisp sweet potato fries and chipotle mayo. [caption id="attachment_677570" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Zeus Greek Street (for a limited time only)[/caption] LOADED FRIES The overachievers of the chip family, loaded fries are the kind of dish you go for when only jazzed-up eats will do. And we love seeing just how creative people can get with their toppings. Zeus Street Greek's signature Yia Yia's Chips have a Grecian twist and come topped with oregano and crumbled feta. Until September, you can catch the tweaked version, too: Loaded Yia Yia's Chips. They're decked out with slow-cooked beef brisket, lashings of smoky yoghurt and harissa aioli, and a tumble of feta and fresh chilli to finish. In Melbourne, the Animal Fries at South Yarra burger joint Hello Sam certainly live up to its name, topped with grilled onion, bacon bits, spring onions, grated cheese and a good drizzle of the house McSam sauce. Meanwhile, the supercharged fries at Brisbane's Nom Nom Korean Eatery pays homage to the restaurants Asian roots, decked out with a cream cheese sauce that's cut through with a spicy kick of kimchi. And at the aptly named Loaded by BL in Sydney, a customisable menu means you're faced with a whole lot of choices when it comes to those loaded fries. From potato variety and cheese style to meat toppings and sauces, it's all up to you. But for a super nostalgic treat, take a swing at the porky tots — potato gems topped with liquid cheese, pulled pork, onion, barbecue sauce and a sprinkle of chilli flakes. To find more great traditional Greek fare in your city, head to zeusstreetgreek.com.au.
Sometimes the best stories are the ones that are true. Soon, you'll be able to catch a selection of the best from around the world, as Antenna Documentary Film Festival returns to Sydney with a stellar program. Celebrating its 14th edition from Thursday, February 5–Sunday, February 15, more than 50 docos are screening over the festival's 11 days, with Q&As, retrospectives and the much-loved Doc-Talk series rounding out this year's happenings. Opening the festival is the Australian premiere of The Last Guest of the Holloway Motel, a character-driven portrait of a former football star who vanished from public life in 1970s Britain, only to re-emerge decades later as the manager and sole resident of a crumbling Hollywood motel. Then, you can absorb the slow, measured narration of documentary icon Werner Herzog as his latest film, Ghost Elephants, follows an expedition into Angola's highlands in search of a legendary elephant herd. Par for the course, really. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqIPJcfPodU Other highlights include Elon Musk Unveiled – The Tesla Experiment, a new documentary that pulls back the curtain on Musk's empire through the testimonies of close confidants, whistleblowers, victims and former high-ranking Tesla employees. Plus, The Clown of Gaza captures how performer Alaa Meqdad keeps hope alive in Palestine by becoming Aloosh the Clown, bringing joy to children in hospitals and on the streets. Antenna Documentary Film Festival will also feature a special guest appearance from American filmmaker and cinematographer Kirsten Johnson (Citizenfour, Cameraperson) and a retrospective celebrating Gillian Armstrong. Best known for the coming-of-age film Little Women, Antenna focuses on Armstrong's long-running documentary project tracing the lives of three Adelaide teens into their late 40s and beyond, with two of them joining Armstrong for an on-stage Q&A. Antenna Documentary Film Festival is held Thursday, February 5–Sunday, February 15, with screenings happening at Dendy Newtown and The Ritz Cinema, Randwick. Head to the website for more information.
Street food is something most Sydney-siders have only previously understood as a kebab purchased at two in the morning and eaten gutter-side under flickering fluorescent lights. But with the eminent introduction of food trucks into Sydney's night-time economy, that idea is set to be utterly transformed. These food trucks aren't like chico rolls and hotdog stands at the cricket - they're restaurants on wheels, with a commitment to making incredible food, with all the freedom of being mobile and serving customers at random times in random places. Back in January, the City of Sydney announced that a fleet of ten food trucks would be introduced as part of the Night Time City Policy. Food trucks are a regular feature of cities like New York, Los Angeles, London and Bangkok; places with vibrant and diverse late-night cultures which Sydney is hoping to replicate at home. Food trucks offer good food at affordable prices and at all times of the day, night and early-morning. They generate customer devotion and allow emerging chefs to present innovative food and create trends, while becoming visually arresting aspects of the urban streetscape. The contenders for Sydney's food trucks were chosen by food experts after a selection process, which included a Masterchef-style cook-off challenge, to ensure Sydney's food trucks will be of impeccable quality. Despite the promise of a March opening there have been the usual boring red-tape issues about zoning and planning. Now they look set to be on the roads from April onwards. To get you prepared for yummy things roaming the city's streets in the next few weeks, we've assembled all of the Sydney food trucks in one place, so you can check out what'll be on the menu and the amazing amount of creativity and innovation that's going into their creation. The City of Sydney is due to release a smartphone app any day now, which will allow you to track down the trucks from your phone, and we'll update you as soon as it's been unveiled. In the meantime, get hungry. Agape Agape is the food truck version of the eponymously named Botany restaurant, Sydney's largest organic restaurant and bar. Bringing the expertise and skills of their years in the restaurant, Agape is all about fresh, sustainable and organic food. Their fruit and vegetables are sourced from farms or organic distributors, and all the meat used by Agape is bought directly from farmers and broken down by the chefs themselves, which shows a remarkable commitment most omnivores would run screaming from. Star dishes on the menu are set to include the Gundooee Wagyu Beef Meatball Spelt Pizza and the Spelt Chocolate Brownie. Al Carbon After five or six years dreaming of a food truck scene in Sydney, Al Carbon's Attila Yilmaz is finally seeing fantasy become reality. Al Carbon are going to be serving up soft-shell tacos true to the flavours of Northern Mexico. Instead of trying to over-complicate the ultimate street food, Al Carbon are attempting to keep it simple and stay true to authentic flavours. Star dishes will include the Carne Asada, a traditional beef taco from the Sonora region, reinterpreted and cooked over charcoal, and the Al Pastor marinated pork tacos cooked on rotisserie, again over charcoal ('al carbon' means 'cooked over coal' in Spanish, guys). The tortillas will all be made fresh on the truck, and all produce is sourced from local businesses and market gardeners, except for the dried chillies, which come straight from Mexico. Check out our interview with Attila and one of the girls behind Veggie Patch. Bite Sized Delights Traditional Maltese baked goods will be the go when you stumble across the Bite Sized Delights truck. Think old school pastry pockets and pastizzi filled with, amongst other things, spinach and ricotta, salmon and dill, cherry and apple and chocolate mousse. Bite Sized Delights is the most enigmatic of the forthcoming Food Trucks, with a mysterious dearth of attention-hungry interviews given and not even a Facebook page to their name. Make of that what you will, but given my love of all things spinach and ricotta and my admiration for people with no digital footprint I'm anticipating impressive things from Bite Sized Delights. Burger Theory Burger Theory have been servicing the good people of Adelaide for some time now. As one of the pioneers of food trucks in Australia, the boys from Burger Theory know what they're doing, making sure to foster positive relationships with local suppliers, sourcing fresh local food, and keeping things simple and efficient in the narrow confines of a truck. The burger you purchase from Burger Theory is made from 100% Coorong Angus Beef, ground by the staff themselves. The meat is served in a Breadtop bun and accompanied by either lettuce, tomato American cheese and the non-specific 'truck' sauce, or crispy pancetta, onion confit and blue cheese sauce. There's also chips, drinks and a chocolate chip cookie on the menu. Cantina Mobil Cantina Mobil is a Mexican food truck run by Stephanie Raco and Rode Vella, emerging from a Manly restaurant a few years back and a regular feature on the Northern Beaches since. Given that they've been operating for a few years, they're well acquainted with the challenges of cooking in a mobile outlet with fewer staff. You might have caught them at the many festivals they help cater (they were due to show up at this year's ill-fated Playground Weekender). The Cantina menu features chilli corn - a traditional Mexican snack - as well as burritos and tacos of the soft or hard shell variety. You'll need to decide between three fillings - the chipotle beef with red cayenne chilli sauce and lime, achiote chicken slow-cooked with green jalapeno chilli sauce and coriander, or vegetarian pinto beans: not for those who fear spicy food. Eat Art Truck Eat Art Truck is the baby of former Tetsuya sous-chef Stuart McGill, and probably the best example of just how high-end the Sydney food trucks are intended to be. Eat Art food is set to serve affordable high-end style Korean and Japanese food with a bit of an American influence thrown in for good measure. Food will include pickled beetroot with puffed wild rice and seeds, grilled spatchcock, kingfish ceviche and twice-cooked steak, wrapped in butter lettuce and cooked Korean ssam-style. The truck will also host a strip of canvas on one side where artists will be able to show off their work, parading it around town as the truck makes its nomadic way around Sydney. Let's Do Yum Cha Let's Do Yum Cha are the product of a restaurant hailing from the oft-overlooked culinary wonderland that is Marrickville. As you'd expect from their cheerful name, they're going to be offering yum cha favourites, including barbecue pork buns, dim sims, spring rolls, Peking duck pancakes and vegetarian dumplings. Originally starting out catering corporate events, you may have sampled Let's Do Yum Cha before at music festivals and gigs around the country, where they often appear in the food stall sections. Their truck is set to be built in the style of old-Beijing with a couple of nifty twists, and will open up to a 360-degree kiosk reminiscent of the street food vendors you find in big Asian cities. Taco Truck The Taco Truck is a Melbourne import, and in the year since it opened down south it's gained a pretty stellar reputation. Started by Raph Rashid - the man who makes the number 1 burger in Victoria - for Beatbox Kitchen, the Taco Truck has gained a cult following for their fresh, seasonal take on Mexican street food, and many envious mutterings from Sydneysiders who've sampled their delicious goods on a visit. The Taco Truck menu has three choices - meat, fish and vegetable. All are served in soft corn tortillas garnished liberally with salsas and special sauces, crunchy radish and cabbage sald, fresh corn chips, guacamole and a Mexican soft drink on the side if you fancy it. Tsuru A visit to the Tsuru food truck is going to involve a particularly difficult choice between one delicious thing and another. With a pan-Asian menu, Tsuru will be selling steamed Chinese buns with fillings like roasted duck, BBQ beef and fried chicken,and onigiri (Japanese rice balls). Tsuru's signiature dish is called 'the PIG', essentially a piece of slow-braised and roasted pork belly sandwiched between house-made steamed buns. The head chef at Tsuru, Ellyn Tse, has for the last few years been volounteering her time cooking for Eat. Drink. Give., a not-for-profit that cooks for the city's more disadvantaged communities. With the same kind of charitable ethos at heart, the Tsuru food truck will have special days where a percentage of the truck's proceeds will go towards the Food Without Prejudice project, giving you even more reason to stuff your face with pork belly buns. Veggie Patch Veggie Patch is the vegetarian food truck, and arguably the most eco-friendly. Not only will the Veggie Patch truck be kitted out to look like a barn with a mural of a vegetable garden, the truck will run on vegetable oil and solar panels, there'll also be a herb garden on the roof, and all the waste will be composted. Inspired by the 'paddock to plate' movement, the Veggie Patch truck is the joint product of TMOD's Milenka Osen and Georgie Swift and Carl Kooney from Surry Hills vegetarian restaurant Yulli's, and will be dedicated to serving up all things organic, seasonal and locally sourced. Delivering delicious vegetarian versions of classic street food, you'll be able to score yourself the Ancient Grain Veggie Burger or snack on some gluten-free chips made from potato, kumera and beetroot served with wasabi mayo or aioli. There'll also be fresh juice, organic lemonade and homemade ginger beer to wash all the wholesomeness down. The City of Sydney recently announced the locations for the Food Trucks. Check them out here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=jwuhf9J6lHs
If ever there was a quintessential basement speakeasy, it's surely Burrow Bar. Its thick limestone walls, low-slung ceilings and compact dimensions paired with crimson, tufted leather banquettes, candle-lit bistro tables and charismatic bartenders are a Prohibition-era dream; a secret party bunker just beyond the vice squad's reach. Not that it's a crime to enjoy one of Burrow Bar's innovative signature cocktails, although the dad puns they use to name their cleverly crafted drinks — such as the Make Amaro Great Again or the Can't Believe It's Not Bitter — ought to be illegal. Then again, a tongue-in-cheek spirit is very much part of this small bar's big personality — owners Chau Tran and Bruce McDonough are passionate exponents of mixology as entertainment, so expect to see some theatrics (and even occasional pyrotechnics) from the team as they assemble your beverage. Alongside the cocktail offering, you'll find a considered yet streamlined selection of wines and a showcase of Australian beers, including brews from Marrickville's Wildflower, the Mornington Peninsula Brewery in Melbourne and Queensland's Bacchus Brewing Co. Located one floor above the bar, modern Vietnamese joint Cash Only Diner provides the surprisingly substantial menu of bar eats. These range from quick and tasty snacks, such as Vietnamese pâté and house-made pickles, to more substantial plates like a green apple and mango salad with tiger prawns, or seared duck breast served with traditional fermented bean curd sauce and pops of fragrant finger lime. We'd also venture to claim that it's the only cocktail bar in Sydney where you can order a bowl of bún bò huế to your table. Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
