Two of magic's most outrageous luminaries take the spotlight for this romp through their unlikely rise to fame and their ultimately bloody fall. Their rags-to-riches story — escaping war-torn childhoods in Germany to become Vegas' highest-paid act — is one of entertainment's most remarkable tales, and through it all, Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn were inseparable — romantic partners, closest confidants and each other's inspiration. However, their infamous casino residency brazenly toyed with tragedy as they took to the stage each night with their pet adult male white tiger Mantacore — a decision that would eventually prove to be wildly misguided. A Sydney Festival exclusive, this hilarious new opera, created by composer Luke Di Somma and director Constantine Costi with costumes by Tim Chappel, features powerhouse vocals from Kanen Breen and Christopher Tonkin, live magic and a helluva lot of Vegas-level razzle-dazzle.
Recently reborn Camperdown stalwart The Lady Hampshire has already cemented itself as a charming no-frills pub in the first few months since it reopened under the guidance of PUBLIC. The Parramatta Road haunt boasts a sunny courtyard, a killer live-music program and a tasty house lager — plus former Baba's Place chef Brendan King in the kitchen, who is continually striking a balance between the affordable and the inventive with his pub menu. As part of King's weekly wheelhouse of eats, he hosts a curry and can night at the pub every Tuesday. The promotion offers patrons a loaded plate of King's latest curry creations and a can of beer or cider for just $20. While the weekly deal is usually enough to have you venturing out for a midweek meal, things are being taken up a notch on Tuesday, July 18. King has enlisted the help of his longtime friend and 2021 MasterChef winner Justin Narayan to take over the kitchen for one night. [caption id="attachment_908738" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pat Stevenson[/caption] Narayan will be whipping up a Fijian-Indian chicken curry with chapati, masala potato and coriander green chilli chutney, available for $20 with a complimentary can of beer or cider. He'll also be cooking up a cheesy version of The Lady Hampshire's popular samosa spring rolls, and creating a gulab jamun and cardamon ice cream as a post-dinner treat. Rounding out the night's offerings will be a few drops from Narayan's vino brand Acceptable Wine. A special vino list ranging from prosecco to pinot noir has been curated to complement the night's menu. "When Brendan called and told me about Lady Hampshire's curry and can Tuesdays, he had me at curry," Narayan says. "We've both come so far from when we first met — I'm getting ready to open my first restaurant and Brendan's a Head Chef, so when we get the chance to cook together it's always going to be something extra special." View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Lady Hampshire (@theladyhampshire)
Do you guys ever think about watching the biggest movie of 2023 in the comfort of your own home? Barbie is a pink-hued dream on the big screen, where everyone should see it once — and it'll beam just as brightly via streaming from Tuesday, September 12. That's when the highest-grossing box-office hit of the year will hit digital, arriving on premium video on demand to rent and buy in Australia and New Zealand. By now, thanks to the pandemic, we all know the fast-tracked drill: these days, films make their way to home entertainment far faster than they used to before 2020. In Barbie's case, like everything from Dune, The Matrix Resurrections and Everything Everywhere All At Once to Elvis, Nope and Don't Worry Darling before it, it'll be both screening in cinemas and shining Kenergy onto your TV at the same time. You'll find Barbie available to stream via all the usual platforms — think: Google Play, YouTube Movies, Apple TV, Prime Video, Fetch, Foxtel Store, Microsoft and Telstra TV Box Office — in Australia and New Zealand. And, of course, you'll find a Greta Gerwig-helmed, Margot-Robbie-starring smash that sports rosy colours, does indeed bring the popular doll to screens, but couldn't be more smart and meaningful about it. Marking actor-turned-director Gerwig's third solo stint behind the camera after Lady Bird and Little Women, Barbie gets its namesake (Robbie, Babylon) struggling with life's big questions — and, when the film's key Barbie and Ken (Ryan Gosling, The Gray Man) drive through Barbie Land's gates to discover what's on the other side, struggling with Los Angeles as well. Splashing as much humour as pastel tones throughout its frames, Barbie is scripted by Gerwig and fellow filmmaker Noah Baumbach — her helmer on Greenberg, Frances Ha, Mistress America and White Noise, and real-life partner — and boasts a cast that's a gleaming toy chest of talent. All those on-screen stars help fill the feature with Barbies, including Issa Rae (Insecure) as president Barbie, Dua Lipa (making her movie debut) as a mermaid Barbie, Emma Mackey (Emily) as a Nobel Prize-winning physicist Barbie, Alexandra Schipp (tick, tick... BOOM!) as an author Barbie and Ana Cruz Kayne (Jerry and Marge Go Large) as a supreme court justice Barbie — plus Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) as diplomat Barbie, Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live) as a Barbie who is always doing the splits, Hari Nef (Meet Cute) as doctor Barbie, Ritu Arya (The Umbrella Academy) as a Pulitzer-winning Barbie and Sharon Rooney (Jerk) as lawyer Barbie. There's also a whole heap of Kens, including Simu Liu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Kingsley Ben-Adir (One Night in Miami), Ncuti Gatwa (the incoming Doctor Who) and Scott Evans (Grace and Frankie). And, Michael Cera (Arrested Development) plays Alan, Emerald Fennell (The Crown) plays Midge, Helen Mirren (Shazam! Fury of the Gods) is the narrator, America Ferrera (Superstore) and Ariana Greenblatt (65) are humans, Jamie Demetriou (Catherine Called Birdy) is a suit, Will Ferrell (Spirited) wears a suit as Mattel's CEO and Connor Swindells (also Sex Education) is an intern. We expect that you know all of the above already given how well Barbie has been doing in cinemas, where it has also cracked the top 15 of all time — and become the first movie by a solo female director to make $1 billion at the global box office. And yes, we expect that you'll now get 'I'm Just Ken' stuck in your head again (and again and again). Check out the Barbie trailer below: Barbie will be available to stream from Tuesday, September 12 via platforms such as Google Play, YouTube Movies, Apple TV, Prime Video, Fetch, Foxtel Store, Microsoft and Telstra TV Box Office in Australia and New Zealand. It's also still showing in cinemas Down Under. Read our review.
New year, new set of holiday plans? If that's how you celebrate December flipping over to January every 12 months, then you're probably already scoping out where to head when 2023 becomes 2024. Here's some inspiration: Hamilton Island, Bali, Fiji and Tokyo, aka places that Virgin is slinging cheap fares to in its latest sale. This new batch of discounted flights spans more than 500,000 fares for both domestic and international legs. Prices start low, at $45, which once again gets you from Sydney to Byron Bay — the normal cheapest fare in any flight sale — and vice versa. From there, the domestic side of the sale covers everywhere from the Sunshine Coast and Hobart to Canberra and Broome. Fancy a trip to the Gold Coast, Cairns, Launceston, Alice Springs or Darwin instead? They're also on the list. This excuse to book a getaway runs until midnight AEST on Monday, October 23 — unless sold out earlier, with fares to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide also covered. That means paying $59 one-way from Melbourne to Launceston, $69 from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast and $109 from Brisbane to Hamilton Island. Also among the local fares: Sydney to Hobart from $85, Melbourne to the Gold Coast from $109, Sydney to Adelaide from $125, Brisbane to Melbourne from $129 and Perth to Broome from $189. Internationally, you'll need to go via Cairns if you're keen to head to Tokyo, starting at $699 return. Among the other global return options: Bali (from $449 from Adelaide or the Gold Coast, $559 from Brisbane, and $629 from Melbourne or Sydney), Fiji ($509 from Brisbane, $529 from Sydney and $579 from Melbourne), Vanuatu ($569 from Brisbane) and Samoa ($579 from Brisbane). And, Queenstown is also on the agenda, with both one-way and return legs. One-way from Sydney starts at $259 and return from $445, Melbourne at $265 and $425, and Brisbane $295 and $515. If you're wondering when you'll need to travel, the fares cover select periods between Tuesday, January 16–Thursday, August 29, 2024, with all dates varying per route. Inclusions also differ depending on your ticket and, as usual when it comes to flight sales, you'll need to get in quick if you're keen to spend some, part or all of next year anywhere but home. Virgin's latest sale runs until midnight AEST on Monday, October 23 — unless sold out earlier. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
When venues around the world starting shutting down to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the Sydney Opera House was one of them, closing its doors to shows and audiences back in mid-March. By the end of October, however, it'll slowly start kicking back into gear – with the iconic site revealing its reopening program. While the cultural institution hasn't been quiet over the past seven months thanks to a massive lineup of free digital concerts and talks that everyone has been able to watch at home, it will begin welcoming patrons back in the door in line with easing New South Wales restrictions. It isn't abandoning its online activities, but they'll run in tandem with its physical events. At a festival such as Antidote, for instance, you'll be able to head along in-person or watch digitally. The Opera House's festival of ideas, action and change, Antidote will return for its fourth year on Sunday, November 29, running as a one-day event that features talks, workshops, visual art, installations and other immersive experiences. Hosting speakers in the Joan Sutherland Theatre and making its program available online, it'll include sessions on everything from the state of America in 2020 to eschewing cynicism in favour of optimism — and workshops focused on growing edible balcony gardens, too. And as for the guest lineup, it spans Indigenous-led design advocate Jefa Greenaway, climate change social researcher Rebecca Huntley, and Kiley Reid, the Man Booker-shortlisted author of Such a Fun Age — among others. [caption id="attachment_786056" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jefa Greenaway, by Peter Casamento[/caption] Antidote is just one of the events on the Opera House's new program. If you're eager for a few laughs, comedian Tom Gleeson will hit the venue's stage in December with his latest show, called Lighten Up — and if you'd prefer live tunes, you can choose between a tribute concert to Australian jazz icon Don Burrows and the sounds of improvisational trio Vazesh. In the theatre realm, Sydney Theatre Company's Rules for Living will tread the boards, while kids will be able to watch Diary of a Wombat come to life as a puppet show. Although dance is part of the lineup thanks to the return of Dance Rites for 2020, it's running solely as a digital event, so prepare to check out the annual First Nations dance competition at home. You'll definitely need to leave the house, though, if you're keen to tuck into dinner while listening to musicians from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Australian Chamber Orchestra. That's on offer at Bennelong for the first time, pairing a meal with a live performance between Thursday, October 29–Sunday, December 20. The Opera House will also be resuming its tours from Thursday, November 5, and Portside will reopen for dining from Monday, November 2. The Sydney Opera House's reopening program kicks off on Thursday, October 29. For further information or to buy tickets, visit the venue's website. Top image: Brett Stevens
We made it through 2020. We're in the throes of a new year, with two months of summer still ahead of us. The holidays are done and dusted, and as we get back into the swing of work it can be easy to get swept up in all the chaos and miss out on the good stuff — like outdoor cinemas, gigs, award-winning musicals and G&T pop-ups. It's time to make the most of the summertime events you probably meant to check out in 2020 but didn't. New year, new you. And that means getting outside and embracing the best of Sydney life. Here are seven things to do this summer and autumn to help lift your mood. Get out there and enjoy it.
The Good Place wrapped up its existential laughs in 2020. The Office and Parks and Recreation have both been off screen for a few years now, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine will soon be coming to an end, too. So, you might be wondering where you're going to get your 20-minute servings of warmhearted comedy from in the future (other than from rewatching all of the above shows again and again, of course). Enter: Rutherford Falls. Each of these sitcoms, including the newcomer that you've never heard of until now, have one thing in common: they involve writer and producer Michael Schur. He held both roles on The Office, co-created Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and created The Good Place. Yes, he has a distinctive brand of humour — and it's a delight. With Rutherford Falls, the man behind a hefty amount of the past two decades' best comedies is reteaming with one of his past stars — and co-stars. Schur also actually appeared in The Office, playing Mose Schrute, cousin to Dwight. Here, he's working with Ed Helms again, who leads the new series as a descendant of the man his town was named after. Helms' Nathan Rutherford runs tours informing the public of his family's history, and his ancestor's founding of Rutherford Falls 400 years ago. He's also proud of the statue, nicknamed 'Big Larry', that sits in a prominent place. But when it is suggested that the sculpture should be moved, he isn't happy — all in a town that borders a Native American reservation and has hardly been respectful of that aspect of its heritage. As well as Helms, in his first ongoing TV part since The Office, the new comedy stars Jana Schmieding (Blast), Michael Greyeyes (I Know This Much Is True), Jesse Leigh (Heathers) and Dustin Milligan (Schitt's Creek). And, you'll be able to see if it lives up to its Schur-penned predecessors when it hits Stan on Friday, April 23, with its entire first season available to binge that day. Check out the trailer for Rutherford Falls below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmSK3XliTk4 Rutherford Falls will be available to watch via Stan from Friday, April 23.
Lockdown has limited many activities in our day-to-day day lives — trips to the pub, dinner parties with friends and weekend brunches, to name a few. But one thing that Sydneysiders' have been working diligently on perfecting is our at-home snack game. Snacking is a real highlight of our homebound lifestyles with heaps of Sydney hospo favourites offering sweet and savoury treats to get us through. Surry Hill's new Korean cafe Soul Deli is the latest to try its hand at a special lockdown delight with the introduction of new Korean baked doughnuts. The doughnuts come in both sweet and savoury flavours. One savoury option packs in cheese with fried kimchi, while the other features fried veggies in a baked croquette. The sweet choices come either filled with soboro and sweet potato or twisted with a sweet sesame topping. The kimchi used in the savoury doughnuts is house-made and can be ordered separately with jars of traditional, vegan white, vegan red and stir-fried kimchi are all available for purchase. The doughnuts are available each Wednesday in a doughnut box that features a mix of both sweet and savoury flavours. In order to ensure you get your hands on these tasty treats, head to the Soul Dining website before 9pm the night before to pre-order your boxes. If pre-ordering slips your mind, there will be a limited number of doughnuts available for takeaway each Wednesday until sold out. "Customers need to be quick, as last week's kimchi cheese croquettes were gone in an hour," Soul's Illa Kim says. The doughnuts are available until the end of August, but if they prove a hit for locals, more flavours may be introduced and Kim has indicated that the baked treats could find their way onto the menu as a permanent fixture. Soul is even encouraging customers to leave a note on its website with suggestions for flavours or inclusions in its next dosirak, a new range of boxed meals its offering throughout lockdown. Soul Deli was opened earlier this year by Illa Kim and her husband Daero Lee as an offshoot of their contemporary Korean restaurant Soul Dining. The cafe is open 7am–9pm daily and offers a range of deli staples like kimchi, pickles, sauces and snacks, as well as heartier cafe meals with a Korean twist. Head down for lunch or dinner and nab yourself a Korean fried chicken roll, pulled pork kimchi cheese sandwich, pork schnitzel or soybean stew. Soul Deli's baked Korean doughnuts are available every Wednesday. Pre-order by 9pm each Tuesday for next-day pick-up, or you can drop by from 2pm each Wednesday when the team will be selling a limited number of takeaway doughnuts, until sold out.
The Sydney Opera House invited Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard to sing inside the structure of its iconic sails and the result is stunning. Standing on a metal platform and surrounded by the strikingly brutal concrete ribs of the sails, Hansard sings a beautifully raw version of his acoustic song 'Stay the Road'. Written just across the harbour in the Rocks, 'Stay the Road' is the last track on Hansard's 2015 album Didn't He Ramble, which he's in Sydney at the moment to tour. He's playing – this time inside, rather than above, the Concert Hall – on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October. The video is part of a series called Nooks and Crannies produced with Intel Australia to showcase the inside of the Opera House. Image: Teresa Tan.
UPDATE: MONDAY, AUGUST 17 — Taco Tuesdays has been extended by two weeks until August 25. To celebrate its weekday reopening, award-winning cocktail bar PS40 has teamed up with much-loved Mexican eatery Chica Bonita to bring Sydneysiders an after-work treat. Taco Tuesdays will take over the CBD laneway bar from July 21–August 25, with a different regional taco and cocktail menu on offer each week. As can be expected from these two powerhouses, the menu will be elevated well above your standard taco night offering. It's also the city crowd's chance to taste some of chef Alejandro Huerta's incredible cooking, as the Chica Bonita CBD location remains closed. Kicking off on Tuesday, July 21, the menu will begin with tacos from Mexico City. Varieties will include wagyu with salsa verde and cilantro; truffle and potato with Oaxaca chilli; shredded chicken and chorizo with queso fresco and avocado leaf; and haloumi with charred avo, chicarrón and roasted salsa roja. Apart from the four tacos, punters will also receive a special margarita or themed cocktail on arrival — and it'll cost $50 all up. [caption id="attachment_654874" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Alana Dimou[/caption] Bookings are available via email at 6pm, 7.30pm and 9pm each Tuesday. As the bar will be open for just 30 guests during each time slot, all four nights are likely to sell out, so get in quick. Top image: Chica Bonita, Kitti Gould.
When the Hopetoun Hotel closed its doors back in 2009 — due to reported excessive fines and council requests — the people of Sydney had no idea that it would be the start of a dark period for live music venues. Since then, the Surry Hills hotel has been sitting boarded up on the corner of Bourke and Fitzroy Streets. But exciting reports and social media whispers suggest that the Hoey has been sold — and to a proprietor who will support live music, no less. Yesterday The Brag reported that Adrian Bull of Blind Records had purchased the site. This appears to be confirmed by his comments on a Facebook post discussing the sale. The Hopetoun Hotel closed in 2009 amid live music fan protests and an unsuccessful online campaign. Up until then, the venue was a vital part of the local music scene, and had helped launch the careers of several musicians, including Sarah Blasko. Looks like she'll live! And, better yet, the Hopetoun is located outside of the lockout zone. We're looking to confirm these reports with the new owner and will update this story when we do. Via The Brag. Image: Wikimedia Commons.
We Steal Secrets is the story of Wikileaks, and from the outset it fast becomes apparent how little you know of an organisation dedicated to transparency and the sharing of information. Directed by Alex Gibney (Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room), the documentary mirrors the real-world by focusing on two key individuals: Wikileaks' Australian founder Julian Assange and Bradley Manning, the US soldier whose disclosure of classified documents thrust Assange onto the world stage. The stories of the two men are told with surprising sensitivity, particularly in the case of Manning, who — on account of his ongoing incarceration — is represented exclusively by typed words on a screen. Sent over the course of his deployment in Iraq, the catalogue of Manning's brief online exchanges with various hackers reveals an extraordinarily lonely soul unable to reconcile serious questions about both his own identity and what he perceived to be the ongoing cover-up of atrocities by the US Government. "I want people to see the truth," he wrote, just before leaking hundreds of thousands of classified documents to Assange. "It affects everyone on earth." In all, We Steal Secrets: The Story of Wikileaks achieves a fine balance in its depiction of two men whose lives became inextricably linked and, thereafter, changed almost certainly for the worse. We Steal Secrets: The Story of Wikileaks is in cinemas on July 4. Thanks to Universal Pictures, we have 10 double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to our newsletter (if you haven't already) and then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address. Read our full review of We Steal Secrets here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=SdezJrNaL70
We've seen some pretty amazing accommodation locations in our time (caves, catacombs and ski jumps included), but none quite take the cake like atop one of the world's most recognisable and romanticised landmarks: the Eiffel Tower. Yep, the Eiffel Tower. This new accommodation option (way better than the Montmartre apartment you rented in 2014, sorry) comes from holiday rental website, HomeAway. They've created a casual luxury apartment up there that can fit you, five of your closest friends and only the one of the best views in the goddamn world. Airbnb, you've been one-upped. Of course, you can't actually book this on the site — you'll have to win your way in. In what promises to be the most epic of all Paris holidays, the winner and five friends will receive airfares from their nearest city to Paris and one night (as well as dinner and brekkie) in the luxury Eiffel Tower digs. They'll also chuck in another three nights accommodation in another HomeAway apartment so you don't have to fly to Paris just for one night — but, let's be honest, it's only going to be a letdown after your Tower stay. The trip must be taken from July 2-6, but unfortunately it's only open for US residents. Boo. The promotion follows a slew of similar competitions from Airbnb, the latest of which gave punters a chance to spend a night in a Parisian shark tank. So for our next holiday, accommodation booking companies, we'd like to request a bed in the Statue of Liberty's torch.
It's never too late to learn something new, and we're not just talking about the ins and outs of superannuation. Rather, turning your brain to studying — and possibly launching yourself into a new career — has never been so easy. Open Universities Australia (OUA) helps you find a degree to fit your goals and study it online. So, no matter your physical proximity to the university running the course, or your life commitments, you can make it happen. Whether you're a first-time student, an aiming-to-finisher, or just looking to extend your career options by adding another notch to your belt, we know that half the battle can be figuring out what you actually want to study. Rather than spending hours trying to nut it out, why not use the time you've already dedicated to your favourite television show? Chances are, your favourite genre might give you a pretty good clue as to what you're into. Read on to discover eight possible careers based on a small-screen hit, then go tell your mum that you weren't wasting time after all. YOU LOVE: THE HANDMAID'S TALE Consider studying: Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology with University of South Australia (UniSA), Bachelor of Behavioural Studies with Swinburne University or Master of Public Policy and Management with Flinders University. Well, things are pretty bleak at the moment in Gilead. And they have been for June (Elisabeth Moss) since the show — an adaptation of Margaret Atwood's novel of the same name — began. An oft-bleak reflection of parts of our world in the modern day, The Handmaid's Tale isn't a happy watch, but it is an important one — and from it arises a wider commentary on policy, oppression and herd mentality. If you really want to unpack everything that's happening to June, or if the eerily familiar (and frustrating) circumstances have lit a fire in your belly, consider studying a degree in policy, social studies or psychology, available online through OUA. YOU LOVE: BROOKLYN NINE-NINE Consider studying: Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice with Griffith University or a Master of Criminology with Macquarie University. You only need to spend a little time on social media to know that Brooklyn Nine-Nine has become a cult TV offering — there are memes everywhere. The comedy has a surprising amount of heart behind Detective Jake Peralta's (Andy Samberg) antics and the joke-a-minute vibe (if you didn't laugh at that Backstreet Boys cold open, then you don't have a sense of humour). Although it's cloaked in fictional comedy, this show covers some seriously diverse crimes. This, plus the backlog of true crime documentaries on your to-watch list, prove that there are seriously interesting stories out there and some wild stuff that happens in the world. If you want to hustle your case-cracking prowess into a career, explore a degree in criminology with Griffith University. Or, if you've already got a bachelor's degree and notched up some work experience in the field of security, you can jump into a masters with Macquarie University. YOU LOVE: GAME OF THRONES Consider studying: Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) with Curtin University, Master of Writing with Swinburne University or Master of Arts (TESOL) at Bond University. Just because it's over doesn't mean it's really over — the characters of Westeros and Jon Snow's immense sadness can live on in your heart long after the final episode. And we've found a way for you to continue your obsession with the epic fantasy series based on George R.R. Martin's books. You can learn to appreciate the intricacies of the world he created or, even better, create your own Westeros (maybe one where slightly less characters die) by taking on a creative writing course online through OUA. You can start from the very beginning with Curtin University's bachelor degree, which allows you to explore different styles including poetry, short fiction and screenwriting. Or, you can hone your already established craft with a masters with Swinburne University of Technology or Bond University. The latter explores the principles of the English language and will grant you a teaching qualification, too. YOU LOVE: CHERNOBYL Consider studying: Diploma in Science with University of New England or Associate Degree in Engineering at University of South Australia. It's the one everyone has been talking about, and it recently rated the best TV show of all time on IMDb. Chernobyl, which explores the catastrophic incident at a Ukrainian power plant in 1986, breaks down a particularly harrowing chapter of history. The disaster had far and long-reaching consequences and the show gets you thinking about what happens when science and human error combine to fail us. If your brain is ticking over with nuclear reactor designs or chemical equations, it might be time to hit up OUA to embark on a new career in science or engineering. YOU LOVE: SEX EDUCATION Consider studying: Bachelor of International Public Health with University of NSW or Master of Public Health with Curtin University. Netflix's very funny, very sweet British show has basically everything you need for a weekend binge show: good writing, a great cast and a storyline tackling critical gender and sexuality issues among young people. Oh, and Gillian Anderson. Sex Education tells the story of Otis (Asa Butterfield) trying to making it through high school while contending with his mother (Anderson), who is a sex therapist working from home. A show that anyone, young or old, can find something to relate to in, Sex Education is a worthy reminder that health and sexual education should be taught comprehensively to young people. If you think you could fill those very important shoes, considering studying a public health degree with a leading uni online through OUA, which could open you up to career opportunities in government agencies, research or community health programs. YOU LOVE: RICK AND MORTY Consider studying: Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Game Design) with Curtin University or Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) in Games Design and Development with Murdoch University. Yeah, we know — it's a silly one. But it's pretty damn funny. Rick and Morty was created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, of Adventure Time and Community respectively, and it's not for the underage (or faint-hearted). Following mad scientist Rick and his grandson Morty as they go on interdimensional adventures, the show is wacky, original, and a little gross. But, it may also get you thinking about the rising popularity of adult cartoons, and the animation teams behind their increased profile. So, if you've always had an artistic streak that you'd like to nurture into a full-blown career, have a search through the online options through OUA for animation and game development. YOU LOVE: THE GOOD PLACE Consider studying: Bachelor of Education (Primary, Secondary or Early Childhood) with Curtin University. One of the most clever shows in recent years has to be Michael Schur's The Good Place. From the man who brought us Parks & Recreation and The Office comes a comedy starring Kristen Bell as Eleanor — an unremarkable person during her life on earth who wakes up in The Good Place, or a heaven-like utopia, being shown around by Michael (Ted Danson). Three seasons of moral questions, philosophical quandaries and people just being human ensue. While a lot of it is silly fun, The Good Place does provide a solid vessel for the discussion of ethics, via creative uses, and exploration of belief. It also hammers home, while we watch Chidi attempt to teach Eleanor moral philosophy, that the world needs more good teachers. Live your dream and explore your own moral questions by becoming one. YOU LOVE: SUITS Consider studying: Bachelor of Laws with University of New England and Juris Doctor with Flinders University. Pre-prince days for Meghan Markle brought us Suits, an Aaron Korsh-created legal drama focusing on Mike Ross and Harvey Specter, lawyers working at a large firm in New York City. While Mike (Patrick J. Adams) goes in entirely untrained and manages to pull off working large cases without a sweat, we don't encourage that — in fact, we'd strongly urge you to look into a law degree, which you can study online through OUA. Combine your interests in watching endless episodes of Suits (there are nine seasons), besting someone in a verbal argument and, if you like Mike, helping the underdog by getting a law degree. The two-piece suits await. Explore hundreds of degrees from leading Australian universities available online through Open Universities Australia. You could have a new skill by the end of the year. Hop to it.
Sydney's Art Gallery of NSW has taken its weekly after-hours session online — and the next two editions are all about NAIDOC Week, a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and achievements. On Wednesday, November 11, you can join a discussion between author and presenter Yumi Stynes, Aboriginal rights activist and proud Bundjalung woman Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, and four-time Archibald Prize finalist Blak Douglas (aka Adam Douglas Hill). Douglas' 2020 portrait of Dujuan Hoosan, star of the documentary In My Blood It Runs, is on show at the AGNSW until Sunday, January 2021, alongside Vincent Namatjira's award-winning depiction of sporting star Adam Goodes — the first-ever portrait by an Indigenous artist to take out the top gong in Archibald Prize history. The following week, on Wednesday, November 18, curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art Coby Edgar will chat with artist and Arrernte woman Marlene Rubuntja, whose stunning sculptures feature in the gallery's new exhibition entitled Joy. Both sessions will be streamed on the AGNSW's Facebook page and Youtube channel. If you're in Sydney and can make it to the gallery, you can also head along to a free Indigenous-led guided tour of the Yiribana Gallery. [caption id="attachment_789035" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Blak Douglas, 'Writing in the sand' (2020). Copyright the artist. Photo by Felicity Jenkins, AGNSW.[/caption]
Since Australia started easing out of COVID-19 lockdown, the country's internal border restrictions have earned plenty of attention. With tactics to stop the spread of the coronavirus implemented at a state-by-state level, each Aussie state has navigated the situation in its own way when it comes to letting non-residents visit. In Tasmania, that has meant some strict quarantine requirements — which, for non-Tassie residents who weren't classified as essential travellers, entailed spending 14 days in government-designated accommodation. But, for most of the country, quarantine is no more. From Monday, October 26, travellers from Queensland, the ACT, SA, WA, the NT and New Zealand, which are deemed low-risk areas, are allowed to hop on a plane and head across the Strait. After you've filled out a Tas e-Travel form, of course. [caption id="attachment_784489" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Flaming Lips, Mona, Hobart, Mona Foma 2016. Photo Credit: MONA/Rémi Chauvin. Image Courtesy Mona, Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] Some good new for Sydneysiders: this will be an option for you, too, come Friday, November 6. On this date, Tasmania is set open its borders and airports to NSW travellers, pending further public health advice. In other words, if there's an outbreak before then, it might reverse the decision — but if NSW continues its stretch of relatively low levels of community transmission (there have been just three new cases in the past four days) we'll be good to go. "What we want to see in a jurisdiction that we open up to is less than five cases of unknown transmission in the last 28 days," Premier Peter Gutwein said in a press conference. "New South Wales over the last 28 days has had six only in a population of nearly eight million people, so they are on top of this." If you're in Melbourne, sadly the changes won't apply to you just yet. Premier Gutwein noted that the state still hopes to open up to Victorians from December 1, but that they're pleased to "see them driving their numbers so low" and will "be responsive to the evolving situation there". Kiwis legally must complete at least 14 days of managed isolation or quarantine when returning to New Zealand. Travellers will also be tested for COVID-19 during the two-week stay. The New Zealand Government has raised its travel advice to "do not travel" — the highest level — regardless of destination. Keen to start planning an adventure south? Mona Foma has announced it'll return to Launceston and Hobart in January — and we've pulled together this list of exciting food and drink spots in the state's northeast. Visitors from low-risk areas (currently Queensland, the ACT, SA, WA, the NT and NZ) are allowed to visit Tasmania without quarantining. You must fill out a Tas e-Travel form a maximum of three days before you arrive. The state is set to open to NSW from Friday, November 6. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Tasmania and the state's corresponding restrictions, visit its online COVID-19 hub. Top image: Bay of Fires via Lia Kuilenburg for Tourism Tasmania.
Hold onto your paper plates, Sydney — there's another Night Market coming to Carriageworks. This time it's curated by Biota's James Viles and will feature lots of native, ethical, foraged and locally sourced ingredients, reflecting this year's theme of 'wild'. Over 40 stallholders will take over the carriageway from 5–10pm on Friday, July 19. You can expect to once again sample goods from New South Wales' top tier of restaurants, winemakers, breweries and providores, alongside 'wild' cooking demos, including foraging with Oakridge's Matt Stone. Menu highlights, curated by the aforementioned Viles, will include seven-cheese Oaxaca quesadillas from Chula, Bloodwood's much loved sticky pork ribs with burnt butter, and an Indigenous barbecue station from caterers Mirritya Mundya. Joining the night markets for the first time will be Sydney faves LP's Quality Meats, A1 Canteen, Hartsyard and Anason. On top of that you can expect to be forced to choose from tasty treats from market favourites Porteño, Rising Sun Workshop, Belles Hot Chicken, Boon Cafe, the Fish Butchery and Continental Deli. As usual, we can expect beer supplied by Enmore's Young Henrys and The Grifter Brewing Co.; cocktails by ginmakers Archie Rose, Newtown's Jacoby's and Melbourne's Starward Whisky; and wine lists from the likes of Monopole, Wyno and Newtown's P&V Wine. Fittingly, PS40's native ingredient-spiked sodas will also make an appearance in line with the wild theme. Make sure you snag tickets to the Winter Night Market ASAP — they're $10 a pop and usually sell out. CARRIAGEWORKS WILD NIGHT MARKET FOOD AND DRINK LINEUP FOOD A1 Canteen Acre Eatery Alibi Bar Efendy Belles Hot Chicken Bertha Meats Bloodwood Restaurant & Bar Boon Cafe Bretzelwagen by Pepe Saya & Olsson's Sea Salt Chula Continental Deli, Bar & Bistro Edible Bug Shop Fish Butchery Gelato Messina Hartsyard Kepos Street Kitchen Kitchen by Mike LP's Quality Meats Marta Mirritya Mundya Pasta Emilia Porteño Rising Sun Workshop Saga The Pines Kiama Three Blue Ducks DRINKS Archie Rose Distilling Co. Batch Brewing Company Cold Drip Co Demoiselle Distillery Jacoby's Tiki Bar Jilly Wines Monopole P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants Poor Toms Gin PS40 Scotchmans Hill Starward Whisky The Grifter Brewing Co. Wild Kombucha by Ballsy Wildflower Brewing & Blending Wyno Young Henrys Images: Daniel Boud and Jacquie Manning.
Not one, but three, designers have put their two-wheeling brains together to come up with tokyobike's latest offering: the company's first ever Designer Series. It's a trio of bikes that will make you seriously want to shell out (and at this price, you'd be skipping more than a few meals). The first, a schmick golden number, is the work of Everything Elevated, who are based in New York and Oslo. It's a single speed with dropped handle bars that gets its inspiration from early minimalist track racing bikes. The second you'll want with you next time you're in Paris. Calico Wallpaper, a Brooklyn-based company run by couple Nick and Rachel Cope, based their concept on the bikes you see in 1930s French films. It's so comfy you can ride all day. The dreamy blue, white and burnt orange paint job reflects the transition from dawn to dusk. Not good at making decisions? The third in the series is your pick. It's white on one side and grey on the other. Joe Doucet, award-winning Brooklyn-based designer, is behind this third bike, with half-canvas, half-rubber handles, which are handmade in Italy. This kind of design doesn't come cheap. Each limited edition bike will set you back $2,500 a pop. Orders are available online. Images: Tokyobike.
It's been a hot minute since a new dining precinct launched in Sydney. Darling Square's Exchange Building was the talk of the town in 2019. Barangaroo was the word on everyone's lips in 2017. And you couldn't avoid a trip to Tramsheds the year before that. Food hubs aren't new of course, Chinatown and the inner west's Little Italy have been around for decades, but they've definitely seen a resurgence in the 21st century. Thanks to a certain pandemic, however, 2020 hasn't been heavy on new openings — until now. Western Sydney is now home to Parramatta Square: a $3.2 billion, 3000-square-metre precinct that's attracted some big names in the hospitality industry. When complete, it'll be home to more than ten restaurants — as well as plenty of office and retail space — and a chunk of them have opened their doors today, Wednesday, October 21. [caption id="attachment_787018" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maurice Terzini and Lang Walker by Nikki To[/caption] Maurice Terzini — who's behind Bondi favourites Icebergs Bar & Dining and Ciccia Bella — has opened a second outpost of Ciccia Bella in the precinct, which — after a changing of the guard in the OG kitchen — focuses on cucina povera (rustic-style peasant food) and woodfired dishes, rather than just pizza and pasta. Created by Nic Wong (The Apollo and Cho Cho San), the menu stars plenty of cheese and charcuterie (including that mortadella from LP's Quality Meats), chilli-spiked mussels, pork cotoletta and wagyu steak. You will find some pasta here, too, including a spicy broccoli orecchiette, fusilli alla norma and wagyu lasagne. Also opening in the precinct today is a new 160-seat restaurant by the duo behind Henrietta and Nour, Ibby Moubadder and Jorge Farah. While their other restaurants have a definite Lebanese edge, Lilymu is serving up dishes from China and Southeast Asia. For this, the duo has hired ex-Mr Wong chef Brandan Fong who's making tom yum prawn dumplings, pipis with XO, red curry scampi and — for dessert — tres leches cake. Drinks are equally creative, featuring the likes of a dragon fruit and gin sour, and a margarita made with Thai chilli-infused tequila. [caption id="attachment_787017" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rivareno Gelato by Nikki To[/caption] You'll also find Noosa-born Shake Shack-style burger favourite Betty's, poke bowl chain Fishbowl, Rivareno Gelato and Sushi Yuzen at the Square, and they're set to be joined by florist Rose & Co, Harvey's Hot Sandwiches, Threefold Pastry and Ruse Bar and Brasserie in the not-too-distant future. We'll be sure to let you know more about those when they open their doors. Find Parramatta Square on the corner of Darcy and Macquarie streets, Parramatta. To check individual restaurant's opening hours, head to their websites. Top image: Nikki To
Tasmania may sit forgotten and ridiculed on the outskirts of our borders, but every January it truly shines. Attracting tens of thousands of visitors from all over the country, MONA's annual Festival of Music and Art is a cultural icon. Now, in its seventh year, it's still bringing in the goods. The just-released 2015 lineup will include legendary post-punk outfit Swans, Dan Deacon, Amanda Palmer, Paul Kelly and — because why not — author Neil Gaiman. And that's not even mentioning the art. Curated by Brian Ritchie of the Violent Femmes, the musical program is incredibly eclectic — a tasting plate of genres for those not quite so fascinated with predictable summer festivals like Laneway or Future. In 2015 you can relax whileNeil Gaiman reads you a story accompanied by the ambient sounds of Jherek Bischoff, go local with Paul Kelly's Soul Sessions featuring Dan Sultan and Kira Puru, or melt your brain with some Dan Deacon goodness. MOFO caters to all. The art on display will be just as strange. UK group Architects of Air will be bringing their giant inflatable sculpture — read: artsy bouncy castle — EXXOPOLIS down south from the Brisbane Festival. Melbourne artist Atticus J. Bastow is acting as maestro to an orchestra of iPhones. Johannes S. Sistermanns will be wrapping thing (and possible people) in cling wrap to create terrifying sound art. Then, Alvin Curran will combine both art and music while mobilising rafts and dinghies to make music on the Derwent River. "We are thrilled that the audience for MOFO has developed to the point where we can present this dazzling array of creativity and know the people are ready, willing and able to come along for the ride," said Ritchie. "It’s a party with brains, heart and soul." For a little look at what you're missing, check out our write-up from last year's Dark Mofo. January's festivities are bound to be about the same with 100 per cent more sunshine. What's not to love? MONA FOMA will run from January 15-18, 2015 in Hobart. Tickets are on sale now via the festival website. Full lineup: Alvin Curran Allan Halyk And Adam Wojcinski Amanda Palmer & The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Amir Farid Anna Von Hausswolff Architects Of Air Ava Mendoza Atticus J. Bastow Ben Frost Brendan Walls Chordwainers Dan Deacon David Francey Trio Debashish Bhattacharya Emma Dean And The Hungry Truth Faux Mo Francesca De Valence Gabriella Smart Genevieve Lacey Jim Moginie Johannes S. Sistermanns Li Binyuan Marduk Martine Corompt And Philip Brophy Melisandre Michael Kieran Harvey MOFI Eastern Sho MOMA (mona Market) Neil Gaiman Omar Souleyman Paul Kelly Presents The Merri Soul Sessions – Featuring Dan Sultan, Clairy Browne, Kira Puru & Vika And Linda Bull Phillip Johnston Rektango Robyn Hitchcock Ruth Roshan And Tango Noir Senyawa & Lucas Abela Shonen Knife Speak Percussion Swans The Clean Tim Hecker Xylouris White Young Wagilak Group & Australian Art Orchestra Zammuto
Play music, make calls, take photos, open doors and share your location – all with the flick of a single switch. That's the idea behind Flic, a new wireless, portable button developed by a group of Swedish entrepreneurs that can be programmed to work with just about any smart device that you please. The 28mm diametre button works in conjunction with a smartphone app that allows you to assign it a particular function – such as snoozing your alarm, dialing pre-set phone numbers or switching on the lights in your smart home. Each button can be programmed with up to three different functions (single click, double click and hold) and has a reusable adhesive back so it can be fastened wherever is convenient. The creators of the device offer up a few more potential applications in the promotional video, below. Be warned though: the cheese factor is pretty high. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDsjBh2xOgQ While we're still not entirely convinced that getting your phone out of your pocket is really all that strenuous, this little button does look pretty cool. According to the specs listed on their website, the button's silicon overmould means that it is able to withstand weather and dust, and can be used both indoors and out. It also comes in a number of different colours, and operates on a replaceable coin battery that lasts up to five years. You can currently preorder a Flic button for US$34 plus $5 shipping. You can also get discounts if you order more than one – just in case you were planning on decking out your house like the inside of a spaceship.
Bluesfest has lifted the lid on its first artist announcement for 2019, the festival's 30th anniversary, and heading the stampede are famed American singers Jack Johnson and Ben Harper, who will play with his band The Innocent Criminals. Both artists will be performing exclusively at Bluesfest, with Johnson making his third appearance at the festival after first appearing in 2001 and again in 2014. Speaking of the noughties, both artists are sure to bring hefty dose of nostalgia along with them — expect both 'Diamonds on the Inside' and 'Banana Pancakes' to make an appearance. Other acts taking to the stage at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm over the weekend include Aussies Kasey Chambers and Richard Clapton, six-piece soul band St. Paul and The Broken Bones and Grammy Award-winning jazz and funk collective Snarky Puppy. American singer and record producer George Clinton will perform one of his last live shows ever, before retiring in May, alongside his funk collective Parliament-Funkadelic. Anyway, here's the full lineup (so far). Better start making Easter plans because tickets are already on sale. BLUESFEST 2019 LINEUP Jack Johnson Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals Ray Lamontagne George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic Snarky Puppy Kasey Chambers St Paul and The Broken Bones Nahko and Medicine for the People Tommy Emmanuel Colin Hay Arlo Guthrie Keb' Mo' Tex Perkins Allen Stone Richard Clapton Russell Morris Kurt Vile and The Violators Vintage Trouble The Black Sorrows The California Honeydrops Trevor Hall I'm With Her Larkin Poe Irish Mythen Elephant Sessions Greensky Blugrass Rockwiz Live + more to be announced. Bluesfest 2017 will run April 18 to April 22 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. More details and ticket info here. Image: Gavin Conaty and Andy Fraser.
"Kara is a storyteller," reads the comedy festival program entry for Kara Schlegl's new show. "Picture her as your kindergarten teacher, except she drinks wine, swears a lot and tells you inappropriate stories about her sex life." Co-host of the diversity driven Wolf Comedy, one of our favourite undiscovered comedy rooms in town, Schlegl shapes up as one of the most exciting young acts on the local comedy circuit. But don't just take our word for it. Festival organisers clearly feel the same way, hence her inclusion in the festival's FRESH section, featuring some of the best emerging talent in the country.
Springtime in the wine world is when we start looking forward to the upcoming vintage. Wineries start releasing some of the fresher styles of white wine, bright and lighter reds and rosés ahead of new wines to be made in the beginning of 2018. Others dust off their retail shelves and push full-bodied reds to the back, making room for all the new release rieslings and other aromatic whites coming into the store, ready for the warmer months. But if don't know where to start drinking with all these new springtime releases, fear not — we've done the heavy lifting for you by combing through the Vinomofo cellars to find the best drops, regardless of the occasion, time of day or springtime locale you might find yourself in. And what's more, if you're looking to start stocking up your home cellar in preparation for the party season (yes, it's less than three months till Christmas) you can use any extra American Express reward points you have floating around to buy some vino. Here are the drops we think you should be looking to first. RIESLING In the words of Miranda Priestly, "Florals? For spring? Ground-breaking". It may not be new, but a delicious floral riesling and springtime are a classic pairing for a reason. For example, it's Friday night, you've had a long week at work and got hit with one of those days where you thought the weather was going to be mild (but ended up being a scorcher), and you wore too many layers. You're exhausted, and all you want to do is peel off your sweaty clothes and eat takeaway in front of the TV. Enter, refreshing and soul-reviving riesling. The wine style naturally hangs on to its acidity while its balanced with white florals, ripe citrus, tropical fruit (and sometimes) melon notes, so it's always going to have this lovely, invigorating quality to it. That's what makes it so perfect for food. Indian, Thai, Chinese and anything with spice, oil or fat (you know, all the necessary food groups). Always keep one in the fridge, nice and cold, like the 2017 Penna Lane Lot 5 Riesling from the Clare Valley in South Australia. It's pretty much the wine version of a first aid kit. ALBARIÑO Albariño has seen its way through a funny turn of events in the history of Australian wine. In 2009, after the CSIRO did DNA studies on winery vines, it was discovered that the vineyards in Australia that thought they had planted albariño were in fact planted with savagnin. Native to Spain, the white grape is perfect in any warm climate (not only to grow but also to drink in abundance) because of albariño's light style and bright acidity and freshness. For a perfect thirst quencher after an afternoon springtime dip in the ocean (when the water is still crisp and refreshing), splash some of the 2014 Paco Y Lola 'Lolo' Albariño in your glass and sip on the Spanish version wondering what could have been if we had it planted on our great shores. ROSÉ Picture this: a warm spring day in the park, sitting on a picnic blanket with a little Bonobo playing out of your Bluetooth speakers. What's missing? A glass of dry rosé in your hand. Rosé typically has fresh acidity alongside a natural meatiness and density in the mid-palate. This is usually paired in the wine with bright red fruits that are stereotypical of the varietal along with a dry finish to refresh the palate after each bite of food. Want to up your rosé game with something a little left of centre? Try a sparkling rosé like the NV Royal Marine Sparkling Rosé Brut. It has classic characters of raspberries, redcurrant, rose petal and gooseberries, not to mention that pretty, pale pink aesthetic that makes it a wonderful pair with a sailboat around Sydney Harbour, springtime breeze on your skin included. MALBEC There's nothing that pairs better with quintessential springtime Aussie barbecue than malbec. There's a reason why it's heralded as Argentina's 'national grape' (have you seen how much meat is piled on your plate at an Argentinian steakhouse?). Opt for one of the more fruit driven styles like the 2014 Chevalier du Lagrezette from the south of France, with a bit of spice weaving its way through the palate, and go for some huge hunks of chargrilled steak to counteract the fruitiness of the wine. Then, crank The Strokes or LCD Soundsystem in the background, and you'll be food and wine matching like a rockstar (and a crowd favourite at any springtime housewarming). TAWNY PORT What about those of you with a sweet tooth? Or those still holding onto the last dregs of winter by craving full-bodied reds? Enter fortified wines, or, specifically, tawny port. Australian vintage ports tend to be richer in style than their Portuguese ancestors. Tawny ports are blended ports (a combination of older wines mixed in with the new wine and then aged in oak barrels and casks from five to up to 100 years. Tawny ports are ready to drink when bottled as most of the maturation has already taken place in the five to 100-year period. They're perfect for romantic balcony hangs, paired with an assortment of cheeses and golden light from the setting sun. Try the Lou Miranda Estate Dark Angel Grand Tawny. It's smooth and sweet, showcasing toasted nut, toffee, spice and raisin notes. It's also full-bodied, just like the rest of your evening if all goes well. Treat yourself this spring. More and more places welcome American Express — like Vinomofo — and you can even use your reward points to pay off your purchases, so you'll feel like you're winning at life as you use all those points you've collected over winter. Images supplied by Vinomofo.
Melbourne is the world's most liveable city, as well as Australia's fastest growing capital. Sydney is the nation's most expensive city. But when it comes to the country's most 'hipster' spot, they've got nothing on one Queensland destination. According to The Hipster Index, a study by international relocation website MoveHub, the Gold Coast claims that title — because sun, surf, sand, theme parks, schoolies, the Commonwealth Games and hipsters apparently go hand-in-hand. The index's criteria actually helps explain the Goldie's top placing, with the study scoring cities based on five data points. The more vegan eateries, coffee shops, tattoo studios, vintage boutiques and record stores a city has, the higher they're ranked — and the tourist destination sure does boast a hefty number of meat-free cafes, spots to grab some caffeine and places to get inked. Queensland seems to be hipster central in general, too. Cairns comes in second, the Sunshine Coast makes sixth position, and the state nabs more places on the list than any other — with Brisbane at 11th and Townsville at 13th. Down south, Geelong ranks fourth and Melbourne fifth, while Newcastle sits at ninth followed by Sydney at tenth and Wollongong at 12th. With the study only ranking cities with populations over 150,000, Hobart, Adelaide, Canberra and Perth also earned a spot. Internationally, however, the Goldie only places 70th, with the index ranking 446 cities across 20 countries. Top honours didn't go to the location you're probably thinking about, aka the city so filled with hipsters, there's literally a television show satirising it. No, Portland actually came in second, with Britain's Brighton and Hove earning hipster bragging rights. Salt Lake City, Seattle and Lisbon round out the top five. Image: Marcus Bichel Lindegaard via Flickr.
The celebrated sculptor and perpetual made-you-look artist has revealed his latest installation as part of the first Kochi-Muziris Biennale in India. Set in a gallery floor at the Aspinwall House in Fort Kochi, Anish Kapoor's Descension sees a caged vortex of black water furiously frothing and swirling, slowly receding into an bottomless abyss. Looks like Kapoor hopped out of the bath one day, pulled the plug and got well freaked out. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is India's first biennale for contemporary art held in Kochi — with Kapoor's work one of the major drawcards for both local and international visitors. Created especially for the Kerala capital by the artist who gave Chicago Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, Descension is located in a seaside corner room of the Aspinwall gallery, looking out to the harbour and freaking out gallery visitors looking for a peaceful stroll through Nice Art. I mean, look at this GIF: Terrfiying. Check out Kapoor talking to the Biennale team about the work here. Via Designboom and Colossal.
Avocados: everyone loves them, not just Aussies accused of spending all their cash on smashed avo for brunch. In Amsterdam, one person loves them so much that he's opening up a restaurant dedicated to serving the green creamy fruit up in as many ways as possible. Yum. The aptly named The Avocado Show is due to open in February in Amsterdam's De Pijp district, and is calling itself "Europe's first and finest avocado bar". Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, late at night, any time in between: if you've got a hankering for avo on bread, avo between two pieces of bread (aka avocado sandwiches), burgers made with avocado buns and more, you'll find it here. Owner Ron Simpson told MUNCHIES that he found the inspiration for his new single-ingredient eatery in two obvious places, the internet and his own diet. "I looked at the internet and how people react to certain products like Nutella, Oreo, and peanut butter and figured I want to find a main mono ingredient that's adaptable to almost anything," he said. "People, including myself, throw avo on just about any dish and are making extremely creative dishes with it. So we decided to open a valhalla for anyone who loves avocado." As you've probably noticed, avocado isn't literally the only thing on the menu, although every item will include it in some shape or form. Just imagine the Instagram pics. Of course, this isn't the first time someone has had this idea, with a pop-up showering London with avo across four days in 2016, New York boasting a few avo-centric places, and plenty of Australian cafes only really a few non-avo dishes away from fitting the bill. Via MUNCHIES.
The folks at Moo Brew are launching a limited edition beer to celebrate some fairly limited edition humans. Available at select venues in Hobart for just a few days at the end of April, Moo Brew Wet Hop is the latest creation from the MONA's onsite brewery, and comes emblazoned with the image of a video store employee on the can, along with the slogan "a super rare beer for super rare people". The brewery has created just 70 kegs of the Moo Brew Wet Hop, so named because it was made within two days of the hops being harvested. Described as a "bright, hoppy and deliciously refreshing pilsner," it's expected to sell out within days of becoming available. To celebrate their latest baby, Moo Brew is hosting a launch party on the evening of April 26 at Video City, a VHS rental store in the Hobart suburb of Newtown. In addition to the store employees, other rare guests will reportedly include a fax machine repairman, a blacksmith, a chimney sweep and a full service servo attendant.
One, two, three, four: Sex Bob-Omb! are back, and everything Scott Pilgrim with them, thanks to upcoming Netflix animated series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. First announced earlier in 2023, the new take on a bass player fighting the object of his affection's seven evil exes is hitting the small screen as a streaming series, with the entire Scott Pilgrim vs the World cast returning to their roles. And if you're wondering what that all looks like, the show has just dropped its first teaser trailer. Obviously, a lot can happen in 13 years — and for the cast of 2010's page-to-screen favourite Scott Pilgrim vs the World, much has before Scott Pilgrim Takes Off reaches screens. Michael Cera kept returning to Arrested Development's George Michael, made a stunning appearance in the Twin Peaks revival and featured in Barbie. Mary Elizabeth Winstead added everything from Fargo and 10 Cloverfield Lane to Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) to her resume. Chris Evans became Captain America, Kieran Culkin killed it with insults in Succession and Anna Kendrick had the whole Pitch Perfect franchise. Brie Larson slipping into Captain Marvel's shoes, Aubrey Plaza's The White Lotus stint, Jason Schwartzman still showing up in Wes Anderson films aplenty — that's all occurred as well. Now, more Scott Pilgrim has come all of the above actors' way, too. The movie that started off as a series of graphic novels by Bryan Lee O'Malley, and also hit video games, will live on again from Friday, November 17. And, once more, Scott (Cera) will fall for Ramona Flowers (Winstead), and face off against her past loves. When a film becomes a streaming series, that doesn't always mean that the OG stars return with it — but it does in this case. As well as Cera and Winstead, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off boasts Culkin as Wallace Wells, Kendrick as Stacey Pilgrim, Larson as Envy Adams and Plaza as Julie Powers. And, yes, Evans, Schwartzman, Satya Bhabha (Sense8), Brandon Routh (The Flash) and Mae Whitman (Good Girls) are all back as Ramona's evil exes. The list doesn't stop there. Alison Pill (Hello Tomorrow!) as Kim Pine, Johnny Simmons (Girlboss) as young Neil, Mark Webber (SMILF) as Stephen Stills, Ellen Wong (Best Sellers) as Knives Chau are reprising their roles as well. While Scott Pilgrim Takes Off still sees its namesake swoon over Ramona, then tussle with her former paramours, this is more than just a do-over. "I knew that a live action sequel was unlikely, but I would usually defer by suggesting that perhaps an anime adaptation was an interesting way to go," the original film's director Edgar Wright told Netflix back when the series was first announced. "And then, lo and behold, one day Netflix got in touch to ask about this exact idea. But even better, our brilliant creator Bryan Lee O'Malley had an idea that was way more adventurous than just a straight adaptation of the original books," Wright continued — and he's back as an executive producer. Check out the first teaser trailer for Scott Pilgrim Takes Off below: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off will be available to stream via Neflix on Friday, November 17.
You could hear Sydney collectively sigh when Rushcutters Bay's beloved restaurant Acme announced its closure. But fans of chef and owner Mitch Orr's cooking haven't had to wait too long to find out where and when they'll be able to get their next hit of his inauthentic Italian fare. Orr has been welcomed into the fold of Maurice Terzini's ever-growing empire, which currently includes Surry Hills' The Dolphin Hotel, Bondi Beach Public Bar, Icebergs and Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta. While details are slim at the moment, Orr will be jumping in the kitchen of the latter, Da Orazio, which will be relaunching as Ciccia Bella in the coming months. At the moment it's mainly a pizza spot, and its name is a nod to former chef Orazio d'Elia, who has since gone on to open Matteo Double Bay and Downtown. And while the woodfired oven will remain, Orr will also be bringing in some classic pasta dishes. [caption id="attachment_731512" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pizza and pasta from The Dolphin's Italo Disco.[/caption] This isn't the first time Orr has teamed up with Terzini and landed in one of his kitchens, either. You may've seen him in on the pans during one (or two) of The Dolphin's super-popular Delfino Aperitivo sessions, or perhaps for a Pizza Party back in 2016, or last month's Italo Dining & Disco Club. If you were at any of these pop-ups, you may have some idea of what to expect on the menu at Ciccia. Pig's head carbonara pizza (a riff on Acme's signature pig's head macaroni dish), Jatz a la Icebergs (with sea urchin and foie gras), eggplant parmigiana rolls and clam pizza could also possibly make an appearance, as may some of the Acme pasta favourites. Although, it is suggested that this menu will be more classic than Orr's usual offering. As well as the menu and the name, the interiors will also be getting a makeover, with the team working closely with an architect to refresh the space. But before the relaunch, it'll be business as normal at Da Orazio, with the Hall Street restaurant open for pizza seven days a week. We'll let you know when any more details or dates are announced for Ciccia Bella. Cicca Bella is slated to launch 75–79 Hall Street, Bondi in the upcoming months. Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta will continue to run as normal until then.
The Danish Christmas Market is returning for another year of authentic eats, tunes and gifts. Each year as the festive season kicks off, the Danish Church in Australia brings a big dose of Scandinavian cheer and culture to north-west Sydney. The market hosts a range of stores selling wares and knick-knacks destined to be wrapped and placed under the tree, as well as Danish Christmas tunes bringing a heap of festive spirit. The highlight of the market, however, has to be the food. Alongside an array of take-home eats like Danish lollies, chocolates, bread and condiments, there will be stalls on-site serving up northern European favourites for you to devour on the day. Take your pick from the smørebrød (open sandwiches topped with the likes of smoked salmon, eggs and deli meats), æbleskiver (round Danish pancakes paired with jam and icing sugar), and a staple of the Danish culinary world — hotdogs with crispy onions, pickles and remoulade. This is the first time since 2019 that the market has been able to take place IRL due to the pandemic, so expect extra cheer from the organisers and volunteers. The market will kick off at 9am, running until 3pm, and entry is free.
If it can happen in a pandemic, it can happen in any year. Yes, we're talking about Brisbane Festival. After 2020's event, which had to adjust to the new realities brought on by COVID-19, the annual celebration of arts and culture returns in 2021 — so mark Friday, September 3–Saturday, September 25 in your diary. Most of the 2021 program will be announced much closer to those September dates, as happens each time the festival rolls around. That said, you can expect everything from art, music and theatre to lights, lasers and interactive installations, plus whatever other weird, wonderful, unique and just brand new ideas and shows the fest's organisers and the talented artists they work with manage to come up with this year. If you'd like to get excited already, a few details have already been revealed — including the long-awaited world premiere of Boy Swallows Universe, which'll hit the Brisbane stage during Brisbane Festival. Also on the bill so far: Queensland's Finest, with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra showcasing top local talent; and Songs That Made Me, with singer-songwriter Jess Hitchcock crooning tunes. [caption id="attachment_793650" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Boy Swallows Universe, David Kelly[/caption] Top image: Brisbane Festival 2020, Atmosphere Photography.
Fresh from a superhero stint in Eternals in 2021, Kumail Nanjiani is heading in a different direction: true crime, and a wild example of the genre at that. When a story involves murder, money and a male strip-club empire that's known the world over, it's going to take some twists and turns. In your streaming queue come November, Welcome to Chippendales will spill the details. As both the initial teaser and the just-dropped full trailer for this new Disney+ miniseries shows, Nanjiani plays Somen 'Steve' Banerjee, who was born in India, moved to the US, bought a Los Angeles nightclub and founded the striptease troupe-turned-worldwide hit that shares Welcome to Chippendales' name. Banerjee's tale involves outrageous success, but also turns into sinister territory. That's putting it mildly; however, if you don't already know the details, you'll want to discover the rest while watching. Move over Magic Mike: we've found everyone's next stripper-fuelled obsession, and new true-crime addiction as well. On-screen, the rest of the star-studded cast includes recent The White Lotus Emmy-winner Murray Bartlett, Yellowjackets' Juliette Lewis and American Crime Story's Annaleigh Ashford, as well as Dan Stevens (I'm Your Man), Andrew Rannells (Girls5eva), Nicola Peltz Beckham (Holidate), Quentin Plair (The Good Lord Bird) and Robin de Jesús (Tick, Tick... Boom!). Behind the scenes, WandaVision's Matt Shakman is in the director's chair and, if you're fond of the era, expect the appropriate soundtrack (and vibe) when the show starts streaming from Tuesday, November 22. It'll drop two episodes first up, then new instalments weekly afterwards across the eight-episode limited series' run. If this seems like an odd fit for Disney+ — and certainly different from keeping huge pop-culture franchises on our screens or ensuring that everyone's childhood favourites never fade into memory (and sometimes doing both at the same time) — just remember that the service streamed the 90s-set Pam & Tommy as well. In fact, if watching the trailers for the Welcome to Chippendales gets you thinking about that series, there's another reason for that: writer/executive producer/creator Robert Siegel is behind both. In the US, the two shows were made by the Mouse House-owned US streaming platform Hulu, which happens to be mighty fond of scandals and ripped-from-the-headlines territory. But that platform doesn't operate Down Under, hence this tale about a massive stripping-empire saga, sordid deeds driven by money and murder because of the dance floor is ending up on Disney+. Check out the full Welcome to Chippendales trailer below: Welcome to Chippendales will be available to stream via Disney+ from November 22.
In his time playing Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe did many things. He didn't cut like a surgeon, get himself an egg and beat it, or lose on Jeopardy, though. And, he certainly didn't don the curliest of wigs, swan around in Hawaiian shirts with his chest hair flapping in the breeze or pick up an accordion, either — but something magical is making all of the above happen. Starring Radcliffe as the musician behind 'My Bologna', 'Another One Rides the Bus', 'Like a Surgeon', 'Eat It', 'Smells Like Nirvana' and 'Amish Paradise' — and parodies of pretty much every other big song of the past four-plus decades that you can think of — Weird: The Al Yankovic Story is exactly what it sounds like. It sounds wonderful, too, obviously. Radcliffe sports wire-framed glasses, those shirts, that hair and Yankovic's instantly recognisable moustache in the music biopic, which feels like it was cast by the internet. Made for the Roku Channel in the US — with no details yet dropping about where it'll air Down Under, or when, sadly — this is 100-percent an authorised bio. Yankovic is one of the screenwriters, in fact, alongside director Eric Appel (a TV sitcom veteran with Happy Endings, New Girl, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and top-notch cop-show parody NTSF:SD:SUV on this resume). If the man in the spotlight's career has taught us all anything apart from the wrong words to pop hits, however, it's that he doesn't take a single thing, including himself, seriously. In the just-dropped first teaser trailer for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, everyone is clearly having fun — The Lost City and Guns Akimbo's Radcliffe most of all, naturally. He swigs booze onstage, dances around in scrubs while satirising Madonna, and asks a very important question: "anyone got an accordion?". Also set to feature: Yankovic's rise to fame, oh-so-many tracks, everything from "his torrid celebrity love affairs" to his "famously depraved lifestyle", and a story that follows his journey "from gifted child prodigy to the greatest musical legend of all time" — at least according to the original press release revealing the flick, which sports a healthy sense of humour. When the film was announced, Yankovic gave his input too, of course. "When my last movie UHF came out in 1989, I made a solemn vow to my fans that I would release a major motion picture every 33 years, like clockwork. I'm very happy to say we're on schedule," he said. "And I am absolutely thrilled that Daniel Radcliffe will be portraying me in the film. I have no doubt whatsoever that this is the role future generations will remember him for." Check out the trailer for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story below: Weird: The Al Yankovic Story doesn't yet have a release date Down Under — we'll update you when further details are announced.
Each April, Newcastle celebrates its top-notch hospitality scene and world-class local produce with a month of food and drink pop-ups and special one-off meals. In 2023, this often-underrated gem of the New South Wales coastline has pulled together a jam-packed 30-day program of tasty eats and exciting beverages, aiming to both delight locals and entice interstate travellers to come and soak in the city — and all when there's multiple public holidays to enjoy, too. Kicking off with Le Diner en Blanc Newcastle on Saturday, April 1, Newcastle Food Month brings together more than 100 local businesses ranging from restaurants, bars and cafes to producers and winemakers. You'll find something to do in Newie every day of the month, with some of the featured events including the Heroes of the Hunter long lunch at Roundhouse, a pierogi-filled Polish feast at Urban Deli and Bar, a champagne-fuelled long lunch at The Junction Hotel, Good Folk Brewing's beer-gustation and a four-course dinner focusing on native ingredients at Local Connections. Returning for another year, the Plate Date program sees dozens of local cafes, bars, restaurants and breweries offer a meal and drink deal for $25. Start your day at Autumn Rooms for a stack of luxe house-made crumpets and a mimosa. Then, head to The Happy Wombat, where you'll be treated to a 200-gram Woodward grass-fed sirloin with hand-cut wedges, seasonal greens and a wine or beer. Over at Susuru Ramen and Gyoza, the $25 deals continue with spicy Korean fried chicken ramen paired with a glass of Hunter Valley wine. Or, Good Folk Brewing is offering a peachy meal deal Monday–Thursday during the festival, with roasted peach, goats cheese and prosciutto pizza paired with the brewery's limited-release Roasted Peach Oat Cream Hazy IPA for $25. Check out the full program at the Newcastle Food Month website.
Every March, for the past 30 years, the lawns of Old Parliament House in Canberra have transformed into a launching pad for the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. You can watch a group of colourful hot air balloons take off together into the sky and provide a backdrop to Australia's national attractions. Plus, it's the only event in the world where they can fly so close to government buildings, iconic architecture and houses. The classic hot air balloons are there, but the festival also mixes it up each year with novelty-shaped balloons. In previous years, there have been windmills, a pair of dancing bees and a balloon shaped like Vincent Van Gogh's head flown into the sky. To lose yourself in this extraordinary sight, all you have to do is get yourself to Canberra during the Spectacular, which will take place every morning from March 7–15 next year. Most balloons arrive by 6.15am and spend half an hour or so preparing, before taking off around 7.15am. Transforming the event into a festival will be live music, hot drinks and breakfast cooked up by the local Belconnen Lions Club. Watching is absolutely free. But, for an even better adventure, you can climb aboard and see Canberra in all its splendour — from above the clouds. Tickets cost $345 during the week and $395 on the weekend. You can a book balloon ride during Canberra Balloon Spectacular by calling or emailing Balloon Aloft. Just don't leave it too long, as the Spectacular is pretty popular. Once you're locked in, plan the rest of your journey over here, where you'll find info covering parking, public transport and timing.
The family owned Five Barrel Brewing has been serving thirsty South Coast folk since 2015. With its philosophy of 'keeping it simple and doing it right', the brewery has quickly become an important part of the local community. Five Barrel features a taproom with eight craft beers, all produced on site, which usually includes four core beers and four rotating seasonal and limited-release beers. On the lineup, you'll find the likes of milk stouts, golden ale and hoppy ambers, as well as a super-refreshing brut rosé IPA, which is brewed with hibiscus flowers and floral hops. Pop in to the taproom for a tasting, down a burger or two with a happy hour schooner ($5 from 5–6pm on Friday and Saturday) or enjoy an impromptu tour of the brewery. The brewery's kitchen is open from midday till 8pm on Friday and Saturday. If you can't make it into the brewery itself, but you're keen to try its brews, head on over to the website to order yourself a 750ml bottle of barrel-aged cherry sour or a case of New England IPA. Some of the limited-edition brews — such as its milkshake IPA — sell out super quick, though, so you'll need to get in fast.
When it comes to sun, surf and sand, Australia's prowess is widely recognised. But, as any wine lover is well aware, we have something else to be just as proud of. Made in sprawling vineyards around the country — including in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory — our local vinos are simply top-notch. And, they're worth championing and celebrating at every possible opportunity. This isn't news to NSW and ACT residents, of course. The Hunter Valley, Gundagai and Canberra's wineries have strong reputations, as do others across the rest of the region. Indeed, we're betting their tipples already rank highly on your must-drink list. When such excellent wines are made so close to home, there's nothing better than to pair one with dinner, a cheese platter or a seafood lunch, obviously. In case you need a few extra suggestions, are looking for a couple of other local drops to try, or you could just use a reminder about brands you adore, we've teamed up with our pals at BWS to highlight five NSW and ACT-based winemakers that you should definitely know and support. You might already love their tipples. You may have heard of them, but never had the pleasure of trying their wares. Either way, these wines will help you drink local.
The annual reason to not entirely obliterate yourself on New Year's Eve, Field Day, has announced its return for 2022. And while international touring isn't quite back to normal — so there's no Cardi B or Tyler, the Creator leading the bill this year — the New Year's Day festival will bring some of Australia's biggest live acts to The Domain. Field Day's 2022 lineup features a heap of festival favourites: Peking Duck, Hayden James and Mallrat, for starters. You'll also be listening to Masked Wolf, Allday and Hot Dub Time Machine — and they're just a few of the highlights (full lineup below). Adapting to the times, and to New South Wales' pandemic rules, this year's Field Day will require all patrons to either show proof of double COVID-19 vaccination to enter, or to show a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken within the 72 hours before arriving at the festival. [caption id="attachment_579492" align="alignnone" width="1279"] Aleksandar Jason[/caption] FIELD DAY 2022 LINEUP Allday Anna Lunoe ASHWARYA Choomba Golden Features Hayden James Hot Dub Time Machine Mallrat Masked Wolf MAY-A Peking Duk Image: Field Day/AP Photography.
There's nothing like a cool, refreshing sea breeze to help you find your centre. Held at the iconic Bondi Icebergs with stunning views overlooking the ocean, Yoga by the Sea is pretty much what it sounds like. Feel the sun on your skin and smell the salt in the air as you prepare yourself for the day ahead with an hour-long yoga session. A team of instructors offer classes in both restorative Hatha Yoga, ideal for beginners and those looking to manage stress or balance a busy life, and the more active Power Vinyasa, which aims to improve strength, tone, fitness and flexibility. Regulars can invest in an Icebergs multi-entry pass, which gives you access to 25 sessions for just $120. And if you spot a dolphin during your class, the next class is free. Really. Their schedule changes with the season, although in summer you can safely bet they'll host multiple classes a day. Yoga by the Sea is also held in Tamarama and Bronte. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
A resurrected Tupac stunned Coachella audiences at the conclusion of the music festival's first weekend. Holographically appearing on stage alongside Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, the murdered rapper greeted fans with a "What up, Coachella?" before beginning his classic single 'Hail Mary'. Digitally generated, Tupac's holographic double is the brainchild of longtime friend Dr. Dre. Dre sought the permission of the late rapper's mother before pursuing his vision, which was brought to 'life' by San Diego-based AV Concepts and James Cameron's Oscar-winning digital production company Digital Domain. The project is estimated to have dipped deep into commissioners' pockets, and took around four months to create. The likeness was eerie, successfully replicating everything from the rapper's bared abs, to his Timberlands, to his tattoos. The hologram performed classics '2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted', 'Come With Me', and 'Gangsta Party' before slipping back into the otherworld. Audiences and fans received the performance with mixed emotions. Some were thrilled to witness Tupac 'live' after his 1996 murder, and others found the hologram morbid and exploitative. Twitter was ablaze with fans on either side of the issue, causing 'Tupac' to continue trending in Australia through this morning. Opinions aside, the digital stunt may mark the beginning of a new era for on-stage performance. AV Concepts has already dabbled in holographic concert performances; the company was behind the 2005 Grammys performance featuring Madonna and the holographic members of the Gorillaz, as well as digital apparitions used in concert by Celine Dion and the Black Eyed Peas. It was the dead that stole the show at the live music festival this weekend. No one can keep Tupac down. https://youtube.com/watch?v=pRLUAVs4sR4
You know the part in The Wizard of Oz where Dorothy first enters the Land of Oz and everything transforms into glorious technicolour? That's what it feels like when summer hits the UK. Every single corner of the country pulls out all stops to make the most of the sunshine and clear skies which, let's face it, don't last long. Suddenly, everywhere from teeny country villages to the massive cities are abuzz with markets, festivals, live performances and general merriment. With so many festivities to choose from, it's hard to know where to start. To make sure you don't miss out, we've partnered with Contiki to scope out ten of the best things to see and do in the UK this (Northern Hemisphere) summer. We've covered everything from age-old classics, like wandering among the prehistoric mysteries of Stonehenge and seeing a play at Shakespeare's Globe in London, to rocking out to your favourite musicians at one of the country's biggest music festivals. We hope you know where your passport is — you're going to need it very soon. [caption id="attachment_719400" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew and Annemarie via Flickr.[/caption] CATCH 'MACBETH' AT SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE Opened in 1997 on the banks of the River Thames, Shakespeare's Globe is a replica of the original theatre, which was built just 250 metres away in 1599 (and then demolished in 1644). Each year, from April to October, the stage fills with larger-than-life actors, performing Shakespeare's works. There are 700 standing room ('groundling') tickets available to every show for just £5. So, even if you're travelling on a budget, you don't have to miss out. Afterwards, take a stroll along the river to visit the Tate Modern and South Bank — a hub of theatre, live music, talks and more. [caption id="attachment_719453" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Martie Swart via Flickr[/caption] DISCOVER A NEW ACT AT EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the biggest arts event in the world. To give you an idea of the scale, 2018 saw 55,000 performances of 3548 shows across 317 venues over 25 days. Yep, it's absolutely huge. Whatever you're into — from cabaret and comedy to storytelling and live music — it's on the program. You can even put on a show of your own. Quite a few legends cut their teeth here — Rowan Atkinson, Billy Connolly and Tim Minchin, among them. If there's a show you need to see, book tickets in advance. But, if you're open-minded, it's just as fun to turn up and see what happens. As you wander down the street, burgeoning performers will hand out tickets to their shows for free. It's a great way to discover some up-and-coming talents — we know how everyone loves to proclaim "I saw them before they were famous". DANCE ALL NIGHT AT READING FESTIVAL Since the inaugural event in 1989, Reading Festival has become a major happening on the UK's musical calendar. Every August, it takes over Little John's Farm for three days of live music. Some of the musical heavyweights to have played there over the years include Nirvana, The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Radiohead and Arctic Monkeys. Head along this year and you'll be grooving to the likes of Foo Fighters, The 1975, Post Malone, Billie Eilish and loads more. To make the most of this epic musical experience, hop on board Contiki Sounds. This ten-day (or seven-day) tour will be like a roaming musical education with visits to the country's best towns and cities (and their most historically important musical sites) and will finish with a VIP camping experience at Reading. [caption id="attachment_719456" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gary J. Wood via Flickr[/caption] GRAZE YOUR WAY THROUGH BOROUGH MARKET For more than 1000 years, farmers, fishers, bakers and cheesemakers have been gathering at Borough Market to peddle their wares. It's London's oldest market. You'll find it just south of London Bridge, which for hundreds of years, provided the only river crossing into the city. Grab a coffee from the ever-popular Monmouth Coffee Company, located just outside the market entrance, and spend a morning roaming through the stalls and filling up on samples. Prepare for a cornucopia of bread, baked goodies, fruit, veggies, olive oils, cheeses, meats and much more. There's a busy events program, too, covering workshops, talks and tours. The market is open Monday to Saturday — the best days to go are Wednesday to Saturday when it's in full operation. WANDER AROUND STONEHENGE One folk story goes that the devil bought the stones in Ireland, wrapped them up and carried them to their present position. Another says that Stonehenge was created by Merlin the wizard in the age of King Arthur. Many mysteries still surround the history of Stonehenge, but historians are now fairly convinced it was built 5000 years ago by thousands of hardworking Neolithic humans. This World Heritage-listed site lies around 140 kilometres west of London near the village of Amesbury. EAT FISH AND CHIPS BY THE SEA IN CORNWALL No summer in the UK is complete without at least one serving of fish and chips (with a liberal dousing of vinegar) by the sea. And one of the prettiest places to partake is Cornwall, England's most southwestern county. If you're in the north, head to the coastal village of Padstow for Rick Stein's Fish & Chips. For a longer feast, visit The Seafood Restaurant — Stein's flagship — which opened over 40 years ago. If you're in the south, go to Looe and eat at The Catch, a chippy run by celebrity chef James Tanner and his brother Chris, who serve only premium quality, sustainably fished seafood. [caption id="attachment_719446" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shawn Spencer-Smith via Flickr[/caption] IMMERSE YOURSELF AT BRISTOL HARBOUR FESTIVAL This entirely free festival attracts 250,000 people to Bristol every July. Now heading into its 48th year, it's a cornucopia of live bands, dancers, circus acts, spoken word, street performers and food stalls, all backdropped by Bristol's sparkling harbour. In 2019, the party is slated for the weekend of July 19–21. While you're in town, be sure to explore the cobbled laneways of Bristol Old Town, walk over the Clifton Suspension Bridge — built in 1864 to span the dramatic Avon Gorge — and swing by 6 O'Clock Gin for an exceptional G&T. [caption id="attachment_719840" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image via The Fat Duck Restaurant[/caption] SPLURGE ON DINNER AT THE FAT DUCK Heston Blumenthal has cooked all over the world, but his adventures began in Bray, a village on the River Thames situated around 50 kilometres west of London. In 1995, he took over a 16th-century building formerly called The Bell Pub and transformed it into The Fat Duck restaurant. By 2004, it had earned three Michelin stars. Dinner here isn't so much a meal as a journey into the unexpected, so kick back, relax and let the chefs take over. Reservations aren't easy to get, especially in the height of summer, so be sure to book in advance. EAT YOUR WAY AROUND A HUGE FOOD FESTIVAL Foodies Festival was founded in Edinburgh in 2006 and has since grown into a nationwide celebration of good food. Between May and August, events take place in Brighton, Bristol, London, Birmingham, Cambridge, Tatton Park, Edinburgh and Oxford. So, wherever you are heading, there's bound to be a festival there at some point. Count on an array of food stalls, masterclasses, live music and a chefs theatre, where Michelin-starred chefs and MasterChef champions take to the stage. This year, Foodies Festival is teaming up with Musicians Against Homelessness, which will coordinate hundreds of performers across the country to raise money for UK charity Crisis. [caption id="attachment_719451" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rozsagab via Flickr[/caption] DRINK A PINT IN A PROPER BRITISH PUB British pubs have been imitated all over the world, but there's quite like drinking a pint — or two — in an original. On a sunny day, seek out one on a river or canal, like The Angel on the Bridge in Henley-on-Thames or The Grain Barge in Bristol (yes, it used to be a barge). To mix history with your beverage, visit one of the UK's oldest pubs, like Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem — which is rather spectacularly set into a sandstone cliff in Nottingham and claims to have been established in 1189. Check out this list for more inspiration. Travel around the best spots in the UK with Contiki at Reading Festival. Unearth the UK's musical heritage, then experience an unforgettable party at one of the world's best and biggest music festivals. Contiki wants to take you there — all you have to do is choose from the 7- or 10-day trip. Plus, if you bring a mate, it'll give you both $200 off. Find out more here.
The Ivy is celebrating all things house music with its new weekly club night Above. The late-night dance party is taking over the main room of the venue every Saturday from 9pm–4am, pulling together lineups showcasing the country and the world's premier house DJs. In charge of booking these sonic curators is a pair of dance music-loving teams, Finely Tuned (Lost Paradise, Lost Sundays) and One Hit (Boogie, Defected, Glitterbox). For Saturday, May 13's edition of Above, they've pulled together an impressive roster of DJs to take you through the night, headlined by two of Australia's most renowned producers. Viral dance floor-fillers Shouse will be heading up the night, bringing all of the energy of their global hit song 'Love Tonight' as well as their recent collaboration with David Guetta to the Ivy. Joining them will be four-time ARIA-nominee and former triple j presenter KLP, with Dan Azzo, Utopic Crew and Bella Backe rounding out the lineup. Taking inspiration from clubs like Printworks in London, the Ivy has placed significant importance on the visuals for Above. Accomplished local creative collective Babekühl has been put in charge of creating larger-than-life visual accompaniments to guide you through the night's tunes. "We view nightclubs as enormous, immersive, audiovisual experiences, a culture that will one day be immortalised in modern art galleries," said Babekühl's Pat Santamaria. "Each season, we'll collaborate with an array of creatives from our community, transforming Above's lighting design into a bespoke and ever-evolving showcase of world-class visual arts and music." Early bird tickets are available for $26.25, before they rise to $31.60 once that first release sells out.
Neil Perry did it, so Luke Mangan's going to try. Fine dining chefs have been trying their hand at the more casual fast food game, with new chains like Burger Project testing the takeaway waters for top tier hospitality figures. Now, lauded Mojo chef Mangan will launch his first foray into the ever-expanding burger bubble, opening a chain of burger joints dubbed (somewhat cringingly) Chicken Confidential in January. Announced this week, the new venture will focus exclusively on chicken (obviously), will be part of an expansive movement of chains that Mangan is looking to install across Australia and into Asia over the next couple of years. An exclusive preview of the menu is available for lunch at Mangan's CBD restaurant, Glass Brasserie, from December 7 until December 22. Mangan opened his first restaurant in 1999, and his entrepreneurial antics have proved to be as unstoppable as a Pringles can. Since 1999, he's opened joints all around Asia and Australia, crafted menus for P&O Cruises, cooked in the sky with Virgin Australia, written books, opened a providore and a whole host of other enterprises. Now he's got his eye set on Sydney's growing fascination with food that can't be good for you but who cares, it's delicious, where the two towering tyrants of this fascination are burgers and damn good fried chicken. The aim of Chicken Confidential is to blend the two, focusing on crafting incredible chicken burgers for a readily waiting public. At least, this is the niche that Mangan is hoping to exploit, but with so many excellent dedicated chicken joints already with deep roots all over the city, it's hard to predict if punters will flock (puts Box of Shame on self) to this new kid on the block. Only time can tell if the venture will be less secretive than the name would imply.
A boat sails across the ceiling, down the wall and across the crisp white hotel bed, into the carpet. This is no projection, no Photoshop and no witchcraft, but the aquarium-like effect of acclaimed photographer Robyn Stacey's recent experiments with a 5th-century BC technology: camera obscura. During a residency at Melbourne's Sofitel on Collins Street and visits to hotels in other cities, Stacey photographed scenes of exterior cityscapes imposed onto hotel interiors using tools from opposite ends of the technological spectrum, a simple camera obscura and a high-tech Hasselblad DSLR. The result is Guest Relations, a new series on show now at Sydney's Stills Gallery. What can you expect to see? Mysterious people, supposedly guests of the hotel, caught in moments of contemplation while the city hangs suspended above their heads or washes over the walls around them in startlingly sharp definition, suggesting a collision of public and private life. During her residency, Stacey recognised that just a photo of the hotel's famous views would constitute nothing more than a postcard. So she turned to camera obscura to solve the creative problem. "I like layers in work," she says. "The room sort of reveals itself to you." Because of the technical constraints of camera obscura — sometimes there'd only be a 40-minute window to shoot a long exposure of a motionless, torch-lit human subject while the sun was in the right spot — surprises would emerge. For example, in one image, there's "the way the war memorial comes in, the angle it comes in, and how [the female subject] is lying under it. So there's all that thing about, what does a war memorial signify, and what about the fact that she's female? It's open then, for people to read into it how they might." Stacey likes the film-still sense of narrative in the tableaux, raising questions of "What's happened in that room, or why are [these people] there?" The beauty of camera obscura, which she's only been working with since February this year, is that "it's magical. Turn on the light and it’s not there. It only happens in the dark." While hers required a laser-cut hole and a diopter lens, she points out that anyone could make one with black cardboard and a pen to punch the hole through it. She hopes to progress to filming these interiorscapes. "What you get in the room that you don’t get in a still image is movement. Sometimes you get these fantastic cloudscapes. They’re just rolling toward you, and they go all over the bed and the floor. It's like you're in the clouds." Stacey's advice to aspiring artists? She cites the quote often attributed to Goethe: Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. "[There can be] too much thinking and not enough doing. But they have to come together. If you have an idea, don't wait, do it now. It might not come out how you wanted, but it will open into something else. The work will lead you, but you've gotta go into it. You can't stand back from it." Robyn Stacey's Guest Relations is on at the Stills Gallery in Sydney until November 9. See more of her photography in her online portfolio.
A television tie-in certain to leave a bad taste in people's mouths both popped up and vanished this week — an incredibly ill-advised range of Handmaid's Tale-themed wines. Unsurprisingly, the idea of drinking vino named after a dystopian series about oppression wasn't really what fans of the show, or anyone, was after. Similarly unsurprisingly, turning a program about women being forced into servitude and made to bear children for society's leaders isn't the kind of thing that makes you think 'yes, this persecuted character that's fighting for survival against institutionalised exploitation needs to have a wine named after her'. Unveiled and then cancelled in the same week, Lot 18's 'Handmaid's Tale Trio' was comprised of a pack of two reds wines and one white wine named after three of the show's main figures. "The bold characters of The Handmaid's Tale are celebrated in these three collectible wines, specially crafted to highlight the personalities of Offred, Ofglen and Serena Joy," states the wine's now-defunct online listing. Offred was badged as a "smooth, earthy, and similarly seductive" French Pinot Noir, Ofglen a Cabernet Sauvignon that supposedly offered "a daring testament to the heights that Oregon Cabs can reach" and Serena Joy a sophisticated, traditional and austere" Bordeaux Blanc. First reported by People Magazine, the wines were swiftly scrapped after being made public. Adapting Margaret Atwood's 1985 novel into a television series might make for compelling viewing — and might even make viewers keen for a few soothing drinks while watching the grimly gripping show — but using its female characters for merchandising purposes is a badly thought-out move to say the very least. And, unlike Sydney's forthcoming Gilead development, it was a marketing tactic undertaken with full knowledge of the show, its content and its themes. In the case of the masterplanned New South Wales community that shares its name with The Handmaid's Tale's dystopian society, the term Gilead springs from the bible and has been used in Sydney for two centuries — even if now trying to promote a site with that moniker is incredibly unfortunate.
We all lived through the sourdough frenzy when everyone and their dog became bread-making masters seemingly overnight. We get the appeal, we do — it's a fun challenge, it ate up plenty of hours during lockdown, and it yields something versatile and delicious. But there are scores of other options for you to have fun and experiment in the kitchen with all that extra time you might now have on your hands — yes, once again — is you're living the iso life. Staying at home doesn't mean you have to settle for repetitive meals or boring recipes, and the best part is that you don't need to be a sous chef to make any of these recipes. So step away from the sourdough starter, and check out these weekend cooking ideas. [caption id="attachment_819800" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matthieu Joannon via Unsplash[/caption] DUMPLINGS, PLEASE Making dumplings in your own kitchen will teach you why they always say 'practice makes perfect'. We can't promise the first few will look amazing; in fact, you'll probably end up with a bunch of slightly sad, deformed dumplings at the start. But with a little bit of patience and practice, you'll be achieving the symmetrical folds and adorable little parcels of your dumpling dreams. Stock up on wrappers from your local Asian grocer (these can stay in the freezer until you're ready to start cooking) and make a bunch of whichever filling you're feeling. Follow Dan Hong's (Mr Wong, Ms G's) advice to help get the process down as you knock together some gyoza or siu mai, or have a go at these ones from Alice Zaslavsky. You can cook a few to have immediately, and freeze the rest for future meals or late-night cravings. So why not make a day of it and whip up as many dumplings as you can fit in your freezer? You'll have fun, master a new craft and have an amazing dinner option ready to go. GET PICKLIN' We know on paper that pickling does not scream sexy. But these mini flavour bombs are the perfect accompaniment to almost anything, with the ability to take a sandwich from mundane to extra special. Plus, the technique works as the base of some pretty nifty homemade condiments, like Bondi Harvest's classic kimchi. Pickling is a simple and versatile kitchen skill to master, since time does most of the work — and we all know you've got plenty of that. Just add your favourite veggies to spiced vinegar and see them bloom into a new, different ingredient that can brighten up any dish. Thinking of making a leftover steak sandwich? Add this easy-to-make giardiniera (an Italian-style veggie pickle) and it'll seem like a brand new meal. Pimp a salad with some of the Three Blue Ducks' pickled grapes. Or, try this antipasto-style roast veg pickle from the pickle masters at Cornersmith to serve as a lively snack beside your next home tipple. STOCK UP ON STOCK Since you can't just pop out for your standard supermarket shop while in iso, you can make things easier on yourself by having some kitchen essentials on hand. Enter: homemade stock. There aren't that many rules to it, so you can really add whatever you fancy for a rich, cosy broth. It's also easy to freeze and enjoy late, plus it's a great way of using up those veggie scraps and meat leftovers. In order to really get all the collagen from the meat you choose for your stock base, you'll want to cook it for as long as possible. For inspiration, check out this chicken stock from Kylie Kwong (Billy Kwong, Lucky Kwong). You could opt for pork, seafood or any other base that will make you happy. And for a great vegetable broth, simply start saving your vegetable scraps in the freezer. Once you become a stock maestro and have loads of stock on hand, you can put it to good use in some soups, like this hearty pumpkin number. [caption id="attachment_814516" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hyosun Rosy Ko via Unsplash[/caption] BAGELS FOR DAYS Why settle for sourdough when you can make your very own New York bagel brunch at home? Plan it in advance, so you'll have time to make the dough and let it rest — then you can bake and boil these bad boys come Saturday, Sunday (or Monday) morning. You can use seeds you have at home for toppings, but poppy seeds, sesame and caraway seeds all work particularly well. If you're feeling creative, make a mix of seeds with some garlic and onion flakes for a homemade 'everything' bagel topping. If you're an overachiever, have a crack at making gravlax by curing your own salmon with dill, and a good amount of salt and sugar. The star at any bagel brunch, gravlax can be stored for a week, and this Matt Moran recipe only needs to cure in your fridge for 48 hours. Have some cream cheese on hand, and bring your bagels to the next level with capers, red onion and a squeeze of lemon. SOME VERY SPECIAL NOODS With all this excess time spent at home over the last couple of years, we've all had more than our share of packet pasta and instant noodles. Instead, level-up and have a crack at making your own fresh noodles, using just a few basic ingredients: flour, water, salt, and (sometimes) eggs. You don't need a fancy pasta machine to make delicious pasta at home — you just need a rolling pin, some pantry staples and lots of patience. You could also try a few of these easy-to-master semolina varieties courtesy of the Ragazzi crew. We also recommend trying to make these hand-smashed noodles, pimped out with your choice of sauce or toppings. They're called biang biang noodles because of the sound they make when you bang the dough against the kitchen counter to stretch it out, so be ready to get your hands — and probably your kitchen — a little messy in the process. These are always good to keep frozen for whenever you're ready to boil and enjoy them, plus they're incredibly fun to make. For some other creative uses for that freshly-made pasta, jump over to Mitch Orr's (Pilu, ACME) Instagram to find a wealth of inspiration and clever recipes. [caption id="attachment_814510" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mahyar Motebassem via Unsplash[/caption] THE PERFECT PUFF What's flaky, golden and delicious, and works an absolute treat atop a rich pie? If you guessed puff pastry, you'd be spot on. Sure, this particular cooking project can prove a little fiddly and time-consuming — but that makes it the ideal thing to tackle over a quiet weekend. To make it, you'll need butter, salt, flour and a decent sprinkling of patience, as you master the art of lamination — the key technique on which puff pastry is made. It involves loads of folding and rolling, as you incorporate a brick of butter into your dough, with the whole thing allowed to rest properly between each step. You'll find an in-depth step-by-step guide to creating puff pastry online, courtesy of Melbourne's Tivoli Road Bakery. And if it all seems daunting, just think how good those crispy-topped homemade pies are going to taste. You can also try this quicker, less finessed (but still very tasty) version from The Village Cooks. [caption id="attachment_729638" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] REPURPOSE YOUR SOURDOUGH STARTER If you're one of the many homebound amateur chefs who joined the trend and made sourdough already, that's OK. Even after you're long bored of bread, you can use your sourdough starter to make something different and fresh. Have a go at unleashing your inner Neapolitan and whip up some pizza dough, adding whatever toppings make your heart sing. It might take a little effort and a fair bit of time, but you'll end up with crisp, chewy pizza bases that are sure to win you plenty of praise. Here's another good step-by-step guide from Calabrian chef Mauro Gulli. Our hot tip? To really embrace your pizzaiolo adventures, make up a bunch of tomato sauce you can use for topping pizzas or stirring through pasta — it can be kept frozen, ready to heat whenever the craving strikes. Top image: 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar
If you were wondering where Sydney's underground art scene is, Underbelly Arts Festival has made it accessible for you. The Festival is unique, not just in Sydney's mainstream art scene, but in the alternative one too. Not only does it offer you a day of the complex, strange, new, and experimental, but for a week beforehand you can come in for free and check out the artists in process. And sometimes help them make their art as well. The mysterious J Dark stalks and is stalked, Complicit brings you wall-robots, Ngoc Nguyen creates a Vietnamese flower festival, the turbine hall is taken over by acrobats, and all the while five artists knit together a new society. For the first time this year, the festival is spreading out over Cockatoo Island. The Underbelly Arts Festival has its festival proper on July 16, where you can enjoy the results of weeks of preparation. Beforehand, from July 3 to 12, the artists open their doors to strays in the Lab. You can help them do their thing, join in a tour, or sit in on a workshop (like this Toydeath-related one). Early bird tickets to the July 16 Festival are $10. Later on they go up to $15, or $20 on the day. Image by Dave Keeshan.
Held in the grounds of Glebe Public School every Saturday from 10am–4pm, pick up some homemade jewellery from local artists or vintage wares whilst munching on fresh produce and listening to live music.
