Goodbye traffic, hello impressive views while zooming around Brisbane: within the next decade, that might become a reality. Yes, it sounds like something out of a futuristic movie. Yes, it'd help you ditch the dreaded peak-hour crawl. And yes, there is indeed a plan to bring self-flying taxis to the Queensland city's skies — and within the next decade. As every Brisbanite knows and won't be able to forget in their lifetimes, Brissie is hosting the 2032 Olympic Games — news that was announced exactly a year ago, in fact. As a result, the city is set to get a whole lot busier, and there'll be plenty of people trying to get from point A to point B during the huge event itself. One potential solution: those automated aerial taxis. Back in June, southeast Queensland's Council of Mayors signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Wisk Aero, which has been developing all-electric self-flying air taxis in the US. It's now setting up an Australian base, and working with SEQ's Council of Mayors with a hope to introducing "safe, sustainable and scalable autonomous air taxi services" to the region. Exactly where those taxis could fly from and to, how often and what it'd cost haven't been finalised or revealed yet, obviously, with the arrangement still in the planning phase. Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that the world expects "to see the emergence of advanced air technology in places like Singapore, Paris and Los Angeles, and by 2032, I'd love to see it supporting new and innovative experiences for tourism and travel right here in southeast Queensland." "While there's still plenty of work to do around regulation and safety, the prospect of having autonomous air taxis operating throughout our region and between venues during the Brisbane 2032 Games is really exciting," Schrinner continued. Wisk Aero was created in 2019 as a joint venture between aviation companies Boeing and Kitty Hawk — and the latter has been exploring the self-flying air taxi space since 2010. In 2017, it tested and successfully flew an autonomous aircraft designed for passenger use in America. Kitty Hawk, which is supported by Google co-founder Larry Page, also did some testing in New Zealand in 2017 and 2018. Uber was also flirting with the same space via Uber Elevate, with plans to test flying taxis in Melbourne in 2020; however, the company was sold to Joby Aviation that year. In southeast Queensland, KFC has been trialling delivering chicken by drones — so people taking to the air to get around town was always the likely next step. For more information about Wisk Aero and the plans to bring self-flying taxis to southeast Queensland, head to the Wisk Aero and Council of Mayors websites.
Looking for a little bit of R&R after a long day of shopping? Encore Beauty has you covered. You can treat yourself to a selection of massages and skincare treatments. The trained therapists customise the treatments based on your specific skin needs, and use products from luxe French skincare brand Sothys to treat and nourish your face, neck and décolletage. The studio offers micro-needling, cosmetic injectables and light therapy, too. Meanwhile, the body treatment menu includes 'hanakasumi', a Japanese ritual which uses shea butter and cherry blossom. The shop also has a number of skincare products from Sothys, Mayerling and more for sale, too, if you need to restock your home stash. Images: Trent Van der jagt.
Australians, if a trip across the ditch ranks high on your wish list, the New Zealand Government has delivered some great news: across the first half of 2022, the country will start reopening its borders to international travellers. Earlier in 2021, Aotearoa and Australia had a brief international travel bubble, which allowed Aussies and Kiwis to fly back and forth between the two countries without quarantine. It was then put in pause in July after COVID-19 outbreaks in Australia — and that suspension was extended following outbreaks in New Zealand. But, in a press conference on Wednesday, November 24, NZ COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins announced that the country's international travel restrictions are set to lift in January — beginning with vaccinated New Zealanders and those who hold NZ visas early next year. From Monday, January 17 NZ time, folks who fall into those categories will be able to re-enter NZ without quarantining in NZ's managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities — although a seven-day stint in self-isolation will be required. That move will then be extended to vaccinated travellers from other countries, including Australia, across a three-step process. Here's how it's going to work: STEP ONE From Monday, January 17 next year, double-vaccinated New Zealanders and other eligible travellers (such as visa holders) will be able to return to New Zealand from Australia, without a two week stay in MIQ facilities. This means Kiwis can travel to Australia, however briefly, and avoid MIQ on their return. However, they'll need to self-isolate for seven days after returning to Aotearoa, and must provide a final negative test before entering the community. STEP TWO From Monday, February 14 next year, double-vaccinated New Zealanders and other eligible travellers (such as visa holders) will be able to return to New Zealand from all other countries — not just Australia — and also avoid an MIQ stay, except after travelling to countries deemed "very high risk". The same safety precautions as above will need to be taken: they'll need to self-isolate for seven days and must provide a final negative test before entering the community. STEP THREE From Saturday, April 30, all other double-vaccinated international travellers will able to enter the country, without an MIQ stay. This might be staggered on visa levels, Hipkins added during his press conference. The requirement to self-isolate and provide testing upon return will be assessed during this period, but it's expected this will be probably be in place throughout May. So, it isn't time to go packing your suitcases for a NZ getaway just yet, but it will be soon — and just in time for ski season (if you're already thinking about your winter plans). Since the beginning of November, double-vaxxed Australians have been permitted to leave our shores for overseas holidays; however, exactly where you can head obviously depends on travel restrictions in other countries. More information about NZ's international travel three-step plan and Hipkins' full statement can be found on the New Zealand Government website. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
The good ol' Marly has bid farewell to its upstairs neighbour Miss Peaches and has welcomed something much quirkier in her place. The Newtown boozer's first floor space is now home to the weird and wonderful Cuckoo — a kooky bar inspired by Germany's alpine resorts. Venture on up and you'll feel a bit like Alice tumbling into the rabbit hole. Brought to life by hospitality group Solotel with help from International Worldwide (the creatives behind the recently renovated George Hotel, The Duke, The Old Fitz) and Monster Children, Cuckoo is filled with knick-knacks, a lounge room bar pulled straight from your opa's house and constant sounds from the collection of cuckoo clocks adorning the walls. It even has a bouldering wall, so you can really pretend you're climbing up Zugspitze. The quirkiness is also embraced wholeheartedly by the drinks list, which boasts eight different house-infused schnapps, alongside crafty cococktails such as the cardamom, sour apple and ginger-laced Apfelschorle cocktail ($18) and the Deer's Blood ($18) with gin, Jägermeister, Campari and honey vermouth. Meanwhile, taps are pouring Germanic-style beers from local breweries like Batch and Wayward — try yours in a stein or in the glass shoey the team's calling Das Boot. If you head in during Schnappy Hour — from 5–7pm, Wednesday–Friday — you'll score yourself a glass of house schnapps for just $5 and a selection of cocktails for $15, too. Sticking with the theme, Cuckoo's food offering is filled with German classics like schnitzels (in chicken, veal and pork varieties), smoked kransky sausage ($8) and spätzle ($8). But, thanks to a fully-stocked condiments station, the house-made pretzels ($12) might just steal the show. Images: Kitti Gould
Vivid Sydney is no stranger to lights. In each year's program — including with 2023's set-to-dazzle lineup, complete with Lightscape in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney — filling the Harbour City with luminous installations is one of the citywide arts festival's main aims. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a wander around town in June involves stunning radiant sights awaiting at every turn. And this year, that glow will extend down to Wynyard's unused railway tunnels for the first time ever. This is the first time ever that the subterranean spot will be opened to the public, in fact — and turned into a light show beneath the streets. Meet Dark Spectrum, the ticketed installation that's world premiering at Vivid Sydney as a just-announced addition to the 2023 program. We hope you like lasers, secret passageways, bright colours and a one-of-a-kind experience, all on offer from Friday, May 26–Sunday, July 16. A collaboration between Vivid Sydney, Sony Music, Mandylights and Culture Creative, this underground spectacle features eight rooms, all heroing a different hue, with the entire setup inspired by raves and their dance floors. They're each meant to mimic the human experience through life, too, as helped by robotics, visual technology and a pulsating electronic dance music soundtrack. Accordingly, Dark Spectrum will take attendees through rooms themed around separation, constriction, pressure and the unseen, then spaces that are all about reflection, the unfamiliar and connection. The last one? It serves up an end with a revelation — which will obviously need to be experienced rather than explained. Vivid Sydney has given a few hints about what's in store, though. In Construction, 150 LED pipes will hang from the roof, while Pressure will feature 50 archways covered in lights and mirrors — and make Wynyard's tunnels look like a never-ending tunnel. Or, there's Interaction, a sea of hanging string lights and illuminated plants that respond to movement, which takes its cues from Avatar. "We're thrilled to announce this world-first experience for Vivid Sydney 2023. Dark Spectrum is a perfect fit for this year's festival theme, exploring the intersection between human emotions, our natural environment and the urban landscape and relics of Sydney's industrial past," said Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini. "Diving beneath the surface of what is now one of the city's busiest railway lines, Dark Spectrum is a truly mesmerising and engaging experience for visitors to explore Sydney in a whole new way. I am excited we get to shine a light on unknown spaces across the city". After its Sydney debut, Dark Spectrum will tour the world — so for folks outside of the Harbour City who can't make it along during Vivid, cross your fingers that it next comes your way. Vivid Sydney 2023 will run from Friday, May 26–Saturday, June 17. For further information and tickets — including to Dark Spectrum from Friday, May 26–Sunday, July 16 — head to the event's website.
Sydney comes to flamboyant life in Mardi Gras season with shows, parties and the globally broadcasted Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, February 29. This year's theme is 'What Matters', and you don't have to venture far from the heart of Mardi Gras to find countless fun events across the month. Queer friendly venue The Beresford is hosting festive, raucous and glitter-filled events to get you and your friends into the groove this Gay Christmas. Head to the Surry Hills party palace, no matter how you identify, to get involved in the festival. You can even pen a love letter to your beau and enter it into this competition for the chance to win a whopping $10,000 Merivale gift card. [caption id="attachment_708573" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Will Salkeld[/caption] GET SERIOUS AT THIS COMMUNITY ISSUES TALK As well as celebrating how far we've come, Mardi Gras is also about remembering the challenges still faced by the community. Equality Australia is presenting a talk on the topic 'Freedom of Discrimination' on Sunday, February 23, which is a good time to contemplate the issues we continue to experience. Beresford Talks is your opportunity to consider the potentially damaging impact of the Religious Discrimination Bill across health, workplaces and inclusivity. It's also completely free to attend, and we bet even your most politically engaged mates could learn a thing or two about the big issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community today. WATCH 'THE BIRDCAGE' AL FRESCO Openair cinemas are a dime a dozen in Sydney, but how about catching a classic queer movie in a beer garden? Sounds like you should grab your mates (or perhaps a date) and head over to The Beresford's courtyard to see the 1996 comedy The Birdcage on Monday, February 24, or the musical comedy Hairspray on Monday, March 2. Movies start from 7pm, and you can laugh along and enjoy food, drinks and the summer breeze as you watch. As part of the celebrations, there's a special Mardi Gras cocktail on offer, with $2 from every coconut and lime concoction going to charities Bobby Goldsmith Foundation and ACON. GET THE GANG TOGETHER FOR BINGO WITH A TWIST Bingo? Boring. Bingay? Hell, yeah. Call up your most competitive mates for a night of fabulous tunes and outrageous game rules at this drag queen-led bingo night. Hilarious penalties and lewd calls are par for the course, and as it's a popular night we suggest booking your spot early for Wednesday, February 26. You'll be in for a chance to win one of many prizes, including tickets to the official Mardi Gras Party. Expect to be serenaded with gay pride anthems and to laugh out loud to cheeky banter from your hosts Charisma Belle and Naomi Palmer. It's $20 per person and 100 percent of the proceeds go to ACON programs and services that focus on health and wellbeing services for the LGBTQIA+ community and people living with HIV. [caption id="attachment_749877" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jeffrey Feng[/caption] WATCH THE PARADE WITH A COCKTAIL IN HAND Gay Christmas is almost here. On Saturday, February 29, you can watch the glittering parade standing shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists, or from the comfort of your couch. Or, you could join in the biggest party of the year with a cosmo in hand by watching a live stream of the parade action at The Beresford. Don your most colourful outfit and take a seat in the Surry Hills courtyard as you sip on cocktails, then later dance the night away with friends old and new. There'll be jaw-dropping costumes, plus some surprise performances from queer royalty on the night. You never know who might pop by. Merivale and Absolut are celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community across a number of events this Mardi Gras. Find out where you can purchase a special Mardi Gras cocktail. Absolut Stardust, and how to profess your love for that special someone, along with the chance to win a $10,000 Merivale gift card.
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through Facebook and pausing to watch the videos of the drool-worthy desserts only to discover they're from some faraway place in Europe or the US? Never fear, Sydneysiders, there's a haven for dessert lovers right in your backyard. Bay Vista has undergone several makeovers since its establishment as a diner back in 1991, but its conversion to a dessert restaurant has by far been the most successful. No matter what your sugary vice is, Bay Vista is sure to deliver; crepes, pancakes, waffles, brownies, cakes, pies, scrolls, ice cream and fondues are all on offer until the early hours of the morning. If you aren't in the mood for a sweet treat, it also makes a mean grilled cheese sandwich. Images: Trent van der Jagt.
Bored of your usual Wednesday night entertainment? Head to Friend in Hand for something a little different: crab racing. Every last Wednesday of the month, you can expect crisp, cold schooners, or better yet $10 jugs from 7–8.30pm, while you watch an upturned bucket of hermit crabs race to the finish line. The pub's been bringing these crustacean shenanigans to Glebe for over 20 years from 8pm. So grab a jug, and get set to cheer on your fine shelled friends. Image: Kitti Gould.
From its opening scene, Terminator: Dark Fate succeeds in its most important mission: to go back in time and kill off every Terminator movie that came out after Terminator 2: Judgment Day. It's not that the subsequent films were awful (well, maybe Genysis), but their heart-pumping action scenes and lore-developing stories couldn't capture the complexity of the 1984 original and its 1991 sequel. They also lacked two other key components: writer/director James Cameron, as well as Linda Hamilton's version of kick-ass hero Sarah Connor. In Terminator: Dark Fate, they both return, with Cameron producing and helping come up with the story, and Hamilton raising hell as the gun-blazing terminator of terminators. We just wish that the latter had been more of a surprise. Blame the trailer — which not revealed the film's two biggest and best character reprisals, but also almost every one of its key action moments. That's Dark Fate's biggest mistake, because none of these parts of the movie needed to be teased. Terminator is one of those rare and fortunate franchises in the enviable position of owning its audience's heart and soul. Like Star Wars, Die Hard and Harry Potter, fans of the originals can't stop seeing these films, even if their love keeps waning with each increasingly disappointing sequel. As a result, what would've rated as genuine "no... fucking... way!?!" scenes in Dark Fate are rendered entirely anti-climactic, sucking the oxygen out of every prior moment as soon as you realise "oh, this is when Sarah rocks up". And yet, while Dark Fate's best moments fail to hit home as they might otherwise have done, the sixth instalment in the Terminator series still has a lot going for it. First and foremost, director Tim Miller (Deadpool) keeps the cast noticeably small, with just five main characters and only a few minor supporting roles. The first three are all franchise newbies, each holding their own against the veterans. Dani (Natalia Reyes) is a young Mexican girl who finds herself the target of a whole different kind of terminator called the Rev-9 (a terrific Gabriel Luna). Standing in its way is an augmented human named Grace (Mackenzie Davis), a soldier sent back from 2042 to protect Dani — just as Michael Biehn's character was in the first film. Indeed, much of Dark Fate plays out in familiar territory. Like the first two Terminator pictures, it's primarily a chase movie, with some scenes feeling almost too samey (the freeway pursuit sequence, for example, except this time it features a bulldozer instead of a semi-trailer). Where the film shines, though, is in its returning stars: Hamilton's Sarah Connor and Arnie's iconic T-800 'Model 101' terminator. Hamilton, in particular, reminds us how effortlessly she can be a total badass without it ever feeling forced or exaggerated — and even leaves you annoyed that more films haven't capitalised on this fact over the last 30 years. In contrast, Arnie's return is entirely different to his previous turns in the role. The trailers haven't spoiled that side of things, at least. So we'll say no more, except to note that all the CGI in the world still can't match the menacing simplicity of an exposed metallic eyeball or finger, and it's great to have him — and them — back. For those wondering how this story can even exist given the events of previous instalments, Dark Fate does a nice job of answering its own temporal conundrums. On that front, there's a genuinely unsettling edge to the idea of an inevitable apocalypse caused by human hubris and irresponsibility. Whether research companies, the military or tech startups play an influential part, the suggestion that our actions always eventually culminate in the creation of a mechanical monster seems to echo louder in the mind every time news arrives of another breakthrough in automation and artificial intelligence. "Skynet is coming" used to be an easy punchline, but these days it feels more like a warning — and Dark Fate neatly plays around in that space. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdivOFoF8-g
We all know the idiom, but this art installation, in collaboration with The Empathy Museum, invites visitors to literally walk a mile in someone else's shoes. What's more, the pop-up store in which you find said footwear is shaped like a giant shoe box. These are real shoes, too, but not just anyone's; these are the shoes of people with real stories: refugees and migrants who have come to Australia, made it their home and changed the environment around them in the process. You'll learn, you'll laugh, you'll cry, but one thing's for sure — you'll never think of the famous phrase in the same way again.
It's easy to pass right by this restaurant, which is hidden down a seedy CBD alley. Luckily for O Bal, its reputation precedes it — and for good reason. The bustling, DIY Korean style barbecue is popular among all nationalities. At the centre of each table sits a charcoal barbecue pit, perfect for cooking the selection of meats, seafood and offal that can be found on the menu. Believe it or not, the thinly sliced wagyu and the marinated king prawns go particularly well together. Expect a bit of a wait — but you'll be seated and eating way before your counterpart at the neighbouring Madang. Image: Anna Ayvazyan via Flickr
When a vegan bar opened in the Ovolo Hotel, Sydneysiders moved fast to eat plant-based 'bad food' by chef Matthew Kenney. Alt-Ctrl-Eat is Alibi's fast-food delivery option, with a philosophy of sustainability, quality produce and nutrition. Vegans and non-vegans alike can rejoice in a menu powered by plants that offers open chick'n n waffle, cheeseburgers, Fill It of Fish and barbecue loaded fries with 'bacon bits'. Its cheeseburger patties are made by the Alternative Meat Co, which makes meat-free patties that are high in protein. And if you're after something a little lighter, it also has a range of salads and noodles to keep you fuelled.
Former Powderfinger frontman Bernard Fanning has announced a huge, 17-date national tour — including several all-ages shows — to promote his debut album, Battleships, out June 7 on Dew Process/Universal. It's been a long wait for Fanning fans (which, in keeping with the precedent set by Beliebers and Directioners, we'll henceforth be calling Fan-nings), with this tour their first opportunity to see the great man since Powderfinger's farewell tour in 2010. He'll be traversing the country, from Nambour to Hobart, along with his special guests, Big Scary and Vance Joy. And if you're in Townsville on August 17, you'll get a special mini-festival when that already-awesome lineup is bolstered by The Rubens, The Medics AND Snakadaktal. With Fanning also announced for Splendour in the Grass following hot on the heels of the release of the album's debut single (and title track), it's sure to be a busy few months for one of Australia's favourite songwriters. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 7, via an exclusive fan club presale through bernardfanning.com. The Telstra Thanks presale is available from Wednesday, May 8, before the public on-sale kicks off on Friday, May 10. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Fi8OciiVIA4
Surry Hills restaurant and bar Mille Vini has long been admired for its rustic Italian cuisine, spotlighting numerous regions throughout the old country with handmade pastas and a focus on local winemakers specialising in Italian varieties. Now the same team is making its first foray into the CBD, launching Rovollo in July. Joining other fine-diners like AALIA and The International at 25 Martin Place, Rovollo will move into the former home of L'uva Pasta Wine Bar. Delivering an intimate Italian dining experience, the 40-seat venue (with space for 30 more guests outside) will pair the warmth and personalised service of old-school hospitality with modern-day sophistication and style. Guided by Andrew Wallace of Esper Hospitality, the new venue was inspired by a recent trip to the Amalfi Coast, where his family was treated to timeless hospitality that's unfortunately becoming harder to find. With Rovollo, the plan is to deliver a similar kind of la dolce vita, where the richness of the experience is just as important as the luxuries on the plate. "We weren't just there for an allocated time slot. There was genuine theatre, personal touches and we left feeling like we were part of something bigger than ourselves," says Wallace. "We want to give back to Sydney diners, by creating an atmosphere where people feel known, receive more than they expected and with memories that last well after they've walked out the door." To strike this ambience, a rotating pasta lineup made fresh daily by Executive Chef Cami Feliciano (Seta, Woodcut and Matteo Downtown), will lead Rovollo's menu. Meanwhile, newly appointed Head Chef Zane Buchanan (Clam Bar) will take charge of large-format proteins. We'll have to wait for the full release, but just know the signature pasta will be served from a giant Parmigiano-Reggiano wheel imported from Italy. Did we mention it will be set alight before plating? Also on the share-style menu will be a myriad of antipasti and premium seafood dishes. As for the beverage offering, expect over 25 wines poured by the glass, while a Coravin wine system will help foster fascinating pairings and regular special tastings. Rovollo's launch date is still to be revealed, but the restaurant will open for lunch and dinner, six days a week. Rovollo is planned for a July opening at 25 Martin Place, Sydney. Head to the website for updates and more information. Images: Christian Michael.
Romantic comedies work as wish fulfilment, and they're the main way we consume ideas of romance in cinema. So when a movie comes along and steps out of the fantasy bubble to present a relationship that's nuanced, messy, and even time-limited, it's instantly refreshing. Celeste & Jesse Forever then goes beyond mere refreshing idea to become a memorable, honest, sweet, and satisfying film. Starring and co-written by adorable Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation), the film joins Celeste (Jones) and Jesse (Andy Samberg) six months after their separation. They're still so joined at the hip, however, that we're not aware of this for a good 10 minutes of the movie, until their dinner companions and best friends, Beth (Ari Graynor) and Tucker (Eric Christian Olsen), interrupt the couple's cosy in-joke fest to tell them that their behaviour is not normal, not healthy, and has to stop. They don't listen, but after things eventually come to a head, Jesse moves out of the granny flat — and into a sudden, very committed relationship with a beautiful Belgian (Rebecca Dayan). It's then that Celeste has to deal with the fact that she may have taken her great love for granted. Jones co-wrote this with long-time pal Will McCormack (who also plays drug dealer Skillz), and the buddy banter is the first of many things they've gotten eerily close to reality. They touch on the possibility of there being a difference between a best friend and life partner and the experience of seeing a hopeless ex abruptly scrub up in a new relationship. Celeste has friendships with multiple women and men (!), a level of social complexity we don't often get to see in film but which brings tons of warmth and zest. It's this kind of sweetly personal resonance that explains why a person's 'favourite films' list is often different to a 'best films' list — and Celeste & Jesse Forever might feature on a few of the former. With Celeste's high-powered career as a futurist, the film briefly threatened to go down a Bettina Arndt-paved path to a moral of learning to settle with a mediocre man. Fortunately, that path remains in a whole other universe to Celeste & Jesse Forever. Its world is real, contemporary life with extra funny, making for a break-up movie where no-one stands in the night staring up at the rain. https://youtube.com/watch?v=NQoH1IGRB3w
Sat in the middle of Sydney Harbour, Me-Mel isn't just one of the city's many scenic sites surrounded by glistening water. Also known as Goat Island, it's a pivotal part of New South Wales' Indigenous history, and was inhabited by Eora leaders Bennelong and Barangaroo in the late 18th and early 19th century. It's on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, but the NSW Government is now going a step further to recognise its past — reverting ownership of Me-Mel back to the Aboriginal community. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced on Sunday, May 29, that the iconic island will be transferred back to its Traditional Owners. It'll also receive $43 million in funding for its restoration. "Returning Me-Mel to the Aboriginal community is the right thing to do, and it helps deliver on my commitment of improving outcomes and opportunities for Aboriginal people across all parts of government," said Perrottet. "A big part of my commitment is ensuring the island is remediated before it's transferred to the Aboriginal community," the Premier continued. "Through the NSW Budget 2022–23, we're delivering $42.9 million to regenerate and restore Me-Mel, and ultimately pave the way for the transfer back to the Aboriginal community." [caption id="attachment_855820" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Views over Sydney Harbour from Goat Island, Sydney.[/caption] That cash will cover restoration work over four years, including "repairing seawalls and buildings, improving the wharf and access, upgrading services such as water and sewers, and removing contaminants like asbestos," advised NSW Treasurer Matt Kean. After those upgrades and maintenance work — so, likely in 2026 — the transfer will take place. Expressions of interest are now open for members of the Indigenous community to join the Me-Mel Transfer Committee, which will fall under the National Parks and Wildlife Service, to oversee the process, make recommendations about the transfer to Aboriginal ownership, and also assist with determining how Me-Mel will be managed and used afterwards. The island's history also features 30 buildings and other structures that are still onsite, dating from the 1830s through to the 1960s. Until the transfer occurs, Me-Mel will still be managed by NPWS — and will remain open to the public both before and after the change of ownership. For more information about the transfer of Me-Mel (Goat Island) back to the Indigenous community, read the NSW Government press release or visit the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website. Images: Destination NSW.
In a couple of months, when it's time to see how 101 Dalmatians' Cruella De Vil came to be such a villain, moviegoers will have two choices. When the end of May hits, you'll be able to see the Emma Stone-starring Cruella on the big screen — or you'll be able to sit on your couch, jump onto Disney+, pay an extra fee and check it out from home. More of a Marvel kind of film fan? Been looking forward to Black Widow, which was originally supposed to release in cinemas last April but has been delayed several times due to the pandemic? You'll have the same pair of options when that flick releases in July, too — a couple of months later than was last slated, but still in the very near future. Disney has announced that the two big movies will go the same route as Raya and the Last Dragon, which made its way to cinemas and Disney+ at the same time at the beginning of this month. The news is hardly surprising, given that theatres in different parts of the world are at different stages of reopening — or, in some cases, still closed. Indeed, after over a year of holding off from making move with Black Widow, the Mouse House just might be setting the template for its releases moving forward. So, you can expect to see Cruella in cinemas on Thursday, May 27 and on Disney+ the next day, on Friday, May 28. As for Black Widow, it'll hit the silver screen on Thursday, July 8 and then become available to stream on Friday, July 9. Because neither film will be included in your regular Disney+ subscription, just how much extra you'll pay to watch them at home hasn't been revealed — but Raya and the Last Dragon costs $34.99 on top of your monthly or annual fee, so that's a good guide. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmRKv7n2If8 If you'd been looking forward to Pixar's next flick, the Italian-set Luca, you'll also be able to watch that at home from Friday, June 18. In this case, though, it's completely bypassing cinemas, and it won't cost you anything extra to see on Disney+. The animation studio's last movie, the gorgeous and moving Soul, did the same last Christmas — so again, this isn't unexpected in the slightest. Last year, Disney moved Pixar's Onward to streaming when cinemas started closing, then did the same with the terrible Artemis Fowl, the phenomenal filmed version of Hamilton and the visually impressive live-action Mulan, too — so yes, this is becoming a trend. Recognising that viewers want choice when it comes to watching big-name new-release movies was always bound to happen, of course, but the pandemic has certainly sped up the process. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdAIBlPVe9s Cruella will release in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, May 27 and on Disney+ on Friday, May 28. Black Widow will hit the big screen on Thursday, July 8 and then become available to stream on Friday, July 9. And Luca will hit Disney+ on Friday, June 18. Top images: Black Widow, photo by Jay Maidment. © Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved / Cruella, photo by Laurie Sparham. © 2021 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The brains behind Bourke Street Bakery, one of Sydney's most popular bakeries, have continued to knead the idea-dough and create new wholemealsome fun for the city's residents, this time launching a micro-winery within their Potts Point establishment. Paul Allam and David McGuinness, the bread moguls behind Bourke Street, have teamed up with Potts Point local Alex Retief of boutique NSW wine label A. Retief Wines to create the suburb's only micro-winery, which perfectly suits their highly successful After Hours program. They have transplanted half a tonne of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Tertini Wines in the Southern Highlands to the floor of Bourke Street Bakery Potts Point where they are currently fermenting, waiting to be transformed into delicious croissant-complementing wine. Bread and wine go together perfectly — just ask Jesus — and this is the perfect spot for wine production, with the wild yeast spores from the bakery's air allowing for natural fermentation. Alex also frequents the store daily to plunge the grapes, but you do not need expert wine-making hands to join in the fun. "We are keeping the plunger beside the grapes and we encourage anyone in the area to pop in, have a peek and to plunge the grapes themselves," says McGuinness. This interactive initiative will also feature a series of evening talks held on site with a range of winemakers, including Centennial Vineyards, BK Wines and A. Retief Wines themselves, where locals will be able taste the bakery's produce throughout the fermentation process. Finally, a chance to smell your wine, swirl your glass and practice being a wine expert.
Opening a restaurant at any time is hard, but your back is really up against the wall if you try to do it in the midst of a four-month lockdown. Despite that, Amani Rachid, Huss Rachid and Sal Senan pulled it off, opening My Mother's Cousin in the middle of Sydney's lockdown to great success. My Mother's Cousin is a classic pizza and wing joint that nails the simple things. It's all about pizza and wings here and after kicking things off with takeaway and delivery during lockdown, the south Sydney spot is now open for dine-in as well. The dough for each of My Mother's Cousin's pizza is fermented for 48 hours and topped with high-quality ingredients that stray from the mundane while staying true to flavours Sydneysiders love to see on their doughy rounds. Simple classics like fennel Italian sausage with roasted capsicum ($24) or white cheese, garlic confit and caramelised onion ($24) are here, alongside a spicy nduja, sopressa salumi and ricotta pizza ($26) that is calling out for a drizzle of hot honey ($2). While the pizza can be a certified show-stealer here, the wings hold their own on the menu. You can order them in sets of six ($12) or 12 ($22) smothered in your choice of hot honey, Phil's in-house hot sauce, lime and pepper, or original recipe. Accompanying the chicken is an array of house-made sauces including a truffle mayo and good ol' gravy. Open Wednesday–Sunday, drop in and you may be treated to a limited-time special. Cream doughnuts, subs piled high with deli meats and limited-time pizza flavours all come and go week to week. The Bexley North pizza shop's name attempts to paying homage to Nineteen 43, a Rockdale cafe and the group's first venue. "We always treated Nineteen 43 as the mother, and My Mother's Cousin is the cousin of that mother," the team says. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Pizza in Sydney
Stunning acrobatic sights, but on ice: that's Cirque du Soleil's latest spectacular show. Usually when the Montreal-based circus company hits cities around the world, it has audiences rolling up to its big top to see aerial displays and contortionist feats. But CRYSTAL is different — and, sliding into arenas so that it can get frosty, it's proving popular with Australian audiences before it even gets here. Cirque du Soleil's first-ever ice show, CRYSTAL announced its debut Australia run for 2023 back in 2022. Haven't nabbed tickets yet? You now have extra chances. It won't arrive until winter — when else? — but the season has already become a hit, leading the circus to add an extra week of gigs in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth due to overwhelming demand. CRYSTAL still features all the trapeze, juggling, aerial stunts, acrobatics and more that fans have seen and loved across the company's past 41 productions — seven traditional circus acts, in fact, including banquine and hand balancing — but then adds a cold surface rather than its usual stage setup. And, it includes figure skating and extreme skating as well, two disciplines that've never been featured in a Cirque du Soleil production before now. When CRYSTAL heads Down Under, it'll mark Cirque du Soleil's first visit since KURIOS: Cabinet of Curiosities in 2019 and 2020, although that production's run was interrupted by the pandemic. Also part of CRYSTAL, and another Cirque du Soleil first: remastered pop songs, including Beyoncé's 'Halo', U2's 'Beautiful Day', Nina Simone's 'Sinnerman' and Sia's 'Chandelier', in the company's only touring show so far to use such tracks. CRYSTAL has been doing the rounds worldwide since 2017, with more than 1.8-million people in 115 cities in 12 countries checking it out over the past five years. The all-ages show takes its name from the production's protagonist, who acts as the audience's guide as she follows her destiny to become herself. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL'S CRYSTAL — AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR 2023: Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 30 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre Thursday, August 3–Sunday, August 13 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Thursday, August 17–Sunday, August 27 — John Cain Arena, Melbourne Thursday, August 31–Sunday, September 3 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre Friday, September 15—Sunday, September 24 — RAC Arena, Perth Cirque du Soleil's Crystal tours Australia in July–September 2023. For more information, or to buy tickets, head to the show's website. Images: Matt Baker / Olivier Brajon.
Inspired by the theme "what matters", the 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is promising more than colourful, queer and fearless events and a slew of international artists running across 17 days. In addition to the signatures — including the Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, February 29 — there's a bunch of new happenings this time round. One of the most anticipated is the return of the Kaftan Party to be held at the Ivy on Wednesday, February 19. Don your favourite kaftan or hottest moo-moo and spend the day kicking back to the Sugar Fed Leopards and various DJs. There'll be prizes for Best Kaftan, Best Cabana Lounging Ensemble and Most Outrageous Summer Accessory. Meanwhile, the Sissy Ball is back for another round, after selling out last year. Taking over Enmore Theatre on Saturday, February 22, this NYC ballroom-inspired event centres around vogue battles in the categories of dance, movement, fashion and air. In between watching acts of unabashed self-expression, you'll be kicking back to live music and DJs. [caption id="attachment_758453" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jeffrey Feng[/caption] Luna Park will transform into a rainbow wonderland for Family Fun Day and the AGNSW will once again host its free Queer Art After Hours session, while Newtown's Seymour Centre will host the festival hub. Head down there to catch theatre, music, dance, circus, cabaret, burlesque shows and late-night parties from Thursday–Sunday. Among the headliners is the world premiere of Fuck Fabulous — "an unforgettable night of debauchery" — and Hot Brown Honey: a genre-defying show about colour, culture and controversy. Expect a big injection of Eurovision talent, too, especially when 2014 winner Conchita Wurst joins Aussie cabaret star Trevor Ashley for Conchita Wurst and Trevor Ashley in Concert. The pair will play the State Theatre with a full orchestra in tow to deliver a night dedicated to their greatest hits. [caption id="attachment_758451" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Smith[/caption] And the chuckles will be flowing freely when Laugh Out Proud pulls together a sparkling lineup of homegrown and international acts into one side-splitting variety comedy event. Hosted by Nath Valvo, this one features appearances from the likes of Rhys Nicholson, Cassie Workman, Zoe Coombs Marr, Geraldine Hickey and Myra DuBois. You can look forward, too, to the return of longstanding favourites, including Fair Day at Victoria Park on Sunday, February 16; Pool Party at the Ivy on Monday, February 24; and Laneway – the Parade's official recovery party – on Sunday, March 3 at The Beresford in Surry Hills. And, of course, the Mardi Gras Party on Saturday, February 29 at Hordern Pavilion, which this year has a host of special guests: Dua Lipa, Kesha, Pabllo Vittar and Sam Smith. You'll be 'Dancing With a Stranger' to 'New Rules' and 'Tik Tok'ing the night away. Top image: Jeffrey Feng
In Beauty, Francois is self-contained, unhappily married, white, middle-aged. He's from another world — that of Apartheid South Africa — and has utterly failed to adjust to the post-Apartheid landscape where the privileges he was born with mean less. He quietly and unapologetically throws around racist and homophobic slander across the dinner table. But as the reality of Francois' identity is slowly revealed, we come to understand that he is the object of his own loathing: he's not just a closet racist, but a closet gay man. His unravelling begins when he meets Christian (Charlie Keegan), who is distinctly new-world South African: young, handsome, successful, loved, and genuinely charismatic. He is the symbol of everything that is unavailable to Francois (played subtly and menacingly by Deon Lotz). Beauty is not about politics per se, but it is deeply political: it delves into how matters of sexuality and race manifest in individuals. The last film that did this successfully was the Iranian A Separation, and so director Oliver Hermanus has a tough job cut out for him. As a drama, Beauty never achieves the devastating tension of A Separation, but as a character study of someone who is both shaped and impounded by his culture, it is quite effective. The film is not just about the tragic figure of Francois but about all people who fear the world as it turns and changes around them. Likewise, Beauty is not so much about desire and obsession, as some have reported, but repression and unrealised longing. The point is not semantic when discussing the complexities of internalised homophobia. Clearly the film is ambitious in scope, but it refuses to answer the many questions it throws at the audience so violently and distressingly about the nature of fear, sexuality, race, and social change. It is one thing to examine the plight of a self-hating gay man, but Hermanus risks overly humanising Francois' descent into inexcusable brutality. The director was a press photographer in his former life, and his fondness for very still, slowly edited shots often brings the pace of the film to a standstill, undermining his ability to gradually build suspense. Despite its shortcomings, its braveness was rewarded with the Queer Palm at Cannes Film Festival. Beauty frustrates and disturbs in equal measures. https://youtube.com/watch?v=8nkOSe9fBqs
Butter just keeps giving Sydneysiders more reasons to go absolutely crazy for it. The cult favourite is already a palace of fried chicken, sneakers, Champagne and truffle. Now, you can add limited-edition ramen to that list, too. Executive Chef Julian Cincotta has teamed up with Nick Smith of Newtown's super-popular Rising Sun Workshop to create a tantamen ramen. Available for four weeks only — starting Tuesday, September 3 — the rich, spicy ramen features a sesame chicken broth, rayu (Japanese chilli oil), hot and numbing ground chicken, fermented bamboo, noodles, pickled wasabi leaf and marinated egg. Oh, and it's topped with Butter's fried chicken tenders, of course. If you've eaten Rising Sun Workshop's ramen before, you'll know it's good. And we're expecting this will be, too. You can find these tasty noods at Butter's stores in Surry Hills and Parramatta, and at its pop-up at Mrs Sippy in Double Bay. To celebrate the collab, the duo will be throwing a fried chicken party at Rising Sun Workshop sometime in spring. We'll let you know when more info on that drops. Images: Sean Alcantara
Eating at Mother Chu's Vegetarian Kitchen is like sitting down to a plate of mum's best nutritious yet delicious comfort food. That is, if your mother is a 90-something Taiwanese woman with a passion for vegan cooking. Specialising in MSG-free vegan dishes, Mother Chu's has developed somewhat of a cult vego following in Sydney. Meals here, I was told before arriving, are consistently delicious; they promise to leave you feeling full and happy. Located in an unassuming spot at 367 Pitt Street, Mother Chu's is a haven for hungry vegetarians. Though its tables are often full, I'm lucky enough to find a place to sit. Perusing the menu is a little daunting; what exactly is a soya bean slice? And how does one concoct crispy gluten? I decide to go out on a limb and (bolstered by a recommendation from a roommate) order the glazed honey gluten with walnuts. The gluten (which turns out to be little crispy chunks of goodness) is perfectly sweetened by the honey. The sugary touch is enough to lend it flavour, but not make it overwhelmingly dessert-like. The walnuts add a satisfying crunch. As a second option, I order the crispy bean curd (which is essentially lightly fried tofu) with shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, and carrots. The veggies are insanely fresh and colourful, and the addition of the mushroom-and-pepper sauce adds complexity and savoury flavour. Simple, yet delectable, much like the whole of the restaurant itself. Minimal décor and a no-alcohol policy at Mother Chu's allows the food to take centre stage. Fresh, vegan, and healthy, all at a low price, these dishes deserve attention. Non-vegos: don't be put off by the lack of meat at this little place. I can guarantee you'll find something to enjoy, and plenty of reason to return.
Hold onto your paper plates Sydney, because Carriageworks has just added another night market to their 2016 calendar. After the wild success of The Night Market, a winter gathering of the best food and drink in the city held as part of Vivid back in June, it's no surprise they're bring back the after-dark outdoor nosh session for one night only this spring. Like its previous instalment, it's quite straightforwardly called The Spring Night Market. The event will see over 50 stallholders take over Carriageworks on the spring evening of Saturday, September 3 from 5pm. If you went along to the winter market, you can expect to once again sample goods from NSW's top tier of restaurants, winemakers, spiritmakers, breweries and providores. Porteño, Billy Kwong, Icebergs, Efendy, Young Henrys, Cake Wines and Pepe Saya will be returning to kick off the new season, and will be joined by Alex Herbert's Bird Cow Fish, St Peters' Urban Winery and Mr Black, who'll be whipping up coffee cocktails. Curated by Sydney chef (of the just-opened No. 1 Bent Street) and Carriageworks Farmers Market creative director Mike McEnearney, The Spring Night Market will hero new season produce. Each stallholder will be able to clue you into the regional source of their produce — a requirement that could only come from the paddock-to-plate-focused McEnearney. The Winter Night Market, held over two nights in June of this year, brought in over 9000 people each night. So, in short, you'll want to get there early and be prepared to queue for the good stuff. THE SPRING NIGHT MARKET STALLHOLDER LINEUP: Bar Pho Baxter & Bird Billy Kwong Bird Cow Fish Blini Bar by Crepe & Coffee Co. Burrawong Gaian Cake Wines Chrissy's Cut Sausages Country Valley Dairy Dessertmakers Ding the Recipe Efendy Eloquesta Wines Freeman Vineyards Gumnut Chocolates Hand N Hoe Organic Macadamias Icebergs Bar & Restaurant Juicing by Colours Kitchen Green Kurrawong Organics La Bastide Lowe Wine Mimosa Valley Lamb Moobi Valley Farm Mr Black Cocktails Mr Goaty Naturally Felafel Pasta Emilia Pepe Saya Porteno Restaurant Prickle Hill Produce Shepherd's Artisan Bakehouse Slow Wine Co. Sweetness the Patisserie The Drink Cabinet The Pines Kiama Trolleyd Urban Winery Vale Creek Wines Young Henrys Brewing Co. The Spring Night Market will be held at Carriageworks on Saturday, September 3 from 5-10pm. Entry is free. By Lauren Vadnjal and Shannon Connellan. Image: Tim da-Rin.
We rang in the year of the pig (goodbye year of the dog, go sleep it off) on February 5, but the festivities are continuing throughout the month. And what's the best way to partake in the celebration? We've got it right here and it'll make you happier than a pig in mud. Dumpling master Din Tai Fung is offering new limited edition 'Piggy Buns' for the first half of February and they are some the cutest dumplings we've ever seen. Just look at them. Din Tai Fung is famous for its dumplings and is known to release beautiful and novelty dumplings for special occasions (check out these adorable little monkey buns from 2016). The pig bao buns are steamed-to-order, stuffed with a sweet filling of chocolate and served on a bed of Oreo 'soil'. The pig buns are available at most Din Tai Fung restaurants and food court outlets in Sydney and Melbourne (full list below) and through Deliveroo in both cities— so you even order them straight to your desk. The only problem we can foresee is that eating those sweet little pig faces may be hard… but we'll probably manage it. If you're in Sydney and decide to head down to the World Square location on your lunch break, you'll also be able pat real life pigs while you're there. Three little piglets will be available for pats on Level 1 between 11am–2pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (February 8–10). Piggy Buns are available for $8.80 for two until mid-February at seven Din Tai Fung Sydney stores — World Square, Westfield Chatswood, Central Park Mall, Broadway, Westfield Miranda, The Star, Gateway and Greenwood Plaza — Melbourne's Emporium store and via Deliveroo.
"I love it here. I fucking love it!" Same, Logan Roy, same. Those words are yelled with fiery passion by Brian Cox as Succession's patriarch, and they're part the first sneak peek that HBO has just dropped at the award-winning series' upcoming fourth season. "This is not the end. We're tearing the opposition. I'm going to build something better, faster, leaner, wilder," Cox also shouts. So, season four will clearly see Logan Roy doing what Logan Roy does, all while navigating the sale of his media conglomerate Waystar Royco to a tech visionary played by Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman). Unsurprisingly, that business move is going to cause some Roy family angst. It was back in 2021 when HBO announced that Succession would return for a fourth run, after its third season proved that exceptional — and popular. Set to arrive sometime in 2023, with an exact date yet to be announced, season four will also see the Roys working out how their lives will look after the Waystar Royco deal goes through. Given that the whole show has always been about Logan's children Kendall (Jeremy Strong, The Trial of the Chicago 7), Connor (Alan Ruck, Gringo), Shiv (Sarah Snook, Pieces of a Woman) and Roman (Kieran Culkin, Infinity Baby) trying to be named his successor, no one is going to adjust to the new status quo easily. For viewers, it'll mean more power struggles — aka more of what Succession has always done best. If you're a fan of twisty TV shows about wealth, privilege, influence, the vast chasm between the rich and everyday folks, and the societal problems that fester due to such rampant inequality, there's been plenty of ace examples of late, including The White Lotus and Squid Game. No series slings insults as savagely as this Emmy, Golden Globe, BAFTA, Critics' Choice, Writers Guild and Directors Guild Award-winner, however. No show channels feuding and backstabbing into such an insightful and gripping satire of the one percent, either. HBO's brief sneak peek at Succession season four, running for just ten seconds, can be found in the US network's latest promotional video to showcase its upcoming slate — and there's plenty more to get excited about. That includes The White Lotus' soon-to-release second season, which starts airing on Monday, October 31; game-to-TV adaptation The Last of Us; a four-part documentary about Shaquille O'Neal; and season four of Barry. And, there's The Idol, from The Weeknd and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson; more Perry Mason, Gossip Girl and The Sex Lives of College Girls; another season of Winning Time — The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty; Larry David's latest antics in the long-running Curb Your Enthusiasm; and the Elizabeth Olsen (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness)-starring Love & Death. Also on the list: the return of Our Flag Means Death, Starstruck and Hacks, as well as Tokyo Vice and Minx — and newcomer Full Circle, which is directed by Kimi and Magic Mike's Steven Soderbergh. Check out the HBO clip below: I fucking love it here. New originals, returning series, and more are coming soon to HBO Max. pic.twitter.com/7P2oOSu7CD — HBO Max (@hbomax) October 17, 2022 Succession season four will arrive sometime in 2023, including via Foxtel, Binge and Foxtel On Demand in Australia and Neon in New Zealand — we'll update you with exact details when they're announced. Check out our review of season three.
Giving the traditional steakhouse experience a refined twist, Marrow & Co. has launched at the Bankstown Sports Club, offering famished diners a menu that is a veritable celebration of Australian beef. With 13 exceptional cuts to consider, this diverse selection is designed to showcase the diversity and quality of the local industry through a range of textures and flavours. From grass-fed and wagyu to inventive takes on secondary cuts, a pleasure-filled dining experience is assured. The menu's signature dish is an indulgent experience, featuring Riverine tomahawk dry-aged on-site for up to four weeks. Landing at a whopping 1.5-kilograms, guests are invited to select their cut from the specialised dry-aging fridge before the meat masters in the kitchen take over to ensure it's cooked to perfection. Adding a little theatre to the dining experience, this concept is conceived to set Marrow & Co. apart from other steakhouses. Also on the menu is a series of elevated steakhouse starters, like hand-cut beef tartare, chicken liver parfait served with house-made pickles, and truffled brie cheese soufflé. The beef Wellington is a shareable highlight, with 400 grams of grasslands eye fillet layered with prosciutto, mushroom duxelles and rich pâté, then wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Served alongside creamy mashed potato and a choice of sauces, this certified pub classic has never tasted so good. Leading this new venture is Bankstown Sports Club's culinary director, Evan Burgess. Bringing two decades of experience to the role, he's worked in top-notch venues across Australia and the UK, including Michelin-starred restaurants like The Ledbury and Pied à Terre. While steak is a staple of high-end dining around the globe, Burgess saw an opportunity to bring a little more creative flair to Sydney's scene. "Marrow & Co is more than just a place to eat – it's a destination where we've combined the art of steak preparation with a setting that makes people feel at home," he says. "The combination of classic steakhouse fare with contemporary elements allows us to offer something special to our guests, whether they are passionate steak lovers or simply looking for a great meal in a relaxed and welcoming environment." Complementing the cuisine on the plate is a stellar wine and cocktail list shaped by renowned sommelier Ben Moechtar, while guests can also sip on house-brewed craft beers from Bankstown Sports' Basement Brewhouse. The restaurant's design also levels up the sophistication, with a unique layout spanning two dining carriages that evoke train journeys of the past through plush leather seating, aged brass accents and rich wooden panelling. Marrow & Co. is open now at Bankstown Sports Club, 8 Greenfield Parade, Bankstown. Head to the website for more information.
You might not know that noted film banger of the 00s Bring It On has been made into a stage musical — and, having already done the rounds on Broadway in 2012, and hitting Melbourne last year, it's cartwheeling into Sydney in August this year. Responsible for the phrase "cheerocracy" and your unrealistic expectations of high school, it seems the original movie still has some decent cultural capital to give. If you've been wondering, in the last 19 years, what exactly the world of competitive cheerleading might have going on with it these days, this musical is for you. If you had a Kirsten Dunst poster on the back of your childhood bedroom door, this musical is for you. To be honest, if you've watched the film even just a few times, it's probably for you too. With music and lyrics by Tony Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (of Hamilton fame) and the stage adaptation by Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), the musical is only loosely based on the original film of 2000, which starred your girls Kirsten and Eliza Dushku. Unlike the five sequels that followed the movie — all of which went directly to VHS — the musical looks like it has a refreshing amount of sass, cutthroat rivalry and aerial stunts. Bust out your best spirit fingers and get them tapping on your keyboard if you want tickets — Bring It On: The Musical is making its way to Sydney's State Theatre in August, but it's only going to be step-pivot-split jumping around town for a strictly limited run of two weeks. https://www.facebook.com/StateTheatreAU/photos/a.10151164651379040/10157232212254040/?type=3&theater Bring It On: The Musical will run from Friday, August 27 to Sunday, September 8, 2019 at the State Theatre, 49 Market Street, Sydney. You can sign up for the waitlist via Ticketek.
This article is part of our series on the 17 most unique things to have come out of Japan. Check out the other 16. International travellers can now try Japan’s super high-tech toilet, with the opening of a showroom at Narita Airport. The toilet comes from the company Toto, which revolutionised attitudes to toilet-going by teaching us to see the bathroom as a site for constant innovation. Largely thanks to Toto, Japan has long had the edge when it comes to toilet technology. The newest invention features a motion-sensing seat, which lifts automatically. And it eliminates the need for paper, providing, instead, a spout of warm water, followed by a warm breeze. The most advanced model allows you to decide at exactly what temperature and pressure you’d like to experience these elements. Go really fancy and you’ll score a seat that you can warm up, lights, music, pleasant scents and the ability to self-clean. The benefits aren't just sensory; they’re environmental, too. “We wash most things with water and wouldn't dream of wiping a dish or anything else with a piece of paper and calling it clean. So why should personal hygiene be any different?” Lenora Campos, a spokeswoman for Georgia-based Toto USA, told the New York Daily News. At Narita, the experience is enhanced with a tranquil, architect-designed space and colourful, glowing walls, where silhouetted women and men are seen dancing in celebration of just how much toilet technology has achieved. Via Quartz.
Google's glasses may be set to bring our eyes back up from the tiny screen, but until then we're happily on the path towards having a permanent earthbound gaze. It is no wonder then that our love for the portable, digital universe has caught the imagination of publishers seeking to enhance the quality of our heads-down attention. Enter Branches Publishing and their freshly sprouted, digital-only anthology of new Australian writing, Cuttings. Having budded from arts app composers The Nest, Branches Publishing launches with a well-designed experience for electronic letter lovers. Cuttings Issue Zero is now available for free on Apple and Android tablets and what you'll download is a time capsule about Australian life in 2013. Editors Angela Bennetts and Alice Fenton (of Even Books) have ensured that this memorial contains the right balance of humour and solemnity from a local suite of talented posteritists*, all presented with wit by senior designer Dave Fernandes. Every work in Issue Zero is shorter than a Borges and kept to its own page (there will be longer pieces from Issue One onwards in May), which is great news for the scrambled brains of overloaded content junkies. Some pieces are presented as contemporary artefacts, such as Sophie Braham's '2012 Job Description', which efficiently captures the plight of every 20/30-something in a 20km radius. Other works act as framing text for a series of curated hyperlinks — Wilfred Brandt's hypothesis of skateboarding as alien technology and Steph Harmon's historiography of dog fashion both succeed as tap-and-swipe pecha kucha equivalents. A result of these short pieces occupying their own pages is that your reading slows down. Your eyes will not melt from the fatigue of gleaning conversation pieces out of cluttered content sewers, and in turn you'll calm down enough to actually meditate on the world observed by Cuttings' contributors. This is a world populated by M.B. Windle's graphic epiphany about Hollywood's lies, Tessa Lunney's nostalgic dancers, and Max Lavergne's suggestion of what might happen should a savvy Mexican girl be dropped into the West Bank. Fernandes and the contributing illustrators and photographers have equally crafted something poetic. Cuttings is attractive in both landscape and portrait, and each piece is augmented by an interface design that reminds readers that they're looking at a tablet and not a print article with some hyperlinks. Two lovely visual effects pop up, for example, in A.H. Cayley's meditation on how ineffectual jacarandas are as barometers, and in Cleo Braithwaite's sketch of impending feline dominion. One slight tarnish is that as several of the articles are hyperlink-enhanced, you will need an active internet connection on your tablet to gain the full experience of Cuttings. Though copyright does make it difficult to include certain things in the downloaded content — such as a Taylor Swift video clip — Matt Roden's fantastic illustrations are bundled with the issue and pop up within the body of his words with an elegance that could ideally appear throughout the whole publication. That said, Cuttings has launched with an auspicious debut and stands to only gain in quality as it opens its submissions to a horde of head-bowed Australian talent. *this will be a real word when the time capsule is unearthed
A sustainable, organic and paddock-to-plate restaurant offering lavish set menus has arrived in the Blue Mountains. Megalong Restaurant sources between 90–100 percent of its ingredients from Lot 101, the picturesque 600-hectare farm it sits on, transforming this local produce into a seasonal multi-course feast. In charge of the kitchen is Executive Chef Colin Barker, the former Head Chef of Blackwattle Bay's hatted restaurant The Boathouse. Barker was brought in two years ago to start working on Megalong, collaborating with Lot 101 to ensure that the menu is as closely partnered with the farm as possible. "When we use the term paddock-to-plate, we're not just talking about a couple of herb pots and a lemon tree at the back door," says Barker. "We're talking about some 600 hectares of farmland and native bush on which we raise our own beef and sheep, an orchard with 90 fruit trees, an olive grove of 130 trees, a berry patch, apiary, ducks, chickens, and a huge vegetable and herb garden on our doorstep. This is supplemented by free-range pork and goats milk from similarly passionate producers in our neighbourhood." The ever-changing menu will set you back $185 per person, with wine pairing available for an addition $115. You can expect the eats to be different each time you visit, but you'll generally be treated to a trio of snacks, meat and fish-based mains with hearty vegetable sides and a fruity dessert. The current menu features the likes of smoked Murray cod, brisket empanadas, kabu turnips, marron vol au vent and a fig dessert. Adding to the experience at the 50-seat restaurant is the showstopping panoramic views of the Megalong Valley. Located a 20-minute drive out of Blackheath, Megalong offers you the chance to escape the grind and enjoy a memorable meal surrounded by just the farm and the mountains. If you're looking to visit, the restaurant is open for dinner three nights a week and long lunches on weekends. If you aren't in the market for a pricey degustation, you can also sample Lot 101's produce over at the Megalong Valley Tearooms down the road. Megalong Restaurant is now open at 3–7 Peach Tree Road, Megalong Valley — operating for dinner Thursday–Sunday and lunch Saturday–Sunday.
Choice is never a problem when it comes to shopping and dining in the heart of Sydney. In fact, some may say finding a great inner-city gem is more difficult than ever before. From hidden breweries to deluxe cake shops, there's plenty of great stuff waiting to be discovered. So, where should you start? To give you the insider scoop of where to shop like the locals do in Chippendale and beyond, we've partnered with American Express to bring you a curated guide of some of the best locally owned boutiques, eateries and wine bars. You can shop small here with your American Express Card.
This four-kilometre walking track follows Talbingo's first mountain road — a remnant of the Kiandra Gold Rush of the 1860s — and takes you up a short but reasonably challenging track, so be prepared to get the heart pumping. At the top, you'll find yourself at one heck of a lookout offering stunning views of the surrounding areas such as Bogong Peaks, Jounama Pondage and Blowering Reservoir (pictured above). Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for mountain wildflowers, grey kangaroos and all manner of native birdlife.
The new year is still fresh, but unfortunately it's already taken its first music venue victim, with news much-loved Enmore hot-spot Sly Fox will close its doors for good before the month is out. Known for its diverse programming, 24-hour licence, late-night closing time and ever-inclusive vibe, the venue's been a staple of the Enmore Road strip for the past 21 years. But, despite being a firm favourite among locals and the LGBTIQ+ community, the bar is now being forced to shut up shop, calling last drinks next week on Saturday, January 18. https://www.facebook.com/slyfoxenmore/photos/a.332930540096434/2807838095938987/ It's not a total surprise, though. Owners of the venue which took to Facebook in November to gives fans a head's up about the potential closure, citing long-running issues regarding licensing. Apparently, the bar scored its 24-hour licence back in 1998 on a one-year trial basis. But, as it turns out, the then owners neglected to reapply after those first 12 months were up. This minor detail went unnoticed for almost two decades, until 2016, when the police picked up on the licence lapse following the introduction of the lockout laws. In the years that have followed, the building copped a ban on playing amplified music after 3am, silent disco headphones were rolled out in an effort to keep the late-night partying alive, and Sly Fox's owners got busy dropping a cool $100,000 on fully sound-proofing the venue. After applying for a licence amendment to see the bar restored to its former late-night glory, 2019 saw extensive consultation with council planners, town planners, acoustic engineers, neighbours and lawyers. Sly Fox's owners then submitted an application for a new 24-hour licence, but, following push-back from council and a handful of community objections, it wasn't granted. They say the midnight licence they've now been offered makes it unviable for the venue to remain in operation. In a Facebook post this week, the Sly Fox crew confirmed the sad news, while thanking the venue's many supporters, staff, collaborators and guests. "We've made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime and no council will ever be able to take that away from us," the post reads. "Thank you all so very much." Of course, this legendary party spot won't be going out without a bang, hosting a special Last Chance to Dance events program over this final week. Expect familiar faces, resident DJs and plenty of late-night shenanigans to help finish things on a high note. Find Sly Fox at 199 Enmore Road, Enmore. It's hosting its last events on January 10, 11, 15, 17 and 18.
Pensive and distant, the Hunter falls squarely into the stylistic tradition of Lantana and Look Both Ways, carrying a familiar thread of a domestic world threatened by the decisions that follow on from living a detached, professional life. Based on a novel by Sleeping Beauty's author-turned-director Julia Leigh, the story follows quiet professional Martin David (Willem Dafoe) as he hunts through Tasmania's wilderness looking for a rumoured last Tasmanian tiger, charged with returning tissue samples to a mysterious and powerful biotech company. Billeted with the family of a missing environmental activist, his priorities begin to shift, even while he keeps his distance from them. The family's eccentric dwelling is beautifully shot by cinematographer Robert Humphreys, and brought to life by the strong sound design of Liam Egan and Sam Petty. David's relationship with the children (played by Morgana Davies and Finn Woodlock) is the film's centrepiece, and life in this home owns to some of the most human moments in it. The landscape though, not the people, is really the main character here — moist, verdant and warm. Much warmer than any of the characters (grown-up, at least) who cross the screen. While the Hunter is ostensibly about a solitary man contemplating nature and the people around him, the film gives the sense throughout that it's actually the whole of solitary nature that's contemplating a single man. This town at the edge of the wilderness lives and dies on the whims of outsiders. Loggers dependent on timber firms, activists looking for government intervention, the activist's widow (Frances O'Connor) surviving with the support of their family friend (Sam Neill). And while the Hunter's loyalties shift — amongst his company, the wilderness and the residents of this small town — in the end, he makes a deal with the devil on behalf the tiny settlement. Just like everybody else. https://youtube.com/watch?v=l_ByVNMblbQ
Perhaps it isn't the most groundbreaking piece of literature, but the D.O.Double G's fans will certainly find inspiration in Snoop Dogg's new book: Rolling Words: A Smokable Songbook. The aptly titled literary work features pages of Snoop's lyrics which double as (what else?) rolling papers. The pages are conveniently perforated and bound by hemp material. Even the book's spine comes in handy, functioning as a match-striking surface. "This thing can also be smoked with some of your finest, where you at or however you at," Snoop says in his promo video. Looks like Snoop still has his mind on his money, and his money on his mind. https://youtube.com/watch?v=HkfC2dfNHGM [via Gawker]
As a serial collector of 'the commonplace', artist Koji Ryui works with objects that might appear banal on the surface. But, in his studio, Ryui repurposes the materials into creative statements that are far from ordinary. Originally from the cultural hub of Kyoto, Ryui will activate a dilapidated warehouse on Cockatoo Island for the 21st Biennale of Sydney with a unique installation and sound demonstration entitled Jamais Vu. The installation is named after the phenomenon of 'jamais vu' – a sensation that's often described as the opposite of déjà vu – involving the eerie feeling of recognising a commonplace event, and yet being totally unfamiliar with it. A site-specific work, Ryui has taken poly-coated wiring from the average clothing rack, alongside several colourful glass spheres, to create a suspended installation resembling an interwoven cosmic map or complex molecular structure. Below, a carefully configured collection of homely glassware and crystal allows Ryui to generate a ghostly soundscape throughout the space using only reverberation and resonance. On Sunday, June 10 from 11am–2pm, Ryui is teaming up with artist and musician Anna John for an eerie sound demonstration held within his installation. Entry to the sound show is free.
Joanna Newsom plays the harp, sings like a fairy and writes songs covering subjects as various as moonlight, eyelashes, daddy longlegs, runaway rabbits, peaches, plums, bears and butcher boys. The darling of many a music fan since her debut album The Milk-Eyed Mender, was released in 2004, she cemented her place as one of the most beautiful, original and influential musicians around with the release of Have One On Me in 2010 — a three disc album with most songs averaging around eight minutes in length, and bestowed with a rating of 9.2 by the hard-to-please people at Pitchfork. Back in Australia to headline the Golden Plains festival in March, Newsom is gracing Sydney with her presence at the beautiful Angel Place City Recital Hall. The delicate and hysterical tautness of her ramblings and storytelling, which are haunted by a "darlin'" who seems always to be plaguing her, could find no better venue. She brings with her a full band, including drums, guitar, piano, strings and her trademark harp. Grab a ticket quickly, before they sell out, and she'll have you using words like "poetaster" and exclaiming "mercy me" as you mosey back out into the world. https://youtube.com/watch?v=KcHjAUhtSrk
Reading about Patty Boyd's life in a one paragraph summary causes two basic emotions: polite pangs of envy and sheer out-and-out, green-eyed jealousy. Having made her mark in London modeling for the likes of David Bailey and Mary Quant, Boyd was cast as a Beatles fan in the 1964 film A Hard Day's Night, on which set George Harrison became besotted and asked her to marry him immediately (it happened two years later). From there she would take LSD with the band for the first time and experience all manner of fan-frenzy, and introduce The Beatles to the now revered Indian guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Later she would rebuff Mick Jagger, and marry Eric Clapton, inspiring the song "Layla". To put it simply, Patty Boyd was there. She experienced the swinging sixties, the Carnaby set, the mystical Indian hippy vibes, and yes, the affairs, the addictions and the divorces. Not just a muse, however, Boyd kept her camera close by, taking some of the most intimate portraits of that era known today, free of any press-shot censorship.A large selection of these images — over fifty in fact — are currently on display in Through the Eyes of a Muse - The Photography of Pattie Boyd at Paddington's Blender Gallery. A smattering of those seen in the photos are both Harrison and Clapton in poses so comfortable they may just make you blush, alongside her friends from The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Cream and more. Not mere snapshots, Boyd is an accomplished photographer who managed to use her status and emotional proximity to her subjects to capture them in rarely seen moments of honesty as well as turning the lens back to herself every now and then.
It’s a sad news day for all the swashbuckling pirates among you. Australian film company Village Roadshow has started a court action to shut down movie streaming website SolarMovie. After the Federal Government passed a bill to amended Australia’s copyright right laws in June of 2015, we were all expecting the worst. We’re sorry to say that while it’s taken eight months to affect any change, the laws are finally being utilised to our disadvantage. We’re assuming that half of you reading this zoned out, opened IMDB in a new tab and are now slowly finding torrents to download every film in the top 1000 while you still can. Graham Burke, co-chief executive of Village Roadshow told the ABC they’ll be targeting SolarMovie, because they’re a “vicious bunch of thieves.” Burke went on to say the site's advertising was harmful to children “If your kids go to that website, they're encouraged to gamble with no age limit; there's sexual ads there." For the record, it’s called ad-blocker dude, look it up. SolarMovie will most likely be black-listed for Aussies using DNS blocking, whereby the the DNS (domain name system), which connects readable site addresses with their internet address (IP address), is diverted and unable to connect the site name and the IP address. It's the simplest way to block sites but doesn't take the site offline at the source, so thankfully there are some easy ways around it. A VPN will do the trick, or there are more comprehensive (and free) services like TOR, which allows you browse anonymously but can seriously slow down your internet speeds as protects you by rerouting your web browsing over an encrypted network It’s only the first in a series of court actions aimed at decimating our human right to watch Broad City for free. Foxtel is expected to announce in the coming days that they will seek to block four of the biggest piracy websites, including dear friend to all poor students, The Pirate Bay. People around the world are up in arms about harsh anti-piracy legislation, often because it errs on the side of media conglomerates, can strip people of their autonomy and doesn’t address the problem at the core of it all ($14.95 for an overnight release from Blockbuster was too much, damn it). Australians have shown that they’re willing to spend money on legit streaming services (hello Netflix, Stan, maybe Presto) if easy and available and studies keep turning up the same data: people who pirate often spend more on media than people who don’t. Sigh. Guess it’s a good time to start shopping around for a VPN that works, guys. Via ABC.
After sell-out shows in the UK, everyone's favourite Queen rock anthems are coming to Australia this September, with four candlelight gigs coming to Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. While British rock band Queen still performs occasionally (bar the iconic Freddie Mercury) under the name "Queen + Adam Lambert", you can now can experience the band's musical genius as they once were, thanks to The Concert by Candlelight series. Returning for its fourth year, the series will host a live rock band and a cast of singers all the way from London's West End, busting out the group's legendary tracks set against the backdrop of hundreds of flickering candles. For those on the east coast, Queen by Candlelight will kick things off at Darling Harbour Theatre at ICC Sydney at 7.30pm on Friday, September 12. The show will then take the stage at The Great Hall at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on Tuesday, September 23, before making the journey west to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, September 26. The shows are one night only in each location. While it might not be the members of Queen themselves, with world-class singers and a live band taking to the stage to play iconic ballads like "Bohemian Rhapsody", "It's a Kind of Magic" and plenty more, it's the closest thing to the real deal you can get. So get in quick; we have a feeling these tickets aren't going to last long. Queen by Candlelight will be held in September in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. Performances start at 7.30pm. For more information or to book tickets, visit the website. Images: Supplied.
Beatdisc Records is the last independent record store in Western Sydney. It lives in the far corner of Centenary Square – opposite St Johns Church. Locals have been coming here since 1995 for vinyl, CDs, DVDs and music memorabilia, both new and secondhand. Even the most hardened of Spotifyers can easily spend an afternoon here, trawling through old classics and discovering new albums. Plus, if you're looking for something rare or difficult-to-find, owner Pete Curnovic will do his best to track it down. Every now and again, the pint-sized space turns into a stage for live gigs featuring both local and interstate touring acts.
Two rules govern the Color Run. First, turn up at the start line at 9am, dressed according to the official dress code: a white shirt. The adornment of the rest of your anatomy is a matter of personal choice. Rainbow tutus, crochet moustaches and leg warmers resembling packets of Life Savers are often part of the scenery. Second, appear 5 kilometres later at the finish line, doused in colour. How you get there is up to you. Even though the event is known as a 'fun run', travelling methods tend to vary from traditional marathon style to human wheelbarrow-ing to commando crawling. The colour part is easy — every kilometre, participants find themselves in a sea of bright cornflour pigment. None of the usual running event conventions apply. Time keeping, winners, divisions, Personal Bests and the like are all overwhelmed by the focus on having a good time. "[It's] less about speed and more about enjoying a colour crazy day with your friends and family," the Sydney Color Run site reads. To secure your spot in the run, head to the Color Run website.
Where would we be without movies in 2020? While we'd usually say that there's no such thing as a bad year for the filmic medium, this year has been something else. Yes, cinemas have been closed for a hefty portion of the year, and have closed again in Melbourne. Yes, plenty of big blockbusters have shifted their release dates or ditched their in-cinema release for streaming instead. But the joy and escapism that watching a flick provides — even when you're in lockdown, quarantining or isolating at home — has been particularly cathartic in 2020. Still keen to queue up a big heap of movies, and a hefty dose of couch time? Enter Movie Frenzy, the week-long online film rental sale. Until Thursday, August 13, it's serving up a sizeable lineup of popular flicks from the past year, all at $3 or less per movie. On the lineup: the murder-mystery thrills of Knives Out, standout horror remake The Invisible Man, the war-torn tension of 1917 and a candy-hued take on comic book mayhem in Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). You can also spend some time with Taika Waititi's Jojo Rabbit or Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen, watch Daniel Radcliffe with weapons nailed to his hands in Guns Akimbo, and see Kristen Stewart get scared under the sea's surface in Underwater. Jumanji: The Next Level, Sonic the Hedgehog, Just Mercy and Midway are also on offer, as are Like a Boss, Dolittle, Bloodshot and Bad Boys for Life — and while some are more worth your attention than others, we'll let you do the choosing. You can nab the cheap flicks via your digital rental platform of choice, including Apple TV, Fetch, Google Play, Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Amazon Prime Video, Telstra TV Box Office and YouTube — although just what's available, and the price, will vary depending on the service. And you won't need a subscription, unless you decide to join in the fun via the Foxtel Store. Movie Frenzy runs until Thursday, August 13 — with film rental costing up to $3 per movie.
Already named one of the world's greatest places of 2023 by TIME magazine, Brisbane has just scored another massive global tick of approval: it's now home to the best hotel in Oceania, the best in Australia and the only accommodation spot in both to make the World's Best 50 Hotels list in 2023. The Calile has earned that honour, with the Fortitude Valley venue coming in 12th in the world for "channelling a luxe 1950s-style Miami beachside vibe in the heart of the city". The World's Best 50 Hotels is the latest addition to the 50 Best stable alongside the World's 50 Best Restaurants, the World's 50 Best Bars, Asia's 50 Best Bars, Asia's 50 Best Restaurants and more. Debuting this year, the new countdown highlights excellence among places to stay, and favoured Europe heavily among its selections. Across a list featuring 35 destinations on six continents, European hotels scored 21 slots, with hotels in Asia notching up 18, North American hotels nabbing six, accommodation in Africa getting three and South America joining Oceania with one apiece. [caption id="attachment_694717" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sean Fennessy.[/caption] In flying the flag for luxe stays Down Under, The Calile's location on James Street, design by Brisbane-based architects Richards & Spence, 1960s Aussie motel-meets-Palm Springs air, tropical feel, pastel colour scheme and 30-metre pool surrounded by cabanas all earned a shoutout. The World's Best 50 Hotels dubbed its vibe a "relaxed, barefoot Australian style of luxury", while also celebrating onsite restaurants Hellenika, Same Same, Sushi Room, Bianca, SK Steak & Oyster and Lobby Bar. Brisbanites, that's your next staycation spot sorted. Folks elsewhere, you now have a number-one place to check into on your next River City visit. Wondering where else you should be booking in around the world? The top ranking overall went to Passalacqua in Moltrasio in Italy, while Rosewood Hong Kong came in second and Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River ranked third. [caption id="attachment_918889" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Passalacqua © Ruben Ortiz[/caption] The rest of the top ten featured Hong Kong's The Upper House in fourth place, Aman Tokyo in fifth, Marrakech's La Mamounia at sixth, Soneva Fushi in the Maldives nabbing seventh spot, One&Only Mandarina in Puerto Vallarta at eighth, Four Seasons Firenze in Florence placing ninth and Mandarin Oriental Bangkok perched at tenth. And, sitting between the top ten and The Calile at 12th is another Bangkok spot: Capella Bangkok, which was also named the Best New Hotel as well. Per continent, Passalacqua was named Europe's best hotel, Rosewood Hong Kong the same in Asia, La Mamounia did the honours in Africa, One&Only Mandarina in North America and Rosewood São Paulo in South America. [caption id="attachment_819667" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rosewood Hong Kong[/caption] Also, London's hotels enjoyed a particularly strong showing, taking out four places. On the list: Claridge's (at 16th), The Connaught (number 22), NoMad London (coming in at 46th) and The Savoy (ranking 47th). The World's Best 50 Hotels winners were picked by 580 international travel experts, all with a significant number of stamps on their passports — and also with a 50/50 gender split among them. Their votes come in as a ranked list of the seven best hotels that they've each stayed at during the last two years. [caption id="attachment_909119" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calile[/caption] [caption id="attachment_895685" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Four Seasons Bangkok[/caption] [caption id="attachment_694714" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sean Fennessy[/caption] For the full World's 50 Best Hotels list for 2023, head to the awards' website. Top image: Sean Fennessy.
If you don't know your brut from your demi sec and you're keen to get schooled up, you won't want to miss an evening dedicated to champagne coming to Sorry Thanks I Love You in July. Across 90 minutes, attendees at the store's champagne masterclass will be taken through five premium drops by P&V's resident French wine expert Isabelle Webster (ex-Acme ) as well as hot topics like fashion and specialist wine production — including seasonality, sustainability and what makes champagne just so damn alluring. Running on Friday, July 1 from 6.30-8pm, tickets will set you back $90, which lands you five sparkling varietals and complimentary snacks. Set in the mini-atrium of the store at Level 1 of Westfield Sydney, you can check out some of the high-end fashion, gourmet food, craft beverages, jewellery and accessories while you're there. The event coincides with the close of Paris Fashion Week so if your passion for champagne is only equal to your passion for fashion, make sure to also check out some of the new season collections from the likes of Comme Des Garçons, Marni and Issey Miyake — perhaps with a glass of the good stuff in hand. Organisers say space is extremely limited, so book your spot sooner rather than later.
